youth advisor webinar series (march 2012)
TRANSCRIPT
Sponsored by the MidAmerica Region:Prairie Star, Central Midwest &
Heartland DistrictsNancy Combs-Morgan,
Youth Advisor Series
What does Youth Ministry look like in our congregations?
Can you just give us some good ideas?Can you keep our youth ministry from
failing?Do you understand how different we
are?Will you help my congregation
understand it’s not just about the numbers?
Can you keep the politics away from youth ministry?
Have you been struggling with these questions?
Transformative Youth Ministryo How we define this
is a reflection of our congregational vision
o Keys to remember – is your vision for youth ministry: spiritual, inclusive, multigenerational, faith forming, and justice seeking?
Myths of Superstar Youth Directors
One youth staff can handle it.
With a new youth director, our volunteers won’t have to work so hard.
Characteristics of Healthy Youth Ministry
Creates “Safe Space”Engenders a culture of creativityNurtures theological reflectionIntegrates youth into the life of the
congregationProvides an authentic, fun and passionate
community of belonging.Has a team of adult youth leaders who are
growing in faithIs part of a congregation where people are
visibly invested in youth (Kenda Creasy Dean)
A Healthy Youth Ministry….
Structures of SustainabilityControl documents –
annual events calendar, job descriptions, master recruiting list, curriculum template
Youth ministry mission/vision statement
3 year planStatement of values
Healthy Youth LeadersEmotional health –
self awareness is a key
Appropriate boundaries-use a team approach
Intentional spiritual practices
Accountable relationships – institutional and personal
Whose job is it anyway?Youth ministry is the congregation’s ministry, not just that of specialists who can relate to teenagers. The mandate to BE THERE for young people belongs to the whole faith community.Kenda Creasy Dean
Recruiting – a process that works!Teams are crucial
to the long-term success of youth ministry.
The first step of calling volunteers is the hardest.
Blanket appeals and mass announcements don’t work!
Start early – at least 6 months before volunteer term begins
Identify your needs – RE teachers, advisors, event leaders/organizers, planning committee members, small group leaders
Be strategic in recruiting Develop master recruiting list for
future useStart smiling and dialing!
When you follow the steps, it works!
Sustainable Approach Long-term focus on
single issue Responsibility shared
by a team Regular meetings Working a plan
*Rev. Mark DeVries, “Sustainable Youth Ministry”
o Episodic focus, disconnected meetings
o Responsibility carried by a youth staff person
o Concerns raised randomly and reactively
o Expectation of quick fix; reacting to anxiousness
When all the brilliant plans don’t work
Traditional Approach
Questions?
The bolder our plans, the more competent people we attract. Mike Woodruff