The Partnership for Youth & Family Ministry knows that youth have gifts for leadership, caring, serving and much more. We see this as a two way street ? we serve youth as they serve. We do this through:
1) Having a clear
core value system that supports the partnership between the church and the home
2)
Advocating for a Safe Haven for all children in congregations
3) Teaching and practicing
the Four Keys for faith formation in all we do (by Dr. David Anderson and Dr. Paul Hill in
Frogs Without Legs Can?t Hear)
4)
The Lutheran Youth Organization ? a system for growing Christian leaders for service at home, school, congregation and in the world.
5) Annual
youth gatherings ? regular Jr. and Sr. High opportunities that draw young people and adults who love them for friendships, study, worship, learning, service and fun. Every gathering is a training camp for 50-80 Ministry Team members who practice their skills leading their peers.
6)
The Disciple Project ? a Christian leadership school for 8th graders through adults. Choose an area of passion and learn together for a week at Texas Lutheran University. There is nothing like this training school ? come check it out!
7)
Camp Lutherhill - a wonderful place for young people to take advantage of a variety of outdoor ministry programs that include adventure learning on high and low ropes course, leadership opportunities and meaningful worship and Bible study opportunities.
8)
Camp Hope Day Camp ?a three week day camp ministry hosted by congregations to grow Biblically literate youth through neighborhood outreach.
9)
Peer Ministry - Equipping youth to serve their peers with real skills for listening and appropriate care-giving.
10) Teaching
Milestones Ministry, modeled at many of our congregations and integrated into all our practices.
11) Training adults to work with youth the congregation and at home though
consultation, coaching and conferences.
12)
Equipping Adult Mentors
Youth who are exploring faith in Jesus Christ are encouraged to find caring adults to talk with about faith questions. Not because the adult will have all the answers, but so that you have a thinking and praying partner to wonder with! Believing in God is risky because it calls you to faith - something you can?t exactly see.
Characteristics of Mature Christian Youth include:
Seeking Spiritual Growth, both alone and with others
Believing God is present in the world
Acting out of a commitment of faith
Active with God?s people (in a faith community)
A note to adults who love young people:
Research shows that every youth needs 6-8 caring adults in their life who will be along side them no matter what. It is essential for congregations to step into the lives of young people just when we are most often confirming them out of the faith community. What will you do differently to make sure the youth in your congregation realize that they matter to God... and to the church?
Youth need to be invited to use their gifts along side adults in ways that count. Service that happens outside of the congregation can be celebrated at church too.
A note to congregations: Supporting youth ministry is not just a nice thing to do. Congregations who prioritize on youth and set high standards for excellence in ministry can directly impact the faith life and health of young people in their community. By the way, the latest research shows that pastors who support youth make a big difference in their lives. The
Exemplar Youth Ministry study lists the following assets for growing mature faith in youth:
Congregational Assets:
Faith Maturity
Pastoral Leadership Strength
Congregational Characteristics
Youth Involvement
Youth Ministry Assets:
Youth Minister Strength
Youth and Adult Leadership
Youth Ministry Effectiveness
Family Involvement
