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Youth Ministry Handbook

 and Guide

Stewartstown United Methodist Church

Making Disciples for Jesus Christ -- Together

Index

Mission Statement

Basis of Youth Ministry

General Information 

Offsite Guidelines 

Spotlight on Youth Ministry

Other Ministries for Youth

Positive Student Conduct

Partnership with Parents and Christian Adults

Faith Life Style Marks of Youth Counselors

Effective Leadership Roles

Offsite Permission Slip

Mission Statement     

Making Disciples for Jesus Christ -- Together   Index

Basis of Youth Ministry

Our desire is not to entertain youth, but to help them develop as whole persons through faith and personal trust in Jesus Christ. We want to develop this faith relationship with the Lord through a ministry based on relationships with youth. We want to offer youth a safe place where they can belong and where their lives can make a difference. The Youth Council, the Church Council, Youth Director, along with the pastoral leadership team has been called to guide this ministry. We also acknowledge that this ministry is under the leading of the Holy Spirit and that ultimately God is the only one that can cause change in a person's life.  We believe that the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) is our call to develop ministries 1) that reach youth who are seeking God, 2) that nurture the faith of young people through the use of fun learning experiences which teach Christianity and train lives in godliness, 3) that help youth become equipped to live and serve as God is calling them to do.

Every ministry reaches people with different levels of spiritual interest.  We know that there is a great hunger and spiritual quest among youth today.  We describe four levels of spiritual interest among youth:  the Curious, the Converting, the Convinced and the Committed.  Our strategy is to respond to the opportunities presented by these spiritual interests.

We will intentionally make positive contact with the Curious. These are pre-Christian teens whose motive for attending a youth program is to have fun and/or to investigate the claims of Christ. For some, a youth ministry event will be their first contact with Christianity.  We will welcome these teens, listen to them, learn about their lives, and build relationships of trust and respect with them.  We will build bridges of connection between their questions, needs, quest, and longing, and Jesus Christ.  We will do these things as we present the claims of Christ and provide opportunities for youth to hear the call to faith in Jesus Christ.

We will guide the youth who are Converting.  This is an inward change that is brought about by God.  The Holy Spirit moves us up to the point of conversion and through this process. We understand our role is to witness to this work of God’s grace and to be a friend in the faith for youth as they open their lives to the Lord Jesus Christ. We will guide youth, into a personal trust God by presenting Jesus Christ as Friend, Savior, Lord, and Guide of Life.  We will follow what the Bible teaches about mercy, the need for conversion, and the shepherding care needed by of those who are being changed by God.

We will build up the spiritual maturity of the Convinced. The Convinced are those young people who have already made a decision to begin a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and are at a point of growth in their relationship with the Lord.  We will stay in touch with the spiritual life of these young people.  We will mentor these youth by living lives of personal integrity with the gospel. We will be transparent about our own faith, provide encouragement, support, resources and follow-up for these young believers.

We will impact the lives of the Committed. The committed are those young people who have established a strong relationship with Jesus Christ and are ready and willing assume leadership and ministry roles among their peers, in the church and in the community as they share their faith and belief in Jesus Christ with others. They are also ready to take on responsibilities and make things happen. We will guide, train, equip and provide them with opportunities to take on meaningful responsibilities of leadership, ministry and service.

At all levels of this ministry we will follow the “N.O.W.” plan of ministry.  This means we will intentionally practice nurture, outreach and witness.  Building these in to all that we plan and do.

A Ministry of Relationships not just Programs and Events

At its heart, youth ministry at Stewartstown United Methodist Church is about building positive relationships. This includes relationships between youth peers, and between adults and youth. The most important relationship is the one we have with God through Jesus Christ. Building relationships requires good communication. Until relationships of trust and integrity are formed with a young person, other needs cannot be met. The youth counselors and leaders are committed to building and maintaining relationships of integrity over a period of time. Consistency in relationships is something young people look for. The activities, events, and programming of the Youth Ministry is the framework where building relationships for the ministry take place. The programs may attract youth but it is the relationship that is formed, that keeps them and helps them to grow in Christ.

Titles and Terminology

While different roles are described by terms such as youth leader, counselor, mentor, and chaperone, these persons  all share the same responsibility for the success and effectiveness of youth ministry.  All share the same responsibility to comply with this Handbook and Help Guide.

Expectations

All youth leaders, counselors, and mentors have the responsibility to be thoroughly informed about the content of this Handbook and Help Guide.  They are expected to comply at all times with its methods, goals, procedures, policy statements and safety concerns.  They will have regular opportunities to be informed and trained in this material.

Youth are expected to follow the guidelines of Positive Student Conduct and the Off-site Guidelines.

Parents are expected to be informed about the content of the Handbook and Help Guide. This information will be made available to them.  Parents are also expected to encourage Positive Student Conduct and will be asked to be supportive partners in this ministry.

Handbook Policies

In order for events to go well and be effective, these rules and guidelines have been developed and adopted by the Youth Council of the Stewartstown UMC. They have been reviewed and approved by our Church Council. Since all youth are welcome to participate in our youth ministries, this Handbook explains how to make our time together fun and valuable.   The youth ministry team is committed to building positive relationships of integrity with youth based on the guidelines and expectations of this Handbook.   Index

General Information

The Youth Council

This spiritual growth and commitment model of youth ministry is very leader intensive. Many counselors and leaders need to be involved in the different activities and aspects of this ministry. The Youth Counsel will resource, guide and coordinate the planning and the leadership of this ministry. The functions of this council are: (1) review the Biblical-spiritual content and methodology of the ministry for compliance, (2) to ensure that the ministries between the age groups are coordinated so that the transition of youth between groups are smooth, (3) to provide a unified sense of purpose and direction in terms of focus and curriculum (not necessarily studying the same material), (4) to organize combined events that bring the different groups together, (5) to share resources between the groups including program, physical and human resources,  (6) to inform  leaders how to  handle special counseling situations that may arise, (7) to care for procedural needs and concerns for safety, (8) to provide resources, encouragement, training, support and peer supervision for youth workers and leaders, (9) to help form the policies that will guide and improve this ministry, (10) to uphold the ministry with sustained prayer.

The Council will have a chairperson elected by the Charge Conference and may choose to have other elected officers from among its own members. The Youth Director, youth ministry team leaders, all youth counselors and youth representatives are part of the Council. All interested youth and adults are welcome at the council meetings.

Counselors

There will be at least 2 unrelated adult counselors present for each youth group meeting.  Leadership at youth meetings may be shared among the youth and adult leaders.  All youth schedules must be coordinated with the church calendar of events and rooms use. All counselors will be periodically asked to participate in orientation and training for this ministry. All counselors are members of the Youth Council. All counselors must be approved by the pastor. There must be 1 counselor or chaperone to every 5 youth at all events off the church property. Counselors, leaders and chaperones must be at least 18 years old.  All youth counselors, leaders, mentors, share group leaders, chaperones, event-drivers, etc. will be trained in and will comply with SUMC “Safe Sanctuary Policy”. 

Medical and General Permission Forms

Medical and General Permission Forms are required to be on file for each youth before they may participate in youth group activities, such as trips, outings, retreats, or other off-site events. These forms are to be filled out on a yearly basis by the parent or legal guardian of the youth. During activities away from  the church facilities, these forms are to be taken with the group and held by the youth leader / counselor.

Visitors

Visitors are welcome, and encouraged to join SUMC youth at their meetings and events. Permission Slips and Medical Forms are not necessary to attend a meeting held at SUMC.   Permission Slips and Medical information, must still be completed for all youth (those who attend regularly and visitors) and signed by a parent or legal guardian for all activities off the church property.

Dropping Off Youth

Youth are to be dropped off no earlier than 15 minutes prior to a youth ministry event, and picked up no later than 15 minutes after the event is scheduled to be finished. The church cannot always provide organized supervision to these youth outside of these times. Please be prompt.

Lock-Ins, Sleep-Overs

When having an overnight event, such as Lock-Ins at the church or Retreats or Sleep-overs off the church property, the event must have separate sleeping areas for boys and girls, with at least two youth counselors of the same gender in each area.

Movies / Music

Movies may be used for instructional purposes. Movies should represent values and messages that are consistent with the Christian faith. Many movies include scenes that glorify violence as a way of solving problems, include foul language, show inappropriate sexual situations, or present cruelty as entertainment.  Counselors must get approval from the Youth Counsel before showing these movies. They will need to show how and why the movie  will be used for Christian purposes.   Parents need to be informed prior to the showing, so they can exempt their youth, if they so choose.  During retreats, trips etc. youth will be asked to turn off personal music players if it is too loud, if  playing music is inappropriate to the setting, or if the lyrics are considered inappropriate.

Physical Affection

Interest in showing physical affection toward the opposite sex is considered a normal and healthy part of maturing teenage relationships.  During youth ministry events and activities, appropriate displays of affection among youth should be limited to holding hands and light hugs.  During particular youth events, such as study, group activities, prayer, etc. youth may be asked to stop even these displays of affection.

Physical Discipline  

Parents have not assigned to youth counselors or church leaders the right to physically discipline teenagers.  Adult leaders  may use passive physical restraint  with a teenager in order to prevent a greater harm, such as if the teenager is attempting to harm one's self or others.

Weapons

The physical safety of the youth group is one of our church's top priorities.  Therefore, no teenager may possess a gun, knife, martial arts item, or any other weapon at any youth group activity when at the church or away.  The presence of a dangerous weapon will result in an immediate call to 911 and full cooperation with the authorities that respond.  In the meantime, the sponsor in charge will coordinate a plan with other leaders to best protect the safety of the youth present.  Actual confrontation with a teenager with a gun will be left to the proper authorities.  If practical, parents of the involved youth will be contacted.  This is a serious matter and will be treated as such.  Even if a youth jokingly makes a false threat of violence it will be treated as a serious matter and disciplinary action will follow.

Funds and Treasury

From time to time, Fund Raising will be part of the youth’s activities. Youth will be asked to be active in our fund-raising efforts, as it does benefit the whole group.  Youth will be asked to bring $1.00 to planned Table Fellowship events.  Youth will be encouraged to bring an offering to youth meetings. Youth may also be asked to contribute a registration fee to sign up for special events like mission trips. The cost of activities and events will be kept as low as possible. Fund Raising activities must be approved by the Youth Council before being put on the youth calendar. Money from Fund Raisers will be applied to youth mission trips, activities, projects and special offerings. The youth treasury will receive and disburse these receipts.  The youth counsel will approve the specific decisions about Fund Raisers and money in the youth treasury.  The youth treasury will be audited annually.

Room Use at SUMC

The youth counselors must schedule regular room use through the church Administrative Assistant.  Specific room arrangements of tables and chairs, etc. can be done by the church Sexton, if this is communicated to the Administrative Assistant one week prior to the event. The Fellowship Hall can be used for supervised, active indoor games. Caution must be used so lights and windows are not broken. The Youth Room is for use as a gathering place for youth; as a place for conversation, fun, games, fellowship, study, instruction, and worship.  The sanctuary can be used for worship, devotion, and rehearsals. Youth counselors are responsible for their group's behavior at all meetings and activities. Rooms must be clean at the end of youth meetings, and returned to their previous set- up. All doors must be locked, the lights turned off, and heat or air conditioning returned to correct settings. Index

Off-site Guidelines

Off-site Event Permission Slip

An Off-site Event Permission Slip must be signed by a parent or legal guardian for youth to participate in a trip or event off the church property. Permission Slips must have the date, time, description of the activity, and the names of the counselors involved. Prior to departure, the youth counselor sponsoring the event must receive the  signed permission slip.  Without this written permission, youth will not be allowed to participate in an off-site event. Parents may accompany the youth on the activity.

Youth-Event Drivers

In order to drive youth to or from an event, the counselor or chaperone must be at least 21 years old. Every youth-event driver must demonstrate that they have insurance that covers vehicle occupants. Every person in the car must wear a seat belt at all times, and the driver must obey all traffic laws.  Event-drivers will be trained in and comply with the SUMC “Safe Sanctuary Policy”.

Ahead of Time

Before the event begins, arrange for pick-up after the event. Return times will be given before departures. Be sure your rides are here at the given time. We try our best to have you back when we say we will and appreciate when rides home are also prompt.

Dress Appropriately

When we are at events (regardless of the event), we are representing our youth group, our church, our families and most importantly, our Lord. Clothing including T-shirts and swimwear must be appropriate. The leader(s) of the event have the final say as to what is or isn't appropriate. We will ask you to change, replace or cover inappropriate clothing. If that is not a possibility, you may be asked to not participate in the event.

Be Prepared

Bring enough money for planned events.  Eat before you come unless otherwise stated. Wear weather appropriate clothes. Always dress appropriately for the type of event you are attending.

Trip Expectations

Youth are expected to be on their best behavior and to follow the directives of youth counselors during all off-site trips and events.   A breakdown of this trust will end in a youth being sent home from a youth event or trip.  Whenever possible, a leader will provide transportation home for the teenager.  If that is not logistically possible, then the parents of the teenager will be contacted and asked to pay for commercial transportation home.  If this is not possible, all parties involved may return home and a trip may be cut short.

Youth will be sent home for any of the following: breaking curfew, body piercing or permanent tattooing, possessing alcohol, illegal drugs, or tobacco products, irresponsible use of legal drugs or substances, leaving the group, not remaining with a safety partner, "making out", stealing, assault, possessing pornography or a dangerous weapon, showing extreme disrespect. 

Travel Tips

No food or soda is allowed in the vehicles unless pre-approved with the leader of the event or the driver. Youth will be in vehicles that are not their own.  Crumbs and spills need to be avoided out of courtesy to the vehicle owners.  Stops for refreshments can be part of the planning for trips.  Walkmans and other electronic devices are allowed in the vehicles, however, are not allowed to go outside of the van upon arrival without pre-approved arrangements.

Deadlines

Registration deadlines must be honored. If an event requires a registration fee you are not registered unless you have paid your deposit or registration fee. Late registrations may require an additional late registration fee. Index

Spotlight on Youth Ministry

Acolytes

At each Sunday service,  8:30 and 11:00 a.m. youth can serve as an Acolyte to light the candles on the Altar.

Sunday School

Sunday morning Sunday School is from 9:45 a.m.-10:45a.m. This is a structured time for getting into the Word of God.

CIA  - Christians In Action

This is the youth ministry that we offer to Jr. High age youth.  CIA meets weekly, usually on Sunday evening. Activites include group mixers, singing, study, fun and play, study, and service projects.  Occasionally there are trips, retreats, and other events.  Parents are welcome to stop in and to help supply snacks and transportation.

The Gathering

The Gathering is a ministry for and with Sr. High Youth and College age students.  The Gathering is a youth ministry that meets on Sunday morning at 9:45 a.m.   The Gathering includes a simple brunch or snack.  It is a place to gather with friends.  The group enjoys  Christian music, study in God’s work, and finds ways to encourage one another in Christian living.  Other positive activities such as bowling, concerts, are planned  for Christian-Singles.

Drama Team Ministry

During the school year youth can be part of the Drama Ministry that shares a skit, or dramatic interpretation of scripture during the worship service once a month.  The drama  team also has a comedy night once a year!

Company of Praise – C.O.P

This is a ministry of music that brings youth together from the region. COP starts rehearsals in the Fall, they sing occasionally in worship throughout the winter, and tour several states in the Spring. 

Summer Theater

Each year SUMC produces an excellent theater show with the help of people from the community, with youth from across the region as the actors.  Rehearsals start in June and the performances are in August.

Praise Singers

This group helps to lead and sing at SUMC’s contemporary worship service.

Sanctuary Choir

An intergenerational choir that sings a variety of music to piano and organ at the traditional worship service.

Handbells

An intergenerational group that plays brass handbells in worship. Index

Other Ministries for Youth

Covenant Share Groups - L.I.F.E.

L.I.F.E.  stands for Living In Faith Every day.  A LIFE group is a  small group gatherings where several youth agree to meet regularly with a mentor who encourages their walk with Christ on a group and individual basis.

Lock-in

From time to time a Lock-in at the church will planned. This is when the youth come to the church for an overnight stay. This extended period of time may be used as a mini retreat for fun, learning, or service.

Retreat

During a retreat, the youth go to a facility to stay for a period of time for a specific study, service, or spiritual growth purpose.  Parents will always be given information about the retreat purpose, location, and how to make emergency contact.

Missions

It is our belief that youth need to have opportunities to serve others.  Going on a mission trip is one of those ways. Some mission service will be local. Other mission service will involve travel.

Ski Trip

This event is a fun highlight for the youth. We travel to a place to ski and to have a winter blast. Christian worship and teaching is part of the Ski retreat.

Camping

Christian camping is a great way for youth to grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ. Youth have the opportunity to go to summer church camps sponsored by the Central Pa. Conference.  Connecting camping with ministry can have a great impact on youth. From time to time the youth ministry team will a camping outing for the youth as a group.  One example of this is to going camping at a Christian music festival like Creation.

National Youth Events

Every third year we plan to connect with national level youth events to experience once-in-a-life gatherings with other Christian youth from across the country. The purpose of these national events is to help students to invite Christ into their lives, integrate Christ into their world, and take Christ to the rest of the world.

Family Night Dinner Event

From time to time Youth Council members, youth counselors, leaders, and youth  (as well as parents)  are invited to attend a Family Night Dinner.   One focus of  the dinners  is the recognition of students and the highlights of the past year.  This is a time for the youth to look back over the past year, to celebrate as well as to look to the future.  On other occasions the focus will also be on sharing stories and experiences from recent mission trips.   Family night dinners can also be planned as a chance for the  upcoming 5th graders to be introduced to the Youth Ministry program. This is also a great event to invite family and friends, to let them see what is going on in the Youth Ministry at SUMC. Index

We really are excited you are a part of the Youth Ministry at Stewartstown United Methodist Church. The following rules have been adopted to make this a positive experience and a safe place for everyone. We hope these guidelines will help you enjoy being part of the youth events. Bring your friends and invite others. All students in attending a Stewartstown United Methodist Youth Ministry event, activity or special off-site event will be expected to follow these guidelines for personal conduct.

Show interest in other students

Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.  Philippians 2:4

How do we do this?

·         Welcoming new students

·         Participating with the group

·         Valuing the opinion and feelings of others

·         Including everyone in the activity

Treat others how you want to be treated

So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this is sums up the Law and the Prophets.

                                                                                                                                                              Matthew 7:12

How do we do this?

·         Encourage those students who are struggling

·         Listen while others are talking

·         Speak words that build up others

·         Ask forgiveness if you've done something wrong

Be respectful of the group

But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way   1 Corinthians 14:40

For as churning milk produces butter, and as twisting the nose produces blood, so stirring up anger produces strife.   

                                                                                                                                                                 Proverbs 30:33

·         Disrespecting the group includes, but is not limited to…

·         Throwing or breaking things

·         Disrespecting leadership

·         Disrespecting peers

·         Talking during talks or messages

·         Causing anger in someone else

·         Physical abusiveness, fighting, violence, threats

Control your tongue

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful in building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29

·         An uncontrolled tongue includes, but is not limited to…

·         Name calling

·         Gossiping

·         Making fun of others

·         Pulling jabs on others

·         Swearing or other inappropriate language

Reporting

If you are mistreated or see someone who is - REPORT IT TO A SUPERVISING ADULT  IMMEDIATELY.

·         Consequences are…

·         First offense --verbal reminder/warning.

·         Second offense asked to take “time out” to think away from the group.

·         If the adult staff determines the incident requires it, the offending person may be immediately removed from the group setting. Also if the well being of the group or an individual is at risk the offending person may be asked to leave without warning.

·         If a continuing problem occurs, youth may be asked to not return.

·         Parents may be notified at any point. Index

Partnership with Parents and Christian Adults

We believe parents are an essential part of the youth ministry at Stewartstown United Methodist Church.

It is a privilege for the people of SUMC to have the opportunity to have time to be with your young person. Parents and other Christian adults are asked to be involved in the Youth Ministry in a number of different ways:

Partnership through Prayer

There is a spiritual battle going on for the lives of our youth. As a parent, be a prayer warrior for your child. Help keep them in constant prayer.  Please join the youth counselors in fulfilling this daily need for our youth. As you are able, share with youth counselors prayer needs for your young person. From time to time, we will ask parents to pray specifically for specific youth events.   You may be asked to be a Friend in the Faith for a particular youth. These people have asked to have one youth that they will pray for daily. They may also take the youth out for lunch or send a birthday card.

Partnership by Example

Youth counselors pledge to be a role model for youth.  Parents are also role models by their daily example, including their attendance and participation in worship, in Sunday School, other church functions, in their work place, and the way they live out the gospel at home.

Partnership by Encouragement

Youth see the importance of church, God, corporate worship and family, when they experience encouragement from their parent(s) to be involved in the youth program, and by seeing their parents involved, These are all elements of what make up an effective youth ministry.

Partnership through your Presence and Material Support

From time to time parents will be asked to drive or be present at special events. Youth are always hungry, so food support is always needed and appreciated.  Your support shows the priority value you place on youth involvement in this ministry.

Partnership through Shared Information

Information about the Youth Ministry will be shared with you through  periodic student-take-home info. sheets, the church bulletin , the newsletter, and via the church’s web page http://stewartstownumc.org/ .  You may also contact the church office: 717-993-2507. Parents are encouraged to participate in the decisions of the youth counsel.  If your youth has a particular need or concern, please share that information in an appropriate setting with a youth counselor. Information may be shared with other counselors on a need to know basis. Index

 
Faith Life-Style Marks of Youth Counselors

The following roles are expected of leaders in ministry among youth. It should be noted that not all leaders would be expected to function at the same depth in each role, but should be in the process of being equipped to function to some degree in each role.

Personal Devotions
Each leader should be engaging in spiritual growth habits in their personal devotional life. Each habit is related to one of Jesus’ description of a disciple:
(a) Time with God’s Word - a disciple follows God’s Word (John 8:31-32)
(b) Prayer - a disciple prays and bears fruit (John 15:7-8)
(c) Tithing - a disciple is not possessed by possessions (Luke 14:33)
(d) Fellowship - a disciple expresses love for other believers (John 13:34-35)

Praying
Leader should already be engaged in private prayer and devotion. They should also be praying for young people within the group, for other leaders and for the overall group ministry. Leaders are encouraged to intentionally grow in private prayer and are expected to be part of corporate prayer opportunities provided through the youth group’s ministry.

Relating
One of the primary ways in which leaders are involved in the lives of youth is through the development of relationships. Listening with genuine interest is the way to begin a positive relationship in which the leader is able to impact the life of youth for Christ and provide help in times of need. Leaders need basic skills when responding to youth who make a self-revealing statement about themselves. There are four general ways: (a) giving advice (this communicates that the leader has the answer and that the young person must do what they say - with the results that the advice giver is seen to be strong while the youth is weak and inadequate); (b) reassuring (this is similar to advice giving and it fails to take what youth say seriously); (c) understanding (here leaders express a desire to understand, they ask questions to invite further communication); (d) self-revealing while understanding invites youth to come closer, self-revealing takes the leader one step closer to youth by showing that they share similar experiences and feelings about life. There are times when different responses are necessary,  but youth leaders tend to respond primarily with advice and reassurance which are the least facilitating in terms of relationship building.

Counseling
As leaders develop relationships with young people they will earn their trust and soon be asked for advice or be called on to intervene in youth crises. One of the most important guidelines leaders can learn is to recognize when they are out of their depth and be willing to refer people to people who are equipped to provide the kind of help needed. It is helpful to know different approaches to counseling to at least know how to respond when a young person needs help. There are three main counseling processes: (a) directive - here the youth reveals their problem, the leader provides an answer and the youth chooses what they should do; (b) non-directive - here the youth reveals their problem, the leader helps them clarify their situation, and the youth determines the answer and chooses what they should do; (c) identification - here the youth shares a problem, the leader shares a similar problem and the solution they chose, and the youth chooses what they should do. There are three goals in counseling: discover problem (self-revealing helps); introduce content and motivate response.

Spiritual direction is also part of Christian counseling.  This is when the focus is not primarily on problem solving, but on helping an individual grow in faith through a particular life situation.  In spiritual direction the key areas of inquiry are: (a) What does this tell me about God? (b) What does this tell me about myself? (c)  What does this tell me about my relationship with God?  Listening to a young person’s life experience is part of spiritual direction. This kind of guidance can also develop the faith of youth through effective use of scripture and Christian spiritual disciplines.

Evangelizing
Leaders are a vital part of bringing young people to Christ. They should share their own walk with Christ and also refer youth who are seeking Christ to other leaders if they feel out of their depth. They should also engage in personal evangelism by making contact with friends of participating youth and building a relationship with them.

Discipling
Leaders must actively be involved in the ministry of discipleship within the youth group and the local church. They should also engage in mentoring at least one young person within the group by meeting together with them on a regular basis to help them grow spiritually. They should encourage Christian youth to be involved in growth events and invite the youth to worship regularly with them.

Serving
There are three main ways in which youth leaders are expected to service within the youth group: (a) helping with programming (this is developed under ‘leading’ below) and (b) practicing “one anothering” (these are commands found in the New Testament: Mark 9:50; John 13:34; Romans 12:10,16; 14:13; 15:7,14; 16:16; Galatians 5:13; 6:2; Ephesians 4:2,32; 5:19,21; Philippians 2:3; Colossians 3:16; 1 Thessalonians 4:18; 5:11; Hebrews 10:24; James 4:11; 5:9,16; 1 Peter 5:5); (c) shepherding youth (Ezekiel 34:1-16 speaks of leaders doing the following: feed the sheep; take care of the weak; tend the sick, bind up the wounded; look for the lost).

Caring
Caring involves leaders in (a) personal involvement (where they involve themselves in the lives of young people to build significant relationships with them); (b) personal sacrifice (where they are willing to pay the cost of developing such relationships); and (c) understanding youth (where they learn how to identify and feel with young people). A ministry of care is developed within the youth group where each leader is given a number of young people to care for. Leaders are expected to establish contact with their care group both inside and outside of group meetings. They should phone those under their care; send them messages of encouragement; be sensitive to struggles they experience and refer them to others who can help where necessary.

Leading
There are a number of ways in which leaders should exercise their gift of spiritual leadership: (a) being an example (where they show by their lifestyle and speech that they have been changed by Jesus Christ); (b) helping with programming (where they are entrusted with (i) physical, (ii) program, (iii) people or (iv) person-to-person responsibilities with a program; (c) leading a ministry (where they are entrusted the responsibility of coordinating one of the ministries); (d) using spiritual gifts (where they identify, develop and use their unique spiritual gift or gifts). Index

Effective Leadership Roles at Each Ministry Level

As a youth counselor working with youth you will encounter various degrees of openness. Some youth are curious about God, other youth have moved to the point of being convinced about the truth of some aspect of the claims of Christian faith, and other youth are ready to commit their life to Christ. 

God calls all of us to move from being A) a pre-Christian, B) to being a seeker, C) to being a convert, D) a believer, E) a worker, F) and on to being a person in ministry who can lead others to Christ.  At any given time, youth will be at one of these stages in their relationship with God.  Youth counselors need to know the basis for effective leadership with youth at each of these stages.

A. Contact Ministry
In ministries where the group makes contact with unchurched youth on their turf, leaders must provide a positive example of the Christian life through their attitude, speech and actions. They should at all times look for opportunities to develop conversation with unchurched youth in order to begin a process of building a relationship with them. Where such opportunities occur they should be willing and able to share the gospel with the person or refer to them other leaders equipped for this task. Where contact events take place in spheres that the leader lives, schools, or works, in they should seek to incarnate themselves fully just as Christ did on earth. They should take a long-term approach to relationship building and seek to win the right through care and good deeds to share the gospel verbally with people. They should at all times seek to be a channel for people to make an entry into the life of the church - ensuring that they first discover where the person is at and carefully choosing the best point of entry for them. They should not think that the task is over once they have brought the person to the group or to Christ - they maintain a parenting responsibility in the life of the assimilating person.

B. Connect Ministry
This ministry involves various strategies to evangelize seeker youth. Where appropriate they should be willing to share the gospel story with youth in order to lead them to Christ for salvation. They should share their story with the person where appropriate as well. They should be willing to accept delegated responsibilities that will cause the programs to run effectively, ie. physical (setting up the venue, or making refreshments); program (leading games, giving a testimony), people (facilitating group discussion, giving devotions) or person-to-person (follow-up of newcomers, leading seekers to Christ)

C. Follow-up Ministry
At this level leaders may be called on to engage in one-on-one follow-up of new converts in the group. Leaders will be given material to use in helping the new convert to become grounded in the faith. They should act as friends who encourage and support the growing believers. Where small group follow-up classes are held (when many youth come to salvation at the same time) leaders may be asked to lead one of the small groups with the help of appropriate follow-up curriculum material. Leaders who model their faith in Christ and honestly show how they are growing in Christ though trials, temptations and failures are a valuable source of encouragement and help to new converts.

D. Growth Ministry
Ministries at this level are designed to help youth grow spiritually. It should be acknowledged that some of the leaders may just have arrived at this level and would not be expected to play an active role in leadership at this level. However, it is probable that most leaders will be at this level if not above it. They should be a part of the large group Bible study or a part of cell groups (whichever are running in the group at a given time).They may be used as leaders of the group or encouraged to take an active role in the group in terms of interacting with the subject being studied. They should ensure that they support the group leader and think carefully about the issues that they are raising in front of young Christians. They may be issues that should be discussed at a different level and should use discernment as to their participation at all times.

E. Impact Ministry
Leaders should seek to be involved in ministries of service in their local community both within and outside of those events organized by the youth group. A lifestyle of service on their behalf will communicate to youth the importance of service in the Christian life. They should be significantly involved in the long-term projects that the group support (such as regular ministry in a children’s home) and well as in the short-term projects arranged in the local community. They, together with the other Christian youth, are needed to make these events work. Leaders will be approached to handle various responsibilities within these programs.

F. Leadership Development Ministry
Leaders are expected to attend, as far as possible, all leadership meetings that are organized by the Youth Council. These events, both planning meetings and training events, will be advertised well in advance and will be ineffective if members of the leadership team do not attend. Leaders should seek to equip themselves for ministry among youth by reading books and magazines written to equip those involved in youth ministry. Where possible, leaders will be encouraged to attend regional or national leadership training events for further equipping. This spiritual growth and commitment model of youth ministry is very leader intensive. Many counselors and leaders need to be involved in leadership training and retooling. Index

Off Site Permission Slip

A Sample Youth Permission Slip. . . 

(To be used every time youth are transported off SUMC property. Use as an example and fill in details)

Event Title:

Event Date:

Description of Event:

Departure Info:

Departure will be from Stewartstown UMC at [state time]

Travel will be by car pool with adult drivers. [state other arrangements if needed]

Each youth will need to bring $       [state expected reasonable expenses and purpose for the money].

Expected Evening Schedule: [state what will most likely happen and the event in the order they are expected to occur]

Departure for return home:

Approximate arrival at Stewartstown UMC:

Deadline:

 Sign up before ____________ by calling ___________________ at _________________________

All children and youth under 18 must bring this signed permission slip or they cannot be transported by adult drivers.

 ---------------------------------------RETURN THIS PORTION TO SUMC ---------------------------------

(Name)   __________________________________ has my permission to travel with a group from Stewartstown U.M.C. to ________________ on __________   from  _________(times) to   _________ for (purpose)________________.  I understand adults will be driving.

My young person has the following medical or health related condition: ________________________________________________________________________________

And requires the following care: ____________________________________________________

I understand that my young person will not be transported home  I will pick up my young person at Stewartstown U.M.C. no later than _________ [state the latest time for pick up]

(Signed by parent or legal guardian)______________________   Phone___________________ Index