Information: Youth Ministries (Winter 2006)

Contents:

• A Note from Susan Hay
• Services Available
• The Spirit and Culture of Youth Ministry
• Evidence of Mature Christian Faith in Youth
• Special Note
• Download pdf version of Information: Youth Ministries (Winter 2006)

A Note from Susan Hay

Over the past four years it has been my privilege to be a part of the Exemplary Congregations in Youth Ministry resource team representing The United Methodist Church. Working with representatives from Assemblies of God, Evangelical Covenant, Lutheran (ELCA), Presbyterian (USA), Roman Catholic, and Southern Baptist, we discovered we desire the same thing in youth ministry: Christian formation.

Through the study, we had the opportunity to see how churches do ministry — caring for leaders, planning programs, and caring for others. Of the 900 churches that applied, 130 were invited to take the in-depth survey; 21 (3 from each denomination) had onsite visits from their denominational representative. Out of the written surveys, field visits, and interviews on site, the research identified nine major themes that give evidence of mature Christian faith in youth. (See "Evidence of Mature Christian Faith in Youth" for details.) In addition, there were four vital contributions in the life of the congregation that make a significant impact on exemplary youth ministry.

1. Support from the whole church.
2. A priority on youth ministry.
3. Balance between youth group and overall church ministry.
4. Pastoral support is crucial.

Common Cup Parish Ministry, Portland, Oregon; First United Methodist Church, Valparasio, Indiana; and Myers Parks United Methodist Church, Charlotte, North Carolina (in addition to the other 18 churches visited) intentionally designed opportunities that help to strengthen people's relationship with Christ. These churches:

• Emphasized personal and community transformation
• Emphasized a holistic approach to ministry — including knowing, being, and doing
• Emphasized an integrated faith seen at home, at school, at work.

I am so thankful for those youth workers who are the examples for others to see the light of Christ shinning through them in the way they live their lives. My prayer is that God will continue to give to all of us strength and wisdom to serve.

— Susan Hay is the Director of Youth Ministries for the General Board of Discipleship in Nashville, Tennessee.

Services Available

Want to … evaluate your congregation's youth ministry based on the findings of the Exemplary Congregations study?

Or … need assistance in developing a ministry plan based on your congregation's mission and vision? Contact Susan Hay, Director Ministries with Youth, shay@gbod.org; 800-877-2780, ext.7069.

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