What’s the Latest in Youth, Children’s & Families Ministry?

Jonathan Kemp, Dir. AYCF Ministry

Anglican Church SQ

Intro and Outline 6 June 2014: Happy Qld Day! Happy D-Day(?)   9-10.30: Danger Zone 1 11.00 – 12.30: Danger Zone 2 1.00 – 2.30: Resources and the Next Step   (Housekeeping)

Talking Circles Circle: 1. Who are you, where are you based

and what are your hopes for today? 2. Briefly, what challenges are you

experiencing in YCF ministry?

Say the Same Thing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2sP1Dqya

gXE

Dropping Out: Danger Zone 1 Children Tweens Young Teens (c. 11 – 14) Changing schools / changing lifestyle Too busy / too tired Wider range of options / worldviews/ inputs Physical / hormonal changes: rebellion etc

A Response: Here2Stay.org.au

Here2stay.org.au Information + Formation = Transformation We need to provide formative experiences on

top of pure information. Website suggests10 kinds...

Ten areas of Formative Experience we can provide (in partnership with families)

A Response: Here2Stay  The 10 areas are listed up on paper around

the room. Go to an area you‘re interested in. Add a strategy for that area, or refine one

that’s already there. Use pens and/or post-it notes.

The records will be turned into a Book of Proceedings to be distributed to you.

Case study: “Apprentices' Guild” (handout)

Which Here2Stay strategies does this tap into?

“Mentors and Life Coaches” “Anchors / Rites of Passage”

Morning tea

Games with no materials (See handout) Lateral thinking problems: “Every workday, a man goes home past the

same three men. What’s his occupation?”

Danger Zone 2: High School Uni Why? Transition out of school / home environment 18+ = legally adult / more freedom Driving so going more places Experimenting with identity and the adult

world Wanting rites of passage: if we can’t or won’t

provide them, someone else will e.g. Schoolies Week.

A Response: Stickyfaith.org

http://stickyfaith.org/about-sticky-faith

Define “Sticky Faith.”Faith that is both internalized and externalized:Faith that is both personal and communal:  a

faith that celebrates God’s specific care for each person while always locating faith in the global and local community of the Church.

Faith that is both mature and maturing:  a faith that shows marks of spiritual maturity but is also in process of growth.  We don’t assume a high school senior or college freshman (or a youth worker for that matter) will have a completely “mature” faith.  We are all in process.

Sticky Faith’s 5G Gospel: GOOD – We are created in God’s image, and God

was pleased with humankind. GUILT/GAP – Our sin, or our guilt, has separated us

from God. GRACE – God couldn’t stand that separation, so God

sent Jesus that we might have real life in the present and eternal life with God.

GOD’S PEOPLE – We live in community, experiencing and advancing the Kingdom with our brothers and sisters in Christ.

GRATITUDE – We serve and obey (and practise Lent) not to make God like us more, or love us more, but because we’re so grateful for all God has done for us.

Strings Attached http://stickyfaith.org/videos/strings-attached-s

ticky-faith-every-day-curriculum

10 Tips for Starting a Sticky Faith Youth Ministry from Scratch Gather a team and listen closely. Try Appreciative Inquiry. Consider creating a ministry rhythm rather than

a ministry program. Be careful not to over-program. Prioritize mentoring. Lean on parents. Set a timeframe for your experiment, and follow

through on evaluation. Work closely with children’s ministry leadership. Look for ways to integrate with “big church.” Involve the students in what you create.

Social Action for Families

Jonathan Kemp

Director, Anglican Youth, Children & Families Ministry

Anglican Church, Southern Queensland

WWW.AYCF.ORG.AU

What is “Social Action”? An umbrella heading for:

Social Service activities (serving others) E.g. Feeding the hungry Sheltering the homeless Comforting the lonely

Social Justice activities (fighting for others’ rights) E.g. Raising awareness of issues Protesting against injustice

Missional activities (bringing Jesus to life for others; building God’s Kingdom on Earth) Mission Trips Service Projects (building schools, etc.)

Why should Christians do it?The Lord’s Prayer: “Thy Kingdom come, Thy Will be done, on Earth as

it is in Heaven.”

Jesus: Not an ally of the rich and powerful

The Sermon on the Mount Matthew 5-7 Matthew 25:31-46 (The Sheep and the Goats)

Other sources / reasons? We are God’s hands, feet, etc. If we don’t, who will? (Ever seen an atheist soup

kitchen?) Traditions / denominations

Why should families work and serve together?

Research findings Research says it’s good for families:

Most kids who said they did at least an hour of service per week reported that their parents also did lots of service activities.

Makes ‘family time’ a priority Reduces screen time Builds and serves the community Allows family members to see each other in a new light Gives young people opportunity to lead Gives parents stimulus to talk about and teach values

Research also says...

Making Service Projects Worthwhile “This is lame!”• Not if:• Young people do actual work, not just observe• Adults are accepting & don’t criticise• Kids have important responsibilities• Have a sense of making a contribution• Have the freedom to develop their own ideas• Have opportunity to reflect (debrief)

Before we even get started... Think ‘Safety First!’

Legalities and policies... Due diligence... Risk Assessment... Age / gender appropriate...

Blue Cards / Food handling / Cash handling / safe environment / etc...

How do we get started? (1) Be clear about expectations and roles

(rotate the leadership)

Develop a cooperative atmosphere (no-one likes having their work criticised)

Train families (provide the right gear; use expert trainers)

How do we get started? (2) Create meaningful projects and activities

(meet genuine needs; use ‘mentor families’)

Offer options in terms of commitment (1-3 hour jobs? A week for those with more time?)

Debrief the experience (have a discussion time; pluses and minuses of

what happened)

Case Study: Supermarket Stake-out! (Let’s try this process out...) 1. Expectations and roles 2. Good atmosphere 3. Gear 4. Meaningful 5. Options 6. Debrief

Three levels for Service 1. Church 2. Local Neighbourhood 3. State / National / Global

You tell me! Local Church Some local Church projects that families could

be engaged in:

You tell me! Local Neighbourhood Service ideas:

Social Justice for Families Real v. Realistic – realistic is OK. Raising funds is a valid outcome But education about the world is also

important Think about aligning with an agency (check its

integrity etc) Then decide which cause feels most deserving

to you No need to reinvent the wheel: look around at

what other people are doing.

Stimulate some discussion...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2p5svFJ9cQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFuLSB73ciU(Refugee issue)

‘Go Back Where You Came From’ (SBS) Movies, TV, books... Talk about the issues

(values). How should Christians respond?

Start to start... 1. Determine greatest need (or your passion). 2. Brainstorm lots of ways to help. 3. Short list to 5 or 6 and look harder. 4. Short list again to 2 or 3 and think about

logistics. 5. Pick one and do it!

Make it “Intergenerational” Take existing service activities or mission

trips, and ensure all ages are involved: Food pantries and kitchens Habitat for Humanity home building Urban gardens to grow and distribute food

(Angligreen?) Yard work or home repair for homebound seniors Leading worship or games at a retirement village “Parents’ Night Out” (child-minding) for church or

neighbourhood

Intergenerational Social Action

Baking bread and taking to shut-ins or new arrivals

Making cards and visiting a kids’ hospital, asking families what you can pray for

Graffiti / litter cleanup around your church neighbourhood

Intergenerational 40-hour famine Sending care packs and letters to

missionaries or deployed soldiers

Ask: “If one person can do it... Could a family be doing it?”

Anticipating Objections What could be some reasons for families not

becoming involved in Service projects?

Objection Response

Q: Does becoming involved in Social Action... imply support for a particular political party or

stance? A: No.

Americans

Jim Wallis (shredded Bible)

Tony Campolo

Shane Claiborne

Red Letter Christians

www.redletterchristians.org

Australians

Tim Costello

Jarrod McKenna

Resource: ABigYear.net

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATrvS0ba2qQ

Recap: PICS (formerly PINS) A quick diagnostic tool for your parish: Are your young people:

Participating meaningfully in worship and ministries?

Integrated (participating alongside other generations)?

(Doing) normative Christian things? Having their own age-appropriate needs met with

Sensitivity?

Let’s move! [4 sheets: use post-it's etc]

Strategy idea Method or process Specific resources or training needed

Case study: Messy Church

Messy Church isn’t ‘sloppy church’! The Messy Church values are: 1. Christ-centred Messy Church is a church, not a craft club,

that helps people encounter Jesus as Lord and Saviour.

2. All-age It is for adults and children to enjoy together -

every element should be relevant and accessible to all ages.

Messy Church Values 3. Creativity It uses hands-on activities to explore Bible stories, to

reflect a God of creativity and to give people a chance to play together.

4. Hospitality It reflects a God of unconditional love and is a church

for people outside church, providing an oasis of welcome and a safe space in which to thrive. Messy Church is about hospitality, expressed most evidently by eating together – whether it’s a plate of sandwiches to share, or sausage and mash.

5. Celebration It reflects a God of joy who wants his people to have

life in all its fullness.

Jane Leadbetter Workshops World #2 MC expertSherwood parish, 6-7 September 2014

How do we get started? 1. Come to the Jane Leadbetter workshop and

bring a team. 2. Visit a Messy Church service and see it in

action. 3. Join our Facebook group: “Messy Church –

Brisbane and Beyond!” 4. Contact me directly or Sue Taylor at Sherwood

parish (3379 2723) for a consultation / “Messtastic Taster”!

Lunch!

YCF Strategy

Events Camps Partnerships Communication Training, Resourcing& Formation

Aligns with Diocesan and MEC strategies

Strategy: Events

8 November 2014: Saturation Saturday! Wet’N’Wild Water Park, Oxenford Open to YGs, kids, camp reunions, Anglican

schools, parishes, etc. Book on Eventbrite

Strategy: Events SN@P nights – Wynnum, Bardon, Hendra-

Clayfield...

Strategy: Events

Strategy: Camps• (New) Primary Ichthus

(Jan.2013; Jan 2014) 29 campers, 15 leaders

Strategy: Camps Emmaus retreat (March) Young adults only Overseen by “Emmaus Executive” (meets monthly) Emmaus groups now meeting regionallyClosing soon!

Strategy: Camps Junior Ichthus (September 2013) Near Springbrook 52 campers / 15 leadersin 2012. Brilliant evaluations!

Strategy: Camps•Senior Ichthus•30 June – 6 July•28 campers / 15 leaders•Near Peregian Springs•Overseen by “Ichthus Management Group” which meets monthly.

Strategy: Partnerships and ProjectsJK Committees: QCMN (ecumenical / SU) MC&F Reference group Connect 2 Church E-Lent / Word Up project Vocations Task-group ALEC (ASC)JS Committees: RENEW (Chair) QCT RE&Chap Commission ASRED (ASC) REAC (Qld govt) ALEC (ASC)

We are working with or have worked with:

Anglicare UCA / LYQ / RC ASC ABM et al...

PARTNERSHIPS: GFS GFS Grants: Up to $500 per parish

per year for a group. Up to $2000 per

parish per year for a special, one-off project.

Forms are available on-line at aycf.org.au

Leader needs to join GFS ($25/yr)

PARTNERSHIPS: GFS

In return, we support GFS Cathedral day (kids’ activities etc. on Thursday 3 October)

AYCFAB supports GFS/Kidsplus+ groups as the preferred kids’ club model in parishes.

Fiona and I presented at the GFS leaders weekend at Bribie on 25 May.

We will also explore other forms of support.

PARTNERSHIPS: Red Letter Projects

Developing social service projects and options to suit a range of ages

(See our website: www.aycf.org.au) Parish Pantry

PARTNERSHIPS: ANGLIGREEN

Parish / Community Garden projects Bushcare / bushwalking... Angligreen.org.au

PARTNERSHIPS: ABM

2014 Youth Pilgrimages (Vanuatu, PNG) Youth Ambassadors to Parishes 2014 Schoolies Week options Other pilgrimage options for older

youth.

Strategy: Communication

New website: WWW.AYCF.ORG.AU Events calendar (two-way communication) Downloadable resources for every kind of YCF group YCF group directory Picture Galleries Camp rego forms Blogs and blog roll Contact details And more...

Strategy: Communication

Social Media:•Facebook Page: c.247 Likes

•WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/BRISANGYOUTH

Strategy: Communication• Focus• Wednesday Weekly• Regular newsletters toParishes and contacts(providing links to ourWebsite).Mailouts

Strategy: Training, Resourcing and Formation

Visit parishes, schools and agencies for preaching / consulting / problem-solving...

On topics including: Youth Ministry Children’s Ministry (inc. Messy Church) Families Ministry Employing YCF Ministers Social media/networking(new Social Media Policy)

Strategy: Training, Resourcing & Formation Bring It! A regular meeting for youth ministers

and leaders of youth groups in the Diocese, with guest speakers, free pizza, etc.

Strategy: Training, Resourcing and Formation We encourage parishes to employ a YCF

minister (FT/PT) and we advise on all steps of the process, in liaison with Diocesan HR.

JK currently working on new Parish Regulation for YCF Minister Appt Process.

We are seeking to create new formal pathways for the Formation of YCF Ministers.

Resources we offer include: www.AYCF.org.au Facebook Page and Group Camps [handout: Senior posters / rego forms] Events [e.g. “Young Adults Strategy” event –

17 June, 5.30pm, SFC] Training Networking GFS grants Help in employing YCF ministers

Communication channels:What works for you? Focus articles / ads Wednesday Weekly – fortnightly updates AYCF Newsletter – monthly or more Specific emails for particular events Designated parish contact people for children

and/or youth (cc: clergy)

Q&A

Where will Growth come from, if not from Youth, Children and Families?

Closing Circles: (Circle with 2-3 objects each)   Closing circle: what Next Step will you take in

AYCF ministry?

[evaluation forms]

Help? Contact the AYCF Hotline: Visit WWW.AYCF.ORG.AU Borrow books from the Roscoe Library,

Milton (free for Anglican SQ clergy and parishioners)

Call me: Jonathan Kemp (07) 3514 7432 at St Francis College, Milton.

Email me: info@aycf.org.au www.facebook.com/brisangyouth Twitter: @jonkemptweets