Sponsored by the MidAmerica Region:Prairie Star, Central Midwest &

Heartland DistrictsNancy Combs-Morgan,

ncombsmorgan@uua.org

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