Philosophy of Youth Ministry

Excerpts from Joint Board Report, January 1997

"The focus of Home Moravian Church Youth Ministry will be an environment of care, study, growth in the faith, fellowship, and service opportunities inclusive of all youth in grades 6 - 12 of the congregation, as well as for those who do not have a church or who do not have youth ministry opportunities in their congregation."

The areas of ministry to youth which shall be coordinated by the Director of Youth Ministry shall be:

Care:
Youth staff person shall know all young people in the church between the ages of 11 and 18. Be available for short term counseling, one-on-one conversation as called upon; "visitation" to youth either in their homes or on school campuses; be aware of concerns facing young people; coordinate supportive ministry through pastors, Stephen Ministry, etc.) where appropriate.

Study Opportunities for Youth:
Coordinate with Director of Educational Ministries and Sunday School teachers curriculum/contents of youth Sunday School classes; develop small group studies of the Bible, documents of the church, timely contemporary issues facing youth from a faith perspective (values, sexuality, career/vocation choices, racism, pressure, abusive relationships, etc.). Serve as church staff support and liaison to catechetical instruction.

Growth In the Faith:
Growth in the Christian faith is the hoped for result of all ministry; in this context to facilitate opportunities for young people to reflect on their experiences both in and outside of church and in this process to help them to understand their own impressions of God's reality in their experience; to promote attendance at camps and retreats at Laurel Ridge; to provide experiences for youth to know and understand their unique gifts as a child of God; to provide opportunities for growth in the Christian faith in the community of believers.

Fellowship:
To continue to offer the church as a gathering place of acceptance for young people to grow in friendship and faith; to coordinate occasional large gatherings where the primary goal is to have fun in the church setting; recruit, train and nurture volunteer youth advisors.

Service Opportunities:
In conjunction with Social Concerns Committee, World Mission Committee and through community contacts, organize regular opportunities for young people to use their gifts for the good of others in need; offer training for such service where indicated; organize and lead occasional mission camps or trips where youth can participate together in a culturally diverse setting for the purpose of completing a challenging task for the advantage of other persons or groups.

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Wednesday, December 29, 2004 01:31:19 PM -0500