volunteer leader packet - fresh start community...

Volunteer/ Leader Packet

Branches Youth Leader Packet

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The Vision for Branches Student Ministries: What, Why, and How!

This past year has been very instrumental to my understanding of ministry. Over the past several years, Branches youth has sought to not only recruit quality leaders, but to help them to take the work of ministry and run with it. Unfortunately, we’ve had mixed results. This year, we’re tightening up on what it means to be a leader at Branches, as well as what it takes to be a leader. There will no longer be “grand-‐fathering” in to the old ways. It’s a… wait for it… fresh start.

The reason for this is simple. We’ve got lives to change. There is a group of wonderful students who deserve leaders who are committed to seeing them grow in Christ. They deserve leaders who will walk with them and model what it means to follow Christ, not just show up on Wednesday nights a few times a month. Branches has always believed in the power of our leaders. This year, however, we’ll be putting a few things in place to make sure that we’re not only empowering leaders, but that we’re empowering the right leaders who are called to this group of youth and are ready to make a difference in their lives.

As you read through the requirements for leadership at Branches youth, understand that each has been thoughtfully and prayerfully put in place to help create the best possible environment to empower you as a leader and provide an environment and culture where a youth can see life change.

Branches Student Ministries exists to help students become fully discipled followers of Christ who confidently engage their families, the Church, and the world. We get there through following the actions of our process statement: Connect to God, Grow Together, Change the World. We have fulfilled our purpose when a youth who leaves our ministry (whether through graduation, relocation, or etc) is able to comfortably engage with another church or ministry setting in their new location or grow up as an active member of this one, is able to personally connect with God outside of this ministry’s influence, and is able to maintain their devotion to Him in whatever setting they find themselves in, whether it is college, work, dating, marriage, and so on. That’s the goal… that’s the WHAT and the WHY.

Now, here’s the HOW… Chaos and clutter happen naturally, simplicity and intensity of purpose happen only through intentional action. We will intentionally take the youth through a process of relational discipleship. Sunday morning will be directly tied to the “Connect to God” piece. Here, through Sunday School and through being a part of FSCC’s main service, the youth will be shown purposefully, directly, and simply, what it means to connect with God. This is why the DISCIPLESHIP course will now be pushed to be the ground floor entry level to everything we do, rather than being offered for the most ambitious to take.

Wednesday nights will be focused in on our “Grow Together” piece. Here, we’ll provide a welcoming environment where youth are encouraged through worship, lessons, and go groups to grow in their relationship with God, their leaders, and one another. The last piece “Change the world,” will happen through opportunities to serve in missions and through creating student leaders.


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Below you’ll find your revised responsibilities, contact information update, and much more. Remember, you are the primary and most direct link many of the youth will have to this ministry, and to God. Without YOU, there is no ministry.

Length of Duty:

Volunteer leaders are expected to commit to a minimum of 1 school year as defined by the Moore School district. Special situations must be worked out with the Youth Pastor. Summer programs will have a separate commitment, but are open to any leader who is participating during the school year or those who wish to fulfill a shorter commitment.

Responsibilities: Leaders are expected to adhere to all of the following responsibilities:

Duties that all youth leaders must adhere to:

-‐ Maintain a regular personal/private devotion time with God in Bible Study, Prayer, and means of grace.

-‐ Attend weekly Youth Services on Wednesday nights, arriving prior to our prep and prayer meeting at 6:30

-‐ Attend Fresh Start Community Church on Sunday mornings and encourage the attendance of and interaction with the youth. This includes connection (discipleship) groups at 9:00 a.m. and service at 10:30.

o Leaders will be required to be at an average of 80% of required events to maintain leader status. This includes Sunday mornings, Wednesday nights, and occasional special events.

-‐ Regularly check updates for and interact with the leader group on Facebook -‐ Interact with Youth (not other leaders) prior to and directly after youth group. -‐ Contact Youth Pastor at least 24 hours prior to an absence where possible and no later than

one hour prior to event in extreme circumstances. -‐ Report any problems (including potential legal issues, sexual abuse, aggression, disciplinary,

etc) to Youth Director/Pastor. See Legal section below. -‐ Ensure youth are picking up after themselves. -‐ Keep up with current and upcoming youth events through the youth calendar, Facebook

group, and weekly leader meetings and be able to convey these to the youth. -‐ Have gone through, or concurrently be going through the Branches Youth Discipleship

course (We must make sure our leaders are going where we expect our kids to go!)

Small Group Leader’s specific Duties (in addition to the general duties, above)

-‐ Prepare for small group discussion prior to arrival (as lessons are available prior to groups). -‐ Maintain order and discipline of youth during small group times. -‐ Adhere to the 70/30 rule. The youth should be talking 70% of the time and you should be

using only 30% to guide them and share yourself. -‐ Ensure that youth clean up any messes created during groups.


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-‐ Regularly update contact information and write down prayer concerns.

Worship Leader/ team Duties (in addition to general duties, above):

-‐ Prepare a selection of praise and worship songs and practice them prior to youth event -‐ Turn in list of songs for the coming month no later than the Sunday prior -‐ Assemble and manage the youth worship team and players -‐ Ensure “worship environment” is ready prior to events

o Stage lights and colored lights in rear room turned on o Sound equipment turned on and checked o Song slides are prepared and ready o Stage is orderly and free of clutter

-‐ Be sure all equipment and lights are turned off prior to leaving

Welcome Center Leader Duties (in addition to general duties, above):

-‐ Arrive no later than 6:00 pm to open the Welcome Center -‐ Turn on and put out games/ gaming systems and TV’s in the foyer area

o Turn on gaming systems and TV’s o Load a game in each system o Turn on larger console games (Street Fighter, Off Road, etc) and air hockey tables

-‐ Be aware of youth calendar and upcoming events -‐ Enthusiastically greet and welcome youth as they enter while monitoring game stations to

ensure equipment is not being abused. -‐ Ensure that youth are not “sneaking around” during worship and message times and direct

them back into the theater when necessary. -‐ Text youth about the night

Arts Ministry Director

-‐ Assemble youth Arts team from willing participants -‐ Maintain regular drama practices prior to events -‐ Prepare at least one dramatic event monthly/bi-‐monthly for use during services, including

the option to dramatically recap what we have covered during our Go Groups night.

Missions Director

-‐ Stay engaged with youth wishing to help in planning mission/outreach events -‐ Coordinate with Youth Pastor in leading events for the “whole’ youth group

Additional Duties:

Some leaders may volunteer for additional weekly/bi-‐weekly, or monthly duties. This will be an agreement between the youth pastor/director and the individual leader.


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Legal:

Youth ministry is a messy thing. Youth today are dealing with a range of issues that perhaps prior generations did not face on such a large scale. It is common, and even trendy, today for youth to deal with cutting, anorexia, sexual addictions, drug/alcohol related addictions, family problems, and more. Your youth may open up to you during your time with them about any number of issues including and beyond these. It is important then that you understand that you DO HAVE A LEGAL REQUIREMENT when it comes to certain issues.

If a youth reveals to you ANYTHING that is potentially harmful to themselves or others, or involves something that is against the law, you are required by law to report this to the Youth Pastor/Director and possibly even the Church leadership and/or the police. If a youth begins to reveal to you something that you feel is along these lines, you MUST stop them and let them know that they can trust you completely, but if they reveal anything of this nature, you are REQUIRED to report this to the proper channels, by law, and cannot “make an exception for them.” Any issue involving or related to suicide, homicide, or the potential harm of any person or persons MUST be reported to the authorities IMMEDIATELY upon reporting the issue to the Youth Director/Pastor.

The Spirit is moving: Remember, you are the most direct model many of these youth will have in discovering what it means to be like God, and to be a Godly man/woman. Never take your role in their lives lightly. Youth ministry can be a HARD JOB, only for the called, but God qualifies the called, and will be there with you every step of the way. Thanks for all you do in making an ETERNAL difference in the lives of these youth!


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Branches Student Ministries Leader/ Volunteer Agreement

Branches Student Ministries exists to lead our youth to a transformed life and a dynamic personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and the most important element of this process is YOU. It will be through seeing your life, and interacting with you that the youth will form their opinions about God and His community. Because of this, the leadership of Fresh Start Community Church will enter into a covenant agreement establishing standards required for serving in our programs.

Both parties are agreeing to uphold this agreement for a period of one (1) school year unless otherwise agreed/stated.

Covenant -‐ To demonstrate personal faith in Jesus Christ as Lord (John 1:12-‐13 and John 3:16-‐18). -‐ To nurture this relationship through daily interaction with God through prayer, study of the Scripture, and other

means of grace (1 Tim 4:7). -‐ To set an example for others by the way you live your life (Philippians 1:24 and Galatians 5:22-‐23). -‐ To regularly attend worship services at Fresh Start Community Church (Hebrews 10:25). -‐ To be a good steward of resources, and tithe (Malachi 3:10 and 2 Corinthians 9:6-‐8). -‐ To speak well of the church and its leadership (1Tim 5:17 & James 3:9-‐12). -‐ To abstain from improper/ questionable activities such as drinking, smoking, fighting, etc (1Cor 6:19-‐20, 10:23-‐32

/ Matt 18:6-‐7 / Rom 14:20-‐21). -‐ To strive towards the Biblical mandate of “not even a hint” of sexual immorality, including abstaining from

pornography, co-‐habitation, sexual activity of any kind outside the bonds of marriage, or promoting the viewing of sexual material, movies, websites, etc to youth or fellow volunteers (Ephesians 5).

Duties/ Responsibilities By entering into this covenant, I also agree to the above and the following

-‐ Speak and act lovingly towards the youth and speak well of the youth group/program -‐ Be early to events (except by prior agreement) and be engaged when here -‐ Set the standard for the youth by acting in a consistent manner as both their example and their friend -‐ Be in attendance at no less than 80% of regular Sundays, Wednesdays, and special events -‐ To inform leadership if I feel that a youth may be being abused, suicidal, threatening to hurt anyone, cutting, or

dealing with personal issues such as anorexia/ bulimia, or other potentially harmful disorders (legally, some of these must be reported to the police).

-‐ To call the leadership team if I will be unable to attend a promised event at the latest 1-‐2 hours prior to the event (preferably 24 hours), and to seek to find a stand-‐in, where possible.

This covenant is not intended to be legalistic in nature; however, we must remember that leaders are always called to

a higher standard. This covenant is meant to be a means of accountability between Fresh Start Community Church and you to seek mutual growth in Christ Jesus.

I hereby agree to enter into the above covenant, understanding that violation of this agreement may result

in actions taken, up to and including my immediate removal from leadership,

_____________________________ ________________________ ________ Signature of Volunteer: Signature of Leadership team: Date:


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Youth Volunteer/Leader Application Revised August 1, 2012

Thank you for taking the time to fill out this information about yourself. The following information will be

held CONFIDENTIAL, and will not be viewed by any person save for the Youth pastor and appropriate pastoral staff of the church. This information MUST be filled out HONESTLY (not what you want to display, but who you really are), and will be used to determine the candidate’s Spiritual ability to work with these youth. It is the belief of Fresh Start Church that the youth are the Church of tomorrow and that it takes a high level of accountability and a person with a strong walk to display and model the ministry of Jesus Christ to the youth. Information placed in this packet related to PAST sins or habits will not necessarily be held against an applicant. This is not to be “hard” on any person applying, but to ensure that our youth are protected physically and Spiritually to the highest degree capable.

General Information: Name: ___________________________ Date: __________________ E-‐mail: ___________________________________________@_____________._______ Full Address: ____________________________________________________________ DOB: ___________ Phone: __________________ Cell or Home? ________________ Occupation: _____________________ Employer: __________________________ Work: Part time: ______ Full time: ______ Student: ______ Hours/week:____ Marital Status: _____________ Spouse’s Name: ____________________________

Education:

High School: ______________________________________ Yr Grad ______ College: _________________________________________ Yr Grad_______ Degree/ Area of Study: ______________________________________________________


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References:

Name: ___________________________ Ph: ________________ E-‐mail: _____________ Name: ___________________________ Ph: ________________ E-‐mail: _____________ Name: ___________________________ Ph: ________________ E-‐mail: _____________

Personal:

Please write a brief testimony about how you became a Christian: How would you describe your spiritual walk now (Be honest): What accountability for your Spiritual walk do you currently have in place? What do you do when you have a conflict with someone? How do you handle confrontation? Are there any special issues or concerns happening in your life right now that would have an impact on your commitment and involvement in this ministry? What two strengths do you bring to this ministry?


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What are your two greatest weaknesses that you feel may hinder your ministry?

Legal/ Lifestyle Concerns

In caring for students, we believe it is our responsibility to seek an adult staff able to provide healthy, safe, and loving relationships. Certain lifestyle issues may be “gray areas” of Christianity, but are clearly outlined in the Youth Leader Covenant as forbidden for those seeking to attain a position of leadership with the youth of Fresh Start Community Church. Special considerations and concerns may be discussed individually with the Youth Pastor. Are you using illegal drugs? _________ Have you ever gone through treatment for alcohol or drug use? ___________ If yes, please explain: Do you have any habits that would impact your commitment or involvement in this ministry? Explain your view on alcohol and drugs? Are you able and committed to set aside things such as smoking and consumption of alcohol that may be a “gray area,” but are forbidden under this leadership covenant? Have you ever been arrested or convicted of a crime? _____________ If yes, please explain: Have you had any sexual relations with any minor after you became an adult? _________


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Have you ever been accused of or convicted of any form of child abuse? ______________ If yes, please explain:

Ministry

How long have you attended Fresh Start Community Church? ________________________ In an effort to connect the youth with the church at large, we are now requiring that leaders attend Fresh Start regularly, and encourage the youth to do the same. Are you willing to make Fresh Start your church home during your time as a leader, including regular and weekly attendance on Sundays? _______________________________________________________ If not, explain why: ___________________________________________________________ What other ministries have you been involved in and reasons for leaving that ministry: Have you ever been in a youth ministry before as either a leader or a student?__________ Describe your thoughts on the experience. What worked, what did not? What spiritual gifts do you feel that you have and how would you like to use them in this ministry? Do you have any special skills that could be helpful to this ministry? (Drama, Sports, music, etc)


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Why do you want to work in this ministry? What are some of your expectations of the Youth staff and ministry? Do you hereby agree to the leadership covenant as outlined for the full duration of your time as a leader in this ministry? _________________________________________________________ The information contained in this application is correct to the best of my knowledge. I, undersigned, give my authorization to Fresh Start Community Church and its representatives to release any and all records or information relating to my working with minors. The church may contact my references and appropriate government agencies as deemed necessary in order to verify my suitability as a youth worker. I understand that the personal information will be held confidential by the professional church staff:

Signature: __________________________________ Date: __________________

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