Youth and Family MinistryProposal for Youth and Family Ministry in the

Church

OverviewWhen we hear Youth Ministry, we have set notions

of what that means.

However, Youth Ministry does not have to be a scary notion

It is no less important than what is learned in church on Sunday.

We are equipping future and young adults with the tools and power to lead Christian lives.

Why is Youth Ministry Important?

Take a Look… It’s in a Book!

The BibleIt seems that the

Bible, in fact much of the basis of Christianity, is focused on youth.

Everyone in the community was called to radical form of living.

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Children are Gifts: Psalms 113:9; 127:3-5 He gives the barren woman a home, making her

the joyous mother of children. Praise the LORD!Psalm 113:9 NRSV

Sons are indeed a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the sons of one's youth. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them. He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate. Psalm 127:3-5 NRSV

Children Called to Learn- Adults Called to Teach. Deut. 6:4-9

Hear, O Israel: The LORD is our God, the LORD alone. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might. Keep these words that I am commanding you today in your heart. Recite them to your children and talk about them when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you rise. Bind them as a sign on your hand, fix them as an emblem on your forehead, and write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. Deut. 6:4-9 NRSV (See also Mark 12:29-31)

Jesus’ TeachingsMatthew 18:1-6

At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?“ He called a child, whom he put among them, and said, "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me. "If any of you put a stumbling block before one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for you if a great millstone were fastened around your neck and you were drowned in the depth of the sea. Matt. 18:1-6 NRSV

Jesus’ TeachingMark 10:13-16

People were bringing little children to him in order that he might touch them; and the disciples spoke sternly to them. But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, "Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.“And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them.Mark 10:13-16 NRSV

Where Does Youth Ministry Begin?

Answer may be closer to home than you think…

Importance of Family and CongregationThere are various places where youth can

learn about God.

The most important places are their families and their surrogate families, or congregations. (see: Matt. 12:47-50.)

Family dynamic AT HOME as well as AT CHURCH is vital

Ingredients for Faith BuildingFamily Life as Well

as Church Life is Needed for Faith Development

Holy Spirit facilitates faith in all settings

Church and Home are in a partnership through Christ our Mediator

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Relationships are KeyYouth look up to us (literally and figuratively)

How do we expect youth to know about Christ if we ourselves don’t know.

Taking time to listen, be with, and respect youth impacts them for the rest of the life.

How do we Start?It starts with us…

Proposal for AdultsFirst: Christian Adults are

the building blocks for Christian Youth

We need to be educated as well.

Equipping adults with tools needed for HOME LIFE

Bible Study:Basics of ChristianityYouth Basics

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Adult OpportunitiesTraining

Youth Group Leaders

Prayer Circle

Many other Possibilities

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Youth GroupGame and

Relationship BuildingEx. Gibberish

Scripture Lesson

ServicePlanning or Acting

Ritual and TraditionFirst Year: Heidelberg

CatechismImage from Microsoft Clip Art

Special EventsService Trips

Membership

Camp

Easter Sunrise Service and other Services

FundraisingImages from Microsoft Clip Art

Youth and Family MinistryIt starts with Family (home and church)

through the Holy Spirit

Youth Ministry is based Scripturally

Through Various Avenues, Youth Catch their Faith

Our Program Connects Youth, Adults, and Faith through the Holy Spirit and Our Mediator Christ

Bibliography All Images from Microsoft Clip Art