youth ministry manual

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YOUTH MINISTRY MANUAL 1 OUR MISSION: We Build Students OUR OBJECTIVES Win Reach students to Christ Build Teach / Disciple students Send Mobilize

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This is a youth ministry manual created especially for volunteer youth leaders when I was the district youth director.

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Page 1: Youth Ministry Manual

YOUTH MINISTRY MANUAL

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OUR MISSION:

We Build Students

OUR OBJECTIVES

Win … Reach students to Christ Build … Teach / Disciple students Send … Mobilize students

Kentucky Teenagers … … our mission field

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YOUTH MINISTRY MANUAL

INDEXLetter from the District Youth Director page 3How Kentucky Youth Ministries (KYM) is supported page 4Kentucky Youth Ministries Guide pages 5-6The Minister of Youth (Ministry Description) pages 7-9Developing a Youth Ministry page 10Youth Meetings page 11Youth Ministry Basics page 12Youth Sponsor Ministry Description page 13Principles of Delegation page 13Why Delegation Fails page 13Youth Ministry Hints page 14Connecting with Teenagers pages 15-16Making Kids Laugh page 17Discipling Students pages 18-21Speed the Light (STL) page 22Fine Arts Festival (FAF) page 23Teen Bible Quiz (TBQ) page 24Ambassadors In Mission (AIM) page 25Youth Alive Campus Missions (YA) page 26Preaching to Teenagers page 27Clip Art page 28Kentucky Youth Ministries Calendar of Events page 29

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Kentucky Youth MinistriesKentucky Youth MinistriesKentucky District Council Assemblies of God Youth Ministries, David L. Amsler, director

P.O. Box 959 * Crestwood, Kentucky* 40014-0959* (502) 241-7111, ext. 2* (502) 241-7112 (fax)* [email protected]

Dear Pastor or Youth Leader

After more than twenty-five years of full time youth ministry I believe I can sum up what it takes to reach teenagers. In fact, one just needs to answer three questions that American teenager is asking (albeit usually non-verbally) of you in relationship to your ministry. If you fail to get the answer right you will not reach them. If you can answer the following questions to their satisfaction you will earn the right to be heard. They are asking of you;

1) Do you like me? That means “do you have time for me?” It means “when I am in your presence do you like to hang around me?” or am “I a burden to you?” The Bible says that Jesus chose his twelve disciples that “they might be with him.” It takes time spent with to impact students. Much of that time must be outside the four walls of the church. That is the major reason why planning student activities are important. The primary purpose of youth activities are not for simply keeping kids occupied … it is to be able for loving adults to develop godly relationships with teenagers and to model Christian lifestyle to them.

2) Are you for real? Teenagers need to know if what you say you believe you really do. Teenagers don’t hear very well, but they see really good – and they are watching you. They need to SEE what a real Christian looks like. The way you treat authority in your life is the way they will treat you as their authority. If you are badmouthing other Christian leaders they will talk against you. The only way for them to know if you are for real is if you show them. Again, that requires a commitment of time.

3) Is God for real? Young people love the bright lights and loud sounds of a multi-media world, but we can never get the lights bright enough or the music loud enough to satisfy the soul of the American teenager. Go ahead and use appropriate methods of reaching students. Just remember however, our clout is spiritual. Young people are hungry for God. There is something in students that cries out to know God. Paul said "My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, {5} so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power." (1 Corinthians 2:4-5 NIV)

The Word of God preached and taught with the anointing of the Holy Spirit impacts teenagers in life changing ways. Preach the Word of God to them and offer them meaningful altar experiences where they will hear a call to 1) Repentance 2) The Baptism in the Holy Spirit 3) A life of service.

I believe you have everything you need to reach teenagers. A heart for God and a heart for students will “rattle their cage.”

Sincerely,

David L. AmslerKentucky Youth Ministries

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Kentucky Youth Ministries Support

How is Kentucky Youth Ministries supported? Thanks for asking. KYM finance support comes from several key sources; District Grant, Activity/Program Income and from Church Support.

1. The District provides a grant to District Departments. The Kentucky Youth Ministries grant is $9,000.00, plus office space. Other than that head start, the Kentucky Youth Ministries must raise its own budget as approved by the District Presbytery Board. The KYM budget includes the District Youth Director compensation, KYM Secretarial salary, office supplies/equipment, all youth activities and programs.

2. Activity & Program IncomeKentucky Youth Ministries’ events and programs are expected to help subsidize the youth department.

3. Church SupportMany churches help support the Kentucky Youth Ministries with monthly support. Supporting churches are vital to the existence of our district youth department.

Please check your church receipts from the district to insure that support intended for the youth department is being credited to Kentucky Youth Ministries. It is almost impossible for the youth department to verify support offerings.

A support certificate from the Kentucky Youth Ministries is available for churches who wish to display their support to the youth department along with their missionary support certificates.

To request a support certificate please contact:

David L. Amsler, directorKentucky Youth Ministries

PO Box 959Crestwood, KY 40014502.241.7111, ext 2

[email protected]

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www.kyagyouth.org

Kentucky Youth Ministries Guide

Ambassadors In Mission

A short-term student missions trip. A.I.M. trips are conducted for stateside and overseas and sponsored by the district and national youth departments. The nationally sponsored A.I.M. trips are called AIM Extreme and are scheduled for six to eight weeks at a time. These trips are available for students who have had previous A.I.M. experience on a district sponsored trip.

Teen Bible Quiz

Teen Bible Quiz is a quizzing competition program that features quiz matches from September through March, with district finals held in April. First and Second Place teams from each district advance to National Bible Quiz Finals held in July or August.

The camp shares the site with the Kentucky District Office on nearly 27 wooded acres. The camp features dorm space for 276 people, a worship center that seats 300, a cafeteria seating 175 at a time, a snack stand open during camps, a small above ground pool, ball field volleyball pit, and new gym / activity center.

Camp Crestwood is available for churches and Christian organizations to rent for retreats and special events. For more information contact: [email protected]

Youth Camps

Kentucky Youth Ministries sponsor several weeks of camp through the summer break. Those camps includes; Youth Adult Singles Camp for young people 18-24, Combined Youth Camp for students in grades 7-12, High School Camp for students in grades 9-12, Middle School Camp for students in grades 6-8, and Kids Camps for students in grades 3-6. Students at the grade breaks may choose which camps they attend. For example, a student who will be in grade 9 in the fall may choose to attend High School Camp since he or she will be a freshman. Or that student may attend Middle School since he or she has just left middle school.

DYDDistrict Youth Director

David Amsler is our Kentucky District Youth Director (DYD) previously known as the District Christ’s Ambassadors President. (D-CAP) If you can sing the entire Christ Ambassadors Chorus from memory you are a genuine old-timer.

Dave coordinates the above ministries and events for the Kentucky Assemblies of God youth department. He also travels extensively throughout the state preaching and speaking in churches and youth groups.

Fall Fling is the largest single event of the year for Assemblies of God students. It is held the Friday and Saturday before Thanksgiving. For the next several years our event will schedule at the Civic Center in Frankfort. Fall Fling features music and ministry that is youth oriented, personally involving and spiritually impacting. The event begins Friday evening at 7:00 p.m., continues on Saturday morning at 9:00 a.m., and Saturday afternoon at 1:30 p.m.

Fine Arts Festival

Fine Arts Festival is an annual event that features competition in music, drama, art and creative writing. The festival is open to students in grades 7-12. Those receiving a Superior with Invitation may advance to National Fine Arts Finals held usually the first week in August.

Most of our Assemblies of God colleges offer scholarships and/or invitation for audition to students who do well in District and National Fine Arts.

Contact:Address:

Phone:

David L. Amsler, director or Debbie Amsler, office administrator PO Box 959 * Crestwood, KY 40014 Shipping: 7206 Clore Lane, Crestwood502-241-7111, ext. 2

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MAP TO CAMP CRESTWOODDISTRICT & KYM OFFICE

7206 Clore Lane Crestwood, KY 40014

502.241.7111, ext 2

Fax: Email:

Web Site:

[email protected] National Youth Web Site: www.youth.ag.org

Kentucky Youth Ministries Guide continued

Speed the Light Provides evangelism equipment to our foreign and home missionaries appointed by the General Council Assemblies of God Department of Foreign Missions. Nationally, teenagers raise nearly $10,000,000 a year for missions through Speed the Light. In Kentucky we will soon be raising more than $200,000 a year as a district.

STL TOUR

“Because God is in a hurry”

“Without Speed the Light missionaries wait for a ride”

STL TOUR is a goal setting rally for Speed the Light held the first three weeks of March each Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday with stops in every section in Kentucky. We ask every youth group to set a STL missions goal for the current year. We ask youth groups to set their goals based on a three-point strategy. 1) Motivate students to personal support STL with their personal finances. 2) Do one or two big fundraisers per year for STL. 3) Receive an offering from the church for STL on STL Sunday the 3 rd

Sunday of October.

Young Adult Ministries

Ministry to young adult singles (ages 18-24) is a growing focus of outreach and involvement in the local church and district ministries. We have started an annual weekend camp for young adults and hope to establish a more comprehensive ministry to this important group of young people.

Youth AliveStudent led, student initiated campus missions. It is our goal to enable students who

will present a clear presentation of the gospel every year to every student. Although students will often facilitate a club meeting Youth Alive is not a club, but a ministry strategy for enable students to take a stand on the public campus. We are also recruiting Prayer Zone Partners who will pray for every school in Kentucky.

Youth Leadership Summit Youth Leadership Summit (YLS) is our annual training event for youth workers. This weekend training is designed to provide ministry tools for all Christian workers working with teenagers; Youth Pastors, Volunteer Youth Directors, Youth Sponsors and student leaders.

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MINISTRY DESCRIPTIONThe Minister of Youth

“We Build Students”

I. PURPOSE

A. To develop a youth group in which there is spontaneous, creative, deliberate, and sincere worship of God. To create a celebratory atmosphere motivated by a love commitment to students and recognition of His worthiness.

B. To bring the youth together into a loving, caring, accepting, and trusting community by the power of the Holy Spirit. Make this a fellowship in which both social and spiritual needs can be met as young people commit themselves, not only to God but also to one another.

C. To have a ministry in which Bible study is a priority. The Teaching of the Word is to produce life so young believers will grow in Christ. This discipleship process will also include intensive training of youth gifted with leadership qualities, preparing them for ministry in the group.

D. To motivate youth toward concern for non-Christians and engage them in events where there is opportunity to share Christ. Evangelism should not be a programmed sideline but a major thrust of group activity as well as individual lifestyles. Evangelistic vision should not be limited to local needs but should encompass the world, making evangelism a matter of world missions.

E. To help students make the most important decisions they will ever make.1) Who or what they will serve2) Mate selection

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INTRODUCTION

WIN BUILD SEND The goal in youth ministry is to win students to Christ, build students into strong believers/disciples and then send students into the Lord’s harvest field.

Mission Statement for Kentucky Youth Ministries

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3) Career choice

MINISTRY DESCRIPTIONThe Minister of Youth

II. RESPONSIBILITIES

A. General Responsibilities 1 Oversee the spiritual life and Christian training of youth.

2. Coordinate and/or direct all activities related to youth (ages 12 - early 24, 7th grade through college age singles). This includes youth services, Sunday school, and youth music / worship.

B. Specific Responsibilities 1. Direct and conduct a weekly youth meeting.

2. Organize or involve youth in special events for study and challenge (Youth camps, youth conventions, etc.).

3. Organize or involve youth in special occasions for celebration and recreation, such as Banquets, parties, lock-ins and other celebrations.

4. Recruit and train leaders. 5. Plan and direct strong diversified evangelism ministry.

6. Initiate mission projects such as Speed-The-Light, educate youth in for a worldview of mission

7. Involve youth in evangelism efforts such as stateside and overseas Ambassadors in Missions (AIM).

8. Be responsible for visitation and follow-up of youth prospects and absentees.

9. Project and submit for approval a youth ministry budget.10. Promote participation in sectional and district youth activities.11. Coordinate and oversee middle and senior high Sunday School

departments as delegated by the pastor. This may include: a. Planning curriculum in cooperation with minister of Christian

education or Sunday School superintendent.b. Selecting teachers in cooperation with minister of Christian

education. c. Coordinating all other youth Sunday school activities

12. Coordinate and oversee youth worship. a. Selecting leaders b. Approving music / songs.

C. Other Responsibilities1. The youth pastor to lead youth ministry committees.2. Serve as a member of the Christian Education team.3. He shall meet regularly with youth leadership personnel for planning,

prayer, evaluation, etc.4. Meet with Sunday school departmental leaders and teachers regularly.5. Participate in weekly ministerial staff meeting as set by pastor.6. Attend all general church services and activities.7. Maintain office hours that achieve a balance between the expectations for

a member of the church staff and the realities of effective and productive ministry to youth people.

8. Keep good records, attendance, members, finances, activities, etc.

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9. Keep pastor apprised of your schedule and plans.10. Perform other duties assigned by the Senior Pastor.

MINISTRY DESCRIPTIONThe Minister of Youth

III. RELATIONSHIPS

A. Senior Pastor--The minister of youth is directly accountable to the senior pastor in all matters relating to the performance of his work. He will serve as advisor to the Pastor in matters relating to youth and will present personally the youth budget, goals, and program strategies. At the pastor’s discretion the youth pastor may audit and be available as a resource member of the church board.

B. Other Staff Members--He will cooperate and work as a "team" member with other staff. He will seek to compliment and build other staff ministries, accepting differences, praising strengths, and appreciating overlapping skills.

IV. COMMUNICATION

A. The minister of youth will keep the senior pastor informed of all work and activity for which he is responsible.

B. When the job of staff members overlap, consultation and cooperation is expected for the sake of efficiency, harmony, and maximum ministry to the congregation.

C. The youth pastor shall accept as his responsibility the communications and` promotion of activities (dates, times, necessary information) to the youth and congregation through announcements, mailings, church bulletins, etc.

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DEVELOPING A YOUTH MINISTRYAdapted from the National Youth Department’s

Youth Ministry Manual “How to Get a Youth Group Going” (page 13)

INTRODUCTION Set goals Work toward balance and maturity.

I. Methods – What is the best strategy? List all the possible ways of reaching your goals: Bible study, guest

speaker, films, music, discussion, panel, drama, etc. Try a new idea or a different method to convoy the message. Don’t just repeat last week’s method, even if it worked!

II. Means – How much will it cost? Before you plan an elaborate program or invite a famous musical group,

be sure to check with the pastor. Keep your plans within the financial limits of your youth group.

III. Machinery / Material – What kind of equipment will be needed? For instance, if you want to show a film or video, be sure you can get the

equipment needed. If equipment is not available or affordable, simplify your plans or find a

creative alternative.

IV. Manpower – How much help will you need? Keep in mind the size of your group. Will you need extra help in arranging the room? Decorating? Serving

refreshments? Cleaning up? Your personnel are part of your resources.

V. Minutes – How much time do you have to activate your plans? If your youth service is only three weeks away, you may not have time to

order a video, or schedule the speaker you wanted. On the other hand, a there may be local youth pastors available. The bigger and more elaborate the event the more time you need to

plan.

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YOUTH MEETINGSMost youth meetings are designed especially for middle and high school students. College age

singles are sometimes encouraged to be a part of the youth ministry by serving as youth leaders and serving as role models for younger students.

Youth meetings are designed to achieve a balance of several biblical ministry goals: 1) Worship (prayer and ministry to God), 2) Fellowship (Christian relationships & activities) 3) Discipleship (training and teaching) 4) Evangelism (reaching the lost).

A typical youth meeting might consist of the following:

1. An adequate room prepared. Provide enough space for movement, activity, fellowship, etc.2. Youth staff (youth pastor / leader, adult youth sponsors) prepared to greet students

Every student should be personally greeted An attendance role should be kept It is recommended that you allow students to sign-in every meeting. You may wish to divide the group into teams with a leader for each group who would

take role for their team.

3. The Youth Meeting may consist of the following: A leader opens the youth meeting with a welcome. Announcements Offering for your youth ministry and/or Speed the Light Worship that is 1) God directed, 2) Student oriented and 3) Personally involving Group prayer and/or testimonies from students Special ministry – music or drama by a student. Message to students that is biblically sound, culturally relevant to students and

interesting. I recommend using a lot of illustrated messages, illustrations, stories, etc.

Prayer response Dismissal Leaders need to be ready to be involved in informal interaction with students following

the youth meeting. Many times this is a time students will talk or look for prayer. Clean

4. Follow up Contact all students regularly with a card and/or phone call. (Students LOVE mail). Contact all absentees within the next 2 days with a card or phone call Contact strong prospects (students who have attended in the last year) Contact all visitors within the next 2 days to thank them for coming and invite back.

SAMPLE SCHEDULE

6:00 P.M. Youth Room set up6:30 P.M. Youth staff ready to great students and take role as students arrive

You can’t go wrong with offering food, i.e., chips, cookies, etc.7:00 P.M. Open Youth Meeting with welcome, prayer, announcements7:10 P.M. Crowd breaker (optional) an interactive event designed to help students fill at ease

with each other and at ease about coming into a new place.7:20 P.M. Worship with a climax in a short group prayer for special needs.7:35 P.M. Student Ministry: Testimony, song, drama, etc.7:45 P.M. Message from youth leader8:05 P.M. Prayer Response8:15-8:30 Dismissal – Close with group prayer.

Informal fellowship & Cleanup

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THE BASICS

1. Plan the calendar A monthly activity Speed the Light focus Youth Camp Fall Fling Evangelism trip Informal gatherings – pizza with the pastor, popcorn and video, etc

2. Ministry Objectives-Target ministry to the three most important decisions a person will ever make Who or what they will serve Mate selection Career choice

3. Balance of ministry goals Dynamic worship Relevant Bible instruction Christian fellowship/activities Opportunities to share faith in Jesus

4. Develop a strategy Regular youth meeting Youth Bible Study – Sunday school, small groups Youth ministry opportunities, i.e, youth music team, drama, Youth Camps Fall Fling Speed the Light Fine Arts Ambassadors In Mission Retreats Leadership Training Special Events, i.e., ski-trips, lock-ins, fundraisers, socials, holiday events, etc.

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YOUTH SPONSOR MINISTRY DESCRIPTION

For Adult Youth Sponsors

1. Attend youth meetings and as many church sponsored youth activities as possible2. Oversee a small group of 6-12 students by

Take attendance of your group at every youth meeting Contact all absentees and visitors by phone or mail in the next 2 days Great students, especially those on your team. Help visitors fill out guest card that listed name, address, phone, birthday, etc. Help maintain discipline in the youth meeting

1. Try a low key approach first. Get them on your side. Ask for their help. Use peer pressure; “no one acts that way here in our youth group.”

2. Next be more direct, but ask for their help. For example, “John, help me out … you need to be quiet now”.

3. Next, if they continue to act up, call them aside and ask them to be quiet.4. Next, let the group leader handle additional problems. You may need to

address the problem following the youth meeting.5. Last resort - ask the student to not come back until they can change their

behavior.

3. Motivate students to help you clean up after the youth meetings4. Let the youth leader know in advance when you will be absent.5. Prayer for youth regularly

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PRINCIPLES OF DELEGATIONBy John Palmer, pastor

1. Define the ministry task in writing – job description2. Prayerfully select someone you feel can do the job3. Give the job description to that person4. Ask that person to prayerfully consider the ministry5. Set up an appointment to meet again.6. At that meeting find out if that person feels the Lord is directing toward that ministry.7. If that person accepts, begin training … then the ministry.8. Arrange for reports 9. Go over the report and discuss progress.

WHY DELEGATION FAILSBy John Palmer, pastor

1. The worker was not capable2. The gifts of the worker weren’t matched with the needs of the ministry3. The worker was not clearly informed as to his responsibilities4. Proper training was not offered or was not taken advance of.5. The worker was not oriented to his relationship with others.6. The administrator did not trust the decisions of the worker.7. The administrator dumped … he did not delegate8. The administrator failed to hold a “loose rein.”

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YOUTH MINISTRY HINTS1. Pastoral involvement is critical

Teenagers must know that the senior pastor is concerned and involved in youth ministry – even in churches who have a full time youth pastor on staff. The goal of the youth pastor is not to be a separate church for young people, but to build students into disciples to be a part of the body of Christ. Teenagers need to know that the senior pastor is their pastor, too.

Once in a while plan a time where you trade places in a service with the youth pastor. You preach to the youth group and let the youth pastor speaks to the adults.

Announce on a Sunday night that you are inviting the entire youth group out for pizza (You or the church buys. You can’t go wrong with feeding teenagers.)

Do a question and answer session in a youth Sunday School class or youth meeting.

Often attend youth convention and other youth events. Let your youth pastor plan the events, but you show up to hang out with the youth group.

Show up at sporting events for band concerts that your young people are involved in – even Junior Varsity games are great. Work the crowd – check out all the students who are from your congregation. They will think you are great for coming to see them.

Send kids mail for any reason … because they missed church or because they didn’t miss church.

Ask your youth leaders to get attendance records at youth group with a mailing list. Ask for regular contacts of youth members, of visitors of absentees. That says, “We care. We value your participation.”

Offer regular youth oriented services – music night, drama night, young person preaches, youth leader preaches, illustrated message.

Serve as a counselor for youth camp. Hey, this separates the

2. A Father’s Heart

“I wish I could be your dad” is the statement that Josh McDowell often speaks to teenagers. His heart for young people speaks deep into their lives and earns him the right to be heard.

Rules without relationship equal rebellion.

3. Set the Tone for Youth Ministry

“Where there are no oxen the stall is clean” is a message my father often reminds his congregation in Quincy, Illinois. He notes that working with young people requires work, but it is worth the labor.

Prepare the congregation and older adults with the cost and the benefits of youth ministry

Time Capsule – Youth Ministry is like a time capsule where we pour our lives into young people. One day they will go into the future where we cannot go (they will out live us), but they will take something with them from our investment into their lives.

Investment – It is an investment to work with students. Dividends come later. Leadership Development – We are developing future leaders, pastors,

missionaries, teachers, and workers for the Kingdom of God. Discipleship – Remember our mission statement “We Build Students.”

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CONNECTING WITH TEENAGERS

Answer questions they are asking? Do you like me? Are you for real?

Consistency Rules – Firm, fair, consistent Example – “they’re watching”

Attitudes Answer guest ions they are asking?

Do you like me?Are you for real?Is God for real?

Pretend like they like you even if you don’t think they do. Have a YES face.

Time Love for Kids – Love = time spent with Time Spent With – must be with them. Think about Moses and his young aid Joshua who

he took with him into the presence of God. Look for excuses to be with kids outside the four walls of the church

Invite over for dinner – use your best place settings.Take kids shoppingSpeaking somewhere? Take a few kids.Travel with them to youth rallies, youth conventionAfter church on Sunday nights or Wednesday nights.Invite over for pizza or popcorn.Volunteer to work a week of camp – you’ll be tired, but energized with spending a week with your young people.

Involve in Ministry – Don’t rehearse forever and not actually do something. Teenagers need more action, less talk. Take a couple of students with you on hospital calls. Take a small group to the nursing home; let them sing, speak, preach, shake hands, pray,

etc. Regularly use students in drama for a Sunday service Youth Worship Team (stay ahead of the curve in fresh music) – have students involved in

the adult praise and worship team, too. Get them involved in Fine Arts Festival

Communication – when you preach to teenagers. High Energy – talk a little faster, be expressive, and act as if you believe it. Sense of Fun – Do you enjoy being a Christian? Do you enjoy the Word of God? Show it. Sense of Urgency – Time is running out. Sense of Purpose – “Get it right, get it hot, get it out.” Culturally relevant – Answer questions kids are asking. Biblically sound – Be Bible based Effective use of Illustrations – Young people love stories, illustrations, drama and music.

Space Do what you can to make the youth room feel good and look good to teenagers. If it looks like Kiddy Corner – trust me, they will not like the room. Avoid when possible a

room in which children’s materials must hang on the walls. Allow the youth to help decorate the room – keep veto power just in case.

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Room needs to be big enough for elbow room – they need to more around a little. However, avoid a room so big in which they feel lost.

CONNECTING WITH TEENAGERS cont.

Contact If you never contact them they will think you don’t care. Mail: Kids love mail – even junk mail. Send a Monthly newsletter – Prepare a weekly youth bulletin Send a monthly parents newsletter Calls: Make sure every kid gets called once a week. Get adult leaders to help you. Get

other student leaders to help. “Dave asked me to call you and remind you that Wednesday night is Survival Night.”

E-mail: Group email line might work. School Lunch: School Visit with Principal & Parental permission – Greet students at church.

Remember Young people are your business / ministry. People first, projects second.

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MAKING KIDS LAUGHNotes adapted from: Making Kids Laugh; Using Humor to connect with Youth, by Ken Davis

Humor Humor is more than a joke - It’s a way to see the funny side of life. Humor is more than silliness - Pure stupidity may be funny, but has no point. Humor is more than a stand up act. “It’s much easier to help a good

communicator develop a sense of humor than it is to help a good comedian learn to use comedy to communicate.”

Builds almost common rapport with an audience Helps everyone start from the same point of understanding. A humorous story can accomplish what a whole speech couldn’t. Provides instant feedback from an audience. Just because an audience is looking directly at you, doesn’t mean they are

listening and hanging on every word. They may have you tuned out.

Steps to helping kids laugh

Be NaturalBe yourself - Let the humor of your speech show through your personality. If you are serious, you will probably be more comfortable with dry, witty humor.

How to Destroy of JokeNever say:

I heard a great joke today You’re going to love this one My daughter said something hilarious.

If people don’t think it’s a great joke or if they don’t love it, you’re dead!Once you’re dead it’s hard to communicate.

Never Allow humor to cloud the message. Use technical terms people don’t understand Telegraph the punch line Fumble the punch line Explain the punch line Tell an old joke that everyone knows. Tell an offensive joke

Know what makes an Idea Funny Surprise Exaggeration Truth

Questions you don’t want your child to answer, “Do you think I’m stupid?

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Or yelling out the back door, “If you cut off your legs playing with that lawn mower, don’t come running to me.”

Remember: “Seize the Moment, Not Your Teen” by Bill Sanders

DISCIPLING STUDENTS

DISCIPLESHIP IS OUR MISISON:

“Therefore go and make disciples …” (Matthew 28:19)

Barry St. Clair says “in one large denomination, only 6 percent of those who grow up in a church make it into a church when they go to college.”

I’ve heard Assemblies of God leaders say that only 2% of our kids are going to one of our A/G colleges. That means most of our kids are going to secular colleges or entering the work force. An Assemblies of God survey in the late 1990’s reported that of our A/G students who choose to enter a secular college 90% will drop out of church. About ½ will eventually return to the church. The survey said that of those who immediately enter the work force after high school has a 50% church drop out rate.

In Barry’s St Clair’s words, “Someone’s failing to transform these attendees into followers.” We are doing something wrong if the majority of our kids going through our Sunday School and youth groups are not being made into disciples. Discipleship IS OUR MISSION. Jesus did not call us to get a crowd together. He called us to make discipleships. Anything less is NOT our mission.

WHY WE DISCIPLE STUDENTS

1. Jesus told us to Matthew 28:18-202. Discipleship produces fruit that remains. John 15:16 3. It’s the only way we’re going to see life change and produce life changers.4. Discipleship multiplies spiritual leaders (2 Timothy 2:2)5. Discipleship helps fulfill the Great Commission.

POWER OF DISCIPLESHIP

Win one person and disciple that person so that at the end of one year, each of you can win and disciple another person.

Year 1 2 peopleYear 2 4 peopleYear 3 8 peopleYear 5 32 peopleYear 10 1,024 peopleYear 15 32,768 people

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Year 20 1,048,576 peopleYear 34 8,589,934,592 people

David Raley, our national Speed the Light director says that there are enough Christians in the world right now that if every one would win someone Christ today, then both would then win someone else to Christ tomorrow, then the combined group would win another to Christ the next day – by the end of the third day the world would be won to Christ.

DISCIPLING STUDENTS cont.

DISCIPLESHIP PRINCIPLES

And the things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, these entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.” (2 Timothy 2:2 NASB)

“…from me …” Pass on only what you possess. You can’t give away what you don’t have.

“…you heard from me…” Prioritize relationshipsJesus chose His 12 “…that they might be with him…”

Mark 3:14Sometimes we chose 12 so we can lecture them.

“…these entrust to faithful men …” Give them something. Discipleship is more than a good relationship.

We have a treasure that we must pass on.

This includes: Teaching “Who is Jesus,” “How do I deal with personal sin,” Training; “How to Pray,” “How to study the Bible,” “Character building,” “Ministry,” “Righteous Mate Selection,” “Career Choices,” etc.

Don’t waste kids time in Sunday school, small groups, youth groups, etc. It’s okay to have a sense of fun and good humor, but your kids need more than a comedy

routine or a pooling of ignorance. Use a good Bible based, Pentecostal curriculum that will make them think. I suggest

Radiant Life. If you have not reviewed the teen curriculum in the last few months you cannot judge its quality honestly.

Some people like to write their own curriculum, but be careful. Most people avoid prepared curriculum because 1) They don’t know how to teach, 2) They don’t like the discipline of studying prepared materials and they tend to “wing it” every week, 3) They think their personal material is better.

Think about it. If what you’re writing is so good and so effective that kids that who are graduating from your group are on fire for Jesus then you need to be sharing your materials. In fact I’ll help you market your material.

“in the presence of many witnesses …” Be Real

Timothy spent more than just “Bible study” with Paul. He saw Paul in all kinds of life situations. Discipleship happens only in real life. Kids need to see how you work through life’s problems.

“…to faithful men…” Recruit F.A.T. students

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Faith-fillAvailableTeachable

“who will be able to teach others also.” Teach them to reproduce.

DISCIPLING STUDENTS cont.

DISCIPLESHIP IS A PROCESS - Discipleship is a process by which we produce disciples.

1. Pray Jesus prayed all night before choosing His disciples.

2. Plan ahead Determine an appropriate time & place.Decide on what materials you will use – order plenty and in time.

3. Recruit General announcementPersonally challenge specific individuals who God lays on your heart.

“Do you want to be a man or women of God?”“Here’s what it will cost you,” “Here are the recruitments of the course,” etc.

4. Prepare Many resources are available. Find those that fit and prepare to lead.

5. Lead Weekly lead toward Christ.Discuss material that will produce life change.Equip and mobilize life changers.Group time may include; saying Scripture verses, discussing the topic, opening the session to discuss personal issues they face.

6. Grow Focus on helping students grow in graceGrace is God’s supernatural ability in me through the Cross and the Resurrection.

“And the things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, these entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.” (2 Timothy 2:2 NASB)

DISCIPLESHIP STATEMENTSFrom Jacob Aranza

God not only drew you to Himself through someone (the person who led you to Christ), but he gave you to others (to those you lead to Christ).

Jesus did not call His disciples only to listen to Him, but to be with Him.

In discipleship, you reproduce in others only what you are yourself.

Your ability to give correction, instruction, reproof, and rebuke may well determine the quality of your disciples.

Our willingness to speak the truth in love proves your authority over and love for those you disciple.

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Your ability to receive correction will determine the kind of disciples you will produce.

Jesus never gave His disciples preaching lessons or healing lessons.

Understand the benefits of joining. (Modeling the grace of God, even in weaknesses).

Walk though disagreement and conflict.

Guard your heart from unforgiveness and resentment.

DISCIPLING STUDENTS cont.

THE COST OF DISCIPLESHIP

Jacob says, “The discipleship process is painful, time consuming, and sometimes disappointing. Yet it is richly rewarding, effective, and the means Jesus called us to for the sake of His kingdom. Jesus spent 80 percent of His three years of ministry in personal discipleship. So obey Him. Go and make disciples.”

Jacob is the founder of Aranza Outreach and the Smith Lodge Teen and Family Conference Center. He has been a featured speaker for the Billy Graham Crusade, Promise Keepers, and Focus on the Family.

ROAD TRIP IS HERE!

Our National Youth Ministries and Kentucky Youth Ministries focus on developing students in their walks with Christ through challenging and relevant resources. Following is information on a discipleship program from the National office.

The long-awaited discipleship course is now available through GPH. This 3-book series is designed to give students an in-depth study of Pentecostal Christianity. The student books are designed for individual study, complete with thought-provoking questions and journal pages. The leader's books provide suggested answers to the review questions, and Part One includes a 7-chapter overview of the philosophy of discipleship.

The series covers such topics as: What does it mean to be a Christian? Sanctification and ordinances of the Church The five purposes of the church The four cardinal doctrines of Pentecostalism Spiritual habits How to interact with the Bible Prayer Stewardship Encountering needs with action Discovering your passions and personality Spiritual giftedness

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GLOBYLNET

GlobYLnet is a training seminar that provides on-site youth ministries training in response to the needs of the missionary. The National Youth Ministries office has partnered with Assemblies of God Foreign Missions to help missionaries and the national church overseas conduct youth leadership training seminars. For more information on GlobYLnet contact the Kentucky Youth Ministries.

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SPEED THE LIGHT

SPEED THE LIGHT

Speed the Light (STL) is the student-initiated ministry that provides transportation and communications equipment to missionaries across the nation and in over 150 countries around the world.

STL has its humble beginnings in 1944 when Ralph W. Harris (then head of the NYD), prayed for a way to give A/G youth the opportunity to help missionaries in their work.

Today, STL is one of the most effective missions programs in the church world. Assemblies of God students have accepted a great responsibility to voluntarily raise funds to purchase the equipment. Since its inception, STL has raised more than total of $180,000,000 for missionary equipment around the world.

Speed the Light has one guiding principle: All assistance must go to purchase equipment directly related to evangelism (“evangelism” is defined as propagating the gospel and instructing converts). STL equipment has not been nor is presently given for promotion, solicitation, or normal administrative funds.

SPEED THE LIGHT TESTIMONY

In 1963 Paul and Betty Brannon were the first fully appointed missionaries from Kentucky. Kentucky students through Speed the Light provided their first STL vehicle that helped them on their first assignment. Since then, STL has provided them with equipment that has helped them

reach thousands of people.

On behalf of our missionaries willing to go, “thank you for your partnership in missions!”

 

FINE ARTS FESTIVAL23

Paul & Betty BrannonFirst Kentucky STL VehicleColumbia, South American

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FINE ARTS FESTIVAL

The Fine Arts Festival is a valuable opportunity for students to discover and develop their ministry gifts. It is becoming one of the fastest growing ministry areas in our Fellowship with over 31,000 students participating in 2003 across the nation. Students are discovering God has given each and every one of them a gift that needs to be developed and shared with others.

The Fine Arts Festival program exists to allow students to sharpen their talents as they minister to others.

What is Fine Arts Festival?

Each year, thousands of students across the nation take the opportunity to pursue excellence in the arts through the ministry of Fine Arts. Fine Arts is a medium of ministry and education and is one of the many programs of the Assemblies of God National Youth Ministries. Our mission is “to help students discover and develop their ministry gifts.” Students are given the opportunity to develop individual and/or group presentations in their areas of gifting and are evaluated at various levels by adjudicators who encourage excellence and offer ideas for improvement.

How do I get involved in Fine Arts?All students who desire to be involved in the national Fine Arts ministry must first be involved in their district Fine Arts. To obtain current information regarding our district Fine Arts, please contact your District Youth Director (DYD). Our Fine Arts Festival is held the last Friday-Saturday of April, prior to the national Fine Arts Festival held each summer

What are the benefits and opportunities available through involvement in Fine Arts?“[Fine Arts] will revolutionize your life, help make you a more effective minister, provide you with opportunities to make friends, give you an opportunity to earn scholarship money, and give you an incredible opportunity to use your gifts and talents for the Lord!” Jacklyn Pasquale2000 Short Sermon National Merit Award winner

“[Our} human video ceased to be a performance. It became an act of worship, and the audience worshiped with us. We were humbled as a team. We’ve been changed ever since. In a moment, God completely reinforced His call on my life to go into full-time ministry. We left the 2000 National Fine Arts Festival changed.”Jonathan Douglas2000 Human Video Group National Merit Award winner

“[Fine Arts] is an incredible opportunity to grow in your God-given talents and to be built up by others. You make friendships that last a lifetime. It’s really an awesome experience!” Natalie GrantPamplin Christian contemporary recording artist

Fine Arts is designed to give students opportunities to learn about their God-given gifts. This ministry encourages students to develop their gifts and then use them in their local schools, churches, and communities. Fine Arts Festivals enable students to experience a time of learning through workshops, evaluations, and interaction with other students.

If you have any questions relating to our district Festival, please contact the District Youth Director’s office at 502-241-7111, ext. 2 or E-mail [email protected]

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TEEN BIBLE QUIZ

TEEN BIBLE QUIZ

Bible Quiz is a test of your knowledge of the Bible. Two teams of three quizzers each face a series of twenty questions with varying difficulty. The first contestant to "buzz in" and answer the question correctly gains points for his or her team; if the contestant answers incorrectly, the team loses points.

Quizzers cover a different portion of the New Testament (New International Version) each season. The theme rotates every eight years and includes three of the four Gospels, the book of Acts, and various groups of the Epistles. Bible Quiz requires more than just the ability to recite Scripture. Players must also learn people and places mentioned and become familiar with exclamations, questions, parenthetical statements, Old Testament passages, and more.

Who can quiz?Teens in grades seven through twelve who attend an Assemblies of God church may participate in Bible Quiz. Each team may have up to six members. Your church may have as many teams as you like.

When are the matches?Each district schedules its own matches (roughly 4-5 times a year). Competition usually starts in October or early November. The season ends with district playoffs—which determine the teams who will move on to one of eight regional tournaments. Five teams from each region advance to the annual Bible Quiz National Finals. Kentucky matches are held the second Saturday of each month beginning in October and ending in March. District Finals are held the second Friday-Saturday of April with winners advancing to Regional Finals held in May.

What about scholarships?Over the years, nearly all colleges and Bible schools affiliated with the Assemblies of God have offered scholarships to top quizzers and teams. Currently, these scholarships range from $200 for each member of a district runner-up team to full four-year scholarships for the top individual quizzer at National Finals. Additional scholarships are given by the National Bible Quiz Department at National Finals.

How do I get started?The National Bible Quiz office publishes Bible Quiz materials to help you get started and coach your team. For more information on starting a Bible Quiz team, contact the Kentucky Youth Ministries in the District Office.

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AMBASSADORS IN MISSION

What is AIM?

AIM (Ambassadors In Mission) is a Youth Missions program designed to equip, train, and send young people to experience the Great Commission. The national program is a partnership between the National Youth Ministries and Assemblies of God World Missions

Kentucky Youth Ministries seeks to mobilize hundreds of Kentucky students for ministry on overseas and stateside evangelism outreaches. We are developing leadership who will take teams to Latin America, the Inner City, Europe, Mexico and stateside sites.

There are three types of AIM trips.1) National AIM teams 2) District Sponsored AIM teams 3) Local Church AIM teams.

The Kentucky Youth Ministries is developing a District AIM Leadership team to strategize locations where AIM teams are most needed. We are providing leadership training for our team leaders and working with our national office to insure coordination of ministry with our missionaries.

Local churches desiring to lead their own AIM need to be aware of the following:

The term AIM is a protected name for teams meeting five requirements:1. Secure written permission from the Assemblies of God World missionary hosting your trip.2. Notify in writing your district youth director of your AIM trip plans3. Complete the AIM Outreach form. (This form is available in the AIM Outreach Packet. To

order call Gospel Publishing House (GPH) at 1-800-641-4310; request item #732-001. The cost is $5.00.) This form should be received in the National AIM office well in advance of your trip to make sure the trip is approved. We suggest 60 days prior to the trip date.

4. Obtain short-term insurance coverage from Brotherhood Mutual at 1-800-876-4994; ask for Maria Weber and request AIM insurance.

5. Complete the AIM Outreach Report / World Ministries Giving Credit form and return it thirty days after your trip. This form is available in the AIM Outreach Packet.

Richard Hammer, the legal counsel for the General Council Assemblies of God also suggests that each team:

1. Screen all adult chaperones2. Provide the National AIM Leadership Training for adult chaperones3. Provide each AIMer with national AIM Manual ($10.00)

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YOUTH ALIVE CAMPUS MISSIONS

Youth Alive Campus Mission’s Strategy Youth Alive focuses on several key areas of campus ministry toward our goal of

reaching every student on every campus in every community.

1) Campus Missionaries – recruiting, training, equipping students who will make a five fold commitment to Live, Pray, Tell, Serve and Give.

2) Campus Clubs – Chartering, Equipping and Recognizing Christian campus clubs

3) Prayer Zone Partners – Recruiting enough PZPs that every campus in Kentucky has at least one person praying daily for students.

4) The Seven Project – a four component effort to impact the public school through Action Boxes, School Assembly, Come-back Rallies and Student Web Portal.

Youth Alive also partners with other ministries like His Story, Book of Hope USA, See You At The Pole, Light For The Lost, Speed the Light and other campus ministries.

Home Missionary for Kentucky Students The Assemblies of God Home Missions has appointed Darian and Kristie Amsler

as Youth Alive Home Missionaries for the students of Kentucky to help Kentucky Youth Ministries reach the campuses of our state.

As Home Missionaries they must raise their budget as every missionary must. Darian and Kristie report to the District Youth Director since Youth Alive is a ministry of the youth department. However, as home missionaries they raise 100% of their required budget through church and individual support. The AGHM has set the total budget which includes the work budget they are required to raise.

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CampusMissionaries

Seven Project

CampusClubs

PrayerZonePartners

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Already, they are receiving regular reports from students all across Kentucky who are taking a stand for Christ on the public school campus. Students are reporting leading friends to Christ through the Youth Alive Campus Mission’s strategy.

Get more information on Youth Alive at www.yacampus.org or email [email protected].

PREACHING TO TEENAGERS

Teenagers need to be “preached to, not at” – but, they do need to hear the word of God preached with passion in a culturally relevant fashion. They need to know what the Word of God says and what it means. One cannot disciple kids without preaching and teaching them the scripture.

When speaking to youth, have the attitude of Josh McDowell who says, “I wish I could be your dad.” It crosses age barriers and speaks compassion into the live of teenagers.

“Get it right, get it hot, and get it out.” -Dawson McAllister (Author, youth evangelist)Preach messages that are biblically sound with fire for Christ, make the message culturally relevant and present it the best you can.

“It should be a sin to bore a teenager with the word of God.” -Dave Amsler (KY DYD)If you are going to speak to teenagers from scripture do it to keep their attention.> Use great passion for God> Use lots of illustrations and stories. Jesus told stories to teach the Word of God.> Use a good humor.

"For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe." – 1 Corinthians 1:21 KJV

Preaching is still effective way to present truth to teenagers. The Word of God is powerful!

Learn to use effective communication skills when you preach to teenagers.> High Energy – talk a little faster, be expressive, act as if you believe it.> Sense of Fun – Do you enjoy being a Christian? Do you enjoy the Word of God. Show it.> Sense of Urgency – Time is running out.> Sense of Purpose – “Get it right, get it hot, get it out.”> Culturally relevant – Answer questions kids are asking.> Biblically sound – Be Bible based> Effective use of Illustrations – Young people love stories, illustrations, drama and music.

“Get it right, get it hot, get it out.” -Dawson McAllister (Author, youth evangelist)

“I wish I could be your dad.” -Josh McDowell (Author, youth speaker)

“It should be a sin to bore a teenager with the word of God.” -Dave Amsler (KY DYD)

"For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe." –Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 1:21 KJV

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GRAPHICSKentucky Youth Ministries

Ambassadors In Mission Teen Bible Quiz Fine Arts Festival

Kentucky Youth Ministries Speed the Light 2004-5 Speed the Light Theme

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Youth Alive Young Adult Ministries Camp Crestwood& Christian Camping International USA

member logo

Offering hope to Every Student, on Every Campus, In Every Community

Calendar of Events: 2006Revised June 2005

Date Event Location CommentJanuary 14-16, 2006 PK Weekend Camp Crestwood Preacher’s Kids Retreat

January 27-28, 2006 Youth Leadership Summit Camp Crestwood TBA

Friday February 24, 2005

SPEED THE LIGHTTour 2006

Louisville & N Central Section 7:00 P (location to be announced)

Sat. February 25, 2005 Jackson Purchase Section 5:00 P (location to be announced)

Monday, Feb. 27, 2005 Pennyrile Section 5:00 P (location to be announced)

Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2005 Central & S Central Section 7:00 P (location to be announced)

Thursday March 2, 2005 Northern Section 7:00 P (location to be announced)

Friday March 3, 2005 Northeast Section 7:00 P (location to be announced)

Saturday March 4, 2005 Mountain Section 5:00 P (location to be announced)

Mon. March 6, 2005 Cumberland Section 7:00 P (location to be announced)

Tue. March 7, 2005 Red River & Bluegrass 7:00 P (location to be announced)

Fri-Sat, March 17-18, 2006 Fine Arts Festival Evangel, Louisville Annual Fine Arts Finals (Billtown Rd Campus)

March 31 - April 9, 2006 Spring Break AIM Trip Pau, France Convoy of Hope Ambassadors in Mission Trip

Sunday April 23, 2006 NATIONAL YOUTH DAY YOUTH CHURCH Highlight your church’s youth ministry

April 19, 2006 Flip The Script Day Your Campus Book of Hope Distribution Day

Grand Club Banquet Radisson, Lexington 5:00 P at District Council in Lexington

Fri-Sun., June 2-4, 2006 Young Adult Singles Camp Camp Crestwood HS grads up through “twenty something”

Mon-Fri June 12-16, 2006 Combined Youth Camp Camp Crestwood With Martha Tennison

Mon-Fri June 19-23, 2006 High School Camp Camp Crestwood Lowell Hochhalter

Mon-Fri June 26-30, 2006 Kids Camp One Camp Crestwood TBA

Mon-Fri July 3-6, 2006 Middle School Camp Camp Crestwood With Steve Pulis

July 7-15, 2006 Summer AIM Trip TBA TBA

Mon-Fri July 10-14, 2006 Kids Camp Two Camp Crestwood TBA

Mon-Fri July 17-21, 2006 Kids Camp Three Camp Crestwood TBA

Mon-Fri., July 31-July 5 National Fine Arts TBA In conjunction with General Council

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Mon-Fri., July 31-July 5 Convoy of Hope AIM TBA In conjunction with General Council

Fri-Sat., Sept. 8-9, 2006 Youth Alive Conference Camp Crestwood Reaching a Campus

Sunday October 15, 2006 SPEED THE LIGHT DAY YOUR CHURCH Receive a Special Offering for Speed the Light

Fri-Sat., Nov. 17-18, 2006 Fall Fling Frankfort With Benny Perez,

Kentucky Youth Ministries * PO Box 959 * Crestwood, KY 40014 * 502.241.7111 * [email protected] * www. kyagyouth.org

INTERVIEW GUIDE (For Pastor Interviewing Potential Youth Pastor)

Following are some sample questions to ask a potential youth pastor.A pastor is not looking only for the “right” answers, but most of the “right spirit.” Is the candidate teachable, flexible, a person of integrity and most of all does the candidate have a passion for Christ and compassion for students that motivates their life?

What is your philosophy of ministry?

Tell me about yourself.

What is your spiritual history?

What kind of ministerial experiences do you have?

Are your finances in good order?

What Contributions to missions

Are you in good physical health?

How are your family relationships?

Tell me about your call to ministry?

Explain your burden for young people.

How were your past staff pastoral relationships?

Are you flexible, loyal, etc.?

Can you carry on without supervision?

Can I check your references without you being disturbed?

Can you take discipline?

Can you be honest with me when you're in need?

Will you support the team?

Are you a participator or spectator?

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SHOULD I STAY FOR SHOULD I GO?by steve case

If you’re ready to stick a fork in your current ministry, take our self-test first. Then stick a fork in it with a clear conscience.

“This indecision’s bugging me/If you don’t want me, set me free/Exactly who am I supposed to be?/Don’t you know which clothes even fit me?/Come on and let me know/Should I cool it or should I blow?/Should I stay or should I go now?/Should I stay or should I go now?/If I go there will be trouble/And if I stay it will be double/So you gotta let me know/Should I stay or should I go?”

In your case, it’s not just an ‘80s The Clash song—it’s down-and-dirty youth ministry reality. If you’re reading these words, there’s a good chance you’re right now so frustrated about something connected to your ministry that you’re tempted to haul out your résumé and start looking. Maybe you feel as if your nameplate has too often read “staff punching bag.” And you’re asking yourself, “Is this unhealthy for me? Am I just being too sensitive? Do I tell myself to just get over it, or is it time to shake the dust off my feet?”

I’ve created a simple test that will help you answer these questions. The answers won’t make the decision for you, but they’ll point you in the right direction. By the

way, don’t take this test when you’re angry or stressed out. Take it in a quiet place where you won’t be interrupted—and be fierce about answering honestly.

Rank each question from 1 to 10 by circling a number. Ten means “strongly agree,” one means “strongly disagree.”

1. I would rather have a root canal than go to another administrative meeting.    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 102. The only thing I like about my job is the teenagers.    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 103. This year’s fund-raiser was the same as the fund-raiser we did two years ago.    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 104. What budget? We have to hold a bake sale to buy pizza.    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 105. We do the same mission trip every year.    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 106. Youth Sunday is pretty much the only time the youth are given responsibilities in the worship service.    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 107. My boss is more concerned with office hours, newsletter articles, and budgets than with teenagers.    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 108. If something breaks, burns, disappears, or gets damaged, the first place people in this church look is at the youth group.   1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 109. If another opportunity opened and it was offered to me, I’d jump at it.    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1010. I am continuously compared to the previous youth director and found to be wanting.    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1011. There is no room for creativity here.    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1012. I don’t mind pushing boulders uphill. It’s the ones rolling down at me that ruin my day.    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1013. The church is okay, but there’s one person who will bash me no matter what I do.    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1014. This is temporary. I’ll eventually move on to a higher position in the church or to another career.    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1015. I have a basic outline for every youth meeting for the rest of the year.    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1016. There are no posters, toys, or other useless knickknacks in my office.    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1017. I keep “score” for every kid I have saved.    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

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18. There are no church policies that have been implemented as a result of my youth group.   1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1019. If I eat pizza one more time I’m going to puke.    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1020. What I really want to do is write.

   1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Should I Stay Or Should I Go? (continued)score yourself

20 to 39 — Why are you taking this test again?

40 to 69 — Be strong. Make a few changes and you can make this job a dream.

70 to 99 — Guess what? You’re not alone. Everybody’s got something to deal with. Problems are temporary. Sometimes you have to hit bottom before you start to see fruit in your ministry.

100 to 129 — Ask for next Sunday off. Sleep in. Eat out. Take a day. Then reassess your situation and start over.

130 to 159 — You may need more than a day or two off. Take a week to spend time with your family or friends. Or take a break to spend some time alone. Do something that has nothing to do with youth ministry, then come back and start again.

160 to 189 — It might not hurt to update your résumé. Keep your ears open. Check the want ads in your denomination’s newsletter or visit an online job search site for youth leaders (www.youthministry.com or www.youthspecialties.com). It never hurts to be prepared. Sometimes that’s enough to make you feel better.

190 to 200 — You already know the answer.

beyond your score

Don’t read too much into this self-test... 1. Remember, all of this angst you’re feeling could mean absolutely nothing. Pray, pursue clarity, then

make a thoughtful decision. Don’t let emotions or people who could pass for Job’s friends be your surrogate decision-makers.

2. That person who’s driving you nuts at your current church is waiting for you at your next one. Your nemesis will look different and have a different name at your next church, but he’s really the same person. You’ll feel as if you’re in a Stephen King story—no matter how hard you try you can’t get away. Better to turn and face him now.

3. Churches are afraid of change, so be patient. Church change is iceberg like. It moves very slowly, but nothing can stand in its way. If you’re trying to make sweeping changes to your youth program, consider scaling back. You may think your proposed changes are obvious and relatively tiny, but more than likely you’ve been perceived as a bull in a china shop.

4. You’re not alone—many of your peers are dealing with the same issues. Meet for lunch with a few youth workers in your area. Don’t try to solve each other’s problems—just sit and listen to each other. You’ll be surprised how much better you’ll feel.

5. Remember, this is your job—you have the right to be treated with respect by those you work with. It’s tempting to believe you somehow “deserve” whatever’s dished your way. Well, you don’t. “Ministry” isn’t the Dutch word for “doormat.” Jesus was no doormat—he endured abuse only when it was for the sake of his mission—in all other instances he stood up for himself (for example, all of Luke 20).

6. Maybe it’s time to pull off to the side of the road and check your map again. Would others say you take your job home with you? Is your work negatively impacting all your relationships? Is it hard to see yourself doing this in 10 years? If you answered yes, you’re likely in a rut. You can make a change by leaving for another church—or by doing something different right where you are. If you haven’t made a significant change to your ministry in the last two years, it’s time.

7. Whatever doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. God is likely using the trials you’re experiencing to prepare you for the battles you’ll face in the future. That’s why he so often extols the virtues of discipline, pruning, and the refining fire in his Word (Hebrews 12:4-11). If you leave before the refining fire has a chance to change you, you’ll be too fragile to be used by God in the next place.

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8. Stop asking God to fix your problems—ask to be a servant instead. Remember that God has a plan for your life (he said so in Jeremiah). If you’re willing to go the servant route, then God will open doors for you at the right time.

Steve Case is a contributing editor for group and a veteran youth minister in Florida.

       The Contemporary Journal for Youth Ministry

Personal StuffYouthworker, March/April 1999

On Starting Well Michael Woodruff

If you don't like the first few sentences of this article, you'll stop reading. Because I'm smart enough to know that, and insecure enough to care. I'm tempted to hook you with funny stories, outlandish promises, or words like sex, free, and get a raise!

Unfortunately, while you and I both know these tricks typically work—hey, you're still reading—they ultimately cheapen both of us.

During the first few months of a new ministry, the same rules apply. Although you have a short period of time to make a good first impression, shallow hooks shouldn’t be part of the plan. They may draw an initial crowd, but you’re better served by laying a solid foundation. Which means you have two options: You can develop these skills with practice—i.e., you can perform them poorly enough, often enough that eventually you learn everything that doesn’t work—or you can read this article.

Rule One: Understand the Power ShiftThere’s a cosmic shift that occurs in your status the moment you accept a job. And this shift, of course, is down.

Between the time the church offers you a position and when you actually say yes, you enjoy the mystical status of a celebrity. People find you wonderful, witty, and winsome. You’re the dream date who can neither do nor say anything wrong. Unfortunately, moments after accepting the post, at least a few observers will start to wonder why you need the work. (This dictum is cousin to the dating principle, "I’m too good to date anyone who’d go out with me.")

I’m writing about this power shift not because I like it, but because there are rules that surround it. Namely, you can ask for the world before you accept a job, but nothing for 12 months after you sign on. Why? Because trying to renegotiate a new contract not only smacks of the NBA, it implies that you were either stupid or duplicitous when you signed the first one (neither option being positive). So if you think you deserve a $300,000 signing bonus, a six-month sabbatical every year, and first-class plane tickets for all mission trips, ask for them up front, not three weeks into the job.

Rule Two: Act DecisivelyFor years we’ve been told that the best way to start a new position is to take plenty of time to learn the existing program. "Don’t make any quick changes," people warn. "Wait a year or two to get the lay of the land." To all of this I politely respond, "Bunk." Sure it’s wise to understand the program before modifying it, but two years in youth ministry is way too long to wait. In fact, two months is pushing it.

Walter Gerber, a senior pastor in Menlo Park, California, rightly notes that it’s during your first year that you have the rare opportunity to make changes. These additions, modifications, and deletions need to be thoughtfully and carefully articulated, to be sure, but if you wait too long to act, the clay will no longer be wet. It’ll dry and crumble.

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Instead, find the balance between riding roughshod over sacred ground and moving the group forward on the path. When in doubt, seek the counsel of parents, students, and the senior pastor.

But, for heaven’s sake, do something.

Rule Three: Don’t Knock the Nose Off the PharaohWe’ve all seen pictures of the Great Sphinx of Giza—that wonderful Egyptian monument parked next to the Pyramids. It has the body of a 240-foot lion, the head of a man, and a panoramic view of the surrounding desert. What it doesn’t have, though, is a nose. Why?

Because somebody knocked it off.

Sphinxes were made in the image of kings, but many are without noses because new kings often ordered sphinxes made in the image of their predecessors defaced. Often as one of their first acts of power.

Five thousand years later we see these monarchs as weak, self-centered bureaucrats, not legendary leaders. Yet most of us knock off a few noses of our own. How? By bad-mouthing our predecessors, listening to others do the same, or by unnecessarily dismantling their work.

Let’s take these one at a time:Speaking ill of others. Unless you’re forwarding your predecessors’ mail to the state prison, you shouldn’t say anything bad about them. (And even if they’re doing time, it’s still best to keep quiet.) You gain nothing by tearing down their memories—those who disliked them are unlikely to dislike them more (as if that were the goal) and those who still esteem them will only think less of you.

Listening to others talk trash. Well-intentioned people (and a few ill-intentioned ones)—under the cover of there-are-a-few-things-I-think-you-should-know... or I-really-like-what-you’re-doing, it’s-so-much-more-helpful- than—will attempt to talk down your predecessors. Don’t go there. If you sense they have legitimate needs to discuss their disappointments, ask them to tell you about what needs weren’t met. After listening carefully, you’ll have won the right to say, "I believe my predecessor, while not perfect, was God’s choice for this job back then. I’m not in a position to comment on what did or didn’t happen in the past—but let me tell you what I hope to do."

Dismantling their work. I’ve already gone on record as an advocate of change, but let me be clear: It’s not change for change’s sake, and certainly not change to discredit your predecessors. Celebrate their successes. When you do find it necessary to deep-six a program, do so with class. Explain that it was a successful program during its time, though it’s not the best option going forward. Better yet, don’t drop it—rather, launch a new venture alongside it. That may provide a graceful transition from the old program to the new—and keep you from making enemies out of those not quite ready to part with the past.

Whatever you do, don’t take down a fence until you know why it was built.

Rule Four: Study Ancient as Well as Modern HistoryMy first week as the college minister was spent reading through old files. I was fortunate to start the job a couple of weeks before the students came back to town—a luxury you’ll likely be denied—so I had time to hide in my office and sift through the paper trail. By reading the minutes of old elder meetings, studying dated budgets, and scanning other documents, I not only learned about the previous 15 years of student work, but I spotted trends to which few others were privy. I also gained enough working knowledge about the college ministry’s history to ask some fairly intelligent questions.

Rule Five: Don’t Sweat First ImpressionsIt may seem odd to warn you against first impressions in an article touting the importance of them, but while you’re putting your best foot forward, realize that most everyone else is as well. The first wave of contact you have with church people will be odd at best. And the truth is many of those who aggressively court your favor or imply that they’re congregational power brokers are probably fringe players.

Rule Six: Get to Know PeopleWhen I was about eight years old, our church called a new minister. And about three months after he arrived, he stopped by our house to visit. I’m quite sure this meeting was prearranged (our house was spotless, and my brothers and sisters and I were scrubbed clean). Yet that evening of forced spontaneity served a good purpose. I developed some type of bond to this man who stood behind the pulpit each Sunday morning.

During your first few months in the saddle, you must make similar connections. Find ways to hang out with both kids and parents. Learn names. Do lunch. My wife and I started one job by inviting 200 college students to our apartment for breakfast. It was just the type of stupid idea that worked. Dan Meyer, now the senior pastor of Christ Church of Oak Brook (Ill.), and his wife had 60 coffee gatherings in one year. At each stop they asked, "What do you love and cherish about church?" and "where do you sense opportunities for new approaches?"

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Rule Seven: Find a MentorWhen you start a new job, find someone further down the path who can coach you, then campaign for regular time with them. You need friends as well, but you clearly need someone farther along in the learning curve who’ll take you on as an informal pupil.

Rule Eight: When the Tree Lands on You, Be Sure to Pick the FruitI don’t know you very well—okay, I don’t know most of you at all—but I’m confident that at some point you’ll make some sort of goof on the job. (Who doesn’t, after all?)

The question is, "How will you respond?" I have four suggestions—especially for errors you’ll make early in your tenure:Take the blame. It’s coming your way anyway, so head the posse off at the pass. You’re far more likely to survive.

Invite criticism. Better yet, embrace criticism. Don’t just view it as God’s chisel—which is how St. James clearly defines it—but earn the reputation of being someone who welcomes critical comments. This posture not only will help you win over a few enemies, but it’ll also ensure that many of those inclined to talk about your faults behind your back will bring those concerns to you directly.

Look for the upside. If the tree lands on you, be sure to pick the fruit. If for no other reason, it’ll make it easier to eventually lift the tree off.

Don’t retreat into stagnant conservatism. As I noted previously, do something! The kingdom of God has enough managers—we need leaders, even flawed ones.

(Special thanks to Steve Moore, vice president of Baylor University, and Dan Meyer, senior pastor of Christ Church of Oak Brook, Ill., who helped with this article... and have a history of starting—and ending—well.)

Michael Woodruff who's started 74 different jobs in the last six years—is considered an expert on starting well. (Unfortunately he's only finished two of his jobs.) He can be reached at [email protected].

The above author bio was current as of the date this article was published.

© 2000 CCM Communications Permission is granted to distribute Youthworker articles to other youth workers within your church, but may not be re-published (print or electronic) without permission.

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LOOKING FOR A JOB?50 Questions You Should Ask Them by John M. Dettoni

You've been looking for a job for six months now. You get a hold of a job profile from a church wanting to fill a youth minister position. The profile is five pages of details—enough to interest you in an interview, which you get.

At the interview you sense something of the church's working atmosphere, begin to pick up on the pastoral staff's assumptions—some of these feelings make you feel like pursuing the job, others give you cold feet. When the interviewer is finished asking you questions, what can you ask that will bring to the surface what you've merely been sensing up to now?

The questions that go unasked at church staff interviews are often the ones that spell a short tenure at a church. Furthermore, your probing questions will probably stimulate the church leaders' thinking.

The list is not exhaustive. Add information you gather from interactions with committee members and pastoral staff, or modify the questions to suit your own situation. Don't attempt to cover the topics and questions below at one sitting—there would be no time for the committee to ask you any reciprocal questions.

Although some of the questions may appear to be of little value, they open up issues that will come up—if not before then after a candidate has been appointed. It's better to know ahead of time, for instance, if your spouse will be pressured to be your assistant for no pay because that's how the last couple operated, or if you'll be given an operating budget that's up to your programming proposals, or if it's more helpful to first persuade the lay leaders regarding your plans than it is to influence the appointed board.

When you're making a decision about future employment, don't let potential employers ask the only questions. You need to ask some questions of your own.

1. What kind of person is the church looking for? Toward which extremes in the lists below does the church want their candidate to lean?

independent dependentactive passiveleader followervisible invisibleopen closedfriend employee/workercreator gofereducator/teacher trainer/managerenabler indoctrinatorpractitioner theoreticianteacher preachercounselor prescriberempathetic detachedflexible stricticonoclastic traditionalon a journey arrived

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2. Is the church looking for a married person? If so, how involved is the spouse expected to be in the ministry? (If you are married, will your spouse fit into the church's expectations?)

3. Describe the position that is open.

What is the history of the position—how long has the position been in existence?

What was the former person like?

Why did he or she leave, and how long ago?

What were the feelings of the congregation, the pastoral staff, and the official committees and boards about the former person's leaving?

What is the job description?

To whom does a person in this position report officially? Unofficially?

How static or dynamic is the job description? Will it be reviewed for change once a person has been in the position for six months, a year? Who conducts the review?

How often is formal evaluation made of the person in this position, and who does the evaluation? What are the criteria by which evaluations are made?

How many paid staff are associated under this position?

How many unpaid volunteers are associated with this position?

What is the operating budget for the program area?

How is the area organized? Who reports to whom, how often?

4. How has the church answered the question, "What is Christian education/Christian formation and discipleship?"

5. How does the church at large feel about the answer to the above question? Do the church members understand the answer and operate as if they agree with that answer?

6. How does the ministry/program area relate to the rest of the church? Is it organically and organizationally tied together with the rest of the church's ministries? How integral is this area to the life of the church?

7. Describe how decisions are made in the church.

Who are the decision makers (formal and informal), gatekeepers, legitimizers, opinion leaders?

Are decisions usually made informally before they are acted upon formally? If so, how are they decided?

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8. Describe the church's climate, growth, and known needs.

What is the church's vision, mission, and purpose?

How does the church define ministry?

What is the church's attitude toward evangelism, Christian nurture, and discipleship?

What are the known needs that the church is seeking to meet for its own people and for those in its neighborhood?

What is the church's doctrinal position? Are there any areas where you disagree?

What has been the history of the church's numerical growth in the last 20 years? (Note significant variations over this time period. Ask for explanations for any significant changes. If people hedge their answers, be wary.)

What indicators are there that the people of the church have grown spiritually in the last few years?

What is the church's socioeconomic status?

What is the church's position on various social behaviors (e.g., drinking alcoholic beverages, dancing at church functions or on the church property, or dancing in general, etc.)?

9. Describe relations among the pastoral staff.

How often does the staff meet together?

Who conducts the meetings, and what are they like? Reporting, supporting, planning, praying, griping, etc.?

Does the pastoral staff meet socially?

How often do pastoral and non-pastoral staff meet? for what purposes? Who conducts the meetings, and how are they conducted?

How often do the pastoral and non-pastoral staff meet socially?

What are the relationships like between the senior pastor and other pastoral and non-pastoral staff?

10. Determine personal finances. What is the total salary? Break down the total salary package into the following categories and obtain these data in writing (oral statements should be followed with a written statement):

basic salary (technically taxable)

housing allowance

car allowance

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health insurance (Be sure this is sufficient, especially if a married woman of childbearing age is involved either as spouse or pastor.)

moving costs

continuing education funds and time allotted to attend courses

expense funds (e.g., taking high schoolers to Burger King)

allowances for books, periodicals, professional tools/clothing, etc.

11. Determine vacation time.

How many weeks?

When is vacation time usually taken in the church by the pastoral staff?

Can vacation time accrue, and if so, for how long?

Is vacation time flexible (one or two weeks in the spring, another later in the year)?

Must a person apply for vacation time or just inform her or his supervisor?

12. What view of leadership is used by church leaders, by the pastor and other pastoral staff members, and especially by official boards?

13. What day of the week is to be one's day off? Is this rigid or flexible?

14. Describe the daily schedule for this position?

What are the daily hours one is expected to be in the office?

What kind of study time is expected?

What is the expectation of how often and how much contact there should be with people of the congregation (children, youths, their parents, and other adults)?

What official meetings and church services must the person in this position attend? Of these, at which ones must this person take part in active leadership?

Is the person in this position expected to provide hospitality in his or her home? If so, for whom? Is there financial support for the costs involved?

John Dettoni directs Chrysalis Ministries, Inc., and international organization for Christian education, evangelism, discipleship, and leadership development, based in San Clemente, California.

The above author bio was current as of the date this article was published.

© 1999 CCM CommunicationsPermission is granted to distribute Youthworker articles to other youth workers within your church, but may not be re-published (print or electronic) without permission.. This article is found on http://www.Youthworker.com

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