New to Youth Ministry?

Here are several steps you can take to ensure you are on the right path

as you embark into Youth Ministry in the Diocese of Boise

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Youth Ministry Orientation 8/24/17

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STEP ONE: Vision/Mission

How do you answer the question "What is Youth Ministry?"  Is this answer shared by your pastor?  What is it that you do in Youth Ministry?  Why should youth want to be involved in youth ministry at your parish?  Why would parents want to send their kids to youth ministry at your parish?  These are important questions you should be able to articulate an answer for.  People will get behind a vision.  However, if you don't have a vision, or if you don't communicate it clearly to your parish, they can't get behind it.  

So, what is youth ministry at your parish and what does it do? 

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STEP TWO: Build a Team

You will not be able to pull this off by yourself.  There is only one of you.  As good as you may be you will only be able to effectively invest in a certain amount of youth in your program.  How many adult team members will you need to adequately minister to your youth?  What will your team be asked to commit to?  The answers to these questions depends on few things: if you are going to have an emphasis on small groups you will need 2 adults to every 5-7 students.  No matter what program or model you use you'll need a minimum of 1 adult for every 7 students.

So, do the math...how many adults do you need to minister to your teens?

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STEP THREE: Strategically plan your schedule for the year

Youth ministry is more than confirmation preparation and its more than catechesis.

Balance out your schedule with catechesis, outreach/social events, and encounter events.

Include in your strategies in your plan to engage those who are not attending

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          Choose Cirriculum      Youth Ministry Framework          Ministry Flow          

 

         Possible Yearly Schedule          Summer Ministry                 Confirmation                 

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Incorporation of Circle of Grace (coming soon)

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STEP THREE: Invest in your students (missionary leadership)

Coming soon!

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STEP FOUR: Get connected 

Call the diocesan Office of Youth and Young Adult Evangelization and introduce yourself.​  Ask to have your contact added to the communication list​​.  Find out what resources there are for you as a leader, for your team, and your youth.  Find out what key events happen in the diocese for you youth ministry.  Call your area parish youth ministers and introduce yourself  find out what is taking place locally for youth ministry​ (deanery meetings, retreats, rallies, etc...)  Connect on Diocesan Youth Ministry social  media (Diocese of Boise Youth and Young Adult page, Diocese of Boise Youth and Young Adult Co-op group)

 

STEP FIVE: Start reading

Forming Intentional Disciples by Sherry A. Weddell

Youth Ministry Rebuilt by Christopher Wesley

Confirmation Rebuilt by Christopher Wesley

Generation iY by Tim Elmore

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STEP SIX: Go back through steps

Go back through the steps and fine tune what you are doing.  Learn from successes and mistakes.

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