St. Timothy’s Youth Ministry Mentor Leadership Team What is this? 1

St. Timothy’s Youth Ministry Mentor Leadership Team Youth – At St. Timothy’s, 7 th to 12 th graders are “youth” Ministry – Service to and with others performed in the name of Christ Mentor – Adviser, Counselor, Guide, Tutor, Teacher Leadership – Management, Guidance, Direction Team – a number of people organized to function cooperatively as a group 2

St. Timothy St. Timothy was born in the city of Lystra in Asia Minor. His father was Greek and his mother, Eunice, was Jewish. This short bio was found at: 3

St. Timothy When St. Timothy heard St. Paul preach in Lystra, he became a believer and was baptized. He became a disciple of St. Paul the Apostle, followed him in his travels and shared his work. In the year 53 A.D., St. Paul ordained St. Timothy as bishop of the city of Ephesus. 4

St. Timothy St. Timothy converted many people in Ephesus to Christianity. St. Paul wrote two epistles to St. Timothy: – In the second, Paul urged Timothy, "Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine, continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you." (1Tim. 4:16) – Paul outlined for Timothy the qualifications of a bishop, priest, deacon and the widow. – He cautioned Timothy about false prophets and commanded him not to lay his hand on one in haste but only after thorough examinations and testing. 5 Those are good words for us too.

St. Timothy St. Paul called Timothy his son and his beloved. St. Timothy shepherded his flock very well. – He opened the minds of the Christians of Ephesus with his teachings, instructions and admonitions. In 97 AD, he was martyred in Ephesus. His followers took his body and buried it. St. Timothy 6

Youth The period between childhood and adulthood – They enter as old children and leave as young adults. The period of life in which they are more open to God’s word than they ever have been and ever will be. A period of enormous and fast change, physically, cognitively, emotionally, spiritually 7

In a model for youth ministry that has one individual youth minister, the ministry to and with youth is often “over there,” “in that room,” or otherwise apart from the ministry of the larger church community. It can also be very focused on the personality and beliefs of that one leader. – His or her beliefs within our Faith become the beliefs of the youth. Our goal is to walk with teenagers as they develop their own faith. 8 Ministry Service to and with others performed in the name of Christ

Ministry In our emerging model for youth ministry, while we respect the natural desire of teens to develop autonomy from parents, we will strive to incorporate them into the life of the church in every possible way. Ministry Service to and with others performed in the name of Christ Youth Ministry Adult Ministry

Mentor Counselor, Guide, Tutor and Teacher – Who were the mentors in your life during your teen years? – Are any of us “certified” to do this with/for the teenagers at St. Timothy’s? – Do any of us have our life “together” to the point that we will be perfect at this? – So why should we be in this role? 10

Leadership Management, Guidance, Direction There are two parts of leadership for our ministry. 1.Developing the ministry that remains “over there” or “in that room.” 1.Youth Meetings, Retreats, Diocesan Events, etc. 2.Developing the transitional ministry that seamlessly moves the emerging young adult into the adult ministries of the church. 1.Women’s/Men’s Groups, Outreach Groups, Bible Studies, Committees, etc. 11

Leadership Developing the ministry that remains “over there” or “in that room.” Basic Requirements for Mentors: – Commit to attend most of the youth and adult meetings: Currently on an alternate week basis. – Identify and use your gifts and interests in a way that helps us move up the levels of youth commitment and support other team members in their efforts In all that you do in this ministry, ask yourself how that activity helps us develop Christian Faith in group members. 12

Leadership Developing the transitional ministry that seamlessly moves the emerging young adult into the adult ministries of the church. Encourage your adult ministry group(s) to open doors to our young adults. – Genuinely invite and welcome these emerging adults. – Make them feel welcome by engaging them in conversation that is relevant to them. – Be sure there is at least one person in your group at all times who will mentor these young people in their role within that adult ministry. – Involve them in every aspect of your group’s ministry and don’t be afraid to gently push them a bit beyond their comfort zone. 13

Team a number of people organized to function cooperatively as a group We are not alone in this ministry. – We have each other for strength, encouragement and accountability. – By functioning cooperatively together, we will serve our youth in a far more lasting way. – We are not lone rangers – making course decisions without group input. 14

All adults working in a consistent basis with youth must have the SGC Training and a background check. As you get to know group members, who (other than your own teen) do you sense is open to you? Who do you seem to have more in common with than others? This is not a peer relationship. It is built on privilege & trust that must be treated seriously and enriched consistently. 15 Mentoring Within the Group A Very Brief Look at Mentoring “over there.”