Exemplary Youth Ministry in Congregations Outcomes: Evidence of Mature Christian Faith in Youth

Youth Ministry A church can’t do youth ministry just to say it has a program for youth. There’s more to it than that. A youth program is not a tool to “grow the church” – but, an effective program can have an impact on a church for years to come.

“One-eared Mickey Mouse” model The church Children & youth The youth leader or children’s minister

“Brain Stem” model The church children & youth

A sad story of our faith Thom Rainer's new book Essential Church?: Reclaiming a Generation of Dropouts, 70% of youth will leave church by the time they are 22, 80% by the age 29.

Why hope exists… Exemplary Youth Ministry Study Seek an informed understanding of what congregations, families and communities do to nurture faith in young people; contributing to the expanding body of effective youth ministry practice

Why hope exists… Exemplary Youth Ministry Study Articulate a new understanding of the “culture” of effective congregational youth ministry. Vision, theology, integration, and practices of effective youth explored

Why hope exists… Exemplary Youth Ministry Study Adds to the growing body of literature describing faith in postmodern youth and young adults

Why hope exists… Exemplary Youth Ministry Study Provides a language and resources that might be utilized in evaluating the enduring faithfulness and effectiveness of youth ministries in congregations Why do places like La Foret appear to be important places for impacting the lives of our youth?

2252 youth… “survey says…” The 12 differing aspects of faith that youth associate with being a committed Christian… 1.A Personal Christianity 2.Moral Responsibility 3.Defends and Supports Friends 4.Faith Maturity 5.A Personal Religiousness 6.Moral Integrity

2252 youth… “survey says…” The 12 differing aspects of faith that youth associate with being a committed Christian… 7. Seeks Spiritual Growth 8. God Consciousness 9.Lives a Life of Service 10. Speaks Publicly About Ones Faith 11. Private Religious Study 12. Considers a Religious Vocation

1672 parents, 1430 youth workers, and 222 pastors… “and the survey says…” Seven aspects of faith in these youth… 1.Positive Youth Response 2.Youth’s Service Involvement 3.Youth’s Outreach 4.Making Faith a Way of Life 5.Evidence of a Positive Spirit 6.Seeks Spiritual Growth 7.Evidences Moral Responsibility

A Mature Christian Youth… Seeks Spiritual Growth: alone and with others pursues questions, guidance and commitment through conversation, study of faith, reading the bible, prayer, small groups, retreats.

A Mature Christian Youth… Seeks Spiritual Growth Possesses a Vital Faith: keenly aware of God present and active in one’s life, the lives of others, and the life of the world.

A Mature Christian Youth… Seeks Spiritual Growth Possesses a Vital Faith Practices Faith: both privately and publicly through regular attendance at worship, participation in ministry, and leadership in the congregation.

A Mature Christian Youth… Seeks Spiritual Growth Possesses a Vital Faith Practices Faith Makes the Christian Faith a Way of Life: recognizes God’s “call” and integrates one’s beliefs into the conversation, decisions, and actions of daily life.

A Mature Christian Youth… Lives a Life of Service: involved in activities caring for others and addressing injustice and immorality.

A Mature Christian Youth… Lives a Life of Service Reaches Out to Others: who are different or in need through prayer, hospitality, conversation, and support.

A Mature Christian Youth… Lives a Life of Service Reaches Out to Others Exercises Moral Responsibility: lives with integrity utilizing faith in making considered moral decisions.

A Mature Christian Youth… Lives a Life of Service Reaches Out to Others Exercises Moral Responsibility Speaks Publicly about Faith: is open about Jesus Christ and God’s participation in one’s own life and the life of the world.

A Mature Christian Youth… Lives a Life of Service Reaches Out to Others Exercises Moral Responsibility Speaks Publicly about Faith Possesses a Positive Spirit: reflects loving and hopeful attitudes toward others and life.

Where does maturity in youth come from? Congregational Assets Faith maturity God’s living presence, faith is central, prayer emphasized, discipleship, scripture highlighted, missional

Where does maturity in youth come from? Congregational Assets Faith maturity Pastoral leadership strength God’s presence is transformative in life & ministry, builds a sense of community with all people, advocate for youth, affirms youth & leaders.

Where does maturity in youth come from? Congregational Assets Faith maturity Pastoral leadership strength Congregational characteristics High priority on youth, demonstrate extreme hospitality, sets high standards & continues to improve, high quality relationships,

Where does maturity in youth come from? Congregational Assets Faith maturity Pastoral leadership strength Congregational characteristics Engages members in study of faith, uplifting/spirit-filled worship, individually/socially morally responsible, sponsors outreach, & engages in a variety of ministry.

Where does maturity in youth come from? Congregational Assets Faith maturity Pastoral leadership strength Congregational characteristics Youth involvement Youth are engaged in a wide spectrum of relationships & practices, invited, equipped & affirmed for leadership roles in church life.

Where does maturity in youth come from? Youth Ministry Assets Youth minister strength Superior leadership skills, role models of faith, assists adult leaders, reflects clear vision & attracts gifted leaders, knows youth, enjoys relationships with youth, parents, & staff.

Where does maturity in youth come from? Youth Ministry Assets Youth minister strength Youth & young adult leadership Equip adults for peer ministry, adults support youth through mentorship, training youth in leadership roles, all possess vital and informed faith, foster authentic relationships.

Where does maturity in youth come from? Youth Ministry Assets Youth minister strength Youth & young adult leadership Youth ministry effectiveness Establishes caring environment, quality relationships, focus on Jesus, all life’s issues, different approaches, organized well, long range plan.

Where does maturity in youth come from? Youth Ministry Assets Youth minister strength Youth & young adult leadership Youth ministry effectiveness Family Posses strong parental faith, promotes family practice, reflects harmony, equips parents, fosters parent- youth relationships.

Where does maturity in youth come from? Congregational Assets Faith maturity Pastoral leadership strength Congregational characteristics Youth involvement Youth Ministry Assets Youth minister strength Youth & young adult leadership Youth ministry effectiveness Family

Where do we go from here? Summer 2009 – The Faith Nurturing Ministry Team offer an opportunity for churches to sign up to be an “EYE” (Exemplary Youth Enterprise) Church Fall 2009 – The Faith Nurturing Ministry Team will host an orientation and training for EYE Churches. Fall 2009 – Spring 2010 – Special teleconference support groups for EYE leaders in local congregations. Look for the information and invitation in your church office this July/August.