GROW SPIRITUALLY

PRINCIPLE ONE
: Grow Spiritually
GROW SPIRITUALLY
Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off
to a solitary place, where he prayed. MARK 1:35
Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. PSALMS 119:105
I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full
understanding of every good thing we have in Christ. PHILEMON 6
ACT IT OUT INTRODUCING THE PRINCIPLE
MONIQUE Had a lot to say, did you?
ALEX Yeah, you could say that.
MONIQUE Did you manage to bless my food, as well?
ALEX Sorry, but my burrito needed a lot more prayer than your Caesar
Salad. Youre not on one of those new diets, are you?
MONIQUE No, just watching what I eat. But about your prayer. Are things
okay with you? You seem distracted.
ALEX What? Sorry, I didntokay, point made. I guess Ive been pretty
stressed lately. It seems like there is so much going on and so little time.
I barely have time to say grace let alone ask for it.
MONIQUE Well, youve been busy doing church stuff. That should count for
something, right?
THE SCENE Alex and Mo sit across a restaurant table from each other. Alex bows
his head discreetly as Mo dunks her fries in ketchup. She looks up and notices
Alex is still praying. (After Alex ends his prayer he looks up at Mo.)

PRINCIPLE ONE
Grow Spiritually ,
ALEX Thats just it! I feel empty, even though Im busier than ever at church.
You gonna eat that?
MONIQUE Yes, burrito boy! Look, maybe we need to take some time out today.
You know, to recoup. Maybe we could even nd some time to pray for
each other.
ALEX Sounds great. Lets do it. (slight pause) Whoa, look out the window at
that car!
MONIQUE Nice try Al, but Im not falling for it again. Youve stolen one too
many fries from this chica. Come on, lets go.

THINK IT THROUGH MEASURING THE LEADER

Just as coaches consistently tell their teams to work the fundamentals, youth
leaders need to get back to Gods fundamentals every day. God may have
given you a gift for working with youth, but unless youre nurturing your own
relationship Him, you wont be leading them to victory. Here are a few questions
to help you consider just how well youre working the basics.
1. My prayer life consists of:
a. a day long convcrsation with God
b.
a thrccsccond blurb as J rub my cycs bcorc lunch at Mc!onalds
c.
a string o rcqucsts that lcavcs !im wondcring i J hcar a word !c says
2. Bible study to me is:


a. likc rcading an cmail rom a ricnd
b. a quick way to comc up with my ncxt youth group idca
c. somcthing J do cvcry day bccausc thats what J was told to do.
3. Witnessing is:
a. a natural cxprcssion o what Jvc cxpcricnccd with )csus
b. somcthing J ncvcr put into words bccausc my actions say it all
c. an awkward activity J do oncc in a whilc just to rclicvc my guilt
Grow Spiritually
WHATS THE POINT?
1hcrcs a rcason why Grow Spiritually is thc rst chaptcr o this book J
yourc not growing spiritually as a youth lcadcr yourc chcating yourscl and
your youth 1hc purposc o lcading young pcoplc isnt to kccp thcm out o
troublc Jt isnt to providc thcm a placc at church whcrc thcy ccl comortablc
1hcrcs a much grcatcr purposc to youth lcadcrship
Jt is o coursc all about )csus 1hrough our livcs our words and our actions
wc lcad J wc bclicvc wcrc clcvcr cnough or good cnough to lcad young
pcoplc to )csus without spcnding timc with !im wcrc ooling oursclvcs
\crc not likcly to ool thc youth around us though 1hcy havc an uncanny
ability to spot hypocrisy 1hcy can tcll i wcvc bccn with )csus
So how can wc makc surc wcrc living our Christianity to thc corc !ow
can wc bc ccrtain that what wc say and do has dccp roots in a pcrsonal
rclationship with )csus !cts not gucsslcts go to Gods \ord
STAYING WITH JESUS TAKES TIME
\c can only impact our youth or Christ i wc rcmain in !im oursclvcs
JOHN 15:5 says I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in
him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. Jt cant bc said morc
clcarly than that \ithout )csus wc can do nothing 1his is thc attitudc wc
must havc as youth lcadcrs J wc dont spcnd timc with )csus wc will not bc
succcssul in Gods tcrmsits just that simplc Oh wc might appcar to havc
things undcr control \c might cvcn drcam up an cxtrcmcly crcativc youth
program !ut in thc ctcrnal plan thosc things dont mattcr much
\hat docs it mcan to rcmain in )csus 1hc Grcck word uscd in this vcrsc
mcans to continuc in a rclationship So to rcmain in )csus mcans to stay with
!im at all timcs Jt mcans consulting and yiclding to !im minutcbyminutc
Jt mcans making your rclationship so rcal that by aith you can scnsc !is
prcscncc with you rc you thcrc yct
1hcrcs only onc way to makc it happcn timc 1imc with )csus in !is \ord
timc with !im in praycr and silcncc timc lctting !im spcak through you to
othcrs Jt docsnt happcn any othcr way \hcn )csus said to rcmain with !im
!c mcant staying by !is sidc cvcry sccond o your lic !or bcttcr or worsc
or richcr or poorcr \hcn you do that you cant hclp but lovc !im
WHAT CAN
YOU DO TO
MAKE YOUR
RELATIONSHIP
WITH GOD
MORE REAL AND
PERSONAL?

BREAK IT DOWN UNDERSTANDING THE PRINCIPLE

Grow Spiritually ,
We can only
impact our youth
for Christ if we
remain in Him
ourselves.
REAL LIFE
Gcorgc and !lsic had bccn marricd or sixtytwo ycars whcn canccr nally
took !lsics lic s thc pastor talkcd with Gcorgc a cw days atcr thc uncral
hc wondcrcd how thc two had staycd conncctcd all thosc ycars
George, hc said How did you and Elsie keep it together? You must have
been so compatible.
Gcorgc lookcd o into thc distancc and chucklcd
Oh, we were compatible, but that doesnt mean it was always smooth sailing.
We had our share of disagreements and a few really hard times.
But you made it, thc pastor said
Yes, we made it. We just decided never to give up on each other. We decided
that no matter how bleak things looked, wed always stick together.
1hats what it mcans to stay with )csus Jt docsnt mcan things wont bc
rough at timcs 1rusting !im is dicult whcn you cant scc through thc
storm !ut it docs mcan sticking to your commitmcnt \hcn you do youll
nd lic is so much swcctcr
THE ONE THING MANY PEOPLE FORGET
Maybc youvc tricd Still your !iblc study is rustrating Your praycr lic
sccms likc its taking placc in a vacuum nd your witncss appcars to bc
stallcd Could it bc that youvc orgottcn thc !oly Spirit
!ctcr tclls us in 2 PETER 1:21 For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man,
but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. 1hc !oly
Spirit is thc author and inspircr o thc !iblc !ccausc thc !iblc originatcd
with !im !c can also makc it comc alivc today sk or !is prcscncc as
you study thc \ord !ct !im ll and cnlightcn your mind s you dcvclop
thc daily habit o scarching Gods \ord !c will crcatc a burning dcsirc
or morc Soon you wont gct through your day without turning to thc
Scripturcs
1hc !oly Spirits rolc in praycr is just as vital !aul said in ROMANS 8:26, In
the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray
for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. `o
o Grow Spiritually
wondcr our praycrs ccl cmpty at timcs \c dont cvcn know what to pray
or !ut oncc again thc !oly Spirit comcs to thc rcscuc !vcn whcn all wc
can do is umblc or words !cs thcrc intcrprcting our dccpcst longings into
cxprcssions thc !athcr lovcs to hcar
)ust in casc you thought thats whcrc thc !oly Spirit lcavcs o not so Youll
bc plcascd to discovcr that !c also givcs us thc ability to witncss to othcrs
)csus told !is disciplcs in ACTS 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy
Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and
Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
1hc prospcct o witncssing to your ncighbors ricnds and amily might makc
you ncrvous You may spcnd hours looking or just thc right words nd its
ccrtainly not a bad idca to prcparc !ut unlcss you rcly on thc !oly Spirits
hclp you grcatly limit what !c can do through you !c assurcd that thc !oly
Spirit will givc you all you nccd and morc whcn you ask or !is prcscncc
So lcts gct practical \hat arc somc simplc mcthods o !iblc study praycr
and witncssing you can usc !inding somcthing that strcngthcns your
ricndship with God will givc you thc opportunity to rccommcnd it to your
youth
REMAINING WITH JESUS IN HIS WORD
1hcrc arc litcrally hundrcds o dicrcnt !iblc study mcthods You can nd
many good books to hclp you 1hc bottom linc isnd what works or
you and stick with it !cmaining in )csus mcans rcmaining in !is \ord
\hcn you hurt rcad it \hcn yourc joyul rcad it \hcn you dont ccl likc
rcading it rcad it
!crc arc a cw mcthods to try
Ask-Answer-Apply
ASK as many qucstions o a tcxt as you can taking onc vcrsc at a timc
\sc thc six basic journalistic qucstions \ho \hat \hcn \hcrc
\hy and !ow \ritc your qucstions down sk why things happcncd
thcy way thcy did sk whenthc scqucncc o cvcnts can bc important
sk who was involvcdthat may also bc signicant You gct thc idca
ANSWER your qucstions by praycrully rcccting on thc words o
thc tcxt Scarch or clucs in thc vcrscs bcorc and atcr your passagc
Unless you rely
on the Holy
Spirits help,
you greatly
limit what
He can do
through you.
Grow Spiritually
Considcr thc big picturc by looking at thc background and mcssagc o
thc cntirc book sk thc !oly Spirit or wisdom 1hcn writc down your
conclusions Youll nd that God will givc you dccpcr answcrs as you
maturc spiritually
APPLY what youvc discovcrcd by asking qucstions likc \hat docs
this mcan or my lic this wcck \hat is God saying to mc through
this story or passagc \hat should J do in rcsponsc 1hcn act on your
answcrs
Memorize
Mcmorizc thc passagc or a kcy tcxt in thc passagc You might want to
writc it out on a small card and takc it with you to class daily cxcrcisc
scssions or placc it on your mirror \sc that tcxt throughout thc wcck
to guidc you in as many situations as possiblc pply it in practical ways
!ocus on making it a rcal part o your daily cxpcricncc Youll bc amazcd
how God will lcad you to just thc vcrsc you nccd or that wcck
Paraphrase
!cad thc passagc carcully 1akc timc to considcr what it mcans and how
it applics to your lic 1hcn rcwritc thc story or tcxt in your own words
so its mcaning or today bccomcs clcar !ont ccl you havc to makc a
wordorword translation 1hc idca is to cxprcss thc mcssagc o thc
!iblc in a ncw and rcsh way whilc maintaining its intcgrity !c crcativc
Gods Spirit will givc you amazing insights
If any of you lacks wisdom,
he should ask God, who gives
generously to all without nding
fault, and it will be given to him.
JAMES 1:5
WHAT STUDY
METHOD
WORKED BEST
FOR YOU IN
SCHOOL? HOW
COULD YOU USE
THAT IN YOUR
BIBLE STUDY?
THE NIV TRANSLATION
How can a young man keep his
way pure? By living according to
your word. I seek you with all my
heart; do not let me stray from your
commands. I have hidden your word
in my heart that I might not sin
against you.
PSALM 119:9-11
THE MESSAGE PARAPHRASE
How can a young person live a clean
life? By carefully reading the map of
your Word. Im single-minded in pursuit
of you;dont let me miss the road signs
youve posted. Ive banked your promises
in the vault of my heart so I wont sin
myself bankrupt.
PSALM 119:9-11
IN YOUR OWN WORDS
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8 Grow Spiritually
Compare
Comparc Scripturc with Scripturc Jdcntiy kcy words or thcmcs in your
story or passagc \sc a concordancc or your !iblcs marginal notcs to
look or othcr rccrcnccs to thosc vcrscs and thcmcs !crhaps thc story or
passagc is statcd dicrcntly clscwhcrc !ind out what othcr !iblc writcrs
say that might hclp you undcrstand thc passagc morc ully
Bible Marking
!urchasc a sct o thcmatic or doctrinal !iblc studics at your local Christian
bookstorc !raycrully walk through cach study chain rccrcncing your
!iblc vcrsctovcrsc `ow youll bc rcady to lcad somconc clsc through thc
samc study nothcr mcthod o !iblc marking is to usc dicrcnt colorcd
pcncils or highlightcrs You might choosc to undcrlinc Gods promiscs in
grccn or instancc and !is instruction in ycllow
REMAINING WITH JESUS IN PRAYER
\hcn )csus was tcaching !is disciplcs to pray in Matthcw o !c uscd a word
or praycr that actually mcans worship !cmaining with )csus in praycr mcans
to worship honor and praisc !im Jt mcans to bask in Gods prcscncc as you
would in thc warmth o thc rising sun
\hatcvcr praycr mcthod you usc makc it pcrsonal !raycr is simply talking
with God Jts not complicatcd You dont havc to do anything invcntivc !ut
i you arc looking or a rcsh approach try onc o thc ollowing idcas )ust
rcmcmbcr thc !oly Spirit will bc thcrc to intcrprct your dccpcst longings into
hcavcnly languagc all you nccd to do is ask
Journaling
!avc you cvcr kcpt a diary \hy not try this with God !ccord your
thoughts as you spcnd timc with !im in praycr and Scripturc rcading 1cll
!im what you ccl what you think what you wish what youvc lcarncd
1cll !im cvcrything 1hats what carthly ricnds do Jt will kccp your
rclationship with God rcal honcst and opcn Youll comc to rclish that timc
togcthcr and cagcrly look orward to doing it again Jn act it may lcad you
to pray without ceasing. 1 THESSALONIANS 5:17.
Four-Part Prayer
Somc o us arc mcthodical \c likc ollow a proccss J yourc a pcrson
that wants somc dircction in praycr try thc !our!art !raycr \sing thc
WHEN YOU
WANT TO
HAVE A DEEP
CONVERSATION
WITH A FRIEND
WHAT DO
YOU DO? HOW
MIGHT THIS
APPLY TO YOUR
PRAYER LIFE?
Grow Spiritually o
acronym !!Y lct your convcrsation with God bc guidcd by this outlinc
Praise-Praise and thank God for who He is and what He has done for you.
Repent-Take time to confess your sins and ask for Gods forgiveness.
Ask-Talk to God about your needs and the needs of others.
Yield-Give your life to God today to be used according to His plan.
Popcorn Prayer
Othcrs o us arc a littlc morc spontancous J that dcscribcs you
popcorn praycr may bc a pcrcct t )ust likc popcorn kcrncls that sccm
to randomly pop this praycr prcscnts random bursting thoughts and
rcqucsts to God 1hcy dont havc to comc in any particular ordcr 1hcy
dont cvcn havc to bc complctc scntcnccs nd that ts somc pcrsonalitics
just right You can try this praycr alonc or with a group
Five-Finger Prayer
!o you writc things on your hand so youll rcmcmbcr thcm J so thc
!ivc!ingcr !raycr may bc right or you !ach ngcr rcminds you to pray
or othcrs
Thumb - Pray for one of Gods workers.
Index Finger - Pray for a leader.
Third Finger - Pray for an older person.
Ring Finger - Pray for someone close to you.
Pinky - Pray for the children and youth in your life.
Prayer Walking
!crcs a way to combinc two vcry hcalthy thingscxcrcisc and praycr J
yourc an carly morning walkcr carry or mcmorizc a short !iblc vcrsc s
you continuc your walk mcditatc on thc vcrsc and talk with God Many
pcoplc nd thcy arc much morc opcn with God whilc walking
nothcr mcthod o praycr walking ocuscs on intcrccssion Map out a
routc through your ncighborhood s you pass various points (school
policc station groccry storc ncighbors housc ctc) pray spccically or
thosc pcoplc and placcs You may choosc to do this with a group pausing
to pray ncar cach placc Or you can stop to pray with spccic pcoplc along
thc way Youll bc amazcd at thc positivc rcsponscs you gct whcn you ask to
pray with and or othcr pcoplc
.o Grow Spiritually
Prayer List
Onc o thc simplcst ways to intcrccdc or othcrs is to kccp a list o
namcs and nccds to pray or 1uck thc list in your !iblc or writc it in a
scparatc notcbook by your bcdsidc !og thc datc you bcgin praying or
cach itcm as wcll as any !iblc promiscs you arc claiming s your list
grows you may want to dividc it among thc days o thc wcck !c surc to
rccord any visiblc answcrs to praycr logging thc datc and circumstanccs
!ooking back on thcsc storics will rcmind you o Gods aithulncss
Sanctuary Prayer
J yourc a visual lcarncr you may nd this mcthod hclpul !cad about
thc Jsraclitc sanctuary dcscribcd in thc Old 1cstamcnt (EX. 25-40)
Jmaginc yourscl walking through thc gatcs o that bcautiul structurc
and pray thc ollowing

1. Praise God as you enter the gates of prayer (the sanctuary gate).
2. Confess your sins at the altar of His sacrice (the altar of sacrice).
3. Wash your soul in His forgiveness (the washbasin).
4. Brighten your life with the presence of the Holy Spirit (candlesticks).
5. Nourish your mind by partaking of Gods Word (the table of shewbread).
6. Intercede for others at the altar of incense (altar of incense).
7. Behold Gods glory, mercy and character (Ark of the Covenant).
REMAINING WITH HIM WHILE WITNESSING
So what happcns as you stay with )csus in !is \ord and rcmain with !im
in praycr 1hc !iblc puts it this way in LUKE 19:39, 40 Some of the Pharisees
Grow Spiritually ..
in the crowd said to Jesus, Teacher, rebuke your disciples! I tell you, he replied, if they
keep quiet, the stones will cry out. nd you thought )csus didnt havc a scnsc
o humor Jn !is notsosubtlc rcmark to thc !harisccs )csus was simply
saying They cant keep quiet. If youd spend some time with me, youd be
shouting too!
\arning !ont try to witncss i you havcnt bccn with )csus Youll
misrcprcscnt !im to your youth and thc world !athcr than orcing a
witncss rcmain in !im and bc prcparcd or it to ow out o you \hcn it
docs youll nd yourscl casually mcntioning what God has donc or you
latcly Youll catch yourscl giving !iblical answcrs to hclp pcoplc solvc thcir
problcms Youll discovcr that witncssing is simply allowing thc lid to comc
o and lctting Gods lovc pour out o your lic !ut it can only happcn i you
stay with !im
Somc call it thc Philip Principle. Go to ACTS 8:26-40 Youll nd an amazing
story thcrc long camc a chariot with an !thiopian govcrnmcnt ocial
rcading an Jsaiah scroll The Spirit said to Philip, Go to that chariot and stay near
it. Jn othcr words thc Spirit was saying to !hilip Im going to give you an
opportunity. You listen for the opening and then jump in. Once youve jumped in, Ill give
you the words and well baptize the man!
nd thats cxactly what happcncd Jt wasnt bccausc !hilip was cspccially
charming Jt wasnt bccausc !hilip had a way with words Jt was bccausc hc
madc himscl availablc God did all thc rcst 1hats witncssing makc yourscl
availablc to God and bc rcady or anything Jt can makc lic cxciting
!cmcmbcr dont worry about not knowing what to say !istcn to what )csus
promiscd in LUKE 12:11, 12 When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and
authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, for
the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.
1his is amazing stu `ot only docs thc !oly Spirit cnlivcn Gods \ord or
us and intcrprct our altcring praycrs !c also givcs us just thc right words
at thc right timc So dont worry about your ccblcncss whcn it comcs to
witncssing 1hc !oly Spirit will takc carc o cvcrything )ust put yourscl in a
position to bc uscd !ow can you do that !crc arc a cw idcas
Project Thank You
1hcrc arc dozcns o pcoplc to thank in your ncighborhood Garbagc
When they saw the courage of
Peter and John and realized that
they were unschooled, ordinary
men, they were astonished and they
took note that these men had been
with Jesus. ACTS .,
.: Grow Spiritually
collcctors librarians mail carricrs tcachcrs and othcrs all givc thcir
timc and talcnts and otcn gct littlc thanks in rcturn You can changc
that trcnd Makc or buy thank you cards and hand dclivcr thcm to thcsc
giving pcoplc Count on somconc asking why yourc doing it 1cll thcm
thc God o !ovc you scrvc rcachcd out to you and yourc just rcturning
thc avor
Bible Study Requests
Your pastor probably rcccivcs rcqucsts or !iblc studics rom pcoplc
within your community on a rcgular basis !c probably cant and
shouldnt mcct with all thosc pcoplc \hy shouldnt hc !ccausc you
should study with at lcast onc o thosc pcoplc Jt will put your own
!iblc study to cxccllcnt usc nd you cant imaginc thc thrill o hclping
somconc clsc undcrstand thc !iblc until youvc actually donc it yourscl
Role Model
!ccausc yourc a youth lcadcr you witncss cvcry day 1hc youth you
ministcr to arc watching closcly J your lic is ccntcrcd on Christ thcy
will scc and hcar it \hat do you talk about most rcqucntly Js praycr
and !iblc study a habit or you !o your actions mcasurc up to Gods
\ord Jts a tall ordcr and thats why )amcs says Not many of you should
presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be
judged more strictly. JAMES 3:1. !ut dont lct it prcvcnt you rom bcing a
youth lcadcr J God has callcd you !cll also givc you all thc gracc you
nccd to bc a worthy cxamplc
Peace that Passes
Jt sccms no mattcr whcrc you arc during thc day youll nd somconc
complaining about somcthing Jnstcad o complaining along with thcm
stay calm and positivc !coplc will wondcr why yourc dicrcnt Jts
thc pcrcct opportunity to tcll thcm about what it mcans to havc aith
in God through dicult circumstanccs Jts onc o thc casicst ways to
witncss
THINK OF A
TOPIC YOU
LOVE TO TALK
ABOUT. HOW
DID YOU REACH
THAT LEVEL
OF INTEREST
AND PASSION?
HOW CAN YOUR
SPIRITUAL
LIFE REACH
THAT SAME OR
EVEN GREATER
LEVEL?
Make yourself
available to
God and be
ready for
anything.
Grow Spiritually .,
1. TELL THEM ABOUT IT.
1hats witncssing isnt it J your cxpcricncc is gcnuinc thcyll scc thc
light in your cycs and somc o thcm will want it or thcmsclvcs
2. BE PATIENT.
1his cxpcricncc didnt happcn ovcrnight or you did it (Jts still
happcning as a mattcr o act) !ont cxpcct it will happcn ovcrnight
or your youth cithcr Givc thcm timc Gcntly lcad thcm J you gct
rustratcd thcyll gct thc wrong picturc o how paticnt God has bccn
with you
3. CONSISTENTLY USE PRAYER AND BIBLE STUDY IN YOUR YOUTH EVENTS.
\hcthcr yourc cnjoying a Supcr !owl party a day at thc bcach or a
community scrvicc projcct takc timc to talk with God through praycr
and to lct !im spcak through !is \ord Your youth will gct thc idca
that a rclationship with God is not a oncdayawcck cxpcricncc but
somcthing that happcns cvcry momcnt o cach day
4. LET YOUR YOUTH LEAD.
Givc thcm a chancc to acilitatc group praycr and !iblc study !ncouragc
thcm to talk about thcir answcrcd praycrs and what thcyvc discovcrcd in
pcrsonal !iblc study 1hc morc thcy lcad out and gct comortablc talking
about thcir cxpcricncc thc morc rcal it will bccomc !cy now thcyrc
witncssing
5. DONT IGNORE THE HOLY SPIRIT.
\cvc alrcady covcrcd how important thc rolc o thc !oly Spirit is So
talk o !im talk to !im and scarch thc !iblc or ncw truths about !im
1rcat !im as thc most important mcmbcr o your group

PASS IT ON SHARING THE PRINCIPLE

Now that youre beginning to deepen your own experience with Jesus, how do
you share that with the young people youre leading? Here are a few ideas:
. Grow Spiritually
Godly lcadcrs arc pcrcct pcoplc right 1akc !avid or instancc God said I
have found David son of Jesse a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him
to do. ACTS 13:22.

\hat a guy God said !avid would do cvcrything !c wantcd him to do !c
sounds almost sinlcss docsnt hc O coursc wc know bcttcr So how could God
say that !as !c lowcrcd !is standards !ocs !c lct somc pcoplc litcrally
gct away with murdcr 1hc answcr is no So what did God scc in !avid that
plcascd !im
!irst !avid was a man o praycr !ow do wc know !ook at thc book o
!salms Youll nd many o !avids pcrsonal convcrsations with God !c
talkcd to God no mattcr what thc situationbc it good or bad !ottom linc
!c rcmaincd with God in praycr

!avid also lovcd Gods \ord You can scnsc its valuc to him whcn hc said
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. PSALMS 119:105. !ut !avid
did morc than proclaim his cclings or Gods \ord !c also did what it said
God says in 1 KINGS 14:8 But you [Jeroboam] have not been like my servant David,
who kept my commands and followed me with all his heart, doing only what was right in
my eyes.
So was !avids bchavior pcrcct `o !c mcsscd up many timcs !id !avid
rcally do cvcrything God wantcd him to Ycs !c rcspondcd in cach instancc
to thc conviction o thc !oly Spirit !c cll on his acc with sorrow and
rcpcntcd s hc concsscd his sin God was aithul to orgivc him (. )ohn .o)
1hats what madc !avid a man atcr Gods own hcart !c madc somc tcrriblc
mistakcs but hc always rcturncd to thc hcart o God nd that in thc cnd is
what it mcans to rcmain with !im

LOOK IT UP ILLUSTRATING THE PRINCIPLE

David made
some terrible
mistakes, but
he always
returned to
the heart of
God.
Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your unfailing love;
according to your great compassion
blot out my transgressions. Wash
away all my iniquity and cleanse
me from my sin. Create in me a
pure heart, O God, and renew a
steadfast spirit within me. PSALM
,..: .o
Grow Spiritually .,
Dear God, Im nally here. Im nally at the place where I realize I can do nothing apart
from You. Take away my self-dependence. Strip away my masks. Please forgive me for
____________. Thank you for throwing my sins into the depths of the sea. Now
ll me with Your Holy Spirit. Youve given me young people to lead. Help me point them
to You. Help us bring others to You, as well. Renew me as I study Your Word. Refresh me
in the silence of prayer. I want to be Yours. Amen.
LIVE IT OUT ACTING ON THE PRINCIPLE
So what should you do now? How can you start growing spiritually today? Heres
a list of commitments to help you get started. As you make each commitment,
place your initials beside it.

1. J givc myscl and my ministry complctcly ovcr to God

2. J will bcgin practicing thc principlcs o praycr and !iblc study
Jvc lcarncd

3. J will tcach thosc principlcs to my youth group

4. J will ask God to givc us opportunitics to sharc !is lovc with othcrs
BOOKS
!can !cnda Crcasy and !on !ostcr The Godbearing Life: The Art of Soul
Tending for Youth Ministry. \ppcr !oom !ooks .oo8 !xplorcs thc importancc
o ministcring to youth rom a spiritual oundation and ramcwork
!iggs Mikc Youth Ministry on Your Knees: Mentoring and Mobilizing Young People
RESOURCES

PRAY IT OVER PRAYING ABOUT THE PRINCIPLE

Lets get down to the business of prayer. Find a spot to be alone and focus only
on God. Next, drop all guards and give yourself totally to Him. Be outrageously
honest. If you have the will, but not the words, heres a suggested prayer. You can
actually read it to God if you want.

.o Grow Spiritually
to Pray. `avprcss :oo, !ow to build praycr into your own lic as wcll as thc
livcs o your youth
)oncs 1ony Soul Shaper. 7ondcrvan !ublishing :oo, \ays to incorporatc
ancicnt spiritual practiccs into youth ministry
!cnncson !hilip ! Life on the Vine: Cultivating the Fruit of the Spirit in Christian
Community. Jntcrvarsity !rcss .ooo practical rccction on how to livc thc
spiritual lic in thc midst o a sccular culturc
Maxwcll !andy 5 Steps to Christ-like Living. !acic !rcss :oo. Concisc
handson advicc or spiritual growth in a widc varicty o lic arcas
Ortbcrg )ohn The Life Youve Always Wanted. 7ondcrvan !ublishing :oo:
!rcsh contcmporary pcrspcctivcs on thc spiritual disciplincs
!clnhhocr Sarah Colcman Changing Lives: Experience the Power of a Teen
Prayer Conference. !cvicw and !crald !ublishing :ooo vailablc rom www
advcntsourccorg
\arrcn !ick The Purpose-Driven Life. 7ondcrvan !ublishing :oo: orty
day journcy into discovcring Gods plan or your lic
\hitc !llcn G Steps to Christ. `ampa J! !acic !rcss !ublishing
ssociation .o,o stcpbystcp guidc or growing and dccpcning your
rclationship with )csus
MULTIMEDIA
!lackaby !cnry and !ichard !lackaby A 40 Day Experience: Reality, Seven
Truths from Experiencing God. !\! !icway Church !csourccs :oo,
!rcscnts scvcn kcy biblical truths or knowing and cxpcricncing God www
licwaystorcscom or 8oo88o,:
!atchclor !oug Keys for Answered Prayer. Casscttc or vidco mazing !acts
!carn rom thc !iblc how to pray carncstly ccctivcly and with powcr www
amazingactsorg or 8oo,,8:,
Grow Spiritually .
Jesus Passion: Creative Prayer Stations C! Group !ublishing 1his C! will givc
you cvcrything you nccd to sct up scvcn praycr stations ccntcrcd on Christs
sacricc
Swindoll Charlcs Living Above the level of Mediocrity. C! Jnsight or !iving
1opics includc cxccllcncc commitmcnt lcadcrship dctcrmination prioritics
and rcsisting tcmptation wwwinsightorg or 8oo,:,oo,o
\hitc !llcn G The Desire of Ages C! !cmnant !ublications :oo, !istcn
to this classic on thc lic o Christ wwwadvcntistbookccntcrcom
WEBSITES/FREE E-NEWSLETTERS
wwwbiblcunivcrsccom Amazing Facts !aily dcvotions !iblc studics and
study tools and much morc
wwwcnbiblcinocom BibleInfo. sk !iblc qucstions onlinc rcscarch
topics or makc rcqucsts or praycr
wwwcrosswalkcomcommunityncwslcttcrs Crosswalk. Choosc rom various
daily dcvotionals and cncwslcttcrs
wwwastst FAST Support or !iblc mcmorization
wwwgospclcomnctspiritualwalkdcvotionals Gospelcom. !inks to various
onlinc dcvotionals
wwwintouchorgmyintouchmightyindcxo.:,html Mighty in Spirit.
!c inspircd by thc storics o Godly mcn and womcn rom thc !iblc and
throughout Christian history
.8 Grow Spiritually
!quip or !cadcrship .o
EQUIP FOR
LEADERSHIP
PRINCIPLE TWO
:o !quip or !cadcrship
EQUIP FOR LEADERSHIP
Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this
great people of yours? 2 CHRONICLES 1:10
May the God of peaceequip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he
work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ HEBREWS 13:20, 21
The God of Israel spoke, the Rock of Israel said to me: When one rules over men in
righteousness, when he rules in the fear of God, he is like the light of morning at sunrise on
a cloudless morning, like the brightness after rain that brings the grass from the earth. 2
SAMUEL 23:3,4
ACT IT OUT INTRODUCING THE PRINCIPLE
ALEX Wait up! I feel like Im having a heart attack!
MONIQUE We just started, how long has it been since you had any real exercise?
ALEX A couple weeks.
MONIQUE Channel surng doesnt cut it, you know. From the sounds of your
heavy breathing Id guess a couple years!
ALEX Ok, maybe I havent been real regular with the exercise. But hey, at
least Im out here nowright?
MONIQUE Maybe we should take a breather at this next bench. I dont want to
THE SCENE Its time to start getting t, and Alex and Mo have decided to do
some jogging on a local trail. Mo quickly sets the pace and begins to pull farther
and farther ahead of Alex. He is left gasping for breath.

PRINCIPLE TWO
!quip or !cadcrship :.
have to carry you the rest of the way.
ALEX A breathersounds good. [Alex sprawls on the bench next to Monique]
MONIQUE Now doesnt it feel good to be out here getting some fresh air?
ALEX Yeah, I just dont know if Ill ever be able to leave this bench. My heart
feels like its going to jump out of my chest!
MONIQUE So how have things been going lately? Aside from your lack of exercise,
that is.
ALEX Not too bad. Ive sort of been questioning this youth ministry thing,
though. I just dont know if Im cut out for it.
MONIQUE What do you mean? I thought you liked working with youth.
ALEX Yeah. I guess Ive just been a littleyou know scared. What if I
completely blow it?
MONIQUE Something tells me youve been missing more than your morning jogs,
lately. Have you spent much time praying about this?
ALEX Yeah, wellkinda.
MONIQUE Hmm kinda sounds like youre KINDA not! This isnt about you,
Alex. Its about what God wants to do through you.
ALEX I guess youre right. Maybe I need to start asking God to help me with
this.
MONIQUE Sounds like a good idea. He can usc all kinds o pcoplc you know
!vcn outoshapc oncs \hat docs thc !iblc says about
running and not growing wcary
ALEX Okay, thats enough. Besides, after sitting here, Gods renewed my
strength!
:: !quip or !cadcrship
MONIQUE Well, thats good, cause youre gonna need it! [Monique takes off ]
ALEX Hey wait up!! I still gotta take this at my own pace, you know
[Starts talking to himself.] Okay, you can do this Just like in high
school Breathe in, breathe out

THINK IT THROUGH MEASURING THE LEADER

What makes a youth leader successful? Do you know what success looks like? Or
are you uncertain of why youre here, what youre aiming for, and how to achieve
it? Take a few minutes and get your brain warmed up to the topic of leadership
by completing these statements:
1. I AM A YOUTH LEADER BECAUSE

2. THE BEST THING I CAN DO TO PREPARE MYSELF FOR YOUTH LEADERSHIP IS

3. A GOOD YOUTH LEADER

!quip or !cadcrship :,
YOULL HAVE THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE!
Youvc donc it Youvc signcd up or long wcckcnd hours cmbarrassmcnt at
thc hands o mischicvous tccnagcrs and momcnts o rcal rustration ll with
grcatcr rcwards than you can possibly imaginc \clcomc to youth ministry
GOD RECRUITS IN DIFFERENT WAYS
Maybc yourc not convinccd that God rcally wants you to lcad youth Maybc
yourc rcading this book in thc hopc that !c will makc it clcar !ow do you
know i !c wants you to bc a youth lcadcr !cts turn to thc !iblc and scc
what othcrs cxpcricnccd whcn God callcd thcm to a ministry

1. PASSION. )crcmiah was sct ablazc God lit a lamc in his hcart !c had
absolutcly no qucstion what hc must do !c had to obcy God and proclaim
!is word Js God compclling you to sharc !is lovc and gracc with thc
young pcoplc in your church Js it somcthing you just cant ignorc
burning passion is just onc o thc ways God puts his call on youth lcadcrs
2. RECOGNITION. God also uscs thc rccognition o othcrs \hilc you
ccrtainly shouldnt lct somconcs praisc go to your hcad ncithcr should you
immcdiatcly dismiss othcr pcoplcs airmation o your Godgivcn gits
God otcn uscs othcrs to hclp us rcalizc !is call to scrvc

3. LIFE EXPERIENCE. Somctimcs God calls lcadcrs by prcparing thcm !c
providcntially rcadics thcir livcs to rcach a particular group Jt was no
accidcnt that !aul was callcd to work with thc pcoplc hc did !is )cwish
hcritagc !oman citizcnship acadcmic prowcss and common tcntmaking
skills wcrc a powcrul combination God uscd to win thousands to !im
God uniqucly ittcd !aul to thc task nd through your lic cxpcricnccs
God has also bccn doing a work o prcparation !c may havc bccn
cquipping you all along to work with young pcoplc

4. A NEED. !ut maybc yourc a youth lcadcr simply bccausc you took action
`o onc clsc would do it and it nccdcd to bc donc so you said ycs J so
you arc in good company !avid did thc vcry samc thing \hcn hc saw
that nonc o Jsracls soldicrs would ight Goliath hc took thc rcsponsibility
upon himscl and sct out in Gods strcngth alonc J that sounds likc you
takc couragc God will go bcorc you just as !c did with !avid and
prcparc thc way
BREAK IT DOWN UNDERSTANDING THE PRINCIPLE
HOW DO
YOU KNOW
WHEN GOD IS
SPEAKING TO
YOU?
But if I say, I will not mention
him or speak any more in his
name, his word is in my heart like
a re, a re shut up in my bones. I
am weary of holding it in; indeed,
I cannot.
JEREMIAH 20:9

: !quip or !cadcrship
So you scc it rcally docsnt mattcr how you arc callcd to youth ministry Onc
way is no bcttcr than anothcr \hats important is that God brought you to
this point and !c will continuc to lcad you rom hcrc
HES CALLED. IM SCARED!
!crhaps yourc still a bit ncrvous Scarcd out o your wits might bc morc
likc it !ont lct that stop you Gods calling otcn ovcrwhclms us Jn
act Jsaiahs knccs wcnt wcak whcn hc rcccivcd his call to ministry !c
considcrcd thc magnitudc o Gods glory and all hc could say was Woe to me!
I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips ISAIAH 6:5 Jsaiah kncw what
God wantcd him to do hc just didnt know how hc could carry out such a
holy task
So do you ccl a littlc unworthy !avc you comc to thc rcalization that thc
task o bringing young pcoplc to Christ is grcatcr than you can accomplish
Good now God can rcally usc you !ccognizing your nccd or !im is thc
irst stcp )csus said The Son can do nothing by himself JOHN 5:19 J thc Son
o God nccdcd to dcpcnd on !is hcavcnly !athcr how much morc do wc
!cmcmbcr thc promisc in PHILIPPIANS 4:19 My God will meet all your needs
according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. God wont givc you a job !c cant
cquip you to do )ust all on your knccs ask or !is blcssing and thank !im
or giving you this important challcngc
CONSULT YOUR RESOURCES
!ut docs a calling rom God givc you magical youth ministry powcrs
You might think \hy worry )ust show up to youth group and thc good
stu will low `o nccd to study ccctivc lcadcrship J God has callcd mc
Jm sct
!ccall ACTS 17:11. Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the
Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the
Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.
!vcryday thc !crcans studicd 1hcy wantcd to bc thc bcst rcprcscntativcs
o )csus thcy could possibly bc 1hcy wantcd to makc surc thcy had it right
Shouldnt youth lcadcrs do thc samc !vcn scasoncd youth pastors know
thcy havc to continually updatc i thcy want to rcmain ccctivc !ortunatcly
thcrc arc lots o ways to gain and improvc youth lcadcrship skills
WHY NOT STOP,
DROP AND PRAY?
Seeing your
need of Him is
the first step.
!quip or !cadcrship :,
TOOL TIME.
1hcrcs a tool or cvcry job s any contractor will tcll you having thc
right tool or thc job makcs it casicr So what arc somc o thc most
common tasks in youth ministry !crc thcy arc listcd with tools that no
youth workcr should bc without !ont orgct to chcck out morc grcat
rcsourccs listcd at thc cnd o cach chaptcr

Strcngthcning Your Spiritual !ic
!can !cnda Crcasy and !on !ostcr The Godbearing Life: The Art of Soul
Tending for Youth Ministry. \ppcr !oom !ooks .oo8
!clping Youth in Crisis
!arrot !r !cs Helping the Struggling Adolescent. 7ondcrvan :ooo
!acilitating Small Groups
!olich !auric Help! Im a Small-Group Leader! 7ondcrvan .oo8
Crcating !rograms
Ideas Library CD-Rom, v.3.0 Youth Spccialtics
Jdcntiying Spiritual Gits
!urns )im The Word on Finding and Using Your Spiritual Gifts.
!cgal !ooks .ooo
\ndcrstanding Youth and Youth Culturc
Mucllcr \alt Understanding Todays Youth Culture.
1yndalc !ousc .ooo
1. ATTEND TRAINING SEMINARS. 1hcsc may bc local cvcnts organizcd by
your dcnominational lcadcrs Or thcy may bc largc intcrdcnominational
convcntions likc thosc run by Group or Youth Spccialtics You will
usually rcccivc lots o practical advicc thc chancc to talk with cxpcrts in
thc icld and an opportunity to rcvicw and purchasc thc latcst tools or
youth ministry
2. READ BOOKS, SUBSCRIBE TO JOURNALS, LISTEN TO TAPES, OR WATCH
VIDEOS ON YOUTH LEADERSHIP. Chcck with your churchs youth
:o !quip or !cadcrship
ministry hcadquartcrs to scc i thcy havc a lcnding library o rcsourccs J
not try to allocatc somc moncy in your youth budgct and bcgin building
onc or your local congrcgation 1hat way your lcadcrship tcam can also
acccss thcm 1hc rcsourccs listcd at thc cnd o cach chaptcr in this book
would bc a good placc to start
3. NETWORK WITH OTHER YOUTH LEADERS. !ont go it alonc Stay in
touch with othcr lcadcrs in your arca Sharc idcas rcsourccs praycr
rcqucsts ailurcs and succcsscs You may cvcn want to plan somc cvcnts
togcthcr \orking togcthcr is a grcat way to lcarn J possiblc rcach out
to a scasoncd youth lcadcr who would bc willing to coach you through
diicult issucs good mcntor is pricclcss
4. VISIT YOUTH MINISTRY WEBSITES. 1hcrcs a lot o hclp out thcrc on
thc Jntcrnct \sing a cw kcy words and a scarch cnginc you can ind
numcrous sitcs dcsigncd to support youth lcadcrs Somc cvcn ocr
rcc subscriptions to cmail updatcs and ncwslcttcrs Sign up You may
also want to sur thc sitcs o othcr local youth ministrics !ind out what
thcyrc doing and how thcyrc organizcd J somcthing catchcs your
intcrcst contact thc lcadcr or morc dctails
5. CREATE A LIST OF LOCAL RESOURCES. \hcthcr its a church mcmbcr
whosc ski boat is just a phonc call away or a good Christian counsclor
to whom you can rccr your youth and amilics thcrc arc lots o pcoplc
in your arca that can bc o assistancc \sc thc My !csourccs Contact
Shcct in this chaptcr to dcvclop a list o namcs and contact inormation
or cvcry occasion
PLAN FOR A TEAM APPROACH
!vcry youth lcadcr nccds a tcam around thcm `ot only will that tcam
bc a sourcc o moral support cach mcmbcr will strcngthcn your ministry
with thcir uniquc gits 1hc challcngc is to build a tcam that can rcach
and attract all typcs o young pcoplc s you sclcct your tcam considcr thc
nccd or cultural gcndcr and agc divcrsity !or instancc do you havc a high
pcrccntagc o young ladics but no cmalc lcadcrs rc thcrc largc numbcrs
o studcnts rom a particular cthnic group but no onc on sta thcy can
rclatc to thoughtul lcadcr will work to ill thcsc gaps 1hink as wcll
!quip or !cadcrship :
about your lcadcrship stylc \hat arc your strcngths and wcakncsscs as a
lcadcr Can you ind adult and tccn lcadcrs who complcmcnt your gits or
lcadcrship
WHAT LEADERSHIP STRENGTHS HAS GOD GIVEN THOSE AROUND ME?
Study thc typcs o lcadcrs bclow \hich oncs bcst dcscribc you 1ry to
asscmblc a tcam with as many o thc othcr charactcristics as possiblc
1. VISIONARIES ARE GIFTED WITH INCREDIBLE FAITH. 1hcy arc crcativc and
ncvcr usc thc word impossiblc !agcr to boldly go whcrc no man has gonc
bcorc thc visionary sccs possibilitics and lcads othcrs toward thcm
2. MENTORS LEAD THROUGH RELATIONSHIPS. 1hcy arc giving paticnt
pcoplc that attract othcrs with thcir caring attitudc 1hcy dont orcc thcir
agcnda and bccausc o that othcrs scck out thcir Spiritlcd advicc
3. ORGANIZERS LEAD THROUGH PLANNING AND COMMUNICATION. 1hcir
dccisivc analytical lcadcrship inspircs othcrs to accomplish tasks !coplc
ollow bccausc thcy scc thcrcs a Godgivcn plan o action bcorc thcm
4. ROLE MODELS LEAD BY EXAMPLE. 1hcy would ncvcr ask othcrs to do
somcthing thcy wouldnt do thcmsclvcs 1hcy walk thc walk and talk thc
talk Othcrs admirc that and want to ollow
MY DREAM TEAM
J you could havc anyonc in your church on your tcam whom would you
placc in cach catcgory
\isionary
Mcntor
Organizcr
!olc Modcl
dvocatc
Scrvant
Charismatic
:8 !quip or !cadcrship
5. ADVOCATES LEAD BY STANDING IN THE GAP FOR OTHERS. 1hcir loyalty
causcs thcm to spcak on bchal o thosc in nccd 1hrough thcir own
passionatc dcsirc to stand up or youth thcy inspirc thcm to ollow
6. SERVANTS LEAD BY GIVING. 1hcy havc no thought or thcir own rights
or comort 1hrough practical scllcss acts thcy providc or thosc in
nccd Othcrs ollow with thc samc giving spirit
7. CHARISMATICS USE THEIR INFLUENCE AND ENTHUSIASM TO PERSUADE
OTHERS TO FOLLOW. 1hcsc lcadcrs arc likcablc and ricndly Othcrs
gathcr around knowing thcy havc somcthing spccial
You scc God uscs all kinds o pcoplc to lcad Onc typc o lcadcr rarcly
rcachcs all typcs o youth 1hats why God puts so many dicrcnt pcoplc in
thc church You may bc thc only clcctcd youth lcadcr but by gctting othcrs
involvcd youll grcatly incrcasc thc chanccs o rcaching all o your youth
RECRUITING VOLUNTEERS
You may bc wondcring !ow can J gct othcrs involvcd `o onc wants to
voluntccr or thc youth dcpartmcnt !ont worry Many youth lcadcrs
havc accd a similar situation !ccp in mind thc thrcc primary rcasons
pcoplc dont voluntccr .) thcy dont think thcy havc cnough timc :) thcy
ccl uncasy around young pcoplc or ,) thcy arcnt awarc o your nccds on a
pcrsonal lcvcl You can incrcasc thc likclihood o rccruiting voluntccrs by
addrcssing cach o thcsc arcas !crc arc a cw suggcstions
1. INVITE ADULTS TO VOLUNTEER FOR SHORT AMOUNTS OF TIME. 1his
brings thcm into contact with your ministry and its nccds \ould thcy
bc willing to hclp drivc youth to an cvcnt Could thc youth usc thcir
lakcsidc dock or an atcrnoon Maybc thcyd bring a dcsscrt to thc youth
potluck in thc park `ot only arc shorttcrm commitmcnts casicr to ill
thcy can bc a grcat assct to your program and may lcad somc adults to a
longtcrm commitmcnt
2. INTRODUCE YOUR YOUTH TO THE CONGREGATION. \ork with thc
pastor to gct thc youth involvcd in worship Jntcrvicw thcm during
scrviccs !ublicly airm whats going on in thcir livcs Start a sccrct
mcntor program inviting adults to pray or and cncouragc a young
pcrson !o anything you can to brcak down thc barricrs that somctimcs
One type of
leader rarely
reaches all
types of youth.
HAVE YOU
OVERLOOKED
A POTENTIAL
YOUTH
LEADER?
!quip or !cadcrship :o
cxist bctwccn adults and adolcsccnts 1his incrcascs thc likclihood that
thcy will ccl morc comortablc whcn askcd to voluntccr
3. DONT EXCLUDE POTENTIAL LEADERS BASED ON A STEREOTYPE. good
youth lcadcr is not dcincd by how youthul or cool thcy may bc or
by how many sports thcy play wcll Youth arc ycarning or a surprising
numbcr o inlucnccs in thcir livcs 1hcy nccd pccrs oldcr sibling typcs
and parcnt igurcs as wcll as adoptivc grandparcnts 1hcy rcspond to
consistcnt caring typcs just as much as thcy do to upront cnthusiastic
oncs
4. RECRUIT ON A PERSONAL LEVEL. !cgging or voluntccrs wcck atcr wcck
rom thc pulpit only givcs thc imprcssion that yours is a sinking ship Jt
dcmoralizcs your youth ny voluntccrs who rcspond may do so morc
out o sympathy than bccausc o positivc cxpcctations Givc public noticc
o your nccds and thcn pcrsonally invitc potcntial voluntccrs to visit your
program mcct thc youth and scc thc nccds irsthand
5. EMPOWER YOUR YOUTH TO LEAD. !ont ovcrlook your most important
rcsourcc Youll ind lcadcrs o all typcs among your tccns (Morc about
this in !rinciplc !ivc)
CHARACTERISTICS OF AN EFFECTIVE YOUTH LEADER
\hatcvcr your lcadcrship stylc all lcadcrs can bcncit by modcling ccrtain
bchaviors Charlcs Shclton in his book dolcsccnt Spirituality says that
youth gravitatc to a lcadcr who is
1. AVAILABLE. rc you cmotionally and physically prcscnt or your youth
1his lcts thcm know how much you valuc thcm \hcn youvc got timc
or thcm thcy ccl lovcd and sccurc
2. ACCEPTING. !o you lovc and acccpt your youth cvcn thc diicult oncs
\hat docs rccciving that kind o unconditional lovc do or you Jmaginc
what it docs or thcm
3. AUTHENTIC. rc you opcn and honcst with your youth !o you livc thc
lic God dcsircs \hcn you makc mistakcs do you rcadily admit thcm
and ask or orgivcncss J your kids know who thcyrc gctting cvcry timc
you walk through thc door thcn yourc living thc authcntic lic
DO YOU LOVE
AND ACCEPT
YOUR YOUTH,
EVEN THE
DIFFICULT
ONES?
Invite adults
to pray for and
encourage a
young person.
,o !quip or !cadcrship
LEADERSHIP APPROACHES
1hcrcs onc morc aspcct to lcadcrship wc nccd to discuss `o mattcr what
typc o lcadcr you arc dicrcnt situations rcquirc dicrcnt lcadcrship
approachcs
1. THE HANDS-ON APPROACH. 1hcrc arc timcs whcn youll nccd to bc
morc in control J yourc tcaching an important skill running out o
timc on a projcct or i sacty is an issuc you may nccd to givc cxplicit
instructions and cxpcct thcm to bc ollowcd
2. THE HANDS-OFF APPROACH. Jn othcr situations you may choosc to
stcp back morc and lct things run without you You may havc a highly
motivatcd tcam that nccds littlc instruction or you may wish to tcst your
groups abilitics by lctting thcm go it alonc Jn cithcr casc rcmcmbcr that
handso lcadcrship may still rcquirc your intcrvcntion at somc point
3. THE SHARED APPROACH. Most o thc timc though youll want to
cxcrcisc sharcd lcadcrship \ith this approach thc youth lcadcr
a
Consults group mcmbcrs whcn planning and making dccisions
c
!clcgatcs rcsponsibility to thc group and scts timclincs whilc
maintaining a lcad rolc
c
!romotcs a scnsc o tcamwork
GOD WILL PROVIDE
`o doubt about it lcadcrship rcquircs cort Jt rcquircs humility and a
tcachablc spirit Jt rcquircs lcxibility and thc wisdom to know whcn and
how to utilizc thc skills o othcrs 1hc good ncws is that God will blcss your
corts to bccomc a bcttcr lcadcr !c will rcward you with succcsscs !c will
tcach you through disappointmcnts !c will equip you with everything good for
doing his will HEBREWS 13:20, 21.
Jesus was in the stern, sleeping
on a cushion. The disciples woke
him and said to him, Teacher,
dont you care if we drown? He
got up, rebuked the wind and said
to the waves, Quiet! Be still!
Then the wind died down and
it was completely calm. He said
to his disciples, Why are you so
afraid? Do you still have no faith?
MARK 4:38-40
!quip or !cadcrship ,.
DEVELOPING YOUNG LEADERS
1. KEEPS US RELEVANT. dults can ocr wisdom as thcy lcad youth toward
maturity Young lcadcrs on thc othcr hand can ocr insight into thc
currcnt nccds and culturc o thcir pccrs 1hcy can attract and spcak to
othcr youth in ways that adults cannot Young pcoplc arc also having an
incrcasing inlucncc in how thc world thinks and communicatcs 1hc
church would do wcll to listcn to thcir insights
2. INVESTS IN THE FUTURE OF THE CHURCH. `ot only do young lcadcrs
add vitality to thc church o today thcy arc an invcstmcnt in tomorrow
as wcll s Christs Sccond Coming ncars thc uturc sccms to approach
morc switly and with lcss ccrtainty than cvcr bcorc Young lcadcrs
traincd and cquippcd in a Godly ashion will hclp us mcct thcsc
challcnging timcs with conidcncc
3. GIVES THEM A REASON TO STICK AROUND. 1hc world is clamoring or
thc attcntion o our youth Multibillion dollar industrics havc targctcd
thcm with massivc amounts o rcscarch and markcting 1hc church cant
compctc dircctly with thcsc corts and yct must pcrscvcrc in thc cort
to gain thc hcarts o our youth Our bcst opportunity to do that is to
ocr thcm a placc and a purposc Chanccs arc i thcyrc rcally nccdcd and
valucd and know it thcy wont lcavc

PASS IT ON SHARING THE PRINCIPLE

Youve probably noticed leadership qualities in your youth. Some of them lead
with their strong convictions, while others set a quiet example. Some will use
their inuence in positive ways, while others hold a negative sway over the
group. Well talk more about how to empower youth for leadership in Principle
Five. In the meantime, here are a few reasons why you should equip your youth.
Use them or
lose them.
,: !quip or !cadcrship
lright!iblc quiz timc \hat grcat lcadcr o Gods pcoplc murdcrcd
somconc carncd a dcgrcc in shccp hcrding and dcaccd Gods pcrsonal
propcrty Jt was Moscs o coursc nd what was that you wcrc saying about
your lack o lcadcrship qualiications
Considcr thc way God traincd Moscs to lcad approximatcly two million
pcoplc !aiscd by !haraohs daughtcr in thc courts o !gypt hc lcarncd
history languagc scicncc and thc art o war !ut this isnt what prcparcd
him to lcad God placcd Moscs in thc dcscrt so hc could bc still and know
who !c was
Could this bc a lcsson or youth lcadcrs !ducation is vcry important !ut
all thc training in thc world wont it us or youth lcadcrship unlcss our
hcarts arc givcn to God \hat God rcally wants is a surrcndcrcd lcadcr
willing to lcad !is way
nd look at how God callcd Moscs by spcaking to him rom a burning
bush !ow many pcoplc do you think Moscs told that to Minus his sandals
hc was callcd with cxactly what hc had at that momcntthc sta in his hand
and a tonguc that didnt work quitc right God uscd thc sta and madc up
or thc clumsy spccch !cmcmbcr aron God always providcs
God will cquip you too !c wants to usc what you havc right now !ont
worry about what you lack God will continuc to dcvclop you as a lcadcr and
ill in thc gaps along thc way !cll bring pcoplc to your sidc who havc gits
that complcmcnt yours
Moscs probably ncvcr imagincd hcd bc lcading two million pcoplc through
thc dcscrt or orty ycars !c had a total lack o conidcncc in himscl Yct
as it turncd out !c was willing to givc up his own lic or thc pcoplc hc was
lcading God can do amazing things whcn wcrc willing

LOOK IT UP ILLUSTRATING THE PRINCIPLE

The LORD said to him, Now
go; I will help you speak and will
teach you what to say. But Moses
said, O Lord, please send someone
else to do it. Then the Lords anger
burned against Moses and he said,
What about your brother, Aaron
the Levite? I know he can speak
well. He is already on his way to
meet you, and his heart will be glad
when he sees you. You shall speak
to him and put words in his mouth;
I will help both of you speak and
will teach you what to do.
EXODUS 4:11-15
!quip or !cadcrship ,,
PRAY IT OVER PRAYING ABOUT THE PRINCIPLE
Certainly, God equipped Moses. Do you believe He can equip you to lead youth?
Heres a prayer of preparation you can pray:

Lord, You know how inadequate I sometimes feel. Youve challenged me to do a work
thats way beyond me leading young people into a relationship with You. I need Your
help. Thats why Im turning my talents, my energy, and my whole life over to You. Do
whatever is necessary to accomplish Your work through me. Ill study, Ill prepare and Ill
be available. Most of all, Ill look to You constantly. Bless the efforts I make to serve You
and Your young people. Amen.
LIVE IT OUT ACTING ON THE PRINCIPLE
Being equipped for youth ministry is all about staying connected with God and
the opportunities Hes given us to grow as leaders. With that in mind, consider
making the following commitments.

Jn thc ncxt oo days J will

A. \sc thc gits and talcnts Gods givcn mc to lcad youth
B !urchasc or subscribc to at lcast onc lcadcrship rcsourcc
C

Scck out anothcr succcssul youth program and consult with its lcadcr
D

!raw othcr lcadcrs around mc who can complcmcnt my lcadcrship
, !quip or !cadcrship
BOOKS
Chow !avid No More Lone Rangers: How to Build a Team-Centered Youth
Ministry. !lagship Church !csourccs :oo: Spcciic idcas and practical
stratcgics or building a lcadcrship tcam
!lmorc 1im Habitudes: Images That Form Leadership Habits & Attitudes. (C!
and !\! also availablc) Growing !cadcrs Jnc :oo 1hirtccn imagcs
and intcractivc cxcrciscs that communicatc important lcadcrship principlcs
Ganc !arry Building Youth Ministry: A Foundational Guide. !ancock Ccntcr
!ublications .oo guidc to building a balanccd graccoricntcd youth
ministry rom thc ground up
!iclds !oug. Purpose Driven Youth Ministry. 7ondcrvan !ublishing .oo8
`inc oundations or growing a hcalthy purposcul youth ministry
!iclds !oug Your First Two Years in Youth Ministry. 7ondcrvan !ublishing
:oo: Grcat advicc and practical hclp on starting out right in youth ministry
Maxwcll )ohn Developing the Leader Within You. `clson !ooks :ooo
classic on lcadcrship rom a Christian pcrspcctivc that shows how to inspirc
motivc and inlucncc othcrs
Yacconclli Mikc The Core Realities of Youth Ministry: Nine Biblical Principles
That Mark Healthy Youth Ministry. 7ondcrvan !ublishing :oo 1hcy arc
vcracity authcnticity audacity sanctuary divcrsity humility intimacy mystcry
and crcativity
MULTIMEDIA
Maxwcll )ohn Learning the 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership. \idco!it 1hc
Jnjoy Group wwwinjoycom !csigncd to tcach lcadcrship principlcs in a
group sctting
!iclds !oug Mentor Me Ycar . C! Ordcr rom wwwsimplyyouthministry
com scrics o ,minutc intcrvicws with lcading youth ministry cxpcrts
dcsigncd to train and inspirc youth ministry voluntccrs
RESOURCES

!quip or !cadcrship ,,
WEBSITES/E-NEWSLETTERS
wwwyouthpastorcom Youthpastor.com comprchcnsivc youth lcadcrs sitc
Chcck out thcir listing o youth group wcb pagcs
wwwgrowinglcadcrscom Growing Leaders: Igniting a New Generation of Leaders.
grcat sitc or inspiring yourscl and your youth to bc bcttcr lcadcrs Ocrs
a rcc ncwslcttcr !cadcrship !ink
wwwinjoycom Injoy. )ohn Maxwclls lcadcrship sitc Ocrs a rcc
ncwslcttcr !cadcrship \ircd
wwwoncpassioncom One Passion. !rcc onlinc community o youth lcadcrs
with rcc cmail updatcs and rcsourccs !ccbascd coaching and consulting
or youth lcadcrs
TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
Giraffe University. Ccntcr or Youth !vangclism 8ooYO\1!:\
National Youth Workers Convention. Youth Spccialtics wwwyouthspccialtics
com ivcday convcntion or all lcvcls o youth workcrs
Convencion Internacional de Liderazgo Juvenil. Youth Spccialtics www
youthspccialticscom ivcday convcntion or youth workcrs in thc
Spanishspcaking world
The CORE Youth Spccialtics wwwyouthspccialticscom oncday youth
ministry training cvcnt hcld in .oo \S citics
Generacion Lideres Youth Spccialtics wwwyouthspccialticscom oncday
youth ministry training cvcnt hcld throughout Ccntral and South mcrica
Catalyst: A Convergence of Next Generation Youth Leaders. 1hc J`)OY Group
wwwinjoycom o8::,,.oo wcckcnd lcadcrship concrcncc or
collcgc studcnts
Converge. Growing !cadcrs wwwgrowinglcadcrscom tcnday lcadcrship
concrcncc or collcgc studcnts
,o !quip or !cadcrship
CONTACT SHEET
Crcatc a list o namcs phonc numbcrs and cmails or thc ollowing
rcsourccs in your arca !aminatc it and placc it in a convcnicnt location
Emergency Numbers

!ospital

!mcrgcncy room

Christian counsclors

Crisis prcgnancy ccntcr

!rug rchabilitation ccntcr

Youth sta cmcrgcncy numbcrs

Schools

Church schools

!ublic schools

!rincipals

!cy tcachcrs and coachcs

!cad o !omc c School or !1

School board chairpcrsons

Christian collcgcsadmissions oiccs

Church Leaders/Ministries

!astor(s) !cad cldcr

Youth !ircctor

Youth ministry mcntors

!isk Managcmcnt !ircctor

!athindcr !ircctor

Youth camps

Mission agcncics

\oluntccr agcncics

Othcr arca churchcs

Youth spcakcrs

Musical groups

Supplies and Rental

!us and van rcntal companics

!cntal ccntcrs

Oicc supply storcs

!arty supply storcs

Christian book storcs

!rinting companics

1shirt companics

Sound and light companics

!ulk oodwarchousc storcs

Activity Centers

!owling allcy

Skating rink

YMCcommunity youth ccntcr

Swimming pool or watcr park

!ock climbing gym

!izza placc

Jcc crcam parlor

Statc or national park

Outittcrs (rcntals guidcs ctc)

Volunteers With

propcrly insurcd vchiclc

lakcsidc homcboat

bonirc pit

largc living room

barn

pool
Volunteers Who

Cook or largc groups

!avc construction skills

!avc computcr skills

\ill chapcronc whcn nccdcd

!avc licguard ccrtiication

!avc artistic skills

MY RESOURCES

NURTURE
RELATIONSHIPS
PRINCIPLE THREE
,8 `urturc !clationships
NURTUE RELATIONSHIPS
Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this
great people of yours? 2 CHRONICLES 1:10
May the God of peaceequip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he
work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ HEBREWS 13:20, 21
The God of Israel spoke, the Rock of Israel said to me: When one rules over men in
righteousness, when he rules in the fear of God, he is like the light of morning at sunrise on
a cloudless morning, like the brightness after rain that brings the grass from the earth. 2
SAMUEL 23:3,4
ACT IT OUT INTRODUCING THE PRINCIPLE

MONIQUE So I went on a date last night.
ALEX You did what? [still gazing into the TV]
MONIQUE I went on a date last night.
ALEX Now, this could be interesting! [Alex pushes the mute button and looks
over at Monique.]
MONIQUE As interesting as reality television?
ALEX Maybe even better. So, tell me...what happened?
THE SCENE Alex and Mo sit on Alexs comfy couch in front his large television
screen. Alex is eating popcorn and intensely watching his favorite reality
television program as Mo sits uncomfortably trying to talk between commercials.

PRINCIPLE THREE
`urturc !clationships ,o
MONIQUE Well, he picked me up and we went out to eat at Rembrandts.
ALEX Good food?
MONIQUE Honest, Alex, is food all you think about? Yeah, the food was good.
But the company was lacking. [Alex pushes more popcorn in his face,
now completely absorbed in Moniques reality date].
MONIQUE We or should I say he talked most of the night. I was talking
about how stressed I was with my Physics class, and all he wanted to do
was give me advice. I doubt he heard a word I said!
ALEX Well, did he help you solve your problem?
MONIQUE Thats it; I didnt want him to solve my problem! I just wanted
someone to listen. Why cant you boys get that through your heads!
Girls need someone to listen to them.
ALEX Hmm, could that be why Samantha isnt interested in working with
me anymore on the youth staff?
MONIQUE What do you mean?
ALEX Well, every time shes had a problem with the youth group Ive given
her advice instead of listening. I thought I was helping. Maybe Im
making it worse.
MONIQUE It might be time to start listening. Women like that, you know. Kids
do, too. You might see some changes all around.
ALEX Yeah. You know, maybe your right. How about some more reality
TV?
MONIQUE Nah, I think Ive had enough reality for one week. How about we
take a walk and talk some more?
o `urturc !clationships
1. WHAT KIND OF RELATIONSHIP WOULD MY YOUTH SAY
I HAVE WITH THEM?
A !ricnd
B. uthority igurc
C. Spiritual lcadcr
2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME I SAT DOWN WITH A YOUNG
PERSON AND JUST LISTENED?
A. !ast wcck
B. !ast month
C. J cant rcmcmbcr
3. WHAT DO I DO WHEN YOUNG PEOPLE COME TO ME WITH
THEIR PROBLEMS?
A. Ocr a quick praycr and scnd thcm on thcir way
B. 1cll thcm storics about whcn J had a similar problcm
C. !istcn activcly and hclp thcm look or a ncxt stcp

THINK IT THROUGH MEASURING THE LEADER

What kind of relationships are you building within your youth group? Are they
deepening friendships that will last a lifetime? Will they have any eternal impact?
Here are some questions for you to consider.
THE MOST IMPORTANT YOUTH MINISTRY SKILL
!uilding and nurturing rclationships is thc most important youth ministry
skill you can dcvclop J you dont bclicvc it ask anyonc what thcy rcmcmbcr
rom thcir youth group ycars Most will tcll you it is timcs o un and
ricndship Youth thrivc on rclationships with thcir ricnds and lcadcrs

!ccausc rclationships arc so important to youth lcadcrs nccd to bccomc
cxpcrts in this arca Good rclationships not only makc a succcssul youth
group thcy arc also thc oundation or tcaching your youth about a
WHAT RELATION-
SHIPS WERE MOST
IMPORTANT TO
YOU DURING YOUR
TEEN YEARS?
The word became esh, said
St. John, and the Church has
turned the esh back into words:
words of good advice, words of
comfort, words of wisdom and
encouragement, yes, but what
changes the world is esh, words
with skin on them, words that hug
you and play with you and love
you and rebuke you
TOM WRIGHT,
THE CROWN AND THE FIRE
BREAK IT DOWN UNDERSTANDING THE PRINCIPLE

`urturc !clationships .
rclationship with )csus
)csus kncw thc only way to communicatc thc !athcrs lovc was through
a acctoacc cncountcr Jt wasnt cnough to bc God Jt wasnt cnough
to spcak rom thc hcavcns 1o gain our trust !c would havc to dcvclop a
pcrsonal rclationship with us hcrc on carth Jn act !c was longing to do it
!clccting on )csus cxamplc providcs many valuablc lcssons in rclationship
building or youth workcrs today !crc arc just a cw
RELATIONSHIPS REQUIRE SACRIFICE
!uilding rclationships can bc costly Jn ordcr to bcricnd us )csus lct !is
hcavcnly position and bccamc onc o us 1hink o all !c must havc givcn up
Though he was God, he did not demand and cling to his rights as God. He made himself
nothing PHILIPPIANS 2:6-7, NLT. \hat an amazing sacriicc
Jn ordcr to rcach youth adult youth workcrs may havc to orcit somc things
as wcll !ctc \ard in his book God at the Mall says that thc rolcs adults play
otcn scparatc thcm rom thc world o young pcoplc \hcn wc cntcr young
pcoplcs tcrritory it is otcn to corrcct thcm or takc chargc o thc situation
1o conncct with youth \ard says adults havc to sct asidc thcir authoritarian
rolcs This does not mean that we will suspend our values or commitments as Christians.
It means that when we rst make [a] connection with a group of young people we accept
them as they are. Only thcn can wc carn thc right to lcad
!oving young pcoplc though docsnt guarantcc thcy will lovc you back
)csus came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. JOHN 1:11.
s hc rcachcd out to thosc !c lovcd !c somctimcs cncountcrcd rcjcction
`aturally you will cxpcricncc many un and rcwarding momcnts with your
youth !ut you may also mcct dciancc apathy and disrcgard So what
will you do whcn thc going gcts rough \ill you writc thosc young pcoplc
o 1urn in your rcsignation Or will you stay thc coursc that a Godly
rclationship rcquircs
RELATIONSHIPS TAKE TIME
1hink o thc many hours that )csus invcstcd in just twclvc mcn !avc you
cvcr wondcrcd why only twclvc !spccially whcn so many othcrs clamorcd
Loving young
people doesnt
guarantee they
will love you
back.
: `urturc !clationships
or !is timc !c could havc spcnt all o his timc spcaking to largc crowds
and building his popularity Yct )csus pourcd his bcst cncrgics into just a
cw rclationships !crhaps hc kncw that lictransorming rclationships takc
timc 1hat days months cvcn ycars must go into thc cort or cach pcrson
Maybc !is plan was that wc would makc thc samc invcstmcnt in othcrs
1hink about it !avc you spcnt that kind o timc with your youth yct !avc
you cnlistcd othcr adults to givc o thcir timc as wcll
RELATIONSHIPS MEAN BEING PRESENT
)ohn says that )csus movcd into thc ncighborhood !c made his dwelling
among us. )ohn .. Jt was all part o )csus cvangclistic stratcgy !c didnt
show up rcnt a hall and call a mccting !c minglcd got invitcd homc and
madc convcrsation at othcr pcoplcs partics Youth workcrs would do wcll
to ollow this samc mcthod Go whcrc thc young pcoplc arc rathcr than
cxpccting thcm to comc to you !ct thcm know that bcing with thcm at
thcir spccial cvcnt or placc is morc important to you than who shows up to
your ncxt program
)ust onc caution dont bargc in !ntcr as humbly into thcir world as
)csus did into ours nd whcn thcy trust you youll bc invitcd into thcir
inncrmost circlcs 1hcn go ahcad hang out Chccr thcm on at thcir atcr
school gamcs buy a tickct to thc school play shoot baskcts in thcir drivcways
and cat with thcm at thc local astood joint 1hats whcrc your bcst
ministry will happcn
RELATIONSHIPS BEGIN WITH INTEGRITY
!corc cntcring a young pcrsons world wc nccd to do somc pcrsonal work
!rior to his ministry )csus spcnt timc in praycr and thc study o Scripturc
discovcring who !c was 1hat is why !c could proclaim with conidcncc
on scvcral occasions I am )ohn o8 8.: .o .o.. ..:, .o .,,
!nowing who wc arc in God is csscntial to hcalthy rclationships Jt kccps us
ccntcrcd on who God wants us to bc or othcr pcoplc
Youth lcadcrs will bc tcmptcd as )csus was in thc wildcrncss to misusc thcir
ministry !ctc \ard says \c must rcmain ccrtain that wc arc not cngaging
in youth work primarily to satisy our own nccd or scxual ulillmcnt
cmotional sccurity powcr or signiicancc lack o sclawarcncss may
Go where the
young people
are rather
than expecting
them to come
to you.
ASK YOURSELF

Why am I attracted to
youth work?

What kind of person is

God calling me to be for
young people?

Are there any unmet

needs I expect young
people to fulll?

Is there anything about

me that could harm or
hinder a young person
in a relationship?

Am I the same person

privately as I am publicly
with my youth?

Where can I go outside

of my ministry to get the
personal support I need?
`urturc !clationships ,
lcad us to hurt young pcoplc cmotionally physically or spiritually 1o avoid
this pitall youth workcrs should praycrully rclcct on thcmsclvcs and thcir
motivcs or bcing with young pcoplc (scc sidcbar qucstions)
Makc no mistakc as a lcadcr you arc a standard !aul says

!cmcmbcr your
lcadcrs who spokc thc word o God to you Considcr thc outcomc o thcir
way o lic and imitatc thcir aith !cbrcws ., Js your way o lic worthy
o imitation Young pcoplc want a lcadcr thcy can look up to !ont try to
bc cool or rclcvant by doing qucstionablc things Youth lcadcrs should
makc carcul choiccs in arcas likc cntcrtainmcnt spccch bcvcragcs and
drcss Jntcgrity mcans bcing somconc youth can rcspcct trust and comc to
or spiritual advicc
RELATIONSHIPS CALL FOR ACCOUNTABILITY
God placcs us in thc livcs o othcr pcoplc or a rcason !o you bclicvc that
)csus did !c otcn acknowlcdgcd that !c had bccn scnt by !is !athcr I
am not here on my own, but he who sent me is true. JOHN 7:28 So how did this
acct !is rclationships
1. JESUS RELATIONSHIPS WERE DRIVEN BY PURPOSE. !c cmcrgcd rom
!is ycars in thc carpcntcr shop with a clcar scnsc o mission God did not
send his Son into the world to condemn its people. He sent him to save them! JOHN
3:17, CEV. Youth lcadcrs without a purposc can conusc young pcoplc
sk yourscl what docs God want mc to accomplish in my rclationships
\hilc young pcoplc dont want an agcnda orccd on thcm thcy do ccl
sccurc with a lcadcr who has a strong scnsc o spiritual dircction
2. JESUS RELATIONSHIPS WERE DIRECTED BY GOD. Conducting our
rclationships bascd on whats popular is a rcal tcmptation in youth
ministry Jts casy to bc distractcd rom our purposc by supcricial things
)csus had to tcll a crowd clamoring or morc brcad J havc comc down
rom hcavcn not to do my will but to do thc will o him who scnt mc
)ohn o,8 !ay by day )csus rcccivcd dircction through thc kind o
praycr and !iblc study wc talkcd about in !rinciplc Onc Jts what kcpt
!im on track t thc cnd o !is ministry !c could givc an accounting to
his !athcr J havc rcvcalcd you to thosc you gavc mc out o thc world J
gavc thcm thc words you gavc mc and thcy acccptcd thcm JOHN 17:6-
Dont try to
be cool or
relevant
by doing
questionable
things.
HAVE YOU
FAITHFULLY
MINISTERED
TO THE YOUTH
GOD HAS GIVEN
YOU?
`urturc !clationships
8. Could you givc a similar rcport !avc you aithully ministcrcd to thc
youth God has givcn you
RELATIONSHIPS INVOLVE TRANSITIONS
)csus rcalizcd !is rclationships on carth wouldnt last orcvcr !c prcparcd
his disciplcs by saying I am with you for only a short time JOHN 7:33. s that
timc drcw to a closc hc told thcm It is for your good that I am going away. )ohn
.o 1hats bccausc !is dcparturc would opcn thc way or a ncw chaptcr
thc coming o thc !oly Spirit
s youth workcrs our rclationships arc no morc pcrmancnt \c may havc
only thrcc or our ycars with our youth bcorc thcy movc on nd wc nccd
to prcparc thcm or that cvcntuality Onc way to do this is to avoid cxclusivc
dcpcndcnt rclationships in thc irst placc Somc youth workcrs bccomc
jcalous o thc attcntion and loyalty o thcir youth Yct young pcoplc nccd a
hcalthy balancc o adult rclationships Makc cvcry cort to strcngthcn thcir
tics with parcnts tcachcrs coachcs and pastors nd as your timc with thcm
draws to a closc prcparc thcm spiritually and cmotionally or thc ncxt stcps
in thcir journcy
RELATIONSHIPS ARE ALL ABOUT GOOD TIMING
!inally timing is cvcrything cspccially in rclationships )csus told his
mothcr and brothcrs my time has not yet come. JOHN 2:4; 7:6-8. !ut thcn
just bcorc his cruciixion !c announccd in praycr Father, the time has come.
JOHN 17:1. )csus had a kccn scnsc o timing !c was carcul to rcvcal things
about !imscl and !is kingdom at just thc right momcnt
Good timing in youth ministry is just as crucial !o you know whcn to spcak
thc truth and whcn to simply livc it Can you scnsc whcn its timc to tag
along with your youth and whcn to say ollow mc Only thc !oly Spirit
can hclp hcrc sk !im to show you whcn thc timc is right or sharing your
tcstimony ocring a praycr or calling or commitmcnt
HOW TO BUILD INDIVIDUAL RELATIONSHIPS
So what arc thc irst stcps !cts say youvc walkcd into thc youth room and
dont know a soul
DO YOU KNOW
WHEN TO SPEAK
THE TRUTH
AND WHEN TO
SIMPLY LIVE IT?
Inactive youth
must be your
first priority.
`urturc !clationships ,
Make Initial Contact
Jntroducc yourscl Gct to know your kids by namc !ind out about thcir
livcs !crc arc a cw idcas
1. ATTACH NAMES TO FACES. !avc your youth writc down thcir namcs
addrcsscs birthdays and cmail addrcsscs on an indcx card 1hcn takc a
picturc o thcm and attach it to thc card Mcmorizc thc namcs and accs
2. CONDUCT A SURVEY. sk qucstions likc \hat arc your hobbics whcrc
do you likc to hang out and whats your grcatcst accomplishmcnt `ow
youvc got a cw basics on which to start building rclationships (chcck out
thc samplc Youth Group Survcy)
3. CREATE A FILE. !lacc all pcrtincnt inormation you discovcr about your
kids in an casily rctricvablc location (computcr databasc card ilc ctc)
\hcn you show up at your kids houscs with birthday cards thcyll gct thc
idca you carc about thcm 1hcyll also wondcr how you rcmcmbcrcd
4. IDENTIFY ACTIVE AND INACTIVE YOUTH. \ho attcnds youth group
rcgularly and who comcs only oncc in a whilc rc thcrc thosc who havc
stoppcd attcnding altogcthcr Jts this last group that will bc thc hardcst
to locatc !ut just likc thc shcphcrd who lct thc oo shccp to go in scarch
o thc onc (!ukc .,) inactivc youth must bc your irst priority
5. MARK A CITY MAP. !ighlight thc locations o cach youth group
mcmbcrs homc !rop by as you arc driving around town \isit or lcavc
notcs cxprcssing your carc and conccrn
Begin to Connect
Oncc youvc madc initial contacts and gathcrcd somc basic inormation
its timc to rcally conncct !ow do you do that with youth !crc arc a cw
idcas
1. LISTEN. Youd bc amazcd at how cw adults rcally takc thc timc to listcn
to young pcoplc J you want to conncct this is thc singlc bcst stcp you
can takc (Scc thc 1ips or !cctivc !istcning latcr in this chaptcr)
YOULL BRING A
LOT OF SMILES
WITH A SIMPLE
VISIT.
o `urturc !clationships
2. TALK ABOUT THE THINGS THAT INTEREST THEM. `ot only will this
indicatc an intcrcst in thcir livcs it will lcad you closcr to thcir dccpcst
passions and nccds as young pcoplc
3. SHOW UP ON THEIR TURF. \cvc said this bcorc but wc rcally mcan it
Chccr thcm on at thc scicncc air visit thcm at thc school cactcria and
say ycs to dinncr invitations at thcir homcs Youll bring a lot o smilcs
with a simplc visit
4. PLAY WITH THEM. !rotcct yourscl ully and skatcboard alongsidc thcm
at thc park `ot only will thcy gct a good laugh thcyll also know you carc
cnough to makc yourscl vulncrablc
5. PRAY WITH THEM. Oncc youvc built individual conncctions nothing can
dccpcn ricndships with youth likc spcnding timc in small group praycr
and !iblc study
HOW TO BUILD COMMUNITY THROUGH SMALL GROUPS
community is simply a nctwork o rclationships Jts a placc whcrc kids
cnjoy bcing togcthcr and ccl sac to cxprcss thcmsclvcs Oncc that kind o
placc cxists cvcry activity you plan will bc morc ccctivc
So how do you build community in your youth group Maybc youvc
inhcritcd a group with grcat rclational chcmistry Maybc yourc starting rom
scratch !ithcr way you can build community by orming smallcr groups that
mcct on a rcgular basis !crc arc somc gcncral guidclincs
1. FORM SMALL GROUPS OF SIX OR EIGHT. Youth ccl morc comortablc
participating in a group o this sizc Groups largcr than this makc it
diicult or somc to spcak up or join in !aving an cvcn numbcr in thc
group makcs it convcnicnt to do activitics that call or pairs
2. MAKE A COVENANT. grcc togcthcr that groups will mcct or a limitcd
pcriod o timc (ninc wccks usually works wcll) !avc mcmbcrs commit
to attcnding all mcctings bcing on timc and making thc group a sac
placc Many groups thcn choosc to closc cnrollmcnt or thc duration o
thc covcnant pcriod llowing ncw mcmbcrs latcr on changcs thc group
dynamics
SAMPLE SMALL GROUP
GROUND RULES
Scssions will start and
cnd on timc
!ccp whats sharcd in
thc group conidcntial
!istcn activcly
!cspcct othcrs no put
downs
!c willing to orgivc
Jts okay to havc un
ll idcas arc valid
!ont dominatc thc
discussion givc othcrs a
chancc to spcak
!coplc nccd not agrcc
only rcspcct dicrcnccs
`o intcrrupting or sidc
convcrsations
!vcryonc participatcs
!c opcn but rcspcct
othcrs privacy
`urturc !clationships
3. INVOLVE YOUR SMALL GROUPS IN TEAMBUILDING ACTIVITIES. You can
dcsign thcsc yourscl or purchasc books that will givc you somc grcat
idcas (chcck out thc !csourccs scction in this chaptcr) 1hcsc activitics
hclp brcak down thc physical and social barricrs that may cxist bctwccn
your kids and build trust and coopcration within thc group
4. SELECT A CURRICULUM. 1hcrc arc many inc smallgroup lcssons
availablc or youth groups Chcck your local Christian bookstorc or
catalog Somc studics arc topical whilc othcrs go vcrscbyvcrsc through
a book o thc !iblc
5. CREATE A SAFE ENVIRONMENT FOR SHARING. 1his is cxtrcmcly
important Ground rulcs o conidcntiality rcspcct and opcn dialoguc
cnablc group mcmbcrs to opcn up and sharc morc dccply
6. GIVE GROUP MEMBERS OPPORTUNITY TO AFFIRM EACH OTHER.
!vcryonc likcs to bc airmcd Givc your youth timcs and placcs to
do this Jt may not happcn naturally at irst 1hats why you crcatc
opportunitics or thcm Your group will grow closcr as thcy vcrbalizc
thcir apprcciation
7. GET THEM OUT OF THEIR COMFORT ZONE. !utting your groups in
situations that arc ncw and a bit uncomortablc cncouragcs thcm to rcly
on cach othcr Strctching groups can also rclcasc hiddcn potcntial
within thc group and allow mcmbcrs to makc discovcrics about
thcmsclvcs and othcrs
Small groups havc bccn provcn to build community in amazing ways
group thats bondcd cmotionally can grow togcthcr spiritually rcach out to
thc community morc ccctivcly and cnjoy lic morc ully Jnvcsting in small
groups will bc wcll worth your timc and cort
HOW TO DEVELOP HELPING SKILLS
Many youth long or a trustworthy adult who will listcn to thcm and
guidc thcm Surc youll makc ricnds with youth by playing gamcs and
cating togcthcr !ut hclping youth with thcir strugglcs will dccpcn thosc
rclationships likc littlc clsc \cll spcnd considcrablc timc on thc subjcct o
hclping youth not only bccausc it strcngthcns rclationships but also bccausc
MANY YOUTH
LONG FOR A
TRUSTWORTHY
ADULT WHO
WILL LISTEN
TO THEM AND
GUIDE THEM.
8 `urturc !clationships
its so important to thcir uturc
J yourc just bcginning your youth ministry you might not scc yourscl in
a hclping rolc !ut i you continuc to build thc kind o rclationships wcvc
talkcd about your youth will cvcntually comc to you or hclp
DOS AND DONTS OF HELPING
Jmportant !isclaimcr
When listening to a young person, you may be the recipient of sensitive information. You
must learn the importance of condentiality and when it cannot be kept. Youll also nd
yourself confronted with complex situations. Unless you are a professional counselor, you
need to recognize when youre in over your head.
For example, when a young lady comes to you with a revelation about abuse, rape, eating
disorders, suicidal thoughts or other tough issues, you must refer her to a professional
counselor. Youll want to check with a counselor in your state to nd out what issues must
be reported and/or referred.
With this in mind, we will refer to the youth leader as helper in this chapter. This will
avoid confusing the helping we do with the counseling a professional does.

!rocssional counsclors spcnd many ycars o study and practicc pcrccting
thcir art lways rccr your young pcoplc to thcm in diicult situations
Still thcrc arc somc basic dos and donts that youth lcadcrs should mastcr in
ordcr to bc ccctivc hclpcrs

!irst hcrc arc somc things 1O !O

1. DO LISTEN ACTIVELY. !cw things arc as valuablc as having a ricnd who
rcally listcns to you !oing it wcll can makc a dicrcncc
2. DO ACKNOWLEDGE AND ACCEPT FEELINGS. \hcn a young pcrson
admits cclings o any kind acccpt thcm as rcal !clcct thosc cclings
back to thcm by saying things likc that sounds upsctting or that must
havc bccn disappointing to you 1his hclps thcm clariy thcir cmotions
TIPS FOR EFFECTIVE
LISTENING
. Maintain cyc contact
mcntally scrccn out
distractions
: !ccp an opcn mind
rcspond without
judgmcnt
, !istcn to undcrstand
what thc spcakcr is
saying listcn bctwccn
thc lincs
!ocus on what you will
say ncxt
, !ont intcrrupt \ait
or thc spcakcr to
pausc to ask clariying
qucstions
o llow or silcncc
!ont imposc your own
solutions
8 Givc thc spcakcr
rcgular ccdback cg
summarizc and rclcct
cclings or simply say
uh huh
o !ay attcntion to what
isnt said to cclings
acial cxprcssions
gcsturcs posturc and
othcr nonvcrbal cucs
`urturc !clationships o
and know that you arc tuncd into thcir conccrns
3. DO EXPLORE OPTIONS. !csist thc tcmptation to jump in with your
own solutions Youth nccd to think through diicultics or thcmsclvcs
and may blamc you i your pcrcct solution docsnt work !roblcms
can ccl ovcrwhclming So hclp your youth brcak problcms down into
managcablc picccs and think through thcir options !ct thcm choosc thc
onc that sccms bcst
4. DO SET A COURSE OF ACTION. tcr siting through options its
important to sct goals toward a solution gain dont do this or your
youth llow thcm to dctcrminc thc mark and thcn ocus thcm on
inding thc ncxt stcp J thcy dccidc thcy nccd to gain control o thcir
angcr you might ask thc qucstion \hat can you do now to bcgin
controlling your angcr Maybc thcir dccision will bc to attcnd an angcr
managcmcnt class or to gct hclp rom a procssional counsclor
5. DO FOLLOW UP. Chcck with thc young pcrson in a timcly manncr to scc
i hcshc has ollowcd through with a dccision 1his accountability is onc
o thc most hclpul things you can ocr
6. DO EXPRESS HOPE. lways cxprcss conidcncc that thcirs is a problcm
that can bc ovcrcomc or managcd ccctivcly \ithout minimizing pain
diiculty or thc work that lics ahcad ocr a scnsc o hopc both or thc
prcscnt and thc uturc
7. DO ASK IF PRAYER IS DESIRED. God ncvcr orccs !imscl on us and
ncithcr should wc orcc our dcsircs or praycrs on young pcoplc \c
should !\YS S! \hcn thcy arc rcady our praycrs will mcan that
much morc nd o coursc ncvcr stop praying or thcm privatcly
8. DO MAINTAIN CONFIDENTIALITY. !corc young pcoplc sharc scnsitivc
inormation with you thcy havc to trust you J thcy hcar inormation
circulating that was sharcd only with you youll havc to start building
trust all ovcr again

EXCEPTION TO THE
CONFIDENTIALITY RULE
!ct a young pcrson know
thcrc arc somc things
you cannot kccp sccrct
Jmpcnding suicidc harm
to scl or othcrs and abusc
o various kinds obligatc
you by law to inorm
authoritics Chcck with a
liccnscd counsclor in your
statc to bc surc what your
rcsponsibilitics arc
,o `urturc !clationships
`ow hcrc arc somc things `O1 1O !O
1. DONT LECTURE OR GIVE ADVICE UNLESS ASKED. Otcn a young
pcrson comcs to you bccausc cvcryonc clsc is cithcr lccturing or
giving thcm advicc !c a listcncr 1hats what is nccdcd
2. DONT TELL STORIES ABOUT YOUR LIFE. Your young pcrson camc
to tcll you about hishcr strugglcs J you plungc hcadlong into thc
story o your lic hcshc may gct thc idca you arc morc intcrcstcd
in yourscl
3. DONT MINIMIZE THE PROBLEM. !ccognizc young pcoplcs cclings
and cxpcricnccs as rcal J you say things likc Jts rcally not that big
o a dcal youvc told thcm in ccct that thcyrc silly or ccling as
thcy do
4. DONT USE GOD-TALK PREMATURELY. J our pat answcr to all
problcms is !ray and God will solvc all your problcms wcvc
donc a disscrvicc \hcn pcoplc sharcd thcir problcms with )csus
!c hclpcd thcm in vcry rcal ways O coursc wc should bring God
into thc picturc as thc Spirit lcads but ocring spiritual clichcs carly
on scnds thc mcssagc that wc rcally dont want to dcal with thc
problcm

!inally thc most important skill you can dcvclop as a hclpcr is knowing
whcn and how to rccr a young pcrson to a procssional !vcn
cxpcricnccd counsclors know thcir limits !lcasc rccr to thc sidcbar or
tips on rccrring your youth in timcs o nccd
WHEN TO REFER
!ow do you know whcn its
timc to call a procssional
counsclor !crc arc a cw
guidclincs
. J you ccl
ovcrwhclmcd
uncomortablc or
conuscd
: J youvc ncvcr dcalt
with thc situation
bcorc
, J you suspcct this
will bc a longtcrm
counscling situation
J thc young pcrson
sccms to bc physically
and cmotionally
attractcd to you (or thc
othcr way around)
, J any o thc ollowing
topics arisc physical
abusc suicidc
addiction cating
disordcrs chronic
dcprcssion or complcx
amily issucs
`urturc !clationships ,.
HOW TO REFER
lthough you cant orcc anyonc to scc a counsclor hcrcs a ivcstcp plan
that may bc ccctivc
1. EXPRESS YOUR ONGOING CONCERN. !ct thc young pcoplc know you
wish to scc thc problcm rcsolvcd
2. COMMUNICATE THE NEED FOR OUTSIDE HELP. lcrt thcm to thc act
that you may not havc all thc answcrs sk thcm about sccing somconc
morc skillcd 1his makcs it clcar that thc situation is morc than you arc
cquippcd to handlc
3. DISCUSS THE NAMES OF PROFESSIONALS THAT COULD ASSIST. Jts
usually good policy to suggcst at lcast thrcc namcs o counsclors you
know and trust
4. WORK WITH YOUNG PEOPLE AND THEIR PARENT(S) OR GUARDIAN(S)
TO ARRANGE AN APPOINTMENT IF THEY WISH !ncouragc youth to talk
to thcir parcnts about thcir problcm and thcir dcsirc or counscling
gain i its an issuc likc suicidc lct it bc known that you arc obligatcd to
notiy othcrs J you arc unsurc about any o thcsc proccdurcs consult
with a liccnscd counsclor in your statc
5. OFFER FRIENDSHIP AND SPIRITUAL SUPPORT. !vcry young pcrson rcacts
dicrcntly to diicult situations Somc may cling Othcrs may push you
away Simply ocr your support and do whatcvcr you can
THE OPPORTUNITY OF DISCIPLINE
Jdcally your youth group will lcarn to lovc cach othcr and rcspcct thcir
lcadcrs Chanccs arc or thc most part this will bc your cxpcricncc !ut
thcrc may bc timcs whcn challcnging situations arisc \hcn this happcns
its important to scc disciplinc as an opportunity or lcarning rathcr than or
punishmcnt
,: `urturc !clationships
TIPS FOR EFFECTIVE DISCIPLINE
1. GET TO KNOW YOUR YOUTH INDIVIDUALLY. Youll undcrstand cach o
thcir situations bcttcr and thcyrc morc likcly to know you havc thcir bcst
intcrcsts at hcart
2. LET YOUR RULES BE FEW AND FAIR. \hcn you trust your kids to makc
good dccisions thcy usually will
3. AVOID UNNECESSARY CONFLICTS. Stand strong on what you must but
on thc points about which you can bc lcxiblc lcx
4. DONT THREATEN, BELITTLE OR PUNISH. Jt puts young pcoplc in a
position whcrc thcy ccl likc thcyvc lost sclrcspcct and havc to dccnd
thcmsclvcs
5. DONT DISCIPLINE WHEN YOURE ANGRY. Jts pcrcctly inc to say
Jm not surc what to do about this situation now \cll talk whcn Jvc
thought it through
6. CORRECT MISBEHAVIOR BY CALMLY IDENTIFYING IT AND WORKING
WITH THE YOUNG PERSON TOWARD SOLUTION. 1his hclps build scl
cstccm in thc midst o a diicult situation
7. MATCH CONSEQUENCES TO MISBEHAVIOR. Givc young pcoplc thc
opportunity to takc rcsponsibility or thcir actions 1cach thcm to dcal
with conscqucnccs by righting wrongs thcmsclvcs \hcthcr thcy havc to
rcpair rcplacc or apologizc doing so will havc a much grcatcr impact than
i you cxact an arbitrary punishmcnt
Discipline is
much more
pleasant
when it begins
with good
relationships
and positive
expectations.
\hat about that young man who complctcly disrupts your program cvcry
timc hc comcs \hy docs hc comc at all Obviously its not or thc spiritual
blcssingor is it You may havc a youth crying or attcntion !cll gct
it anyway hc cancvcn i it mcans ruining your program (which may bc
insigniicant comparcd to what hcs going through)

So what should you do !ick him out o thc room bccausc thc othcrs
dcscrvc to gct a blcssing Makc him writc !iblc vcrscs in a notcbook whilc
sitting in thc corncr Jt may bc possiblc to avoid such conrontations
`urturc !clationships ,,

PASS IT ON SHARING THE PRINCIPLE

This chapter has talked about nurturing relationships. Here are few suggestions
for getting your youth to do a little nurturing themselves.
complctcly in thc uturc Jn thc mcantimc thcrc arc ways to handlc thc
situation constructivcly (scc 1ips or !cctivc !isciplinc)

!isciplinc is much morc plcasant whcn it bcgins with building good
rclationships and positivc cxpcctations 1hcn whcn problcms do arisc
you can work rom a oundation o trust and undcrstanding !cmcmbcr
whcncvcr corrcctivc action must bc takcn always lct your youth know you
still lovc thcm and so docs God !clp thcm to scc that cvcry mistakc is an
opportunity or pcrsonal and spiritual growth
1. ENCOURAGE THEM TO REACH OUT. irm thcir rclationships with
nonbclicvcrs Jnvitc thcm to build thosc rclationships and look or
opportunitics whcrc God might bc ablc to usc thcir inlucncc Crcatc
youth group activitics whcrc your young pcoplc can invitc thcsc non
bclicving ricnds to comc along
2. TRAIN THEM TO LEAD SMALL GROUPS. \cvc talkcd about it now why
not prcparc your youth to lcad small groups 1his will givc thcm thc
opportunity to cncouragc airm and support cach othcr
3. BEGIN A PRAYER PARTNER PROGRAM. !andomly dividc your group into
pairs or a sct pcriod o timc (samcgcndcr pairing usually works bcst)
sk thcm to pray or cach othcr throughout thc wcck Ocr timc in
your wcckcnd programming or thc partncrs to mcct and pray togcthcr
!ncouragc thcm to gct togcthcr occasionally or lunch or somc othcr
outing whcrc thcy can talk and sharc conccrns
Imagine how
it must make
young people
feel to know
that there is
someone who
will never give
up on them.
, `urturc !clationships
Jn this chaptcr wcvc talkcd about bcing thcrc or our youth about nurturing
thc kind o rclationships that say Jll ncvcr lcavc or givc up on you 1hats
cxactly thc kind o rclationship !uth and `aomi had

!uth marricd `aomis son Ovcr timc shc and hcr mothcrinlaw bccamc
vcry closc 1hcir bond grcw cvcn strongcr as onc by onc all thc mcn in thc
amily dicd !ut cvcntually `aomis losscs turncd to bittcrncss !ad shc not
lct Jsracl ycars bcorc with a husband and two sons \crc thcy not drivcn
out by aminc only to mcct with morc hardship and dcath `ow shc had no
oncno onc that is cxccpt hcr two daughtcrinlaws !uth and Orpah Jn
hcr pain shc dccidcd to go back to hcr homcland

!ut as `aomi sct out on hcr journcy !uth rcuscd to lcavc hcr sidc !vcn i
it mcant lcaving thc land pcoplc and gods shc grcw up with shc would stay
with `aomi !cr impassioncd plca as `aomi hcadcd down thc road was
Dont urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where
you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you
die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely,
if anything but death separates you and me. RUTH1:16-17. nd nothing clsc did
scparatc thcm !uth movcd to Jsracl

\hat an amazing plcdgc 1hink o how it must havc madc `aomi ccl to
know thcrc was somconc who would ncvcr lcavc hcr who would always bc
loyal to hcr

Jmaginc how it must makc young pcoplc ccl to know thcrc is somconc who
will ncvcr givc up on thcm who will always acccpt thcm Jts quitc possiblc
you may bc thc irst pcrson whos plcdgcd that kind o support to thcm

So build thosc rclationships 1hcy arc lic changing Jn act thc lic you
changc may bc your own

LOOK IT UP ILLUSTRATING THE PRINCIPLE

`urturc !clationships ,,
LIVE IT OUT ACTING ON THE PRINCIPLE
Well, here we are! Were ready to jump o the edge of this chapter into building
relationships that really count. Are you ready to make a commitment? If so, here
are ve things to do in the next 60 days that will bring results.

PRAY IT OVER PRAYING ABOUT THE PRINCIPLE

Wow, what a huge responsibility! You are building relationships with young
peoplerelationships that can lead them to Christ. Maybe this prayer echoes
some of your thoughts:

Lord, You know each young person in my group. Youve entrusted them to me. At times
theyre so open; other times they wont say anything at all. Sometimes its so easy to be with
them; then there are days when I feel like a total stranger. Please give me Your perfect
timing. Help me know when to just hang out and when to speak up. Show me what your
will is in each and every situation. And most of all, help me know when to call them to
follow You. Im not up to this task alone. But with You, I can do all things. Thanks for
being there. Amen.
RESOURCES

BOOKS
!urns )im and Mikc !cvrics The Youth Builder: Todays Resource for Relational
Youth Ministry. Gospcl !ight !ublications :oo: !ow to build an ccctivc
youth ministry that bcgins and cnds with a rclationship with )csus
Chapman Gary The Five Love Languages of Teenagers. Moody !ublishcrs :oo.
pplics thc ivc languagcs acts o scrvicc gits quality timc physical touch
1. J will makc a plan to contact (cmail visit phonc) cvcryonc in
my group
2. J will gct a pcrsonal inormation shcct illcd out or cach youth and
mail or dclivcr it to thosc who arc inactivc
3. J will rccruit at lcast onc othcr adult lcadcr to assist mc with
thcsc tasks
,o `urturc !clationships
and words o airmation to thc livcs o tccnagcrs and thosc who carc
about thcm
Clark Chap Hurt: Inside the World of Todays Teenagers. !akcr cadcmic :oo
n indcpth look at thc strcsscs and isolation o thosc within tccn culturc
and what wc can do to addrcss it
!unn !ichard ! Shaping the Spiritual Life of Students: A Guide for Youth
Workers, Pastors, Teachers & Campus Ministers. Jntcrvarsity !rcss :oo. !ow to
ocr thc hclping hand o spiritual companionship to youth
Mucllcr \alt Understanding Todays Youth Culture. 1yndalc !ousc .ooo
classic guidc or parcnts and youth workcrs who want to undcrstand thc
many issucs in youth culturc
!arrott!cs Helping the Struggling Adolescent. 7ondcrvan !ublishing :ooo
practical handbook or youth workcrs that addrcsscs ovcr ,o common
tccnagc problcms and contains o rapid asscssmcnt tools
!arrott !cs (orward) The Comprehensive Guide to Youth Ministry Counseling.
Group :oo: !rinciplcs or Christian counscling and along with spcciic
approachcs or : common tccn issucs including workshccts to hclp youth
proccss problcms
!olich !auric Help! Im a Small-Group Leader! 7ondcrvan .oo8 quick
guidc to cvcrything you nccd to know about lcading a small group
!obbins !uy The Ministry of Nurture. 7ondcrvan !ublishing !ousc .ooo
practical indcpth guidc to discipling young pcoplc
!ydbcrg !cnny Building Community in Youth Groups. Group !ublishing
.o8, classic ivcstagc modcl or groupbuilding with lots o rcadytousc
activitics
\ard !ctc and !can !orgman God at the Mall: Youth Ministry That Meets
Kids Where Theyre At. !cndrickson !ublishcrs .ooo practical guidc to
bcricnding and ministcring to young pcoplc in thcir own sctting
`urturc !clationships ,
\hitc )oc and )oc \cidmann cditors A Parents Guide to the Spiritual
Mentoring of Teens. 1yndalc !ousc :oo. !art o !ocus on thc !amilys scrics
this uscul guidc providcs hclpul stratcgics or ncgotiating thc spiritual
qucstions and strugglcs that many adolcsccnts acc
MULTIMEDIA
Casc Stcvc Great Relationships. \idco !iccc o thc !ic Ministrics www
picccothcpicorg !our stcps or rclationships with applications or pcrsonal
rclationships and rclational ministry
Casc Stcvc Starting Discussions. \idco !iccc o thc !ic Ministrics www
picccothcpicorg !rcscntation o cight tcchniqucs or gctting a discussion
going
!iclds !oug Small Groups From Start to Finish C!!it Simply Youth
Ministry wwwsimplyyouthministrycom !rcscnts tcn stcps to launching
a small group in your church including handouts job dcscriptions training
shccts and lcttcrs
!iclds !oug Leaders Are Learners C! Simply Youth Ministry www
simplyyouthministrycom !ccordings o !oug !iclds training scssions or
youth workcrs including .o signs o a rclational youth workcr qualitics o a
small group lcadcr and how to disciplinc lovingly and ccctivcly
!iclds !oug Life Together Student Edition: Small Group Curriculum Kit !\!
!rint 7ondcrvan !ublishing :oo, complctc curriculum ,owcck
curriculum with thrcc !\!s and six study guidcs includcd
WEBSITES/E-NEWSLETTERS
wwwyouthministrycom Groups YouthMinstry.com: Life-Changing Ideas for Youth
Leaders. Ocrs a numbcr o grcat rcsourccs and idcas including a scction on
groupbuilding Sitc rcgistration rcquircd to acccss matcrials
,8 `urturc !clationships
wwwccntcroryouthorg Center for Youth Studies: Serving those who serve kids. Jncludcs
an onlinc cncyclopcdia o issucs rclatcd to youth as wcll as a scction o statistics on
youth culturc
wwwsmallgroupscom SmallGroups.com. !vcrything or thc small groups lcadcr
including a rcc cncwslcttcr Small Groups !ytc Sizc Many morc rcsourccs availablc
or a subscription cc
TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
Giraffe University. Ccntcr or Youth !vangclism 8ooYO\1!:\
Serendipity House Seminars. Scrcndipity !ousc wwwscrcndipityhousccomscminars
thrcchour scminar or ,, rom a national traincr !ocations nationwidc or will
schcdulc onc ncar you
The CORE Youth Spccialtics wwwyouthspccialticscom oncday youth ministry
training cvcnt hcld in .oo \S citics
Generacion Lideres. Youth Spccialtics wwwyouthspccialticscom oncday youth
ministry training cvcnt hcld throughout Ccntral and South mcrica
Group Ministry Live. Oncday youth ministry training cvcnts in .oo \S citics
rom thc pcoplc at Group Magazinc Go to wwwgroupmagazinccomgml or morc
inormation

Piece of the Pie Ministries Stcvc Casc can pcrsonally prcscnt his matcrial on
rclationships to your lcadcrs or lcad out in a tcmbuilding rctrcat or your youth
Contact him at wwwpicccothcpicorg

`urturc !clationships ,o
YOUTH GROUP SURVEY
`amc
Strcct ddrcss
City
Statc 7ip
!omc !honc Ccll !honc
!mail ddrcss \cbsitc
!irth !atc \orkplacc
!arcntsGuardians `amcs
Siblingsgcs

!obbics
!avoritc !ind o Music
!avoritc Movic or 1\ Show
!avoritc rtist or Group
!avoritc Class in School
!avoritc !iblc 1cxt
!ist thrcc activitics you would likc to do with thc youth group
. :
,
!ist thrcc avoritc songs to sing at youth group
. :
,
!ist thrcc topics or books o thc !iblc you would likc to discuss
. :
,
\hat is your grcatcst accomplishmcnt

\hats onc thing that vcry cw pcoplc know about you that youll tcll us

dditional commcnts or qucstions

PLAN WITH PURPOSE
PRINCIPLE FOUR
o: !lan with !urposc
PLAN WITH PURPOSE
Many are the plans in a mans heart, but it is the Lords purpose that prevails. PROVERBS
19:21
May He give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.
PSALM 20:4
Jesus gave them this answer: I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; He
can do only what He sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also
does. JOHN 5:19
ACT IT OUT INTRODUCING THE PRINCIPLE
MONIQUE What arc you doing! You dont just stop in the middle of the road!
ALEX Sorry, that park just kinda caught my eye.
MONIQUE Next time something catches your eye, give me a little hint so I can
brace myself.
ALEX Alright, alright. I think theres another park a couple miles from here.
MONIQUE So what are you planning on doing with your youth at the park?
ALEX Oh, youre really going to dig this one. I thought of it last night while
I was lying in bed. I guess you could say it kinda came to me.
MONIQUE Last time an idea came to you late at night, the youth room almost
THE SCENE Mo and Alex are driving in his car looking for a perfect spot for Alexs
new youth activity idea. Alex hits the breaks as Mo screams.

PRINCIPLE FOUR
!lan with !urposc o,
burned to the ground.
ALEX That was in the past. Ive maturedIm a new man.
MONIQUE Yeah, Ive heard that before. So what are you scheming?
ALEX Imagine water balloons, lawn darts, and lots of mud. Are you seeing
what Im seeing?
MONIQUE If you mean a bunch of angry parents and lawsuits, yeah I could see
that. Did you really think this one through Al?
ALEX Wellit sounded good at the time. Lawsuits, huh? That sounds ugly.
MONIQUE Ugly could be an understatement. Maybe you need to think this one
through again. What was the purpose?
ALEX Well, I wanted to have the youth to have some fun
MONIQUE And.
ALEX And maybe I need a little more direction.
MONIQUE Speaking of direction, Im pretty sure were going to be lost.
ALEX Why do you say that?
MONIQUE The map just ew out the window.
ALEX Oh, thats alright, who needs maps, anyway?
o !lan with !urposc
1. THE DIRECTION OUR YOUTH GROUP IS GOING:
A. was dctcrmincd by thc group through praycr and study
B. was sct ivc ycars ago by a popular youth lcadcr
C. changcs rom wcck to wcck dcpcnding on thc activity
2. THE REASON OUR YOUTH GROUP EXISTS:
A. is known by all who comc in contact with us
B. has yct to bc dccidcd
C. is simply to causc mc troublc
3. IF I SOMEONE ASKED HOW WE MAKE PLANS FOR OUR YOUTH GROUP, I
WOULD SAY:
A. by doing things that hclp us ulill our vision
B. by polling thc group to scc what thcyd likc to do ncxt month
C. what plans

THINK IT THROUGH MEASURING THE LEADER

So where is your youth group headed? Have you thought it through? If the
answer is yes, this may be a good time to check your bearings again and make
any necessary corrections. If the answer is no, then its time to set your sights on
Gods purpose for your group. Take this short quiz to get a read on your group.
BREAK IT DOWN UNDERSTANDING THE PRINCIPLE
DO YOU KNOW
WHERE YOURE
GROUPS
HEADED AND
HOW TO GET
THERE?
SETTING YOUR DIRECTION
!nowing whcrc yourc hcadcd and undcrstanding how to gct thcrc arc
csscntial to kccping your youth group moving and on track !ow do you
dcvclop such a plan Jt takcs somc cort !ut with timc in praycr a littlc
brainstorming and thc !oly Spirits guidancc youll sct a coursc or your
group that will givc mcaning and purposc to cvcrything you do
TWO ESSENTIALS DEFINED
\ision Statcmcnt 1his is your groups drcam Jt statcs whcrc you arc
hcadcd and what you hopc will bc Maybc your group dcsircs to bc Growing
in Gods \ord and Sharing in Gods \orld 1hats a vision Jts about
having a dcstination in mind

!lan with !urposc o,

ction !lan vision is grcat but as o yct you havc no idca how it will
bc accomplishcd or spcciically what you will do to gct thcrc You nccd an
action plan 1his consists o spcciic actions you will pcrorm to ulill your
vision !or instancc in ordcr to grow and sharc your youth group could (1)
include Bible study and prayer in all of our activities, (2) creatively share the Scriptures
each month with the church, and (3) conduct Bible activities for neighborhood kids three
times a year.

Can you scc how thcsc actions hclp ulill your groups vision n action
plan and vision work togcthcr
DEVELOPING YOUR VISION STATEMENT
\hat is your groups dcstination !o you know !vcn i you think you
know docs thc rcst o thc group undcrstand it !avc thcy agrccd to it
J not youll havc diiculty moving in that dircction 1ry this proccss or
dcvcloping a group vision
1. CALL YOUR GROUP TOGETHER FOR A VISIONING SESSION. 1his takcs
timc so its wisc to sct asidc an cntirc day at a sccludcd but comortablc
location
2. SPEND CONSIDERABLE TIME IN PRAYER. !ray bcorc thc group mccts
and thcn togcthcr as a tcam sk God to dircct in thc dcvclopmcnt o a
vision that will takc your group whcrc !c wants you to go
3. BRAINSTORM. sk qucstions likc \hat is your drcam or this group
\hat should thc ultimatc goal o this group bc \hcrc do wc want
to bc six months onc ycar or our ycars rom now !ct thc idcas low
\ritc thcm on a chalkboard or lipchart (scc thc !rainstorming !roccss
latcr in this chaptcr) You may scc a pattcrn cmcrgc that will hclp dcinc
your vision
4. DISCUSS AND CHOOSE. !iscuss all idcas and crat a statcmcnt that bcst
articulatcs your groups vision !ont rush thc proccss 1hc inishcd
product should bc short and inspirational
Ask God to
direct in the
development of
a vision.
oo !lan with !urposc
5. ADVERTISE IT. !ut your vision statcmcnt up on thc walls o your youth
room !rint it on all your lycrs and documcnts 1alk about it in your
mcctings and paradc it in ront o thc church
6. USE IT. !ct it bc a guiding light as you plan programs do outrcach and
train lcadcrs Jt will givc your group a scnsc o purposc and dircction in
cvcrything you do
7. RECAST IT. vision nccds to bc constantly rcncwcd !ind ncw and
crcativc ways to prcscnt your vision !ccasting will kccp your drcam
alivc
DEVELOPING AN ACTION PLAN
`ow that your group knows whcrc its hcadcd you nccd to dctcrminc how
you will gct thcrc nd spccically what you will do to accomplish your
vision 1hats whcrc an action plan comcs in

!ow do you crcatc such a plan gain usc thc brainstorming proccss to
hclp your group comc up with idcas that movc you toward your vision !ct
your action itcms bc as broad or spccic as thcy nccd to bc Youll addrcss
thc dctails o cach itcm latcr s you dcvclop your plan post your vision
statcmcnt in ront o thc room to kccp your group on targct
!ook again at our samplc
VISION STATEMENT
Growing in Gods \ord and Sharing in Gods \orld
ACTION PLAN:
s a community o !iblc studcnts wc will
Jtcm . Jncludc !iblc study and praycr in all o our activitics
Jtcm : Crcativcly sharc thc Scripturcs cach month with thc church
Jtcm , Conduct !iblc activitics or ncighborhood kids thrcc timcs a ycar

Oncc this stcp is complctc (rcmcmbcr you can always add morc action
itcms latcr) you arc rcady to movc orward !rogramming budgcting and
calcndar planning bccomc morc intcntional as you coordinatc thcm with
A vision
needs to be
constantly
renewed.
!lan with !urposc o
your vision statcmcnt and action plan

WORKING OUT THE DETAILS
!rogramming is onc o thc staplcs o any succcssul youth cort Jts whcrc
youll csh out all thc dctails or thc action plan youvc just dcvclopcd !corc
you start planning though youll want to considcr a couplc o principlcs
SIX KEY AREAS OF PROGRAMMING
COMMUNITY. ctivitics that build trust coopcration and apprcciation
WORSHIP. Scrviccs produccd spcciically or youth or lcd by youth or othcrs
SPIRITUAL NURTURE. !rograms that nurturc rclationships in thc contcxt o
small group !iblc study and praycr
TRAINING. !cadcrship training cvcnts rcallic lcadcrship opportunitics
and mcntoring
OUTREACH. Scrvicc cvangclism activitics dcsigncd to rcach your ncighbors
CELEBRATION. !argc annual gathcrings likc youth rallics congrcsscs and
rctrcats Smallcr group cclcbrations likc birthdays and baptisms
Balance. Jts important in all arcas o lic Your youth programs will bc no
cxccption J you only thrcw partics would you bc ullling your vision J all
you hcld wcrc training cvcnts would worship timc sucr Considcr thc six
arcas o programming listcd hcrc !ocs your youth program prcscntly covcr
all o thcsc arcas rc you doing too much in onc arca and not cnough in
anothcr !ont orgct that balancc also includcs thc principlc o modcration
Somc youth lcadcrs makc thc mistakc o ovcrprogramming 1his only
contributcs to burnout or lcadcrs and youth group alikc !lacc timc in your
calcndar or rcst and rcncwal
SAMPLE GROUP LIFE CYCLE
Aug - Sept Launch and Enlist
Oct - Dec Build and Nurture
Jan Motivate and Train
Feb - Apr Reach Out and Win
May - Jun Celebrate and Close
July Rest and Rethink
o8 !lan with !urposc

Lifecycles. Many groups nd it hclpul to cstablish a ycarly cyclc 1his allows
thcm to ocus thcir corts on dicrcnt typcs o programming throughout
thc ycar and to gct a rcsh start at thc bcginning o cach ncw cyclc
CREATING PROGRAMS
!ow can you comc up with rcsh programs wcck atcr wcck that ulll your
vision 1hc ollowing principlcs will hclp you crcatc intcrcsting programs
that stay on track
1. PRAY. !ray about your vision on a rcgular basis sk God to hclp you
discovcr ncw and crcativc ways to accomplish it
2. BORROW. !ont think you havc to rcinvcnt thc whccl 1imc is limitcd
or most youth lcadcrs 1hcrc arc plcnty o books vidcos and C!s ull
o rcadytousc programming idcas 1wcak thcm to it your vision but by
all mcans usc thcm
3. ADAPT. !ook through programming books and gct idcas rom othcr
youth lcadcrs 1hcn do morc than twcakturn 1urn it all around Cut
somc things out hcrc and pastc a cw thcrc Springboard to ncw idcas
)ust rcmcmbcr to ocus on your vision
4. CREATE. !rainstorm with your group and invcnt an cntircly ncw activity
!oing things rom scratch may takc morc timc but owncrship will bc
high `ccd a jumpstart Chcck out thc Jdca !romptcr on thc ncxt pagc
\hatcvcr approach you takc involvc your youth in thc proccss 1hcyll havc
a stakc in thc program and work hard to makc it succcssul
THE BRAINSTORMING PROCESS
\cvc rccrrcd scvcral timcs alrcady to thc brainstorming proccss
`ow lcts look at it in dctail Jn ordcr to run an ccctivc brainstorming
scssion youll nccd a cw csscntials (scc sidcbar) Oncc cvcrything is in placc
ollow thcsc stcps and lct thc crcating bcgin
THE ESSENTIALS

!rain ood (munchics

drinks) Jt starts thc un
and gcts kids thcrc

!lay things (toys straws

toothpicks odd objccts
ctc) You ncvcr know
what idcas thcsc itcms
might spark

\riting stu
(whitcboard markcrs
ipchart cascl !ostit
`otcs) Youll orgct all
your grcat idcas i you
dont writc thcm down

Comortablc atmosphcrc
(pillows bcanbag chairs
sockcct ctc) Jdcas
otcn ow rapidly whcn
cvcryoncs rclaxcd

Group acilitator scribc

and vc to tcn young
participants !ind a
capablc acilitator that
can gct your group to
producc scribc should
writc cvcrything down on
a whitcboard or ipchart
Jdcas writtcn in ront o
thc group otcn spark
othcrs
!lan with !urposc oo
o !lan with !urposc
Abortion
Abuse
Adornment
Aging/aged
Angels
Anger
Appearance
Assurance
Attitudes
Baptism
Behavior
Betrayal
Blessings
Career/Vocation
Caring for Others
Character
Church
Comfort
Commitment
Communication
Competition
Complaining
Condence
Conict
Conscience
Consequences
Contentment
Courage
Creation
Crime/Punishment
Criticism
Cults
Dating
Death
Decision Making
LIST A: 175 TOPICS
Dependence
Depression
Devotion
Discouragement
Disobedience
Disappointment
Divorce
Doubt
Drinking
Drugs
Education/College
Encouragement
Endurance
Enemies
Entertainment
Eternal Life
Excuses
Failure
Faith
Faithfulness
Family
Fear
Feelings
Following Christ
Forgiveness
Freedom
Friendship
Future/Prophecy
Gender Differences
Gifts and Talents
Giving
Goals
Gods Love
Gods Will
Gods Word
Gossip
Greed
Guidance
Guilt
Habits
Happiness
Hatred
Health
Heaven
Hell
Holiness
Holy Spirit
Homelessness
Homosexuality
Honesty
Hope
Hunger
Humility
Humor
Hypocrisy
Idol Worship
Imprisonment
Integrity
Intelligence/Grades
Jealousy
Joy
Judgment of God
Judging
Justice
Kindness
Knowing God
Laziness
Leadership
Loneliness
Loyalty
Lust
Lying
Marriage
Mistakes
Money
Music
Obedience
Occult
Opportunity
Pain and Suffering
Parents
Partying
Patience
Peace
Peer Pressure
Persecution
Popularity
Possessions
Power of God
Prayer
Prejudice
Presence of God
Pride
Priorities
Procrastination
Promises
Protection
Rebellion
Rejection
Relationships
Reputation
Responsibility
Revenge
Role Models
Sabbath
Agree/Disagree
Apply
Art Project
Case Study
Character Sketch
Charades
Chart
Choose (either/or)
Continuum
Compare and Contrast
LIST B: 50 ACTIVE LEARNING METHODS
Creative Writing
Debate
Demonstrate
Design
Discuss
Dramatize
Goal Setting
Group Project
Illustrate
Imagine
Interview
Inventory
Investigate
List
Listen
Memorize
Multiple Choice
Object Lesson
Panel Discussion
Parable
Paraphrase
Polling/Survey
Posters
Pray
Problem Solve
Question and Answer
Quiz
Rank
Readers Theatre
Real-life Situation
Research
Sacrice
Salvation
Sanctuary
Satan
Second Coming
Self-control
Self-worth
Selshness
Service
Sex
Sin
Spiritual Gifts
Spiritual Warfare
Standards
Stealing
Strength
Stress
Success
Suicide
Temptation
Ten Commandments
Thankfulness
Time
Tongue
Trinity
Trust
Truth
Values
Violence
War/Military
Wisdom
Witnessing
Work
Worry
Worship
Resolutions
Review Films/Video
Role Play
Simulation
Song Writing or
Listening
Story Completion
Story Telling
Symbolize
Write Statements of
Belief
!lan with !urposc .
1. RELATE. !ngagc thc group physically and crcativcly

!ody warmup !lay an activc group gamc (,.o minutcs)

! !rain warmup 1hink o as many uscs or an objcct as possiblc (,,
minutcshcrcs whcrc thosc odd objccts comc in handy)
C !ric thc group on what thcyrc planning or and go ovcr thc
ground rulcs
2. GENERATE. !cscribc thc challcngc Crcatc as many idcas as possiblc
(:,,o minutcs)
3. ELIMINATE. !cmovc duplicatc or impossiblc idcas (,.o minutcs)
4. GERMINATE. !ausc and pondcr thc rcmaining idcas
5. EVALUATE. Sit through thc possibilitics !lacc idcas into thrcc
catcgorics
A !ront !urncr \ill work Gct going on it right away
B. !ack !urncr Might work Morc timc and thought nccdcd
C. Ovcn `ccds work !ccp warm or latcr brainstorming
GROUND RULES
1hcrc arc no bad idcas
1hc morc idcas thc bcttcr
1hink wild and crazyout o thc box
!iscuss and judgc idcas latcrkccp cm owing
`o putdowns rowns groans or ridiculc
!uild on cach othcrs idcas
!rainstorming dcvclops lcadcrship skills and givcs youth a stakc in cvcrything
your group docs 1o makc surc your inal idcas havc a good chancc o succcss
plan wcll ahcad o timc nd again plan activitics that will hclp you carry out
your vision (!id wc mcntion that bcorc)
Dont think
you have to
re-invent the
wheel.
: !lan with !urposc
ORGANIZING A CALENDAR
grcat program can op simply bccausc thcrc wasnt cnough advancc
planning Conicting cvcnts can stcal pcoplc rom cach othcr bccausc
calcndars wcrcnt coordinatcd God wants us to listcn to thc spontancous
lcadings o thc !oly Spirit but cvcn !c planncd or thc ood .:o ycars in
advancc
So bcorc planning your own cvcnts gct a .:month calcndar or planncr and
ll in thosc unmovablc datcs You can nd many o thcsc alrcady listcd
in calcndars rom your local public high school acadcmy concrcncc and
church !crc arc a cw datcs to considcr whcn building your youth ministry
calcndar
1. PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SCHOOL EVENTS:
A. Sporting cvcnts and tournamcnts
B. `ational !ay o !raycr
C. !anqucts homccomings and proms
D. !lays conccrts and scicncc airs
E. Community scrvicc days
F. Midtcrms inal cxams standardizcd tcst datcs
G. Graduations and awards ccrcmonics
H. School vacations
I. !olidays
2. LOCAL CHURCH EVENTS AND MEETINGS
A. Socials
B. \ork bccs
C. Church board mcctings
D. !otlucks
3. DENOMINATIONAL EVENTS (LOCAL, REGIONAL AND NATIONAL)
A. Mission trips
B. Youth rallics and arcawidc gathcrings
C. !cadcrship training cvcnts
4. PROFESSIONAL SPORTING EVENTS
Even God
planned for the
flood 120 years
in advance!
!lan with !urposc ,
5. CHRISTIAN CONCERTS IN YOUR AREA
6. BIRTHDAYS
A. Mcmbcrs o your youth group
B. !astor(s)
C. rca youth dircctor
D. Youth group supportcrs
\hilc this list isnt cxhaustivc its a good start \hy arc thcsc datcs
important Jmaginc how your youth will ccl whcn you show up with thc
group at onc o thcir sporting cvcnts and chccr or thcm You dont want to
havc a latcnight social on thc night bcorc your studcnts big school cxam
1akc your kids to that Christian conccrt and savc thc pizza party or thc
ncxt wcck rc you bcginning to scc why a calcndar is so valuablc Jt isnt
just a piccc o papcr with datcs on it Jts a tool or making thc most o your
opportunitics
THE BIG, BAD BUDGET
\hy is it that somc youth groups sccm limitcd by thcir budgct and somc
always havc morc than cnough !crc arc somc nancial planning conccpts
that will hclp no mattcr which situation you nd yourscl in
1. HAVE A BUDGET. Jt sounds obvious but thc irst kcy to a succcssul
inancial stratcgy is simply having a budgct !vcn i your group has
limitcd monctary rcsourccs having a plan to usc thcm is important
!now whcn thc church board bcgins its budgcting proccss !stimatc
your nccds and thcn submit a proposal to thc budgct committcc
Oncc your budgct has bccn inalizcd allocatc thosc rcsourccs or your
cvcnts and stick to it \hilc you dont want to ovcrspcnd your budgct
rcmcmbcr that unuscd inancial rcsourccs may indicatc to a church board
that you dont nccd as much support thc ollowing ycar
2. KEEP A RECORD OF YOUR EXPENSES. !ang on to any rcccipts or invoiccs
and ilc thcm by cvcnt or budgct linc itcm 1hcsc may bc important in
ordcr to rcccivc rcimburscmcnt or itcms bought with pcrsonal unds
or cstimating uturc costs or or answcring any qucstions your church
trcasurcr might havc
DO YOU KNOW
WHEN YOUR
CHURCH BEGINS
ITS BUDGETING
PROCESS?
!lan with !urposc
3. SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP. J yourc not a inancial whiz dont worry
1hcrcs somconc in your church who is 1hcy can hclp plan and balancc
your budgct 1hcy might also havc a cw idcas or bringing in somc cxtra
moncy
4. INVOLVE YOUR KIDS. Onc advantagc o having your kids plan thc budgct
is that thcy bccomc awarc o thc groups inancial position 1hcyll bc
morc likcly to participatc in undraising activitics than to complain about
what thcy cant do 1cach thcm how to put togcthcr a inancial proposal
and lct thcm assist you in prcscnting it to thc board Givc thcm inancial
rcsponsibilitics undcr your supcrvision
5. FUNDRAISING. Most youth groups dont havc cnough moncy J you ind
yourscl short o cash your options arc to
A. !und raisc
B. Makc a proposal to thc church board or additional unds
C. !ind privatc donors
D. Cut back or rcallocatc your spcnding
J you choosc to undraisc you may want to rcad undraising books
solicit idcas rom your youth and ask adult mcmbcrs to pitch in
!undraiscrs not only add to thc bottom linc thcy crcatc a scnsc o tcam
spirit
6. ALIGN YOUR BUDGET WITH YOUR VISION. !crc it is again rc
you spcnding moncy in arcas that will hclp you ulill your vision J
somcthing mattcrs to your group youll invcst in it
7. MAKE IT A MATTER OF PRAYER. 1his isnt thc last suggcstion bccausc its
thc last thing you should do !ray irst pray in thc middlc and pray at thc
cnd !ncouragc your kids to ask and trust in Gods provision
MANAGING RISK
Most tccnagcrs sccm to cnjoy taking risks Somctimcs its to provc
thcmsclvcs to thcir pccrs Othcr timcs its to cxpcrimcnt with lic or just
to havc un lthough many tccns act as i thcyrc immortal adult lcadcrs
know bcttcr \crc rcsponsiblc or thcir sacty 1his is no small mattcr and
Fundraisers
not only add
to the bottom
line, they
create a sense
of team spirit.
!lan with !urposc ,
it has many lcgal implications or church organizations as wcll as or lcadcrs
!ow do wc managc risk and potcntially harmul bchaviors !crc arc somc
suggcstions or minimizing hazards and maximizing un whcn planning
activitics
1. BEWARE OF THE BIG FOUR! \hilc youth lcadcrs must pay constant
attcntion to sacty planning an activity that involvcs any o thc ollowing
our clcmcnts rcquircs spccial prccautions Most accidcnts occur whcn
onc or morc o thc ollowing arc prcscnt
A. \atcr
B. nimals
C. !cight
D. \chiclcs or !quipmcnt
2. THE RISK FILTER. !art o managing risk is asking good qucstions
!vcry proposcd activity should bc cvaluatcd to dctcrminc i thc risks arc
acccptablc and whcthcr youvc prcparcd adcquatcly or thcm Youll ncvcr
climinatc risk complctcly but you can protcct yourscl and your young
pcoplc i youll run activity idcas through a proccss likc thc onc ound in
thc !isk !iltcr (scc ncxt pagc)
3. AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION. Managing risk also includcs giving good
instruction sactyconscious lcadcr hclps a group undcrstand risks in
advancc and tcachcs thcm what thcy can do to minimizc or avoid thcm
altogcthcr 1his should bc donc !!!O!! thc activity is in progrcss
!ont count on an accidcnt not happcning ssumc that thcy can and
will happcn and thcn do cvcrything possiblc to prcvcnt thcm
4. PERMISSION, CONSENT TO TREAT, AND MEDICAL INFORMATION
FORMS. \hatcvcr you do dont ncglcct thcsc Jt could bc a mattcr o lic
or dcath \hat arc thcy \ho nccds thcm !cad on
A. !crmission !orm 1his is a orm lcttcr distributcd to parcnts Jt
should dcscribc thc activity location transportation sponsors
dcparturc and arrival timcs contact inormation and any spccial
instructions (likc moncy rcquircd spccial clothing ctc) !avc a placc
or a parcnt or lcgal guardian to sign and havc thc lcttcr rcturncd to
HAVE YOU
CONSIDERED
ALL THE RISKS?
KNOW BEFORE
YOU GO!
Assume
accidents can
and will happen
and then do
everything
possible to
prevent them.
o !lan with !urposc
!lan with !urposc
you Jts a good idca to ask or pcrmission slips wcll ahcad o timc
so you wont havc to bc worrying about thcm at thc last minutc
`otc !vcry minor nccds a pcrmission slip signcd by a parcnt or lcgal
guardian
B. Conscnt to 1rcat 1his orm givcs you pcrmission to takc a minor
(undcr .8 ycars old) to a hospital or doctor or trcatmcnt in casc o
an accidcnt Jn todays lawsuit oricntcd socicty doctors wont usually
trcat a minor without onc `otc !vcry minor nccds a conscnt to
trcat orm propcrly signcd by a parcnt or lcgal guardian
C. Mcdical Jnormation !orm 1his orm otcn combincd with thc
conscnt to trcat orm givcs all pcrtincnt mcdical inormation about
cach pcrson in your group llcrgics blood typc mcdical history
ctc arc nccdtoknow itcms or doctors whcn trcating `otc !vcry
pcrson in your group nccds a propcrly complctcd mcdical inormation
orm
5. VOLUNTEER SCREENING. Jt may sccm silly to havc your youth
dcpartmcnt voluntccrs ill out an application providc thrcc
rccommcndations rom somconc othcr than a rclativc and conscnt
to criminal and social scrviccs background chccks but its not !coplc
who havc committcd crimcs against childrcn havc joincd organizations
or childrcn \hy !ccausc no onc chcckcd on thcm Contact thc
risk managcmcnt dcpartmcnt o your church hcadquartcrs to scc what
prccautions can bc takcn in your arca Youll also nccd to considcr
things likc rcquiring voluntccr drivcrs bc o a particular agc making surc
voluntccr vchiclcs havc propcr insurancc inspccting voluntccr vchiclcs
bcorc cach trip and assigning onc pcrson to a scatbclt 1aking thc timc
to chcck your voluntccrs carcully will givc cvcryonc pcacc o mind
minimizc risk and maximizc un
6. EMERGENCY PLAN. Jt only takcs onc disastcr or a youth lcadcr to wish
thcyd thought through an cmcrgcncy plan You should
A. !now how to rcach thc ncarcst mcdical acility rom your activity sitc
B. !avc transportation availablc and know local cmcrgcncy numbcrs
(most but not all locations havc o.. scrviccs)
ARE YOUR
VOLUNTEERS
PROPERLY
SCREENED?
8 !lan with !urposc
C. Makc surc onc or two o your sta know basic irstaid and arc C!!
ccrtiicd
D. Carry mcdical rclcasccmcrgcncy inormation shccts in a bindcr
E. Carry a irst aid kit (scc !irst id Chccklist in thc appcndix)
F. !cport any incidcnts or damagc by documcnting what happcncd
in writing within : hours o thc occurrcncc 1hc rcport should bc
signcd and datcd by two or thrcc witncsscs (scc thc Jncidcnt !cport
!orm in thc appcndix)
EVALUATING AN EVENT
Your cvcnt wcnt just as planncd ttcndancc was good You staycd within
budgct `o onc was hurt So whats ncxt !y all mcans brcathc a praycr
o thanks and takc somc timc o !ut thcn cvaluatc Your group can lcarn
things rom cvcry program activity or cvcnt \hat can bc improvcd on
\hat lcssons can bc sharcd with othcrs \hat nccds to bc rcportcd to thc
church ll thcsc qucstions nccd to bc considcrcd as soon atcr thc cvcnt as
possiblc s always includc your kids in thc proccss 1hcyll havc idcas that
might surprisc you
Jts also good to conduct an cndothcycar cvaluation 1his allows you to
look at thc big picturc and ask whcthcr or not you havc comc closcr that ycar
to rcaching your vision
Scc thc EVENT EVALUATION FORM and thc YEAR-END EVALUATION FORM
in thc appcndix to hclp you through thcsc proccsscs
!lan with !urposc o
YEARLY PLANNERS CHECKLIST
Stage Have you
Envisioning !cvclopcd a vision statcmcnt
Where is your !ublicizcd it in scvcral ways
group is going? !ccast your vision latcly
Action Planning !cvclopcd action itcms or thc ycar
How are you going ligncd thcm with your vision
to get there? Jncludcd your group in thc planning
Budgeting Madc a proposcd budgct
What will it cost and Submittcd it to thc church board on timc
who will pay or it Considcrcd othcr sourccs o incomc
Scheduling Schcdulcd alrcady cstablishcd datcs
What will you do and Coordinatcd thcsc with your own programs
when will you do it? Considcrcd thc nccd or balancc and a
liccyclc
Programming Outlincd tasks to bc accomplishcd or cach
What needs to be done cvcnt
and who will do it? !clcgatcd rcsponsibilitics
Considcrcd risk insurancc and conscnt
issucs
Evaluation !valuatcd thc succcss o cach program
What did you accomplish Mcasurcd it against your vision
and how can you improve? Conductcd a ycarcnd cvaluation
8o !lan with !urposc
\hcn choosing your studcnt lcadcrs considcr thc ollowing
1. ASK FOR CREATIVE AND DETAIL-ORIENTED VOLUNTEERS to hclp you
organizc calcndars programs and budgcts
2. PRAY WITH THEM. 1cll your youth that you bclicvc God is thc sourcc
o all wisdom
3. GIVE GUIDANCE AND DIRECTION. 1hc proccss o dcvcloping studcnt
lcadcrs rcquircs mcntoring !ont lcavc cvcrything to incxpcricnccd
youth and sct thcm up to ail Givc thcm instruction and cncouragcmcnt
4. VALIDATE THEIR IDEAS. \hcn thcy comc up with a grcat idca or proccss
or suggcstion lct thcm know it !ncouragc thc gits God has givcn thcm
5. GIVE HONEST FEEDBACK. !cact positivcly to all you can and whcn
ncccssary cxprcss conccrn Your kids will apprcciatc your wisdom and
thank you or hclping thcm avoid troublc
6. TALK THEM UP. !ct cvcryonc know that your kids planncd this program
or that budgct 1alk thcm up Onc day thosc samc kids will bc holding
major church lcadcrship positions as a rcsult o your mcntoring and
cncouragcmcnt

PASS IT ON SHARING THE PRINCIPLE

Can you really trust kids to work with the budget, set the yearly calendar, and
organize youth programs? Absolutely! Part of your role as adult youth leader is
to help teens become leaders themselves. In order to do that, youll need to give
them some hands-on training.
!lan with !urposc 8.
Nehemiahs
brokenness
before the
Lord was his
greatest asset.
NEHEMIAH. NOW THERE WAS A LEADER!
You may rcmcmbcr that whcn `cbuchadnczzar took !anicl and his thrcc
ricnds captivc hc also burncd )crusalcm to thc ground tcr scvcnty ycars
o charrcd ruins !zra startcd rcbuilding thc city \nortunatcly cncmics o
Jsracl managcd to halt thc progrcss

\hcn things nally scttlcd down `chcmiah pcrsuadcd thc !ing o !crsia to
issuc a royal dccrcc to rcbuild thc city o )crusalcm !c took ovcr thc projcct
got )crusalcm put back togcthcr and lcd a rcligious rcorm

!ow did `chcmiah do it 1akc a look at thc ollowing vcrscs and scc thc
picturc thcy paint o this man
1. When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted
and prayed before the God of heaven. NEHEMIAH 1:4. `chcmiah cricd !is
hcart achcd ovcr thc brokcndown walls o )crusalcm 1hrough his tcars
hc turncd to God or hclp
2. I went to Jerusalem, and after staying there three days, I set out during the night with
a few men examining the walls of Jerusalem NEHEMIAH 2:11-15 !corc
going public `chcmiah did his rcscarch !c madc surc that hc kncw
what it would takc to accomplish thc vision God had givcn
3. So we rebuilt the wall till all of it reached half its height, for the people worked with all
their heart. NEHEMIAH 4:6. tcr rccciving Gods instructions `chcmiah
actcd !c inspircd othcrs with thc vision God had givcn him Jn spitc o
ridiculc rom othcrs his tcam cagcrly prcsscd orward
4. From that day on, half of my men did the work, while the other half were equipped
with spears, shields, bows and armor. NEHEMIAH 4:16. `chcmiah undcrstood
thc risks o thc task hc had undcrtakcn !c carcd or his pcoplc and put
a bold plan in placc to providc or thcir sacty
5. When the seventh month came and the Israelites had settled in their towns, all the
people assembled as one man in the square before the Water Gate. They told Ezra the
scribe to bring out the Book of the Law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded
for Israel. NEHEMIAH 7:73-8:1. Oncc thc wall was complctcd `chcmiah
didnt stop thcrc !c cvaluatcd his projcct and dccidcd to turn his

LOOK IT UP ILLUSTRATING THE PRINCIPLE

8: !lan with !urposc
attcntion to building thc pcoplc o thc city !is irst act was to havc thc
!aw rcad to thc pcoplc and to rccstablish thc spiritual lcadcrship o
)crusalcm
1hcrcs no qucstion `chcmiah was a lcadcrs lcadcr !ow did hc bccomc
that !c sat and cricd ovcr brokcndown walls !ocsnt sound likc much o
a lcadcr docs it !ut `chcmiahs strcngth gcnius and pcrsuasivcncss camc
rom abovc !is brokcnncss bcorc thc !ord was his grcatcst assct
`chcmiah is not thc only lcadcr to havc inhcritcd a brokcn situation Youth
lcadcrs today acc thc challcngcs o brokcn kids brokcndown ministrics
and brokcn homcs 1hc task o rcpair can sccm ovcrwhclming at timcs So
why not start whcrc `chcmiah did !rop to your knccs Cry out to God
likc `chcmiah and ask !im to show you what to do !c will lcad you stcp
bystcp
Godly planning begins with prayer. It starts with seeking God about the
situations and people that we are called to inuence. No amount of visioning or
action planning can lead us to the right steps unless we have rst sought Gods
counsel. Pray this prayer before you plan with your group:
PRAY IT OVER PRAYING ABOUT THE PRINCIPLE

Dear God, we need a vision. Not our vision, but Your dreams for this group. Please show
us what You want this youth group to be. Where do You want us to go? We humbly ask
for Your direction. Then show us how we can accomplish that in Your strength. Lead
us step-by-step. Supply us with wisdom, creativity, and resources. Give us faith to move
ahead even when discouragement comes. And keep us true to Your leading in all that we
plan and do. This we ask in Jesus name. Amen.
!lan with !urposc 8,
!!Y J1 O\!!
BOOKS
Chromcy !ick Youth Ministry in Small Churches. Group .ooo !ow to
dcvclop an ccctivc ministry to only a cw youth Jncludcs :8 rcadytousc
small group !iblc studics
Crabtrcc )ack Better Safe Than Sued. Group !ublishing .oo8 !ow to
protcct your ministry rom accidcnts and lawsuits Jncludcs samplc rclcasc
orms
Murphy 1roy !im ndcrson (Contributor) and Studcnt Jmpact 1cam
Programming with Purpose. 7ondcrvan !ublishing .oo stcpbystcp plan
or crcating your own tailormadc programs
Olson Ginny !ianc !lliot and Mikc \ork Youth Ministry Management Tools.
7ondcrvan !ublishing :oo. !vcrything you nccd to succcssully managc
youth ministry Jncludcs a C! with customizablc orms or just about
cvcrything
!ochlkcpartain !ugcnc C (!ditor) Strategic Youth Ministry. Group
!ublishing :ooo 1hirty kcys or dcvcloping an ccctivc youth program
rom thc youth cxpcrts at Scarch Jnstitutc
LIVE IT OUT ACTING ON THE PRINCIPLE
So now its time to get down to the business of planning. Have you just been
doing things from week to week? Do you have a well organized program, but no
real direction? Here are a few commitments you can make to correct that:

1. J will schcdulc a planning rctrcat or my youth group

2. J will bcgin praying that God will rcvcal !is dircction or us
3. J will ask my youth to join mc in praying that God will givc us a vision
RESOURCES

8 !lan with !urposc

Stanlcy ndy Seven Checkpoints: Seven Principles Every Teenager Needs
to Know. !oward !ublishing :oo. !rcscnts scvcn kcy arcas youth
lcadcrs nccd to covcr in thcir programming
MULTIMEDIA
Ideas Library C!!om v,o 7ondcrvan !ublishing :oo Jncludcs
morc than ,:,o gamcs lcssons and activitics !undraising
administration and publicity support Customizablc idcas skits and
diagrams
it: Innovative Tools for Youth Ministry. C! Group !ublishing :oo
1hrccvolumc sct o idcas with ovcr ,,o topics is rcady to scarch and
customizc in building your own programs
WEBSITES/E-NEWSLETTERS
httpwwwpicccothcpicorgscrviccsasp Pi Programming Ideas.
Stcvc Casc rcc wcckly ncwslcttcr caturing !iblc study social
activity scrvicc activity small group and spccial activity idcas
wwwclcanctdcmyouthhclpshcctsindcxhtml Youth Ministry Help
Sheets. !vangclical !uthcran Church in mcrica Jnormational shccts
on a numbcr o youth ministry issucs including how to makc a budgct
and risk managcmcnt issucs
wwwilcadyouthcom I Lead Youth: Helping Youth Become Fully-Devoted
Followers of Jesus Christ. \nitcd Mcthodist Church Jncludcs onc and
twoycar Mastcr !lans or youth group curriculums ticd to Cokcsbury
matcrials

TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
Giraffe University. Ccntcr or Youth !vangclism
8ooYO\1!:\
EMPOWER OTHERS
PRINCIPLE FIVE
8o !mpowcr Othcrs
EMPOWER OTHERS
Then He said to His disciples, the harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are
fewAnd when He had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power over
unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease.
MATTHEW 9:37; 10:1
It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and
some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare Gods people for works of service, so that the
body of Christ may be built up. EPHESIANS 4:11,12
Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, It is not desirable
that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. Therefore, brethren, seek out from
among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we
may appoint over this business; but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the
ministry of the word. ACTS 6:2-4
ACT IT OUT INTRODUCING THE PRINCIPLE
ALEX Hey Mo, hows it going?
MONIQUE Fine, ne, just trying to nish this border..
ALEX Ahhh, a puzzle! I used to love putting puzzles together. My sister and
I used to have races to see who could nish rst.
MONIQUE How old was your sister?
ALEX Threebut thats not the point, I was good. Hey, do you mind if I
help?
THE SCENE Alex walks in and nds Monique struggling over thousands of
pieces of a puzzle laid out on the table top.

PRINCIPLE FIVE
!mpowcr Othcrs 8
MONIQUE Sure, as long as you can handle working with someone your own age.
ALEX Okay, here we go. [Trying to t pieces together.] Hey, I was going to
get that!
MONIQUE Sorry, I just spotted it. And look, that one in front of you goes right
here. Oh, and let me see that one in your hand. It connects these two
pieces just like so.
ALEX Mo, would you mind giving me a chance to put at least one piece in?
MONIQUE Whoops, sorry. I guess when I see something that needs to be done,
I do it.
ALEX Yeah, that actually sounds familiar.
MONIQUE Hows that?
ALEX Well lately, instead of letting my youth do things, Ive been doing
everything myself. Kind of like you hoarding all the pieces.
MONIQUE Hey! I only want to see this thing get nishe
ALEX But wouldnt it be better if we nished it together?
MONIQUE Thats it, right over here! Give me that...(Monique looks sheepishly at
Alex and hands him the piece to put together) Oh, sorry... Please, you
go ahead. I think you I mean we have nally nished this border!
88 !mpowcr Othcrs
1. YOU CAN TELL I TRUST MY YOUNG PEOPLE BECAUSE I:
A lct thcm answcr thc qucstions J ask our !iblc studics
B. makc thcm scrvc ood at thc church potluck
C. put thcm in chargc o programs and guidc thcm through thc proccss
2. I GIVE YOUNG PEOPLE LEADERSHIP ROLES IN MAJOR EVENTS BECAUSE:
A. it gcts mc out o work
B. it givcs thcir sclcstccm a boost
C. thcy bcgin to rcalizc thc blcssings o scrving )csus
3. IF A MEMBER COMPLAINS THAT THINGS WERENT PERFECT AT THE LAST
YOUTH-LED CHURCH SERVICE, I SAY:
A J told thosc kids thcy should havc practiccd morc
B. J wont lct it happcn again
C. Jm proud o thcm `cxt month thcyll do it again and lcarn cvcn
morc

THINK IT THROUGH MEASURING THE LEADER

So how much do you trust your youth? Do you let them lead out in programs
from time to time? Would you ever give them responsibilities as large as Jesus
gave His disciples? Answer the following questions to get you thinking about it.
DELEGATE TASKS: THE JETHRO PRINCIPLE
!cmcmbcr what wc said about Moscs in !rinciplc 1wo !ow God madc up
or his dccicncics with thc hclp o othcrs Onc o thosc was )cthro a pricst
and thc athcrinlaw o Moscs (scc EXODUS 18)

Moscs was lcading Gods pcoplc through thc dcscrt to thc !romiscd
!and !ikc most largc groups o pcoplc thc Jsraclitcs had thcir sharc o
disagrccmcnts nd likc most socictics a court systcm was put in placc
1hcrc was just onc problcm 1wo million pcoplc had only onc judgc
Moscs
BREAK IT DOWN UNDERSTANDING THE PRINCIPLE

!mpowcr Othcrs 8o
\hilc visiting thc Jsraclitc camp )cthro noticcd his soninlaw was
ovcrloadcd and on thc vcrgc o burnout Moscs was handling hundrcds o
minor disputcs )cthro told him i hc didnt dclcgatc somc rcsponsibility hc
would bc no good to himscl or his pcoplc
\hat was )cthros advicc !ind somc honcst capablc mcn who lovcd God
J thcy wcrc cmpowcrcd to handlc thc simplc daytoday problcms Moscs
could bc rcc to ocus on thc big picturc

Moscs ollowcd )cthros plan and sct up a systcm o judgcs to sharc thc load
Jt workcd `ot only did thc ncw structurc hclp Moscs but many othcr
Jsraclitcs also gaincd valuablc lcadcrship cxpcricncc

!o you ccl Moscs pain in your youth ministry rc you ovcrworkcd and
rcady to throw in thc towcl \hy not discard thc idca that says J you
want somcthing donc right do it yourscl !ut young pcoplc in chargc o
church programs and community cvcnts J you alrcady do thats grcat 1his
chaptcr will hclp you bccomc cvcn morc ccctivc J yourc still going it
alonc now is thc timc to cmpowcr your youth
WHAT IF THEY MESS THINGS UP?
Somc lcadcrs hcsitatc to hand things ovcr to young pcoplc or car thcy wont
do things right !cmcmbcr youth ministry is not about planning thc pcrcct
program Jts about lctting God work through youth 1rust thcm and trust
God J things dont turn out as planncd bc paticnt and know that !c is
still at work J oldcr mcmbcrs qucstion your judgmcnt just ask thcm to
pray or thc youth Mistakcs will happcn but your youth will grow through
rcsponsibility and thc cntirc congrcgation will bc blcsscd Jts an cxciting
proccss to watch
DONT ORDER THE EASY CHAIR JUST YET
So this should bc casy right )ust lct thc youth do things rom now on !c
carcul ll this talk o youthlcd ministry can bc mislcading )ust bccausc
youvc dccidcd to lct your youth bc in chargc docsnt mcan yourc not thc
lcadcr anymorc or that adults arcnt nccdcd on your lcadcrship tcam Many
vctcran youth lcadcrs havc ound that a onctoonc ratio o young lcadcrs
to adult lcadcrs is rcquircd or ccctivc ministry 1his allows adults and
ARE YOU
OVERWORKED
AND READY TO
THROW IN THE
TOWEL?
Think of what you were when
God chose you. Not many of you
were considered wise by human
standards. Not many of you were
powerful But God chose the
foolish things of the world to shame
the wise. He chose the weak things
of the world to shame the strong.
1 Corinthians 1:26-27, NIRV
oo !mpowcr Othcrs
youth to pair up and tacklc lcadcrship rcsponsibilitics togcthcr Jts callcd
mcntoring (a proccss wcll cxplain latcr in thc chaptcr) Your rcsponsibility
as thc tcam lcadcr is to cnsurc that young lcadcrs arc bcing dcvclopcd and
supportcd
SELECTING YOUR LEADERS
So how should you choosc young lcadcrs Should you grab any warm body
you can Sclcct your bcst studcnts rst Cross o thc candidatcs with
qucstionablc pasts !crc arc a cw suggcstions
1. GET DOWN ON YOUR KNEES. Your ability to scc what God sccs is
limitcd !y rclying on your own judgmcnt you may ovcrlook a vcry
important lcadcr sk God as Samucl did to show you whom you ought
to appoint as your ncxt youth activity lcadcrs
2. DONT ASSUME ANYTHING. !ont assumc your allstar should bc thc
onc to lcad !ont supposc just anybody will do bccausc yourc araid
nobody will hclp nd dont think your most challcnging youth arcnt up
or thc job Making assumptions likc thcsc causc lcadcrs to tap into thc
samc youth ovcr and ovcr again Makc it your goal to broadcn thc circlc
o lcadcrship and thcn bc opcn to Gods lcading
3. KNOW THEIR SHAPE. !astor !ick \arrcn o thc Saddlcback Church
talks about cach pcrson having a uniquc S!!! or ministry (scc
sidcbar) \hy not hclp your youth discovcr Gods dcsign or thcir
livcs 1hcrc arc numcrous invcntorics that tcst or spiritual gitcdncss
pcrsonality typc and so on !ut thc most practical way o idcntiying a
young pcrsons potcntial is through intcraction with thcm Spcnd timc
gctting to know your youth !ct thcm try things out !valuatc what
comcs naturally to thcm 1alk with thcm about thcir intcrcsts drcams
and passions sk thosc who know thcm wcll or thcir imprcssions 1cst
your hunchcs by saying things likc J noticcd you rcally havc a way with
kids rc thcy a group youd likc to work with morc J ncccssary crcatc
ncw ministrics that it thcir S!!!
4. MAKE A PERSONAL INVITATION. Oncc you bccomc convinccd that God
is calling a young pcrson into lcadcrship sharc that conviction with thcm
The Lord does not look at the
things man looks at. Man looks at
the outward appearance, but the
Lord looks at the heart. 1 Samuel
16:7
Dont think
your most
challenging
youth arent up
for the job.
!mpowcr Othcrs o.
privatcly Makc your invitation simplc and to thc point ssurc thcm o
your support Gcntly cncouragc thc young pcrson who is hcsitant but
ncvcr cocrcc
5. SET CLEAR EXPECTATIONS. !c clcar with thosc who havc voluntccrcd or
lcadcrship about thc timc involvcd whats cxpcctcd and to whom thcy
will rcport !utting this in thc orm o a writtcn job dcscription kccps
cvcryonc on thc samc pagc
HAVE YOU
INVITED A
YOUNG PERSON
TO LEAD
LATELY?
Expose your
youth to
excellence in
action.
6. SUPPORT AND RESOURCE THEM. !rovidc young lcadcrs with cvcrything
you can to hclp thcm succccd !cmind thcm otcn o your praycrs !c
availablc or consultation 1akc thcm to youth lcadcrship concrcnccs
Ordcr any rcsourccs thcy might nccd !ct thcm know youll bc thcrc no
mattcr what
THE M-POWER PROCESS
Jts onc thing to givc a young pcrson a job to do Jts quitc anothcr to
bring thcm to a point whcrc thcyrc doing it wcll !ow can you takc your
SHAPE. !astor !ick \arrcns acronym dcscribcs cach pcrsons onco
akind t or ministry 1ry lcading your youth through thc ollowing
qucstions rom thc last (!) to thc rst (S)
SPIRITUAL GIFTS. \hat spccial abilitics has God givcn mc to scrvc thc
church amily and rcach out to thc world !om .:8 !ph ...: . Cor
.:..
HEART. \hat activitics subjccts or circumstanccs do J ccl strongly about
\hat do thcsc say about whcrc and how God might want to usc mc
ABILITIES. \hat skills do J havc that God might bc ablc to usc
PERSONALITY. m J an cxtrovcrt or an introvcrt m J structurcd or
spontancous \hat docs that say about thc kind o work J would bc bcst
suitcd or
EXPERIENCES. \hat cxpcricnccs has God brought mc through !ow havc
thcsc prcparcd mc to hclp othcrs
o: !mpowcr Othcrs
voluntccrs to that lcvcl Should you givc thcm somc books to rcad Maybc
sign thcm up or a scminar \hilc thcsc can bc hclpul thcrcs nothing clsc
likc giving thcm you your timc your talcnts and your trust !cts spcll it
out with thc M!owcr !roccss
1. MODELING: OBSERVE. 1cachcrs know that to tcach a skill propcrly it
must bc modclcd Studcnts havc to scc how its donc !ut what i you
havc ncvcr built a wcb pagc or you cant play thc guitar Should you
takc a crash coursc !robably not !ut you can cxposc your youth to
cxccllcncc in action Go with thcm to watch a topnotch praisc lcadcr at
work Mcct with an awardwinning wcb dcsigncr or attcnd an innovativc
youth program !ct your youth bc inspircd by thc skill and succcss o
othcrs
2. MENTORING: CONNECT. 1hink o how young pcoplc lcarn to drivc
a car 1hcy grow up watching mom and dad drivc !atcr thcy attcnd a
drivcrs cducation class whcrc thc tcachcr cxplains thc rulcs o thc road
!ut thcn do thcy go out on thc road alonc !ardly 1hcy gct bchind thc
whccl with a driving instructor scatcd ncxt to thcm
s a lcadcr your ncxt stcp in cmpowcring your youth is to conncct thcm
with somconc who can sit bcsidc thcm as thcy takc thc whccl \ho can
givc a young pcrson guitar lcssons or coach thc youth praisc tcam \ould
thc pastor or hcad cldcr bc willing to guidc a young pcrson through thc
proccss o writing and dclivcring a scrmon or your ncxt youth scrvicc
Young pcoplc nccd mcntors and its your rcsponsibility as a lcadcr to
makc that conncction
3. MONITORING: SUPPORT. `ow that youvc cstablishcd a mcntoring
rclationship continuc to support that young lcadcr Monitor thcir
growth rc thcy progrcssing rom wcck to wcck rc thcir ncw skills
bcing utilizcd in an ccctivc way !o thcy havc all thc rcsourccs thcy
nccd to do thc job rc thcy bccoming discouragcd Most importantly
havc thcy hcard words o apprcciation rom you latcly !y thanking thc
praisc tcam or a job wcll donc or tclling thc wcb dcsigncr how grcat thc
ncw wcbsitc looks you will airm thcir ncwlydcvclopcd skills
WHO FIRST
INSPIRED YOU
TO DO SOME -
THING YOU NOW
ENJOY DOING
FOR GOD?
Youre not
inviting a
high-powered
guest speaker.
Your youth are
speaking.
!mpowcr Othcrs o,
4. MULTIPLYING: SEND. Somc o your studcnts will rcach thc point whcrc
thcy arc rcady to pass along what thcy havc lcarncd to somconc clsc
\cll talk morc about this in thc !ass Jt On scction o this chaptcr !ut
or now know that thc last stcp in thc cmpowcrmcnt proccss is to scnd
your young lcadcrs out to tcach or inspirc somconc clsc 1hats what
Gods kingdom is all about multiplication
THE POWER OF THE SIX PS
`ow that you havc thc big picturc o how to cmpowcr young pcoplc or
lcadcrship lcts considcr a rcallic sccnario Your youth group is planning
a wcckcnd youth rally or your arca Yourc not inviting a highpowcrcd
gucst spcakcr Your youth arc spcaking Jts a big job but God has laid it
on your hcarts \oluntccrs havc stcppcd orward in rcsponsc to Gods call
\hat now 1o ully cmpowcr your young lcadcrs youll want to sharc six
things with thcm \c call thcm thc Six !s
1. A PICTURE. Spcnd timc with your group in praycr sk God to givc
you a vision o what this youth rally should look likc !rainstorm using
thc proccss outlincd in !rinciplc !our sk your youth what thcir
ricnds rcally nccd Js thcrc an issuc thcyrc struggling with that could bc
addrcsscd !ow could you do that 1akc your timc and lct a picturc o
thc rally cmcrgc 1his givcs cach pcrson on thc tcam a clcar goal to work
toward
2. A PLAN. `ow its timc to start planning Gathcr your group a sccond
timc !cvclop action itcms as dcscribcd in !rinciplc !our 1hcn sct up
a timclinc to kccp you on schcdulc \hcn docs your proposal nccd to
go to thc board or approval \hcn will you start publicizing thc cvcnt
\hcn should thc mcssagcs bc complctc and thc songs choscn \hcn
will you start having rchcarsals plan puts cvcryonc on thc samc pagc
Your job is simply to stay alongsidc answcr qucstions and kccp cvcryonc
on schcdulc
3. A POSITION. !and thc rcins to your young lcadcrs Givc thcm titlcs
likc Music !ircctor !rama !roduccr !owcr!oint Spccialist Markcting
Guru and Grccting Coordinator You may wish to pair cach o thcm
with an adult mcntor sk thc youth to makc thcir own dccisions draw
Your job
is not to
change their
plans, even if
theyre doing
things a little
differently
than you
would have
done them.
o !mpowcr Othcrs
up progrcss notcs and thcn rcport back to you !cmcmbcr your job is
not to changc thcir plans cvcn i thcyrc doing things a littlc dicrcntly
than you would havc donc thcm !ct thcm bc in chargc J you must
ocr counscl lct it bc in thc orm o qucstions likc !avc you thought
about how youll grcct thc gucsts or \hat is your plan in casc it rains
1hats good mcntoring
4. A PURCHASE. !cw things will dcmonstratc trust likc giving young
pcoplc moncy to spcnd on thcir arca o rcsponsibility O coursc youll
havc to monitor thcir purchascs !ut givc thcm as much control ovcr
thc spcnding as possiblc !ct thcm cvaluatc thcir nccds choosc thc bcst
dcals and calculatc how much thcy havc lct to spcnd 1hcy can do it
!urchasing not only cmpowcrs it cducatcs \hcn thc youth rally is in ull
swing your kids will scc how important thc stcwardship o Gods moncy
is
5. A WORD OF PRAISE. t cvcry stagc lct your kids know what a grcat job
thcyrc doing \hcn thcy spcak tcll thcm how much you wcrc pcrsonally
blcsscd \hcn thcy sing lct thcm know how many pcoplc wcrc movcd
!vcn whcn you havc to corrcct thcm airm thcm or all thc good things
thcyvc donc Yourc words o apprcciation will airm what God is doing
in and through thcir livcs

6. A PRAYER. J wc wcrc opcrating only in thc natural rcalm praycr
wouldnt bc ncccssary !ut wcrc in a spiritual battlc So pray or and
with your youth bcorc during and atcr thc rally !ont bc thc adult
who always stcps in with thc answcr or bails thcm out whcn things go
wrong !ct thcm acc thcir own inadcquacics \hcn thcir nccd bccomcs
apparcnt dircct thcm to dcpcnd on God or strcngth wisdom idcas and
miraclcs !c can providc morc than wc might cvcr imaginc
\ow !ook at how much youvc bccn ablc to sharc with your youth Jsnt
this much bcttcr than doing cvcrything yourscl \hcn youvc complctcd
thc youth rally youll havc a wholc group o youth lcadcrs cxcitcd and
cmpowcrcd to do cvcn morc or God
For our struggle is not against
esh and blood, but against rulers,
against the authorities, against
the powers of this dark world and
against the spiritual forces of evil
in the heavenly realms. Ephesians
6:12
!mpowcr Othcrs o,

PASS IT ON SHARING THE PRINCIPLE

Remember the nal step in the M-Power Process? Multiplying. Utilizing what God
has given us and developing that in someone else. Why do you suppose we talk
about passing it on in every chapter of this book? Its because most of us dont
think that way. Were more comfortable doing things ourselves. So be patient
with your youth. The thought that they could train or inspire someone else may
be new. Here are a few suggestions on how to involve them in that process.
1. PLACE THEM WITH YOUNGER STUDENTS. 1his is onc o thc casicst
and most natural ways to gct youth involvcd in mcntoring J thcyrc
in high school arrangc or thcm to work with childrcn Go to thc local
clcmcntary school or host a big brothcrbig sistcr activity with inncr city
kids Youngcr studcnts naturally look up to thc oldcr oncs and want
to bc just likc thcm 1his makcs thcm cagcr lcarncrs and high school
studcnts naturally into thc rolc o bcing thcir tcachcrs
2. LET THEM DISPLAY THEIR TALENTS. Givc your youth a chancc to
dcmonstratc thcir skills and talcnts with thc youngcr crowd !avc your
musicians pcrorm or thc local boys or girls club or ask your spcakcrs to
hold a wcck o praycr or thc lowcr gradcs 1hcyll bcgin to inspirc thc
ncxt gcncration o youth lcadcrs
3. GIVE THEM A SPECIFIC TASK. Young pcoplc ind it casicst to mcntor
othcrs whcn thcy havc a clcar task at hand Jt might bc dirccting childrcn
in a dramatic production tcaching thcm skills in a particular sport or
tutoring thcm in math Spcciic tasks providc a ocus or thc intcraction
whilc allowing opportunity or casual convcrsation and dccpcr sharing

LOOK IT UP ILLUSTRATING THE PRINCIPLE

1imothy \hat a dynamic young pcrson or God 1hanks to his mothcr
and grandmothcr 1imothy had rcccivcd a solid oundation in thc Scripturcs
!ut that alonc wasnt cnough to prcparc him or thc powcrul ministry God
had in storc !c nccdcd thc guidancc mcntoring and cmpowcrmcnt o a
Everywhere
Paul preached
he looked for
those he could
train to carry
on the work of
Christ.
Dont let anyone look down on
you because you are young, but
set an example for the believers in
speech, in life, in love, in faith and
in purity.
1 TIMOTHY 4:12
oo !mpowcr Othcrs
Godly lcadcr 1hat youth lcadcr was thc apostlc !aul
!vcrywhcrc !aul prcachcd hc lookcd or thosc hc could train to carry on
thc work o Christ thcrcby multiplying his corts !aul was not undcr thc
imprcssion that hc was thc only missionary on thc acc o thc carth !c
lookcd or Gods calling in thc livcs o othcrs Should youth lcadcrs bc taking
notcs
!uring !auls travcls hc mct 1imothy 1imothy stood by !aul cvcn whcn thc
going got rough nd bccausc hc didnt run whcn !aul was pcrsccutcd and
ncarly killcd !aul kncw that 1imothy would bc a bold lcadcr or God

1hc rst thing !aul did was train 1imothy in pastoral lcadcrship !aul
modclcd praycr (I TIMOTHY 2:1) madc surc 1imothys thcology was corrcct
(I TIMOTHY 2:5-6) taught him how thc church should bc run (I TIMOTHY
3) and prcparcd him or thc strugglcs hc would acc (I TIMOTHY 5)
\hcn !aul saw that his mcntorship o 1imothy was bcaring ruit hc kncw
that 1imothy was rcady or thc task o lcading Gods church himscl II
TIMOTHY 4:1-2 says I charge [you] in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus
Herald and preach the Word! !aul guidcd 1imothy in ministry until 1imothy
was rcady to bcar thc grcat rcsponsibility God had givcn him to tcach othcrs
!ocsnt that sound likc thc M!owcr !roccss \hat a grcat cxamplc or
youth lcadcrs
PRAY IT OVER PRAYING ABOUT THE PRINCIPLE
Youth empowered to do Gods work are a natural result of eective youth
ministry. This takes place when talents, training, and the Holy Spirits touch come
together. Heres a prayer to help you empower youth for the greatest work ever.

Lord, I know that You look into the heart of each one of my young people. Show me
what you are calling each of them to do. Help me to know how to encourage and inspire
them. Lead me to skilled people who can mentor them. Give me a heart that is quick to
encourage and support, even when things arent going my way. And give all of us a desire to
do more for You and those You love. Thank you. Amen..
!mpowcr Othcrs o
LIVE IT OUT ACTING ON THE PRINCIPLE
Its time for action. Talking about empowerment will only do so much. Here are
four things you can act on in the next several weeks:

1. !clp your youth idcntiy thcir S!!! using !ick \arrcns modcl
2. !ct youth plan your ncxt cvcnt sk or voluntccrs !cgin taking
thcm through thc proccss outlincd in this chaptcr
3. !ccruit othcr adults who arc cxpcrts in thc tasks youvc assigncd to
your youth Mcntoring is timcintcnsivc Youll nccd thcir hclp
4. !ngagc your young pcoplc in ministry to childrcn !ct thcm inspirc
and train thc ncxt gcncration o youth lcadcrs
BOOKS
!urns )im The Word on Finding and Using Your Spiritual Gifts. !cgal !ooks
.ooo 1wclvc rcadytousc scssions or youth that will hclp thcm discovcr
thcir spiritual gits
!unn Scan Bored With God: How Parents, Youth Leaders, and Teachers Can
Overcome Student Apathy. Jntcr\arsity !rcss :oo !ow to awakcn tccnagcrs
to a bold lic o aith
!astman !rctt ct al Developing Your SHAPE to Serve Others. 7ondcrvan
!ublishing :oo: guidc to hclping young pcoplc undcrstand thcir uniquc
mix o gits natural abilitics pcrsonality valucs and lic cxpcricnccs
!ill ! Christophcr The Winning Spirit: Empowering Teenagers Through Gods
Grace. Group :oo: 1ransorming tccnagcrs livcs by hclping thcm scc
thcmsclvcs through Gods cycs as winncrs
MacGrcgor Miriam Designing Student Leadership Programs: Transforming the
Leadership Potential of Youth. Youthlcadcrshipcom .ooo guidcbook or
dcvcloping a youth lcadcrship programs rom an cxpcricnccd lcadcrship
RESOURCES

o8 !mpowcr Othcrs
cducator (not writtcn rom a ministry pcrspcctivc)
Maxwcll )ohn Developing the Leaders Around You: How to Help Others Reach
Their Full Potential. `clson !ooks :oo, !ow to spot lcadcrship traits
mcntor othcrs and crcatc an cnvironmcnt whcrc lcadcrs can ourish
Mc!ucn !cnnis and Chuck \ysong Student Leadership Training Manual for
Youth Workers. 7ondcrvan !ublishing :ooo curriculum or starting a
studcntlcd ministry
Stanlcy ndy The Next Generation Leader: Five Essentials for Those Who Will
Shape the Future. Mutnomah :oo, 1hc mcntor o many young lcadcrs
sharcs matcrial rom his training scssions
WEBSITES/E-NEWSLETTERS
wwwmcntoringorg National Mentoring Partnership. Support sitc or mcntors
or thosc who would likc to gct involvcd in mcntoring
wwwmcntoryouthcom MentorYouth.com. !xists to cnlist cncouragc cquip
and cmpowcr Christian adults and thc community as a wholc to bccomc
mcntors to young pcoplc
TRAINING EVENTS
Giraffe University. Ccntcr or Youth !vangclism 8ooYO\1!:\
Son!ic Scminars EQUIP, SEMP, Strategy and Advanced. Moody !iblc
Jnstitutc wwwsonliccomyouth Ministry training scminars or middlc
school and high school studcnts
Next Generation Conference. \illow Crcck Church wwwwillowcrcckcom
cvcntsstudcnt Youth ministry lcadcrship training dcsigncd or junior high
high school and .8 to :osomcthing lcadcrs and thcir adult sta
Leadership Quest 1cntmakcrs wwwtcntmakcrsymorgwcbtraininghtml
scvcnday ministry lcadcrship rctrcat in northcrn Minncsota or junior and
scniors in high school
PROMOTE YOUR
MINISTRY
PRINCIPLE SIX
.oo !romotc your Ministry
PROMOTE YOUR MINISTRY
In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in
various ways. HEBREWS 1:1
The woman then left her water pot, went her way into the city, and said to the men,
Come, see a man who told me all things that I ever did Then they went out of the city
and came to Him. JOHN 4:28-30
He went out and began to proclaim it freely, and to spread the matter, so that Jesus could
no longer openly enter the city, but was outside in deserted places; and they came to Him
from every direction. MARK 1:45
ACT IT OUT INTRODUCING THE PRINCIPLE
MONIQUE Wow, this is a great deal. You brought your coupon for the promotion
they were offering, right?
ALEX Coupon? Men dont use coupons, we go in, buy what we need, and
leave.
MONIQUE Leave with an empty wallet! Good thing I brought my coupon, youd
be out twenty dollars.
ALEX Yeah, but Im sure Ill gure out a way to blow it on another sale. So
how did you hear about this deal?
MONIQUE Through the mail. Im a preferred customer! They always send me a
yer when they introduce their new season of clothes.
THE SCENE Mo and Alex are in the shopping mall. Alex stares up at the
hundreds of shirts all marked as half o.

PRINCIPLE SIX
!romotc your Ministry .o.
ALEX Flyer? Flyer [stares blankly, yet desperately off into space]
MONIQUE Yeah, a yer. You know
ALEX I am such an idiot! I completely forgot to send out the yer for the
benet concert this weekend.
MONIQUE Didnt you have a check list of things you needed to do? Im sure I saw
it on your list.
ALEX Yeah you did, right before I put my jeans through the wash. I cant
believe it! I had everything in order except for that.
MONIQUE [waves a nger in Alexs direction] Advertising is a must, Al. Didnt
you have someone who was supposed to take care of that?
ALEX I think I did. I just dont remember. And now it probably doesnt
matter anyway.
MONIQUE [continuing to lecture] Wow, you really blew it, huh?
ALEX What? What kind of friend talks like that? Im in serious trouble
here!

MONIQUE The kind of friend that has your back. Ive got it all covered. I went
to the radio station yesterday, called the paper, and brought posters to
hang up at the mall. Theyre right here in the bag!
ALEX Wow! I owe you big time, Mo.
MONIQUE And dont you forget it!
ALEX I guess I need to put advertising right at the top of my list next time.
Hey maybe you could be my full-time marketing executive.
MONIQUE Nice try, Al. But you cant afford my level of talent. Come on. Weve
got posters to put up.
.o: !romotc your Ministry
!avc you cvcr put hours o planning into a program only to havc a vcry cw
pcoplc show up !vcn though good things happcncd or thosc cw so many
morc might havc bccn blcsscd \hat can you do You might want to takc
a look at your communication plan !o you havc onc Could it bc morc
succcssul !o you communicatc cnough cmploy thc right mcthods and
providc cnough advancc noticc 1hc ollowing idcas may hclp you as you
work to improvc communication
1. MY YOUTH DEPARTMENT COMMUNICATION PLAN CONSISTS OF:
A. Muttcring to myscl that no onc will show up anyway
B. 1clling two or thrcc youth and hoping thc word will sprcad
C. !cgularly using six or scvcn channcls o communication
2. WHEN IT COMES TO TELLING THE REST OF THE CHURCH ABOUT OUR
YOUTH ACTIVITIES:
A. J dont bothcr bccausc too many mcmbcrs criticizc thcm
B J humbly rcusc to talk about my accomplishmcnts
C. J do it bccausc J am promoting Gods work
3. IF PEOPLE WANT TO KNOW WHATS GOING ON IN THE YOUTH DEPARTMENT:
A 1hcy should show a littlc intcrcst and ask mc
B. 1hcy should rcad thc annual youth ncwslcttcr storcd in youth room
closct
C. 1hcy only nccd to attcnd church chcck thcir cmail rcad thc bullctin
board listcn to thcir voicc mail or chcck undcr thcir windshicld wipcrs

THINK IT THROUGH MEASURING THE LEADER

A communication plan is essential to any youth program. You can plan creative
programs, uplifting Bible studies, and fun-lled social activities, but if nobody
knows about them your eorts are for naught. Take the following quiz and think
about how well your group is getting the word out.
BREAK IT DOWN UNDERSTANDING THE PRINCIPLE

!romotc your Ministry .o,

STAY ON YOUR MESSAGE
Good communication is simplc Gct thc word out as otcn as you can in as
many ways as you can to as many pcoplc as you can Jt may ccl likc yourc
announcing your programs a cw too many timcs but kccp doing it Stay
on your mcssagc Youll gain thc most support rom your church thc largcst
possiblc turnout rom your youth and thc most hclp rom voluntccrs \hat
docs staying on mcssagc look likc
1. BE CONSISTENT. !ccp your youth group and thcir activitics in ront o
your church community and youth as consistcntly as possiblc J you
do a mcdia blitz or a wcck straight and thcn no onc hcars rom you or
anothcr six months thcyll orgct you havc a youth program !ccp thcm
updatcd on a rcgular basis
2. BE CONCISE. !coplcs attcntion spans arc short 1casc your audicncc
with quick tidbits rousc thcir curiosity 1hcy can always ask you or
morc inormation atcr church 1alk your program up but kccp your
mcssagc simplc and to thc point !coplc will thank you or it
3. BE PROMPT. Givc timcly noticc o programs bcorc thcy bcgin and
dclivcr prompt rcports whcn thcyrc donc !vcn i a program didnt turn
out so wcll talk about what you lcarncd J thc cvcnt strugglcd bccausc
you ran out o unds you might just havc somconc stcp up to thc platc
with inancial hclp thc ncxt timc around
4. BE POSITIVE. \hcn you promotc upcoming programs or your program
in gcncral bc cnthusiastic and positivc J yourc not upbcat you ccrtainly
cant cxpcct anyonc clsc to bc Jts Gods work Gct pcoplc cxcitcd about
what !cs doing in and through your youth
5. BE CREATIVE You say yourc not thc crcativc typc !ont worry !nlist
thc talcnts o your youth as artists actors tcchnicians and singcrs to hclp
you gct your mcssagc out in as many dicrcnt ways as possiblc Youll bc
amazcd at what thcy comc up with
THE SEVEN-TIME RULE
!y somc cstimatcs pcoplc
nccd to scc and hcar
somcthing scvcn timcs bcorc
its rmly xcd in thcir
minds !crcs a suggcstion
!cpcat your mcssagc in scvcn
dicrcnt ways 1ry ycrs
platorm announccmcnts
skits vidcos ncwslcttcrs
bullctin announccmcnts ctc
!cpcating your mcssagc with
varicty will catch pcoplcs
attcntion
Get people
excited about
what Gods
doing in and
through your
youth.
.o !romotc your Ministry
WHOS THE AUDIENCE?
Onc o thc rst qucstions procssional communicators ask is \hos thc
audicncc !nowing your audicncc dctcrmincs thc way you communicatc
your mcssagc !mailing parcnts who chcck thcir mcssagcs oncc a month
may not bc as ccctivc as instant mcssaging thosc youth who practically livc
in ront o thcir computcrs So who arc thc youth lcadcrs audicnccs
1hcrc arc at lcast our
1. YOUTH AND THEIR FRIENDS. 1hcyrc thc rcason you cxist \sc thc
mcans o communication thcyrc amiliar with !iving on this sidc o thc
digital dividc todays youth arc tcchnologically advanccd and mcdia
savvy Youll most likcly bc calling thcir ccll phoncs using cmail and
instant mcssaging crcating wcbsitcs and vidco spots and rclying on old
ashioncd word o mouth which is still onc o thc bcst mcthods around
!amily!ascd Youth Ministry
Many youth cxpcrts now agrcc thc most ccctivc youth ministry
happcns whcn parcnts and othcr adults intcract with youth 1hc
isolation o adolcsccnts is scrious and hurtul problcm in todays culturc
Gctting parcntsadults and tccnagcrs communicating with onc anothcr
is onc o thc most powcrul things you can do in youth ministry Stay in
touch parcnts and hclp thcm stay in touch with thcir youth

!ring your mcssagc across in a un and cxciting way J your program is
an indcpth study o thc third chaptcr o !omans makc surc your postcrs
and cmail talk about ROMANS 3 but makc it intcrcsting \sc phrascs
likc 1ircd o kccping thc rulcs Comc study ROMANS 3 with us J
yourc not crcativc cnough to comc up with a catchy phrasc (warning
adults can bc corny) ind onc o your youth who is Youth know how to
spcak to thcir pccrs 1hcyll rcspond
2. PARENTS AND FAMILIES. !ont lcavc thcsc important pcoplc out You
nccd thcir support and involvcmcnt in your ministry !arcnts want to
know yourc conccrncd about thc sacty and wcllbcing o thcir childrcn
J it sounds likc thc youth arc having good clcan un thcn parcnts arc
gcncrally happy J youth arc growing spiritually thcn youvc rcally hit
thc nail on thc hcad
COMMUNICATE
WITH YOUTH

Ccll phoncs

!mail

Jnstant c tcxt mcssaging

!ostcrs

\idcos

!owcr!oint

\cbsitcs

\ord o mouth
COMMUNICATE WITH
PARENTS

!arcnt mcctings

!honc chains

!mail

`cwslcttcrs

!ostcards
!romotc your Ministry .o,
\hats thc bcst way to talk with parcnts !arcnts want to scc you acc
toacc You can dcmonstratc your trustworthincss in pcrson ar casicr
than you can ovcr thc phonc !avc parcnt mcctings as otcn as possiblc
1alk about whats happcning in our ministry !iscuss thc issucs thcyrc
acing as parcnts o tccnagcrs Youll ind thcm to bc your strongcst allics
and your most hclpul voluntccrs
dditionally you can usc phonc chains cmail postcards and anything
clsc thc parcnts in your arca usc to stay in touch with onc anothcr 1unc
into your parcnts !now what thcy nccd to hcar and communicatc
communicatc communicatc
3. CHURCH LEADERS AND MEMBERS You might wondcr why you would
nccd to communicatc with thc rcst o thc church tcr all i yourc with
thc kids and youvc told thc parcnts why docs anyonc clsc nccd to know
1hc rcason or inorming church lcadcrs and mcmbcrs is simplcyou
nccd thcir hclp You nccd adult drivcrs and chapcroncs You nccd
inanccs You nccd cmotional support nd its much casicr to run a
thriving youth program whcn thc church is bchind you
!ont orgct to involvc your youth cithcr You might bc tcmptcd to do
all thc talking !ut pastors church lcadcrs and mcmbcrs nccd to hcar
dircctly rom thcir young pcoplc !ct thcm sharc thcir storics in church
and makc prcscntations to thc board Mcmbcrs arc morc likcly to bc
supportivc o youth thcy know pcrsonally
4. THE PRESS AND THE COMMUNITY. Somc cvcnts should bc donc in sccrct
and othcrs broadcast widcly !or instancc onc youth lcadcr actually buys
git ccrtiicatcs rom local clothing storcs and sccrctly lcavcs thcm at
pcoplcs homcs J you wcrc to takc a group o youth on a jaunt likc that
you ccrtainly wouldnt want to alcrt thc prcss )csus says When you give
to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets do not let your right had know what
your left hand is doing, so that it may be in secret. MATTHEW 6:2-4.
Othcr cvcnts you may want to publicizc !ikc thc youth lcadcr who gcts
bags rom thc local groccry storc and invitcs hcr youth to dccoratc thcm with
antidrug slogans 1hc storc allows thcm to bag thc customcrs groccrics
COMMUNICATE WITH
THE CHURCH

!oard mcctings

!ldcrs mcctings

School board

Committccs

!astor

Youth !ircctor

\cbsitcs

\idcos

!owcr!oint

\crbal!ullctin
announccmcnts

!ullctin board
COMMUNICATE WITH
THE COMMUNITY
AND PRESS

Civic clubs

Ministcrial associations

Community lcadcrs

!aradcs

!air booths

!ublic scrvicc
announccmcnts

!rcss rclcascs

!ocal and public

acccss 1\ stations

Church papcrs and

magazincs

!lycrs

Corporatc sponsors
.oo !romotc your Ministry
with thcir dccoratcd bags Mcanwhilc youth havc plcnty o opportunitics to
talk with customcrs about making positivc lic choiccs !or this cvcnt prcss
rclcascs arc scnt to local tclcvision stations so that rcportcrs and camcras
sprcad thc important antidrug mcssagc cvcn urthcr
!c surc to tcach your youth that doing things or publicity is not what its
all about !crorm many scrviccs without rccognition 1his givcs cvcryonc
an opportunity to cxpcricncc thc truc spirit o giving !ut whcn thcrcs an
important causc that pcoplc in your community should know about usc
prcss rclcascs (scc samplc rclcasc) local radio and 1\ ncwspapcrs civic
clubs ycrs public acccss cablc 1\ and corporatc sponsors to hclp you gct
thc word out
DELIVER AS PROMISED
Jts so important to do what you say youll do 1hc bcst advcrtiscmcnt is a
satiscd participant !coplc will bc supportivc i thcy scc your group doing
thcir vcry bcst to dclivcr as promiscd J you must canccl an cvcnt bc surc
to notiy cvcryonc 1hcrcs nothing morc disappointing than showing up
or an cvcnt only to nd thc building dark and thc doors lockcd Jn thc casc
o inclcmcnt wcathcr or powcr outagcs turn to thc local mcdia outlcts that
announcc canccllations duc to such conditions
AFTER THE EVENT
1hc importancc o communication ollowthrough should not bc
undcrcstimatcd J you plan to publicizc your cvcnt bc surc to havc a
camcra onsitc to capturc thc action ssign a young pcrson or two to scrvc
as rcportcrs !ollowup articlcs and rcports tcstimonics and audiovisual
prcscntations lct your supportcrs scc that thcy contributcd to somcthing
worthwhilc 1hcsc accounts o your activitics also gain support or uturc
programs and lct young pcoplc bask in thc cxcitcmcnt o what thcyvc
cxpcricnccd
nd dont orgct to scnd out thosc thank you notcs in a timcly ashion
!vcryonc likcs to bc apprcciatcd !vcn )csus kncw thc signicancc o a
simplc thank you tcr hc had hcalcd tcn lcpcrs only onc rcturncd to givc
thanks prompting him to ask \hcrc arc thc othcr ninc !ukc .. So
thank your supportcrs and dont orgct to includc God as wcll !c cnjoys
and dwclls in our praisc
Everyone
likes to be
appreciated.
!romotc your Ministry .o
1. HAVE YOUR YOUTH MAKE ANNOUNCEMENTS about upcoming cvcnts
rom thc ront o thc church 1hcyll lovc it and pcoplc will rcspond
2. GO WITH YOUR KIDS TO THE CHURCH BOARD. J you nccd inancial
or any othcr kind o support or your upcoming youth rally your youth
should makc thc appcal
3. TAP INTO THE CREATIVITY OF YOUR YOUTH. !o you nccd to makc an
out o thc ordinary announccmcnt or stagc a promotional cvcnt to lct
your community know about your causc Your young pcoplc will havc
idcas \sc thcm
4. YOUTH ARE ON THE CUTTING EDGE OF TECHNOLOGY. \ould you likc
to crcatc a wcbsitc sct up a livc chat room on thc intcrnct zap mcmbcrs
palm pilots with thc latcst youth calcndar or scnd tcxt mcssagcs to your
board mcmbcrs ccll phoncs Your youth will know how

PASS IT ON SHARING THE PRINCIPLE

Now, dont think you have to do all this communicating yourself. Youth, with all of
their enthusiasm, are some of the most eective communicators around. Talking
about their own programs is also one of the most empowering experiences they
can have. Here are a few ways to enlist their help.
!sthcr was a young pcrson with an important mcssagc to communicatca
lic and dcath mcssagc J shc didnt say thc right thing at thc right timc to
thc right pcoplc thousands o )cws would losc thcir livcs
Jt all bcgan whcn !sthcr discovcrcd that !aman a top ocial in !crsia
was plotting to dcstroy all thc )cwish pcoplc in thc kingdom 1o prcvcnt
this disastcr !sthcr bravcly camc bcorc thc king knowing that without an
invitation hcr lic could bc in jcopardy \hcn thc king askcd !sthcr what
shc wishcd shc invitcd both thc king and !aman to a dinncr t thc dinncr

LOOK IT UP ILLUSTRATING THE PRINCIPLE

.o8 !romotc your Ministry
thc king askcd again what !sthcr dcsircd !athcr than answcr shc invitcd
thcm to anothcr dinncr thc ollowing night
\hcn thc two rcturncd to !sthcrs rcsidcncc thc ncxt cvcning thc king
askcd onc morc timc what shc dcsircd and ocrcd up to hal o his kingdom
1his timc !sthcr told thc king about !amans plan s a rcsult !sthcrs
pcoplc wcrc savcd and !aman mct a sad cnd
Youth lcadcrs can lcarn scvcral lcssons rom !sthcrs couragcous and
intcntional plan o communication !irst !sthcr communicatcd with God
Shc organizcd a timc o praycr and asting asking that shc and hcr mcssagc
bc rcccivcd ESTHER 4:16. Sccond !sthcr dcvclopcd a good rclationship
with thc king Jt was obvious thc king wantcd to plcasc !sthcr 1hird
!sthcr staycd on mcssagc Shc mct with hcr intcndcd audicncc scvcral
timcs kccping him inormcd at cvcry stcp !ourth !sthcr was crcativc Shc
crcatcd a scnsc o curiosity using two dinncr partics to sct thc stagc or hcr
vcry important mcssagc !ith at just thc right momcnt !sthcr told thc king
vcry dircctly what shc wantcd !cr mcssagc was clcar and concisc
\hy not communicatc our youth programs in thc samc way !cts build
good rclationships with our audicnccs !cts stay on mcssagc Consistcncy
will kccp our program at thc ront o pcoplcs minds !cing crcativc will
capturc thcir intcrcst and kccp thcm curious nd lcts bc clcar \hcn thc
stagc is sct and thc timc is right tcll pcoplc cxactly what you want thcm
to know bovc all lcts bc couragcous \c havc thc rcsponsibility o
communicating a program intcndcd to kccp our youth ocuscd on God
\hat could bc morc important than that !cts pray that our mcssagc will
bc bold and wcll rcccivcd
Esther created
a sense of
curiosity.
!romotc your Ministry .oo
PRAY IT OVER PRAYING ABOUT THE PRINCIPLE
Are you ready to begin promoting your youth program? Put rst things rst. Go
to God and ask Him for the wisdom to promote His program eectively. Heres a
simple prayer to start you on your way.
LIVE IT OUT ACTING ON THE PRINCIPLE
Do you see the importance of promoting your youth ministry? Its not about
us, its about God. Its about His young people. Its about getting the word out
to a world hungering for good news about youth, about their communities,
about Gods love. So tell them and as Francis of Assisi said when necessary,
use words. Here are a few things you can do right now to begin successfully
promoting your ministry.

Dear Lord, this business of promoting is so important. I want to see our youth group
grow and be a witness to the community. And I know this can only happen when we
have the attention and support of others. So help us to communicate boldly, creatively,
and effectively for You. As we do, keep us humble. Show us when to publicize what were
doing for Your glory, and when to lead a life of quiet example. And through all that we do,
may others come to know and share the good news. Thank you. Amen.
1. Makc a list o thc things your group is planning in thc ncar uturc
2. !cvclop a stratcgy with your youth lcadcrs or communicating thcsc
cvcnts to youth amilics church lcadcrs and mcmbcrs and thc
community
3. !air up adult and studcnt youth lcadcrs Givc cach pair an cvcnt to
promotc and rcport on sk thcm to usc thc scvcn dicrcnt mcthods
o communication
4. !ngagc your young pcoplc in ministry to childrcn !ct thcm inspirc and
train thc ncxt gcncration o youth lcadcrs
..o !romotc your Ministry
BOOKS
!urns )im and Mark !c\rics Partnering With Parents in Youth Ministry. !cgal
!ook :oo, practical guidc or amilybascd youth ministry
!loyd !lainc Creating Family Newsletters: 123 Ideas for Sharing Memorable
Moments With Family and Friends. !cttcrway !ooks .oo8 practical howto
book on crcating ncwslcttcrs
!okkcsmoc !rik and )cd Mcdcnd The Revolutionary Communicator: Seven
Principles Jesus Lived To Impact, Connect And Lead. !clcvant !ooks :oo 1wo
procssional communicators sharc insights rom )csus lic
Christic !cs Great Promotion and Publicity Ideas for Youth Ministry: Over 140
Easy-To-Use Ideas That Really Work. 7ondcrvan !ublishing .oo
!ainc !urton Positive Spin : A Manual for Promoting Positive Media Images of
Youth. !cadcrship !\S :oo. !asy and common scnsc ways to work with
thc ncws mcdia and incrcasc positivc prcss about youth
!cnncr Marv Youth Workers Guide to Parent Ministry. 7ondcrvan !ublishing
:oo, \ays to conncct with support and involvc parcnts in your ministry
MULTIMEDIA
!avis !cn Dynamic Communications Workshop. \idco httpwwwkcndavis
comtrainingdcw.ocm Sharpcn your spcaking skills and prcscntation
skills with this livctraining scrics
WEBSITES
wwwcomrcsourccscom Communication Resources. n onlinc storc or church
communicators
wwwdcsktoppubaboutcomncwslcttcrdcsign About Desktop Publishing !ots
o hclpul articlcs and links to thc dcsktop publishing world
RESOURCES

!romotc your Ministry ...

wwwinboxministricscom Inbox Ministries. n cmail ncwslcttcr systcm or
churchcs
www.o.ncwslcttcranswcrscom 101 Newsletter Answers. !rcc cncwslcttcr
wwwnspircsotwarccom N-Spire2: Software with ministry at its heart. Managc
youth mailings attcndancc and a wholc lot morc
wwwparcntministryorg Parent Minstry: HelpingYouth Workers Equip Parents.
\aync !iccs sitc or youth workcrs who want to bc activc with thcir parcnts
!rcc cncwslcttcr
wwwthcparcntlinkcom The Parent Link Newsletter. rcadymadc
customizcd ncwslcttcr to kccp your parcnts updatcd on your youth program
and thc world o youth culturc Grcat idca !ccbascd
wwwuuaorggagaoo,ohtml Creating A Dynamic Newsletter. hclpul
guidc with links to othcr hclpul wcbsitcs and books
wwwyouthbuildcrscom Homeword: Encouraging Parents, Building Families. )im
!urns !csourccs or parcnts o youth !rcc cncwslcttcr
TRAINING EVENTS
Giraffe University. Ccntcr or Youth !vangclism 8ooYO\1!:\
Understanding Your Teenager Seminar. \aync !icc !ocatc or book a scminar at
wwwuytcom lso sign up or a rcc cncwslcttcr
MOBILIZE FOR SERVICE
EVANGELISM
PRINCIPLE SEVEN
.. Mobilizc or Scrvicc !vangclism
MOBILIZE FOR SERVICE EVEANGELISM
Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men. EPHESIANS 6:7
If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God
may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever.
Amen. 1 PETER 4:11
Those who have served will gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in
Christ Jesus. 1 TIMOTHY 3:13
ACT IT OUT INTRODUCING THE PRINCIPLE
ALEX I cant believe were actually going to this concert! (Alex begins singing
a popular Christian tune.)
MONIQUE Yeah, isnt this awesome!
ALEX I cant wait. I hope we get some good seats.
MONIQUE Alex, look out! .
ALEX Oh, sorry sir. I, uh, didnt see you there.
MONIQUE Yeah, were really sorry. Were headed to a Christian concert.
(After walking a few yards past the man conversation picks up again)
ALEX Man, did you see that guy? Better yet, did you smell him?
THE SCENE Alex and Mo are walking on a sidewalk street in the city headed
for a concert.

PRINCIPLE SEVEN
Mobilizc or Scrvicc !vangclism ..,
MONIQUE Yeah, its sort of got me thinking.
ALEX Well, he could nd a better spot. I mean he must get tripped over all
the time!
MONIQUE Thats the thing. I wonder how many people actually stop to talk with
him or give him a bite to eat.
ALEX Hmm...what do you propose we do?
MONIQUE How about we get him something to eat?
ALEX And miss our chance at some great seats?
MONIQUE I dont know. I think Jesus said something about the good seats in
heaven being reserved for those who came in last down here.

ALEX Point well taken. What do you think he would prefer to eat a
burrito or sub sandwich?
MONIQUE I dont know. Lets ask him.
1. SERVING OTHERS IS:
A. onc o thc most cxciting things my group has donc latcly
B. okay as long as J dont havc to dcal with anything that smclly
C. not somcthing Jvc had timc or latcly
2. EVANGELISM IS:
A somcthing that pastors do
B. a scrics o mcctings our church holds cvcry couplc o ycars
How would your youth group feel about sacricing their time and comfort to
serve someone else? Would you be uncomfortable if someone asked about your
faith? Consider the following questions as you think about your attitude:

THINK IT THROUGH MEASURING THE LEADER

..o Mobilizc or Scrvicc !vangclism
Youth who volunteer just one hour
a week are 50% less likely to abuse
drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, or engage
in destructive behavior. (Search
Institute, 1995)
BREAK IT DOWN UNDERSTANDING THE PRINCIPLE

C a proccss o sharing Gods lovc that involvcs cvcryonc

3. TO KEEP THE RIGHT PERSPECTIVE ON OUR OUTREACH ACTIVITIES:
A. our group prays or Christs lovc and humility
B. J sharc storics o othcrs who havc madc grcat sacriiccs or God
C. wc hang up all o our scrvicc awards in thc youth room
GOOD NEWS!
1odays youth arc thc most scrviccmindcd gcncration to comc along in
ycars Ovcr thc last dccadc thcrc has bccn a stcady incrcasc in voluntccrism
among tccns !ightythrcc pcrccnt o collcgc rcshman in :oo, said thcy
voluntccrcd whilc in high school (VOLUNTEERING AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE,
WWW.CIVICYOUTH.ORG) nd thats not all rcccnt study o dvcntist
youth rcvcals that ncarly six out o tcn havc tricd to cncouragc somconc to
bclicvc in )csus Christ in thc last ycar (VALUEGENESIS: TEN YEARS LATER)
So as wc bcgin this chaptcr lcts airm our youth or what thcir scrvicc and
cvangclism !cts also bc surc wc arc rcady to join thcm
WHAT IS EVANGELISM?
sk your youth what comcs to mind whcn thcy think o cvangclism Somc
will mcntion soulwinning corts likc giving !iblc studics Othcrs will bring
up witncssing opportunitics such as inviting ricnds to church Still othcrs
will talk about scrvicc activitics likc ccding thc homclcss ll o thcm arc
right !vangclism is simply doing whatcvcr it takcs to sprcad thc good ncws
o Gods lovc !aul says The man who plants and the man who waters have one pur-
pose...For we are Gods fellow workers... 1 CORINTHIANS 3:8-9. Jn othcr words
cvangclism is a tcam cort
WHY IS SERVICE IMPORTANT?
O all thc ways to sharc thc gospcl scrvicc inds thc most common ground
with unbclicvcrs !igh schools havc addcd scrvicc activitics to thcir cur
ricula Collcgcs ocr scrvicc trips during spring brcaks nd organizations
likc DO SOMETHING (wwwdosomcthingorg) involvc thousands o young
pcoplc cach ycar in community projccts 1hc valuc o scrvicc is somcthing
many pcoplc agrcc on So what is thc importancc o scrvicc to Christian
Mobilizc or Scrvicc !vangclism ..
SERVICE EVANGELISM
1his chaptcr uscs thc
tcrm scrvicc cvangclism
to dcscribc thc way )csus
rcachcd out to pcoplc
!irst !c mct thcir nccds
1hcn !c callcd thcm to
ollow !im 1hroughout
this chaptcr wcll bc talking
about scrving othcrs \cll
also bc looking or oppor
tunitics to invitc thcm into
a rclationship with )csus
!oth arc important to
communicating Gods lovc
For it is by grace that you have
been saved, through faith and
this not from yourselves, it is the
gift of God not by works, so that
no one can boast. For we are Gods
workmanship created in Christ
Jesus to do good works, which God
prepared in advance for us to do.
EPHESIANS 2:8-10.
young pcoplc !cts look at ivc !iblical principlcs rcgarding why scrving
othcrs is at thc hcart o our Christian cxpcricncc
1. WE ARE CREATED FOR SERVICE.
!aul says that wc arc not savcd as a rcsult o our good works EPHE-
SIANS 2:8-10 !athcr wc arc Gods workmanship \c arc crcatcd
and now savcd with onc purposc in mind to do good works. Gods plan
is not only to rcscuc us rom sin but to rcstorc us as a people that are his
very own, eager to do what is good. TITUS 2:14.
1hink about it !as your rclationship with )csus rcsultcd in a dcsirc
to do somcthing good or othcrs !as that dcsirc bccn plantcd in
thc hcarts o your youth J so dont hcsitatc to act !cnry !lackaby
says wc cannot stay whcrc wc arc and go with God (EXPERIENC-
ING GOD) \c must movc orward into thc good works which God
prcparcd in advancc or us to do
You might not ccl that you havc what it takcs to livc a lic o good
works 1hats just thc point Scrvicc is not about our work its about
lctting God work through us !c is able to do immeasurably more than all
we ask or imagine, according to the power that is at work within us.
EPHESIANS 3:20
2. SERVICE PUTS OUR FAITH INTO ACTION.
s youth lcadcrs our rolc is to hclp young pcoplc dcvclop thcir aith
\hat docs wclldcvclopcd aith look likc Maturc aith not only
involvcs a pcrsonal rclationship with God Jt is also cxprcsscd in acts
o compassion toward othcrs rclationship with )csus rcsults in a
lic o scrvicc
)amcs undcrstood this !c saw thcrc wcrc Christians who procsscd
to havc aith but wcrc ncglccting thc poor !c wrotc Do not merely
listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. !cligion that
honors God is ound in caring or orphans and widows
JAMES 1:22-27.
!ortunatcly todays young pcoplc arc wircd or action Jn act thcy
prccr thc Jntcrnct ovcr tclcvision \hy !ccausc its intcractivc
1hcy can participatc J rcligion is only about sitting in thc pcw and
..8 Mobilizc or Scrvicc !vangclism
Service is not
about our work;
its about let-
ting God work
through us.
What good is it, my brothers, if
a man claims to have faith but has
not deeds? Can such a faith save
him? Suppose a brother or sister is
without clothes and daily food. If
one of you says to him, Go, I wish
you well; keep warm well fed, but
does nothing about his physical
needs, what good is it? In the same
way, faith by itself, if it is not ac-
companied by action, is dead.
JAMES 2:14-17.
listcning youth will quickly tunc out 1hcir aith nccds involvcmcnt
\hy wouldnt wc movc with thcm into action
3. SERVICE ESTABLISHES OUR PRIORITIES.
!cmcmbcr thc rich young man !c had kcpt thc commandmcnts
sincc hc was a boy Yct hc clt thcrc must bc somcthing morc
What do I still lack? hc askcd )csus Go, sell your possessions and give to
the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven, was thc answcr MATTHEW
19:16-22. Sadly his prioritics lay clscwhcrc
1hough cw young pcoplc would considcr thcmsclvcs rich thcy arc
wclltodo in comparison with thc ,oo million youth who livc in pov
crty Should wc assurc our young pcoplc a placc bcsidc thc rich young
man or lcad thcm into a lic o scrvicc
Gary !augcn oundcr o INTERNATIONAL JUSTICE MISSION (www
ijmorg) has said that many churchcs sccm morc intcrcstcd in prc
scrving thcir youth than saving thcm 1hcir primary conccrn is to
prcvcnt youth rom lcaving thc church Yct )csus says Whoever wants
to save [preserve] his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save
it. LUKE 9:24. !crhaps wc should bc lcss anxious about kccping our
youth in thc church and bc morc cagcr to gct thcm out o thc church
out into thc strccts shcltcrs and orphanagcs whcrc losing yourscl in
thc nccds o othcrs is possiblc
4. SERVICE IS AN ENCOUNTER WITH JESUS.
Somcthing happcns whcn young pcoplc band togcthcr to hclp a am
ily who havc lost thcir homc in a irc Jts thc samc thing that happcns
whcn thcy stoop to shinc shocs with boys on a araway strcct or whcn
thcy rcach out to bcricnd a ncw studcnt at school God bccomcs rcal
1hcrcs a rcason or this which )csus cxplains in MATTHEW 25:35-40
I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me
something to drink.... Whatever you did for one of the least of these... you did
for me. 1hough wcrc otcn unawarc o it whcn wc scrvc othcrs wc
actually scrvc )csus

\ould you likc your young pcoplc to mcct )csus pcrsonally not just
know about !im 1hcn bcgin living likc )csus Carc or thosc !c
Mobilizc or Scrvicc !vangclism ..o
Begin living
like Jesus, and
you will come
to understand
and appreciate
Him more.
lovcd Stand up or thosc hc dccndcd s you do you will comc to
undcrstand and apprcciatc !im morc 1hats rcal scrvicclcarning
5. SERVICE LETS OUR LIGHT SHINE.
1hcrcs onc morc thing that scrvicc accomplishcs )csus says Let your
light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your F.ather
in heaven. MATTHEW 5:16. !oving othcrs draws attcntion to God
\hat happcns whcn thc spotlight ccntcrs on God \cll thc qucs
tions start to comc \hy arc you dicrcnt rom thc rcst \ould
you pray or mc \hat do you bclicvc anyway Jts at momcnts
likc this that words bccomc important
s wc sharcd in !rinciplc Onc thc !oly Spirit will givc us thc words
to spcak whcn opportunitics arisc !ut that docsnt takc away thc
nccd to prcparc !ctcr cncouragcd bclicvcrs to Always be prepared to
give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you
have. 1 PETER 3:15
1hc rcccnt `ational Study o Youth and !cligion ound that mcri
can tccns wcrc incrcdibly inarticulatc about thcir aith !cscarchcrs
concludcd that many tccns simply havcnt bccn cncouragcd to talk
about thcir aith (SOUL SEARCHING) \hat about it rc wc talking
about our aith with our congrcgations young pcoplc rc wc asking
thcm to sharc what thcy bclicvc and why !utting aith into words is
just as important as putting aith into action
THE GREAT OMISSION
So now that wc undcrstand thc importancc o scrving and sharing why not
rally thc youth and pilc into thc vans !idnt )csus tcll !is disciplcs to Go?
MATTHEW 28:19 !c did !ut just atcr that !c said to wait Do not leave Je-
rusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about.
For... in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit. ACTS 1:4.
!y rushing into thc Grcat Commission many makc thc Grcat Omission
1hcy run o to work or God and lcavc !is git bchind !ont makc thc
samc mistakc 1hc !oly Spirit will guidc you in making critical dccisions
!c will makc you bold in scizing important opportunitics Most important
ly !c will put lovc in your hcarts or thosc you scrvc
.:o Mobilizc or Scrvicc !vangclism
STYLES OF EVANGELISM
!ow should you tcll somconc
about )csus
Conrontational Stylc
You could takc thc
approach !ctcr took at
!cntccost in ACTS 2 and
prcscnt thc truth hcadon
Jntcllcctual Stylc You
might sit down and
carcully rcason things
through as !aul did in
ACTS 17
1cstimonial Stylc You
could cxclaim as thc blind
man did in JOHN 9 All I
can tell you is what Jesus has
done for me.
Jnvitational Stylc Or
you could simply cxtcnd
an invitation likc thc
Samaritan woman Come
and see for yourself.
JOHN 4.
!ow you tcll somconc
may vary according to your
pcrsonality or thc situation
1o lcarn morc about thc six
stylcs o cvangclism rccr to
Becoming a Contagious Christian:
Youth Edition Leaders Guide by
!o !oshcrs Mark Mittclbcrg
!cc Strobcl and !ill !ybcls
7ondcrvan :ooo
!aul calls lovc a fruit o thc Spirit GALATIANS 5:22 !ovc is thc kcy to
cvcrything wc do in scrvicc and sharing \c might bc ablc to spcak likc
angcls but i wc dont do it in lovc wcrc just making an irritating noisc \c
might givc all wc havc to thc poor but i wc dont lovc thcm in thc proccss
our scrvicc will bc o no rcal valuc 1 CORINTHIANS 13:1-3. So bcorc you go
wait and pray or thc git o Gods Spirit
THREE TYPES OF SERVICE EVANGELISM PROJECTS
1hcrc arc many kinds o projccts your group could tacklc Most will it into
onc o thrcc catcgorics
1. ENTRY-LEVEL PROJECTS. !ntry lcvcl projccts ocus on bric onctimc
cncountcrs likc passing out cold bottlcs o watcr to thirsty pcdcs
trians or going doortodoor to pray with strangcrs Somc think
o thcsc activitics as sowing sccds that will rcap bcncits latcr on
Othcrs dcscribc thcm as contact cvangclism touching as many
pcoplc as possiblc with a kind act or simplc mcssagc 1hc advantagc
o cntrylcvcl projccts is that thcyrc casy to plan and can bc donc by
many dicrcnt pcoplc 1hc downsidc is thcir hitandrun quality
\oluntccrs may do a cw nicc things but lcavc without any scnsc o
continuing commitmcnt !ooking out or nccds or intcrcsts to ollow
up on is onc way to turn cntrylcvcl projccts into longtcrm ministry
2. SHORT-TERM PROJECTS. Shorttcrm projccts rangc rom two days
to two wccks 1hcy bring a tcam around a mission such as paint
ing a playground building a church or holding a scrics o mcctings
Shorttcrm projccts otcn involvc travcl to anothcr location adding
a scnsc o advcnturc s young pcoplc arc immcrscd in an inncrcity
cnvironmcnt or a dicrcnt culturc thcir comort zoncs arc challcngcd
and thcir vicws broadcncd Onc o thc tcmptations in shorttcrm
work is to strivc or spcctacular but shortlivcd rcsults lcaving othcrs
to pick up thc picccs atcr wcrc gonc 1his can bc avoidcd by linking
up with an organization that has a longtcrm ministry in placc !ct
thcm dctcrminc what nccds to bc donc and how
3. LONG-TERM PROJECTS. !ongtcrm projccts involvc making a last
ing commitmcnt to scrvc a particular group or to solvc an ongoing
Mobilizc or Scrvicc !vangclism .:.
Putting faith
into words is
just as impor-
tant to making
it real as put-
ting faith into
action.
grcat rcsourcc or cn
trylcvcl projccts is Stcvc
Sjogrcns sitc
www.servantevangelism.
LETS REVIEW THE BENEFITS OF SERVICE EVANGELISM
A. AWARENESS Gctting involvcd in scrvicc opcns young pcoplcs cycs to thc nccds o othcrs and how God is
working in thcir livcs Jt also produccs rcal opportunitics or carncst praycr
B. WITNESS Many youth havc ncvcr put thcir aith cxpcricncc into words Scrvicc ocrs that opportunity
\hcn pcoplc ask \hy arc you doing this thc door swings widc opcn or sharing thc gospcl
C. FULFILLMENT t thc cnd o a longday o scrvicc young pcoplc know thcyvc donc somcthing
worthwhilc Jt givcs mcaning and purposc to lic Jt also banishcs tccnagc borcdom
D. DISCOVERY Scrvicc providcs a rcallic laboratory or young pcoplc to discovcr intcrcsts abilitics and
spiritual gits Outrcach projccts providc an cnvironmcnt or youth to tcst and strctch thcmsclvcs
E. FRIENDSHIPS Ycars latcr youth will valuc thc ricndships thcy ormcd whilc scrving othcrs \orking
togcthcr on a mission crcatcs a spccial kind o bond
F. NETWORKING \hcn thc word gcts around that your young pcoplc scrvc othcrs youll ncvcr havc to look
or morc opportunitics !coplc will start coming to your group with rcqucsts or hclp
problcm in thc community 1asks might includc working with local
cducators to rcducc school violcncc or dcvcloping a wcckly ministry
to thc mcntallychallcngcd in a ncarby acility !ongtcrm projccts
takc a lot o planning and hard work but probably yicld thc most
signiicant rcsults Youth lcarn that scrvicc cvangclism is a licstylc
that can involvc sctbacks and sacriiccs along thc way !athcr than
simply crcating involvcmcnt longtcrm projccts build rcsponsibility
and lcadcrship skills
WHERE CAN I FIND OPPORTUNITIES?
Maybc youvc ncvcr organizcd a scrvicc cvangclism projcct bcorc and yourc
wondcring whcrc to start !ont worry opportunitics arc all around you
somc o thcm no urthcr than thc ncxt pcw
1. OPPORTUNITIES EXIST IN YOUR CHURCH. 1hcrc arc mcmbcrs o
your church amily that daily ind thcmsclvcs in physical cmotional or
spiritual nccd !ont ignorc your own brothcrs and sistcrs in Christ
1alk with your pastor or church cldcrs 1hcy may bc ablc to point you
in thc dircction o mcmbcrs who nccd hclp
.:: Mobilizc or Scrvicc !vangclism
1hc Ccntcr or Youth !van
gclism assists groups look
ing or shorttcrm domcstic
projccts You can call thcm at
.8ooYO\1!:\ Mara
natha \oluntccrs Jntcrna
tional has bccn scrving short
tcrm intcrnational mission
groups or ycars You can visit
thcm at www.marantha.org
THE SERVANT EVANGELISTS CHECKLIST
Serve with humility

!o you havc a tcachablc attitudc rc you willing to lcarn rom othcrs

rc you willing to scrvc cvcn i you dont scc rcsults or rcccivc crcdit

rc you adaptablc and willing to work with thc situation at hand

!o you considcr thosc you scrvc as bcttcr than yourscl
Serve with integrity
!avc you planncd to givc and do only your bcst
Js your tcam appropriatcly traincd and skillcd or thcir work
!avc you bccn honcst and air in all o your dcalings
\ill you kccp thc promiscs you makc
Serve with sensitivity
rc you contributing to thc longtcrm goals o thosc you scrvc
rc you planning and coopcrating with an cxisting local ministry or
organization
\ill your work bc continucd or built upon oncc you arc gonc

rc you working within thc acccptcd customs and practiccs o thc host
culturc
HAVE YOU
ASKED FOR THE
GIFT OF THE
HOLY SPIRIT?
2. OPPORTUNITIES EXIST IN YOUR SCHOOL. Studcnts can ministcr to
thosc thcy mcct cvcry daythcir classmatcs School is a grcat placc
to look or thosc who nccd a ricnd or a listcning car !ind out what
Christian groups arc alrcady mccting on thc school grounds !crhaps
your youth could join thcm !avc your studcnts talk to thc principal
about ways thcy can makc a positivc dicrcncc in thcir school
3. OPPORTUNITIES EXIST IN YOUR COMMUNITY. Opportunitics to
scrvc in your community arc as closc as your local ncwspapcr 1hc
ncwspapcr daily rcports storics o thosc in nccd !cad it through
praycrully !ook or amilics who havc gonc through tragcdy or or
problcms in your town that nccd to bc addrcsscd nd by all mcans
gct out into thc community 1alk with community and scrvicc agcncy
lcadcrs Conduct doortodoor survcys !ct it bc known yourc look
ing or ways to hclp
Mobilizc or Scrvicc !vangclism .:,
COMMUNITY
CONTACT LIST
Civic clubs
Scnior citizcn ccntcrs
!abitat or !umanity
!ospicc

Soup kitchcns and ood

pantrics
Muscums art gallcrics
and monumcnts

!arks and rccrcation

dcpartmcnt
\oluntccr ccntcrs
Shcltcrs or battcrcd
womcn and childrcn
!oad commissions
City and township oiccs
4. OPPORTUNITIES EXIST IN THE WORLD. !vcryday somcwhcrc in
thc world thcrcs a group o pcoplc scrving on a shorttcrm mission
trip Contact mission organizations to scc what opportunitics cxist
Considcr ways to gct involvcd rom homc as wcll Groups such as
!!C! Jntcrnational (wwwrcachorg) and \orld \ision (www
worldvisionorg) will lct you sponsor a child on a monthly basis
!! (wwwadraorg) publishcs a !cally \scul Git Catalog ull
o projccts in nccd o unds rom . to .ooo Contact thc ncarcst
dvcntist collcgc and gct thc namcs o studcnt missionarics you can
support Or ind out how you can assist missionarics in somc o thc
rcmotcst parts o thc carth by visiting dvcntist !ronticr Missions
(wwwamonlincorg)
A FEW SERVICE EVANGELISM IDEAS
`ow that you know whcrc to look or scrvicc idcas what kind o things can
you do or thosc you want to scrvc !crc arc just a cw projcct idcas to gct
you thinking
CHURCH PROJECTS
1. ADOPT-A-GRANDPARENT: Youth can gain wisdom by dcvcloping
a rclationship with a scnior citizcn !y spcnding a day at thc zoo
sharing amily photos or just going or a walk your young pcoplc
will lcarn much and your oldcr church mcmbcrs will apprcciatc thc
company
2. GREETERS AT CHURCH: Most churchcs havc a group o voluntccrs
assigncd to grcct pcoplc as thcy cntcr thc church !cw churchcs as
sign tccns to that task 1his is a grcat opportunity or youth to lcarn
somc valuablc pcoplc skills whilc dcmonstrating to thosc grcctcd that
young pcoplc arc an important part o your churchs lic
SCHOOL PROJECTS
1. CHEERING JANITORS: !ighschool athlctcs lovc thcir chccring scc
tions !oad your kids up and takc thcm to onc o thc group mcmbcrs
ncxt high school gamc \hcn you gct thcrc bc thc oicial chccring
scction or that group mcmbcr \hcn thc gamc is ovcr dont lcavc
Your youth can bc thc voluntccr clcaning crcw picking up thc cmpty
.: Mobilizc or Scrvicc !vangclism
GIVE 5
If you have 5 minutes
You could placc a ricndly
phonc call to an cldcrly
shutin
If you have 1 hour
You could givc blood
If you have 5 hours
You could clcan up a city
park
If you have 5 days
You could build homcs or
!abitat or !umanity or
othcr housing groups
If you have 1 month
You could join a clcan watcr
projcct to dig a ncw wcll in
Jndia
If you have 1 year
You could join a thcatcr
group or church choir
!or morc ino go to
httpwwwindcpcndcntscc
tororggivc,
popcorn bags and soda cans
2. DRUG-FREE TEAM: Most high schools cclcbratc a wcck in Octobcr
callcd !cd !ibbon \cck Jts a nationwidc cclcbration o living a
drugrcc lic Obtain somc drugrcc skits and put on a program or a
school asscmbly !igh schools arc always looking or quality asscmbly
programs
COMMUNITY PROJECTS
1. UNSUNG HEROES APPRECIATION DAY: 1hcrc arc many pcoplc who
scrvc us aithully cach day with littlc apprcciation 1hc chcckout
lady at thc local groccry storc thc crossing guard at school thc man
who takcs away our garbagc to namc a cw `ow its timc to say
thank you rm yourscl with lowcrs cards or othcr small gits
and bcgin making thc rounds
2. GRAFFITI CLEANUP: 1hat which crcatcs an cycsorc or thc commu
nity also prcscnts a scrvicc opportunity or your youth group Contact
your city gct donatcd paint and ocr to covcr up thc graiti in your
town Youll makc your city a morc bcautiul placc in which to livc
DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL PROJECTS
1. SHIPPING BUDDIES: Many churchcs in othcr countrics nccd what
wc takc or grantcd !ooks clothing supplics and cvcn moncy arc
nccdcd to carry on thcir ministry Your group probably has what somc
cannot aord Ship it to thcm and thcn stay in touch with thcir grow
ing ministry
2. CHURCH STORMING: !ook or a sistcr church in anothcr town or
statc that could usc somc hclp Contact thc pastor or youth group and
ask i thcy might bc willing to housc your group or a cw days whilc
you gavc thcm a hand with painting clcaning or working in thc sur
rounding community Your group will cnjoy thc changc o sccncry and
makc ncw ricnds in thc proccss

1his is only thc bcginning 1hcrc arc hundrcds i not thousands o proj
cct idcas many o which could happcn only in your town !avc your youth
Mobilizc or Scrvicc !vangclism .:,
PLAN
(Now What?)
Jncorporatc what youvc lcarncd as you
pray and plan or your ncxt round o
cxpcricncc
DO
(What?)
Go out and havc an
cxpcricncc
REVIEW
(So What?)
!cvicw what happcncd rclcct on what
you havc lcarncd and cclcbratc your
accomplishmcnts
(For more about learning from experience go to Roger Greenaways Active Reviewing
Guide at reviewing.co.uk)
rcscarch thc nccds o your community pray ovcr thcm and thcn brainstorm
idcas or projccts
USE THE LEARNING CYCLE
!lanning a projcct takcs a lot o work So why not gct thc most or
your cort Jts casy to inish a projcct and cithcr collapsc or bcgin looking
or thc ncxt challcngc !ut thcrcs a lot to bc gaincd by dcbricing your group
mcmbcrs rcgarding thcir cxpcricnccs !uild on cvcryoncs insights by using
thc lcarning cyclc dcscribcd bclow s you do God will tcach you and your
group will bccomc morc ccctivc or !im with cach round o cxpcricncc
.:o Mobilizc or Scrvicc !vangclism
LEARNING CYCLE STEPS
STEP ONE: PLAN. !lan thc activity with your group and providc thcm with
thc knowlcdgc and skills nccdcd to participatc and bcncit rom it
A Spcnd timc rcscarching and praying about nccds in your arca
B Jdcntiy an activity
C Coordinatc with thosc bcing scrvcd
D !lan and train or thc activity
STEP TWO: DO. Jmplcmcnt your plans J you havc planncd wcll studcnts
should
A !ind thc activity mcaningul
B !avc a scnsc o owncrship in thc projcct
C !c supcrviscd and cncouragcd during thc activity
STEP THREE: REVIEW. sk your group during thc projcct to rclcct on
what thcy arc lcarning tcr thc projcct
A !cplay what happcncd by taking rcports rom various mcmbcrs
B !iscuss ways in which God providcd thank !im or !is blcssings
C Sharc pcrsonal rclcctions and rccord lcssons lcarncd
D Cclcbratc group accomplishmcnts and airm individual contributions
E !valuatc thc impact o thc projcct on thc participants and thc pcoplc
scrvcd
F !ccommcnd any changcs or improvcmcnts or thc uturc
BACK TO STEP ONE: PLAN. 1his timc incorporatc thc lcssons and rccom
mcndations gaincd rom thc prcvious cxpcricncc
REJOICE IN THE MIRACLES
Jn thc proccss o prcparing or and implcmcnting your scrvicc cvangclism
activity whcthcr raising moncy prcparing a scrmon or making phonc calls
its important to ocus on thc miraclcs God will work in thc livcs o your
youth thc pcoplc you scrvc and thosc who organizc !c awarc o thosc
miraclcs through this simplc twostcp proccss
Mobilizc or Scrvicc !vangclism .:
1. PLANNING Your youth can brainstorm makc contacts with potcntial
scrvicc clicnts and plan thc dctails o your scrvicc cvangclism activitics
2. PREPARATION Your group can gathcr thc nccdcd matcrials raisc unds
and cncouragc othcrs to participatc
3. ACTION Your youth will participatc in carrying out thc activity
4. FOLLOW-UP !avc your kids clcan visit pcoplc rcqucsting !iblc
studics ix and rcturn borrowcd tools writc thankyou notcs and lcad
cllow youth in dcbricing scssions Your youth can also conduct a praisc
scrvicc in your church
As in all of youth ministry, service evangelism oers a great opportunity to train
young leaders. Involve your youth in every step of the process. Here are a few
suggestions on how to include your youth when planning activities:

PASS IT ON SHARING THE PRINCIPLE

1. INVITE AND EXPECT GOD TO WORK. 1hc !iblc says in )ohn .o:
!corc now you havc askcd nothing in my namc ask and you shall
rcccivc that your joy may bc ull God wants to blcss our scrvicc to
othcrs \hy not ask him to do so
2. GIVE HIM ALL THE PRAISE. 1hats what )csus scvcnty disciplcs did
!ukc .o. says nd thc scvcnty rcturncd again with joy saying !ord
cvcn thc dcmons arc subjcct to us through your namc !c quick to
givc God thc crcdit or cvcry good thing that happcns sk your pas
tor to lct your group takc a church scrvicc or a timc o thanks
and tcstimony
.:8 Mobilizc or Scrvicc !vangclism
PRAY IT OVER PRAYING ABOUT THE PRINCIPLE

LOOK IT UP ILLUSTRATING THE PRINCIPLE

1hcrc arc many storics in thc !iblc that tcll o mighty mcn who did grcat
dccds !ut thc !ook o cts tclls thc story o a quict woman who is rcmcm
bcrcd or thc compassionatc things shc did 1hc Goliaths shc slcw wcrc thc
giants o povcrty and dcspair Shc brought happincss to many by scwing
clothing ocring a kind word and rclicving sucring ACTS 9:36 SAYS, ...she
was full of good works and kind deeds...
!orcas is still rcmcmbcrcd today bccausc shc scrvcd 1hc !iblc says thcrc
was grcat sadncss whcn shc dicd !coplc brought thc clothing shc had madc
or thcm and wcpt in honor o hcr lic ACTS 9:40-4. tclls how Gods intcr
vcncd in !orcas dcath !c uscd !ctcr to bring hcr back to lic You can bc
surc that as soon as !orcas was raiscd shc wcnt right back to scrving othcrs
\c havc thc opportunity to kccp !orcas work alivc 1hc dccds wc do may
bc small but ncvcr bclicvc or a minutc that it docsnt makc an ctcrnal di
crcncc !orcas scrvcd onc pcrson at a timc Jts thc way wc ought to scrvc
Makc a dicrcncc in onc pcrsons lic today
Planning service and evangelism projects can be exciting. But dont forget to
bathe all of your planning and doing in prayer. You will be working for and
with God, so include him regularly in your conversations. Here is a prayer you
might pray:
Dear Lord, your Word tells me that serving others is the purest form of religion. Please
help me and my group to focus on the needs of others. Teach us to see the world around us
the way you do. And give us opportunities to tell others of your love.

As we plan our service activities, please show us where we can join You in Your work.
Help us to prepare thoroughly and carry out our mission faithfully. And when weve ac-
complished a job well done, I pray that well give all the glory to you. Amen.
Mobilizc or Scrvicc !vangclism .:o
LIVE IT OUT ACTING ON THE PRINCIPLE

RESOURCES

`ow its timc to scrvc rc you ircd up and rcady to go Commit to taking
just onc o thc ollowing stcps in thc ncxt wcck and youll bc on your way to
an cxciting advcnturc in scrvicc cvangclism
1. Call a local community scrvicc agcncy such as a ood bank homclcss
shcltcr or \nitcd \ay oicc and ask how your group can hclp
2. Sit down with your local pastor and ask what your group can do to as
sist him in mccting thc nccds o mcmbcrs in your congrcgation
3. ppoint onc mcmbcr o your group to ind out what kind o Christian
groups or scrvicc clubs arc alrcady activc in your local high school and
how studcnts can gct involvcd
4. sk your youth group i thcyd likc to go on a mission trip somctimc in
thc ncxt ycar
BOOKS
Casc Stcvc and !rcd Cornorth Hands-On Service Ideas for Youth Groups
Group !ublishing .oo, stcpbystcp guidc to tcaching your group to
scrvc plus ovcr .oo scrvicc idcas
Cornorth !rcd !ox City Experiencing Homelessness (kit) dvcnt Sourcc
wwwadvcntsourcccom n activc lcarning tool dcsigncd to incrcasc pcr
sonal undcrstanding o thc issucs o homclcssncss
Gowcnsmith !cbbic and !clcn 1urnbull Faith on Fire: 15 Lessons to Help Teen-
agers Change the World. Group !ublishing .ooo Jdcas or linking tccnagcrs
aith with cnvironmcntal action community scrvicc and global outrcach
vailablc rom
Mc!cc )onathan Do They Run When They See You Coming? 7ondcrvan :oo,
!cach out morc ccctivcly to studcnts outsidc o your church
Mittclbcrg Mark ct al !ccoming a Contagious Christian Youth !dition
Studcnts Guidc 7ondcrvan !ublishing :oo. curriculum to hclp your
.,o Mobilizc or Scrvicc !vangclism
youth ind and usc thcir own stylc o cvangclism
1orkclson !innca Who Cares? A Zillion Ways You Can Meet the Needs of People
Around You. dvcnt Sourcc wwwadvcntsourcccom Youthgroup tcstcd
scrvicc idcas
!ahn !avc and 1crry !inhart Congatious Faith: Empowering Student Leadership
in Youth Evangelism. Group !ublishing :ooo Jnsights or youth on how to
sharc thcir aith with othcrs
Sticr Grcg Outbrcak Creating Contagious Ministry Through Viral Evangelism.
Moody !ublishcrs :oo: !quip youth to sharc thcir aith clcarly and coni
dcntly
MULTIMEDIA
Casc Stcvc Maranatha Guide to Adventure. \idco!rint Maranatha \olun
tccrs Jntcrnational 1his kit includcs a vidco dcck o cards and a manual
comprchcnsivc manual on running shorttcrm mission projccts
WEBSITES/E-NEWSLETTERS
wwwadraorg Adventist Development and Relief Agency. !ray or a spccial nccd
rcad thc quartcrly ncwslcttcr donatc to a projcct using thc Original !cally
\scul Git Catalog or acccss thc intcractivc dvcnturcs or !ids
wwwadvcntistyouthorgwccarc We Care Domestic Mission Trips. Ccntcr
or Youth !vangclism organizcs scvcral mission trips a ycar in thc \S and
!ucrto !ico \isit thc wcbsitc or call 8ooYO\1!:\
wwwdosomcthingorg Do Something: Young People Changing Their World. \ari
ous Challcngcs rom this national organization routincly call your group to
action in your community !ccomc a Community Coach Supportcd by rcc
curriculum matcrials and a rcc cncwslcttcr
wwwijmorg International Justice Mission. Click on 1hc )usticc Mission link
to acccss a tcaching curriculum or youth and to lcarn how you can gct in
volvcd in rccing thc opprcsscd around thc world
wwwmaranathaorg Maranatha Volunteers International. Gct involvcd in a va
ricty o domcstic and intcrnational building and cvangclism projccts Chcck
out thc \ltimatc \orkout or tccns thc Multiplc Group !rojcct or small
youth groups or thc Christmas !amily !rojcct or amilics !articipatc rom
Mobilizc or Scrvicc !vangclism .,.
homc through thc 1cn !ollar Church !rogram !rcc cncwslcttcr Mara
natha Mattcrs
wwwrcachorg REACH International. Sponsor a child at onc o !!C!s
orphanagcs or considcr bcing a orphanagc voluntccr or a ycar
wwwscrvantcvangclismcom Servant Evangelism. Stcvc Sjogrcns sitc is packcd
with cntrylcvcl outrcach idcas rcsourccs and training opportunitics !rcc
ncwslcttcr ocrcd
wwwtccnmaniaorg Teen Mania. 1his ministry scnds ooo tccns a ycar
on Global !xpcditions and trains ooo high school studcnts in a ycarlong
!onor cadcmy !carn about an cquirc thc !irc concrcncc ncar you
wwwworldscrvantsorg World Servants Shorttcrm trips and crosscultural
training opportunitics or youth and amilics
wwwworldvisionorg World Vision. Sponsor a child or choosc to sponsor a
projcct through thc Git Catalog
wwwywamorg Youth With a Mission. Go on an outrcach projcct dopt
!coplc to pray and work or !carn about thc !isciplcship 1raining School
wwwcsmorg Center for Student Missions Ocrs urban shorttcrm mission
opportunitics (onc to six nights) or youth and amilics in cight major citics
in `orth mcrica
wwwgroupworkcampscom Group Work Camps. Choosc rom ovcr oo di
crcnt domcstic and intcrnational locations or a oncwcck scrvicc cxpcri
cncc
wwwamonlincorg Adventist Frontier Missions. !ollow thc rcports o mis
sionarics on thc rontlincs o mission work around thc world !cccivc thcir
instant cmail updatcs Support thcm with praycrs cmails and donations

TRAINING SEMINARS
Understanding and Reaching the Unchurched Seminar )onathan Mc!cc www
thcsourccymcomrcach oncday scminar that hclps your youth group
lay a stratcgy or rcaching youth who arc not in a church
APPENDIX
134 Appendix
GROW SPIRITUALLY
Where Did the Time Go?- Using time wisely . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Where Did the Time Go? Activity Boxes Prioritizing activities in our lives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Hour Power Prioritizing Daily Hours Evaluating use of time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Which Floor Am I On? Determining where you are spiritually . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
An Explosive Touch A small group Bible study for beginners. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
EQUIP FOR LEADERSHIP
What You Got? Sharing Talents & Abilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Leadership Evaluation Assessing your own leadership qualities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
NURTURE RELATIONSHIPS

4
A Friend How to become a better friend . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
PLAN WITH PURPOSE
Tower of Cards Working together when planning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Whats the Plan Evaluating your planning skills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Youth Needs Survey Identifying the needs of others. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
The Youth Ministers Ideal Calendar
Organizing your youth ministry weekly calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
A Practice Budget Creating your own budget . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
EMPOWER OTHERS
Your Town News Helping others visualize future success . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Am I Empowered to Empower? Evaluation worksheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
PROMOTE YOUR MINISTRY
What Did You Say? How to listen better . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
The Seven Time Rule
How to communicate the good news about your program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
MOBILIZE FOR SERVICE EVANGELISM
News Hounds Finding service opportunities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Planning to Serve Worksheet Preparing for a service project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Youth Federation Constitution How to establish an area-wide youth council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
APPENDIX
In this appendix you will nd Sta Meeting, Investigate and other interactive activities that you can contemplate on
your own, but that are specically designed to utilize in your youth group or in a workshop setting. It will help you
and those you teach understand the main point of each principle. Along with each activity youll nd Leaders Notes
to help you teach that activity.
Appendix 135
COPY
Where Did the Time Go?
(10 minutes)
Start the group activity by saying ENTHUSIASTICALLY:
1. Have on person in your group take your paper and pen and draw
a vertical and horizontal line that intersects in the middle of your
paper. Your paper should now be divided into four equally sized
boxes.
2. Next, put the following labels at the top of each quadrant. Label
the top/left box (1) crisis and deadlines. Label the top right box
(2) preparation and relationship building. Label the bottom left
box (3) routines and running around. Finally, label the bottom
right box (4) just a wastin time. (Worksheet on next page.)
3. Now, I will give each group thirty seconds to answer each of the
following four questions. Place the answers in the appropriate
boxes.
4. After the groups have written their answers, give two minutes for
each of the small groups to share their results with each other.
5. Now allow one minute for the small groups to share responses with
the whole group.
6. Now ask, Which box do most of your activities fit into? Which
box should truly effective youth leaders focus on? (The ideal
answer is box 2.) As you invest more time on the planning,
problem-prevention, and relationship-building activities, youll
find that you spend far less time picking up the broken pieces in
box 1 or reacting to the urgent demands of others in box 3.
(Stephen Covey, Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.)

LEADERS
NOTES
This activity is designed
for your youth group or
workshop setting. It is
to be used to help each
participant prioritize the
activities in their lives.
1. Split your group into
smaller groups of four.
Give each person a
piece of plain paper
and a pen.
2. After reading the
instructions for the
activity, read the
questions given at 30-
second intervals.
3. When the writing
part of the activity
is complete, debrief
on the second set of
questions.
4. Finally, have person
work on the Hour
Power activity and
individually decide on
their devotional time
during the day.
APPENDIX 1
136 Appendix
COPY
Place your answers to the following questions in
the appropriate box.
1. What activities in your life are/have been crises, deadlines?
2. What activities in your life are/have been preparation, relationship
building?
3. What activities in your life are/have been minor issues, interruptions?
ROUTINES & RUNNIN
AROUND

CRISIS & DEADLINES
PREPARATION &
RELATIONSHIP BUILDING
JUST A WASTIN TIME
APPENDIX 2
Appendix 137
COPY
Individually, write the number of hours you spend
per day doing these activities:
___ Sleep
___ Eat
___ Work
___ Study/School
___ Travel
___ Kicking back
___ Miscellaneous
___ Hygiene (bathing, brushing, etc.)
___ Family and Friends (fellowship)
___ Recreation (hobbies and sports)
___ Entertainment (TV, etc.)
___ Total Hours
How many hours a day are left for prayer, Bible study, and witnessing?
What activities can you change or cut back to make more time for God?
Where and when can you nd time to be alone with God each day?
TIME: _________________________________________
________
PLACE: _________________________________________
________
APPENDIX 3
138 Appendix
COPY
Evaluation Sheet
1. LAWLESSNESS
Do you want nothing to do with God and religion? Yes No
2. STRUCTURED
Are you deeply concerned about following the rules for the sake
of following the rules? Yes No
3. QUESTIONING
Do you have serious questions about God, the church, and its rules? Yes No
4. RELATIONAL
Have you understood that religion is about a forever
relationship with God? Yes No

Are you still in love with Jesus? Yes No
Are you increasingly at home with the Bible? Yes No
Are you making prayer your rst priority? Yes No
Can you see how God is leading in everyday situations? Yes No
Do you realize when Satan is attacking? Yes No
Do you rely on human methods to accomplish spiritual work? Yes No
Do you know who you are I Christ? Yes No
Have you come to terms with inner pain, jealousy, fear, and so on? Yes No
Have you surrendered control of your time, money, and
spiritual gifts to the Lord? Yes No
Are you letting the busyness of the unredeemed world set your agenda? Yes No
Is the fruit of the Spirit becoming evident to you? Yes No
Do you keep serving those who are ungrateful? Yes No
NOTES OF YOUR OWN
Heres an actual small group
study that you can use with
your youth.
APPENDIX 4
Appendix 139
COPY
A Small Group Bible Study for Beginners
COMMUNITY TIME
Spend some time mingling. Then have people sit in a circle, share their
names, and one thing about them no one in the group knows.
DISCUSSION STARTER
Choose one of these questions to begin: 1) What are some things you want
to do or see before you die? Or 2) Share a time when you lost someone or
something close to you (this question will continue the sharing process, but it
will also be a great transition to the Scripture).
BRIEF PRAYER BY LEADER
INTRODUCE THE BIBLE STUDY BY SAYING SOMETHING LIKE . . .
I believe God will speak to each of us. As we read, lets look for details, ask
questions, and share insights. Lets make sure everyone gets a chance to talk
because our view of God will be more beautiful and complete if we see Him
through many eyes.
THE STUDY Luke 7:11-16
Direct students to read one verse each until youve read the entire passage.
Now, read through each verse again and ask the questions outlined below.
Dont be afraid of silence, but dont let it drag on too long either. Study each
verse, one at a time. Here are some questions you might use.
Verse 11Whats the context of this story? What was the crowd like?
Verse 12What do we know about this woman? Of the following, what
does the widow fear the most? Why?
A) Never seeing her sons face again C) Starving to death
without
a provider
B) Having no one to talk to D) That she will be the next
one to die
Verse 13Why did Jesus say Dont Cry?
Verse 14Jewish Law said that anyone who touched a cofn would be de-
led for seven days.
NOTES OF YOUR OWN
APPENDIX 5
140 Appendix
COPY
Why did Jesus touch the cofn?
Verse 15What do you admire most about Jesus and why?
A) The way he notices the widow C) His rebellious way of
breaking tradition
B) His simple words and style D) That He was motivated
by love, not popularity
Verse 16:What was the most common reaction of someone meeting Jesus
for the rst time?
AFTER DIGGING INTO, SHARING AND EXPERIENCING THIS PASSAGE, SAY
SOMETHING LIKE THIS. . .
Bid deal. This happened 2,000 years ago. What does this do for us to-
day? What message could God be trying to send each one of us through this
story? In a minute, youll be given the opportunity to share one thing you
believe God is saying to you through this story. You can pass if you want, but
remember this, sharing with others is a good experience. It conrms what
you believe and encourages the people around you.
NOW, WRAP UP THE STUDY BY ASKING THESE APPLICATION QUESTIONS
Is there an example for me to follow? Is there a sin for me to avoid? Is there
a command for me to obey? Is there a promise for me to claim? What does
this passage teach me about God? If Jesus were here today and you had just
seen this miracle, what would you have learned?
YOU MIGHT HAVE STUDENTS WRITE DOWN THEIR ANSWERS
It might be in the form of a letter to God. This form of journaling is a great
way to keep your kids minds focused and a record of their thoughts, experi-
ences, and insights.
NOW, FINISH YOUR TIME WITH PRAYER:
Option 1: Groups of two take one request and pray for each other.
Option 2: Popcorn Prayer Someone starts with opening prayer and you
close. In between, your kids can share songs, Scriptures, or short prayers.
Before you begin, say this, In the stillness, God is there. Dont be nervous
about silence between prayers.
End of Study
(Bible Study section modied from Giraffe News, Spring 1997, Gary Parks and Sam McKee.)
NOTES OF YOUR OWN
APPENDIX 6
Appendix 141
COPY
What You Got?
(5 minutes)
Start the group activity by saying enthusiastically:
Everyone stand up!
As quickly as you can, find five other people you dont know at all or very
well (groups could be larger or smaller depending on the size of your
group, but try not to make them any larger than eight or smaller than
three).
Find a spot, form a circle, introduce yourselves if necessary and then share
with the group two talents or abilities that you possess.
After people have had time to share, say:
Each of us has a unique, God-give mixture of qualities that we can
contribute to our youth ministry.
Now, have one person in your group share how the person on their left
might be able to use their abilities to lead in youth ministry. Continue the
process until everyone has shared. Help each other brainstorm on how
to use their talents to lead in youth ministry. Make sure that your entire
group affirms and encourages each person in the group.
LEADERS
NOTES
This activity is de-
signed for your youth
group or a workshop
setting. It is to be used
to help each par-
ticipant recognize that
they have been called
to youth ministry with
their unique bundle of
talents and abilities.
At the completion
of this activity, every
person should be af-
rmed in some way for
the gifts that God has
given them.
APPENDIX 7
142 Appendix
COPY
Leadership Evaluation
Assess your own leadership qualities
(5 minutes)
SCALE
0=Never 1=Seldom 2=Sometimes 3=Usually 4=Always

1. I have influence. 0 1 2 3 4
2. I have self-discipline. 0 1 2 3 4
3. I do not accept the status quo. 0 1 2 3 4
4. I have a deep love for youth. 0 1 2 3 4
5. I am willing to serve others. 0 1 2 3 4
6. I display a positive spirit. 0 1 2 3 4
7. I understand people.
0 1 2 3 4
8. I am willing to take responsibility. 0 1 2 3 4
9. I display patience. 0 1 2 3 4

10. I am willing to make changes. 0 1 2 3 4
11. I have integrity.
0 1 2 3 4
12. I am growing closer to God. 0 1 2 3 4
13. I have the ability and desire to keep learning. 0 1 2 3 4
14. I take initiative. 0 1 2 3 4

LEADERS
NOTES
1. Photocopy enough of the
Leadership Evaluation
worksheets for everyone
in the group and
distribute one to each
participant.
2. Explain that self-
evaluation is very
important for improving
leadership skills and
give some time for
everyone to fill out their
evaluation. Explain that
there is no magic total
score that indicates a
good or bad leader. This
evaluation is simply
intended to point out
strengths and weaknesses
in the 14 areas selected.
3. After five minutes ask:
Do you feel encouraged
or discouraged now?
What are your strengths
and weaknesses? What
strategies might you
use to improve your
leadership skills?
ADDITIONAL POSSIBILITIES
If time permits
you might have the
participants break
into smaller groups
and discuss strengths,
weaknesses, and
strategies with each
other.
You might also use this
APPENDIX 8
Appendix 143
COPY
4A Friend
The 4A Friend evaluation will help you see how well you connect with
young people. Circle the number that bet indicates how often you put these
skills into practice.
5 = all the time 1 = never
Once youve nished the quiz look at the questions that you scored a three
or below and determine what you might do to increase your effectiveness in
those areas.
AVAILABILITY
1 2 3 4 5 Are you frequently present among youth?
1 2 3 4 5 Do you take time to listen to them?
ASSERTIVENESS
1 2 3 4 5 Are you initiating positive friendships with youth?
1 2 3 4 5 Do you give personal attention to the popular and
unpopular kids?
1 2 3 4 5 Are you sensitive to you youths feelings?
1 2 3 4 5 Are you an advocate for youth?
AFFIRMATION
1 2 3 4 5 Do you say positive thing to and about youth?
1 2 3 4 5 Do you smile, nod, have good eye contact, give them
a handshake, high ve, or pat them on the back
when you speak to them?
ACCEPTANCE
1 2 3 4 5 Do you accept your youth as they are, not as youd like
them to be?
1 2 3 4 5 Do you trust kids with responsibility, even when the
risk seems great?
LEADERS
NOTES
1. Photocopy enough
of the 4A Friend
evaluation sheets for
everyone in the group
and distribute one to
each participant.
2. Read the introduction
to this section aloud.
Explain that making a
positive impact on kids
lives means that we
need to make contact,
affirm, and accept
them. Explain that this
quiz will give them an
idea of where they are
in this process. Give
the participants three
minutes to answer the
questions.
3. After three minutes
ask: How well do
you know the kids in
your group? Are you
taking steps to get to
know your kids better?
What are some issues
within your group
you may need to be
sensitive about? How
easy is it for you to love
APPENDIX 9
144 Appendix
COPY
Tower of Cards
(5 minutes)
START THE GROUP ACTIVITY BY SAYING ENTHUSIASTICALLY
I want you to take the deck of cards that has been given you and carefully
build a tower. You may bend the cards if you wish. I will time you for ve
minutes and the group with the highest tower is the winner. Plan your strat-
egy carefully before just throwing cards together.
After 5 minutes of Card Tower building, bring the group back together and
have them debrief on these questions:
1. How did your group decide on the best plan to build your card tower?
2. How do the planning principles you used to build the tower relate to
planning in youth ministry?
3. Did anyones tower fall apart in the process? What mishaps can cause a
youth program or activity to fall apart?
4. What problems can planning your youth ministry prevent?
LEADERS
NOTES
This activity is designed for
a workshop setting. It is to
be used to help each partici-
pant recognize that planning
is one of the most impor-
tant elements of any youth
program.
Split your group into smaller
groups of ve or six. Give
each group a pack of cards.
Use a table or any other
windless surface.
APPENDIX 10
Appendix 145
COPY
EVALUATION
I GENERALLY PLAN MY YOUTH ACTIVITIES
a. Six months ahead of time
b. One month ahead of time
c. Three days ahead of time
d. I prefer to work under pressure-I plan on the spot
MY YOUTH ACTIVITIES CALENDAR
a. Is always with me
b. Is somewhere on my desk
c. Is as white as the newly fallen snow
d. Whats a youth activities calendar?
OUR YOUTH DEPARTMENTS VISION AND MISSION
a. Is well developed
b. Is in the works
c. Is not formulated
d. Is still at the optometrist
THE SPIRITUAL AND TOPICAL GOALS IVE SET FOR MY YOUTH GROUP
a. Are written out in my youth group planning book
b. Are clearly defined in my brain even if no one else does know about them.
c. Are constantly changing
d. Whos got time to set goals?
MY YOUTH DEPARTMENTS BUDGET
a. Is set every year by my church board
b. Is supplemented by fund raising
c. Is non-existent
d. I hadnt even thought to ask for one
THE WAY I EVALUATE PROGRESS IN THE YOUTH DEPARTMENT
a. Is by distributing a formal survey
b. Is by informally interviewing people and getting their input
c. Is solely determined by my own judgment
d. Who needs a report card this isnt school
NOTES OF YOUR OWN
APPENDIX 11
146 Appendix
COPY
I am making plans for the upcoming youth
group programs.
Please help me know the issues you would like to discuss by prioritizing the
following list on a scale of 1-5 (1=very interested; 5 not at all interested)
___ My relationship with God
___ Making and keeping friends
___ Peer Pressure
___ Drugs and/or drinking
___ Dealing with temptations
___ School
___ Dating
___ Racism
___ Loneliness
___ Getting along with my parents
___ Music
___ Suicide
___ Self-esteem
___ Sharing my faith
___ Choosing a college
___ Other
APPENDIX 12
Appendix 147
COPY
SUNDAY
Early morning devotional (Grow Spiritually)
Family time
Prepare youth newsletter (Plan with Purpose)
Contact youth- Just to say hi (Nurture Relationships)
MONDAY
Early morning devotional
Read youth ministry materials (Equip for Leadership)
TUESDAY
Early morning devotional
Contact youth- Just to say hi
WEDNESDAY
Early morning devotional
Youth council (Empower Others)
THURSDAY
Early morning devotional
Contact parents and church board (Promote Your Ministry)
FRIDAY
Early morning devotional
Friday evening get together
SABBATH
Early morning devotional
Sabbath School
Sabbath afternoon outreach (Mobilize for Service Evangelism)
LEADERS
NOTES
1. In groups of five
or six, construct an
ideal weekly youth
ministers calendar.
Include personal
activities along
with youth ministry
activities. You have
five minutes to do
this.
2. Bring the groups
back together and by
consensus form the
ideal weekly youth
ministers calendar.
3. Individually,
underline the items
you are already doing
and write down some
ways you can improve
in the action planning
section provided.
4. Circle three other
items that you are not
doing. What must be
done to accomplish
them? What is your
starting date?
APPENDIX 13
148 Appendix
COPY
TRY IT OUT
Now that youve seen the importance of creating a budget for your
department, lets do a little budget work right here and now.
Where is your income coming from?
What are your expenses?
Do your income and expense totals match, or are you in trouble?
Where might you find that extra cash.
APPENDIX 14
NOTES OF YOUR OWN
Appendix 149
COPY
Your Town News
(5 minutes)
START THE GROUP DYNAMIC BY SAYING ENTHUSIASTICALLY
1. Visualize your youth group as the most exciting group to be with in your
town. Pick a time of the week-it could be Wednesday night, Saturday morn-
ing, Saturday night, etc. Pick a place and thy to imagine what would be hap-
pening, who would be there, and what it would feel like.
How many people would be there?
How are they dressed?
Is there music?
Is there an award ceremony?
What was done to win the award?
Are the media there?
How many of your friends are there?
Why did they come?
Leaders Notes
This activity is designed for a workshop setting. It is to be used to help each
participant recognize that empowering youth for ministry can transform their
youth program. Encourage each or your participants to imagine their youth
leading out in the youth program and how that would affect everyone present.
2. Now imagine that the next day, you picked up your newspaper. Your youth
group made the front page! What would it say? What was the lead sen-
tence?
Start the activity by saying:
1. This is an individual activity.
2. Fill out the lead paragraph, story, etc., on the next page.
3. You have 5 minutes to complete this activity.
Are there any questions?
4. After 5 minutes, have people read their news release to
their neighbors.
APPENDIX 15
150 Appendix
COPY
HEADLINE
LEAD PARAGRAPH
THE STORY
CHIEF CHARACTERS
RESULTS
FUTURE PLANS
APPENDIX 16
NOTES OF YOUR OWN
Appendix 151
COPY
Am I Empowered to Empower?
Empowering others to do ministry is something that most of us have to work
on. It takes planning, letting go of our egos, and training youth. But when
it happens, its exciting! Its great to see our youth leading out and doing ten
times the work we could accomplish ourselves. If Jesus, our Savior, who could
have done it all Himself, empowered disciples to do the work, I think wed be
wise to use the
same plan.
Write your answers to the questions below and with each make a plan to
improve your empowerization skills.
How easy is it for me to trust youth to be responsible for major activities?
Heres what Ill do to put more trust in my youth when it comes to
major activities:
How much have I involved youth in the planning of my youth program
during the past six months?
What upcoming events can my youth plan?
How many times in the last six months have I put kids in charge of some
major activity or program?
My goals for empowering young people in this way for the next six
months are:
What would I do if I put young people in charge of a program and things
didnt work out the way I felt they should have?
What is my plan for using mistakes to teach my youth lessons about
leadership?
LEADERS NOTES
1. Photocopy enough of the
Am I Empowered to
Empower? worksheets
for everyone in the group
and distribute one to each
participant.
2. Explain that empowering
youth for leadership
involves planning and
that this worksheet
can be the beginnings
of that plan. Read the
introduction to the
activity aloud and get
everyone working. This
is an individual activity
3. After five minutes ask:
How often have you
been using your youth
in leadership positions?
What are your concerns
about empowering youth
for leadership? What
happens if the kids goof
up when given this
responsibility? What
would leadership do for
particular members of
your youth group?
ADDITIONAL POSSIBILITIES
If time permits, you might
have the participants break
into smaller groups and
discuss more ways to involve
youth in leadership roles.
APPENDIX 17
152 Appendix
COPY
What Did You Say?
(5 minutes)
START THE GROUP ACTIVITY BY SAYING ENTHUSIASTICALLY
Will rows one, three, five, etc. please turn your chairs around and face
the row behind you.
The row facing the screen will act out the words below using only
hand motions.
The row facing away from the screen must not see the words and will
try to guess the words as their teammates act them
out.
Uncertain
Surprised
Jungle
Sea-Sick
After one minute, have people swap sides and repeat the exercise. Use
paper or a chalkboard to write the words on. Here are some words to use
for the second round.
Fearful
Fire Truck
Shocked
Santa
APPENDIX 18
LEADERS NOTES
This activity is designed for a
workshop setting. It is to be
used to help each participant
recognize that effective com-
munication is vital to youth
ministry. Communicating to
as many people in as many
ways as possible lessens the
chance that the message will
be garbled or missed. If your
group isnt already situated
in rows please ask them to
arrange themselves in rows
for this activity.
RESOURCE NEEDS
Chairs
Appendix 153
COPY
The Seven Time Rule
A good communication effort includes a number of different types of pro-
motion. People need multiple advertisements for your upcoming event in
todays world of media bombardment. You need to tell people what you are
doing, remind them that you are doing it, jog their memory a time or two, and
then tell them again so they will not forget. A good rule of thumb is the seven
time rule:
Tell people about your event in seven different ways to guarantee adequate
communication.
DIRECTIONS
You can use the same means to communicate to youth, parents, and church
leaders. List seven methods you would like to implement in your ministry.
How can you accomplish the rs one? The second?
____ church bulletins
____ yers
____ mailings
____ telephone chains
____ newsletters
____ signs
____ personal invitations
____ calendars
____ posters
____ verbal announcements
____ letters
____ postcards
____ e-mail
____ periodic meetings
____ BIG Mouths (Good people assigned to spread the news)
APPENDIX 19
LEADERS NOTES
1. Photocopy enough of
the Seven Time Rule
worksheets for everyone
in the group and
distribute one to each
participant.
2. Explain that the theory
behind the Seven Time
Rule is repetition. If
you make an effort to
communicate in seven
different ways most
people will get the
message.
3. Read the directions
for the activity. After
five minutes ask: How
difficult will it be for
you to communicate in
seven different ways?
Who can help you in
your communication
effort? How effective
do you think the seven
time rule will be in your
local church? What will
the obstacles in your
local church be? How
can you overcome those
obstacles?
ADDITIONAL
POSSIBILITIES
If time permits
you might have the
participants break into
smaller groups and
discuss communication
ideas with each other.
154 Appendix
COPY
News Hounds
(10 minutes)
Start the group activity by saying enthusiastically:
There are hundreds of ways to serve your community right under your nose.
The newspaper is usually looked at as a report of the previous days headlines,
but today youre going to look at it in a different way. Think of the newspa-
per as a report of the previous days service opportunities. There are literally
hundreds of people mentioned every day in your hometown newspaper that
need your help.
This activity will show you and your kids how to use the newspaper to
help people next door and across town.
APPENDIX 20
LEADERS NOTES
1. Split your group into smaller groups of four. Give each person a piece of
plain paper, a pen, and a newspaper from the previous week. (The news
portion of the paper works best.)
2. Read the instructions for the activity.
3. All groups should design at least two service projects based on needs they
discover in the newspaper. Each group will write their plan as instructed
on the paper.
4. After each group has their projects planned, everyone will come back
together and share their plans with the larger group.
5. After everyone has had an opportunity to share their projects, debrief
with the following questions: What preparation is needed to accomplish
your project? How many people will be needed to complete the project?
How much financial support will be required? Do you know any
experts (painters, carpenter, plumbers, auto-mechanics, etc.) that you
can enlist for your project? What kind of impact will this project have on
your kids? How could using this newspaper activity with your kids help
them buy into the community service project?
LEADERS
NOTES
This activity is designed
for your youth group or
in a workshop setting. It
is to be used to help each
participant realize that
service opportunities exist
all around them. By using
a recent newspaper, a host
of ideas for new projects
can be found.
Appendix 155
COPY
HERE ARE YOUR INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Break into groups of four (at this point you should hand out a newspaper,
pencils, and a sheet of plain paper
to each group).
2. Now give a section of the newspaper to each person in your group and look
for possible service activities (i.e., giving food to victims of a burned home,
writing cards to, or visiting an accident victim in the hospital, volunteering
at a local event, etc.) Make your activities as creative and exciting as
possible.
3. Divide your sheet of plain paper into two sections. On one section write
down how you will promote your project. On the other section write what
you will need to accomplish your project (people, supplies, food, etc.)
4. After youve designed your projects come back to the main group and share
your plans with everyone.
LEADERS
NOTES
1. Photocopy enough
of the Planning to
Serveworksheets
on the next page for
everyone in the group
and distribute one to
each participant.
2. Read the instruction
to this section aloud.
Explain that successful
service projects take a
lot of planning. Split
your group into trios
and have them work
through the sheet.
3. After 7 or 8 minutes
of planning, have
the group come back
together. Now ask:
What surprised you
about the planning
process? Was there
anything you thought
of that was not
included on this list?
What challenges will
you face as you put
your project together?
How do you think
this project will affect
the members of your
youth group? How
will your project
provide an opportunity
for your group to share
their faith?
APPENDIX 21
156 Appendix
COPY
APPENDIX XXI
NOTES OF YOUR OWN Project
Date of project
Service site contact person
Medical information and release form for your kids
Supervisory assignment for adult teachers
Work assignment for kids
Fundraising ideas to support your project
Budget
Supplies (paint, brushes etc.)
Organize kids to do worship before project
Eating arrangements
Transportation
Backup plan in case planned project falls through
Project photographer and/or videographer
After project get-together
Thank you cards
Other items and/or notes
APPENDIX 22
Appendix 157
ARTICLE I NAME
The name of this organization shall be the __________________________ Youth Federation.
ARTICLE II PURPOSE
The vision and mission for the area churches is as follows:
ARTICLE III MEMBERSHIP
Membership in the association is granted to all area churches in the ____________________. Each church shall elect a representative to
vote and participate in all activities and meetings of the Federation. Dues shall be $ ____ per month.
ARTICLE IV OFFICERS
Ofcers shall be President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Parliamentarian, and Immediate past President. All ofcers shall be members of
the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Ofcers shall be elected by nomination and a majority vote of the local church elected representatives (whose
churches are paying dues). The election will be held at the Federations annual meeting prior to the end of the current ofcers term. If for any
reason an ofcer is unable to complete his/her term, a new ofcer will be appointed by majority vote of the remaining ofcers.
ARTICLE V TERM OF OFFICE
Each ofcer shall be elected to hold ofce for 4 years and may serve not more than two consecutive terms. After his/her term has expired, the
President shall remain an ofcer of the Federation as immediate past President for the rst term of the newly elected President in a non-voting,
consultant role.
ARTICLE VI ORGANIZATION & STRUCTURE
The association shall operate independently and actions of the association will reect the doctrines and beliefs of the Seventh-day Adventist
Church and will serve to further the goals and ideals as set forth by the conferences youth council. The Federation will present an annual report
to the conference youth council consisting of activities of the Federation for the previous year and any activities planned for the following year. A
nancial report will also be given annually. The President of the Federation will be a member/invitee of the Conference Youth Council. He or she
may give a report if requested. The Conference Youth Council must approve dates and activities for Federation meetings if they are intended to
be for the entire conference. All news items or facts relating to the conference youth calendar will be submitted to the conference Youth Director
before presentation to members of the conference Youth Council.
ARTICLE VII FINANCIAL
All funds received by the Federation from membership fees, private donations or other means shall be used as the operating funds for the Federa-
tion unless otherwise specied. All funds raised by the Federation will be held in an account agreed upon by the Ofcers and will be distributed by
the Treasurer of the Federation for projects voted upon by members of ofcers of the Federation. The Treasurer of the association will be solely
responsible for the distribution of funds. A detailed nancial report will be presented to the conference Youth Council annually or as requested.
Any member of the Federation may inspect the accounts and records of the Federation provided that reasonable notice is made in writing to the
Treasurer. No part of the net earnings of the Federation shall inure to the benet of, or be distributable to its members, trustees, ofcers, or other
private persons, except that the Federation shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make
payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth in Article II.
ARTICLE VII COMMITTEES
Ofcers shall elect members to serve on committees, as they deem appropriate.
ARTICLE IX MEETING
There shall be at least one annual meeting for all members of the Federation churches. Dates for said meeting to be approved by the conference
Youth Council and/or Federation ofcers. It will be communicated to members by the association at least one month prior to meeting. Ofcers
shall meet at least quarterly at a location agreed upon by all.
ARTICLE X AMENDMENTS AND BY-LAWS
Amendments and/or by-laws may be adopted by a majority vote of the ofcers in attendance at any of the quarterly meetings.
ARTICLE XI DISSOLUTION
In the event of dissolution of the Federation, all assets shall become property of the Conference Youth Council and are to be distributed as deemed
appropriate by the Conference Youth Department.
APPENDIX XXII APPENDIX 23
RESOURCE DIRECTORY
160 Contact
RESOURCE DIRECTORY
TOLLFREE AND WEB RESOURCE DIRECTORY
ADVENTIST EDUCATION HELPLINES
ANDREWS UNIVERSITY: 1-800-253-2874, www.andrews.edu
ATLANTIC UNION COLLEGE: 1-800-282-2030, www.atlanticuc.edu
CANADIAN UNION COLLEGE: 1-800-661-8129, www.cauc.ca
COLUMBIA UNION COLLEGE: 1-800-835-4212, www.cuc.edu
FLORIDA HOSPITAL COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES: 1-800-500-7747,
www.fhchs.edu
GRIGGS UNIVERSITY (HIS): 1-800-782-4769, www.griggs.edu
KETTERING COLLEGE OF MEDICAL ARTS: 1-800-433-5262, www.kcma.edu
LA SIERRA UNIVERSITY: 1-800-874-5587, www.lasierra.edu
LOMA LINDA UNIVERSITY: 1-800-422-4558, www.llu.edu
OAKWOOD COLLEGE: 1-800-824-5312, www.oakwood.edu
PACIFIC UNION COLLEGE: 1-800-862-7080, www.puc.edu
SOUTHERN ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY: 1-800-768-8437, www.southern.edu
SOUTHWESTERN ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY: 1-800-433-2240, www.swau.edu
UNION COLLEGE: 1-800-228-4600, www.ucollege.edu
WALLA WALLA COLLEGE: 1-800-541-8900, www.wwc.edu
WEIMAR COLLEGE: 1-800-525-9192, www.weimarcollege.com
ADVENTIST INFORMATIONAL HELPLINES
ADVENTIST INFORMATION MINISTRIES (AIM): 1-800-253-3002,
www.aim4u.org/Public/
ADVENTIST PLUSLINE: 1-800-SDA-PLUS, www.plusline.org
ADVENTIST YOUTH & YOUNG ADULT MINSTRY HELPLINES
ADVENTIST CHAPLAINCY MINISTERIAL ASSOCIATION (ACMA):
1-800-226-5478, www.adventistchaplains.org/
CENTER FOR CREATIVE MINISTRIES: 1-800-272-4664,
RESOURCE
DIRECTORY
Contact 161
RESOURCE DIRECTORY
TOLLFREE AND WEB RESOURCE DIRECTORY
www.creativeministry.org/
CENTER FOR YOUTH EVANGELISM: 1-800-YOUTH-2U,
www.adventistyouth.org
FAMILY MATTERS: 1-800-309-LOVE,
HANCOCK CENTER FOR YOUTH MINISTRIES: www.lasierra.edu/centers/hcym
HART Research Center: 1-800-487-4278, www.hartresearch.org/
SEMINARS UNLIMITED: 1-800-982-3344,
YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY CONSULTANTS: 1-800-440-1670
YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY RESPONSE LINE: 1-800-SDA-7738
CHURCH COMPUTER/SOFTWARE RESOURCES:
APPLY SOFTWARE SYSTEMS, INC.: 1-800-932-7759
CHRISTIAN TECHNOLOGIES: 1-800-366-8320, www.christiantech.com
CHRISTIANITY ONLINE (AMERICA ONLINE): 1-800-827-6364,
jmm.aaa.net.au/articles/9695.htm
CONSISTENT COMPUTER BARGAINS: 1-800-342-4222, www.ccbnpts.com
LOGOS RESEARCH SYSTEMS: 1-800-87-LOGOS, www.logos.com
GROUPS MINISTRYNET: 1-800-447-1070,
shop.grouppublishing.com/ministrynet/default.asp
NAVPRESS SOFTWARE: 1-800-777-SOFT,
ONLINE BIBLE: 1-800-243-7124,
OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS: 1-800-451-7556, www.oup.com/us/
QUICKVERSE: 1-888-459-0078, www.quickverse.com
DRAMA MINISTRY/ARTISTS/PUBLISHER RESOURCES
A.D. PLAYERS: 1-800-388-4773, www.adplayers.org
CONTEMPORARY DRAMA SERVICE: 1-800-93-PLAYS,
www.contemporarydrama.com
162 Contact
RESOURCE DIRECTORY
TOLLFREE AND WEB RESOURCE DIRECTORY
COVENANT PLAYERS: 1-800-79-DRAMA, www.covenantplayers.org
Destiny Drama Company: 1-800-SOUTHERN, www.destiny.southern.edu
Dramatic Publishing Company: 1-800-HIT-SHOW,
www.dramaticpublishing.com
Lillenas Publishing: 1-800-877-0700, www.lillenas.com
One Way Street: 1-800-569-4537, www.onewaystreet.com
Pioneer Drama Service: 1-800-33-DRAMA, www.pioneerdrama.com
FILM/VIDEO/AUDIO/MULTI-MEDIA RESOURCES
ADVENTIST COMMUNICATION NETWORK: 1-800-CAN-1119, www.acnsat.org
ADVENTIST WORLD RADIO: 1-800-337-4AWR, www.awr.org
AMERICAN CASSETTE MINISTRIES: 1-800-233-4450, www.americancassette.org
AMERICAN TRACT SOCIETY: 1-800-54-TRACT, www.atstracts.org
CAMFEL PRODUCTIONS: 1-800-5-CAMFEL, www.camfel.com
CROWN MINISTRIES INTERNATIONAL: 1-800-433-4685, www.crownmin.org
FAMILY RESEARCH COUNCIL: 1-800-225-4008, www.frc.org
VISION VIDEOS: 1-800-523-0226, www.visionvideo.com
FUNDRAISING/CLOTHING RESOURCES
BADGE-A-MINIT: 1-800-223-4103, www.badgeaminit.com
DUTCH MILL BULBS: 1-800-533-8824, www.dutchmillbulbs.com
EVERGREEN INDUSTRIES: 1-800-284-3048, www.evergreenindustries.net
GOLDEN HARVEST FRUIT CO.: 1-800-826-9099,
www.golden-harvest-fruit.com
MICKMAN BROTHERS: 1-800-446-4229, www.mickman.com
MORRIS PRESS: 1-800-445-6621, www.morriscookbooks.com
NEWLIFE INDUSTRIES: 1-800-443-9523, www.newlifeshopper.com
Contact 163
RESOURCE DIRECTORY
TOLLFREE AND WEB RESOURCE DIRECTORY
SHERWOOD FOREST FARMS: 1-800-767-7778,
www.sherwoodforestfarms.com
NATIONAL CRISIS HOTLINES
AIDS PROJECT INFORM HOTLINE: 1-800-822-7422,
www.projectinform.org
AMERICAN DIABETES ASSOCIATION: 1-800-342-2383, www.diabetes.org
AMERICAN DIETETIC HOTLINE: 1-800-366-1655,
www.allpointhomehealth.com/ResourceList.htm
AMERICAN KIDNEY FUND: 1-800-638-8299, www.kidneyfund.org
AMERICAN LIVER FOUNDATION: 1-800-465-4837, www.liverfoundation.org
AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE: 1-800-424-9393,
www.dcn.davis.ca.us/YoloLINK/programs/pAutoSafetyHotlin-8556.html
BETHANY CHRISTIAN SERVICES: 1-800-BETHANY, www.bethany.org
BIRTHRIGHT / ABORTION ALTERNATIVE: 1-800-848-5683,
CENTER FOR DISEASE CONTROL NATIONAL STD HOTLINE: 1-800-232-4636,
www.cdc.gov/nchstp/dstd/personal_health_questions.htm
CHILD FIND: 1-800-426-5678, www.childndofamerica.org
CHILDREN OF ALCOHOLICS FOUNDATION: 1-800-662-4357, www.coaf.org/
CHILDRENS WISH FOUNDATION: 1-800-323-9474,
www.childrenswish.org
DES ACTION USA: 1-800-337-9288, www.desaction.org
HEALTH INFORMATION CLEARING HOUSE: 1-800-336-4797,
www.nidcr.nih.gov/HealthInformation/SpecialCareResources/default.htm
HOMOSEXUALS ANONYMOUS: 1-800-253-3000,
members.aol.com/hawebpage
JUST SAY NO FOUNDATION: 1-800-258-2766, www.ndfyf.org/
LOMA LINDA BEHAVIORAL MEDICINE CENTER: 1-800-752-5999,
www.llu.edu/llubmc
164 Contact
RESOURCE DIRECTORY
TOLLFREE AND WEB RESOURCE DIRECTORY
NATIONAL ADOPTION CENTER: 1-800-862-3678, www.adopt.org
NATIONAL AIDS/HIV HOTLINE: 1-800-342-2437, www.ashastd.org/nah
NATIONAL ALCOHOL & DRUG ABUSE HOTLINE: 1-800-252-6465,
www.nida.nih.gov
NATIONAL CHILD ABUSE HOTLINE: 1-800-422-4453, www.childhelpusa.org
NATIONAL CHILD SAFETY COUNCIL: 1-800-327-5107,
NATIONAL INFORMATION ON DRUG ABUSE: 1-800-622-HELP,
www.bambooweb.com/articles/a/d/Addictive.html
NATIONAL RESPONSE CENTER (TOXIC WASTE): 1-800-424-8802,
www.eluls.org/superfund_cleanup.html
NATIONAL RUNAWAY SWITCHBOARD: 1-800-RUNAWAY,
www.nrscrisisline.org
NATIONAL YOUTH CARE HOTLINE: 1-800-829-0989,
NEW LIFE CLINICS: 1-800-NEW-LIFE, www.newlife.com/
MISSING CHILDREN HELP CENTER: 1-800-USA-KIDS,
www.800usakids.org
OPEN QUEST INSTITUTE: 1-800-444-9999,
PREVENT BLINDNESS AMERICA: 1-800-331-2020, www.preventblindness.org
RAPHA PROGRAM: 1-877-257-0449, www.raphacare.com/endorse.html
RECORDING FOR THE BLIND: 1-866-732-3585, www.rfbd.org
SAFE DRINKING WATER HOTLINE: 1-800-426-4791,
www.epa.gov/safewater/drinklink.html
SPINAL-CORD INJURY HOTLINE: 1-800-526-3456,
www.headinjury.com/linksci.htm
VENEREAL DISEASE NATIONAL HOTLINE: 1-800-227-8922,
www.niaid.nih.gov/factsheets/stdhpv.htm
NATIONAL HELPLINES (LISTED BY ISSUE)
AGING: 1-800-424-9046, www.ncoa.org/index.cfm?bType=ie4
Contact 165
RESOURCE DIRECTORY
TOLLFREE AND WEB RESOURCE DIRECTORY
ALLERGY/IMMUNOLOGY: 1-800-842-7777, www.healthieryou.com/allergyr.html
ALZHEIMERS DISEASE: 1-800-272-3900, www.alz.org
ANOREXIA/BULIMIA/EATING DISORDERS: 1-800-BASH-STL,
www.stuartlichtmanseminar.com/bulimiahelpself
ARSON (REPORTING): 1-800-47-ARSON,
www.wetip.com/uswest/arson/westarsn.htm
ASTHMA: 1-800-822-2762, www.aaaai.org
ATTORNEY REFERRAL: 1-800-324-8846, www.scogginsrealty.com/
CANCER: 1-800-4-CANCER, cis.nci.nih.gov/fact/2_5.htm
CHILD SUPPORT: 1-800-537-7072, www.childsupport-aces.org
CHILDBIRTH EDUCATION: 1-800-624-4934, www.icea.org/
COCAINE: 1-800-COCAINE, www.focusas.com/Cocaine.html
COMPULSIVE GAMBLING: 1-800-522-4700,
www.800gambler.org/ArticleDetails.aspx?ContentID=4
CONSERVATION: 1-800-363-3732, www.eren.doe.gov
DISABILITIES: 1-800-54-HEALTH,
DRUG SMUGGLING (reporting): 1-800-232-5378,
www.customs.gov/hot-new/pressrel/1999/1029-00.htm
DYSLEXIA: 1-800-ABCD-123, www.interdys.org
EDUCATION: 1-800-638-9675,
EMPLOYMENT: 1-800-451-5627,
www.co.san-bernardino.ca.us/jesd/businesspopup.asp?item=onthejob
EPILEPSY: 1-800-332-1000, www.epilepsyfoundation.org
HEARING: 1-800-521-5247,
my.webmd.com/hw/emotional_wellness/shc99dea.asp
HOSPICe: 1-800-331-1620 www.hospiceworld.org
IMMIGRATION & NATURALIZATION: 1-800-755-0777,
immigration.about.com/library/blvisafaq.htm
166 Contact
RESOURCE DIRECTORY
TOLLFREE AND WEB RESOURCE DIRECTORY
IMPOTENCE: 1-800-843-4315,
medicalreporter.health.org/tmr0296/impotence.html
LEARNING DISABILITIES: 1-800-452-7323,
LOU GEHRIGS DISEASE: 1-800-782-4747,
members.aol.com/Jeri10/ALS.html
LUPUS: 1-800-558-0121, www.lupus.org
MARIJUANA: 1-800-677-7433,
MARROW DONOR PROGRAM: 1-800-688-1088,
MENTORING: 1-800-914-2212,
www.hsph.harvard.edu/press/releases/press06041998.html
NEUROFIBROMATOSIS: 1-800-942-6825, www.nnc.org/nf2news.shtml
PARKINSON DISEASE: 1-800-344-7872,
www.sentara.com/neuro/parkinsons_sheet.htm
SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS: 1-800-772-1213,
s00dace.ssa.gov/pro/isba3/irib.cgi?WFORM=A
SPINA BIFIDA: 1-800-621-3141,
www.shrinershq.org/patientedu/spinabida.html
STUTTERING: 1-800-992-9392, www.stuttersfa.org/whatsnew/newsbrfs.htm
SUDDEN INFANT DEATH SYNDROME: 1-800-221-SIDS,
www.sidsalliance.org
TEENAGE PROSTITUTION: 1-800-551-1300, www.childrenofthenight.org
PRODUCTION/MUSIC RESOURCES/ARTIST AGENCIES
ADORATION INC.: 1-800-541-1950, www.adorationresources.com
THE B&B MEDIA GROUP: 1-800-927-1517, www.tbbmedia.com
CLEAN COMEDIANS: 1-800-354-GLAD, www.cleancomedians.com
GLAD PRODUCTIONS: 1-800-772-4523, www.glad-pro.com
INTERLINC: 1-800-725-3300, www.interlinc-online.com
KENNEDY COMMUNICATIONS: 1-800-877-0485, www.kennedycom.net
Contact 167
RESOURCE DIRECTORY
TOLLFREE AND WEB RESOURCE DIRECTORY
KEYNOTE PRODUCTIONS: 1-800-311-0903, www.keynotemusic.com
MORNING SONG CONCERTS / STEVE DARMODY: 1-800-621-3059
www.morningsong.org
TRAVEL/RETREAT/ADVENTURE/MOVING RESOURCES
ACQUIRED TASTES WHITEWATER RAFTING: 1-800-888-8582,
www.atraft.com
ALPINE CONFERENCE CENTER: 1-800-350-6289, www.alpine-cc.org
AMERICAN ADVENTURE EXPEDITIONS: 1-800-288-0675,
www.americanadventure.com
AMERICAN TOURS TRAVELS: 1-800-243-4365, www.travelgroups.com
BAHAMAS SAILING ADVENTURES: 1-800-226-2050, www.bahamasail.com
CHRISTIAN PURCHASING NETWORK: 1-800-927-6775,
www.churchplaza.com
COKER CREEK VILLAGE: 1-800-448-9580, www.cokercreekvillage.com
COVENANT WILDERNESS CENTER: 1-800-392-1501,
www.adventurouschristians.org
YOUTH/YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY PUBLISHERS
ABINGDON PRESS: 1-800-251-3320, www.abingdonpress.com
ADVENTIST BOOK CENTERS: 1-800-765-6955,
www.adventistbookcenter.com
FREE SPIRIT PUBLISHING: 1-800-735-7323, www.freespirit.com
INTERVARSITY PRESS: 1-800-843-9487, ivpress.gospelcom.net
NAVPRESS: 1-800-366-7788, www.navpress.com
RANDALL HOUSE PUBLICATIONS: 1-800-877-7030, www.randallhouse.com
TYNDALE HOUSE PUBLISHERS: 1-800-323-9400, http://www.tyndale.com
Zondervan: 1-800-727-3480, www.zondervan.com
168 Contact
RESOURCE DIRECTORY
TOLLFREE AND WEB RESOURCE DIRECTORY
YOUTH/YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY RESOURCE/TRAINING/
RESEARCH (INTERDENOMINATIONAL)
DARE 2 SHARE: 1-800-462-8355, www.dare2share.org
GEORGE BARNA GROUP: 1-800-55-BARNA, www.barna.org
LEADERSHIP NETWORK: 1-800-765-5323, www.leadnet.org
SEARCH INSTITUTE: 1-800-888-7828, www.search-institute.org
SONLIFE MINISTRIES: 1-800-770-4769, www.sonlife.com
STUDENT DISCIPLESHIP MINISTRIES: 1-800-880-8736,
www.studentdiscipleship.org
TENTMAKERS YOUTH MINISTRY: 1-800-989-8368, www.tentmakersym.org
UNDERSTANDING YOUR TEENAGER: 1-800-561-9309, uyt.gospelcom.net
YOUTH SERVICE/MISSIONS/VOLUNTEER HELPLINES
ADVENTIST DEVELOPMENT AND RELIEF AGENCY (ADRA):
1-800-424-ADRA, www.adra.org
ADVENTURES IN MISSIONS: 1-800-881-AIM-1, www.adventures.org
CHILDREN INTERNATIONAL: 1-800-888-3089, www.children.org
CHRISTIAN OUTREACH INTERNATIONAL: 1-800-451-3643, www.coiusa.com
CONFRONTATION POINT MINISTRIES: 1-800-884-8483,
www.confrontationpoint.org
GLOBAL MISSION: 1-800-648-5824, www.global-mission.org
GROUP WORKCAMPS: 1-800-774-3838, www.groupworkcamps.com
MISSION DISCOVERY: 1-800-767-8720, www.missiondiscovery.org
Contact 169
SEVEN WAYS TO KILL A YOUTH MINISTRY
7. Dont mobilize for service evangelism... and have a youth ministry without an impact.
6. Dont promote your ministry... and have a youth ministry without a support.
5. Dont empower others for leadership... and have a youth ministry that does not expand.
4. Dont plan with a purpose... and have a youth ministry without direction.
3. Dont nurture relationships... and you wont ever have a youth ministry.
2. Dont equip yourself or others for leadership... and have a team who is not prepared to lead.
1. Dont grow spiritually... and have a youth ministry without a foundation.
Anobile, Tony, (Consultant)
Barrera, Rachel (Photographer)
Bailey, Neisha (Model)
Bennett, Scot (Model)
Black, James (Consultant)
Case, Steve, (Consultant)
Carrillo, Rudy (Consultant)
Center for Yoth Evangelism Staff
Cleghorne, Newton (Consultant)
Craig, Carlos (Consultant)
Duncan, Desiree (Resource Directory)
Ferris, Winston (Content Editor)
Gane, Barry (Consultant)
Gane, Kimberly (projest Manager 2)
Gillespie, Bailey (Consultant)
SPECIAL THANKS
Horton, Steve (Consultant)
Mason, Robert (Design)
Meharry, Doug (Resource Directory)
Meharry, Tatiana (Appendix & Resource Directory)
Perez, Pedro (Consultant)
Redding, Adrienne (Copy Editor)
Smith, Cloveth (Project Manager 1)
Torkelson, Monte (Consultant)
Torres, Sergio (Consultant)
Wade, Roger (Consultant)
Werda, Jeff (Project Manager 4)
Williamson, Allen (Consultant)
Wood, Bill (Consultant)
Wuerfel, Tony (Wrote ACT IT OUT sections)
Zork, Nick (Project Manager 3)