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Synergy Surrounds Disciples Youth Ministry Strategy

"We came together to work for God, and God truly blessed our endeavors," said JoHannah Hamilton, from Burleson, Texas, and moderator for the General Youth Council (GYC).

"I've never seen such synergy in one place. It was simply wonderful," said an excited Jane Lawrence, youth liaison and executive vice president, Disciples Home Missions.

These are the words describing a recent gathering of the General Youth Council and the Youth Ministry Commission (YMC). January 8 to 10, several Disciples high school youth and adults came together from around the United States and Canada to discuss the future of youth ministries for the denomination. The outcome? Concrete plans for how the two groups can work together and more importantly, how youth ministries across the denomination can receive support. The DHM Youth Ministry Commission, an 11-member group named by DHM in September, met first to develop goals and a mission statement. The Commission determined their role with the GYC was one of support, rather than one of designing activities. Outlined in their new mission statement, the YMC will "empower and connect youth and those who minister with youth, serving as their advocate as we journey together in faith."

"I'm very proud at how quickly YMC organized and set goals and tasks for the next two years," said Julie Brown, YMC co-chair.

Two YMC co-chairs were also selected-Bill Spangler-Dunning, associate regional minister, Upper Midwest, and Julie Brown, youth minister, Crestwood Christian Church, Lexington, Ky.

With their focus on supporting youth workers at the congregational level, the Commission established three task forces including communication, leadership development and mission. The goals outlined for each are:

Leadership Development Task Force Goals

1. Advocate with seminaries, the General Commission on Ministry and regions to develop accredited lay worker programs;
2. Develop youth sponsor training events/programs.

Communication Task Force Goals

1. Develop and launch an extensive and comprehensive Web site that will keep youth and youth workers in congregations informed of events and resources;
2. Survey Regional Ministers to determine what the Youth Ministry Commission can do to help support youth programming.

Mission Task Force Goals

1. Research and make available resources such as "Get Dirty for Jesus", Volunteers in Mission (VIM), Vision Builders opportunities and models for mission trips;
2. Start visioning a general mission week opportunity for youth.

On Friday, the Commission met jointly with the General Youth Council. That's when the real synergy began! The two groups explored further the possibilities of their relationship and how they could work together through a strengthened partnership. The YMC emphasized the supportive role they would play to not only the GYC but to youth workers in congregations everywhere.

In the beginning, support will likely take the form of a comprehensive Web site that youth can access for basic tools. Ideas for the types of information include a database of churches youth groups can utilize for mission trips. A chat room for youth workers to share ideas and a place where church internships could be posted for high school students are also possibilities. Watch for additional information soon on the launching of this Web site. Everyone in attendance agreed on the importance of communication, not only between the two groups, but to the wider church regarding youth plans, activities and opportunities. The establishment of the Communications Task Force is testament to this.

"I felt really good about how things went. We all came in unsure and confused, wanting some clear vision for what happens next. It was pretty amazing to see how many of the YMC goals complimented the goals of GYC," Brown said. Besides exploring their love of youth activities and how they could work together, both groups worshipped and praised God for all that he was doing through and among them.

"Youth ministry is one of the most important aspects of a church to build the leaders that are the church of today. Hopefully, the changes being made will stimulate and facilitate the cultivation and growth of the amazing youth in this denomination," said GYC's Hamilton.

On the final day, the GYC met to plan their annual Youth Ministry Event (YME), a gathering of high school youth selected by each region. The 2004 YME will take place on the campus of Butler University in Indianapolis, June 30-July 4. The theme will be "Paintin' the Vision." Julie Holloway, who has special gifts in strategic planning, will be the event coordinator. (Youth should talk to their Regional Minister if they are interested in attending.) more >

Disciples Home Missions, who brought everyone together in Indianapolis, will also host teleconferences once a quarter for the YMC. Both the YMC and the GYC will meet together again at the YME this summer."A lot has changed in the last few months," said Brown, "but regardless of how anyone feels about things, it's a great opportunity for us to figure out how we can all work together. There's lots of stuff we do well when it comes to youth, but there's lots of room for improvement. We're all excited about the future."

And the future for Disciples youth looks promising. What can you do to help? Get involved with your church's youth program. Ask your youth workers what they need and how you can provide support. Whether it's chaperoning an outing or supplying snacks for a meeting, get involved. Our youth are not only the future of our churches, they are our today.

Home Mission Advocate published by Disciples Home Missions
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