Youth Ministry Backpack

Welcome! Thanks for coming along on this journey with us. Youth ministry is one of the more important ministries in our church today. You have the great privilege and responsibility of helping to shape and develop the faith and spiritual lives of the young people in your church. Youth have wonderful gifts and insights to share with the congregation now. However, without you, youth may not find ways to offer their gifts or have their voices heard.

Youth ministry is an exciting and challenging adventure. The purpose of this backpack is to equip you for the journey of working with youth, parents, and other adult leaders. While our congregations may vary in age groupings for youth, this resource is specifically geared toward ministry with youth in middle and high school. In this resource you will find some basic information about Understanding Youth. Uncover suggestions for finding support for yourself and other volunteer youth leaders in the section Support: You’re Not Alone. Additionally, discover practical suggestions in Helps and How To’s. The final section includes a list of suggested resources, and appendices with sample forms that can be modified for your specific context.

Youth ministry is an exciting and challenging adventure. The purpose of this backpack is to equip you for the journey of working with youth, parents, and other adult leaders. While our congregations may vary in age groupings for youth, this resource is specifically geared toward ministry with youth in middle and high school. In this resource you will find some basic information about Understanding Youth. Uncover suggestions for finding support for yourself and other volunteer youth leaders in the section Support: You’re Not Alone. Additionally, discover practical suggestions in Helps and How To’s. The final section includes a list of suggested resources, and appendices with sample forms that can be modified for your specific context.

Within this backpack, we use the term “youth minister” synonymously with terms used in our various congregations which may include youth leader, volunteer youth worker, or youth sponsor. You are leading. It is work. All of this is done in the context of ministry. The term “youth minister” acknowledges the special role of ministry that you have with the youth in your church. Remember, you are not alone on this journey. The mission of the Youth Ministry Commission is “to empower and connect youth and those who minister with youth, serving as their advocate as we journey together in faith.”

Grab your Backpack for an exciting adventure in youth ministry!

Click here to download a PDF copy of the Youth Ministry Backpack