Equipping youth workers

It is a great blessing for my wife and I to experience the 2012 Forums on Youth Ministry together. It has been enlightening to sit in on seminars and electives by respected youth ministry practitioners like Sarah Arthur and Mike King. The informal discussions with my friends in Cohort C have been beneficial, too.

My day job (mental health) has underscored the importance of good continuing education. This isn't always a priority in youth ministry and I'm hoping to change that in our conference. Last year I began my continuing education in the Institute for Youth Ministry's Certificate in Youth & Theology program at Princeton Theological Seminary. The experience has completely exceeded my expectations. It has been practical and intellectually stimulating. Mentoring and vocational friendships have helped me put my learning into practice. Young people at SLYM, Gustavus Adolphus Family Services, and at Southwestern Conference events have all benefited from this experience.

Someone once said, "leaders are learners." Learning doesn't have to mean a full-blown seminary education, although I would recommend it if you ever have the opportunity. There are many different resources people working and volunteering with youth in the Southwestern Conference may consider:



Formal training & certification

Gettysburg Seminary
Its Youth Ministry Certification School is for youth ministry volunteers and professionals alike. You get adventure in an outdoor ministry setting, and skills in education, small groups, and community development. Classroom content provides Biblical and theological training, cultural analysis, long-range planning, family ministry and other Christian education insights. I have met several people who have completed this program and they all recommend the experience.

The Institute for Youth Ministry at Princeton Theological Seminary
The Certificate in Youth and Theology program is for individuals actively working with youth in churches or ministry organizations. It is helpful to youth pastors, staff, and volunteers. It is ideal for those seeking specific training in youth ministry who want to connect theological reflection and ministerial practice. (My wife and I are both currently enrolled in this program and would be happy to share our positive experience.)

Wartburg Seminary
Offers an 8-day intensive course with five weeks of personalized online learning in Youth and Family Ministry for adult leaders, volunteers, clergy, parents, youth and seminary students. Participants learn about faith development, contemporary youth culture, and strategic planning for congregational ministries. They also gain a valuable network of relationships for ongoing ministry support and learning. A well-respected program.



Online


Practice Discipleship
The ELCA Youth Minstry Network and the ELCA Youth Gathering have teamed up to provide free online webinars.. They are great preparation for the ELCA Youth Gathering, as well as your youth group meetings, mission trips, service projects, Bible study and other events. These are very nicely done and well worth your time. Reserve your place at upcoming webinars or view an archived presentation here.


Around the Southwestern Conference

Conference Youth Ministries Team
Come network with others providing ministry to young people. The second half of each monthly meeting is devoted to discussions about effective youth ministry. We meet at First Lutheran in Jamestown (usually) on the first Saturday of the month from 9 am - 11 am. Upcoming dates for 2012 are: 5/5, 6/2, 8/4, 9/8, 10/6, 11/3, & 12/1.


Lake Chautauqua Lutheran Center
Offers an annual youth leaders training event every October. Designed for volunteer and paid youth workers with any level of experience. This year's retreat is October 26 & 27.

There is no such thing as a perfect youth worker. But there are many resources available to help us be knowledgeable, thoughtful, and equipped. Young people will benefit greatly from our efforts!