Youth Leaders Will

• Nurture their own spiritual lives and encourage young people to grow in theirs.
• Listen to the hopes, concerns, and needs of youth and their families, and help them serve one another as disciples and neighbors.
• Connect youth ministry to the church’s wider mission and give young people a voice and a place in church life.
• Help the congregation understand the challenges young people face and recognize what they contribute. Welcome every young person.
• Plan worship, Bible study, fellowship, and service opportunities with young people and other church members.
• Help youth understand how God calls Christians to live and serve in everyday life.
• Encourage young people to develop their gifts and skills and put their own ideas into practice.
• Find study materials and resources that help teachers and group leaders support young people’s spiritual growth.

How Can You Help?

• Look at what’s already available for young people and where the church can make a difference.
• Ask young people what matters to them. Pay attention to changes in the congregation and community that may affect them.
• Invite youth, parents, and other adults to share their hopes and concerns and help plan the ministry.
• Work with other churches and community organizations to support young people and their families.
• Share responsibility for projects with people who have a heart for youth ministry.
• Make room for prayer and spiritual practices that help you seek God’s direction as you serve.