Once again, I am
very happy to be able to include a review of Youth Specialties one day
seminar, the Core. Pastor Nate Wagner attended and reviewed
this tremendous opportunity for those who minister with youth - thank you
Nate!
"the Core" is a quality, high energy, challenging, and instructive training event. It is amazing how much excellent and useful information they are able to pack into a one day event. Attending this event is a highlight of the year. It has once again given me new tools and resources that are transferable for my own ministry and to use in training my staff.
The presenter, Fred Lynch, was dynamic and passionate. His personal life stories enhanced his presentation and his commitment to reaching teens was readily apparent.
Their is a solid balance of instruction and interaction. There are ample opportunities to connect with other individuals. The sessions did a great job of laying out a philosophy of ministry as well as being highly practical. The resources offered in the notebook further enhanced the experienced and aided you in bringing home some of the ideas presented.
The Core realities presented were Veracity (a devotion to the truth) Authenticity (Real and genuine), and Audacity (risking safety and security for the cause of Christ). As these three realities were discussed, it forced you to evaluate your own ministry, potentially, from a way you had not before.
- Do I display a devotion to the truth in my own life?
- Does our ministry model that?
- How do we rank?
- VERACITY
- Does our ministry display authentic love and concern for one another?
- Does it draw disconnected teens to Christ through it's authenticity?
- AUTHENTICITY
- Do the individuals in our ministry; teens, staff, and parents, have a passion to reach the lost and display your love that forces them out of their comfort zones?
- How comfortable in our "Christian Ghetto" are we?
- AUDACITY
The
Core Values presented were
- God is in control... we're not!
- People are more important than programs.
- Knowing God is more important than knowing about God Doing the right thing is more important than doing things right
- There is no one way to do ministry
- Students are ready to minister... now!
- Silence and solitude are essential to experiencing God
- The journey of faith takes time
- Humor greatly enhances ministry
- Spiritual Growth is... spiritual, so...
- Questions are more important than answers
- Small works better than big
- Slow is better than fast
- Discomfort is better than comfort
- Uniqueness is better than sameness
- Core relationships (Connecting with Kids)
- Core conversations (Leading small groups and discussions)
'Round About the Church - Youth Resources
Copyright © Lynda Freeman
Last Updated Sept. 9, 2002
Web Page by Lynda Freeman
Send an e-mail to Lynda at LyndaFreeman@roundaboutthechurch.com