Landmark Youth Ministry

Transcription

1 Landmark Youth Ministry Dear Interested LYM Volunteer, Thank you so much for your interest in becoming a volunteer with the Landmark Youth Ministry! God is doing great things at Landmark and much of it is taking place in the Firehouse. One of the driving values of the LYM is our desire to see more and more passionate adults invested in the lives of teenagers. We believe it is critical to every young personʼs spiritual development to have a network of relationships with caring adults who are in love with Jesus Christ. We are confident God works in these relationships to reveal Himself to teenagers in ways that let them discover and grow in the love of Jesus Christ. Before you begin the volunteer application process, let us share with you the foundation of what the LYM is all about: Landmark Youth Ministry Mission Statement To partner with families in leading teenagers into a growing relationship with Jesus. For us, itʼs all about Jesus. He is central to everything the youth ministry seeks to accomplish. We are devoted to worshipping Jesus, sharing Jesus, following Jesus, and being Jesus to the world around us. So we will use whatever means necessary in our youth ministry to see that teenagers, no matter where they are in their walk with Christ, are growing in Jesus! And this is where you come in! We need adults of all types to enter into relationships with the kids and families God has called us to serve. We are looking for committed adults who have a passion for Christ and a love for teenagers to serve in the various programs of our ministry. (That said, our ministry is not so much about programs as it is about people!) Before you begin this application, prayerfully examine your own commitment to Christ as well as your commitment to the teenagers and families of this church body. Inside this packet, youʼll find information on all of the various ways you can serve in the LYM as well as our ministryʼs values, expectations of volunteers, and all of the ways you can count on us to help you in your ministry efforts. Please contact us if you have any questions and we will be happy to assist you in any way we can! In Christ Alone, Wes Kohring! " " Jana Frankum Youth Minister" " " Youth Minister [email protected]" [email protected]

2 Values of the Landmark Youth Ministry Community/Relationships We want to create environments where kids experience love and acceptance. We want the Firehouse to be one of the friendliest places in all of Montgomery for teenagers. We want for every single teen in the LYM to have at least one adult other than their parents who is absolutely crazy about them. We want to stack the stands of kidsʼ lives so they know they have a family who loves them and is cheering them on. We want to support the families of teenagers in every way possible. We recognize that God has called them to be the primary spiritual influences in their kidsʼ lives. We want to partner with them! Worship We want to see Jesus Christ at the center of teenagersʼ lives. We want Christ to not only be a part of their lives, but the very center and foundation of who they are. We want to worship God, not just in song, but in everything we do. Discipleship We want to foster spiritual growth in kids so they are being constantly transformed into the image of Jesus. We want them to move along a path to a greater love and commitment to Christ. We want to see kids everywhere falling more and more in love with the Living Word as is revealed in the written word. We believe the Bible is Godʼs revelation of Himself and one of the primary ways He gives us His spirit. We want to consume His Word! We want to be a ministry that grasps the power of prayer. We want to see teens praying for the kingdom, the church, their friends, and the world around them. Ministry We want to see kids living out their faith in practical ways. We want to see them serving each other, the church, and the world around them. We want them to develop hearts for people experiencing lifeʼs struggles, the least of these among us, and to care for them as Jesus cares for us. By experiencing life on mission, we want to help develop followers of Jesus that understand the kingdom of God is infinitely greater than our individual desires and concerns. We want to live in Godʼs BIG story! Outreach We want to have non-threatening environments where our teens can bring their unbelieving friends to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ. We want to equip teenagers to share the gospel and their own stories of faith with non-believers. LYM values

3 What Teenagers Need From You Love God and follow Jesus Remember their names Take an interest in kidsʼ lives, both in and outside of LYM gatherings/programs Be intentional about spending one on one time with them Meet them where they are Pray for them Compliment them, use encouraging words Provide accountability, challenge them to live on a higher level Be patient with them Provide significant (appropriate) physical touch Be authentic - let kids see that you are on the same journey that they are Support their parents in every way possible Plugging In With The LYM... 1.Understand the mission and the values of the youth ministry. Be familiar enough with the mission statement that it shapes how you function as a minister. 2.BE WITH teenagers - Look for every opportunity to come alongside kids, both in and outside LYM events. Be aware of opportunities to deepen relationships and influence. 3.Grow as a minister - Read the Word, develop daily spiritual disciplines. Take advantage of resources that will equip you in your ministry.

4 How Do I Volunteer? 1. Please read the attached job descriptions for all of the various roles that Firehouse volunteers may fulfill. Pray about where God has equipped you to serve, based on your spiritual gifts, abilities, experience, and personality. 2. Complete the attached Volunteer Interest Form and the LYM Volunteer Covenant and submit to youth ministry staff. 3. Complete the Background check packet and submit to youth ministry office. This packet must be completed before you can begin work with youth at Landmark church (required for some volunteer positions) 4. Youth minister will contact you about opportunities to begin serving in the LYM. 5. Begin serving! Requirements for LYM Volunteers Be an active Landmark church member Have a complete Criminal Background Check on file (required for Lifegroup leaders, Firehouse leaders, bus drivers, Sunday school teachers, and retreat and trip volunteers) Complete a Landmark Driverʼs Training (For positions that require driving. Commercial Driverʼs License is required for drivers of the 28 passenger bus) What You Can Expect From Us We will do our best to provide structure and leadership to all volunteers We will commit to empowering each volunteer to have ownership in his/ her ministry area We will equip volunteers with necessary training and resources for ministry We will communicate effectively and often with ministry volunteers We will challenge you to uphold a high level of youth ministry excellence We will encourage you and pray for you!

5 Volunteer Interest Form Name: Address: City: Zip: Phone: Availability: I would like more information on the following volunteer opportunities: Wednesday Night Firehouse Host/Huddle Group Leader Sunday Morning Class Teacher (Junior High) Sunday Morning Class Teacher (Senior High) Lifegroup Leader (7/8 grade) Lifegroup Leader (9/10 grade) Lifegroup Leader (11/12 grade) Bus Driver Retreat Volunteer Mission Trip Volunteer Special Trip Volunteer (Impact/Trek/Etc) Event Host/Coordinator Food Coordination for youth event I would like to provide financial assistance for a teenager to attend a retreat ($55) I would like to provide financial assistance for a teenager to attend IMPACT ($200)

6 Role Descriptions: Firehouse Host/Huddle Leader--- 1) Commit to attending Firehouse weekly on Wednesday nights (6:30-7:50 PM). Arrive early enough to greet kids as they come into the Firehouse. 2) Lead a twenty minute no prep small group of 6-8 teenagers for a time of check-in, prayer. Follow up with prayer requests. 3) Initiate appropriate contact with teenagers during the week away from the building. Send encouraging texts, Facebook messages/wall posts, phone calls, etc. Attend student events whenever possible - games, performances, etc. 4) Remember names of Firehouse attenders 5) Interact with teens at Firehouse - greet them, initiate conversation, sit with them during worship. Avoid sitting on back row separate from kids. 6) Attend youth volunteer meetings for prayer, equipping, and story sharing as planned by youth ministry staff 7) Be willing to help with cleanup following Firehouse 8) Pray for teenagers daily, especially those in your huddle group 9) Participate in worship 10) Track weekly attendance of your huddle group and follow up with absentees. 11) *Criminal Background Check required Sunday Morning Class Teacher--- 1) Possess the desire to grow and develop heart for and knowledge of Godʼs word as well as the ability to teach effectively 2) Prepare meaningful, biblical, and relevant classes that engage teens 3) Arrive prepared and early so you can greet teens and interact with guests 4) Communicate weekly announcements and encourage attendance 5) Commit to teaching either junior or senior high class for one quarter (13 weeks) 6) Take advantage of opportunities to connect with teens outside of classroom environment 7) While teaching, attend monthly youth volunteer meetings for prayer, equipping, and story sharing 8) *Criminal Background Check required Lifegroup Leader--- 1) Commit to attending Lifegroup every Sunday evening (6:00-7:30) unless otherwise stated 2) Lead a service project on the last Sunday of each month for your life group (youth ministry staff will provide leads and ideas). 3) Participate in games before breaking into small groups. Donʼt be a spectator! 4) Come to Lifegroup prepared to lead each weekʼs scheduled lesson. Your preparation will pay off; if kids know the lesson is important to you, it will be important to them. 5) Create an environment with proper boundaries that allows teenagers to be comfortable acting like teenagers

7 6) Initiate appropriate contact with teenagers during the week away from the building. Send encouraging texts, Facebook messages/wall posts, phone calls, etc. Attend student events whenever possible - games, performances, etc. 7) Pray for teenagers daily, especially those in your Lifegroup. Follow up with prayer requests. 8) Lead minute discussion that will focus on provided curriculum 9) Take time to check in with each teenager in your Lifegroup 10)Track weekly attendance of your Lifegroup and follow up with absentees (include teens in this) 11) Encourage teen leadership within your group (prayers, read, story sharing, discussion) 12) Recognize the birthdays of the members of your Lifegroup 13) Attend retreats if at all possible 14) *Criminal Background Check required Bus Drivers--- Licensed drivers will be asked to drive buses to/from any retreat, camp, other activity/trip, etc. Bus drivers must have obtained a Commercial Drivers License to drive the Landmark 28 passenger bus. All drivers must undergo Landmark Bus Driver Training. Bus drivers are responsible for completing inspection form before and after use of bus. Drivers should also be sure that bus is returned in clean condition. *Criminal Background Check required Retreat and Trip Volunteers--- Retreat sponsors should be responsible for walking alongside teens during retreats. Volunteers will be asked to assist in any or all of the following ways: packing/unpacking buses/trailers, leading discussion groups, coordinating food, leading games/activities, photography, audio and visual help, or worship. *Criminal Background Check required Mission Trip Volunteers--- Mission trip sponsors are asked to supervise and encourage teens throughout the entirety of the mission trip experience. They will be asked to attend and assist at mission training events and meetings prior to actual trip. They will also be expected to assist youth ministry staff with a variety of specific needs during the trip. *Criminal Background Check required Event Hosts/Coordinators--- Event hosts are volunteers who are willing to either assist or coordinate various youth ministry activities, celebrations, and other events (i.e. Christmas party, hosting home devotionals, hayride, etc) Food Coordination Volunteers--- Food coordinators are responsible for planning meals for events and purchasing food for meals (budgeted food items will be refunded with submission of receipts)

8 Landmark Youth Ministry Volunteer Covenant I will demonstrate an active faith and commitment to Jesus Christ and Christian character. I acknowledge Jesus alone as Lord over my life. I will display spiritual maturity and continue growing in my relationship with God. I will establish and maintain safe and healthy physical and emotional boundaries with the teenagers I will serve. I will be a team player and serve with cheerfulness, energy, and passion. I will commit to serving in the youth ministry for at least the full school year (for Lifegroup and Firehouse huddle leaders). I will attend the monthly youth ministry leader meetings (required for Lifegroup leaders and active Sunday school teachers). I understand and support the mission and values of the Landmark Youth Ministry. Because I am making a significant commitment and my presence is important, I agree to be consistent and on-time to the programs I commit myself to. Print Name

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