Gail Aho 20 October 2009 14:59:33
As most of you know, representatives from the Central Territory were called together in September to look at six priorities identified by the Territorial Commander, Commissioner Swanson. Enhanced Youth Ministry was one of those six (perhaps the most important in my opinion) and out of that conference came three recommendations for consideration:
1. Holistic Youth ministry using the three point contact system (study, specialty and service) that would include choices for youth to determine their own course. Here are some ideas that have since come out of that:
a. Change approach for youth ministry from program driven to youth development based programming.
b. Explore and utilize community resources.
c. Form a comprehensive (holistic)/customized approach to youth ministry and youth development.
2. Focus on young adult ministry (18-and older). Lifetime engagement in corps:
a. Customized relevant ministry for young adults.
b. Make a place for the young adult in the corps - there seems to be a gap where young adults (aged 18-30) do not feel connected.
3. Focus on training leaders to be confident and competent for leading the variety of youth programming the Salvation Army offers.
a. Intentional mentoring, discipleship and leadership development and recruitment.
b. Changing the mind-set from internal to external.
One other interesting and vital recommendation from this conference may bring a challenge to the current statistical system. The current review system marginalizes important youth programs flourishing outside of the five mainline programs (for instance, the five mainline programs do not include any music program). It would be good to review why that has been and what could be done to include all programs with youth that make an impact on their development. Indicators can be established to measure what is needed in each neighborhood (using for instance, the 40 developmental assets as a guide) and then used as a measurement for how well the local programs are meeting the needs of the youth.
So, what do you think about the above proposals and what would you add? What would the concept of youth development look like at the corps on youth night? How do you see this impacting youth ministry as we know it?
