Plan Youthworkers Support Network. The direction we believe God is pointing us for January 1, 2018

Transcription

1 Youthworkers Support Network Plan 2018 The direction we believe God is pointing us for January 1, 2018 Actual data as of: 03/31/15 Printed on: 06/25/15

2 Who are we? 50% to 83% of students, do not attend anyone s church. (see page 13 ) We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps. Proverbs 16:9 NLT Attending services does not guarantee a student will receive the new life that Jesus offers, nor does their church attendance indicate growth in Christ-like character but their absence surely contributes to their spiritual alienation from God, and the warping of their values, character, and behavior. While we seem to have plenty of local churches in most communities our efforts are neither keeping pace with the population growth and varied challenges, nor are our ministries producing the obedient followers of Christ, that Jesus commands us to go and make (Matthew 28:18-20). One reason our local ministries are not keeping up, is because we are functioning like disconnected body parts. Our Vision: To help connect the body of Christ in our area, so together we can train Christians (specifically youth and children s workers) in skilled servant work, working within Christ s body, the church, until we re all moving rhythmically and easily with each other, efficient and graceful in response to God s Son. (Ephesians 4: 11-12, the Message,) Our focus is on the Schools, Networks and young Leaders. We know that this will not happen solely from our feeble efforts, but we believe a small team of staff and volunteers can help identify, connect, and strengthen the efforts of youth workers in our local churches, parachurch ministries, and even in secular agencies such as schools, juvenile probation departments, etc. As long as the body of Christ in our area, is a body of disconnected parts, we will not be as effective in doing the work God has assigned us, as we can be if we re working together. Our three purposes: (1) To help connect and strengthen youth workers to reach the youth in their communities for Jesus Christ; (2) To encourage Christ-honoring mentoring and discipleship programs; (3) To encourage the networking of youth workers to help to develop youth ministry leaders and to provide some of the technical skills needed to assist in community connections and spiritual transformation. Our Ministry Area: The eight Texas counties, related to Greater Houston. These cover 7,612 square miles, with an estimated 2014 population of 6,452,734. For the number of schools in each county, go to page 7; for the number of desired networks, see page 3. Texas counties within YSN s Greater Houston Area Contents: Schools... 2 Networks... 3 Leaders... 4 Appendix A: Time Lines... 5 Appendix B: Financial Estimates... 6 Appendix C: School Districts... 7 Appendix D: TheNet of Greater Houston... 8 Appendix E: Staff & Volunteers... 9 Appendix F: Statement of Faith Appendix G: Questions? Commit your actions to the LORD, and your plans will succeed. Proverbs 16:3 NLT 06/25/15 1/14

3 Schools Why Schools are important: For most children and youth, the hours spent in their school and its related activities, are the most significant time portion of their lives. Local schools are also the primary connection point in a community, for our children and youth. The primary role of our local schools should be focused on providing the best quality of suitable education possible. Too often however, the other needs of the students and community interfere and hamper these efforts. Local churches should be motivated to find areas where their volunteers are welcomed and can serve, if their members are to follow Christ in being salt and light (Matthew 5:13-16) and by doing the good deeds encouraged in Scripture (cf Titus 3:8,14; Hebrews 10:24; 1 Peter 2:12). Helping local churches serve the local schools, is best done by helping the local churches, youth workers and Christian ministries, work together; hence, our overlapping focus on Networks and Leaders. How Many? School districts within our 8-county area (without charter schools) Public schools (Pre-Kindergarten High School)... 1,508 (as of October, 2014) Total enrollment... 1,217,708 (as of October, 2014) Does not include private, religious or charter schools. See page 7 for enrollments by county and districts. Major Goals: 2015 Build Support Base (Prayer, Financial & Volunteers). Research 2015 See You at the Pole efforts & events. Reconnect with metro leaders for Cru, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Young Life, Youth for Christ. Begin partnership with Campus Alliance s EverySchool.com, Loving Houston, The Urban Alternative s Adopt-A-School, and other efforts which are helping local churches serve their local schools. Outline 2-3 workshops on campus ministry options for local churches and youth workers. Begin The Church on Campus newsletter and blog (August and December). Increase Dottie s 1:1 Club Consults to encourage club sponsors and student leaders. Major Goals: 2016 Begin workshops for on-campus efforts by local churches and youth workers. Continue The Church on Campus newsletter and blog (February, May, August and December). Support and promote 2016 See You at the Pole efforts & events. Research 2016 Baccalaureate programs. Major Goals: 2017 Continue The Church on Campus newsletter and blog (February, May, August and December). Support and promote 2017 See You at the Pole efforts & events. Support and promote 2017 Baccalaureate efforts & events. 06/25/15 2/14

4 Networks Why networks are important: Youth workers who are involved in a local network, tend to stay longer in their ministries and have healthier ministries, than youth workers who are disconnected. The turnover, instability and inexperience of the new youth workers, contributes to the lowered influence of youth ministry. By connecting youth workers through networking, their efforts, plus the resources of their local church or ministry, have a much deeper combined impact in a community, or to a group of youth. Affiliation with NNYM: The National Network of Youth Ministries recognizes TheNet as their local representative. TheNet of Greater Houston is the network of networks birthed in the mid-1990 s, which is now supported by the Youthworkers Support Network, which is pursuing its own 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. NNYM s model of healthy networks includes a growing balance of praying together, building relationships, developing strategies, and sharing resources. The goal is one network for each 80k in population. These will be a variety of networking models, and many will not be NNYM members. Major Goals: 2015 Continue recruiting and supporting Network Leaders. Restart & support TheNet network. (see page 8) Outline city-wide training for Network Leaders. Major Goals: 2016 Begin city-wide and zip-cluster training for Network Leaders. Fund & add a part-time Network Coordinator. Continue recruiting and supporting Network Leaders. Major Goals: 2017 Continue city-wide and zip-cluster training for Network Leaders. Continue recruiting and supporting Network Leaders. The NNYM model Networks Needed County 2014 Projections % #Networks Needed /80k BRAZORIA 349, % 4 CHAMBERS 39, % 1 FORT BEND 696, % 9 GALVESTON 308, % 4 HARRIS 4,395, % 55 LIBERTY 81, % 1 MONTGOMERY 531, % 7 WALLER 48, % 1 6,452, % 82 Source: 12/13/14 YSN s Greater Houston Area 06/25/15 3/14

5 Leaders Our focus: In the biblical model of shepherd leaders, shepherds must not only care for their flock, but must also be competent in a variety of skills (veterinary, agriculture, weather, protections against predators, etc.). Today s youth leaders must not only care for their flocks, but also have a variety of skills beyond their biblical knowledge, such as: financial management, planning, program design and evaluation, volunteer recruitment and supervision, legal issues, information technology, collaboration and training skills, etc. In our culture, we are blessed with great technology, abundant resources, on-line training options and national conferences. What is lacking, are locally-focused training opportunities, followed by personal coaching, encouragement and accountability that comes with having a live person, and meeting regularly to work through applying better ideas and learning new skills. Which leaders? Since most youth workers are volunteers or bi-vocational, our efforts will fit within their availabilities. Full-time youth workers and youth pastors, normally already have access and resources for training. Since a large percentage (over 50%?) of youth workers and volunteers are female, our efforts will also include efforts to help women feel welcome, as equal leaders and servants in our training. Since the needs and distinctions often overlap between age groups, children s workers will also be served when possible. While serving Christian youth and children s workers within the scope of our Statement of Faith, all races, ethnicities and ages (older teens and up) will be welcome. Our strategies: Help sponsor locally-focused, small group workshops, in partnership with other capable groups. Provide on-going encouragement and skill-based training, for individual youth workers. Facilitate Best Practices research and forums, on relevant topics. Major Goals: 2015 Survey existing options for offering combined training, and develop partnerships where possible. Outline initial needs for zip-cluster and/or affinity workshops. Begin recruiting specialists, who are willing to develop individual youth workers, in specific skills. Major Goals: 2016 Begin youth worker training partnerships. Local Best Practice forums on Mentoring, Discipleship and Building Financial Support. With a team of specialists in place, develop a process for mentoring and training youth workers. Major Goals: 2017 Expand youth worker training options. Add a part-time Leadership Coordinator. Continue local Best Practice research and forums. Begin fund-raising for grants to assist and develop leaders. 06/25/15 4/14

6 Appendix A: Time Lines YSN's Growth Steps Connecting Churches, Schools, Networks Helping Leaders Deepening Effects Updated: 06/15/15 4:51 PM Jan-Mar Apr-Jun Jul-Sep Oct-Dec Jan-Mar Apr-Jun Jul-Sep Oct-Dec Jan-Mar Apr-Jun Jul-Sep Oct-Dec Admin: Recruit/install Start-up Board (Incorporators) Explore National organization models Governing Board/Committee development Incorporate File & Receive 501(c)(3) Rebuild website, SharePoint, Facebook & LinkedIn Define process for volunteer-assisted maintenance Maintain web-presence and collaboration tools Draft policies and procedures Develop $Support base Church/Ministry Database: Rebuild Church/Ministry database Upload PUBLIC info to SharePoint Maintain Church/Ministry database Define process for volunteer-assisted maintenance Modify HPP's CSA process for youth-ministry surveys Begin CSA-based youth-ministry surveys Help Connect SCHOOLS & Churches: Overhaul YSN's schools database Synch YSN schools database with TEA website Define process for CSA-based surveys of schools Integrate with CSA-based youth-ministry surveys Add Part-time Schools Coordinator Support "Adopt-A-School" & "Campus CheckUPs" Research & Support "See You at the Pole" events Research & Support Baccalaureate programs Strengthen & Support Local NETWORKS: Synch YSN database with NNYM data Contact current Network Leaders Outline Network Leader Support Strategy Develop & maintain contact with Network Leaders Restart & support "TheNet" network Begin City-wide training for Network Leaders Begin recruitment of new Network Leaders Outline CSA-cluster training for Network Leaders Begin CSA-cluster training for Network Leaders Fund & Add Part-time Network Coordinator Help Support & Develop LEADERS: Survey existing options for combined training Develop training partnerships with other organizations Develop CSA-cluster training options/workshops Begin youth-ministry training partnerships Fund & Add Part-time Leadership Coordinator Outline $Raising process to assist other servants Outline $Raising process for grants to develop leaders Begin $Raising for assistance & grants Best Practices Research: "Mentoring Programs" "Discipleship Programs" "Building Financial Support" Continue Best Practices research on new topics Will become an on-going effort and service. Done! Volunteers will be trained & coordinated. CSAs (Community Service Areas) were defined in 2003 by the Houston Profile Project, to divide the Metroplex into 45 zip-code groups. They were effectively used for researching demographic and spiritual baselines which were published in 2005, then applied in the CityFest strategy of The 2003 definitions will be used and expanded to cover YSN's eightcounty area, unless a new system becomes accepted by a broad coalition of city-wide ministries. Our map and zip-code directory are available on request. 06/25/15 5/14

7 Appendix B: Financial Estimates Updated: 06/10/15 4:53 PM Total General: Expected Income $ 16,200 $ 36,068 $ 45,600 $ 97,868 - Expected Expenses 23,247 35,311 44, ,213 Needed Funds* 7,047 (757) (945) 5,345 Networks: Expected Income $ - $ 5,342 $ 23,586 $ 28,928 - Expected Expenses 3,111 16,593 40,585 60,289 Needed Funds 3,111 11,251 16,999 31,361 Schools: Expected Income $ 3,725 $ 27,137 $ 39,075 $ 69,937 - Expected Expenses 8,556 30,509 46,150 85,215 Needed Funds 4,831 3,372 7,075 15,278 Leaders: Expected Income $ - $ 1,500 $ 18,107 $ 19,607 - Expected Expenses 941 8,124 35,647 44,712 Needed Funds 941 6,624 17,539 25,104 Total: Expected Income $ 19,925 $ 70,047 $ 126,368 $ 216,340 - Expected Expenses 35,855 90, , ,428 Needed Funds 15,930 20,489 40,668 77,088 *General hopes to raise additional funds to supplement each ministry. This will increase General's "Needed Funds", and will lower the combined Program's needs. General's Supplement Goal: $ 2,887 $ 5,523 $ 12,239 $ 20,648 Notes: The Needed Funds do not include the funds each staff is expected to raise in personal support. John and Dottie are responsible for 100% of their salary and payroll taxes, while new staff will be expected to raise 50% of their salary and taxes. For info on Who is providing your support? see the chart on page 12. Detailed financial and budget worksheets are available upon request. As we count the cost, we know we don t have enough funds yet. see Luke 14: /25/15 6/14

8 Appendix C: School Districts County District # Schools Oct 2014 Enrollment % BRAZORIA COUNTY ALVIN ISD 26 20,866 ANGLETON ISD 11 6,734 BRAZOSPORT ISD 21 12,357 COLUMBIA-BRAZORIA ISD 6 3,083 DAMON ISD DANBURY ISD PEARLAND ISD 25 20,418 SWEENY ISD 4 1, , % CHAMBERS COUNTY ANAHUAC ISD 6 1,215 BARBERS HILL ISD 10 4, , % FORT BEND COUNTY FORT BEND ISD 76 72,152 LAMAR CISD 40 28,332 NEEDVILLE ISD 5 2,925 STAFFORD MSD 7 2, , % GALVESTON COUNTY CLEAR CREEK ISD 47 40,808 DICKINSON ISD 15 10,408 FRIENDSWOOD ISD 7 6,106 GALVESTON ISD 17 6,974 HITCHCOCK ISD 6 1,637 LA MARQUE ISD 9 2,294 SANTA FE ISD 6 4,649 TEXAS CITY ISD 11 6, , % HARRIS COUNTY ALDINE ISD 82 69,716 ALIEF ISD 46 47,202 CHANNELVIEW ISD 14 8,996 CROSBY ISD 11 5,433 CYPRESS-FAIRBANKS ISD ,023 DEER PARK ISD 15 13,140 GALENA PARK ISD 24 22,711 GOOSE CREEK CISD 29 23,169 HOUSTON ISD ,210 HUFFMAN ISD 6 3,389 HUMBLE ISD 51 39,472 KATY ISD 67 70,330 KLEIN ISD 50 49,402 LA PORTE ISD 14 7,639 PASADENA ISD 71 55,577 SHELDON ISD 13 7,963 SPRING BRANCH ISD 50 35,058 SPRING ISD 40 36,945 TOMBALL ISD 20 12, , % LIBERTY COUNTY CLEVELAND ISD 7 3,847 DAYTON ISD 9 5,204 DEVERS ISD HARDIN ISD 5 1,317 LIBERTY ISD 5 1,664 TARKINGTON ISD 4 1, , % MONTGOMERY COUNTY CONROE ISD 58 56,363 MAGNOLIA ISD 17 12,374 MONTGOMERY ISD 9 7,338 NEW CANEY ISD 20 12,979 SPLENDORA ISD 6 3,629 WILLIS ISD 10 6, , % WALLER COUNTY HEMPSTEAD ISD 4 1,490 ROYAL ISD 5 2,202 WALLER ISD 9 6, , % Updated: 04/16/15 7:59 PM 56 School Districts 1,508 1,217, % Direct your children onto choose the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it. Does not include private, religious or charter schools. Source for school district data: Proverbs 22:6 NLT 06/25/15 7/14

9 Appendix D: TheNet of Greater Houston TheNet is a network of networks for our eight-county area, to help connect and strengthen the body of Christ, to communicate the Gospel, and help our children and youth become followers of Jesus Christ. TheNet was formed in the mid-1990 s as The Houston Area Network of Youth Ministries, by a group of youth pastors and parachurch leaders, in partnership with the KSBJ Radio Station and other local ministries. The first coordinator was Zeke Zeiler, who was serving as the Houston Area Metro Director for Campus Crusade s Student Venture (now called Cru High School ). Over the years, TheNet has been part of major city-wide efforts; however, there have been long periods of inactivity, due to a lack of leadership, energy and participation. While TheNet can help connect many local and affinity networks at various levels, TheNet will remain focused on its primary role of being a connection point for our metro area s networks. Types of networks: These networks are formed independent of TheNet, and may or may not be NNYM members. TheNet will not attempt to coordinate these networks, but only identify, support and encourage as desired. Geographic: Networks which focus on a defined county, zip-code cluster, community, etc. Schools: Designed around reaching one or more schools. When enough local schools are served, a District network may form to connect the school-networks within their district. A representative of the District network, could be part of TheNet, to give input from that school district. Affinity: On-going groups that are formed around a common interest, or reaching an identified group of youth, such as those involved in trafficking, at-risk behaviors, youth sub-cultures, etc. Events: City-wide efforts which have an extended life-span (12-18 months or more), such as the Right from Wrong campaign in 1997 or CityFest in Each event s team would be formed separate and be temporary, but could have one or more representatives that participate in TheNet. TheNet s membership: Network Coordinators who are helping serve multiple networks, or representatives of metro-wide ministries, or denominational youth coordinators. Specialists who bring needed skills or perspectives. Connectors (liaisons) with area-wide transformation efforts (prayer, strategic research, etc.). Size of TheNet s core members will be about fifteen key leaders. The meetings will be open for others to visit or attend. TheNet s meetings: Full gathering of TheNet will be a quarterly, four-hour meeting in a central location. This will give time for five-minute reports from each representative, a special presentation or focused discussion, and time for prayer and fellowship over lunch. TheNet s core leadership team of four individuals, will meet at least monthly for coordination and preparation. TheNet s sub-committees (such as for special events) will meet as needed, apart from the full gatherings. Much of the on-going work will be done by the representatives with their teams, or in these sub-committee meetings. 06/25/15 8/14

10 Appendix E: Staff & Volunteers John Butler Executive Director After John s discharge from the US Army in 1970, he began serving with Camp Peniel, overseeing their ministry in two facilities operated by the Harris County Juvenile Probation Department. In 1984, the ministry merged into Youth for Christ/Houston, where it grew to seven juvenile correction facilities, until From then until early 2008, under YFC, John served in Houston s community transformation efforts. When YFC/Houston closed in 2008, John began developing TheNet while also serving part-time with Cross in the City, and as an elder in his local church. In early 2012, John left CITC to spend more time developing TheNet. As an active member of the National Network of Youth Ministries, John is serving as the NNYM Metro Coordinator for the Greater Houston Area. John and his wife Sandy, live in Houston. They have two grown sons, and eleven grandchildren (so far). Dottie Hinesley Schools-Network Coordinator In 1981, Dottie joined Camp Peniel, as Girls Chaplain at the Harris County Youth Village, ministering to delinquent youth. In 1984, the ministry merged into Youth for Christ, where Dottie served as a chaplain at the Harris County Juvenile Detention Center until late In 1991, as part of her YFC ministry to develop student leadership and open doors for local youth pastors, Dottie started the Pizza@Lunch program at Pearland High School. She also coordinated Pearland s Baccalaureate service until 2010, enabling Pearland s churches to bless hundreds of high school graduates and reach out to their families. Also, as part of her YFC ministry, Dottie served the Pearland Ministerial Alliance, as their liaison with the local youth pastors. When YFC/Houston closed in 2008, Dottie continued her ministry under Cross in the City, continuing to serve the Pearland students through the Christian clubs. In July 2013, CITC closed due to finances. In September, 2013, Dottie joined TheNet, expanding her ministry to schools by helping connect schoolbased Christian clubs and outreach programs throughout Harris County and the seven neighboring counties (which include Brazoria County and Pearland ISD). As an active member of the National Network of Youth Ministries, Dottie assists in identifying, connecting and encouraging area youth workers. Dottie and her husband Dean, live in Pearland. They have three daughters. 06/25/15 9/14

11 Board & Committees Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisors bring success. Proverbs 15:22 NLT An Executive Board is being recruited to provide the required governance and to approve the documents needed for our application as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization. Advisory Committees will also be recruited, to help give local input to the different program areas: Schools, Networks and Leaders. These Committees will also provide the needed coordination of the volunteer teams in each area. The Committees will probably be defined by counties, school districts and areas of interest. Volunteers As processes develop for researching local schools, churches and networks, the repetitive tasks can be done by local volunteers in the communities being served. Volunteers with needed technical skills such as graphics, web design, accounting, database, etc. can also assist the direct ministries we expect to be serving. Other volunteers can provide coaching and training in areas related to schools, special events and youth ministry networks. Networks Coordinator (Part time) Goal: Add in July, 2016 As more youth ministry networks are discovered, new ones are started, and training begins for the Network Leaders, a part-time Network Coordinator will be needed to continue finding and serving the networks. Starting with 25 hours per week, the Network Coordinator s time can increase, as funds become available. As will all new staff, the Coordinator will be expected to raise 50% of their salary and payroll taxes. Leaders Coordinator (Part time) Goal: Add in January, 2017 As youth workers develop programs that are too large for their one local church to oversee and fund, the youth workers typically try to develop partnerships with other youth workers and agencies. This stage of their growth as a leader, is very challenging. Often the needs, and mistakes, will discourage a youth worker from continuing their efforts. Encouragement and support can mean the difference between failure and growth. While our networking efforts will identify resources, a Coordinator will be needed to ensure the individual attention is given to these leaders. As will all new staff, the Coordinator will be expected to raise 50% of their salary and payroll taxes. 06/25/15 10/14

12 Appendix F: Statement of Faith The following statements will undergo minor changes as our future governing board (not yet in place) works through their approval process. While the wording will be refined, the core beliefs will not change. 1. We believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God, written without error in the original manuscripts. As such, the Bible is our final authority in all matters on which it speaks. We go to the Bible, to learn about God, His promises and revealed plans, as well as how we should relate to each other, our neighbors and our world. 2. We believe there is only one God, eternally existing in three equal persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. 3. We believe that both men and women were created in the image of God, but all have sinned, and therefore without a personal faith in Jesus Christ, are naturally separated from God, and face an eternal death after judgment before God. 4. We believe in the perfect deity and humanity of Jesus Christ, in His virgin birth and sinless life; His death and shed blood for our sins, in His bodily resurrection and ascension to the right hand of the Father; in His present rule as Head of the Church, in His present advocacy for us to the Father, and in His future return to rule over a new heaven and earth. 5. We believe that salvation is by faith in Jesus Christ alone, and does not depend upon our good works. 6. We believe that when a person believes in Jesus Christ, their sins are forever forgiven, a new life begins, and the Holy Spirit comes to indwell and enable them to begin living a godly life. It is only through His power, that we can please God. 7. We believe in the spiritual unity of believers in our Lord Jesus Christ, equally important to God, regardless of their racial, gender or class differences. As such, we should seek to treat each other in a God-pleasing manner. 8. We believe that the one body of Christ (the Church) is composed of every person, both living and dead, who are joined to Jesus Christ by believing in Him. We are commanded to gather regularly with other believers for worship, instruction, discipline, encouragement and fellowship, as well as celebrating baptism and communion. 9. We believe our role as an organization, is to help fellow believers obey the final command Jesus gave His disciples: to go to all people groups, making disciples, baptizing*, and teaching obedience to all of Christ s commands. *Since YSN is not organized as a local church, this organization will not perform baptisms, although our staff and volunteers may do so, as members or representatives of their local congregation. 06/25/15 11/14

13 Appendix G: Questions? Is YSN incorporated within the State of Texas? Yes. Youthworkers Support Network is incorporated in the State of Texas as a Domestic Nonprofit Corporation, effective January 1, YSN has its own bank account, and operates under the Assumed Names of YSN, TheNet of Greater Houston, TheNet and the Greater Houston Youth Ministry Network. Has the IRS approved YSN as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization? Not yet. We have drafted the major documents for filing the IRS Form 1023 (bylaws, statement of faith, and three-year budgets). Our current obstacle is finding the right men and women to serve on our governing board. These members will review, edit and approve our drafts. After their approval, our application will be reviewed by the Foundation Center, then filed with the IRS. Once filed, approval is expected within four-six months. It is our understanding that once our application is approved, our donors past gifts will become tax-deductible. However, our current donors know that their gifts are not deductible at this time. What s the plan, for updating the Plan? Since any plan requires constant monitoring and course-corrections for unexpected changes and opportunities, our desire is to update the actual data after each quarter in the current year, and tweak the second/third years as necessary. Of course, at year s end, everything will shift one year forward, to Plan Who is providing your support? 2014 Jan Mar 2015 # Total $ # Total $ Churches 2 4, Individuals 24 14, , Totals 26 $19, $3, Contributions will continue to be our primary source of support. Any revenue from future workshops and events, will at best, only cover their direct expenses. Are your services fee based? No. The youth workers we most desire to support, are those who are not part of a larger church or ministry organization. These fellow-servants have a willingness and passion to reach the youth God has called them to serve, but they have few resources available, or little training to prepare them. For those who do have adequate resources, there are other professional opportunities that are beyond the capabilities of many youth workers. If a youth worker or group wishes to contribute to our ministry, they are free to do so, but our level of service(s) to them will not be dependent upon any contribution from them. The cost for our workshops will be just enough to cover the actual expenses for the materials used, and perhaps an honorarium for any non-ysn presenter. Our YSN staff and board members, will not accept an honorarium. Any services we offer local schools, will also be given freely; however, some of the groups we may partner with, may receive reimbursement from the schools for their programs (such as the YMCA, or other groups). Where did the graphics come from? Most of the clip art images were purchased from some were modified for our use. The maps and data tables are our work, with their sources identified. 06/25/15 12/14

14 Where did the 50% to 83% of youth, not attending church come from? A Barna study, which reported on the church attendance patterns of teenagers, indicates about 50% of teens attended church, with some frequency in 2009: This data is based on random surveys with 602 teens. Based on a 2007 study, about 17.0% of the US population attended an orthodox Christian church (Catholic, Evangelical, Mainline or Orthodox) on any given weekend. This means some 83% do not (assuming that our youth generally have the same share of attendance, as adults and children). This study summarizes data from actual attendance records of over 200,000 individual churches. We are grateful to Randy Davis, NNYM s Great Lakes Regional Coordinator, for pointing us to this source at: Locally, in 2001 we helped do a simple survey of student attendance in the Katy and Pearland communities. While the participation rate was not high enough for confidence level, based on the average number of local churches and ministries reporting, then averaged for total number of churches vs. school populations, 51% of the students in the Katy area attended some church or ministry weekly. In Pearland, the attendance was 33%. We know these are not representative of the broad diversity in the many communities in our area. Who are your partners? While we are helping connect youth and children s workers from local churches and parachurch ministries, we are closely affiliated with (but are not funded by): National Network of Youth Ministries: NNYM links youth workers for encouragement, spiritual growth, and sharing resources, in order to expose every teenager to the gospel of Jesus Christ, establish those who respond in a local church, and disciple them to help reach the world. YSN serves as NNYM s local rep for the Houston metro area. The Campus Alliance: A partnership of organizations, church denominations, students and youth leaders that share the mission of reaching out to every high school and middle school student. One of our immediate roles, is to assist in developing a process for NNYM s regional coordinators to connect the school adopters in their local areas. We ll do the same in our eight-county area as well. The 4/14 Window: Refers to the roughly 4-14 year old age group that is most open and receptive to every form of spiritual and developmental input. The 4/14 Window Movement is a global missions movement, seeking to help churches and families build strategy, community and resources for empowering the next generation of Christian leaders. YSN s role will be to promote the 4/14 concept, that children and youth can be disciple-makers, as well as a group to reach. What is your contact Information? John Butler johnbutler@houstonyouthnet.org Dottie Hinesley dottie@houstonyouthnet.org Youthworkers Support Network PO Box Houston TX You can make many plans, but the LORD S purpose will prevail. Proverbs 19:21 NLT 06/25/15 13/14