Young Life 101 Revised Fall 2013
Young Life 101 Revised Fall 2013 Young Life Overview 1 4 C s Tools YL uses Seven C s of Young Life Christ 2 Contact Work 3 Club 5 Camp 7 Campaigners 9 Church 11 Committee 12 Leadership Training Thou Shalt Not 13 Being a Good Leader 13 Good Teamwork 13 Area Goals 14
What is Young Life? 1 Our Vision Every adolescent will have the opportunity to meet Jesus Christ and follow Him. Our Mission Introducing adolescents to Jesus Christ and helping them grow in their faith. We accomplish our mission by... Praying for young people. Going where kids are. Building personal relationships with them. Winning the right to be heard. Providing experiences that are fun, adventurous and life-changing. Sharing our lives and the Good News of Jesus Christ with adolescents. Inviting them to personally respond to this Good News. Loving them regardless of their response. Nurturing kids so they might grow in their love for Christ and the knowledge of God's Word and become people who can share their faith with others. Helping young people develop the skills, assets and attitudes to reach their full God-given potential. Encouraging kids to live connected to the Body of Christ by being an active member of a local congregation. Working with a team of like-minded individuals -- volunteer leaders, committee members, donors and staff. Our Values Living according to and communicating the whole Gospel of Jesus Christ. Carrying out our mission under the authority of Scripture and relying on the Holy Spirit to empower our ministry. Encouraging the welfare and spiritual health of those who do this ministry, that they may minister out of a consistent and growing relationship with Christ and His followers. Researching and developing innovative approaches to reaching uncommitted, disinterested kids around the world. Reaching adolescents of all social, cultural, economic and ethnic backgrounds throughout the world. Working with followers of Christ from a variety of traditions and local churches around the world. Welcoming all those whom God calls to our mission -- men and women of all races, staff and volunteers -- who are linked to a common purpose of introducing adolescents to Jesus Christ. Observing the highest standards of stewardship of all the resources placed in our trust.
Seven C s of Young Life: #1. Christ 2 Who we are depends on Christ being at the center. Our ministry depends on Christ being at the center. What you see in real life depends on Christ being at the center. If He is at the center, then Prayer, the Bible, Fellowship, and Evangelism will all be compelled by Him. God Christians The Church The Lost Non-Christians Fellowship/Discipleship Evangelism Area Goal: Have 100% of our leaders plugged into a local church. Me
Seven C s of Young Life: #2. Contact Work #2. What is GREAT contact work? 1. It is going to the people God calls us to (target: every kid). 2. It is winning the right to be trusted and heard (being consistent and constant). 3. It is building a bridge of friendship (you like them). 4. It is identifying with people where they are (knowing their story). 5. It is understanding and penetrating a culture (you are a part of their lives). 6. It is demonstrating Christ s love for people (they are a part of your life). 3 Why do contact work? 1. Jesus did contact work: a. John 1:10-14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us... b. Luke 5:27-32, 15:1-2 And the Pharisees and their scribes grumbled at his disciples, saying, Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners? c. Mark 10:45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve... d. 1 Thessalonians 2:8 We were privileged to share not only Jesus Christ but our very lives as well.. 2. Purpose of contact work: To reach adolescent youth with the Gospel of Jesus Christ - give every kid the opportunity to hear about Jesus. (Not preaching or shoving down their throats.) No strings attached! Incarnational: We do the things we do, because Jesus did what he did. John 1:14 tells us the the Word (Jesus) became flesh and moved into the neighborhood. In Christ s stead: 2 Cor. 5:20 says Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ s stead, be ye reconciled to God. we are called to be God s representatives. More and more, the desire grows in me simply to walk around, greet people, enter their homes, sit on their doorsteps, play ball, throw water, and be known as someone who wants to live with them. It is a privilege to have the time to practice this simple ministry of presence. Still, it is not as simple as it seems. My own desire to be useful, to do something significant, or to be part of some impressive project is so strong that soon my time is taken up by meetings, conferences, study groups, and workshops that prevent me from walking the streets. It is difficult not to have plans, not to organize people around an urgent cause, and not to feel that you are working directly for social progress. But I wonder more and more if the first thing shouldn t be to know people by name, to eat and drink with them, to listen to their stories and tell your own, and to let them know with words, handshakes, and hugs that you do not simply like them, but you truly love them. - Henri Nouwen in his book Gracias pgs 147-148 How do I do contact work? 1. Be prepared! a. Our walk with God is essential, be ready spiritually and physically. b. Pray before you go. c. Try to go in pairs. Jesus sent the disciples out in pairs (Luke 10:1-2). d. Kids don t want someone to be like them, they want someone to be like (be who God has created you to be, someone kids can model their lives after). e. Get to know the school (size, racial breakdown, activities, administrators, athletic teams, clubs, where kids hang out). f. Get to know the community, economics, resources (law enforcement and other agencies).
2. Ok, I m prepared, now what? (4 Levels of contact work) 4 a. Level 1: Being seen is going to where kids are and getting to know them, small talk. malls, street corners, school lunchrooms, athletic events, being anywhere kids are hanging out, etc b. Level 2: Conversation is knowing kids names, knowing their interests through casual dialogue, engaging them in conversation. Hi my name is...what s your name. How has your week been? c. Level 3: Shared experiences like trips, meals, arcades, ice cream, movie nights, paintball, shooting hoops, etc. Be creative: take kids with you wherever you are going, build memories. d. Level 4: Share Christ once you have earned the right to be heard Remember to love kids regardless of their response. 3. What do I do after I m done? a. Pray for kids you met. b. Write down new names, or new plans to get together with kids. c. Debrief or share about your experience with another member of your team. 4. Questions to break the ice: 1. What is your name? 2. How are you? 3. What is your favorite food? color? vacation spot? thing to do? etc 4. Where did you grow up? 5. Who do you live with? 6. Have you moved a lot? 7. Do you have siblings? What are they like, do you get along? 8. Who are your heroes? (sports, history, from childhood, in your life right now?) 9. Who are your friends? What are they like? Why are they your friends? 10. How would you describe yourself? 11. What do you see in your future? 12. What was the most significant part of last week for you? Why? 13. Where in your life do you feel most satisfied right now? Why? 14. Where in your life do you feel most empty right now? Why? 15. How would your friends describe you to someone that didn t know you? 16. If you had one week to live what would you make sure you accomplished? 17. If you could have any position of influence, what would it be? Why? 18. If you could change something about yourself, what would you change? 19. What do you like most about yourself?
Seven C s of Young Life: #3. Club 5 Purpose of Club: Club is a vehicle to present Jesus Christ in word and deed to disinterested kids who may have never heard the gospel before. Club is primarily for the furthest kid out. Philosophy of Young Life Club Acts 2:14-41 Hold club at someone s home or at an office space or community center. Not a church. Leaders bring kids to club the first time, rather than just asking them to show up. Be sure everything you do and say is reaching the furthest kid out. Be sure to pray over the evening and have a prayer team praying for you. Plan your work and work your plan. Reflect Christ s excellence at club. There should be a feeling of controlled chaos. Expect the unexpected. Elements of Club 15-20 Minutes of Hang out time: Music is playing and leaders are collecting new kids info on club cards. Leaders are hanging out with kids. Why shouldn t leaders be preparing for club at this time? What might be important about collecting kids info on club cards? What kind of atmosphere should leaders be creating for kids who are showing up? What kinds of things should leaders and student leaders look for as kids arrive? Mixer: An entire group activity that gets kids interacting with each other. The activity is meant to have high energy, humor, and surprise. Why would you start out your club with an all inclusive interactive game? Why would you want it to be high energy? How does this represent what Christ wants for us as believers? Fast Songs: Not Worship songs, but do have themes about God. Some songs may be just fun songs. Why wouldn t you start out with a fast-paced worship song? Why sing songs at all? What is the purpose for having kids sing songs? What does singing do? Why should we be careful about our song selection? Skit or Walk on: This is a time where leaders and kids perform a skit that is either a running skit from week to week with a storyline, or a one time skit. Often times if it is a run on skit with characters that return each week, the characters pull kids up front to participate in a game. Why do a skit? What does a funny skit say about Jesus? What does humor and laughter do for kids that might be resistant to hearing about Christ? How might a skit prepare kids attention for the message? Why would we pull kids up front and play a funny or fun game with them? What could be dangerous about getting kids up front?
Transition and Slow Songs: One song that is of medium speed and might mention God more, and one to two slow songs that have a much deeper message with spiritual meaning. 6 Why would you want to change the pace of songs at this point of club? Why would the content of the slower songs be deeper and more Christ-centered? What might these songs be teaching lost kids to do? Testimony (Optional): A student stands up for 3-5 minutes and shares about their life, how they met Christ, and how He has impacted their life. Why have a student give their testimony? How might this impact kids? Message: A leader gives a 10-15 minute talk in terms kids can understand that has one main point Young Life Message Sequence: 1. God the Creator 2. Incarnation of Christ (God in a Bod) 3. Person of Christ 4. Person of Christ 5. Person of Christ 6. Sin Talk 7. The Cross 8. Resurrection Questions About Club Talks: Most sermons are 25 minutes long. Why would a club message only be 10-15? Look at the Themes of each talk. Why aren t they focused on prayer, obedience, worship, and reading the bible? Why might we be careful choosing our words to describe God/Jesus/etc. in the course of a Young Life talk? What/Who is the focal point of every talk? Hang out time: Kids and leaders then go to a restaurant or stay at club and talk. Why would you go out to eat after club? How could a leader be intentional with kids at this point of the evening? Questions to think about: What about kids who don t want to come to club? What can be dangerous about relying on a one-week event (like club) to be the only time you meet new kids? How can we as leaders think creatively about engaging kids who don t want to come to club? What is a GREAT Club? Mixes all of the elements of club together to create an inviting atmosphere for the furthest kid out, while engaging adult and student leaders to own and improve this tool as a way to introduce friends to Jesus. The relational components of Club continue to mature, and the programmatic elements exist to serve this goal.
Seven C s of Young Life: #4. Camp 7 Luke 9:28-36 Jesus Transfigured on the Mountain Preliminaries: Camp is a vehicle to present Jesus Christ in word and deed to disinterested kids who may have never heard the gospel before. Leaders bring kids they have built relationships with through out the year. Bringing kids is a battle. Prayer. Prayer List. Calling, inviting, calling, inviting. Write the names, pray the names, invite the names. Creatively inviting kids (slumber parties, driving from house to house, cookies with an invitation, etc.,). Grab 1-2 kids, and dream together about who comes to camp. Start thinking about camp at the beginning of the year. Leaders should have been praying for kids long before they show up on the bus. Leaders have the opportunity to remove kids from their normal routine to hear about Jesus with no distractions. Camp in every way, from the food, to program, to the way leaders and staff treat each other, to the property, to the message should reflect the life Jesus wants for us spiritually. Camp is aimed at reaching the furthest kid out. Leaders should be deliberate and intentional in how they spend their time at camp. Leaders should know how a camp works, and why each thing happens. When you get home from camp, the we intentionally follow up with kids. Main Elements of Camp 1. Relationships Each leader is assigned to a cabin with the kids they brought to camp. Each leader is expected to have at least one one-on-one time with each kid in their cabin. Leaders and the kids they brought do every organized event together. Leadership teams should meet once a day to pray and share. Leaders work together to live out Jesus command to Love one another. Leaders continue to love kids after camp when they go home. Why is this important? 2. Message A Young Life leader is brought in to share the entire gospel using the same sequence we use in club. At the end of the week, the Speaker gives kids a chance to respond to Jesus. After each message, the leader and his/her kids go back to their cabins and have cabin time, where they discuss 2-3 questions the speaker gives them. During Cabin time leaders should encourage kids to sit on the same level, ensure responsible confidentiality, No question is stupid, No sarcasm, Leader guides the ship with the questions given by the speaker, kids respect one another by listening, leaders work with Christian kids to help lead the time, leader lets kids share and doesn t talk too much. Why is cabin time important? If a kid discloses that they are going to hurt themselves, or another, or are being abused, tell someone Leaders process the message with the kids through out the week by having one-on-one time with them and ask questions that go deeper than cabin time.
3. Program 8 Three Young Life leaders are brought in to plan the clubs, schedule, and events for the entire week. The leaders are usually characters that play out a story line over the course of the week. The program is usually center stage from day 1-3 and then takes a back seat to the message from day 4-7. Each event is meant to break down walls between kids and leaders. Each event gives kids a physical experience that mirrors what Christ wants for them spiritually. (Joy, Risk, Faith, Authenticity, Adventure, Fellowship, Teamwork, Vulnerability, Battle, Reality). Some program events are strategically placed because of what message a kid heard that day. Typical Day at Camp: Breakfast with skit All Camp event (1 Volleyball tourney, 2 Olympics, 3 Pool Olympics) Free time 1 hour Lunch with skit Free time (4-5 hours) Dinner Club with skit and message Cabin Time All Camp Event (1 Rotations, 2 Entertainment night, 3 Ho down/dance, 5 Broken Heart) Free time Bed What is a GREAT Camp? Bringing lost and disinterested church kids to camp, with the help of students who care about their friends to foster a week of caring community that enhances our mission of introducing kids to Jesus, and helping them grow in their faith. As leaders develop relationships with students all year long, they bring kids they have been praying for, and continue these relationships after camp. This also includes a way to progress new believers into discipleship, and churches. Additionally, we want second timers to either bring the friends they care about to camp, or (for less mature) attend a different camping experience (ie., church camp, mission trip, or work crew).
Seven C s of Young Life: #5. Campaigners 9...Helping kids grow in their faith. Purpose Statement: Develop life-long followers of Jesus Christ, who are making an impact today! Campaigners: A discipleship group that spurs kids on in their walks with Christ. The focus of Campaigners is to model to, and teach young people what it means to follow Christ as individuals and corporately. We accomplish this by imparting to kids what it means to: Pray Study God s Word, Experience Christ centered relationships and community Campaign with Christ and each other on a school s campus and in their community. Acts 2:42-47 The devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they have to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Mark 1:16-20. Mark 3:13-18 Who did Jesus invest His life into? His heart was for the many and the lost, but his method was the few. Jesus poured his life into the few. Who are the few God has called you to? Secondary Purpose of Campaigners is to give tools to and release young people to reach out to the lost in their world with a vision to disciple them Kids are not tools to build our program. Campaigners is not a tool to build the numbers at club. Campaigners helps us learn what Jesus calls us to as followers of Him. With that being said, as we walk with kids and call them to the standards and challenges of Christ and the scriptures, it is imperative that our motives are for their best, not for the benefit of the program.
Master Plan of Evangelism How to Start a Campaigners Group (Organically). 10 Selection: Pray about who God is calling you to pour into. Association: Hang out (keep it simple). Consecration: Laying hands on, commissioning, intentionally starting up a group. Impartation: Life on life, Bible study, and prayer together. Demonstration: Showing them how to do ministry together. Delegation: Empowering to take on more, and more ministry (without you). They begin to invest in and disciple others. Supervision: Share with team, and debrief, leader/mentor gives help as needed. Reproduction: Help them to disciple and train up other leaders, find niche ministry. Release with support, but intention that they now invest in others. Who are you planning to intentionally invest in this year? Student Leaders Campaigner II Campaigner I
Seven C s of Young Life: #6. Church What we believe about Church: 11 Christ is the Head of The Church. The Church is important, and being a part of a local church body is important. Leaders need to be plugged into a local church in order to grow spiritually. The Church is the instrument that God has chosen to use, to share the Good News and impact the world. Young Life is not a church, but rather a part of The Church. Our hope is to help every student to assimilate into a local congregation. How the Local Churches in Albany have helped Young Life Creating Young Life Partnerships/Staff positions. Financial Support (directly and individual donors). Provided leaders and committee members. Shared assets (copier, office supplies, etc.,) Prayer support. Helped to spread the word.
Seven C s of Young Life: #7. Committee 12 Committee Members share ownership of the ministry with local staff and regional director. A committee member s role is to: Help create the vision to reach kids in the local area. Pray for all facets of the ministry. Ensure the integrity of the local ministry. Promote Young Life in the community. Raise funds to guarantee the local budget. Monitor the financial affairs of the area. Support and assist Young Life staff and volunteers. Provide leaders with input and advice. Maintain the continuity of Young Life in the area. Work with the regional director, especially during staff transitions. 5 Key Areas of Focus 1. Spiritual & Personal Growth 2. Leadership Development 3. Resource Development (finances) 4. Direct Ministry (4 C s) 5. Ministry Support
Leadership 101 13 Things a Young Life Leader Should Not Do Date, flirt with, and or have sex with students. Be alone with a student of the opposite sex. Inappropriate Touching. Shame a student. No Nudity in front of, or with students. Share drinking stories, or drink with kids (includes drugs). Haze or Cuss out a kid. Fight with a kid (real or pretend). Gossip about or slander another leader, or student. Tell kids their church, parents, or political affiliations are stupid. Start a Cult, or ME-Based Ministry. Things a Young Life Leader Should Do Spend time with students, discipling 1-3, focused on a group of 12, continuing to meet new kids. Do GREAT contact work or incarnational ministry. Think of ways to improve every aspect of our ministry. Spend time with Jesus in prayer, reading the Bible, and attending church. Show respect to Administrators, teachers, other leaders, and kids. Pray for themselves, their ministry, other leaders, and the kids they meet. Find ways to use your unique gifts and talents to love and serve others. Seek to lead and serve like Jesus. Invite kids with you to club, camp, campaigners, or church (depending on where they re at). 5 Characteristics of Outstanding Teams 1. High but realistic goals. 2. Clear two-way communication. 3. Trust and dependability. 4. Consistent accountability. 5. Recognition for great accomplishments.
Area Goals for 2013-14 14 14 Our Area s Goals Christ Have 100% of our leaders plugged into a local church, or actively visiting churches. We offer a monthly area worship and celebration time. We have a regular prayer time for leadership & parent support teams. Contact Work Every leader is doing contact work at least 2x per week. We tenaciously pursue kids who don t know Christ. We record a monthly contact work report. Club Provide an atmosphere that engages lost kids with the Gospel. Student leaders are instrumental in owning various elements of Club. Prayerfully consider pros and cons of splitting high school Clubs in spring. Camp Take at least 8 more campers to summer camp than the previous year. Keep a healthy ratio of campers to leaders (HS 8:1, MS 6:1). Have a plan for Second Time campers (work crew, beyond Malibu). Campaigners Have at least 8 Campaigners go to Work Crew this summer. Leaders disciple kids, and campaigners groups are organically growing. Church Continue to build bridges in local churches. Leaders invite unchurched campaigners and new believers to go to church with them. Committee Pray regularly for leaders and kids. Help raising 100% of budget by December. Provide long-term vision for the ministry.