STRATEGIC THEME #4 - TRAINING

The General Conference Youth Ministries Department is aware of the necessity of a special training aimed at our pastors, church elders and youth leaders. Often times when our youth pastors leave our seminaries they are not fully equipped to handle a vast majority of today’s youth issues. We believe that working with the youth is a marvelous challenge, and an excellent opportunity for us to influence and lead young people to a fuller and richer experience with Christ. We further believe that provision should be made that will help train and equip our youth pastors to deal with some of these challenges.

Emphasis 1 - Teachable

Don’t think that you know it all. After finishing school we tend to think that we know a lot. However, once we come out of the fiction stage we face a reality that has not addressed in seminary.

Emphasis 2 - Caring

Worry about the young person in front of you, for each one of them individually, for their fears, problems, and desires. Be involved in their lives; do not be a distant pastor that no one can speak with.

Emphasis 3 - Resourcing

Today’s young people feel attracted to get closer to God by different ways. Without making a mistake, try to innovate, try to create programs that motivate young people, that are of interest to them, that would give them the answer that are looking for. If we do not provide programs and answers for them they will find it somewhere else.

Emphasis 4 – Personal – Spiritual Growth (Devotion)

During your busy schedule, set aside time to spend a moment with God. Young people will notice for sure if you have a good relationship with God. They need a contemporary connection, and you should have an answer to almost all of their problems with a Bible in your hands.

Emphasis 5 – Sensitivity to the needs

You must be convinced that the most important group in the church is the youth. Create adequate programs so the young people will feel important.

Emphasis 6 – Humility

Be humble. When you make a mistake, admit it to them. We are not infallible. Young people will be more grateful with an apology than with an arrogant youth pastor.