NOEL MEMORIAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Shreveport, Louisiana
VISION STATEMENT
NOEL YOUTH MINISTRY EMBRACES CHRIST’S CALL TO
LEARN ABOUT GOD’S GRACE,
LOVE ALL GOD’S PEOPLE,
LIVE OUT OUR FAITH IN COMMUNITY WITH GOD AND OTHERS.
VALUES
1. WELCOMING/HOSPITABLE:
Every youth will be greeted by adult and youth volunteers. Our guests will be introduced to several people and made to feel that everyone is glad they have chosen to participate.
2. INCLUSIVE/DIVERSE:
Every youth that walks through the doors, no matter who they are, will embrace each other in love while accepting and learning from our similarities and differences.
3. NURTURING/ LOVING/CARING:
We are committed to creating and maintaining an environment of grace where everyone is sensitive to the emotional, physical, and spiritual needs of others so that everyone receives positive reinforcement and support in a loving and caring way to help them grow and develop a relationship with Jesus Christ.
4. RESPECTFUL:
The Noel youth share and discuss openly with each other without judgment of appearance, belief, opinion or school affiliation. We value privacy and confidentiality. We trust each other. We listen before we speak. We don’t put people down. We use manners. We live in covenant with each other. We see ourselves and one another as God sees us.
5. EMPOWERING:
Everyone receives support, love, and encouragement to help them grow spiritually as individuals who are living out their faith journey. Youth are given opportunities to grow in leadership and minister to one another. Noel youth ministry will provide a place to use gifts and take risks without fear of failure.
6. FUN:
Each youth group meeting has elements of play, laughter, games, and adventure as seen by smiling faces, lasting friendships, excitement and joy. This shows them that God created life to be enjoyed and makes them want to come back.
3 YEAR GOALS WITH 1 YEAR BENCHMARKS
1. Impacts community and the world
Goal: 30 youth have been involved in one of two out-of-the-country mission trips.
o One year benchmark: 10 youth participated regularly in monthly mission opportunities. § First steps: Calendar mission projects for the next 12 months.
2. Youth making a difference
Goal: 100% of youth participated in a local or regional outreach event over the past year.
o One year benchmark: 30% of youth participated in a local or regional outreach event § First steps: Plan a summer mission trip.
3. 75-100 youth are active
Goal: Noel youth ministry connected with an average of 75-100 youth each week.
o One year benchmark: Noel youth ministry connected with 50 youth each week.
§ First steps: Reframe our understanding of youth ministry and communicate it.
4. Weekly youth led worship
Goal: A youth led worship service was held each week. th
o One year benchmark: A youth led worship service was held each 5 Sunday.
§ First steps: Schedule the youth led worship services for the coming year, beginning with January 29th, 2012.
5. New youth facility
Goal: A new youth facility was opened that contains, a worship center, café’, rock wall, gaming
stations, internet stations, and a welcoming center.
o One year benchmark: A capital campaign raised at least half of the funds
§ First steps: Schedule a capital campaign for youth facility improvements.
6. Multiple full-time staff people
Goal: The following staff positions were added and filled; full time youth director, assistant youth director, 2 college assistants, media ministries director, youth music directors, administrative assistant, summer interns, and a director for youth missions and outreach
o One year benchmark: A full time youth director is hired, has been orientated to the vision, values, and goals, along with 2 part time college associates and a year round intern
§ First steps: Post the full time job opening for the Director of Youth Ministry.
7. Become a teaching church
Goal: Over 40 youth workers attended a conference wide youth ministry training event.
o One year benchmark: 10 youth workers in the district attended the 1st annual youth ministry training event
§ First steps: Calendar a training event.
8. Youth space open every night
Goal: The youth space was open for programs and activities for 2 hours each day with 15 youth in attendance.
o One year benchmark: A 2 hour program for youth was added mid-week providing two days of youth programs.
§ First steps: Amanda schedules and develops a mid-week program.