November 2010

An Inside Look

Robert graduated from the Youth Ministry Institute this year. I spend an hour each month on the phone coaching Robert.  Every one of our youth ministers gets a coach who meets with them monthly.  Robert is in Coral Gables.  I'm in Orlando.  So, we meet on the phone.

Robert is a trained architect.  Before his two years in YMI he had no training as a youth minister.  As part of his assignment at the end of his first year, he, like the other first year students, developed and presented a model of youth ministry that would work at his church.  He created three themes, "Believe, Be Free and Be Yourself."   Catchy, huh?  That was the idea.  In his second year, everything he did had a tag line of one of these three themes. 

Robert is the 8th youth minister at his church in the last 15 years.  It has been that long since somebody has stayed longer than three years.  Robert just entered year number three.  As one might imagine, trust and consistency are the biggest issues for the youth and families to whom he ministers.  The big story line is, "Will the ex-architect turn the youth ministry around?"

The story within the story is this:  Last month a young man in Robert's youth group shared a personal struggle with Robert.  After a great deal of attentive listening Robert asked, "What do you need to do?"   The boy looked at Robert and said, "I know.  Be myself."

In Robert's youth group, one boy got at least part of the message.  One boy trusted his youth minister.  Sometimes, we only hear from one.  In all probability, one means that many others are beginning to get it, too.  But, it always starts with one.

Most Recently
Non Profit Status Secured

The Youth Ministry Institute, driven by its dedicated board of directors, successfully attained non-profit status on April 4, 2010.  Led by board member, Kim Lee, YMI becomes more eligible for funding from multiple foundations.  YMI joined the Community Foundation of Central Florida and created a DonorsEdge profile on their web site.  Guidestar also lists the Youth Ministry Institute.

Partner Highlight

The Youth Ministry Architects, a national consulting firm, provides expert analysis and recommendations to each of our partner churches.  Two consultants spend three days at each church, listening first to nearly a dozen different focus groups.  After determining the assets and challenges the youth ministry faces, they make recommendations for future action, presenting all of their findings in writing on the third day of their assessment.

The Youth Ministry Architects have consulted with over 150 churches nationwide representing multiple Christian traditions over the last decade.  Their focus on solid infrastructure and sustainable models encourages churches to work on fundamental strategies.  In our partnership, the second consultant is the coach of the youth minister, creating continuity and accountability for those items recommended in the final report.

Coming Soon

Annual Dessert Fund Raiser

February 7th marks our fourth dessert fund raiser.  Beginning at 6:45 in Lee Fellowship Hall at First Presbyterian Church of Orlando, this event will continue to be yummy, informative and motivational.  If you know of someone who hasn't heard the impact we are making in youth ministries across Florida, then, invite them to be your guest!!!

Redesigned Web Site Launched

Are you really not sure what the Youth Ministry Institute is all about?  You'll be clear after you wander through our redesigned web site.  Mike Gehr of Toucan Design has labored to develop a clean looking site that is easy to navigate.  Youth ministers and churches interested in participating with the Youth Ministry Institute will receive a clear synopsis in the opening pages.  For more detailed information, downloadable documents contain all of the specifics regarding courses and instructional philosophies revolving around core competencies.

Collaborative work is important to the Youth Ministry Institute.  One reading of the staff page in About Us and the Partner page will communicate the larger community that makes up the Youth Ministry Institute.

Lastly, you can get a clearer understanding of what the executive director values by reading his blog off the front page.  You might find yourself laughing, crying or saying to yourself, "hmmm" , after reading his thoughts.

Regardless, enjoy the pictures, read the quotes and devour the information on www.YMInstitute.com

Final Word
From the YMI Guy's Blog

Trying to live into God's desire for my life is never easy.  Is it for you?  I'm not saying that it's hard to be nice to other people or that I'm not generous with my finances.  I'm just not ever confident whether the little decisions I make are in line with what God would want me to do.

For instance: sleep.  Should I sleep more to take care of my body?  Or should I wake up earlier so that I can be more productive with my day?  How about food?  Should I eat protein, carbs, vegetables or fruit?  If my mom reads this, she would answer, "yes."

Time is a big deal for me at this stage in my life.  As an elementary student, teachers would always check on my report card "doesn't use time wisely."   So, I continue to be haunted by that evaluation of my life.  What is the wisest use of my time?   Does spending time chuckling at Sheldon on the Big Bang Theory really count as spending my time wisely?  There is an endorphin benefit to laughing that is connected with good health.  But, am I doing things that help God and the mission of the church?

Might the question be more important than the answer?  When I find myself questioning my behavior or my activity, it seems that I intuitively know exactly what I should be doing and I am internally motivated to do exactly that.  How about you?

The other day I was leaving a church after doing a 90 minute orientation for the Youth Ministry Institute and it started to rain.  Rather than running to my car to avoid melting like the Wicked Witch of the West, I threw up my hands and face to the sky and felt the rain, thanking God for the nourishment and the respite from the sweltering Florida sun.  I wasn't productive.  I didn't gain any nourishment, change the world or save any lives.  But, in those few steps between the church and my car, I felt like I used those moments wisely.  I wish my teachers were watching!