Youth Ministries In New Zealand

The Youth Leader may be responsible for some or all of the following:

• Setting the spiritual tone of the young people.
• Ensuring elements of the program address the purpose of youth ministry – worship, disciple ship, fellowship, faith sharing and service.
• Facilitating service, outreach and discipleship programs.
• Nurturing youth in times of difficulty.
• Organising church worship events conducted by youth.
• Supporting the youth Sabbath school program.
• Communicating with the youth and church at large.
• Creating a youth leadership team in consulta- tion with the church board.
• Planning an annual youth calendar in consul tation with church leaders.
• Attending conference/mission Leadership Training weekends.
• Advocating for youth involvement church positions.
• Delegating responsibilities to others to ensure shared ownership and the success of the pro gram.
• Being directly responsible to the Church Pas tor and Church Board.
• Providing a regular Youth report to the local Church Board and Conference Youth Depart ment, as applicable.
• Securing and manage the youth budget.
• Ensuring the safe supervision of all activities.
• Having a trained First Aider and First Aid sup- plies at organised youth events.
• Conducting risk assessment for activities and ensure compliance with state and na tional safety legislations, as applicable.
• Ensuring the Child Protection Code of Con duct is adhered to.

Time Commitment

The youth leader’s role requires a significant time commitment however is very rewarding when the youth leader witnesses growth in their young people and hearts being given to God. 

A typical youth program may include commitments on Sabbath mornings, Saturday evenings, Friday nights and occasionally during the week.

The youth leader may delegate certain aspects of the youth program to volunteers or the youth team to assist with time management, facilitating shared ownership and empowerment of others.

• Faith and commitment to God
• Active and growing relationship with God
• Passion for young people
• Vision
• Willingness to receive counsel from others
• Respect for and awareness of cultural differences
• Ability to empower and mentor others
• Commitment and perseverance
• Confidentiality
• Honesty and trustworthiness
• Positive example to others

Youth Ministry is for young people aged 16-30 years old.  Throughout their adolescence, youth often question issues of faith and are idealistic about life.  It is during this time that youth need to be nurtured and cared for in an affirming and non-judgemental manner.  They are dealing with major physical, social, intellectual and spiritual challenges.  The youth leader is in many ways the face of Jesus to the young people in the church.   

The desired outcomes of the youth program are to:

• Provide opportunities for young people to enter into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ and to help them find their place in God’s service.
• Help the young people grow in their knowledge, love and understanding of God.
• Encourage young people to discover their identity, potential, purpose and talents in Christ and use them for His service.
• Create a powerful movement of young people who have a sense of belonging and ownership in their Youth group.
• Have a holistic and intentional youth program focusing on evangelism, worship, spiritual growth, service, and the needs of the local community.
• Facilitate an active youth group that supports and enhances the broader local church program and focus.
• Build deep and lifelong friendships with youth within the local church and the broader church at Conference or Mission events.

Things to Consider…

• What is our local church Youth Ministry vision and mission and how does that support the broader mission of our local church?
• How has Youth Ministry functioned here in the past?  What has worked, what hasn’t?  Assess goals, results, attendance, etc.
• Are a range of services and events being provided to best meet the needs of the young people in our church and local community?
• What do we want to accomplish in the next five years? Break that down into specific objects, timeframes and clear forms of measurement.
• Is everything we are doing intentional about supporting our mission and purpose? Are we moving in the right direction?
• What can we improve on?