What’s Happening in May?
We continue to expand the resources and materials on our YMI website. Read more to find out what’s new and how they can support your ministry during this time.
Join a Forum
The Yale Youth Ministry Institute website now has forum functionality! In our discussion forum, you can publicly participate in any of our discussion questions, which range from topics on self-care, spiritual practices, online worship, or relating to parents remotely during this difficult time. Your participation will help others looking for advice in ministering to youth, provide insight, and encourage ideas. The discussion forums are found under the “Tools” dropdown. Register and start posting today!
Resources for Ministering to Youth during COVID-19
We have complied resources on a variety of topics to support your ministry during this time of the Coronavirus. Topics include:
- Mental Health
- Spiritual Practices
- Pastoral Care
- Gathering Your Youth
- Scripture of Reassurance
- Spiritual Practices
- Training for Youth Workers and Volunteers
You can access all our resources in one convenient location at Ministering To Youth During Covid-19.
Celebrating Milestones Online
As the school year continues, schools remain closed and events have been cancelled. Many teenagers are struggling with the loss of milestones that they have been anticipating for months if not years. The loss of these milestones can lead to a wealth of emotions, including grief and anger.
We have compiled ideas for acknowledging and celebrating milestones with youth online, which includes ideas for celebrating church school, confirmation class, and high school seniors.
Ideas for Gathering Youth Remotely
In this difficult time, we need the resources to help youth navigate uncertainty and maintain connection. We have compiled resources and ideas to assist you in gathering remotely.
Following are just a few ideas:
- Conduct a Zoom Meeting – Have youth name prayers in the chat function at the same time. This will create a waterfall of prayers cascading down the screen. Encourage youth to enter more then one prayer if they feel moved to do so.
- Adopt a spiritual practice as a youth group, whether meditation, shared silence, praying, or reading a sacred text.
- A game resource can be found at Jackbox Games, which offers several game options to engage youth. Be sure to select the “Family Friendly” setting to ensure that the game is appropriate for all that play.
For a previous list of online ideas that we have complied, please visit our news on “We gather together to ask the Lord’s blessing”.
Ministering to Youth in the Midst of Suffering
Dr. Mary Elizabeth Moore addresses how to minister to youth in the midst of suffering in this video. It is important to create spaces where youth can talk about their suffering in a safe place. It also takes a community of support and mentors to help youth find hope and a source of meaning.
Transformative Service Days and Mission Trips
While most 2020 service days and mission days have had to be cancelled, it’s not too early to start training your team for 2021. The new Transformative Service Days and Mission Trips training module features leading theologians and pastors presenting a model for mission trips and practical advice on how to lead service days and mission trips that are truly transformative.
A Prayer for Today
It can be difficult to remember that we are not alone and that God is with us during this time of isolation. Today we offer the Wesleyan Covenant prayer for us all:
I am no longer my own, but thine.
Put me to what thou wilt, rank me with whom thou wilt.
Put me to doing, put me to suffering.
Let me be employed by thee or laid aside for thee,
Exalted for thee or brought low for thee.
Let me be full, let me be empty.
Let me have all things, let me have nothing.
I freely and heartily yield all things to thy pleasure and disposal.
And now, O Glorious and blessed God,
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
Thou art mine, and I am thine. So be it.
And the covenant which I have made on earth,
Let it be ratified in heaven. Amen.
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