Theologians and ministry practitioners discuss the spiritual practice of discernment and the importance of encouraging a sense of vocation in adolescents living in our modern world.
Fostering Youth Leadership
A wise person once said, "Youth are not the church of tomorrow. They are the church of today."
Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. [1 Timothy 4:12]Â
A wise person once said, “Youth are not the church of tomorrow. They are the church of today.” Development of youth leadership skills plays an important role in equipping youth for success, and also serves to teach adults about new and nimble ways of doing ministry. Encouraging their involvement recognizes their worth and value as people, and as full and active members of a faith community.
Training Modules
This course explores the benefits and importance of providing leadership opportunities to students and empowering young people to take ownership of their youth programs.
Curricular and Sample Materials
God promises to show up. This lesson asks youth to focus on waiting.
This lesson will help youth to understand their purpose and how this can lead to lives of joy.
This lesson focuses on God’s calling for our lives.
Articles and Readings
An essay by Anne Streaty Wimberly and Almeda M. Wright on memory and joy from the Joy and Adolescent Faith and Flourishing project.
Articles and resources on the spiritual practice of discernment and the importance of encouraging a sense of vocation in adolescents.
Articles and resources on the benefits and importance of providing leadership opportunities to students and empowering young people to take ownership of their youth programs.
This reading is a segment by Pamela King and Steven Argue from “Joy: A Guide for Youth Ministry”.