The purpose of Michigan’s State Youth Ministry is to support all volunteer and paid youth leaders, their local ministries, and provide avenues for evangelism, youth and leader growth and leadership development.
These major events are planned and led, or supported by the Youth Ministry Team of MI.
State Youth Convention (SYC) - SYC 2012 – May18-20
Each year between 800-900 Middle School through college students and leaders attend this convention, held at Western MI University, in Kalamazoo. Challenging speakers and musicians, along with growth sessions and many sports opportunities make this event great for evangelism and personal growth.
Packets of information will arrive in churches in January, 2012 and be on the Church of God in MI web site – www.choginmi.org For further information - contact Pastor Kevin Kuehne at Clarkston Community Church of God [248-625-1323].
Youth Camping - Youth Camping – June through August, 2012
Our Middle School and High School camping program, as well as children’s camping, is held at Warner Camp, near Grand Junction, Michigan. The Directors and many counselors are MI youth leaders who highly value this summer experience for youth. The facility is great, the setting beautiful, & the cost very reasonable!
Packets of registration materials will be sent to churches after the first of the year. For individual camp dates, check out the Warner Camp web site - www.warnercamp.com.
For further information- Contact Warner Camp [269-434-6844].
MI Singers
Every year a group of approximately 40 + youth gather monthly for rehearsals, discipleship, and mentoring. This choir then travels several weekends during the year, touring to some of our state churches, and performing concerts for a week during the summer. They also are part of the SYC weekend.
Information on joining the group is available at the State Youth Convention and St. Louis Camp Meeting. For other questions, contact Dick Forsman at rforsman0336@gmail.com. More information can be found on the Church of God in MI web site - www.choginmi.org. Use the Resource link and then click on youth.
Michigan Student Leadership Institute (MSLI) - November 9-10
This exciting event, primarily for Senior High students, is a 3 year leadership training event where students investigate and learn about such things as their Spiritual Gifts, prayer, Bible study, accountability, and sharing their personal stories.
All this is done in a 2 day setting of fun, hands on activities, worship, eating, and making lots of new friends. All events for 2012 will be held at the Clarkston Community Church.
A mid year one day “MSLI Tune UP” - 2012 MSLI “Tune Up” one day event- March 24
Provides students the opportunity to connect with leaders and other students for further personal growth training and accountability.
Registration materials are sent to youth leaders in early fall and can also be located on the Church of God in MI web site- www.choginmi.org. For further information, contact Pastor Jerry Graham at 989-835-9262. or
eagle1051@chartermi.net.
Youth Leaders’ Enrichment Opportunities -
360 Christian Education Day- April 14
Youth leaders, whether paid or volunteer, newer to student ministry or those more experienced value the opportunity to learn & share together in a variety of ways. During the State 360 Christian Leadership Convention, we will have a full day of teaching & discussion on topics previously generated by youth leaders.
State Youth Leaders' Retreat- September 28-30
The Youth Leaders’ Retreat weekend consists of worship, training, networking, sharing, & personal growth time. This retreat is held at the beautiful Warner Camp.
Registration materials are sent to youth leaders during the summer and can also be accessed on the Church of God in MI web site - www.choginmi.org. For further information, contact Connie Graham [989- 835-9262], or cmyersgraham@chartermi.net
From ACTION January, February, March 2012
Relational Boundaries
I was with several youth workers recently where the topic being discussed was boundaries. This group started sharing with the idea about setting work boundaries- setting definite times for their wives and families, but most of the discussion centered around the relational boundaries with students. No one brought forth any new earth shattering revelations, but the ideas generated were valuable to review and I thought worthy of sharing with this wider audience.
- Do your best to honor each family’s values and convictions and encourage teenagers to do the same.
- Beware of codependent relationships- the purpose of ministry is to minister to teens, not to satisfy your own relational needs or desires. Make sure we have healthy adult friend relationships of our own & model this for the teens.
- When meeting with a student, refrain from answering your phone or text. If they ask, respond that they are important & you can get the message later.
- Never promise confidentiality, but almost always keep it.
- Watch that we don’t allow ourselves or others to be a channel for negative information. Send people to the appropriate places for first-hand information.
- Be careful about showing favoritism- especially important when you’re investing in key leaders. But don’t feel bad about investing deeply in only a few- Jesus did!
“Serving Time”
I recently came across this great idea to use with students that might need financial assistance to attend events and groups provide scholarships, or when the congregation pays a portion of the registration to a convention or event and you still want some accountability:
Start with a discussion about the importance Jesus placed on serving others. Announce the gift of financial help- either personally or to the whole group. Assign a required number of individual service hours to group members, hand out “service sheets,” and ask students to serve church members or others in the community. Either let them be creative, or brainstorm together ways of service. Ask them to write short descriptions of each service experience, logging the time, and adding a reflection about how they felt. Give a time when the acts are to be accomplished and the sheets are due. You can have a sharing time afterwards of what has been experienced from serving.
Have You Checked This Out?
If it’s been awhile since you’ve looked over the youth resources available online at www.chogy.org, then don’t delay! Go to the “Resource Center” and you will find these categories:
Parents, Curriculum, Conferences, Service, Fund Raising, Organizations, Team Building, Small Group, and Other Resource ideas. There are great free ideas and helps. You can also submit your own fund raising and service experiences as well.
From ACTION October, November, December 2011
Everywhere
“I am with you always” Matthew: 28:20
We’ve known that school is starting for weeks. There have been signs of that fact everywhere- school clothes on sale, school products advertised and students either vocally excited or dismayed. Our four year old granddaughter, Taylor, starts pre-school and proudly has her “Hello Kitty” pink backpack and is all ready!
Throughout my years of youth ministry I have called students days prior to school beginning to let them know I was praying for them or have written encouraging notes. I started writing notes to college students when my own kids were at AU and I still write to about 25-30 each year.
As Youth Leaders we must impress that there is NO other relationship that they will have like the one with Christ! It’s not enough to just acknowledge that He is present, but they must rework the way they see life to acknowledge that He is WITH them every second. Every day is a shared experience with Him. They will never have another friend that will literally walk through everything they walk through. AND, just as in school- they must practice His presence to grow closer!
Here are two exciting ways where youth groups are learning that God is with them everywhere and always!
First Church of God, Alma: Ben Kreider, Youth Pastor
Jesus said, “Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.” For one week in July, nine students and four adults traveled to Kentucky for a Mystery Mission Trip. Each night the students had to complete a team initiative to find out the destination for the next day. Teams were also responsible for meals and worship times, which helped them try out new gifts in leadership. Every morning they began with 30 minutes of reflecting and journaling on the theme of grace.
Their task was to prepare to serve and look for moments when grace was shown to them during the day. They served in Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs, served residents at “Quest Farms” (a farming community for special needs), packed food for God’s Food Pantry, prayed with strangers, delivered food to a homeless shelter, and had many other opportunities through Confrontation Point Ministries. The students also took a “leap of faith” during climbing and rappelling (up to 120 ft. rock walls) in the Red River Gorge! For the Alma group, they learned that mystery is an opportunity to trust and that living out that mystery is an opportunity to give and receive God’s grace.
Farmington Hills Church of God: Jason Nelson, Youth Pastor
Since January, the Youth Ministry has been involved in a simple ministry of love. They have been giving out glow-in-the-dark green bracelets that say “I AM LOVED” on one side and “PRAYED 4” on the other. This ministry was born out of a need that the teens had to communicate God’s love in a practical, relevant way to their peers that were hurting. The bracelets are handed out to the students with the instructions to wear them on their wrist and when they come in contact with someone that appears to be needing prayer, they are to give away the bracelet and say “I don’t know what is wrong, but I want you to know that you are not alone. I love you and so does God. If you would like to talk, I am here for you and know that I will pray for you- right now if you want, but for sure later.”
In these past months, there have been amazing stories about how the students have shown God’s love with this tool. Kids have given them to parents, friends and strangers with a variety of responses- mostly good. There have even been teachers that have broken down crying overwhelmed by this jester. The bracelets are purposely glow-in-the dark to be a reassurance to those who are struggling in the dark. Many youth groups have joined in this ministry. They have extra bracelets. If you’d like to join too- contact Jason- (248) 477-9144 or Jason@fhchurchofgod.org
From ACTION January, February, March 2011
Almost Christian
Youth leaders long for students to develop a personal faith that impacts every facet of their lives. But, in a world where church seems to be becoming less relevant to many, we're struggling to pass our transformational faith to our teens.
I've recently read Kenda Creasy Dean's book, Almost Christian-What the Faith of Our Teenagers is Telling the American Church. Dean, Associate Professor of Youth, Church, and Culture at Princeton Theological Seminary, takes research from the National Study of Youth and Religion and rather than citing peer pressure or societal issues as reasons for teen difficulty with faith, she issues a wake up call to US- the church! Some of her main points (and finger pointing) include:
*What is teenage faith telling the church? The faith that many teens are emulating is the faith of their parents and other adults that are living a lukewarm Christianity. It's not shaking up their lives in any discernible way. Just like adults, numerous students say they're Christians, but many don't think it really matters in the everyday life.
*Teaching teens vs. exposing them to faith…Many parents don't want to coerce kids into attending church or accepting faith. We hear "we want to expose them, but we'll let them choose for themselves later". Teaching is not indoctrination or coercion. It's purposefully passing on something that matters. We talk about it, model it, and provide opportunities to practice it. Dean stresses that we don't just expose our children to things that matter. "Can you imagine the disaster we'd have if we simply "exposed" teenagers to driving?" We teach them to drive because driving well matters. Why are we more concerned about teaching teenagers to drive than to follow Christ?"
*Being inarticulate in matters of their faith… The study used in Almost Christian points that many students aren't comfortable about faith because they're not spending much time in communities where faith language is spoken. Acquiring a language requires being immersed in a community that speaks it- starting with family and congregations. "Language only rings true when it expresses the reality it points to. It's got to be lived out."
*Preparing students for full participation in Christian life… Kenda Dean reminds readers that teens must be doing ministry in church, not just roles adults don't wish to do, or roles to keep them occupied. "If kids are always ministered to, they learn to be very good consumers. If kids grow up doing ministry, they'll do ministry as adults instead of expecting to be objects of ministry."
*The role of Youth Ministry programming… Dean stresses that ministry with students requires ministry with parents because they are the most important spiritual mentors in a teen's life. Few parents realize it or feel prepared for this role.
*The church has the solution! Keep telling the story of God's unconditional love and grace in Jesus, because it's our family's story! It's who we are, why we live as we do and why these things matter. Dean emphasizes that when students see the church acting like less than ambassadors of Christ's love in the world, they rightly call us out for being frauds. We should listen. If the church can get beyond self-preservation and model a way of life that embodies God's self-giving love for others, then we might be a church that matters again. Today's youth can help lead the way!
From ACTION 4th Quarter 2010
Family Mealtime
What is mealtime like in your home? With fall school schedules in full swing, is it more convenient for your family with teens to heat their own meals in the microwave at various times and retreat to their own corners of the house?
For many families, eating dinner together is becoming a lost art and this can be in the Youth Pastor/Youth Leaders' home as well.
One obvious, yet important benefit of the family meal is that it allows family members to "touch base" with one another in a calm setting- away from the pressures and demands of the outside world. It's the perfect time to reconnect and show family members your priority. Sitting across from one another allows discussion of daily life, directing students toward positive activities and behavior.
The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse and Partnership for a Drug Free America share some amazing facts:
By eating with your children, it is more likely that meals will be healthier and more balanced.
Compared to teens that have frequent family dinners, those who rarely do are 3 ½ times more likely to have abused prescription drugs or an illegal drug other than marijuana.
Girls who have five or more meals a week with their families are 1/3 less likely to develop unhealthy eating habits, which can range from skipping meals to full-fledged anorexia or abusing diet pills.
Parental influence and involvement is an important tool in preventing substance abuse. Regularly sitting down for a meal with your children is one way to connect with them, finding out what is happening in their lives and about their friends.
Another study has brought a decade's worth of data and found that teens (compared with adolescents) needed and benefited the most from mealtime with their families.
So, this school year, be intentional…block family dinners out on a calendar, turn off t.v.'s, put away books and newspapers. Let voice mail take the calls and put away any other distractions that might interfere with your purpose- family interaction.
Begin with prayer. (This may seem like a given, but in asking many youth from Christian homes- prayer before meals is NOT always a habit!) Make conversation the main feature of the meal. Talk about the day's events, or current events around the world. Ask each family member to share the highlight of his or her day or to recount something funny or interesting that happened. Keep the conversation positive!
Let one family dinner per week be time for "feeding the soul" as well. Read a Bible verse or short devotional at the beginning of the meal and discuss it as you eat together, making connections to your daily lives.
Family mealtime may be hard to initiate and sustain, but is definitely a win-win opportunity for everyone!
From ACTION 3rd Quarter 2010
Time Tithe
Summer naturally brings new routines and schedules to our lives. Most of these changes we welcome and embrace, as we do the long awaited warm sun. Many of us probably experience changes in meeting times with Youth, the frequency of gatherings, and perhaps even locations too.
The days begin and end so quickly there never seems to be enough hours in the day to accomplish all the added activities. If we’re not intentional and take reality checks, our personal time with God in the summer can become diluted. And as leaders, we know we cannot lead anyone past the point where we are ourselves!
It’s imperative to keep our love relationship with our Father fresh and new and to model that to our students!
“Spend your time and energy in training yourself for spiritual fitness. Physical exercise has some value, but spiritual exercise is much more important, for it promises a reward in both this life and the next.”
I Timothy 4:7-8 NLT
Why not try these?
Time in the Car
Besides listening to Christian music, try some other methods to make your commute a time of worship! Make a prayer map of your community. When you pass a church, pray for their ministries; when you pass a school, pray for the students and staff. You get the idea…
Time Shopping
Commit to pray for three people whom you see while shopping. As you wait in line, these are great opportunities- not just letting your mind wonder.
Time at Home
Copy a Scripture you want to memorize on a card. Place it on your refrigerator or bathroom mirror. Spend time memorizing God’s Word as you get ready for your day!
Time at Work
Whether you work at church, or have a secular job, keep a Bible or devotional book in your desk. Arrive 10 minutes early to read God’s Word, or at break time. Listen for opportunities where others need encouragement or help in your workplace.
Be creative. Where can YOU make changes in the coming week in order to find more time for God?
From ACTION 3rd Quarter 2010
Know the S.T.O.R.Y. of Youth
Several years ago I read an educational article with this title, only about children, and saw the similarities with ministering to youth. As parents, Sunday School teachers, youth leaders, friends, and caring adults in the church, we must gain the most information we can about the students in our influence. Do we know their hearts? What is each S.T.O.R.Y.?
Strengths
What abilities come easy for him/her? Can we connect this youth with others in the church with similar strengths? Help them to serve in these capacities NOW, not later.
Topics
Author John Ruskin wrote, ”Tell me what you like, and I’ll tell you what you are.” What hobbies, sports, and subjects at school are favorites of the students? What projects enrapture him/her? Make sure you are asking open- ended questions to solicit the most information possible.
Optimal conditions
A cactus thrives in different conditions than a rosebush. Some youth love to be noticed while others prefer to hide in the crowd. Be sensitive to those that prefer to be behind the scenes- there are lots of tasks to do there!
Relationships
Some youth demonstrate the ability for strong leadership and others more the gift of supporting. We must be careful to not value one over the other.
Yes!
What gives the student satisfaction and pleasure? What makes him/her say, “yes!”- is it the journey or the goal? Does he/she like to keep things straight, or straighten things out? What certainly bothers one person thrills another.
All the youth in our lives are like books with the titles hidden, or CD’s with no cover- we must read them and listen to them to fully appreciate and see God’s potential and giftedness. Resist the urge to label before studying! The greatest gift we can give to our students isn’t our riches, but revealing to them their own.
From ACTION 1st Quarter 2010
Talking to God About Our Students
Whether you work directly with the students in your church or not, you are responsible for talking to God about them on a regular basis! Sometimes you may have some specific requests to bring to God, but often times not. A great way to communicate with God is to use His own Words. When we speak and pray Scripture, we are coming into agreement with God. Hebrews 4:12 reminds us that God’s Word is alive and powerful!
Here is a week’s scripture and prayer paraphrasing the Biblical passage to get started.
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Joy
Psalms 92:4
Pray that the students will rejoice because of the works of God’s hands. -
Protection
2 Thessalonians 3:3
Praise God for being faithful and that He will give strength and guard the youth from evil. -
Reliance on God
Proverbs 3:5
Pray that the youth will grow to trust Him with all of their hearts and not trust only their own thinking. -
Passion for the Lord
Psalms 42:1
Pray that the students will long for a relationship with God just as a deer longs for streams of water. -
Patience
Romans 8:25
Pray that they will understand they can have hope for what they do not always immediately see. -
Hope
Romans 15:13
Pray that God will fill the youth with joy and peace as they trust in Him each day. -
Courage
Deuteronomy 31:6
Pray for youth to be courageous and to recognize that it is God who goes with them and will not leave them.
Interested in more? Try these: Obedience to God-Acts 5:29; Mercy-Luke 1:50; Generosity- I Timothy 6:18; Peace- Isaiah 26:3; Salvation- Titus 3:5; Love of God’s Word- Psalms 119:165.
“Praying to God for someone always makes that one valuable, a gift of God, to be carefully cherished.” (unknown)
From ACTION 4th Quarter 2009
Youth Leadership Summit of the Church of God
“God honors holy hands that are dirty because they have touched people!” 90 High School, college students and adult leaders lived and breathed this philosophy July 3-7 in Washington D.C. at the National Church of God Leadership Summit. The Summit is open to all students exemplifying servant leadership.
Three students and two adults attended from Michigan. Scholarships were provided to these students who applied by the state Youth Ministry. These students have also participated in the MSLI (MI Student Leadership Institute). Students and adults formed Family Groups for the 5 days and toured, served, experienced street evangelism, studied and prayed together. An integral part of the experience was planning for ministry upon returning home.
Participants were challenged with the theme of “Pay Attention…Seriously”, taken from Ezekiel 40:4- “…Son of man, look with your eyes and hear with your ears and pay attention to everything I am going to show you, for that is why you have been brought here…” The Family Groups literally went to the streets and neighborhoods of Washington D.C. for “hands on” experiences of:
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cleaning trash from tourist spots making sandwiches and giving them to the homeless
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passing out bottles of water & Metro passes to share about Jesus
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setting up “free” prayer centers to pray for needs
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talking, sharing and praying with homeless people.
Each day we were challenged by the inspired words of Suzanne Haley, Dr. James Lewis, Eric Reeder, and Patrick Nachtigall to “walk the paradoxical streets of America’s capital- in the seat of power, surrounded by monuments to the past, promises to the future, and see a large population of displaced persons, but hear God’s voice.”
Following are excerpts from testimonies written by the MI delegates:
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I had great experiences at the Summit. Many of us heard calls from God. I learned to wait for Him. The last night I heard His call lead worship. I loved being a part of a family group and experiencing the whole Summit with them.
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I’m so thankful for the scholarship that allowed me to attend the Summit. God really picked my family group- I was comfortable with people from all over the country! Evangelizing to people and seeing them through the eyes of Jesus was a new experience. I feel like a leader. I’m closer to God than I’ve ever been and I’m going to continue on…
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The Summit changed my life. I saw the good and the bad of D.C. I learned that there is a blessing around every corner and when you are intending to bless someone, they will end up blessing YOU! This time has made my relationship with God stronger and reassured me of my path. I was shy, scared, and self conscious before, but I have more courage to be an evangelist for God after this influential week.
Please pray for all the delegates as they set the pace and impact their youth groups, congregations, and communities.