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Philosophy (Not Theology) of Youth Ministry at Hope Church
When it comes to youth ministries, the Bible is silent. There is no evidence of a theology of youth ministry given anywhere within either the Old or New Testament. Ministries that did involve youth were family oriented. And so it is in view of the vision of Hope Church to create a family of families (1st Timothy 3:14-16), that my philosophy as the Associate Minister of Youth comes from. My goal is to encourage parents and families, within our church, to be the main vehicle for training the youth of Hope in the way of the Lord (Deuteronomy 6:6,7). My foundation for this ministry is built around the biblical order that God created specific roles for each member of the family even before the fall of humanity(Ephesians 5:22-6:4). Within those roles comes the responsibility of parents to train their children to be men and women of God.
My goal is to come along side of parents in this process of training and instruction, communicating with and teaching them (through the Scriptures) about what it means to nurture and develop their children in a biblical world view. As part of this process, I will be providing parents (especially fathers), opportunities to be active in Hope Church Youth ministry, and work with their children in ministry as a unified body of Christ here in the Berkshires. I believe there is no greater testimony to the dynamic, transformational power and unity of Christ today than seeing well founded families, who identify with a local body of Christ, serving in their local communities together. Within these ministries, families will come in contact with non-Christian families and students. My desire is that as a family of families, we, Hope Church, will be a witness to these people. Ultimately, my vision is that the members of Hope Church and their homes (families) would be a place where these non-Christians experience the active work of Christ and are incorporated into our family.
Specific ministries (with the involvement of parents) for students to grow in their faith and use their gifts include:
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Sunday Morning Worship
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Jr. and Sr. High Youth Group Meetings
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Jr. and Sr. High Sunday School
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Various Community Ministries
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Missions Trips
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Fellowship Opportunities
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