"Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity." (I Timothy 4:12)
Tired of being referred to only in terms of what you will become, as in "Youth are the future"? What about now?!
Young people are full members of the church — today. You have talents and gifts that should be acknowledged, shared, and honored in all aspects of ministry.
That's the purpose of this course. The author, a pastor with extensive youth ministry experience, encourages and provides training for young people to claim the ministries to which they are called.
"The youth of the church are ready and willing to play an active part in the life of the church," writes Sandy Zeigler, director of Lay Leadership Development (General Board of Discipleship). "This Lay Speaking course will help them understand their call to ministry as laity. I am excited to have this available for this very special and promising portion of the Body of Christ."
Lay Speaking Ministries: Youth Basic Course covers the need-to-know information about ministry by and with young people, applying it to the basic Lay Speaker training model.
"God has given you gifts and talents that can be used uniquely for God's purpose," writes Young. "Some of us are gifted in speaking, others in listening, and others in caring. The fun thing about Lay Speaking ministries is that you can serve where you fit best! … You can be who God created and gifted you to be, serve God and God's people, the church, and be a Lay Speaker at the same time."
Youth workers: Help the young people you shepherd to claim their unique style of ministry today! Within this manual, you'll find session outlines and ideas for leading a group study (retreat or otherwise) of this resource. Discussion questions after each chapter are also included.
