INSTRUCTION:

Learning has Direct Application for Discipling Youth

 

The Biblical training, the practical management tools, the adolescent development education, and the spiritual development focus have been life changing. I’m much more sure of who I am and I know the ministry that God is calling me to. With our training on adolescent development and the issues that come with each stage, I was given an opportunity to think through what important steps I might take to help young people be successful in walking into adulthood as a person and a disciple of Christ.       Dave Jans – Class of 2014

 

The thirteen Core Competencies gave me the most opportunity for self-exploration. I’ve identified several Core Competencies that need further development, either within myself or with my ability to translate the Competency for growth within our students. Refining the Core Competencies will enable me to prioritize and focus more effectively on what’s needed within the ministry.       Janell Lockhart – Class of 2012

 

The Old and New Testament Intensive by Brian Russell helped me to look at the Scriptures in a new light. Instead of reading it and taking every thing exactly as is, I now look at those same scriptures and ask, “What do they tell me about the character of Jesus Christ?” and “How can I apply these characteristics to my life?”       Joshua Joseph – Class of 2014

 

COACHING:

Interfacing with Experience and Wisdom

 

My favorite part, hands down, would be the coaching. I had an amazing coach, and she was there every step of the way – encouraging me, loving me, and teaching me how to be a better youth minister. She has been an answer to prayer each step of the way. It’s been incredible to bounce ideas, thoughts, challenges, and even praises off of her. Knowing that she continually is praying for me and genuinely cares for my ministry is such a great asset when we can feel so alone in what we do.       Emily Felgenhauer – Class of 2010

 

I think coaching is probably the most influential aspect of YMI training. This hands-on experience is very valuable and what I feel I have missed the most. The one-on-one nature of coaching is what makes it so effective. I am not hearing theories or past scenarios or hypotheticals, I am dealing with these issues in my ministry right now. Coaching is an essential part of the effectiveness of YMI training and should never be underestimated.

Robert Gray – Class of 2010

 

RELATIONSHIPS:

Building a Network of Support and Accountability

Even though I knew it before, YMI has confirmed to me that this is a ministry and not a job. In our verbatim group I have seen my fellow youth ministers talk about the highs and the lows of youth ministry, I have seen tears and laughter, I have seen joy and sadness, but what I have not seen is anyone who does not love these youth and want to do the best for them that they can. It made me realize that I feel the same way. I may get frustrated with the youth and have times when I think about quitting, but those times do not compare to the love I have for these youth and the desire to help them in their walk with Christ.       Jay Taylor – Class of 2010

 

The most important things that I have found in YMI are strong relationships. Some of my very best friends are other members of the institute. What is special about these people is that they aren’t only other youth pastors, whom I can network with, but they are people that I can truly depend on. The program provided me with the support I needed for success.

Danielle Warner Upton – Class of 2009

 

The most valuable parts of YMI for me were developing the friendships I now have with other youth ministers and having their support as I begin to wrestle with the difficult areas in my life. YMI has helped and will continue to help me as a person, as a minister and in my journey to become more intimate with Christ.       Jason Williams – Class of 2011

 

There is no perfect model or plan out there, nor are there perfect churches or students. Youth Ministry is a messy world and having the experience to share and learn from my peers helped me realize it’s not just me. It’s not just me that struggles with staff relations. It’s not just me that struggles with my students’ level of commitment. It’s not just me that feels like my parents don’t get it. YMI helped build my confidence and know I’m not the only one out there facing these challenges.       Elizabeth Lynn – Class of 2009

 

LEADERSHIP:

Building Confidence and Overcoming Obstacles

I did not want to go to the Youth Ministry Institute. When I started my responsibilities and taking over the youth ministry at my church I knew I had an immense challenge in front of me. Adding in an additional time-taking ordeal was the last thing on my mind. But the church required it. They believed in what it offered and wanted me to have some sort of training. Now, looking back, going to the Youth Ministry Institute was perhaps the best decision in ministry I have ever made because of the fellowship and accountability I had with other youth workers. I thank God every day for helping me decide to go.       Manu Bhatnagar – Class of 2011

 

It was months ago in YMI that I realized I don’t just like being a youth pastor, but I truly love youth ministry. I believe in the impact it has. I believe in the students God has called me to reach. I believe in the message of Jesus and the relevance it has within youth culture. I see more everyday how difficult youth work is and I see how vital it is to the future of the church.       Josh Reinken – Class of 2014