Empowering a Youth Program

 

You can create a program that is sustainable over the years by building a strong foundation through vision, Unity principles and sound administrative practices. Consider the following when starting a new YFM program or enhancing your existing program. Click the plus sign for more information

1. Assess - Begin by using the Youth Ministry Assessment to explore all of the components needed for a thriving program. If your program is already up and running, use it to evaluate your program by checking off what is already working and noting what still needs to be developed.

2. Create a Plan - Creating a vision for your YFM program is an opportunity to focus the energy toward program growth and sustainability. It begins with gathering an interested group of people, as well as the minister, youth director and a board representative, and having a Visioning Conversation.

Once the conversation is complete, set S.M.A.R.T. Goals that will help to determine a plan of action.

Follow these simple directions to create a Purpose Statement for the program.

Chapter 17 of the Youth & Family Ministry Guide has additional information on creating mission, vision and goals for your program.

3. Sacred Safety - Establishing safety protocols is of the utmost importance in a Youth and Family Ministry program.

4. Budget and Finance - "In Unity, we support a prosperity consciousness. That means spiritual well-being; sufficiency in all ways. When applied to youth ministry, this includes seeing the highest and best in programs, volunteers, supplies and facilities. All Youth and Family Ministry (YFM) expenses and incomes must fall within the general fund of the church to maintain the tax-exempt status of 501(c)(3). All accounts must have accurate accounting and must undergo church auditing. When setting this up, include a line item in the general fund for each of the special groups within Youth and Family Ministry."  ~Youth & Family Ministry Guide