A Brief History of Adventist Youth Ministry Paul

A Brief History of Adventist Youth Ministry Paul Tompkins TED Youth Director

Messages To Youth * “Preachers, or layman advanced in years, can not have one half the influence upon the young that the youth, devoted to God, can have on their associates. ” * “With such an army of workers, as our youth, properly trained, might furnish, how soon the message of a crucified, risen, and soon coming saviour might be carried to the whole world. ” Ellen White – Messages To Young People p 25, 196

Biblical Base for Youth Ministry n “All your children shall be called of the Lord and great shall be the peace of your children. ” (Isaiah 54: 13)

Biblical Base for Youth Ministry(2) “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your might. And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart ; you shall teach them diligently to your children and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. ” (Deuteronomy 6)

Principles for Youth Ministry n 1. Instruct our children in the Commandments of God, God’s requirements and His word. (Deut 6: 6, 7) n 2. Remind them of God’s leading in the past. (Deut 6: 20 -23) n 3. Challenge them to live by God’s word in the future. (Deut 6: 24)

Overview of Youth Ministry n For the first 40 years it was taken for granted that youth were members of the church. (1840 – 1880) n In 1879 Luther Warren (17) and Harry Fenner (14) began the first youth society in Luther’s home to; 1) Plan Missionary work 2) Raise money for literature 3) Promote the cause of temperance.

Overview (cont) n Youth groups named - Sunshine Bands. n 1901 – Under direction of Sabbath School department. n 1907 – The Seventh-day Adventist Young People’s Department of Missionary Volunteers. (M. E. Kern)

Names n 1907 – Seventh-day Adventist Young People’s Department of Missionary Volunteers MV Department (MV meetings) n 1972 – Youth Department of Missionary Volunteers n 1979 – Adventist Youth (AY) Department n 2005 – Youth Ministries Department (Adventurer Club Pathfinder Club, and Senior Youth Society)

Youth Ministries (6 -30 Years) n Adventurer Club (6 -9 Years) n Pathfinder Club (10 -15 Years) n Senior Youth (16 -30 Years) n Adventist Youth Volunteers

Mission Statement n n n The primary focus of Youth Ministry is the salvation of youth through Jesus Christ Our task is to: 1) Lead youth to discover their individual worth and to develop their spiritual gift and abilities 2) Equip and empower youth for a life of service within God’s church and community. 3) Ensure the integration of youth into all aspects of church life – full participants in the mission of the church.

Questions? n 1. Divide into small groups of 4 -6 people and discuss the reasons why Youth Ministry should be an essential part of the overall ministry of the local church? n 2. Brainstorm 25 of the best reasons why Youth Ministry is essential for church growth?

Building a Balanced Programme n Fellowship – Relationships n Nurture – Personal and Spiritual Growth n Worship – Public Church/Small Group n Mission – Intentional outreach (Acts 2: 42 -47)

Four Dynamics of a Christian Community n FELLOWSHIP NURTURE WORSHIP MISSION

Building a Balanced Programme Fellship Nurture Worship Mission

Effective Youth Ministry for the 21 st Century n A) B) C) D) E) F) What is the most important function of Youth Ministry? Introducing Young people to Jesus Providing Healthy Activities Involving Young People in service Good Theological Training Worship Having Large numbers. None of the above – Long-term discipleship.

Conceptual Model Youth and Family Ministry