Comments on: The First 3 Years http://vineyardyoutheast.org/2009/05/06/the-first-3-years/ an encouraging community of youth workers Thu, 04 Feb 2010 22:11:22 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Jenna http://vineyardyoutheast.org/2009/05/06/the-first-3-years/comment-page-1/#comment-61 Jenna Thu, 07 May 2009 13:37:29 +0000 http://vineyardyoutheast.org/?p=155#comment-61 Thanks for posting John! I think the first few years are reallly about relationship building. You are getting a feel for the city, the youth, the parents, the staff you are on or assisting, the Sr. leadership...and sooo much more. In many cases, if there is any sort of "difficulty" with the guy or gal that was the youth leader before you, this can take even longer. I know I have been working with the youth in Lewiston for almost 2 years and feel like I am just now getting to a place of feeling like my leadership team is gelling...and that is a continuous effort and room for growth. I've heard many pastors say that the 3-5 year mark is when it just starts to come together...though from what I see it's pretty much a continuous effort towards seeking the Father's heart, welcoming Him to move in a fresh way (in my heart, in my leadership team and in our youth...both those that are already coming and those who I don't know yet.) Lord, would you give all of us a fresh touch, fresh ideas, fresh anointing...show us any of the places that we need to let go of old wineskin (ways of doing stuff) and give us the new wineskin! We pray for leaders to join our teams that have fresh ideas, servant hearts and an infectious passion for the youth of our cities! Have Your way! Amen Thanks for posting John! I think the first few years are reallly about relationship building. You are getting a feel for the city, the youth, the parents, the staff you are on or assisting, the Sr. leadership…and sooo much more. In many cases, if there is any sort of “difficulty” with the guy or gal that was the youth leader before you, this can take even longer.
I know I have been working with the youth in Lewiston for almost 2 years and feel like I am just now getting to a place of feeling like my leadership team is gelling…and that is a continuous effort and room for growth.
I’ve heard many pastors say that the 3-5 year mark is when it just starts to come together…though from what I see it’s pretty much a continuous effort towards seeking the Father’s heart, welcoming Him to move in a fresh way (in my heart, in my leadership team and in our youth…both those that are already coming and those who I don’t know yet.)
Lord, would you give all of us a fresh touch, fresh ideas, fresh anointing…show us any of the places that we need to let go of old wineskin (ways of doing stuff) and give us the new wineskin! We pray for leaders to join our teams that have fresh ideas, servant hearts and an infectious passion for the youth of our cities! Have Your way! Amen

]]> By: Christian http://vineyardyoutheast.org/2009/05/06/the-first-3-years/comment-page-1/#comment-60 Christian Wed, 06 May 2009 22:26:02 +0000 http://vineyardyoutheast.org/?p=155#comment-60 John, great thoughts! I don't really feel like I have definitive answers on this, but yes I am facing this. I had a "peer youth ministry" that I led for 10 years starting as a teen. Then in my mid twenties I had to totally re-invent our youth ministry for the next generation. Now I've been doing that group for over 5 years, and again we are hitting transition. One thing I'm trying to learn is that with youth ministry, I need to always be looking at leaders in three stages. 1) Seasoned and older (even into early twenties) who can really drive the ministry and do what I do; 2) totally ready teens (14-19 usually) who should be the heart of my leadership, helping us craft a relevant ministry; 3) the noobs - too young to lead, but full of potential. I am trying to connect with all three in order to make sure that our ministry is not about me, but about what THEY need. Not saying I've got it - just saying I'm shooting for it :) John, great thoughts! I don’t really feel like I have definitive answers on this, but yes I am facing this. I had a “peer youth ministry” that I led for 10 years starting as a teen. Then in my mid twenties I had to totally re-invent our youth ministry for the next generation. Now I’ve been doing that group for over 5 years, and again we are hitting transition. One thing I’m trying to learn is that with youth ministry, I need to always be looking at leaders in three stages. 1) Seasoned and older (even into early twenties) who can really drive the ministry and do what I do; 2) totally ready teens (14-19 usually) who should be the heart of my leadership, helping us craft a relevant ministry; 3) the noobs – too young to lead, but full of potential. I am trying to connect with all three in order to make sure that our ministry is not about me, but about what THEY need. Not saying I’ve got it – just saying I’m shooting for it :)

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