04/05/2012

Faith Skills Workshop Provides Inspiration, Connections and Validation for Youth Advocates

Outcome Based Youth Ministry asks the question, what faith skills do our young people need to acquire to be prepared for a life of service and devotion to our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ? The answers were shared and discussed at the March 20 Faith Skills Workshop at Lutheran Memorial Camp by youth pastors, youth directors and others committed to the spiritual growth of our young people.

The workshop was led by Gary Pecuch, Youth and Family Director for the Southern Ohio Synod. Gary’s wife, Laurie, also a youth director, shared some insights on developing a Biblical self-esteem in children and how to create “I Believe” statements.

About 30 people joined in the day-long exchange of best practices and idea sharing. When asked why they chose to attend, one pastor said she was “looking for something different. Not the same youth workshops that I see every year.” A youth director said he was looking for ideas that he could take and make his own.

This is exactly what Gary Pecuch wants youth directors and pastors to do with his ideas and programs—take them and make them their own. Faith Webbing is an example. Gary’s concept of Faith Webbing is to have his youth identify 30 people from the congregation whose faith he/she admire. That’s five groups of people broken down by age range with six in each group. Once the 30 are identified, then relationships are intentionally built benefitting all congregation members involved. In a smaller congregation, perhaps 10 people is more reasonable or if a congregation is really blessed maybe more than 30, especially if the OWLs (Older Wiser Lutherans) take ownership of nurturing and encouraging the spiritual development of the youth.

Personal Ministry Plans were also discussed, which encourage young people to identify and engage in ministry according to Acts 1:8…But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

Assuming the person lives in the Southern Ohio Synod, Jerusalem is within the young person’s congregation. Judea is the city or surrounding area where the youth lives. Samaria is the United States and Ends of the Earth is outside of the United States. These ministry options can connect directly with the chosen ministries of the congregation or something the youth feels passionately about. Personal Ministry Plans work regardless of the size of the congregation.

In addition to the Faith Skills sharing, attendees had the opportunity to connect with one another, listening to each others challenges and offering support and suggestions for growing and strengthening their youth ministry. Another workshop that continues the discussion and sharing may be offered in the fall.

Here’s what some of the attendees said after participating in the Faith Skills Workshop:

Thanks so much for all the inspiring information you shared!!! I took copious notes! Thanks also to your wife for her partnership in this fantastic event! I have NEVER (whoaaaaa- I seldom use that word!) attended a workshop/presentation wherein I have been inspired all day long!!! I left that day feeling validated and inspired - WOW!

I wanted to first thank you for the workshop yesterday. Sharing your ideas and programs was great.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR AN AWESOME TRAINING EXPERIENCE! It had been my first training event. I felt it was very informative, friendly, and fun. It was a wonderful resource and pleasure. I hope to attend more soon.

For those interested in youth ministry and not able to attend the Faith Skills Workshop, look for other opportunities to hear from Gary at SynodFest, where he is leading two workshops, “From Grumbling to Gratitude: Helping Children & Youth Grow a Heart of Thankfulness” and “Created Uniquely, Loved Uniquely: How to Speak the Love Languages of Your Children and Youth.” Both workshops will be held on Saturday, June 9, 2012 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Cincinnati. See the synod website for details. He will also be leading a Faith Advance Middle School Retreat in September. See the Youth & Family Calendar on the synod website for other great youth and youth advocate events.

To schedule some time with Gary Pecuch one-on-one or with your congregation, please contact Gary in the synod office at 614.464.3532 extension 110 or via email at gpecuch@southernohiosynod.org.