QuickStart
by NNYM
"We didn't have it all figured out...our network just wanted to reach and equip teenagers. As we built relationships over time, we asked the question, "What are the needs of the youth in our community?" There were more needs than we could even imagine!
After meeting with our community service director, we decided to worship and serve at a local park. We were amazed when 400 students from 13 different churches gathered for a student-led worship night.
The next weekend, they did a work project at the same amphitheatre where they had worshipped. The community service director came and shared how good it was to have teenagers give back to the community. We also partnered with a group equipping youth to do school rallies and on one campus alone, students helped lead 50 of their peers to Christ!
All because we worked together."
Better Together
Walls are being torn down, students are being equipped to share Jesus, and ministries are collaborating as they discover they are better together.
Why Network?
Why work together? Doesn't that take more time? Yes, but cooperating to reach youth in your community reflects God's desire. Take a look at what these passages share:
- God's Heart: Unity. "...that they may be one..." [John 17:20-23].
- God's Process: Equipping. "...one friend sharpens another..." [Proverbs 27: 17].
- God's Command: Love. "Love one another..." [John 15:11-15].
- God's Plan: Partnerships. "It is better to have a partner..." [Ecclesiastes 4: 9-12].
- God's Call: Discipleship. "...make disciples of all nations..." [Matthew 28:18-20].
Four Priorities
Networking since 1981, National Network of Youth Ministries has identified four priorities that are transferable principles among healthy ministry networks. These core elements will help you build a stronger kingdom movement in your community.
They are:
| Using the QuickStart This QuickStart guide will help you network your community to reach and equip teenagers through interacting with the four priorities. You can work through this booklet alone or guided by a Network coach. Throughout the guide are interactive questions to apply the principles to your setting. We also have InDepth resources at www.youthworkers.net/training. You may reproduce the QuickStart for non-profit use. |
What is a Ministry Network?
A Healthy Ministry Network includes...
a community of youth workers, students and caring adults who unite by praying together and sharing relationships, resources and strategy to reach and equip teenagers for Christ.
