United Methodist, Presbyterian churches train youth leaders
Sept. 19, 2006
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A UMNS photo courtesy of the Center for Youth Ministry Training Nine students make up the inaugural class of the Center for Youth Ministry Training.
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Nine
students make up the inaugural class of the Center for Youth Ministry
Training. Brentwood (Tenn.) United Methodist Church and First
Presbyterian Church of Nashville, Tenn., have partnered to form the
center, which opened July 31. The center provides hands-on training for
future youth pastors, with emphasis on those entering their first youth
ministry positions. A UMNS photo courtesy of the Center for Youth
Ministry Training. Photo #06-1099. Accompanies UMNS story #561. 9/19/06 |
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) - A United Methodist church and a
Presbyterian congregation have formed a two-year training center for
college graduates interested in youth ministry.
Brentwood (Tenn.) United Methodist Church and First Presbyterian Church
of Nashville have partnered to form the Center for Youth Ministry
Training. Nine students are participating in the inaugural semester,
which began Aug. 16 and ends Dec. 12. Most of the students are in their
first youth ministry position.
The center is the result of the shared concerns and vision of the Rev.
Dietrich Kirk, who was then minister of youth at the United Methodist
church, and the Rev. Mark DeVries, associate pastor for youth and
families at the Presbyterian church. Kirk now serves as the executive
director of the center; DeVries chairs the board of directors.
During the past 10 years, mainline Protestant denominations have
realized the importance of a strong youth ministry program, says
DeVries. This realization has highlighted the need for "well-equipped
and theologically informed professional youth ministers," he says. "Few
places of higher learning dedicate efforts to youth ministry education."
As a result of inadequate training opportunities, mainline churches are
frustrated with youth ministries and those who lead them, Kirk and
DeVries say. Churches are often overwhelmed, and their youth ministers
are ill-equipped to handle the challenges before them.
"I know - I was one of those youth ministers 11 years ago," says Kirk.
He explains that if he had not had an experienced mentor, he would never
have become an effective youth minister.
"Sadly, the turnover rate for youth ministers is extremely high, with an
average employment in one place of only 18 months due primarily to a
lack of training and support," Kirk says. He points out how important
consistent relationships are to youth, and 18-month turnovers do not
provide that consistency.
The center's immediate goal is to equip its students with the tools and
foundation they need to make a long-term difference in youth ministries
in the region.
"Ultimately, it is our hope that the work completed through CYMT will
eventually lead to both denominational certification in youth ministry
and graduate credit that could be applied to a future seminary master's
degree," Kirk says.
School partnerships
With classrooms and office space located at the United Methodist church
and student housing provided by the Presbyterian church, the center can
provide for residential and commuter students.
"I was looking for training and a place to be supported, and the CYMT
offered me both. I am so excited about this opportunity," says Jill
Sethness, one of the students in the inaugural class.
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A UMNS photo courtesy of the Center for Youth Ministry Training The Rev. Dietrich Kirk speaks at the dedication service.
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The
Rev. Dietrich Kirk, executive director of the new Center for Youth
Ministry Training, speaks at the center's dedication service. Brentwood
(Tenn.) United Methodist Church and First Presbyterian Church of
Nashville, Tenn., have partnered to form the center, which opened July
31, providing hands-on training for future youth pastors. A UMNS photo
courtesy of the Center for Youth Ministry Training. Photo #06-1100.
Accompanies UMNS story #561. 9/19/06 |
An important part of the program is the center's collaboration with
United Methodist-related Duke Divinity School, Martin Methodist
College's Center for Church Leadership and Presbyterian-affiliated
Princeton Theological Seminary's Institute for Youth Ministry.
Amy Vaughn, co-director of Princeton's Institute for Youth Ministry,
says the institute provides counsel regarding curriculum and potential
visiting faculty for the center.
The Center for Youth Ministry Training's curriculum focuses on three areas:
- theology, including biblical content and interpretation;
- theology in practice, including history and understanding of youth ministry and strategies for sustainable youth ministry; and
- personal development, including leadership and spiritual development.
Classes for the spring 2007 semester will begin Jan. 9 and end May
15. Summer 2007 classes will be May 22-Aug. 14, and next year's winter
classes will be Dec. 12-Jan. 16.
Working with local churches
In addition to training the next generation of youth ministers, the
center will equip the local churches for youth ministry. Center staff
members will help churches establish their own vision, mission, and
goals. The staff will also train volunteers and help churches implement
their plans.
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A UMNS photo courtesy of the Center for Youth Ministry Training The
Rev. Mark DeVries and the Rev. Howard Olds, pastor of Brentwood United
Methodist Church, converse during the opening ceremonies.
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The
Rev. Mark DeVries, chairman of the board of directors of the Center for
Youth Ministry Training, and the Rev. Howard Olds, pastor of Brentwood
(Tenn.) United Methodist Church, converse during the center's opening
ceremonies. Brentwood United Methodist Church and First Presbyterian
Church of Nashville, Tenn., have partnered to form the center, which
opened July 31. The center provides hands-on training for future youth
pastors, with emphasis on those entering their first youth ministry
positions. A UMNS photo courtesy of the Center for Youth Ministry
Training. Photo #061101. Accompanies UMNS story #561. 9/19/06 |
The youth director, church, and center become partners in ministry over
the two years of the program to build strong, effective youth ministries
that will reach current and future generations with the love of Christ,
Kirk says.
"Impacting young people for Christ is the ultimate goal of the CYMT. We
accomplish it by equipping others to develop their gifts and ministries
to make the impact," he says.
United Methodist churches participating in this first two-year youth
ministry training effort are Arlington and Calvary, Nashville; Ashland
City; Crossville; and Nolensville First. Churches of other denominations
participating are Second Presbyterian, Nashville; Advent Lutheran and
First Presbyterian, Murfreesboro; and St. Andrew's Presbyterian,
Nashville, working with Preston-Taylor Homes.
More information about the Center for Youth Ministry Training is available at www.cymt.org.
*The above article is adapted from a release by Jan Knight, retired
editor of Pockets magazine and member of Brentwood (Tenn.) United
Methodist Church.
News media contact: Linda Green, (615) 742-5470 or newsdesk@umcom.org.
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