Youth Ministry Goals

Foundations on which the Youth Program at Walnut Street is built:

1. Through prayer, the providence of God and presentation of the plan of salvation in the Bible, young men and women can accept, be baptized and live for God their entire life.
2. Regardless of the behavioral model of a child, expectations and penalties that are clearly articulated will result, in the majority of cases, in the expected behavior.
3. The appropriate intervention of a normal adult can change the life of a child.
4. Children should be treated with the respect and courtesy that we all seek.
5. The youth group activities offer an environment that is safe physically, mentally and sexually, for all its members.
6. The members of the youth group will understand that the adults who work with them will love and care for them unconditionally and will do everything in their power to protect them.
7. Children need appropriate social, mental and physical contact with mature Christian adults.

GOAL: ENSURE THAT EACH MEMBER OF OUR YOUTH GROUP RECEIVES THE FOUNDATION AND MOTIVATION NECESSARY TO LIVE A CHRIST LIKE LIFE AND GAIN THE REWARD, HEAVEN.

OBJECTIVE ONE: 100 PERCENT OF THE YOUNG PEOPLE WILL BE BAPTIZED BY THE CONCLUSION OF THEIR TWELFTH GRADE YEAR.

To achieve this objective the following plan will be implemented:

1. To offer the opportunity to be a Christian at every devotional and meeting that we had.
2. To be available to talk with or baptize a child at any time of the day or night.
3. Discuss the plan of salvation and Christian principles at each and every opportunity.
4. To talk with children individually if they were not baptized by the end of their ninth grade years.

EVALUATION: The percentage of graduating seniors who are members of God's church.

OBJECTIVE TWO: INVOLVE ALL SIXTH THROUGH TWELFTH GRADERS AT OUR CONGREGATION IN YOUTH ACTIVITIES

To achieve this objective the following plan will be implemented:

1. Communicate with all students and their parents through correspondence concerning the activities of the group.
2. Provide for more student input concerning activities.
3. Mail a monthly calendar with all the activities and events for the up coming month.
4. Encourage students directly through personnel visits.
5. Meet with parent on a quarterly basis to exchange ideas.

EVALUATION: Participation of seventy percent or greater in scheduled activities.

OBJECTIVE THREE: PROMOTE FAMILY INVOLVEMENT IN SELECTED ACTIVITIES.

To achieve this objective the following plan will be implemented:

1. Identify or develop activities that are appropriate and of interest to the family.
2. Publicize activities well in advance to allow the greatest flexibility in planning.
3. Communicate by letter to parents that this in an event that they are invited.

EVALUATION: Three family events per year.

OBJECTIVE FOUR: TO ACHIEVE A BALANCE BETWEEN SPIRITUAL, SOCIAL, PHYSICAL AND MENTAL ACTIVITIES DESIGNED TO ASSIST IN THE SOCIALIZATION AND MATURATION OF YOUNG PEOPLE TO MATURE CHRISTIAN ADULTS.

To achieve this objective the following plan will be implemented:

1. Remain cognizant of the four elements to balance and attempt to achieve some promotion of each during every activity.
2. Continue to encourage participation in worship and teaching activities and act as lobbyist and advocate for the youth as they interface with the eldership, staff and other adults.
3. Provide examples, both through youth workers and other adults, that promote the concept of achievement and balance in a Christian life.
4. Provide appropriate forum for socialization in Christian setting.

EVALUATION: Ninety percent or greater faithfulness to the church five years after high school graduation