About 4 years into my ministry with YFC, one of my ministry colleagues, Michael Chatman, who was the Overtown Area Director at the time, walked into my office with what I considered to be a bizarre and outrageous idea. His idea went something like this: “Tommy, we have all of these resources at our disposal; you and I have been to training Institutes, conferences, and workshops all over the country; and we have been taught by some of the best youth ministry leaders in the country. Why are we just sitting here DOING ministry?”

“Excuse me?” I queried. “What do you mean by why are we ‘just’ sitting here doing ministry? Isn’t that like saying: ‘why are we just impacting young people with the Gospel?’ Am I missing something? What we are supposed to be doing? Did I miss-read my calling and job description?”

He continued: “Well, with all the ministry resources and training we have; and with so many small urban churches and ministries out there with so little … why don’t we help them? Why don’t we offer some of the training and resources we have received … and give it back to churches in the community?”

After hearing Mike go on and on about his idea, I eventually did what every reasonable, level-minded, rational person would do upon hearing such a proposal … I kicked him out of my office.

“Wait! Wait! Just listen for a minute,” he protested. “What if we organized, a youth workers’ seminar for the community, and invited people that we know to attend? We could put on a well-organized, professional seminar, and offer them sound teaching, and creative ideas that could assist them in their ministry to young people.”

That sounded reasonable … and somewhat exciting. He was gradually beginning to make just a little bit of sense. But there was still one huge question. And I asked it:

“And just who exactly do you think is going to come to a training put on by a couple of twenty-something ‘knuckleheads’ … I mean a couple of competent, experienced inner-city youth leaders?” I don’t think he liked my sarcastic remark, but he was most sincere in his retort.

“I think people would come.” He stated confidently. “Think of it this way: Where does a person who has very little, or no formal training in youth ministry go for new and fresh ideas? Where would someone who works in Miami’s urban setting go for ideas, resources, and encouragement? Who else is offering affordable, practical training for youth leaders in the city?”

He had a point there, but I just couldn’t see how “we” would be the ones to provide such a training event. Surely there were a number of competent, experienced leaders who could provide training for youth leaders in South Florida.  Right? But who?

“Listen …” he went on, “.. My Mom will come, your brother will come, the YFC staff will come …” he quipped. “It doesn’t have to be a big seminar. I just want us to be good stewards of the resources and training God has allowed us to benefit from; and assist churches the best way we can.” Somehow, what he was saying begun to really resonate with me. And I believe God used Mike to inspire me with the idea of training and equipping others.

The year was 1989, and we hosted South Florida’s first Urban Youth Workers’ Seminar on the old campus of Miami Christian College (now  Trinity International University). It was a bright, sunny Saturday morning in September, and Mike and I were standing outside the Chapel as cars started driving into the parking lot. Lots and lots of cars! Mike and I looked at each other, wondering where those cars were coming from. And how did they find out about this seminar? And the most important question: “what happens if we run out of food!?”

The Chapel began to fill up, and soon there were no chairs left! Over 200 people attended our first conference. It was hard to believe. And we DID run out of food!! But thanks to a contact we had at Church’s Chicken (thank you”Chicken Lady”), we had extra meals delivered in record time! The Seminar way superseded either of our expectations, and we were overwhelmed by the reception and affirmation of the people who attended.

At the end of an exhausting but exhilarating day, Mike and I were in stunned amazement that God had pulled this one through. We felt humbled and blessed that He had chosen to use us in some small way.

It is hard to believe, but that was 25 years ago. A quarter of a century! And what a journey it has been. That first seminar in 1989 laid the groundwork for what would later become my full-time ministry in training and equipping youth leaders for effective evangelism, discipleship, and the empowerment of young people. The Urban Training Network (UTN) was born some 10 years later, and the Miami Youth Leadership Initiative (a ministry partnership with Miami Youth for Christ); are a direct result and outgrowth of that initial seminar.

About seven years ago we partnered with the Urban Youth Workers’ Institute (a national ministry based in California), to continue to provide training for youth leaders, and the seminar became known as: “Reload Miami.”

This year we are pleased to present the 25^th annual Youth workers’ Seminar for youth workers and student leaders. I continue to be humbled and blessed that God could use me and the team around us, to provide this training for youth workers and student leaders. What an awesome privilege and opportunity to serve in this way.

The post 25 Years of Training Leaders … and Counting! appeared first on Impact 922 Ministries.

Although there are a few posts on the page, this is the first installment of a “personal” blog , where I will share thoughts on topics, ideas for ministry, and reflections on current events.

My main areas of focus will be: youth ministry, cross-cultural ministry, culture, evangelism, discipleship, psychology/counseling, ministry in complex urban settings … and at times … life in general. Sorry, no sports or issues related to technology … I’m lucky I can turn on this thing :-).

I would very much like your feedback on the things I share. I am going to try to stay “generic.” In other words, I will share general principles that apply across the board without attempting to be too controversial. But I recognize that in this pluralistic world we live in, there are many worldviews, and alternative points of view. I welcome robust conversation, but I want to keep it open to a wide audience, and a comfortable place to share ideas. Please be respectful of others, and be mindful of the fact that we all come from a variety of cultural, denominational, and socio-economic backgrounds. So we may differ in our perspectives, and we may even disagree from time to time.  Let’s “major on the majors,” interact respectfully, and let’s have good conversation. Above all, let’s Glorify God in everything we say and do!

So, let me invite you to join me on this journey, and let’s see where it might lead. I suggest you “subscribe” to the feed so you will know when I have a new post. It will be good to have you on board with us! Now let me see if I can find the “send” button on this thing.

Tommy Carrington

The post UTN Introductory Blog Post appeared first on Impact 922 Ministries.

4. Develop a Balance Between Healthy Fun and Building Relationships

I wish I could truly say (in my best King James voice): “Young people cometh to my Bible Studies because they want to heareth the word of Godeth.” Or I wish I could say that kids come to hear the eloquent messages I stayed up all night to put together. I wish I could even say that they come because of their love for God and their deep commitment to Christ. Some do, but the vast majority of the un-churched, urban kids I have worked with initially came to youth group for two reasons: fun and relationships.

In all honesty, that’s why I began to attend youth group as a kid…at least initially. I attended the local youth group for the following main reasons:

1. Fun —The youth leaders at the church I grew up in dared to allow us to have fun. We played games, went on trips, camps, all-nighters, and many other activities. This might not be a revolutionary principle for you, but many churches are reluctant to incorporate fun into their youth services. I have heard it said: “You’re just entertaining those kids.” Key word: just. If all you are doing is having fun and playing games with kids, then you are missing it. If, however, you are incorporating fun as an integral part of what you do in youth ministry, mixed in with solid Biblical teaching, I see that as a healthy and balanced approach to youth ministry.

2. Relationships —I developed close friendships with the other kids who were there. During that process, I developed relationships with caring adults who didn’t just see me as a name on a roster, but who took the time to ask me how I was doing in school, and who talked to me openly and honestly about issues I really cared about. Eventually, as I built relationships with caring adults, this ultimately led me into a closer relationship with God!

Paul told the church in Thessalonica:

“we loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well . . .” 1 Thess. 2:8

Dr. Howard Hendricks reminds us that

“you can impress people from a distance . . . you can only impact them up close.”

5. Get the Kids Involved

According to Dr. Robert Laurent, the number one reason why kids leave the church is “lack of opportunity for church involvement.” Kids need to feel that they are significant and valuable. If they don’t feel that from the church, they will go somewhere else where they can feel a sense of belonging. One of the most significant lures of cults and gangs is that they immediately give young people responsibilities and opportunities for involvement.

Dr. Jawanza Kunjufu quotes a notorious gang leader who said:

“We will always get the youth because we know how to make them feel important.”

Sometimes we make young people feel like they are not important, or don’t have anything to offer the church. We push them aside; tell them to be quiet; get off the platform; don’t play with the microphone. Then when they are older, we wonder where are our young leaders? We must make our kids feel important very early on.

Give the kids real responsibilities. Let them know you believe in them and that they are valuable to you and to the growth and development of the group.

6. Have a “Kick-off” Event

As you put the program in place, and meet for a few weeks with your core group, the momentum will build, and the kids will “catch the vision.” Then plan some form of “kick-off” event that will inspire the kids to go out and invite their friends. The kids could pass out flyers and invite their friends to attend this special event, which could be a pizza party, athletic tournament, “game night,” or other activity which would be high energy and exciting. Make sure it includes an evangelistic presentation, and an opportunity to follow-up new kids.

7. Be Committed for the Long Haul

Almost nothing is stable in a young person’s life in the inner-city. Dr. John Perkins points out that 70 percent of inner-city children are growing up without a father. In order to make ends meet, their single-parent might have to move frequently, thus changing neighborhoods, friends and schools. If there is one thing that should remain consistent, it should be their youth worker, who is very often the one positive adult role model a child may have. Youth ministry in the urban setting is just one of those fields that you cannot do for a short period of time and expect significant results. You must have a long-term commitment to the kids, their families and their neighborhoods.

It has now been 17 wonderful years since I first got my feet wet in urban ministry in Miami. Sure, I have had my share of disappointments, failures, and frustrations, but it has been the joy of my life to know kids who have grown up in the “hood,” and who have now become positive members of society and some who have even entered the ministry! It has made all those sleepless nights and hair loss … worth it!

The post Developing Youth Programs for Urban Teens-Part 2 appeared first on Impact 922 Ministries.

With Bible-in-hand, one volunteer, and few resources, I set out to reach these kids for Christ. I felt alone, unprepared, and isolated from the rest of the Christian world. Surely there was no one else on the earth doing this type of ministry … no one brain-damaged enough. What do I do? Where do I start? How do I get them to listen to me? Suppose these kids gang up on me? I was scared to death, but felt a deep calling to this ministry.

Many lonely years later, numerous frustrating nights, and many less hairs on my head, I was able to start with that core group, and eventually develop six small groups, eventually reaching over 100 kids per week. This was only possible with a massive dose of God’s Grace, and with the help of dedicated volunteers.

So how do you begin a youth group with kids in the inner-city . . . with virtually nothing? It is important to note that there is no “magical formula.” There really isn’t a “how-to” manual for urban ministry. The needs of kids are as diverse as the cultures, ethnic groups and personalities of those who make up the inner-city.

Although there are no set formulas, there are a few essential ingredients, which, if implemented, make it more likely for kids to want to keep coming back. Here are some things I learned along the way.

1. Identify Your Resources.

You might say: “I don’t have any resources.” But if you look around, you will begin to see that you do indeed have something. You have at least three basic resources you can begin with.

1. Spiritual resources: You are able to equip yourself with Bible aids, books, Christian music, videos, etc. Start with a few resources, and as you grow, you can add more to your resource library,
2. Facility resources: You have access to a church building, homes, schools, gyms, parks and recreational facilities where you could possibly meet and host activities for kids. Check around to see what is available and what would work best for you. You can even rotate your meeting places.
3. People resources: There are adults from your church who can help you, special speakers you can invite, and local music groups who might be willing to come for free.

The key is to look around and identify the resources that might already be around you and available to you for little or no cost.

2. Start Small

You don’t have to feel pressured that you need to have a large group of kids in order to have an effective ministry. It is perfectly acceptable to start with a small core group of students (5-7 is ideal). As you meet and build relationships, let the kids know what you plan to do. They will need to see your level of commitment, and know that you are not going to start something and leave in a few months. Once you have gained their trust, and an effective program is in place, you have laid the foundation for your ministry to grow. They will then feel more comfortable to invite their friends.

3. Be Creative and Flexible

There is often a basic and traditional format for a youth group meeting, which is really a reproduction of the Sunday morning service:

• Opening prayer / Devotions
• Announcements
• Worship
• Message
• Dismissal – Everybody goes home

There is nothing intrinsically wrong with that format in a service, but there is so much more you could do that would make your group exciting and would inspire kids to keep coming back and invite their friends. Jim Rayburn, the founder of Young Life has said:

“it is a sin to bore kids with the Bible.”

Early on in my ministry I adopted a philosophy which said:

“I am willing to do whatever it takes to reach kids … as long it never compromises the message of Gospel.”

I believe that was the overriding principle in Paul’s letter to the Corinthian Church in 1 Corinthians 9, where he states in verse 22:

“… I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some.”

Referring to the establishment of the New Testament Church in Scripture, Dr. Robert Coleman says:

“The Church’s policy of pragmatism encouraged creativity. The rule seemed to be: Within the guidelines of the apostles’ teaching, whatever facilitates the ministry, do it —what was important is that the most helpful means be found in every setting to accomplish the task at hand.”

I believe one key to effective youth ministry, is: variety. Do things different each week. Maintain the element of surprise, so the kids don’t know what to expect. Incorporate as many creative ideas as possible and rotate their use. Examples could be things like:

• Crowd Breakers – opportunities for kids to burn energy and have fun
• Drama / skits
• Special music – we are not afraid to use contemporary Christian music, hip hop, rap, etc.
• Dance
• Videos
• Creative messages on relevant topics
• Lively discussions

It is important to keep experimenting with new ministry ideas. You might find that there are things that might work with one group of kids during a particular time, and not work with another set of kids at another time. It is important to have a “flexible methodology” approach to ministry. Be sensitive to the needs of your group in order to reach them where they are, and adjust your program to meet those needs.

The post Developing Youth Programs for Urban Teens-Part 1 appeared first on Impact 922 Ministries.

Participants will create step-by-step, practical strategies for reaching un-churched, non-Christian young people with the Gospel, discipling them to become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ, and empowering them as leaders.

The program includes weekly training classes, a system for implementation and accountability, and a mentoring relationship with the program director.

Participation

MYLI is FREE for Church Youth Workers and candidates may even apply for a grant that can be used to fund their youth ministry and/or salary. Elements of the training component of the program may also be made open to volunteers within the church/organization. The following selection criteria are minimum requirements for grant applicants. They must:

• Be in youth ministry at least 20 hours per week, with flexible hours in the daytime and some evening hours.
• Hold a position of leadership (can implement plans for change).
• Be teachable and open to change.
• Demonstrate a willingness to be held accountable for the principles being taught.

For more information on participating or supporting this exciting, collaborative initiative, contact the Youth for Christ office at 305.271.2442

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