LCMS Convention Workbook St. Louis, Missouri — 1983, Page 66

Transcription machine transcription, uncorrected

⤓ Download .txt · copy text

—_

|

i

66

these kind of leadership materials through our regular net-
works of resources and workshops. It is hoped that in coopera-
tion with the Board for Parish Services and Concordia Publish-
ing House that we can continue to provide new and effective
materials in this important area.

Use of Witness/Reporter

The BYS congratulates the staff of Witness / Reporter for its
excellent coverage of youth ministry events and items. We
have appreciated that affirmation and hope that these mater-
ials continue to be helpful to parishes and Districts. The BYS
has also attempted to surface new ideas and resource people by
inviting people from throughout the Synod to author various
articles and materials.

Youth Ministry and the Great Commission Convocation

As part of the “Year of Youth Ministry” emphasis, as well
as the need to continue to involve youth in the total ministry of
congregations, it is encouraged that the synodical evangelism
convocation to be held in 1984 have as one of its many
emphases the involvement of youth in all areas of the convoca-
tion. It is suggested that young people be asked to participate
and that materials, workshops, and other sessions also be
geared to the needs of young people. This will continue to
affirm the fact that youth and adults continue to bein ministry
together.

5 New Servant Events

One of the more exciting new programs being developed by
the BYS is the servant events. These are “work camps” that are
jointly sponsored by the BYS and various Districts. Five such
servant events are being held in the summer of 1983. It is
projected that these will continue to grow as needs develop.
This summer, two are being held in Colorado, one in Southern
Illinois, one in the Southeastern District, and one in the
Missouri District. One of the events was filled very quickly, and
many people had to be turned away. It is projected that these
events, which allow young people to volunteer their time to
help in specific need areas throughout the country, will con-
tinue to develop and increase. We thank the Lord for this new
way of providing avenues for youth to share their faith with
others.

Funding Youth Services

The board and staff continue to advocate strongly that the
Synod consider increasing the available funds to do youth
aministry. During the past years a number of major programs
have been added to the BYS list of responsibilities, such as LYF
and synodical youth gatherings. These and other programs
continue to take much staff time to develop and also need the
finances necessary to be effective in the tasks. It has been a
constant concern that the youth ministry budget continues to
be reduced while additional requests and programs continue to
be added. The Synod’s interest in youth ministry, especially
through this “Year of Youth Ministry,” also needs to show in
budget allocations for these tasks. It is hoped that the Synod
can continue to sense the strong need to make resources
available for youth ministry in order for it to continue to grow
_and be more effective in its outreach. The BYS staff continues
to seek additional ways outside of the synodical budget to fund
some of our various programs so that the best use of current
resources is followed.

Year of Youth Ministry Emphasis

Many exciting activities and plans are being made for the
“Year of Youth Ministry” in Synod, 1983—84. With the begin-
ning of this “Him We Proclaim” convention, the BYS will be
providing various opportunities for Districts and parishes to
observe this emphasis.

1. New youth ministry film. A new youth ministry film has
been developed with funds from AAL. This film is
available to Districts and parishes to use in various
settings. It provides a look at how youth and adults can
work together in the parish as well as affirming the fact
that youth are gifts to those people around them.

PARISH, YOUTH, AND COMMUNICATION SERVICES

2. 1983 youth gathering in San Antoniois also an excellent
way to begin a “Year of Youth Ministry” emphasis. It is
strongly hoped that this five-day event will have lasting
effect on the family units who participate and then who
return to their parishes, refreshed and excited about their
ministry in that place.

3. Anew Advo-Kit. Thanks again to AAL for providing the
development of an Advo-Kit, a parish kit that will be
made available in early 1984. This resource for parishes
will help parishes to evaluate their present youth minis-
try program and give guidance and helps towards
developing future directions.

4. Synodical convention. At this synodical convention, it is
hoped that youth will have a great visibility and owner-
ship in their church’s convention. Various presentations,
a massive youth rally, involvement of District youth
representatives, a large youth ministry resource center,
and other avenues are being planned to make youth and
youth ministry a visible and positive aspect of the
convention as well as the Synod in general.

Him We Will Proclaim!

Through the blessings and guidance of the Lord, the BYS
stands ready and willing to effectively serve the LCMS parish-
es and its youth and adults. The board and staff stand firmly
and confidently on the power and blessings of almighty God as
He allows us to proclaim His Word in truth and purity. We
continue to live in forgiveness and in the joy of knowing that
the Spirit is truly present among us. We continue to boldly state
that only through His Spirit’s power can anything significant
and meaningful happen with young people. The Board for
Youth Service’s logo is indicative of the emphasis of youth
ministry in the Synod. The butterfly symbol stresses the power
of the Resurrection in our lives. The cross in the middle of the
butterfly points out the focal point of faith: Jesus Christ, who
died for the sins of the whole world and redeemed us for eternal
life. The images of people, youth and adults, within the
butterfly wings point out the fact that ministry is a daily
relationship with those around us. The colors of the butterfly
stress the celebration and joy we have as God’s people, ready,
through the power of the Spirit, to share Christ with others!

And so we move boldly into the future, confident that the
Lord provides avenues and settings for us to continue to loudly
proclaim His word of grace and mercy to youth and adults! We
stand committed to continue the relationship between youth
and adults in order that all of God’s people can shout loudly
and clearly ‘Him We Proclaim”!

Recommendations

The Board for Youth Services, therefore, boldly proposes the
following recommendations:

Peer Ministry

WHEREAS, The young people of the Lutheran Church—
Missouri Synod experience their share of life’s traumas,
uncertainties, struggles, and temptations as they mature
emotionally, physically, and spiritually; and

WHEREAS, Young people often have a deep need to talk with
someone who cares during such difficult times; and

WHEREAS, Young people can be very helpful to their peers
during times of crisis and special needs; and

WHEREAS, There is an ongoing interest and desire of young
people to be trained in significant helping skills; and

WHEREAS, The Board for Youth Services has developed the
Peer Ministry program, which is designed to help young people
to be more alert, caring Christian helpers in their various
worlds; and

WHEREAS, Twenty-three Districts of the Synod have already
had an individual trained in the Peer Ministry Program;
therefore be it

Resolved, That each District of the Synod be encouraged to
identify an individual to be trained in the Peer Ministry
program; and be it further

Resolved, That each District of the Synod be encouraged to
expand its endeavors to provide opportunities for its young