District Ministry Plan Vision 2008 and beyond 1
Nazarene Youth Department
Of the Trinidad and Tobago District
Youth Ministry Plan
Theme & Focus: Leading the Next Generation
I Peter 2: 9
“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;”
“If purpose is not known abuse is inevitable”
Myles Munroe
VISION STATEMENT
To become effective and efficient leaders empowering and equipping others in the things pertaining to the Kingdom of GOD
MISSION STATEMENT
To carry the Gospel of the Kingdom of God whereby disciple and impact Youths holistically to live free in this present world
Aims and Objectives
To identify, train, develop, mobilize, and release the untapped leader within every young person especially those of the Trinidad and Tobago Youth District. This will be accomplished by maximizing one's true potential in the discovery of personal purpose and kingdom purpose in the fulfillment of God's ultimate purpose for mankind. (Acts 26:18 & Hosea 4:6)
Values
We value Young People … significant in the kingdom of God.
We value the Bible … God's unchanging truth for our lives.
We value Prayer … vital interactive communication with our heavenly father.
We value the Church … a global holiness community of faith, diverse in culture but one in Christ.
We value Worship … life-changing encounters with an intimate God.
We value Discipleship … a lifestyle of becoming like Christ.
We value Community … building relationships that help bind us together and to God.
We value Ministry…extending God's grace to our world.
We value Witness … sharing God’s love in word and deed.
We value Holiness . . . a work of grace whereby God, through the working of His Holy Spirit, enables us to live a life representing Christ in who we are and in everything we do.
Guiding Principles
NYI exists for youth.
Nazarene Youth International exists to attract, equip, and empower young people for service in the kingdom of God and to facilitate their integration into the Church of the Nazarene.
NYI focuses on Christ.
Christ is central to who we are, the Word of God our authoritative source for all we do, and holiness our pattern for life.
NYI is built on relational ministry to youth in the local church.
Effective ministry to young people in the local church is critical to the health and vibrancy of NYI. Relationships and incarnational ministry form the foundation for Nazarene youth ministry, guiding young people toward spiritual maturity in Christ.
NYI develops and mentors young leaders.
NYI provides opportunities for emerging leaders to develop and utilize their gifts within an environment of nurture and support, assuring strong leadership for the Church of the Nazarene. Leadership training, accountability, and mechanisms for evaluation and modification of ministry are vital functions of NYI.
NYI is empowered to lead.
Relevant youth ministry requires that responsibility for ministry and organizational decisions reside with NYI leadership and the appropriate governing bodies at every level. A sense of belonging and ownership, a passion for service, and input in decision-making are key ingredients for the empowerment of young people through NYI.
NYI embraces unity and diversity in Christ.
NYI is committed to understanding and celebrating differences and diversity in language, colour, race, culture, socioeconomic class, and gender. Our differences do not diminish unity but enhance our potential and effectiveness. Sharing the good news of Jesus Christ in culturally relevant ways must always be a high priority.
NYI creates networks and partnerships.
A climate of cooperation characterizes our relationships at every level of NYI. Networking within the church enhances the development and deployment of young people for service; NYI actively participates in such cooperative endeavours.
Proposed New Structure/Ministry Plan of the Nazarene Youth Department:-
History:
The Church of the Nazarene has survived 100 years and still counting. We recognize its accomplishments throughout the years and appreciate its commitment to biblical holiness. Nazarene Youth International first began in the very first Church of the Nazarene founded in 1895 by Phineas Bresee in Los Angeles, California. By 1903 there were two youth ministries entitled “Company E” and the “Brotherhood of St. Stephen” offered to the young people in Breese’s church. Company E, led by Mrs. Lucy P. Knott, was the name designated for the young ladies in the church who met on Friday evenings for study of the Word, united and intercessory prayer, testimonies, and evangelism. The purpose of the existence of Company E is to rise up a host of young women who will be indeed and truth “examples of believers.” For this we pray with groanings that cannot be uttered. We believe that the service is the natural result of perfect love, and have found that just as we are true to the Holy Spirit, God has enabled us to bring forth fruit that remains. We rejoice as a company we are going on to know the Lord.”
The Brotherhood of St. Stephen, led by Mr. R. E. Shaw, was the name of the ministry for the young men of the Los Angeles First Church of the Nazarene. This ministry for young men conducted regular Bible study, praise, prayer services at the church, and the holding of street services. We recognize Jesus Christ as Lord. We regard His servant Stephen as a kind of young manhood well pleasing in His sight, in that he was full of faith and the Holy Ghost and was thus filled with heavenly wisdom and power, and enabled to give his testimony for Jesus Christ, even in the face of overwhelming opposition, and do blessed service for Him. That he was also transformed by the indwelling divine glory and enabled to gaze steadfastly into heaven. To have the same divine anointing and enduement, and with the same intensity, fidelity, spiritual transformation and power to do the Lord’s service, is our earnest desire and for the more perfect attainment of which we band ourselves together as the Brotherhood of St. Stephen, that by united prayer and steady co-operation we may thus glorify our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; that we may thus be filled with His presence, testify to His grace, band ourselves together, praying God to make us like his servant Stephen and thus like our blessed Lord Jesus, we subscribe ourselves His servants.”
Together, the members of Company E and the Brotherhood of St. Stephen searched the Scriptures for a verse that would represent their desire to live what they described as “the higher Christian life.” This was a life led by the Holy Spirit resulting in spiritual growth and maturity. The two groups ultimately agreed on I Timothy 4:12 as their theme verse. The King’s James version of the Bible was their source:
“Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”
It is said by many that to know where you are going you need to know where you came from. This youth department of Trinidad and Tobago is set to embark on a journey not for recognition but to influence a generation that allows the Holy Spirit to be the ultimate guide in their lives projecting a character of holiness, living free in the spirit, and to unconditionally love mankind in this cruel and evil world.
It is necessary that we recognize then that the present structure/ministry plan of the youth department did its part to bring us here; we must now take up that mantle of change if we are to survive and be influential for the next 100 years if the Lord permits. This ministry plan is also to assist and support the present district vision of the Church of the Nazarene (Mission 7-11) as God leads and direct.
Trinidad and Tobago District Youth Department
Executive Team:-
President: - It is recommended that along with the responsibilities outline in the Church of the Nazarene Manual under section 3 of the NYI Charter Ministry Plan that a newly elected President serve a two-year term as it gives a reasonable time frame for advancement and adjusting to take place.
Vice-President: - It is recommended that along with the responsibilities outline in the Church of the Nazarene Manual under section 3 of the NYI Charter Ministry Plan that a newly elected Vice-President serve a two-year term as it gives a reasonable time frame for advancement and adjusting to take place.
Secretary: - It is recommended that along with the responsibilities outline in the Church of the Nazarene Manual under section 3 of the NYI Charter Ministry Plan that a newly appointed Secretary serve a two-year term as it gives a reasonable time frame for advancement and adjusting to take place.
Treasurer: - It is recommended that along with the responsibilities outline in the Church of the Nazarene Manual under section 3 of the NYI Charter Ministry Plan that a newly appointed Treasurer serve a two-year term as it gives a reasonable time frame for advancement and adjusting to take place.
This district ministry plan provides a standard format for the organization, function, and leadership of NYI at the district level. The district NYI may adapt and revise the plan in response to youth ministry needs on the district, consistent with the Nazarene Youth International Charter and the Manual of the Church of the Nazarene. Any area not covered by this ministry plan is under the authority of the District NYI Council. (Ref. to Section 1 Provisions of VI Revisions under the NYI Charter Ministry Plan)
Zone Presidents Objectives
Zone Presidents: To ensure that the vision and mission is properly communicated across the various zones. To ensure that support is given to all local presidents in their ventures to enhance and develop their local NYIs. To encourage unity and togetherness amongst the zones, to create and develop relevant programs and ongoing ministries that meets the need of their zone. To continually motivate local presidents in their ventures.
Ministry Teams: -
Youth Ambassadors Ministry: - Once known as Career Youth, Youth Ambassadors will be focusing on the age group 19 – 30 years. This ministry is geared towards developing role models and leaders for the future Church of the Nazarene. This team would engage and address issues, and challenges that affect their everyday life and implement programs and events to effectively address the spiritual requirements and commitments to minister and live a purposeful life in this present age.
Kingdom Achievers Ministry: - Once known as Senior and Early Youth, Kingdom Achievers will be focusing on the age group 12 – 18 years. It will consist of the Early Kingdom Achievers (12-14yrs) and Senior Kingdom Achievers (15-18 yrs). This ministry is geared towards foundational and preparatory programs that teach kingdom holiness. This team will address issues, and challenges that affect their everyday life and implement the relevant programs and events to tackle them. The ultimate goal of this team is preparing them for God’s use and kingdom advancement. Appointed guides/helpers will work alongside the ministry to ensure its full productivity and advancement.
Camp Ministry: - This ministry would serve as an evangelistic forum, targeting youths who would fall in the group of Kingdom Achievers. This team would be responsible for raising their own funds, setting dates, advertising, and promoting camp. They would work in conjunction with the Kingdom Achievers and develop themes, impactful sessions, and select competent people to carry this work of the ministry forward.
Quiz Ministry: - This ministry would focus on two areas; (1) evangelism as it encourages the individual(s) to competitively develop spiritually with one another as well as keeping them actively involved and interested in the Word of God, and (2) to strengthen the believer’s knowledge of the Word and God. It also gears individuals for healthy competition amongst their peers.
Discipleship/Evangelism Ministry: - This ministry develops and implements a variety of ongoing ministries and special events to reach young people for Christ. It also develops and implements ongoing ministries and events to nurture and challenge young people to grow as Disciples of Christ, in personal devotion, worship, fellowship, ministry, and leading others to Christ.
Ministry Objectives
Youth Ambassadors Representatives: To be role models, that are centered around developing leaders, creating seminars, and special events that would continually encourage holistic development and team efforts in our NYI’s and the challenges of the intermittent world, also building bridges between this ministry and the elders.
This group is encouraged to help build and sustain the fire for Christ in the lives of the youths in our Nazarene community. It is to encourage others helping them to understand that Christianity is not limited to or not conformed by traditional roles but has evolved and is circumspect to change and be influenced to the changing times. Hence members from all disciplines have been directed and encouraged to share their knowledge and experience.
Kingdom Achievers Representatives: To ensure participation in all NYI ventures by their peers. To create programs and events that promotes and influences kingdom advancement and development. Also being bridge builders between this ministry and that of the Youth Ambassadors. This group will also provide avenues for peer counselling. This group is encouraged to help build and sustain the fire for Christ in the lives of the youths in our Nazarene community. It is to encourage others helping them to understand that Christianity is not limited to or not conformed by traditional roles but has evolved and is circumspect to change and be influenced to the changing times. Hence members from all disciplines have been directed and encouraged to share their knowledge and experience.
Camp Director: To ensure that evangelism and empowerment of the Holy Spirit are this ministry’s main focal points. To ensure that appropriate themes, sessions, and programs are implemented. To ensure a well balanced program is implemented targeting both Christians and non-Christians. This group is encouraged to help build and sustain the fire for Christ in the lives of the youths in our Nazarene community. It is to encourage others helping them to understand that Christianity is not limited to or not conformed by traditional roles but has evolved and is circumspect to change and be influenced to the changing times. Hence members from all disciplines have been directed and encouraged to share their knowledge and experience.