I'm pleased to let you know that UCC's youth ministry will begin a partnership this month with Youth Ministry Architects (YMA), a Nashville-based consulting organization that works with churches of different sizes and denominations across the country.  In partnering with churches, YMA works alongside key stakeholders - including ministers, lay leaders, parents and youth - to customize strategic plans for building healthy and sustainable youth ministries.  YMA's Founder and President, Mark DeVries, is nationally known and respected for his 20+ years leading the youth ministry at First Presbyterian Church in Nashville and for his many published articles and books, including Family-Based Youth Ministry and, most recently, Sustainable Youth Ministry.

Mark's writings have been a major influence for me, and after reading Sustainable Youth Ministry earlier this year I could see exactly how partnering with YMA would benefit UCC at this point in our church's life.  I provided copies of the book to other staff and lay leaders, and UCC's Youth Committee agreed that we should explore a partnership.  We provided YMA with a copy of the report produced by the UCC Task Force on Youth Ministry that was first presented in January of 2007, and based on the excellent work already accomplished by the Task Force they were able to create a customized on-site assessment that will take place August 7-10.

Two YMA consultants will spend time here at UCC, using those four days to help our staff and lay leadership create a mission statement, name and embrace our core values, identify short and long-term areas of focus for our youth ministry, and establish a timeline for realistic, measurable goals for staff, volunteers, and programs.  In addition to working with our staff and the Youth Committee, YMA's consultants will also conduct focus groups over the weekend with youth, parents, and volunteers.  (See the list of focus groups below to find the one for you.)  At the conclusion of the assessment, we will receive a report from YMA summarizing the work we have done and detailing recommendations for the future.  Afterward, we will continue our partnership with YMA to ensure that our church stays on track as we implement those recommendations.

I'm excited that our church is taking steps toward a sustainable youth ministry that will thrive as our staff and congregation grow and change over the years.  As always, your prayers and support are welcome as we seek to follow the leading of God's spirit.

Grace and Peace,
Russ

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