Youth Strategy

INTRODUCTION:

In 2003 Session and Committee launched Future First to secure funding and so create the Director of Youth Ministries post within First Lisburn. As a result Matt Craig joined us. Through this post we want to pool together and strategically build on the various youth ministries within our congregation. One of the many aims was to produce an overarching Youth Strategy for all such activities.

PURPOSE: (What are we about?)

Relying on God’s grace we want to meet young people, between the ages of 4 – 25, where they are and communicate Christ in an authentic way that encourages faith and draws them towards a life of discipleship, service and belonging within Christ’s body, the church.

VISION: (where we want to be in 2-3 years time)

A growing youth ministry within the centre of Lisburn that is an integral part of the worshipping community of First Lisburn characterised by:-

  • Evangelism- Making contact with both our young people and those unconnected with First Lisburn so they are able to hear and understand the message of Jesus. Our hope is that by God’s grace they will place their faith in Jesus as Saviour and Lord.
  • Fellowship – Those who come to our youth ministry should find a welcoming and safe environment in which they have room to ask questions about their faith and identity and we are prepared to respond to them. Our hope is that young people will develop meaningful relationships with each other, youth leaders and the congregation of First Lisburn. We as a congregation should be aware of issues that face young people and be prepared to draw along side them giving appropriate help as they work their way through them.
  • Discipleship – Our youth ministry should give young people time and space to investigate the challenge of Jesus as he calls them to be his disciples and witnesses within their sub-culture. We also want to provide learning experiences through practical service and outreach opportunities. We who are the worshipping community need to model discipleship to our young people at all times.
  • Worship- Young people will be encouraged to investigate and develop worship styles that are meaningful to them in their own organisations and in congregational services. Such times should enable them to worship Jesus with their lives after the event.

VALUES:   (what we want to shape the way we do our Youth Ministry)

  • Christ Centeredness – We need to continually keep our focus on Jesus Christ as we seek to serve him in our ministry.
  • Biblical Basis – Here we find the only reliable source of knowledge about God and how we should live for him.
  • Prayer Support – We are totally reliant on God’s blessing to make our ministry effective.
  • Relational Youth Work – We are told that the most effective way to minister amongst post-modern / millennial young people is via authentic relationships rather than relying solely on programs. However programs are absolutely necessary to give structure. We recognise that each organisation has its own structure.
  • Inter-generational Community – all generations working together as the body of Christ to achieve our goals.