The Christian Youth Ministry seeks to walk with youths and young adults in their faith journey, facilitating an encounter with God, in order to foster the total personal and spiritual growth of each individual. It empowers them to participate in the life and mission of the Church and in the transformation of the world.

Our vision for the Christian Youth Ministry brings young people and adults together as a community of God's people where . . .

· Jesus Christ is the central focus in celebrating in Word and Sacrament (Colossians 3:16-17)
· Youth develop significant relationships with their peers and caring adults (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)
· Young people grow in faith, their personal relationship with Christ and who they are as God's people (Ephesians 3:16-19)
· Youth can ask hard questions and find answers about faith and life (2 Timothy 3:14-17, Matthew 7:7)
· Confession, absolution and unconditional love are the hallmarks of Christian community (Ephesians 4:32)
· Young people join in worship, nurture, service, outreach and fellowship activities (1 Timothy 4:12, Acts 2:42-47)
· Young people know that they are accepted (Romans 15:5-7)
· Young people are able to serve in meaningful ways in the church and in the world (2 Corinthians 9:12)
· Youth can use their gifts to the glory of God (1 Peter 4:10, Romans 12:4-8)

The mission of the Christian Youth Ministry is to work for the salvation of Youth and Young Adults through Jesus Christ. Our goal is to lead youth into:

1. An understanding of their God-given gifts and abilities.
2. An understanding of their privilege and responsibility to serve.
3. Empowerment to do ministries in the church and the community
4. Integration into church leadership to promote ownership of the church mission

These goals encompass the four vision priorities:

1. Spiritual Growth = Salvation of Our Youth
2. Mobilization of the Spiritual Gifts = Understand Gifts and Abilities
3. Outreach = Privilege and Responsibility to Serve
4. Loving Fellowship and Unity = Thoroughly Integrate into Church Leadership

Holy Scripture provides the framework which shapes our understanding of youth ministry.

Youth are called by the Holy Spirit through Word and Sacrament to full partnership in the community of faith and challenged to full participation in the life and ministry of Christ and His church.

---