Find out from your children and youth ministry leaders ways they are already helping kids and youth develop in leadership skills. In the coming months, for the pastors tip from Next Gen as part of the Pastors eNews, CBOQ Next Gen will be offering some ideas on developing leadership with kids and youth. Before you start to move forward, it's good to identify what's already happening. Have a conversation with
PASTOR’S TIP: As the school year finishes in a few weeks, talk with your children and youth ministry leaders about how to help those children/youth “graduating” from their programs to exit well, and to encourage them to begin planning for the next ministry year (if they haven’t already). Help those children/youth “graduate” from their ministry program brings closure to that chapter in their life. There are different ways a church can
Tip: Understand what your children and youth know about the key issues for Indigenous peoples, and how they would like to respond. In the last couple of years, the awareness about issues facing Canada’s engagement with Indigenous peoples has escalated. Children and youth have a deeper understanding and recognition through media reports, social media posts and in their classrooms. Understand the pulse of what your children and youth perceive about these issues. Some initial questions could be: Do you have any friends who are
Tip: Talk with your children and youth leaders about their communication and involvement of parents in a hybrid ministry setup. As churches continue to further reopen their physical facilities for ministry activities, we hope all realize that the transition to physical reopening does not automatically mean the elimination of an online ministry component. While it may not be the same as what’s been done the last several months, recognizing not
TIP 3: Celebrate the people going through different graduations. This is the season when many children and youth celebrate milestones (although differently, like last year). This includes: Grade school to high school High school to post-secondary (whether school, apprenticeship or work) Post-secondary studies to new careers (or for further studies) (others you may know about) As you identify these individuals, consider: Reaching out to each graduate individually, whether it’s a
TIP 1: Register for Assembly’s learning sessions (and invite others to join you). This year’s Assembly learning sessions includes presenters from across the continent who are specialists in their fields , especially children and youth ministry. We encourage you and others at your church to register. Within your group, you can decide who will attend the various sessions so you can all share insights learned. With your registration, you’ll also
tip: Find out where your high school grads are going, and connect the ones heading to university with a campus group at t101.ca. If you have high school graduates this spring, encouraging in their next step is vital. For those going to university this September especially if it's away from home, your influence in helping them make that connection to a new faith community is crucial. The Renegotiating Faith report
tip: Register for (and recommend) some Assembly learning breakouts. CBOQ is excited to be hosting its annual Assembly, our "family gathering" of churches. Since this year is happening online, there are some great ways to connect and learn from one another, including through our learning sessions. You can find all the ones offered at baptist.ca/assembly/#assembly-learning-sessions. (The early bird deadline is May 9 with the final day to register on June
Tip 2: Begin Talking about Lent/Easter Plans with your Children and Youth Leaders At the beginning of the Easter season, what conversation behave you had with your children and youth leaders about how your church will celebrate Easter? We all have to face changing variables (similar to those we faced last December ahead of Christmas) in what we’re able to do. Some considerations and questions as you approach the conversation these coming days: During this Easter season, what are the non-negotiable expressions? (Be careful not to confuse these with what you want the most.)
Tip 1: Register for Today's Teens Today’s Teens Conference is the largest and currently the longest-running youth ministry training conference in Ontario. This year it will be presented entirely online and FOR FREE! The lineup includes plenary speakers like Finu Iype, Chris Chase, Lisa Pak and Brett Ullman. You’ll also get access to over 20+ breakout sessions and bonus materials. Even if you can’t make it to the entire event on Saturday, February 20, you can access everything afterwards on demand.
