Charter
As a small community of people committed to God and his ministry among youth, we gather for prayer and discernment of the Spirit’s work in the lives of the youth. The Liturgy of Discernment (see Liturgy of Discernment) will serve as a guide for our meetings that we might be faithful to prayer, the Spirit’s leading and the fulfilling of our vision as it works itself in the various environments of this ministry.
Point 1
We listen to each other. We believe that to effectively minister to the youth at VCRC, we need to first be on board with each other. Starting each meeting, we gather to “check in” on each person’s week, the highs and lows. Youth ministry is about relationship (more importantly, Christ is about relationship). We want to live and model it.
Point 2
We actively engage God. God is not a quick starting and ending point to our meeting. We take time to connect with God in some significant way each meeting through lectio divina, silent prayer and so on. We believe that no ministry will thrive unless we actively connect and grow in our relationship with God.
Point 3
We discern the Spirit’s working among the youth. The Spirit is already ministering to youth in many different ways. We seek to join with God in his work. Give our intention of prayer and listening to God, we’ll take time to talk about how we believe God is currently and/or intending to move among the youth.
Point 4
We regularly review and revise the vision as led by the Spirit. Our vision at present:
- that youth are pastored
- that youth experience God
- that youth actively engage the Spirit’s call to action in some way
Point 5
We regularly review, revise and seek to fulfill Places and Spaces. Places and Spaces have been established to allow the vision to unfold. These are the situations and opportunities that - at our present understanding of God’s leading - best serve our vision.
Point 6
We regularly address the “business” of this ministry:
- guide in the planning youth calendar
- review recent and upcoming scheduled events
- find and develop gifted youth and adult leaders
- serve as a sounding board to the Youth Pastor for the needs of the church family
- encourage parents to be involved in scheduled youth activities
A parent, young adult or leader of any age may join this community. Please consider it, will you?
