First Things in Youth Ministry

A Formative Journey with New Youth Ministry Leaders

Program Overview

Just starting in youth ministry and not sure where to start?

First Things in Youth Ministry is a six-session online formation program for anyone new to youth ministry (YM). Whether volunteer or paid, this training provides direction for the first six months of taking on a new leadership role. Think of it as Basic Training in Comprehensive Youth Ministry.

This program was developed as part of the 5-year strategy for NFCYM, with the over-arching goal to Empower 15,000 Ministers to Advocate for Young People to be an Integral Voice within their Local Communities. First Things in Youth Ministry aligns under focus area one: Embrace the Essential Elements of Comprehensive Youth Ministry.

 

Learn and Grow Together! (Training Format)

First Things in Youth Ministry uses a cohort model to not only provide participants with the foundational information for leading a youth ministry program, but with a community of support as well. 

  • Online Cohort: 8-12 new leaders and 1 coach per group
  • 3 Months of Virtual Formation: Six 90-minute online sessions 
  • Participant Preparation: Approximately 2-hours of required reading, viewing content, and reflection activities prior to each session
  • Group Discussion: Share insights on material and practical application to local situations 
  • Practical Applications: Apply learnings through tangible steps and strategies that assist in building a comprehensive youth ministry model 
  • Diving Deeper: Follow-up materials for further development available for each session

National cohort groups will begin every fall, winter, and spring. Upon completion, participants will have received between 40-45 hours of practical and ministerial formation. See session summary below for more information on training topics.

There is also an option to host a local diocesan cohort group. View details >

Setting the Foundation (Training Topics)

Session Summary
  • Session 1: First Things in Personal, Parish, and Diocesan Contexts of Youth Minstry
  • Session 2: First Things to Know About Comprehensive Youth Ministry
  • Session 3: First Things to Know About Young People, their Needs, and their Families 
  • Session 4: First Things in Volunteers and Safe Environments
  • Session 5: First Things in Youth Ministry Programming
  • Session 6: First Things in Budgeting and Fundraising

What a wonderful opportunity for those new to youth ministry. It is always overwhelming to decide where to begin and First Things provides the how-tos right when you need them most.

Yazmín Maní Malone

Pastoral Juvenil Hispana Coordinator,
Diocese of Austin


Diocesan Member

"NFCYM has accompanied me in reaching out to like minded professionals to better provide service (ministry) to adolescents. NFCYM has allowed me to network and grow professionally.

'Youth as Protagonists' has been essential to Pastoral Juvenil Hispana in the Diocese of Austin."

Eva P. Delgado

Youth Minister, St. Christopher Church

Associate Member

"The various resources have helped me keep our program exciting and vibrant. NFCYM has provided me with shared information via webinars, workshops, conferences, outreach, and opportunities that are very informative to help make my ministry successful.

NFCYM is an open forum for me to seek material, guidance and support in keeping the youth ministry program successful."