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.
Christie Smith
Director of Youth Ministry, Diocese of Greensburg