2012 - 2017 Strategic PlanBaptist Churches of SA

Executive SummaryTo achieve our mission of empowering our South Australian Baptist Youth ministries to seek young people so they follow and make followers of Jesus we will:

1. Connect People2. Develop Leaders3. Bring Gospel Change4. Support Faith Participation

Strategy One: Connect PeopleOur Goal: To connect people so they influence one another for effective youth ministry and mission Our Priorities & Targets

1. Regular personal support for peak Youth Ministry leaders;2. Effective Communication between youth & young adult ministries & SABYM;3. Connect peak youth & young adult Ministry leaders;4. Connect youth & young adult ministries and young people through strategic programs;

Strategy Two: Develop LeadersOur Goal: To develop people for effective youth ministry and mission Our Priorities & Targets

1. Equip people personally2. Provide people equipping experiences3. Provide people equipping programs4. Develop Youth Ministry Best Practices

Strategy Three: Bring Gospel ChangeOur Goal: To empower youth ministries so the Gospel changes young people’s lives and our world. Our Priorities & Targets

1. Empower People for Gospel Transformation2. Resource Youth Ministries so the Gospel changes young people’s lives and our world.3. Facilitate Mission and Service experiences

Strategy Four: Support Faith ParticipationOur Goal: To support Churches and Youth Ministries so young people become more like Jesus and serve with his people, for their whole lives. Our Priorities & Targets

1. Develop Disciple making Ministries2. Resource for Disciple making3. Provide Disciple making opportunities

About SA Baptist Youth MinistriesWho we areSA Baptist Youth Ministries are part of the Baptist Churches of SA and is comprised of 40 local Baptist youth ministries. SABYM is not a single Youth Ministry agency but is instead a collaborative and resourcing network which together seeks young people so they follow and make followers of Jesus.

Where are we now?SABYM is lead by the Youth Development Facilitator, in conjunction with a Leadership Group appointed by a group of local church paid Youth Ministry leaders in the network known as the Youth Exec.

Our PlanWe have worked closely with the Youth Exec and key stakeholders to develop this plan. This plan draws on the ideas and feedback we have gained through interviews and online survey’s from key SABYM stakeholders and partners, these include: peak youth ministry leaders, pastors and aligned partners. This plan establishes the things SABYM wants to focus its efforts on over the 3 - 5 years. We want to:

1. Connect People2. Develop Leaders3. Bring Gospel Change4. Support Faith Participation

SABYM Mission, Vision, Values

MissionThe mission of South Australian Baptist Youth ministries is to seek young people so they follow and make followers of Jesus.

Vision Statements

WorshipYoung people's lives transformed as they receive and celebrate in God's presence

PrayerYoung People growing as people of prayer

CommunityA community where people matter and God's love is made known to all

FormationYoung People's lives transformed so they become more like Jesus

ServiceYoung People showing God's love as they generously serve others and prepare God's people for ministry

Mission

Young people led to Jesus and leading increasing numbers of people to Jesus, at home and beyond.

ValuesWe Value:

● A personal relationship with Jesus Christ as Lord which changes lives, is personal and public, a life time journey full of significant experiences.

● A Biblical Focus respecting the authority of the Bible and the teaching of God’s Word.● Dependence on God practiced in worship and prayer, being led and empowered by the Holy

Spirit.● Empowering young people in integrating their faith with all spaces of their world● Safe Community where people matter, especially young people.● Doing our best and improving what we do.● Partnering with others for greater Kingdom of God impact● Team Ministry where every member makes crucial contributions

Method: developing the Strategic PlanWe have taken the following steps to develop our Strategic Plan:

1. Establish Purpose, Vision, Values November 2010

2. Examine environment SWOT review July 2011

3. Clarify 5 / 6 objectives Leadership Group August 2011

4. Facilitate broader ownership and reflection Youth Exec reflect and engage with these objectives August 2011

5. Develop Strategies Leadership Group

6. Implement Strategy YDF & Leadership Group

Examine EnvironmentThe online survey had the following return rates:

Stakeholders Return Rate

Peak Youth Ministry Leaders 11 people returned from 50 invites

Pastors 2 people returned from 70+ invites

Ministry Partners 1 partner returned from 7 invites 15 one-one Interviews were conducted with paid Youth Ministry leaders, by the SABYM leadership group.

Establish ObjectivesThe data collected from the SWOT review was then collated by the SABYM leadership group and processed through two workshops with the Youth Executive. These data and workshops form the basis for the Strategic plan.

Strategy One: Connect People

Our GoalTo connect people so they influence one another for effective youth ministry and mission

Our Priorities & Targets1. Regular personal support for peak Youth Ministry leaders;

● SABYM facilitates opportunities for skilled & experienced ministry practitioners to provide at a minimum, once a term personal support for each peak Youth Ministry leader.

● proactive advocacy and support for peak Youth ministry leaders through challenging ministry and personal circumstances

2. Effective Communication between youth & young adult ministries & SABYM;

● All youth ministries have timely, accessible information regarding shared opportunities & ministries

● SABYM leaders regularly communicate between ministries for mutual support and resourcing 3. Connect peak youth & young adult Ministry leaders;

● Youth Executive connects and supports all paid peak youth ministry leaders,● Youth Executive provides leadership and resources for the SABYM opportunities and ministries● paid Youth Ministry leaders are participating in the Renewal Retreat program

4. Connect youth & young adult ministries and young people through strategic programs;

● Easter Camp is a quality camp community, accessed by all our High School ministries, where young people and youth leaders connect with God and each other

● Baptist Youth Gatherings are quality events, which build unity and momentum across our High School ministries

● Regular events connect young adults across Churches for community and mission● SABYM events & programs have high ownership & participation in delivery● SABYM facilitates & supports regional, cross denominational youth events for mission

Success MeasuresWe will have reached our goal if, by 2017: 1. Personal support

● In every church with a youth ministry, peak Youth Ministry leaders are regularly, personally supported;

● increasing numbers of current Youth Ministry leaders have 5 or more years of paid ministry experience;

2. Effective Communication

● Youth ministries program with SABYM events front of mind● SABYM communication channels are used weekly● SABYM participants receive communication in ways which are accessible for them

3. Connect leaders

● Youth Executive has 80% participation rate from paid peak youth ministry leaders,● 4 Renewal Retreat groups, with at least one female retreat group

4. Connecting Programs

● All SABYM connection events are delivered by core teams;● Easter Camp has 70% participation rate from High school Youth Ministries (currently ~50%), with

increased participation from northern churches● BYG has 70% participation rate from Youth Ministries, with increased participation from northern

churches● Once a term Youth Adult events connect people from across churches

Strategy Two: Develop Leaders

Our GoalTo develop people for effective youth ministry and mission

Our Priorities & Targets1. Equip people personally

● Skilled & experienced mentors develop peak Youth Ministry leadership practice.● Develop people to be empowering and equipping leaders● Deliberate formation of people in discerning their vocation and ‘shape’ for ministry● SABYM programs empower young people to participate, serve, explore & discover their God-

given capacities. 2. Provide people equipping experiences

● leadership participation in SABYM events equips people for best practice youth ministry● Mission & Ministry opportunities are facilitated through SABYM program delivery or partnerships

with aligned agencies. 3. Provide people equipping programs

● 4D Conference accessed by the majority of youth ministries as a vital equipping opportunity for volunteer youth ministry leaders

● Youth Executive resources for relevant best practice youth ministry● Youth CoP equips volunteer youth ministry leaders in essential youth ministry practices● Intentional leadership development programs are well accessed by people and Churches● Well developed pathways for ministry development through SABYM program delivery or

partnerships with aligned agencies.● Annual Youth Ministry Leadership development with streams for different experiences● ??Cross denominational leadership development - pooling of resources (do the baptists really

have ALL the experts?)● ??programs to equip the broader church for effective youth ministry

4. Develop Youth Ministry Best Practices

● Policies and support to implement best practice youth ministry● Equip ministries to develop and empower people for effective discipleship, ministry and mission● Experienced best practice Youth Ministry Practitioners equip & resource people in their area of

expertise● Write, package, deliver through experienced & skilled Youth Pastors quarterly, ‘base line’

Induction Programs for volunteer and paid ministry youth leaders. ??Make compulsory for leadership participation in SABYM ministry events.

● Integration of paid youth ministry leaders into PD program (PGP?)● Facilitate access to resources (books, online, media) for best practice ministry● ??Participation in a research ministry and culture body for SA

Success MeasuresWe will have reached our goal if, by 2017: 1. Equip Personally

● ‘First year’ paid Youth Ministry leaders receive monthly ministry practice mentoring● People understand and access well developed pathways for ministry development

● People are identified, developed and placed as candidates for paid Youth Ministry - Churches receive well equipped peak youth ministry leaders

2. Provide Experiences

● Youth Ministries implement reflective & coaching practices which are embedded in all SABYM events

3. Provide Programs

● Youth leaders are growing disciples of Jesus, purposeful & passionate about their youth ministry and have a larger vision of what is possible in youth ministry

● Intentional leadership development programs are well accessed by people and Churches● Peak ministry leaders are increasingly effective in growing disciple making disciples● 5 new people participate in church-based internship programs each year● 25 Churches use Youth Leadership Week to develop its emerging leaders (currently 12)

4. Develop Best Practice

● An intentional equipping culture in our Youth Ministries and churches● Youth ministries implement best practices● Quarterly, ‘base line’ Induction Programs for volunteer and paid ministry youth leaders● Development of best practice resources

Strategy Three: Bring Gospel Change

Our GoalTo empower youth ministries so the Gospel transforms young people’s lives and our world.

Our Priorities & Targets1. Empower People for Gospel Transformation

● People equipped for evangelism● Young people empowered to serve & participate in their community● Young people empowered to bring Gospel transformation to their schools● Spaces where Mission & Service stories of triumphs & failures are celebrated

2. Resource Youth Ministries so the Gospel transforms young people’s lives and our world.

● Faith-marker Events where young people are empowered to follow and make followers of Jesus● Churches & Youth Ministries equipped to participate in holistic Gospel transformation with local

schools as legitimate members of the school community● Evangelism resources appropriate to contemporary youth ministry● Youth Ministries implementing strategic service & mission opportunities● SABYM events as a strategic springboard for local youth group programs

3. Facilitate Mission and Service experiences

● Empower local churches working together to serve their schools● Youth Ministries accessing local & global cultural awareness, mission and ministry opportunities

such as Global Interaction, Baptist Care SA; Baptist World Aid, Schoolies; Beach missions; TEAR; Big Week Out; 40Hr famine;

● Mission Agencies actively partnering with Churches and youth ministries● ??SABYM collective project on social transformation through the Gospel

4. Focus intentional efforts in reaching and discipling non-churched young people

Success MeasuresWe will have reached our goal if, by 2017: 1. Empower People

● Young people see their friends become followers of Jesus● Young people actively serve their communities● Strong partnerships between Schools and Churches, through CPS Workers

2. Resource Youth Ministries

● Youth Ministries implementing strategic service & mission opportunities● Easter Camp● Baptist Youth Gathering● Unearthed● Young Adults events

3. Facilitate Experiences

● Strong partnerships with missionary & service agencies, such as Global interaction and Baptist Care SA.

Strategy Four: Support Faith Participation

Our GoalTo support Churches and Youth Ministries so young people become more like Jesus and serve with his people, for their whole lives.

Our Priorities & TargetsDevelop Disciple making Ministries

● Equip Pastors & churches so young people are integrated into the wider faith community ● Empower the wider Church to be involved in youth formation, ● Promote and advocate models which address key age transitions● Train leaders in discipling disciple making young people● Prep for Young People as they reach transitions

Develop and implement models for discipling non-churched young people Resource for Disciple making

● Mentoring resources● Discipleship resources such as...● ??GAP year development for school leavers

Provide Disciplemaking opportunities

● ??Discipleship (faith & life) opportunities for young people● short-term mission trips● Boy-Men, girl to women transition programs● Young Adult camps / events● Mission experiences

Success Measures● Increased retention & engagement as young people move through life’s transitions points● Better integration and participation within local Church communities● Young people demonstrating markers of mature faith● Young people following and making followers of Jesus● Parents becoming aware of the influence they (should) have in discipling their children

[Document Action List]Future Areas to Address

● non paid peak youth ministry leaders● rural churches● small churches● where is the place of prayer in this● what to do with challenges of corporate culture and buy in● what about non-churched youth● churches without youth ministries● broader social transformation?● Young Adult Global Exposure

To do

● complete core Program recommendations● Nov 6 Youth Exec to ratify

Appendix 1: SABYM 2011 SWOT DataThe following data was collected through interviews and online survey’s from key SABYM stakeholders and partners. This includes: peak youth ministry leaders, pastors and aligned partners. Interviews were conducted one-one by the SABYM leadership group.

What are SA Baptist Youth Ministries strengths that helps a youth ministry be effective?Workshop Questions

● What are our core strengths?● How can we strengthen our strengths?

Connection / Community

EventsRunning state events like Easter camp and BYG help our young people broaden their Christian friendship networks

● Both of the above events plug YP into the wider (Christian) youth culture. Youth Camps and Youth meetings that are growing in popularity Easter Camp

● "Easter Camp - love to see it grow to include more youth ministries.● * Easter Camp - helpful in infusing our ministries for growth and passion● "easter camp: shared vision, large community of like minded followers, a moment of communitas.

opportunity for event marker in the journey of faith, unity● Easter Camp: these are really important for smaller, older churches.● Easter camp (loves that the work is done for the youth ministries).

BYG

● The baptist youth gatherings to help my youth connect with youth from other churches."● * BYG - a great large gathering to take youth too!● "Baptist Youth gatherings are awesome - our youth see others their age in worship etc.● BYGs - great to connect with other youth ministries - love to see these used more strategically.● Baptist Youth Gatherings: Unity, fun, energy, “authentic hype” (would prefer to have more than 2

per year).● BYG – the small group component of these nights is great. Can we have more, or would they

lose their appeal if we did?● BYG – The Baptist DNA which other denominations don’t always share.● Baptist Youth Gatherings (but why do so many people seem to leave early?) (younger children)● value bigger than ourselves● strength - children can see that faith has a place in people’s lives and making influence - ie thru

sharing and stories● Maybe BYG etc should be about connecting 1 or 2 other churches so youth don’t feel

lost and just stick with their crowds, then not trying to cater for a broad range of church cultures

Youth ExecIdea sharing and support with Youth ExecHelping me feel part of a bigger team with people I can go to for help"youth executive: opportunity to encourage and be encouraged, share resources"- team work and camaraderie amongst baptist youth ministry leadersYouth Exec time is absolutely invaluable for me in keeping me inspired and motivated. A time to share and learn from one another without which I would truly struggle.Networking - the youth executive thing has been in general very helpful

● "* Youth Pastor's networking & executive - helps in support, ideas, skills & resources● Networking with people (especially through the girls SABYM group that has been established).● Networking, and meeting people that I otherwise wouldn’t (through youth exec days as well as

other events etc).● Youth Exec: Networking and resourcing. The input was seen as relevant.● Good to know not alone, could happen more

Communicationemails informing me of helpful youth resources and training events"I appreciate the youth pastors' email message sharing. It keeps me up to date with what is happening.

Equipping"Offers plenty of training for volunteers

EventsEaster CampEASTER CAMP - trains my leaders" 4D ConferenceThe 4d conference to assist in equipping me and my youth leaders in ministry.

● 4D Conference - last year this was great to be part of with our whole family of churches in SA (rather than just youth ministries) and really great sessions from the speaker."

Youth Exec

● "* Youth Pastor's networking & executive - helps in support, ideas, skills & resources● collective wisdom and inspiration (gender imbalance was mentioned).● Youth Exec: Networking and resourcing. The input was seen as relevant.

Youth CoP

● - really looking forward to seeing how the saturday morning seminars go for equipping leaders, but also for bringing together leaders from around adelaide."

Internship

● "From a distance it seems that the internship program and deliberate formation of church-based youth workers is well managed and content-significant.

Personal SupportYDF"regular catch ups with Jas Hoet to pray and guide in the run of our church ministry.

● Having Jason (or someone similar) as a support person."● * Jason - great support and care"

● "Jason Hoet is a good personal resource and someone I can go to for ideas and feed ack outside my church.

● supportive of and to the Youth pastors● "- Jason Hoet's role.. but specifically Jason Hoet.● "Networks and mentors youth pastors● Leadership of SA Baptist Youth ministries is well respected and approachable - a huge plus.● I think the existence of a regional director of YM is a key factor in the health, well-being and

functionality of quality youth work in and across the churches and movement. Jas Hoet has perfomed admirably in this role.

● Having time and space to process things together in a personal setting;● Relationship with Jason: having someone who understands and appreciates the cultural group I

work with, and has helped me see the value of my “small” ministry.● Having space to talk through issues outside of local church.● Having Jas as an external sounding board. Jason’s objectivity that comes from his seeing

churches across the board is invaluable, to help us know how we (individually) are actually travelling. I.E. Common struggles, different models available.

● Jason, and in particular his connection with the girls group.● on whole feel supported if needed and not interfered with● backed up and trusted

ResourcingBeing resources in areas of need (i.e. through guest speakers, presentation of topical issues). Youth Exec

● Idea sharing and support with Youth Exec● Helping me feel part of a bigger team with people I can go to for help"● youth executive: opportunity to encourage and be encouraged, share resources"● A time to share and learn from one another without which I would truly struggle.● When we have outside pd at youth executive that gives us resources eg calling Charlie, vision

session● "* Youth Pastor's networking & executive - helps in support, ideas, skills & resources● more intentional facilitated to hear from others & share stories ie how do we source youth

leaders in your church? make sure to start at lowest common denominator● Calling charlie / 4D Mark Westy / Child Safe good

DevelopmentPolicy: I am particularly impressed by the care and detail that has been invested in the employment package relating to youth pastors/workers."

● now that we have one, its making sure its implemented

VisionEncourages a kingdom perspective for youth ministry"

What are SA Baptist Youth Ministries weaknesses that minimises, prevents or harms a youth ministry’s effectiveness?Workshop Questions

● What are our critical weaknesses?● How can we address our weaknesses?

Resourcing

Maybe we could share ideas in terms of actual programs we are all running to help share themes or cool activities that work well or nights that have been excellent that others could copy/use. "Training - for leaders, for youth workers, for youth pastors - regular input and training with a strong biblical foundational, spiritual authenticity and cultural relativity would be great. I suspect this would require good quality, targeted material and an investment of time into educating senior pastors/churches about the need to continue the education and training of our leaders so that they can continue it with members of the congregation (and youth group!) Perhaps we could connect better with local bible colleges for some of this?...

Corporate CultureThe agenda and thinking can at times be dominated by certain personalities and churches - some people love talking about what they have done while others don't and the big personalities/church can shape things even when maybe they don't really have much to say.In the midst of the busyness of ministry, its hard to connect with other youth ministries because we don't have a great culture of doing so amongst baptist churches in SA.seems to be low morale among youth ministry leaders "Youth Groups are still very independent and churches protect their church patch. Youth Ministries needs to help overcome the negative aspects of this.

● How invested are we in getting our youth ministries together?● How can we better encourage local ministries to get together?

CommunicationTiming of promotion - can often come very late in the piece and as a result impact our ability to participate and/or promote activities & training. sometime only a couples of weeks before. Remember that many plan their programs and training 3-6months (ie one two or even 4 school terms )or more in advance."

Buy Innot enough pick up the shared visionneed a buy in from the north as regards to easter campPost Easter camp events run on a Friday night during term, placing it in direct competition with our own Friday night program only done by a small group of people: need to provide opportunity for participation & leadership

Relevance"Youth executive can be a waste of a day, if your ministry isn't needing what is being discussed/presented

CapacityI wonder if 1 person doing all the Yth Development Facilitating is too much of a stretch... what about introducing regional youth pastor/worker discipleship groups with someone shepherding the youth pastors in each region?... This could be in addition to the YDF role and even flow out of the exec group steering Baptist Youth Ministries.

Events● Would like to see more collaborative events. Doesn't have to be huge, but a get together of local

groups which perhaps Baptist Youth could help to facilitate?● The timing of BYG (prefer them later in term rather than earlier as we plan early in each term).● BYG - a little tedious● BYG are we doing a rally or community event● Other Churches promoting combined events on friday night

Models● doesn't seem to be many 'best practices' among churches regarding the role of youth pastor,

their function and relationships within church leadership● We have no effective model of discipleship.● Not many youth ministries to 'look up to' and learn from."● We don’t know how to integrate YP beyond youth group, into wider faith communities.

Small/Rural ChurchesDoesn't seem much help for small churches and rural churches with small youth groups. "most of the training days and ministry resources are aimed at bigger youth ministries which are designed mainly for churched youth. Our youth is small with completely unchurched young people and we have low financial and people resources. This does mean that the resources provided by SA Baptist YM are not always relevant to us.

PartnershipsThe only issue that I would comment on is that at different times it has come back to me through the grape vine that leadership within the BYM have spoken disparagingly of programs at my institution (Tabor). I have limited confidence in the accuracy of grapevine reports as they lack context amongst other things.

Limited Focus"We tend to focus on middle to upper high school and less so on upper primary and junior high.we need to help resource transitions - both PSchool to HSchool to YAdults within Churches

Youth Exec● gender imbalance on youth exec.● A bit unsure about the purpose of the youth exec meetings.● Dwelling in the word @ start of Youth Exec - too predictable, Youth Exec is not a bible study● a take away point/practical point for youth exec neede● less reflection at start● helpful but needs reworking

Prayer● not praying together enough - needs a more accessible time for youth pastor to pray

PolicyCACET - feel hamstrung

What are at least three new opportunities in our mission field for SA Baptist Youth Ministries.?Workshop Questions

● What are our top 3 opportunities?● How can we engage them?

Cross-Cultural Mission● "Taking more young people on short term mission.● Short term cultural awareness/missions trips - to country towns/churches and o/seas projects/

schools/churches etc.● Saw M&M camp as a fantastic place for leadership development, but thought that it was not

promoted nearly enough.

ResourcingMore good media resources - ie along the lines of the room3 Trouble with Paris stuff.Grants available for youth groups to apply for.""- mobile app!- Jason Hoet Breakdance School"

DevelopmentNext Gen Leaders

● Helping us equip the ‘old’ youth group members to become the leadership basis of ‘new’ youth members.

● "Further development of the leadership gifts and abilities of our young people Youth Pastor1:1 mentoring of new pastors by established youth pastors

● Development of a specific curriculum and training for youth pastors new and established - ongoing PD in the role

● - we obviously need more youth pastors... especially well trained ones!! So, perhaps an intentional internship program

● What happened to our ‘mentoring’ process? Research

● - a 'Lifeway research' style ministry and culture research body for SA!● "In terms of youth spirituality and the concept of faith community, as a culture, we live in

the 'time between times'. BYM could aspire to innovation, risk, imagination, play, having a go, expanding frames of reference ... or ... play it much safer, closer, predictable,blander and stand by continuing to oberserve the rest of the culture pass it by. Make what you will of this. You may find any range of partners if aspiring to the first view.

● Totally biased view but I do think that Tabor is well placed to assist those who aspire to vocational youth work to progress this calling and career and that the processes of referral and communication could be improved in this regard.

● I wonder also about the possibilities of doing research in and around aspects of faith-based youth work and opening up the conversation and dialogue between 'ministry', 'human services', 'theology' and 'social sciences'"

● Best practice input: Hearing from people who do things well, who know how they do it well and can explain it. I.E. How best to build relationships in the current environment; how to grow a youth group beyond its current size, how challenges have been overcome, failures experienced, etc.

EvangelismSchools

● Development of better links between youth groups and schools. Teaching ministries how to build these links to the betterment of the school community rather than as a means to get children to our youth group. The latter follows if you do the first but only doing the later can often create problems. Also looking at a bigger picture of schools ministry to include for example supporting families and staff, helping with fund raising etc. This not only supports the cpsw but also builds for a wider role for the church in the school community as a legitimate member.

● Link with CPSWs in more effective ministry into Schools"● "resources to understand school ministry and how youth groups should be involved should be no.

1 outreach focus"● More opportunity to spread the Gospel in schools. I know we have the right to do through

SMG and the CPSW's, but the reality is that it is too easy for the schools to say no. Needs to be mandatory from Decs on a level playing field. Other religions are not treated with as much suspicion or lack of co-operation

● - something to help us get into schools● Seminar teams could be developed which could go into local schools (given CPSW restrictions in

presenting Christian material).● Resourcing churches to be active and helpful in schools, rather than seeing churches depleted

through CPSW roles. Connecting schools and churches better.● Find good examples of church-school relationships and share these (how to build trust). Some

possibilities to work with SMG here?: Youth exec to speak into developing effective relationships with parents/staff/students/schools, and to speak against those who do it poorly (no names mentioned!).

● Churches working together, to work in schools together.● creating close connections with local schools

"Well resourced youth drop in centres at each church that can reach unchurched young people in local communityGoing to where students are at eg skate park ministry, schools etcOSHC - LOTS of opportunities in schools with these springing up everywhere and OSHC directors looking around for creative programs/peeps to do things with their children!"Youth ministry resources to run ‘drop-in’ centres - some sort of media campaign directed at youth.. (Jesus all about life style)

Equipping● young Christians in churches need to be trained in being strong and courageous evangelists not

just in youth ministries but in their personal life as well. I think there should be a push in our SA baptist churches for this kind of training. Whether it is by camps, conferences or cross-church events.

● creating our own youth studies, getting more Youth pastors full time so they can achieve their role better

● Youth Conference● "Youth Ministry Training College● Gap year Internships for school leavers - training, formation, ministry development etc.● Developing new training tools for youth leaders to be developed; what makes a good youth

leader. Events

● BYG’s could be used more strategically to resource and prepare local youth groups prior to the night, as well as act as a springboard for local youth groups to work on in the weeks following> Example: “Going Public” – a great initiative but struggled for traction.

● More joint camps.

Ministry StrategyDiscipleship is a big issue. I certainly would appreciate more support in terms of developing a better discipleship strategy. Especially in terms of building lasting faith in the lives of non churched youth." Working on how to build long-term growth and stickability in YP.

Student Empowerment● Linking high schoolers into street level service - like feeding homeless, visiting aged care

facilities, children cancer wards.● Developing understanding of/capacity to work with refugee YP: how to help these nominal

Christians who have the experience of trauma, not discipleship.

Co-operationNeed to tap more into the diversity that is evident when churches cooperate.

Personal Support● Youth pastors retreat group (for girls).

Social impactSABYM network: all connect with Agencies: foodshelter, homeless shelters....greater positive media exposure

What external threats preventing SABYM from pursuing these opportunities?Workshop Questions

● How do we respond to these challenges?

Secular Culture● money, time and probably a lack of enthusiasm from gen Y Christians to step outside their

comfort zones and view their lives and friendships as a mission field.● the culture of "when I feel like it" ie total apathy to youth, church & life in general.● "The High Court challenge to chaplaincy!● Cyber safety and welfare● Government policy and a society is that thinks it is Godless.● "Have to deal with government restrictions on Christian influence in our Schools and a vocal anti-

Christian move to restrict Christian influence in Schools.● Government funding for Youth programs usually means that government objectives override

Christian ministry objectives.● The wider cultures view of the church: fear, people’s perceptions.● perceived attitude from community and school● relevance of church and community attitudes

Resources● * People to run them"● Lack of resources?● "- Cash● - time and impetus"● - expertise to get it happening● "I think all aspects of both what BYM does well and what they may aspire to are intrinsically

related to decent funding from the denomination and the freedom to explore and try new things.

Focus● Time availability combined with the diversity of opportunities that are out there (programs, events,

etc).● Time and busyness.

Practice● "Agencies which essentially practice bait and switch ministry in school communities actively

undermine effective school ministry for short term apparent gain. We should be providing an active voice for strategies with a higher level of integrity. Bait and switch is actively empowering the anti chaplaincy movement. (wow that sounds preachy but its true)

● Duty of Care restrictions and how to negotiate through the complex requirements.● Failure to disciple non-church children long-term: growing children in a way that keeps them in

the Kingdom.

Church Culture

● O/worked and undervalued youth ministry workers● Increasingly less literate generations of young peeps"● The cultural issue of young people having so many options to pursue.● Lack of cross-church involvement.● The lone church mentality (churches operating in isolation from others).

Personal● Discouragement.● Complacency

Vision● Where is the common ground for SABYM youth groups.● Ownership● set goals that were unrealistic

Appendix 2: Youth Executive WorkshopsThe data collected from the SWOT review was collated by the SABYM leadership group and then processed through two workshops with the Youth Executive.

Workshop 1 - Survey the SWOT data

How can we strengthen our strengths?● Core Strengths – Easter Camp/ BYG/ P Support/ Connection – girls● Strengthen Strengths – Processing in group & with relationship. Very important. Girls network/

Renewal retreat.● BYM – wider. More people involved in organisation. More participation in core team.● Easter Camp – more by-in from north. Historical issue. Nth Y adults Sth E Camp● + leader by in needed● + need to get leaders from these churches to go.

Providing connector points for Christian youth – broader networks BYG & ECBYG – helping to see faith is real. Seeing part of bigger group than just their small youth group.YE – networking – professional & personal. Encouraging & sharing, collective wisdom. Unity in diversity. Strengthening in persevering with our callingTraining?Jas gives great support. Opportunity for regional?Vision – kingdom HS inspiredChild safe policies – help with implementationEaster Camp – site, food, leadership, development, make it moveYouth Exec – different lunch (Vietnamese) relevantJason HoetBYG – small groups, location, focus

How can we minimise our weaknesses?Connect with local Bible Colleges- email out resources bible colleges provide Resourcing: Physical resources share between each other (can we use the email list) Youth Exec

● Make sure it is relevant - needs sharpening● Too narrow on ‘voice’● provide spaces for people to share stories, make sure the - not the usual suspects● have everyone share a ministry idea● busyness of life makes 10 - 3 tough to make● we struggle to create a corporate culture - requires intentional behaviour from youth pastors● catch up with people who have connection with, not necessarily regional

BYG

● **increase participation in delivery● children just hand out with their friends if they don’t mingle

● What’s its place or purpose? some confusion exists● not really community● too churchy - doesn’t cater well for non-churched● needs sharpening timewise● centralise in adelaide. Same location for familiarity● opportunity for youth to share, talk, pray as community● ‘Going Public’ good as moved BYG into the normal life area

Smaller Churches: match similar experiences / ministry pathways together ie put churches of similar type together Partner with other churches and schools ministry Training

● find, retain, train youth pastors● train ministries on transitions (youth - YAdults)

find ways to pray together - a day too ‘big’Personal Support: have regional catch up people, not just JasShort term mission: encourage & support groups to go on STMSchools-mission focus: have a local focus with our youth groups Student empowerment

● small opportunities to serve, participate in community● youth serving the needy● YE could operate as an Agency database, connecting youth groups to aid organisations

Discipleship

● resourcing & training how to do well● teaching counter-cultural living

What Opportunities can we realise?Youth Leadership Camp (Young Adults - combined Baptist Churches) Mission Events - multiple combined YM events in local araes Cross-Cultural Mission: Churches journey together & share opportunities Integrate young people into the wider faith community

● advocate with churches● train for it● help people work with transitions ie Garry @ parkside with boys to men● YAdult - camps / Mission experiences● empower wider Church involved in youth community

Partner up establised youth pastors with new Youth Pastors Schools

● massive growth area● address mentality of this is CPSWorker job to do

How can we minimise our Threats?YE became a substitute for own initiativeCulture - ‘swim above it’ Narrow focus - priorities & goalsyouth mins need to set small goalsneed training on how to do thisachievable, encouraging & inspiring

Workshop 2 Possible OutcomesYouth Exec shortlisted possible goals for SABYM to focus on over the next 4 years. Then breakout groups worked further on each goal.

Possible Outcomes - with group votesConnection - 1 votesYoung people connecting with other Christian YouthYouth Leaders connecting & supporting one another for ministryEquipping - 7 votestraining people for effective youth ministryPersonal Support - 10 votesYouth Ministry peak leaders personally supportedResourcingResources for effective youth ministryDevelopment - 16 votesDeveloping best practice youth ministries and leadershipDeveloping next generation of youth ministry leadershipCross Cultural Missionmobilising young people for cross-cultural missionEvangelism - 7 votesmobilising young people to boldly sharing the good news of Jesus with people around them, seeing increasing numbers of people led to Jesus.Service - 6 votesEmpowering young people to serve those in needPioneeringInitiating new youth ministries in Churches/Areas where there are noneDiscipleship - 16 votesyoung people become like JesusTransition - 6 votesGrowing up in faith community

Group Work on outcomesA number of the possible outcomes were integrated into the following four Goals

Connection/ Community & Personal SupportYouth Ministry peak leaders personally supportedYouth Leaders connecting & supporting one another for ministryYoung people connecting with other Christian Youth why do we need to be Connected

● we are designed to be in relationship

● mutual encouragement & support● shared resources● accountability● shared purpose

Various layers● Youth - youth group● Youth leaders - Easter Camp● Youth Pastors - Youth Exec/ Renewal Retreat

Personal Support● YDF role● mentors: YE to facilitate Youth Pastors finding mentors

Measure of Successleaders

● No burnout within 18 months● leaving well

ResourcesMaybe BYG etc should be about connecting 1 or 2 other churches so youth don’t feel lost and just stick with their crowds, then not trying to cater for a broad range of church cultures

Equipping & DevelopmentDeveloping best practice youth ministries and leadershipDeveloping next generation of youth ministry leadershipTraining people for effective youth ministry

Outcometraining people for effective youth ministry

Success Measures● we have identified potential youth pastors● youth leaders are purposeful & passionate about their youth ministry● well developed ministry pathways● leadership development programs (ie internships)● experts in specific areas can train & equip others● our peak ministry leaders are increasingly effective in their ministry● our youth ministries are producing disciple making disciples● we are equipping the whole church for effective youth ministry● youth ministry leaders are growing in their knowledge of the word, have a larger vision of what is

possible in youth ministry● a passion for prayer● hungry for God and his word

NOTE: we must understand the BYM dna

Resources● Youth Ministry Leadership camp/conference with streams for different experiences● Youth Ministry Training College - Annual event?● More stuff cross denominationally in leadership● pooling of resources - do the baptists really have ALL the experts?● Youth Alive training● requires trust, honesty.

$$ to retain good people

‘complusory’ Induction Programs (similar to CACET)base line for volunteer youth leaderbase line for paid ministrywrite package and have experienced/skilled YPastors deliver run once /quarterSponsorship programs within the churchAccess resources/books for skills trainingAll this assumes people are hungry for God

Embodying the Gospel: Mission & ServiceEmpowering young people to serve those in needmobilising young people to boldly sharing the good news of Jesus with people around them, seeing increasing numbers of people led to Jesus.cross-cultural Public expression of faith in word and deedHolistic TransformationBeing and Bringing God’s good news to His world Embodying the Gospelmobilising young peple to seek spaces where they embody Jesus inn their everyday lives, transformting those around themlive transformed lives to transform others

Outcome● live transformed lives to transform others● mobilising young peple to seek spaces where they embody Jesus inn their everyday lives,

transformting those around them

Success Measures● Involvement in Service● Young people bringing friends● Creating space for interaction with community● Providing opportunities for mission, local & global● Stories of triumphs & failures● spaces to share the story → valuing the journey● buy into facebook story page

ResourcesEvangelism Training & resourcingaccessible service opportunitiescommunication of spaces to be involveddeeper connection with missionary organisations including Global interactionCreate facebook story pagecreate events in & with larger communityknowledge + buy in for wider ministry opportunities - have a central ‘database?

● Schoolies● Beach missions● TEAR● Big Week Out● 40Hr famine● schools

Discipleship & Transition

young people become like JesusGrowing up in faith community Markers of Maturity

● Biblically capable● people of prayer● Discipling others● God, family, work

If you are not a youth leader anymore, not in a band and not married, where are you?

Outcomeyoung people becoming more like Jesus as they grow in Maturity of faith demonstrated through increasing responsibility being taken in church communities

Success Measures● increased retention though transition points (ie youth to YAdults)● increased engagement as young people move through life’s transitions points● able to correctly handle the ‘word of truth’● prayer (& other spiritual disciplines) being valued & regularly engaged in ● replication of discipleship through journeying with others younger in faith● submitting to God in all aspects of life

Resources● Parents becoming aware of the influence they (should) have in discipling their children● teaching YPeople how to pray (to be comfortable to pray)● teaching of Scripture● intentional mentoring● prep for YPeople as they reach transitions● short-term mission trips

Appendix 3 - Current core SABYM Programs

Recommendations

YDF Support● someone I can go to for ideas and feedback outside my church.● "Networks and mentors youth pastors● gives time and space to process things together in a personal setting;● an external sounding board.● objectivity that comes from seeing churches across the board is invaluable, to help us know how

we (individually) are actually travelling. I.E. Common struggles, different models available.● I wonder if 1 person doing all the Yth Development Facilitating is too much of a stretch... what

about introducing regional youth pastor/worker discipleship groups with someone shepherding the youth pastors in each region?... This could be in addition to the YDF role and even flow out of the exec group steering Baptist Youth Ministries.

Youth Exec● "Youth executive can be a waste of a day, if your ministry isn't needing what is being discussed/

presented● gender imbalance on youth exec.● A bit unsure about the purpose of the youth exec meetings.● Dwelling in the word @ start of Youth Exec - too predictable, Youth Exec is not a bible study● a take away point/practical point for youth exec needed● Make sure it is relevant - needs sharpening● provide spaces for people to share stories, make sure not the usual suspects● have everyone share a ministry idea● busyness of life makes 10 - 3 tough to make

Easter Camp● grow to include more youth ministries.● Easter Camp – more by-in from north. Historical issue. Nth Y adults Sth E Camp● + leader by in needed● + need to get leaders from these churches to go.● Easter Camp – site, food, leadership, development, make it move

Baptist Youth gathering● BYG – the small group component of these nights is great. Can we have more, or would they

lose their appeal if we did?● BYG – The Baptist DNA which other denominations don’t always share.● why do so many people seem to leave early?● Maybe BYG etc should be about connecting 1 or 2 other churches so youth don’t feel lost and

just stick with their crowds, then not trying to cater for a broad range of church cultures● Post Easter camp events run on a Friday night during term, placing it in direct competition with

our own Friday night program● The timing of BYG (prefer them later in term rather than earlier as we plan early in each term).● BYG - a little tedious● BYG are we doing a rally or community event

● BYG’s could be used more strategically to resource and prepare local youth groups prior to the night, as well as act as a springboard for local youth groups to work on in the weeks following> Example: “Going Public” – a great initiative but struggled for traction.

● BYG – helping to see faith is real. Seeing part of bigger group than just their small youth group.● **increase participation in delivery● children just hand out with their friends if they don’t mingle● What’s its place or purpose? some confusion exists● not really community● too churchy - doesn’t cater well for non-churched● needs sharpening timewise● centralise in adelaide. Same location for familiarity● opportunity for youth to share, talk, pray as community● ‘Going Public’ good as moved BYG into the normal life area

[Document Action List]Have we addressed?

● non paid peak youth ministry leaders● rural churches● small churches● where is the place of prayer in this● what to do with challenges of corporate culture and buy in● what about non-churched youth● churches without youth ministries● broader social transformation?

To do

● complete core Program recommendations● ?Signposts: 5 things we must be to achieve our vision / things we must avoid?● 6 Sept Keith Kemp feedback● ?? Working Group Refinement● Sept 20 1 month opportunity for feedback from YE/stakeholders● Oct 20 Final Processing● Oct 27 Leadership group to develop action/implementation plan● Nov 6 Youth Exec to ratify