We are getting ready to consult with a local church to train a new staff and leader.  Our goal will be to spend 16 weeks training the team based on the "Purpose Driven Youth Ministry" model from the book written by Doug Fields.  We have successfully implemented this method at previous student ministries and have seen dramatic increases in attendance and involvement.

Stay tuned for updates on our latest effort and more PDYM.

Doug Fields wrote Purpose-Driven Youth Ministry to communicate what he believes are the key ingredients to building a vibrant youth ministry that glorifies God and changes kids lives. The book outlines the essentials for building a healthy, youth ministry that is purpose-driven. If you are passionate about building a ministry that fulfills the five scriptural goals of evangelism, discipleship, fellowship, ministry, and worship, you will discover a proven, team approach that reduces burnout and incorporates the strengths of the church as a whole. The book is a flexible and exhaustive approach to building a healthy youth ministry based on nine components:Power of God Purpose Potential Audience Programs Process Planned Values Participating Leaders Parents Perseverance This book has been deemed a youth ministry classic over the last several years and has probably sold more copies than any single youth ministry book published. So what? What does that mean? Maybe that it's easy to understand and it resonates with youth workers' hearts. PDYM isn't a program to copy. Instead, the book contains principles to learn, filter through, and possibly adapt into your youth ministry setting. This material has been taught all over the world and makes sense in any setting, culture, denomination, and church. It's not a program to copy.

This morning as I worked to prepare my lesson for Sunday's Youth Class, I could not get away from this thought: "A World of Hurting People and a Word of Encouragement."

I was once told that one of the gifts of the Spirit, specifically speaking of The Word of Wisdom, is just that, it's A WORD.

This was a revelation to me and it explained why sometimes when I prayed with others, I would have just ONE WORD that could not escape my thoughts while I prayed.

I've spoken just ONE WORD as I have connected with others in prayer, and I have watched OVER AND OVER AGAIN as the tears begin to flow and the encouragement or confirmation is being given to them through JUST ONE WORD.

My lesson for Sunday is based on this thought.











These images can be made full screen by clicking on them.

If you are interested in using these slides in your next youth presentation, let me know by emailing me at chrisponjican@hotmail.com