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The Rocky Mountain Synod Lutheran Youth Organization has a new web presence at www.rmslyo.org

It is the goal of the Rocky Mountain Synod to strengthen the child and youth ministry programs throughout the Rocky Mountain region.

The Rocky Mountain Synod of the ELCA recognizes the great importance of passing on our faith and trust in Jesus Christ to our children and youth of all ages. We view the creation of a network to foster the education, support and sharing of creative ideas for child and youth ministry to be of prime importance.

Families: the vital link
Traditionally, the process of passing on our faith from generation to generation relies heavily on the families of those children and youth in our congregations. We see this as a continuing vital link in the child and youth ministry dynamic. We thus would like to help support and empower the efforts of families and other lay people in the congregations of the Rocky Mountain Synod and elsewhere. We will try to make sure that resources and educational materials are available for family members to help them towards this goal of building a strong sense of faith amongst our children. Hopefully, congregations and youth ministers across the West will embrace this philosophy. This will entail congregations putting forth time and resources toward the youth and child ministries. We would also encourage congregations to include children and youth in their worship activities and service projects whenever possible.

Philosophy: inclusive, shared, global, biblical
The philosophy of youth and family ministries should be one of inclusion. We recognize that there are different personalities of young people, and that not all young people can be reached with the same ministry activities. A conscious effort should be made to set up various ministry activities that will offer something to this varied group of children and youth. The ministry should be viewed as a congregational effort, and not the sole responsibility of the youth ministry leader. At the same time, the ministry should be integrated with family life, helping to equip families to carry out the passing on of faith. Youth and family ministries should also lift up a local, national, and global awareness. Most importantly, the ministry will be biblically based and centered.

Leadership: clear expectations, intentional support
One problem among youth ministry programs is that of youth minister burn out, disenchantment, and high turnover rates. This issue can be overcome to a large extent by setting clear, up front expectations on the parts of congregations and youth ministers alike. There absolutely must be both financial and philosophical support from the lead pastors and other key church leaders. Youth ministers should be seen as a key member of this lead team. The youth minister should be welcomed into planning activities surrounding worship, music, service, and other church activities. They should be viewed and made to feel like equal participants and members in this church leadership. Expectations regarding duties and day-to-day activity expectations should be laid out in as much detail as possible prior to the hiring of youth ministers. When possible, key lay leaders of the church should also be identified who are willing to participate and support the activities of the youth ministry program. We would encourage congregations to include these people in the interview process when looking for a new youth minister.

Leadership: fair compensation
Youth minister candidates should also seek the core understanding of the financial and benefits packages that are being offered by the congregations. Youth ministers come to their profession through a deep sense of faith and calling. They deserve, however, a sense of security and fair compensation with respect to this calling. The 2004 Compensation Guidelines area of this web site may serve to set down some guidelines for congregations and youth ministers alike. Youth minister candidates should not be bashful about asking about such things as health insurance, disability, or retirement plans, knowing that not all congregations can offer all of these packages. It should be clear also that expenses, including driving expenses, will be reimbursed fairly.

Communication: opportunities and ideas
Rocky Mountain Synod also recognizes the importance of assimilating information regarding educational and event opportunities as well as creative ideas for youth ministry activities. This web site is designed to meet that goal. We have provided educational, event, and media information, and opportunities for corroboration between youth ministers of different congregations. When possible, we would suggest that congregations also support the cost of their youth ministers attending or purchasing some of these key educational opportunities.