Linked Post: Creating a Youth Ministry Volunteer Meeting Outline

At ym360, everything we do falls into one of four categories: Bible Study Resources, Training, Community, or Networking. For us, networking means highlighting great content, great people, and great ministries. When we find something valuable, we share it. This happens most frequently on our Flashback Friday posts. But it happens in other ways, as well.

One of the ways we focus on Networking is by linking to solid content we encounter on blogs or websites.

Phil Bell is a both a great thinker and a great practitioner of youth ministry. He's a friend (and also a ym360 Contributor) and we love how Phil communicates foundational practices so clearly, especially on his blog YouthworkTalk. 

The post we're linking to today is a portion of a super-practical post Phil wrote about how to organize and execute a productive meeting for your adult volunteers.

We've posted below an excerpt of Phil's post "Creating A Youth Ministry Volunteer Meeting Outline That Works." Read the excerpt, then head over to Phil's blog to read the rest.

Creating A Youth Ministry Volunteer Meeting Outline That Works, by Phil Bell

So, what makes a volunteer meeting effective? What do we need to cover? Well, as I said in the previous post, every ministry is different and there is not one size fits all. However, I can share with you the basic format I follow to ensure we cover the most essential aspects in 90 minutes or less…

1. Devotion / Vision Casting:

Simply put, we look at scripture to guide us to clarify why we do what we do from week to week. It can also serve to guide us in the ‘how to’ of ministry.*

* This month I shared Philippians 4:9 as a guide to help us see the process of discipleship in our students. In a nutshell, they hear, see, and put into practice. Often students hear teaching from us, but it is imperative that they see how faith is lived out, as well being able to put their faith into practice. 

2. Highlights and Helps: 

• Highlights: This is an opportunity for me to listen to my volunteers: They share stories, celebrate victories, and provide insights to how God is moving in the life of students. It’s easy to default to challenges and what needs to improve, so it’s imperative that leaders are encouraged to share their positive highlights first. This also serves to clarify the vision of why we do what we do. Nothing casts vision better than a story of a changed life.
• Helps: This again is where I listen to my volunteers as they share ministry issues they need help with. Often other volunteers will jump in with solutions they have discovered for themselves. I also have opportunities to provide quick training moments with my volunteers. If there is an issue that is hefty in nature, I will usually ask my volunteer to schedule a time to talk later. 

Click here to head over to Phil's blog and read the rest of "Creating A Youth Ministry Volunteer Meeting Outline That Works."