FBC Lake City Youth Policy Manual
What is youth ministry?
Youth ministry is a purposefully structured ministry created to meet the spiritual needs of students. The environment centers on discipleship and development of the student’s faith by teaching and applying truths from God’s Word.
Our purpose:
· Reach, teach, and multiply followers of Christ. We desire to empower students to live out their faith in all aspects of life and lead others to Christ.
· We desire to equip, encourage, and empower parents to build a stronger relationship with their student.
· We are an extension of a Christian home, designed to complement the biblical teaching of godly parents.
· We desire to develop strong students, not just a strong student ministry.
· We want students to join a church family for life, not just a youth group for a few years.
Our youth ministry consists of:
- Wednesday night youth service which provides relevant Bible studies, along with fun and fellowship with other students.
· Age groups include:
- 7-9 grade (Jr. High)
- 10-12 grade (Sr. High)
· Discipleship training courses designed to deepen student relationships with Christ and also offer biblical answers to tough issues in life.
· Summer camps that are designed to evangelize and disciple students while also encouraging unity with other believers.
· Disciple Now weekend that centers on small group Bible studies designed to challenge students to deepen their relationship with Christ.
· Many other fun events throughout the year that help encourage and promote healthy spiritual relationships.
Youth qualifications:
· Students must have completed the 6th grade to attend Wednesday night youth service and regularly scheduled events during the calendar school year.
· Some scheduled activities may allow children to attend with a parent or other leader.
· FBC promotes 6th graders at the beginning of summer to allow them to become acquainted with other youth by participating in youth events.
Youth leader qualifications and expectations:
· All volunteer youth leaders (Sunday school teachers, Wednesday night volunteers, chaperones for camps and retreats, host homes for fellowships or small groups) must complete a student ministry application, which includes a background check before joining our team of leaders.
· Leaders are expected to live a life that brings glory to God and should set an example of a growing disciple of Christ.
· Leaders are expected to be consistent in attending regularly scheduled church services.
Youth Sunday school teacher qualifications and expectations:
· Teachers must be appointed and approved by the church.
· Teachers must have a heart for youth, be able to relate well, and express a calling to minister to students.
· Teachers are expected to live a life that brings glory to God and set an example of a growing disciple of Christ.
· All Sunday school teachers must complete a student ministry application which includes a background check.
· Sunday school teachers are expected to be consistent in attending regularly scheduled church service.
· Teachers are expected to be present in class 10-15 minutes early to greet the students as they arrive.
· Teachers should work with the student minister and youth committee in planning, setting goals, and in discovering new ways to reach students.
· Teachers are expected to know small group material and be prepared to teach each Sunday.
· Teachers are expected to contact each student in his/her class once a month.
· Teachers should attend one educational youth conference per year in a continual effort to remain in touch with teaching ideas and strategies.
Transportation qualifications:
· Drivers of students must have a valid driver’s license and have a copy on file in the church office.
· Drivers must have a clean driving record (DUI, reckless or careless driving, or excessive speeding tickets).
· Drivers should not have more than one at-fault accident or one minor traffic violation within the last three years.
· Drivers of the church bus must be on the church’s insurance.
· Drivers of students must be at least 25 years old.
· Students are not allowed to drive their own vehicles to youth events that are out of town, except with the parents or guardian’s written permission and approval of the student minister.
· Students are not allowed to leave the church with others students who drive their personal vehicles unless parents notify the student minister.
Student Dress:
· Students are expected to dress in a manner that is honoring to God.
· Students who are dressed inappropriately (t-shirts, shorts, skirts, etc.) at a camp or conference will be asked to change or go home.
· Girls are to wear a modest one-piece or a two-piece with a cover (not see through when wet) when swimming. Parents please help with this and use discretion.
Student Conduct:
· Students are expected to follow the policy rules at all times.
· Students are to respect and obey all student leaders and their authority.
· Students are to conduct themselves in a Christ-like manner both at church and at away events.
· Rowdy, obnoxious, rude, or destructive behavior will not be tolerated at church or at away events.
· The parents or legal guardian will be notified if their student fails to follow the rules of Lake City student ministry, camps, and conferences and may be sent home. If a student is sent home, the parent or guardian is responsible for picking up the student.
· Guns, drugs, alcohol, tobacco products, inappropriate music, or pornographic material is not allowed on church grounds or at any away events.
Sexual Harassment:
· Sexual harassment will not be tolerated by students or adults.
· Information shared by a student with an adult about inappropriate sexual behavior by another adult will be reported to the proper legal authorities immediately.
· If sexual misconduct occurs, the parents or legal guardian will be notified of the situation.
· Youth leaders are never to counsel or be in a vehicle alone with a student of the opposite gender.
Contact Information:
· FBC Lake City office: 870-237-9935
· Church email: www.lakecityfbc.org
· Student minister: Chris Blakley
· Email: blakley73@hotmail.com
· Cell: 870-613-9241
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