Story and photos by Doreen Gosmire, director of communications.

Over forty people gathered from 11 churches to explore and learn about creating vibrant youth ministry. Author and consultant Stephanie Caro, Ministry Architects, presented and facilitated discussion. The group met on the campus of Dakota Wesleyan University on August 6, 2016.

Photo: Stephanie Caro, Ministry Architects, shares information and ideas with 44 participants at the training held on August 6, 2016 on the campus of Dakota Wesleyan University.

Ministry Architects and Dakotas Conference Leadership Development have designed the Youth Ministry Cohort Plan. The plan will help parishes produce healthy, sustainable youth ministries by strengthening the lay leaders and staff within their congregation, designing a ministry plan, and growing congregational support of the targeted ministry. 

Caro is a senior consultant with Ministry Architects. She has been involved in ministry to youth and youth workers in the local church for over 30 years. Caro has spoken and presented to youth of the Dakotas Conference at Leadership Training Camp and DakYouth 15.

Caro is the author of several books including: Thriving Youth Ministry in Smaller Churches and 99 Thoughts for the Smaller Church Youth Worker, published by Group / Simply Youth Ministry.

"Working with churches in the extended training, cohort style, is one of my favorite things to do. It allows for meeting individual church needs so they can go from where we wish we were to where we ought to be. The churches in the Dakotas Youth Ministry Cohort are amazing and I'm already enjoying the relationships. Solid ministry is happening here and God is on the move,” said Caro.

Reflections from participants

Participants felt the training was very helpful. The  content about how to recruit, train and encourage volunteers was mentioned by several attendees  

“This cohort training is showing my volunteers what I am trying to do and they are very encouraging and buying into why I need them, both for physical support of showing up on time for youth group but also the emotional support of a cheerleader,” said one pastor who attended.

Photo: Participants discuss how they recruit, train and encourage volunteers youth ministry at a recent training held in Mitchell, S.D.

“I learned a lot about the different types of recruiting of volunteers, setting up a calendar for volunteers and giving clear expectations,” said a laity who attended.

Participants look forward to future training to focus on specific ideas for developing programming for youth ministry over a year or multi-year time spand.

More training ahead

The Youth Ministry Cohort will meet for another training with Stephanie Caro on October 15, 2016 at 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. MDT at Storm Mountain Center and Rapid City Canyon Lake UMC. The Dakotas Conference will cover the costs for four people to attend the event, for those churches that are part of the Youth Ministry Cohort. Accommodations include a night's stay at Storm Mountain Center which includes supper Friday night and breakfast at Storm Mountain. Mileage will be covered if your round trip is over 300 —over 150 miles each way. Everyone is encouraged to be good stewards of resources by carpooling to the event.  

All other churches are welcomed and invited to attend. The cost of registration is $20 which includes lunch. Reading material will be available for purchase during the event for $20 per book bundle. Churches or individuals are expected to cover their own travel and lodging expenses.