AYS is the action and fellowship organization for senior youth in the local church. Under the leadership of an elected Youth leader, young people are to work together in the development of a strong youth ministry which includes spiritual, mental, and physical development of each individual. Christian social interaction, and an active witnessing program which supports the general soul-winning plans of the local church. It should be the goal of the AYS to involve all young people in meaningful activities which will tie them closer to the church and train them for useful service.
Regular meetings of the youth should be scheduled each week. It is recommended that these meetings be held Friday evening or Sabbath afternoon. Such meetings may be held in homes of responsible church members or as larger public meetings in the church. Since the youth program should not be isolated from the rest of the church, the public AYS meetings should be open to the entire church membership. Ideally, they should be planned and operated, however, by the youth themselves.
It is important that the youth program in the local church be coordinated with the work of all departments that provide ministry for children and youth. To encourage this cooperation and coordination, the PM leader, Health leader, leader of the youth SS division, school principal, Pathfinder Club director, and other leaders as needed are members of the AYS Committee, which is an umbrella organization in the local church responsible for planning the youth ministry program.
While a successful youth ministry program in the local church includes a strong youth SS school, there must be a specific time and place for more interaction, fellowship, recreation, witnessing outreach, and leadership training, which are all a part of the concepts to be fostered in the AYS.
Background Check and Online Child Safety Training:
Anyone working in Children’s ministries at Cicero Church is required to complete Shield the Vulnerable which is a background check and an online training seminar (approx. 45-60 minutes to complete) before assuming role. You may contact church office or pastoral staff to arrange for training.
Appropriate Spiritual Gifts:
- Leadership
- Administration
- Passion for youth
- Team player
Time Commitment:
Two-year term. AYS leader will spend 3-4 hours per month coordinating various youth programs.