Growing leaders are learners. We want to equip and encourage leaders on how to influence students with the gospel. Last saturday, we spent a morning together on Lake Weir with our adult volunteers! It was a great time to share vision and train new and existing leaders to lead groups at Source!
Highlights of the retreat
Building community: We enjoyed learning more about each other and how to lead in student ministry more effectively. I'm blessed to have a great team of adults who want to influence students for Christ! Learning from each other: I was impressed with many leaders who knew their stuff! I learned a lot from them as we discussed the leader handbook and small group training. Defining expectations: It is great to communicate the expectations of what a healthy small group looks like and how to lead one to grow. What went well: The handouts ended up being a great tool for leaders to follow along with the training. The discussion and excitement of leaders was great and encouraging. Anytime a bunch of adults who love students get together, it is always a great time!
Schedule: 9:00-9:30am - Eat breakfast together 9:30-9:45am - Vision, Values and the main purpose to partner with parents 9:45-10:10 - Ways to serve, explanation of ministries (Source Wednesday nights, Habitudes for middle school, Area Bible studies for high school). 10:10-10:30 - Break 10:30-11:30 - Small Group training (3 elements of a healthy small group, Do's and Don't's of Small groups, The Art of asking questions, Understanding student learning styles). 11:30-11:50 - Boundaries, Code of Conduct 11:50-Noon - Giveaways to leaders (starbucks, cold stone creamery)
Handouts of the training: - Volunteer Handbook 2012-2013: To receive a copy of our volunteer handbook, shoot me an email -Small Group Toolkit(we added this to the back of the handbook. The info was compiled with resources such as simply youth ministry, lifechurch.tv, and my own stuff).
- Get to Know You (we use this tool to get to know students. It is a good reference for small groups leaders to keep so they can care and encourage them throughout the year).
- I gave each leader the book: "7 Best Practices for Teaching Teenagers the Bible." from youthministry360. It is a good tool for leaders to effectively lead groups.
If you have any feedback, thoughts or suggestions, please comment below!