Youth Ministry Listening Session Minutes

Strategic Planning Committee

Saint Michael and All Angels

Wednesday, June 1, 2005 ~ 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

at the home of Christine and Martin Schuepbach

Questions why one family has moved from SMAA to High Park Presbyterian:

1.  Multiple mission trips for all ages

2.  Josh---“on fire for the Lord”

3.  Peers of their children attend

4.  Perspectives course for adults has taught them new insight

Program at Highland Park Presbyterian successful because:

1.  Has a concrete theology to teach children

2.  Standardized to all children

3.  Staff live it and teach it

4.  Staff teachers Sunday AM not parents (parents lead small group discussions)

Other points from the meeting: •Use Bible based teaching

          •         Children follow and go where their friends attend

          •         Visit with children at lunch time

          •         Church/chapel daily in school make some resistant to church attendance on Sundays

          •         Dare to hire staff not like SMAA

          •         Have staff teach on Sunday AM, not parents

          •         Importance of children having fun at church

          •         Inclusion of all children, many different schools represented at SMAA

          •         A good thing SMAA does is the confirmation retreat where the children are given meaningful letter from parents, etc about the importance of faith

          •         Children want to hear from anyone, but their parents.

Figure out how to teach children what is and how to be “Episcopalian.”

Other point that came up a few times during the meeting was: Emphasize the importance of youth and youth programs in the church. Change church culture. Culture changes from the congregation, not the priest.

What to do with children after confirmation. How can church continue to be important to children?

Need more staff to focus on children

Importance of Fellowship of families. Example given of multiple families attending Estes Park each summer. Encourage more family fellowship, starting when children are young.

Questions regarding funding: Can you designated giving, is it allowed in our parish. Capital campaign with emphasis on youth.

We want to give our children their Faith for life, not just when young. Yet have room to question their faith when appropriate.

Ideas for parents of teen class: Empower parents to go to church as a family, worship together.