Four years ago, we started a youth ministry program at the Mexico Baptist Theological Seminary. Last Saturday, the first graduate received his Bachelor’s in Youth Ministry from our program.
It has been the work of pioneers. We are doing something that is not being done by many people. We were some of the first people to do this in Latin America.
So here I am, four and a half years after getting to Mexico, reflecting on the beginning of this “formal youth ministry training program.”
What does it take to start a youth ministry education program?
Teamwork – I haven’t been the only one involved. Boyce College, Youth Ministry International, and a host of other people have been a part of this. It would be better if I had more of a team on the ground here in Mexico, but I’m certainly grateful for those who have formed part of our team these last four years.
In the future: I will form a team first. In order to be successful (and less stressed), you need to have a group who shares your vision, living and working with you daily.
Connections – The more you can connect with people in the country, the better off you will be. There is ministry happening, and it’s important to find out who’s doing what. More in-country connections would have helped us greatly. The in-country people don’t have to be directly involved in your ministry, but they do need to know what you’re doing and be willing to back you up and talk up your program.
In the future: I will reach out much faster to the other organizations that are already in the country or city, sharing the vision and seeing how we can form alliances to be more effective.
Perception – Perception is reality. You must be sure you are partnering with the right people. Sometimes, we have suffered because of the perception, or reputation, of our seminary (regardless of if this perception is correct or not). You must be aware of the perceptions of others.
In the future: I will work harder to create a better perception for the overall seminary/school and the youth ministry program.
Investment – It takes a great investment of time, money, and effort to get something of this magnitude off the ground. You have to know that it will be difficult, both financially and personally, to achieve anything worthwhile. Be willing to invest greatly in the dream.
In the future: I will measure the amount of work it takes to get something done, and I won’t let that stop me from achieving success. I think we’ve done a good job, and there are always things that could be done better (fundraising, team building, etc).
Vision – You must remain faithful to your vision. Helen Keller once said, “The most pathetic person in the world is someone who has sight but no vision.” You must not let what you see allow you to waiver from the vision. Despite the obstacles and barriers, stay true to the vision. Be dedicated to what you do, and you will see results.
In the future: I will share the vision more with others. I want people to buy into what we are doing. It’s important for our success that others see the big picture.
We’ve certainly not done everything right. I’ve learned a lot about leadership and ministry in the last 5 years. It has been worth it, and I’m looking forward to what is in store for the future.
(Images by: Ali K)
Youth Ministry International offers certification for youth workers who have demonstrated certain qualifications for ministry. In fact, there are 52 essential qualities for a certified youth worker. We basically see these qualities as our goals for the students in the Centers for Youth Ministry throughout the world.
The essential qualities fall under 5 categories: skills, character, knowledge, programming, and academic and experiential training. Receiving the certification also allows the youth worker to conduct training and seminars on behalf of Youth Ministry International.
Almost one year ago, on May 27, 2007, YMI certified the first youth worker in the Ukraine. Today, we gave Huberto his youth ministry certification. He is the first Latin American youth worker that Youth Ministry International has certified, and it was an honor to be able to give him his certificate at his church this morning.
I’m looking forward to seeing what happens in his church and community now that he’s finished his seminary degree (of course, I am encouraging him to continue his education, but he’s finished for now). He should have more time to dedicate to the ministry, and he’s already doing a great job.
I could see today how great of a relationship he has with his students, and I could tell that they were looking for him for counsel. It was great to see him in action.
Here’s a video of the 2008 graduation at the Mexican Baptist Theological Seminary, which included the graduation of the first student from the Center for Youth Ministry with a bachelor’s degree in youth ministry.
You can read my thoughts about the day here.
(Here’s a larger version on Vimeo)
Saturday was graduation, the first graduation in the history of the Mexican Baptist Theological Seminary that included a youth ministry student. After four long years, Huberto Perez Bravo graduated with a bachelor’s degree in youth ministry (licenciatura en ministerio juvenil).
The graduation ceremony was two hours long, and then we had a celebration dinner that lasted another 2 hours. It was a historical day, culminating years of hard work and investment. This graduation was more special for me than others in the past because many of the nine graduates had been students in my classes.
One of my favorite things about the graduation was seeing Huberto with his youth group and church members who came to celebrate with him. His church has been through a lot of things, and I feel that they deserve the diploma as much as he does. He has learned a lot by leading them, and I’m happy for them all.
We’re not done, at all. Next year, we’ll have another graduate, and then there are 3 more who will graduate the following year. I have a feeling that many students will be coming to the Center for Youth Ministry in the future.
Check out our pictures on flickr from graduation day.
Don’t forget to check out our thank you video.
I just received a message from a friend of mine who’s a youth pastor in Kentucky about a great way his youth group is supporting missions. Phil is definitely a global youth worker.
Every Sunday morning and Wednesday night, they have a “snack shack” at their church. You know, the kind of place where students can buy a drink or a snack while they hang out with their friends.
Well, I just found out that the proceeds from the snack shack are going to missions. What a great idea to support missions as a youth ministry. I have always thought that something like that might be a great idea, and now it’s happening. What a great way to connect everyday life and missions.
Thanks, Shively Baptist Church!
Today I had a great meeting with Juan Carlos, a pastor in Honduras.
We talked about the need for youth leadership training in this country. We talked about the system of theological education here. We talked about what his church is doing in youth ministry, and we talked about some possible opportunities for the future. Tomorrow, I’m meeting with him again and with the pastor who is a leader in the regional association.
One thing is for sure. It’s hot in Honduras. It was really hot here today, but I had a great day. I feel like I got a lot accomplished. It’s been a fun trip so far. As a bonus, I got to eat at Wendy’s for lunch, which we don’t have in Mexico.
So, I’m having fun with a good friend of mine, getting work done, and eating good food. Not bad for a short trip.
