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)
Jon and Nicolle arrived Tuesday to Mexico City. They stayed with us Tuesday night, and we took them to Cuernavaca on Wednesday. Jon will be doing his internship for Huntington University here in Mexico City.
Jon is a youth ministry major with a music minor, and Nicolle is an elementary education major and a Spanish minor. He’ll be studying in the same language school that we studied at for the next month, and then they will move up to Mexico City to help Huberto with the youth ministry at his church.
The benefit for us of having Jon and Nicolle working with Huberto is that we are trying to establish some model youth ministries in the city so our students at the seminary will have places to see the philosophy of youth ministry in action. We want them to have the opportunity to work in churches that are putting into practice what they are learning in the classroom.
I’m excited to have Jon and Nicolle here, and I know their ministry is going to help extend the reach of the Center for Youth Ministry here in Mexico City.
We need your help. A few weeks ago, I sent an email to our mailing list that said that we really needed prayers for the last of 6 encounters for a Master’s program we are directing in Cuba. I have been going there each January and June for the last 2 and a half years (almost 3 years), and this time will be the last trip I make for a while.
Many of the 13 students in the program have serious issues at home or in their ministries that are affecting them in their quest to complete this once in a lifetime opportunity. Here are a few of the situations that they are facing. Please pray for them.
- Maykel’s wife is pregnant, and her pregnancy is very high risk. She is due right around when we should be in class. Maykel has been finishing up a thesis he is researching for another degree he is completing at the same time.
- Pancho was recently told by his doctor to avoid doing anything that requires much effort due to the amount of stress that is in his life. He is taking a sabbatical from his job as the director of the youth program at the Eastern Baptist Convention, but he is continuing his studies to obtain his Master’s in youth ministry.
- Abdiel and Leza are expecting their first child. While this is a good thing, it’s not easy to be pregnant and do the required work for the youth ministry classes.
- Giancarlos’s wife has very serious eye problems and may lose her sight if something isn’t done soon. They say there isn’t much that can be done.
We know that these are difficulties that need to be overcome, and we are confident that your prayers will help (James 5:16). Thanks.
(Image by: Carf on flickr)
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.
Today I administered the last final exam of the seminary career of our first youth ministry graduate. It was an interview-type exit exam for my Professional Orientation to Youth Ministry class. Both students in the class did very well. It was bittersweet because it was the last final exam for Huberto, the first graduate in youth ministry.
Huberto has been with me from day one at the seminary. We’ve been through a lot together. We have spent a lot of time together in class and out of class, talking about ministry and life in general.
I can’t believe four years are over. We’re entering a new era of ministry in Mexico. Huberto will definitely be part of our team here in the future. He has the passion and calling to train youth workers, and I’m looking forward to seeing how he fits into the vision for youth ministry training in Latin America.
Please pray for him as he finishes up with a few projects for various classes.
