There is no “one size fits all” program, or silver bullet that makes youth ministry successful, and there are a lot of resources and programs out there. While these resources and programs can be powerful tools that allow catechists and ministry leaders to create successful youth ministries, the real work is in how the ministry leaders, catechists, and adult core members relate and connect with the youth of the community to Jesus Christ. We use Jesus' ministry as our example and at the core of his ministry were relationships. Jesus took time to break bread with his disciples, He explained parables, and He shared experiences with them. A program, resource, video, social media post won't be able to walk and journey with a youth through hard times, times of celebration, nor times of questioning, the ministry leader and the Church can. So what would a key to success for ministry be? The development and continual formation of the ministry leader, and the relational ministry between young people, Jesus and the Church.
Below you will find some resources for the development as a catechist/youth ministry leader.
Articles and Online Training for Youth & Young Adult Ministry Coordinators
Articles and other resources
- Youth Ministry's greatest resource
- 4 Marks of a successful ministry
- Catholic youth ministry problem
- Book: Your First Two Years in Youth Ministry - Doug Fields
- Spiritual Self-Care for Ministry - Catholic Apostolate Center
Training
- Diocese of Sacramento Lay Ministry Formation
- EQUIP: Specialized Training for Youth & Young Adult Ministry Leaders
- First Things in Youth Ministry formation - NFCYM
- Basic Video Training Course in Youth Ministry - For Coordinators and Core Teams
- Continuing Education Resources for Coordinators
Understanding Today's Young People
- How Generation Z Will Change the World According to Experts | Time
- Ten Terms that Define Generation Z
- The Key to Gen Z is Video Content
- 7 Things You Need to Know About Generation Z
OYYA Handbook Table of Contents
OYYA Handbook Home
OYYA Mission and Values
What We Do
Christus Vivit
Renewing the Vision: Youth Ministry
Sons & Daughters of the Light: Young Adults
Empowered by the Spirit: Campus Ministry
Start Here
Planning for Excellence
Keys to Success
Effective Administration
Forms, Policies, and Guidelines
Suggested Resources