How do you initiate and support effective youth-in-mission programs within local communities?Drawing on insights gained from The GO Project and other outreach programs, we will examine the building blocks which create exciting, sustainable and meaningful locally-based programs. Past-participants in The GO Project are encouraged to attend this event, to reflect on your personal experiences and to strengthen your skills for ‘back home’ youth ministry and outreach programs.
How do you strengthen support for youth ministry programs within congregations? Sometimes the biggest barriers to the development of vital and creative youth programs exist within the same congregations which profess their support. We’ll take a closer look at these dynamics and consider ways to encourage communication, mutual understanding and shared priorities for mission. Congregations are encouraged to sponsor youth, youth leaders and mentors to attend this event.
Program Cost: $365 ($207.50 tuition + $157.50 meals/accommodations)
Please register at least 2 weeks in advance to secure your place in this program.
Leadership
Michael Shewburg
Michael Shewburg is the co-founder of The GO Project, which provides opportunities for youth Grade 9 to age 19 and their leaders to serve in communities in Toronto, Halifax, Vancouver, and St. John’s. While practicing the gift of discernment, youth listen to the needs of their own community while serving in another. Michael has served Islington United since 2005 and with the United Church’s Training in Mission Program in Capetown, South Africa and Tamil Nadu, India. He is committed to ministries that help youth and young adults to develop their sense of Christian community through engaging programs, leadership development and spiritual practice.
Rick Gunn
Rick Gunn is a Christian educator and a musician who has worked for the past eight years in ministry with children, youth and adults. He is presently Minister of Youth and Music at Bedford United Church