Many youth struggle with challenging thoughts and feelings that contribute to symptoms of depression and anxiety. Because of stigma about mental illness, however, many do not talk about their challenges and as a result are unable to access support from their Youth Group leaders and from the healing truth of the Word of God. This Lab will explain the impact of stigma on youth and provide leaders with tools to support youth experiencing stress and to combat stigma.
Objectives 1. Define stigma and recognize its impact on youth’s willingness to speak up about their struggles 2. Reflect on the role of the language we use on sustaining stigma 3. Discover the role of youth group leaders in combating stigma and supporting youth who are experiencing stress 4. Discuss multiple tools to combat stigma that can be implemented in youth groups
Dr. Whitaker is dually licensed as both a psychologist and a master licensed alcohol and drug counselor. She holds a doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University New England and received a Certificate in Primary Care Behavioral Health from the Center for Integrated... Read More →
Saturday March 23, 2019 2:25pm - 3:15pm EDT
The Space
It can be tempting to make your student ministry about events and programs, it is easy to promote, run, and measure, but discipleship is where a difference is made. This lab will focus on help you as leaders reorient your ministry toward discipleship by incorporating key ingredients for discipleship. With these ingredients in place, it will inform all the strategy of your ministry from volunteer training to outreach events.
Objectives • Evaluate the ministry you serve in in relationship to discipleship • Clearly understand the key principles for discipleship • Create a plan around those principles for one to two aspects of student ministry
Join us to learn how approaching a public school with a servant’s heart and a long term vision can result in a dynamic partnership which lays the groundwork for pre-evangelism. We’ll also share what we do with LifeFAQs.org to provide you with a springboard to imagine what you can do in your own community.
Church leaders with a heart to serve families affected by disability frequently ask, “What is the best way to include teens with disabilities in Youth Ministry?” This lab will respond to that question by offering step-by-step tools for building relationships with families affected by disabilities, evaluating individual needs and creating a culture among the youth to welcome and include everyone. We will discuss planning irresistible environments that provide access to the Gospel. Practical tips for unexpected behaviors will be addressed.
What if our youth ministries empowered Middle School and High School students to help each other thrive in their faith?
This lab will help youth leaders in any setting implement a Middle and High School strategy of collaboration that will develop ways to move past common JR/SR High disconnections and put meaningful ministry in the hands of students.
Ryan Baker is the Associate Pastor of Youth and Worship at Christ Chapel in Madison Ct. Ryan has been in youth ministry for over 23 years and cares deeply for God’s work in New England.
You want your ministry to be a place where students can be real, right? However, you see the masks that students wear and the walls that they build. This lab will examine how leading with vulnerability can create a transparent environment that fosters authentic relationships and sincere faith.
In this lab, you will: -Gain a biblical understanding of why we hide and try to project a false image of ourselves to others.
-Discover how the gospel frees us to relate to each other without fear and shame.
-Receive practical tips for creating safe environments of authenticity.
