One of the parenting principles from the book Parenting Beyond Your Capacity is “imagine the end.” When parents imagine the end, they think forward to graduation day and what they hope for their child: their character, their path into adulthood, their values, their experiences, their hopes, and more. This then shapes how we parent when we know what we’re parenting towards. A couple years ago, leadership of our youth committee went on a similar exercise to “imagine the end” for the students that come through DCPC Youth: what are we hoping for them after seven years of youth ministry? Here’s what we came up with:
A graduate of DCPC Youth ministry will be equipped for a lifetime of following Jesus.
This equipping, we believe, happens through the relationships that are created and strengthened in our programming. This programming creates the following opportunities that line up with our mission (love God / love others / love life) and vision (worship God / follow Christ / do good):
Worship God
- Be part of a multi-generational worship community
- Provide leadership in worship services, including Christmas Pageants and Youth Sundays
- Develop habits of prayer and studying scripture in novel ways
- Pray individually and in youth group/small groups
- See worship as a way of creative expression, celebration, and living
Follow Christ
- Gather with peers and leaders in faith forming events like youth group, Sunday School, retreats, and more
- Develop relationships with 5 or more trusted adults
- Deepen relationships with peers
- Develop intergenerational relationships
- Participate in youth conferences (Massanetta/Montreat) to get a wider view of our denomination
- Prepare for life and faith after high school with Sticky Faith
- Remain connected to DCPC through Campus Ministry
- See faith as a journey that includes doubt, struggle, and questioning
Do Good
- Day of Service
- Hinds Feet Farms
- 30-Hour Famine
- Crop Walk
- Room in the Inn/Roof Above
- Mission trips
Love God
- Respond to God’s generosity through Stewardship
- Practice offering and receiving grace
- Appreciate, enjoy, and be a good steward of Creation
- Live a life of integrity and virtue
Love Others
- Participate in the broader congregation
- Explore topics of justice, racial tension, & inclusivity
- Develop awareness of other denominations, religions, and cultures
- Embrace diversity by partnering with other congregations for youth events
- Find common ground by welcoming everyone as a child of God and practicing hospitality
- Practice forgiveness
- Value sexual integrity
- See leadership as an opportunity to serve others (servant leadership), perhaps serving on a DCPC committee or as a Youth Elder or Deacon
Love Life
- Explore vocation/calling/purpose
- Address mental health, suicide, and wellness
- Learn to experience joy as an expression of our faith and God’s delight in us
This portrait was created by youth ministry committee leaders Bonita Beeken and Christina Tarry, both volunteer leaders and moms of students who came through DCPC Youth so we are very thankful for their guidance! The idea of a Portrait of a Graduate came to us from Corvian Community School.
DCPC Youth 