We train youth  and adult mentors

Welcome! How do you describe this in nut shell? I still dread when someone on the airplane turns to me and asks, “So what do you do?” After the impulse of wanting an easy out by lying and saying, “I’m a plumber.” I tell them, “I am the director for Peer Ministry Leadership.”

“What is that?” they ask?

We equip youth and young adults in caring and welcoming skills. It really is the Good Samaritan Story, but instead of preaching it or teaching it we give them real skills to live it everyday, every where and in every relationship.

That is what I want to tell you too! --- That and hundreds of amazing stories from kids who have discovered that they have purpose, meaning and are needed by their congregation! I want to tell you this is essential for youth ministry.  That if you choose to learn the skills and equip your youth you will experience amazing results.

This is not the quick and easy youth ministry in a can approach. This is deep. This is wide. This is what gives meaning to faith and life lived beyond a program, inspirational speaker or band.

Our desire! To change the world... be it one kid at at time.

Read the next tabs! Call! Email! Ask questions...  Let’s explore together how PML can empower your kids for an every day, everywhere, every relationship ministry.  

Inspiration lasts for a day...

but transformation lasts everyday, everywhere, and in every relationship!

PML is an education of the heart that lasts.

“Kids are either leading or they are leaving!”

“There is a big difference between youth group and youth ministry.”

“You are not doing youth ministry until kids are doing the ministry.”

  “Ministry is not a job, it is an attitude.”

There are forces at work in our society today, increasing both the sense and the reality of our separateness  from one another. It has been called the"Age of Indifference." It is as though we are suffering from a mysterious disease of which the chief symptoms are isolation, alienation, loneliness, and a loss of naturalness in our relations with other people. It seems we no longer want or care to be our brothers' and sisters' keepers as Christ, asks us to be. No new social program or governmental law can change this condition that is rising up all around us. This is why Peer Ministry Leadership -its purpose, goals, and commitment to what Christ lived and taught-is needed more than ever in today's world.  --- Dr. Varenhorst

The skills and confidence that youth gain in PML puts faith in a context that youth understand. Faith becomes practical when ministry is about one of their biggest concerns, their relationships.

Ask any kid!
Do you know people who are hurting from family changes? –  “Yes.”
From misuse or overuse of drugs or alcohol?  – “Yes.”
From depression? –  “Yes.”
Eating disorders? –  “Yes.”
Who are being bullied? – “Yes.”
---- and on the list goes on.

PML gives kids purpose! Kids caring for kids. What a great message to give to youth! "Our church needs you to do what you do every day!” Only now we are going to help you understand that your relationships is about ministry.  We are here to equip you, pray for you, support you  as you live in relational service every day everywhere in every relationship.  – Lyle Griner

Dr. Barbara Varenhorst is the leading pioneer for Peer programs both with schools and churches. As a school counselor in Palo Alto, California, she recognized that the needs of students were greater than her staff could keep up with. As she talked with kids, she would often ask, “To whom do you turn when you have needs?” At first Barbara was hurt that they didn’t say, “Well, we would come to you.” Instead, they often spoke of friends whom they trusted. Barbara also would ask, “When a friend comes to you with a problem, do you know how to help him or her?” The answers indicated that students wished they could be better at helping. Working with the state of California, Barbara developed a written curriculum and began training what was then called Peer Counseling. Today, many programs such as Peer Helpers, Natural Helpers, Peer Mediation, Peer Ministry all flow out of her original work.

Minneapolis, MN was one of the areas that began training congregations in Peer Ministry Leadership. Irene Strommen became one of the leading champions organizing and furthering Peer Ministry. Dr. Varenhorst equipped associate trainers to work under Irene’s leadership. It was soon organized under the new Youth & Family Institute at Augsburg College, where Dr. Dick Hardel passionately  saw the need and Lyle Griner began as the director. Later The Youth & Family Institute became an independent organization.

Today Peer Ministry is the anchor training for EveryDay, an organization that seeks to empower ministry every day, everywhere, and every relationship ministry. 

We don't prescribe to you exactly how you will use this. Every congregation and organization's needs are unique. We do suggest four goal areas. What is the results you hope to see? What is your vision? Below is a list of some of the results from groups who equip their youth with PML skills.

We hope every youth in every congregation, and every denomination learn to welcome and care for their neighbor.

VISIONS OF RESULTS

I see kids as relational leaders in our congregation who...
...are members of your youth staff team
...add enthusiasm and relational energy to every event
...ensure that all are invited, included, and accepted
...interpret church’s customs to a visitor
...lead small-group discussions and Bible studies
...become part of the camp and retreat staff for younger youth
...invite others to come to group events
...ride the camp bus helping kids get to know each other

I see kids as relational servants in our community who...
...use ministry skills in school, work, and neighborhoods
...guide each other to resources as observed concerns arise in the community
...provide listening and prayer support after tragic events
...tutor in after-school programs
...after a teen’s death lead sharing and worship service
...volunteer with a hospital’s chaplain visiting children.
...assist a police chaplain comforting a youth when needed
...seeing inequality or injustice ask what others can

I see kids using PML skills in their own households who...
...take interest in a parent’s asking and listening about their day
...are leading mealtime prayers and candle time devotions
...help create a welcoming atmosphere in their home
...spend extra time with a grandparent listening to stories
...participate in another family member’s hobby
...ask about family faith stories
...suggest and plan a family night out or service project
...seek to understand a family members’ situation

I see kids caring and welcoming indiviual youth  every day by...
... introducing a new person to other friends
...recognizing distress or loneliness in a school mate asking how to help
...helping a new refugee get to know language, and people
...visiting school mate in the hospital
...going with a pastor to welcome the kids of a new family
...supporting and praying with a friend recovering from an addiction
...mentoring another youth with a tough school topic
...befriending someone who often gets left out

I see youth who understand ministry as something that is lived

every day, everywhere and in every relationship.

Peer Ministers Are Christian Leaders

Leadership is defined in the context of the Good Samaritan story (Lk. 10: 25-37)  caring and welcoming every day, everywhere and in every relationship.

We believe that all are called to a vocation of loving one’s neighbor as a response to a loving God through a relationship through Jesus Christ.

Outcomes for Peer Ministry Leaders:

• Observant:  Is alert to the needs of others
• Takes Action:   Uses skills and confidence led by a compassionate heart
• Improbable:  Knows woundedness from having been wounded
• Comes Close:  Listens patiently and explores what is the real need
• Sacrifice:  Willing to risk group security to give help
• Crosses Boundaries:  Gives help to others no matter their identity or label
• Seeks Help:  Guides others to people who can help

You simply are not doing youth ministry until youth are doing ministry.

Step 1: Peer Ministry Leadership begins with adult and youth mentors participating in PML training led by an EveryDay Associate.  Most often we send a trainer to you. A few open enrollments are offered each year for you to come to us. This may be just for your congregation, or you can also invite others to participate and share the costs.

Step 2: The adult mentors and youth mentors motivate and invite other youth to participate in training which they offer in their own congregation or organization.

Note: We hope you call your participants Peer Ministry Leaders... but! This is not about forming a club, it is the results we are excited about. You may use other names or weave the training of skills and practices into a lot of your programing. Please! Just do it!

Step 3: PML youth are quickly engaged in relational service in their congregation, community, family and friendships.

Step 4: PML are empowered by the mentors who encourage, pray for, guide and support.

Step 5: Experienced PML youth become advocates who help recruit and assist in the training of the next group along side the Adult Mentors.

Adult Mentors = Adults who have trained in PML to facilitate the training, engage in service and empower with ongoing support. These adults learn and use the skills in order to model what they teach.

Roles
  Embody the skills and practices
  Equip  youth with training of PML skills
  Engage with opportunities to use relational service skills in multiple settings.
  Empower by praying, supporting, encouraging, resourcing and evaluating.

Youth Mentors = Youth who have been trained along side adult mentors are who can  help motivate, identifying and encouraging other youth to participate. Youth Advocates help Adult Mentors lead the training.

PML training = A set of caring and welcoming skills learned experientially in participation with others. The training comes from the work of Dr. Barbara Varenhorst and the leadership of Lyle Griner who continue to write and adapt the training materials.

EveryDay Associates = Professional trainers available from EveryDayLLC to work with your groups. These people are the experts who have completed various standards and training requirements plus have excelled in bringing PML leadership to youth. 

CLICK HERE!  ---  for Easy and Creative Funding!

PML For your Congregation: Location of your choice. 2-day: 15 hours, $1,900 plus expenses. Train your Adult and Youth Mentors together. The more adults and youth the more impact!  Includes follow-up coaching webinar for Adult Mentors.

PML For your Area: Share a contract with other congregations, a Judiciary, organization, community, network...  same agreement as above.

Open Enrollment Adult and Youth Mentor Training: You come to our hosting location.
$225 for one Adult Mentor ONLY $100 for additional Adult Mentors from same congregation.
ONLY $30 for each Youth Mentor (must attend with Adult Mentors.)
Includes follow-up Coaching Webinar six weeks after the training.

DOWNLOAD REGISTRATION FORM

APR 10-11, 2010 – Augustana Lutheran - W. St. Paul, MN   

     Download Information for April 10-11

APR 23-24 2010 – Trinity Lutheran - Owatanna, MN   

    Download Information for April 23-24

AUG 12-13, 2010  – The Church of Christ the King, Catholic - Minneapolis, MN - Hosted by Venture Youth Ministry.

    Download Information for AUG 12-13

OCT - Twin Cities date coming soon!

REGISTER - By sending an EMAIL to peermin@peerministry.org

Customize a training to meet your needs and fit your event. Give us a call!
Beginning or advanced session: 1 to 3 hours, usually for an evening. $350 plus expenses.

I had no idea how much I would learn and that I would actually use what I learned in everyday life. Peer Ministry has helped me become a better person in all areas of life. –Nicole  

Youth are either leading,

Zach

Peer Ministry has greatly affected my sense of purpose. I feel more motivated to help and serve others after learning all of this material, and adding these to my toolbox. So now my purpose has become more about helping others and less about what I do for myself.

Adam Bur

Peer Ministry has helped me to communicate my ideas about my faith more clearly and also to understand what others are trying to say about there own faith.

Peer Ministry has helped me to comfort people who have lost family members and friends. I am more sensitive to their feelings.

Joseph Vaughan

I know I am a peer minister when I look into a person's eyes while they are talking to me and I understand. I feel that I have been affected greatly by peer ministry; my faith helps me live my life as a friend and a lover of life. I've grown to understand the importance of knowing someone's feelings and emotions.

My relationship with   my Friends have greatly improved, I know now how I can help a person, or how I can work with them so things will work out in their best interest. I now see myself as a less self-centered person do to the ministry I have lived and learned about.

Alexander M. Feldt

This training has had a true affect on my life. It has first caused me to look at many things in my own life that I could do better when relating to others. This training makes me want to be a better listener, and it makes me want to be someone who is there for other people. I cannot wait to take my new skills back home.

This training has really strengthened the relationships that I have with the other people at the Youth Leadership School. I hope that it will also help to foster and build stronger relationships with those back home that I will minister to.

Alpha D. Sabbithi

I built up my growth in faith. I learned the openness of myself.

I learned how to share others problems and leaned how to trust others.

Stacy Johnson

Peer Ministry I feel has made me a strong person, not only in my faith, but also in my relationships with friends and family! I feel more in control of my life and I feel that I can make my own decisions and I feel that I can help others make good decisions. I also hope to use this in my everyday life, to be able to listen to others without giving advice, but being able to counsel!

I anticipate that I will be able to have a much stronger one on one relationship with my peers, a more personal relationship rather than a surface relationship. I think I will be able to provide them with more information and be a better person over all! I also hope to provide a more faithful opinion and hopefully be more open about my faith and become closer with them in that aspect!

Emily Klang

Peer Ministry has helped me to see other people's perspective on life. It has made me realize that I can't fix everything for everyone, but I can be there to listen to what they have to say. It has made me want to reach out and be there for others.

I feel more equipped to talk to people about all issues, even ones that are maybe not "sociably accepted." I feel as thought I can talk openly to others about my faith. I also feel closer to those that I have peer ministered with. Peer Ministry helps to form a bond between people.

Pamela Defatte

Peer ministry has given me new insights into my faith and myself. I think that it will help me relate better to others and help me share my faith with them also.

I think that the skills I have learned during Peer Ministry training will strengthen my relationships with my family and friends and help me make new relationships more easily with others. I hope that I can take the things I've learned here and share them with others.

Ryan Sontag

Peer Ministry has helped me to become a better leader. It has also given me more skills on to handle situations with my peers. The activities helped me to become more confident   in my ministry to my friends and those around me.

I have been able to comfort people who have had to cope with grief. We have become closer friends and have gotten closer to God.

Stephanie Smith

I think that it will give me more courage in sharing my faith with others. I think that it has opened my eyes to listening better and asking more open questions. I think that it will help me relate better with others.

I predict that it will help me to better relate to my friends, peers, and adults. I also think that it will help me stand out in my church as a leader and encourage others to grow in their faith as it has helped me grow.

Priscilla Samuel

Peer Ministry has enabled me to grow spiritually and has made me a different person. I am able to share my experiences and listen to a person without judging them or giving them advice when all they want is someone to listen to them. I hope to carry on the same way, with the help of God, for the rest of my time on this planet.

I am now able to listen to people without giving them advice. I am able to understand them without blocking their views out of my mind and I am able to express my views without offending anyone.

Steve

I have learned that no matter what happens the Lord is always in my corner and even when I sink to my very lowest God is always there to pull me back up. Jesus wasn’t just a man He want’ just a character in some legendary book with unspeakable powers. He is the goodness and love that dwells in the heart of all mankind. Peer Ministry has made me a better person. It has taught me not to pass judgment, and to be a more open and understanding person. It has helped me communicate with other in an efficient and pleasant manner. I learned how to talk about some of the hardest thing to talk about, and the most controversial issues in a respectful and understanding way. I realized that no matter who you are or what you do it is your responsibility as a human and a Christian to be there for you fellow man in the worst of situations.

So much is new. We thought a list highlighting some of the changes would be helpful.

WHAT’S NEW???    Peer Ministry...

is now Peer Ministry Leadership or PML

We added the word, “Leadership.” An expectation and hope we want for all our kids. We stared asking far and wide what is desired for “Christian Leadership.” The search slammed us right back into the Good Samaritan story. Caring and welcoming ministry is something every kid can embrace. (See Leadership tab.)

is the comprehensive frame work youth ministry

PML is not an extra, it is the essential core. Youth and adult become the relational leadership team for a planned variety of strategies and gathering. We can help assess what is working and what is not working. We can help you put your energy into directions that will move you ahead.

Relational Service

Service is not just about racking leaves, building houses or packing meals. It is also about direct care with people, listening, guiding, caring, praying and welcoming. PML is the best in the world at helping people learning the ministry skills and gaining the to relationally serve others!

we now train youth and adults together.

Because becoming a PML adult mentor is best learned in the context of learning  side by side with youth! It also a great way to introduce and motivate your youth.

facilitators are now called mentors

Youth need more than a teacher of skills they someone who...
  Embody the skills and practices
  Equip  with training of PML skills
  Engage with opportunities to use relational service skills in multiple settings.
  Empower by praying, supporting, encouraging, resourcing and evaluating.

 is now working with all denominations.

Because we all value Good Samaritan leadership as a critical aspect of our faith. 

is now a part of the new organization called EverDayLLC

EveryDay was picked as it describes the outcome for understanding ministry is to be lived every day, everywhere, and in every relationship.