Holston Conference of the United Methodist Church

F.U.E.L. Trainings

Filling Uplifting Educating Leaders

F.U.E.L. is the Youth Worker Training and Renewal Ministry of the Conference Council on Youth Ministries of the Holston Conference of The United Methodist Church. A workshop model of training is offered in the spring. A Sabbath Retreat is held each fall. We also encourage you to take advantage of youth ministry training in your local district. These events provide excellent opportunities for networking (that is, being "connectional") and sharing ideas about youth ministry. F.U.E.L. is open to anyone who mentors youth in Jesus Christ, whether you are paid or volunteer youth workers, youth ministers, youth pastors, youth Sunday School teachers, or pastors.

F.U.E.L. Youth Ministry Institute (FYI)

August 2012 to April 2013
A series of foundational youth ministry courses for youth mentors, both paid and volunteer.

FYI is a systematic, in-depth time of study and networking to give you a firm foundation in youth ministry. It will strengthen your sense of God's call on your life for youth ministry and give hands-on ideas and support for on-going ministry. It will be practical and relevant, while being inspirational and theological. Your ministry will be enriched by your participation in this network of youth ministry friends. Using the strongest leadership in the area, including college professors, nationally known speakers, clergy and youth mentors, you will receive training needed for effective youth ministry in your local church. You will also have the credibility of receiving a conference- and denominationally-recognized certificate of completion.

The courses will cover the following areas of youth ministry: Christ-centered youth ministry; persons called and gifted in youth ministry; knowing yourself as a leader; care taking and Sabbath keeping; youth culture; faith formation and disciple-making; Biblical basics; basic Christianity; Wesleyan/Methodist theology; thinking theologically about youth ministry; working in a local UMC; administrative skills, e.g., budgeting, time management, event planning; Safe Sanctuaries; and more! Course work includes reading assignments, class projects, outside assignments, and research with your pastor and/or staff parish relations committee.

You are expected to attend and participate in all sessions, complete assignments of reading and writing before class, and stay overnight with the group during retreats. You will also meet with a mentor and a small group during your participation in FYI.

Sessions: You must attend all sessions.

Cost: $500. Your registration fee covers all program fees, lodging, meals while at sessions, books and reading materials. We encourage you to look to your church and/or district for financial assistance. Limited scholarship assistance is available through the Youth Ministries office.

This ministry is co-sponsored by the Holston CCYM and Tennessee Wesleyan College, and is supported by the UMC's General Board of Discipleship and the Youth Worker Movement. For more information, contact the Youth Ministries Office.

Registration: Space is limited to the first 25 applicants. An initial payment of $150 sent with the completed registration form must be postmarked by July 16, 2012. Your submission of the registration form is your confirmation that you will attend all scheduled sessions. A second payment of $150 is due November 5, 2012. A final payment of $200 is due February 4, 2013.

Other opportunities for training and networking:

Youth Worker Movement is a membership organization of adults who work in youth ministry. It provides a national network that connects people for the purpose of supporting their ministries and improving congregational youth ministry in the UMC. You can receive discounts through its partners in ministry, e.g., Cokesbury/ UM Publishing House, Youth Specialties, Interlinc, Appalachia Service Project, and more. Sponsored by the Foundation for Evangelism and the UM General Board of Discipleship.

National Youth Workers Convention. You'll spend time with other people who understand you and your calling. You'll get the training you need. You'll connect with God. You'll meet new people. Great seminars, nationally known speakers, and the best bands. Sponsored by Youth Specialties. Receive a special discount using Holston youth worker code RDHMCC6. To register or for more info, call 888-346-4179 or visit www.NYEC.com.