Youth & Children Ministry

 “The commandment I give you today…You shall teach them diligently to your children…” Deut. 6:7
 
It is an historical fact that church plays a vital role in giving spiritual direction to its first-generation immigrant as they look for guidance in their new course of life in the new land.  It is common for first immigrants to be drawn to their ethnic churches by a combination of social, emotional, and spiritual needs. The worship style, language etc. appeals to them than any other churches. This is true to Oromo churches as well. But the time has come for the need of the second-generation ministry, for spiritual legacy of the first generation to be passed down to the next generation to firmly establish in a personal faith.
  
Even though this has not been simple task due to culture and language; our church feel responsibility to carry out its calling for the next generation.Ministering the second generation in the same routine no longer in tune with the young people who were born and raised in the western culture. The difficult refugee life and other tough times experiences of the first generation have contributed to put their trust in God resulting in a deeper faith in Him, the second generation goes through a much different religious experience. It explains partly why many college ages second generation of our churches simply leave the church once they leave home to go to school. This is due to fact that the church is not prepared to meet their needs.
While there is not simple answer for the challenges of our second-generation ministry, we understand that God has given us an enormous responsibility to minister and to give the godly direction to our youth with the living word of God.
 
Responsibilities of youth ministry
  
Develop and deploy an effective curriculum based on the theology of the churchDevelop an outreach strategy that appeal to youth life and keep them in the life of the church Develop and implement programs to enhance and to help grow the youth in spiritual knowledge and Christian character Organize occasional workshops for parents to help them understand child development, issues facing teen in school and all other environment for effective parent - children communication Incorporate youth fully into all aspects of church life and engage them in ministry and leadership in the faith community.
 
Focal areas
  • Teaching our young people basic Christian that will make them stand firm in their faith in the face multi information that diverts them from the truth
  • Teach children and youth the word of God and give them a bible based solid ground and prepare them for the World they are growing into as Christians.
  • Our second-generation youth have grown up under the influence of a postmodern worldview, a belief that says there is no absolute truth, so, we need to teach them that absolutes are determined by God and communicated to us through his Word.
  • It is absolutely important that we help our young generation that they understand truth about God and the infallibility of the scriptures.
Children Ministry Responsibilities
  • Actively taking part in teaching process in Sunday school classes
  • Invite adults to participate in ministry to children and parents
  • Check with the Sunday school teachers to making sure they have all the material and make sure the scheduled teacher has the lesson plan for the week.
  • Ensure that all volunteers are available for their Sunday school classes
  • Develop and implement effective communication between volunteer Sunday teachers and youth/children ministry leaders
  • Maintain an adequate system of records regarding Children’s programs and participants.
  • Developing and coordinating all aspects of EOEC Children’s programs in cooperation with youth ministry director
  • Serve as point of first contact for Children’s program volunteers