God’s primary concern is YOU. 

God is far more concerned about the work He is doing in you than the work He is doing through you.  It is an absolute necessity that, as a volunteer, you are being changed by God to become more like Jesus.  That is his ultimate desire for your life.  We encourage you to have an active devotional life that includes prayer, worship, Bible study & fellowship. 

You are a part of a body of believers. 

Just as CTR Student Ministries is a part of Christ the Rock Community Church, you are a part as well.  God not only has a purpose for you as a leader of students, but as a part of this church body.  More than anything we want you to be “plugged in.” That means, at the very least, that you attend services here regularly.  It is also the desire of CTR leadership to have all attendees complete the Discover Classes offered monthly.  Our ultimate hope is that you would pursue membership at CTR because in doing so you are making a statement of commitment to this group of believers.

Your presence is critical.

 Each week when we gather, you are needed.  Whether they say it or not, your absence from a ministry event can be disappointing to a student here.  There are students that look for you - and to you - more than you will ever realize.  So do your ministry partners.

Please be on time, and available at the appointed times, and communicate conflicts of schedule to a staff person well in advance, if possible. 

You are a part of a ministry team. 

You offer uniqueness as a volunteer that plays an important role in student ministries, but you are part of a team.  This team is changing, growing, maturing, and building every week.  In order for the team to function well, we need a time to receive your insight, concerns, ideas, and questions.  We also need to share a common vision and direction. Because of this we need your committed participation at volunteer meetings and training.  On your small group night please plan on arriving promptly for your fifteen minute mentor’s meeting at 6:00 pm. 

Your primary concern is the students.  When you come to a ministry night, come prepared. 

·         Please pray for the ministry and students throughout the week.   

·         Please come seeking to build stronger relationships with the students. 

·         Concentrate your time and energy on students rather than the other volunteers!

·         Commit your attention to the hang out time, small group time, worship, message, etc.

·         Sit with the students. Please don’t stand in the back. 

In general, keep a perspective that says, “I am here to share the hope of Jesus with the students.”

Ministry events are not the end of your ministry work. 

Small Group Mentors:   

Many kids in this generation are growing with very little, if any, one-on-one attention from positive adults mentors.   They need someone who genuinely is interested in and who cares about them.   Whether it is one-on-one time or a small group get together, your involvement in their lives outside of ministry events will create a relationship that is meaningful and impactful.   One-on-one time with students is as important as your formal small group time, if not MORE important. Please make a bi-weekly effort to touch base with the students in your care by either attending the large group night and touching base with them or by calling them, e-mailing or writing a personal note if you don’t see them at large group night. 

Your lifestyle is an example, and a model, of Jesus to others.  A Godly lifestyle should strive to:

·         Refrain from any illegal activity, as we are to obey the laws and respect the rulers of our land. This would include but is not limited to the use of illegal drugs and the abuse of alcohol.  (1 Tim. 6:11-14)

·         Speak in a way that is clean and honorable, giving praise and glory to God. (Eph. 4:25-29).  Obscenities and coarse joking should not be a part of our lives.  (Eph. 5:4)

·         Keep dating relationships pure and exemplary, without a hint of   sexual immorality.  (Eph. 5:3)  God asks us to commit to sexual purity, (1 Cor. 6:18-20), and to seek other Godly people as companions in life (2 Cor. 6:14-15).  Pornography (Matt. 5:27-28), homosexuality (1 Cor. 6:9-11, Lev. 20:13), and other areas of sexual impurity are sin, and are not Gods desire for our lives.

·         *Dating relationships between adult volunteers and students is prohibited.  Talk to the Director if at anytime you find yourself tempted to compromise this commitment!

·         Students need positive role models for living out their Christian faith. Volunteers in Student Ministries are committed to choices and a lifestyle that are both godly and “above reproach”. “Whatever you do, in word or in deed, do it all in the name of the Lord, Jesus Christ...” (Col. 3:17)  

You will experience personally the same kind of community that you are building.   

God designed you for relationships - relationships that challenge, encourage, strengthen and build up our faith in Jesus.  You must be committed to the common direction of the ministry.  There will be things that fall outside of what has been mentioned here.  It might be a request for volunteers to read a book, to help with ministry tasks, or attend training days, retreats, etc.  God has given you - and all of us - an incredible opportunity to serve Him, but that opportunity means high stakes and a lot of work.  Please have an attitude that strives to go with us in this journey. Do your best to commit to the work that God is doing here, and to share in this labor together. 

You can expect certain things from the staff/leadership of CTR Student Ministries.  Among these things are:

·         The freedom to give input or suggestions for the direction and implementation of the ministry.

·         A realistic expectation of time commitment while serving in student ministries. 

            For Small groups: Advanced planning of the topics so you can adequately prepare for your

            part in this ministry.

·         Time spent in planning and meetings will be productive and purposeful. 

·         An understanding of resources available to you for training, preparation, etc.

·         An effort to adequately equip you for the ministry tasks which you are committing to.

·         Striving to have you serve in an area of giftedness.

Student Ministry Leadership’s commitment to you:  To help you grow in faith and in skills related to serving with teens.

• We will provide training on topics that will help you in your small group and in following Christ personally.
• We will provide information on conferences that pertain to youth ministry. 
• We provide some scholarships. 
• We also have resources from conferences on CD/DVD that you are welcome to take home.
• We will provide the discussion outlines and supplies needed to carry out your role.
• We will recognize your sacrifice in serving and we will schedule events during the year to celebrate what God has done through YOU in this ministry!