Investor Update 8.14.12

Created on 03 August 2012 0 Comments

Welcome to the new Center for Youth Ministry Training Investor Update!

God is doing so many amazing things in and through the CYMT that they simply will not all fit in our two bi-annual newsletters, so we decided that we would create an Investor Update that will allow you to see the fruits of your investment.

Each Investor Update will include stories from our partner churches and graduate residents, insights into how CYMT is impacting the church, and a note from our executive director.  Investor Updates will be emailed every six weeks. You will still receive your bi-annual newsletter in the mail, but we hope these updates enhance your knowledge and understanding of CYMT.

In 2009, we partnered with Memphis Theological Seminary to make it possible for our graduate residents to earn a Masters degree while participating in our program. In May, the first class graduated from MTS.  Pictured right on the top row are from left to right: Dietrich Kirk (Executive Director), Jason Smith, Adam Jones, Chris Cummings, and Andrew Zirschky (Academic Director). On the front row are Courtney Blacksten, Lindsay Brooks, Stephanie Dodge, Joanna Cummings, and Emma Loane. Graduation felt like the culmination of the vision God had given me years ago. I am so excited about what this means for our program and graduate residents.

This fall we welcome a new class of 13 graduate residents and partner churches to the program. You can read about the graduate residents and churches in the article below. We currently have 32 residents working in and serving 29 partner churches.

Finally, please note the upcoming CYMT fundraiser on Tuesday, October 2 at 7:00 p.m. at Brentwood United Methodist Church. You will be hearing more about the fundraiser over the next couple of weeks. Thank you for investing in youth ministry and the lives of young people!

Serving Christ,

Dietrich “Deech” Kirk, Executive Director

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A CYMT Story

CYMT Introduction

CYMT Philosphy

The 4 C’s

The graduate residency is comprised of four components designed to help you achieve academic success while gaining valuable ministry experience:
  1. Cohort
  2. Classroom
  3. Coaching
  4. Church

Cohort

Residents are a part of a group of 12 peers.  Together, you will learn about youth ministry and theology.  You will experience community and create relationships that encourage you and become those where "iron sharpens iron." A new cohort forms each year and joins two other cohorts already in years two and three of their residency to create a community of 36 residents.

Classroom

The coursework is designed to help you understand more than just what to do in youth ministry.  You'll learn to think theologically about the ministry you lead and have the knowledge to design ministry programs that help students develop a deep, life-changing Christian faith.  Courses are taught in a retreat format every 6 weeks, and there are weekly discussion groups and assignments.

Church

Residents gain in-the-trenches youth ministry experience by serving 25 hours per week in a local church.  Working part-time as a youth minister during your education allows you to put all the pieces together - everything you learn from the peers in your cohort, the professors in the classroom, and from your coach.

Coaching

Residents receive regular one-on-one coaching from a youth ministry veteran to help you master critical ministry skills and apply what you've learned. Coaches also work directly with the local church to help the staff and congregation develop a healthy understanding of youth ministry and how to best integrate it into the life of the congregation.