In Auckland and then in Dunedin, I met up with Matt Chamberlin, Presbyterian Youth Ministry Co-ordinator. Matt works with Gordon Fitch in PYM and connects with 5 staff (full-time and part-time) in pakeha/palangi synods across New Zealand, plus the Pacific Island Synod and the Maori Synod. PYM has regional youth committees who relate with the regional staff.
Their website is here.
PYM is involved in training, resources and events. PYM is seeking to develop a focus on discipleship that is Christ-centred and grounded in practices that grow disciples.
Stepping Stones of Formation is offered to help leaders plan ways to grow young people over times, and covers Belief, Practices, Justice and Life. In each area, PYM offers a suggested range of resources for different age groups and a planning tool.
PYM also offers “Warrant of Fitness” training to assist churches with Code of Ethics, Risk Management and Police Checks.
Grass Roots is a downloadable youth leader training program developed and shared by Gary Grut of Baptist Youth Ministries.
PYM also offers a range of face-to-face training sessions regionally.
A Bachelor of Ministry is the core of the PYM Internship which is a collaboration between Knox Centre for Ministry & Leadership and Laidlaw College. It includes supervised practical ministry experience. Here’s a photo of the 4 interns who graduated this week.
Great conversation with Matt, and I’m inspired by what PYM is doing. Check out the PYM website for more information about events, mission stuff, including the Training in Mission program in which they participate globally.
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