1. A personal relationship with Jesus is laid as the foundation for the lives of our youth
   Youth ministry teaches and guides our youth into a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
   
   
2. An environment is created which inspires our youth to WANT to be part of youth ministry
   Our youth are excited about attending church and bringing their parents along. In times gone by, 'Sunday school' was practically compulsory, now it is discretionary. Therefore we have to make attendance appealing.  Kiwi youth also join our youth ministry activities in increasing numbers.
   
   
3. Our youth ministry leaders grow and flourish in deploying their talents and spiritual gifts in this ministry
   Youth ministry leaders flourish in their gifts and ministry - youth ministry is the highlight of their week.  Their involvement in youth ministry contributes strongly to their own genuine faith experience.
   
   
4. Parents and families accept primary responsibility for youth ministry, the church performs a supportive role
   Youth ministry at home lays a solid foundation for teaching at church. On the other hand, the church's efforts need to be reinforced at home. Church and parents work together as a team, while parents remain primarily responsible in terms of their baptism promise. Church attendance is only about one hour per week, while youth need to be trained and coached on an on-going basis. Therefore, the family environment is ideally suited for this purpose.

1. Youth ministry is anchored in expanding knowledge of the Bible
   The foundation of being a Christian is knowledge of the Bible.  It is important for our youth to comprehend the deeper messages of the Scripture, in order to become increasingly Christ-centered.
    
2. Our youth ministry leaders understand the needs of our youth, so as to be YOUTH ORIENTATED in this ministry
   We consider the needs, level of development and choice of language of our youth in our ministry to them.  We understand the world view of the society in which our youth have to function. Youth ministry is presented in a youth-friendly manner.
    
3. Our youth experience the love, caring and fellowship of a Christian way of life
   Our youth feel safe, and hear Christian life-affirming messages. They develop a circle of friends among fellow Christians, who become their family in faith, and source of support in NZ. Youth ministry leaders serve as appealing Christian role models.  Youth ministry offers a safe haven for our youth, in terms of their physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.
    
4. Youth ministry requires intentional shepherding in the longer term
   Youth ministry is most effective at a young age (e.g. before age 12) - before everything gets questioned. Even so, Christian values are shaped over the longer term, and it is therefore desirable for the process of intentional shepherding to commence early, and be sustained in the longer term.

Strategic Goals - this is how we implement our vision

1. Bible truths are presented creatively, taking our youth on a voyage of discovery through the Bible
   Youth learn best if the experience is enjoyable, fun and stimulating - this makes them more receptive for the Word.  We realise that our youth is no longer attuned to the old style learning of "listen and keep quiet'. Therefore we employ all their senses and their natural curiosity and spontaneity in the learning process.
   
   
2. Actively promote the involvement of parents with youth ministry - at the church and at home
   Parents are encouraged and convinced to become actively involved in the youth ministry.  Greater involvement by parents means that the work burden will be carried more evenly by all leaders of this ministry.  Succession planning will be improved, and the ministry will be less vulnerable in terms of the loss of one or two  key players.  A sufficient number of leaders will also enable everyone to attend church services from time to time, so as not to neglect their own spiritual development.
   
   
3. Appeal to members of the congregation to actively support the youth ministry and its leaders, based on their talents and spiritual gifts
   We need a participative youth ministry - in which members of the congregation actively support the ministry.  They can do this directly as leaders, but also indirectly by taking charge of the ministry's logistical and organisation activities.
   
   
4. Increased involvement of teenagers in the Promiseland ministry
   Teenagers have only recently been 'children', and should have insight into the needs, preferences and dislikes of (Promiseland) children. Teenagers also have a calling on their lives which needs to be put into action, and we trust that they will become actively involved with the Promiseland childrens' ministry. It is also important for teenagers to 'learn' about the importance of heeding the Lord's calling in their lives.
   
   
5. Support parents to become equipped to deal with youth ministry at church and at home
   Parents often require training and development to become equipped to deal with youth ministry. They do not always fully comprehend the implications of the promise they made when their children were baptised (to instruct their children in the ways of the Lord). Parents may well need to experience a maturing of their own spiritual life, in order not to be overwhelmed by the task at hand. Our 'Spiritual Equipment' ministry can assist parents in arranging appropriate programmes. This programme could include assistance with identifying spiritual gifts.
   
   
6. The youth ministry curriculum is designed to be aligned with our congregation's vision
   The curriculum is designed so that there will be continuity and cohesion between the programmes for toddlers, children and teenagers.  Themes being dealt with in church services, could also be built into the youth ministry curriculum.  The nature and scope of the curriculum is well-aligned with the congregation's vision.