Our Mission Statement
Connecting, upholding and inspiring Presbyterian Youth Workers to serve the one triune God among young people.
Our History
In August 2005 a small group of youth workers from all “walks” of youth ministry gathered together to plan an event that would help launch a new Association, a new “home” for adults called to serve in the area of youth ministry. The PYWA Steering Committee planned and implemented the “Pentecost Summit: Together in One Place.” In November 2005, forty two youth workers gathered together at Zephyr Point Presbyterian Conference Center to discern God’s call, to listen to each other, to pray together about what kind of a “thing” this new association would be. A movement, a place of support, a place where adult youth workers find sustenance as compared to competition, an identity, a source of advocacy for this strange and wonderful thing called youth ministry! These were just a few of the common themes discussed at the Summit.
During Summit participants self selected small groups and discernment teams to work within. One the first day participants gathered in “Foundation” teams. Small groups whose work was to discern the basic organizational aspects of this association. Administration, Theological Identity, Mission and Purpose. On the second day participants worked in “Pentecost Teams.” Teams whose work was to discern the more creative workings of the association. Identity, Advocacy, Partnerships.
The Summit participants recommended and then voted unanimously to have the Steering Committee transition into the “Synthesis Team.” This team would also be joined by four elected Summit participants. The Synthesis team will meet in 2006 to take the next steps for the national “charter” of the Association – develop guidelines and governance from the notes and conversations, plan events, determine strategies for communicating this exciting new ministry to the larger church.
The Presbyterian Youth Workers’ Association is supported financially through membership dues paid by participants and by funding that comes from the National Office of Youth Ministry in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). The National funds are generated by the Pentecost Offering shares allotted to the Office of Youth Ministry.
PYWA is designed to be part “Grass Roots” meaning WHAT YOU GIVE IS WHAT YOU GET, WHAT YOU DISCERN IS WHAT YOU DO! Part “National” meaning the National office is a branch of the PYWA – offering financial support, staff guidance and national advocacy and promotion.
Summit participants charged each other to return “home” and begin cultivating local charters of PYWA. To enlist new members to help grown the membership and financial base. And to hold their own PYWA gatherings. Many PYWA gatherings have already happened!
If you have held a PYWA gathering in your community or presbytery please let us know!
We’d love to post photos and stories from your event!
Tell us how God is working among your youth workers!
What’s Next?
From the Office of Youth Ministry …
- PYWA Website: The new PYWA Web site is currently being developed. Look for it to go live sometime summer 2006. Once it is live we will post a link here to it.
- PYWA Mission Retreat: A retreat designed to give youth workers rest, fellowship, support and spiritual tools for deepening your devotional life!
- New PYWA Exhibit at General Assembly! We’ll launch our new PYWA IDENTITY at the upcoming meeting of the 217th General Assembly meeting in Birmingham, Alabama! And at the PYC Pre Assembly (June 12-15) as well.
To join PYWA
*$50 Dues Can Be Sent To:
Michelle “Mich” Phillips
819 Main Street
Parkville, MO 64152
Email
*Membership dues given are being used to establish promotional materials, support mailings and provide seed money for a PYWA event we anticipate happening in 2008!
Funds are deposited into an account established at a bank in Parkville, Missouri. Financial statements are available quarterly from Michelle Phillips. |
