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Student Interviews of Churches that are Using Peer Ministry #10 Interview OCT, 2005
Community Rural Population 2,000 Congregation Size of congregation: 800 baptized members Staff size: 1 Pastor, 2 Secretaries, 1 Parishioner, 1 Janitor, 3 Part time musicians Approximate number of youth per grade level: 13 What is your program and community like in general? Our peer ministry program is incorporated into our confirmation program because in general the lessons you learn are just good life skills. The peer ministry group goes on retreats, group homes, and team building. Team building involves activities like going through a maze and trying to find your way out blindfolded. This activity illustrates how a person in depression feels as though there is no way out. Also we go on a weekend event during the Easter season that is called TEC, Teens Encounter Christ, in which the group looks at their faith and Christ’s life and what they are going to do when they go back to the real world. Aside from meeting on Sundays we also serve lunch to our youth group on Thursdays. Our community is small and in terms of issues it faces there is a high divorce rate of 50% and many families face family crises. I actually do not do the training programs myself anymore but have others do it. I choose these leaders after I have prayed about it and eventually, as the time grows closer, I ask the parents I have noticed I thought would be good at it if they would be willing to lead the group. How does it work to have the parents leading their child’s class, is there friction? No there is not a problem with it really. In fact it is a good way to improve communication and listening skills. How many youth stay invovled after confirmation? About 8 out of the 13 Why did your group get involved with Peer Ministry? Hope Lutheran had done peer ministry casually but really saw it put into action after there were a few tragedies in Moose Lake. It seems as though you have had to deal with a lot of grief, what do you advise? Sometimes you just have to be upfront and ask someone if they have a suicide plan. We try to get across that you can’t fix the grief. We also teach to watch out for the signs of depression and that sometimes you have to break confidentiality. How often have you had people break confidentiality, is that average? 3 times a year, it’s pretty average How do you deal with all the grief yourself since so much of your time is spent helping others? I try to take time to unwind and it helps to have people pray for you and with you. What needs did you see in your church? Community? There was a need to have people there to reach out to others and be supportive. What excites you most about Peer Ministry? Seeing them going out and putting their gifts and skills to work. Peer Ministry is described as 1) training in caring skills, 2) growth in faith & values, 3) service to others, 4) and a life long attitude on ministry. How do you see each of these elements in your group?
Logistics: When? How often? How do you invite Participation? Once a week on Sundays typically they have the peer ministry program. They have the program for all 9th graders. This results in all senior high having peer ministry training but those who return after confirmation among others reasons have further, more in depth training. Stories: What were the highlights for you or your group? Seeing them taking their skills and using them in their life. For example when there was a synod convention those who had peer ministry training were more social and made friends quicker.
What have you noticed about your group, or an individual’s, growth in faith and values? On the subject of values and tough issues we are very upfront on sex and suicide.
What are Peer Ministers doing? As individuals? And/or As a group? As a group once a month they go and visit group homes as there are a lot of elderly in Moose Lake. Aside from the obvious volunteering it is important to be intentional. It is easy to walk by someone who is hurting but it is important for peer ministers to be aware of those hurting. It is their responsibility to be a Good Samaritan. Story: One service time that stands out is when the group was at group homes. There was a woman named Rachel who didn’t say much to anyone and a man named Luke who used to be in the army and had old war stories to tell. One time while visiting each made a connection with a member of the peer ministry group and those who talked and listened to them were requested to partner up with Rachel and Luke again. Another story that sticks out is one of mentors. In our program we have the youth paired up with mentors. Jeff, a peer minister, was paired with Anne and Swede who were 87 and 90 years old. The neat thing is that Luke, his younger brother, requested to also be paired up with them and at that point Anne and Swede were 90 and 93. It is nice to see a 13 year old wanting to bridge that gap and talk with some one who is 80 or so years older then him.
How do you hope Peer Ministry affects participants? What goals do you have for the group? The biggest idea we are trying to get across is that you are a Good Samaritan everywhere and that “We’re there to share the body of Christ” and that “You may be the only Bible someone ever reads.” This means to have Christ work through your actions and let it be a sign of who you are. If I were starting Peer Ministry what information would you pass on to me before I begin? It is important to have good training such as the peer ministry training to be a facilitator. Also try to have a diverse group of people in your peer ministry group; for example, have people who are academic, and athletes, musicians, etc. Try to get people of all kinds of skills and gifts. |
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