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#24 Interview JAN, 2000
Advent Lutheran, Anoka
Interviewed with Char Leone, Faith Formation Ministry Director
By: Krissy Matson

Suburban
Size of congregation: 500 members, about 180 families
Staff Size: 1 Pastor, 3 Ministry Directors, 1 Secretary and 1 Secretarial Assistant, 1 Organist, 1 Choir Director, 1 Custodian, 1 Nursery Attendant (All are part-time except for the pastor)
Approximate number of youth per grade level: 10

Peer Ministry Description

Trained adult facilitators who work with Peer Ministry:
3

Number of youth trained in Peer Ministry:
8 and growing

Number of years church has been involved in Peer Ministry:
2

How the Peer Ministers are identified and encouraged to participate?

The Youth at Advent are encouraged to participate period. Peer Ministry isn’t the only program offered to them that encourages them to participate. When the youth are confirmed, they have to fill out a form agreeing to a year of Christian service through Advent. They can do a variety of things to keep them involved. Peer Ministry is just one of the many options offered to them to keep them involved and participating.

Where and at what time of day the training took place?

It was on a retreat to Camp Wapogasset.They are taking four more youth there soon to receive the training.

How often the Peer Ministers meet?

As of right now, all of the Peer Ministers don’t get together and have meetings. It is very informal. The youth check-in with their adult supervisors at various times throughout the year. They keep service journals and have to turn them in to Char when completed.

What is the churches overall goal for Peer Ministers?

To help the youth grow in faith through service. To relate to others in faith. To be examples to others.

Ministry Uses

What are some of the ways that Peer Ministers have used their training?

It hasn’t happened yet, but there is a program called Peer Ministry Friend, and what it is, is Peer Ministers use their skills to offer friendship and support to another youth during a particular struggle. But it has to be referred by the Pastor and so far, no one has needed it. They also lead certain events at their church once a month.

How has Peer Ministry has affected the youth program?

Advent doesn’t have a specific youth program. There are things offered to the youth to keep them involved and interacting with others, but not exactly a program.

What is one of the biggest things the Peer Ministers have gained?

The training opportunity, being with peers, learning and helping them gain confidence in a sense of spiritual leading, and an increased desire to be involved.

What challenges or frustrations have you experienced?

Trying to fit the training into an already busy schedule is a challenge. The parents with the issue of values are a big frustration. Trying to answer why it is important to be certified in Peer Ministry and have them see why it would be so significant is a challenge as well.

Future Hopes and Goals

What are some hopes and goals that you see for your Peer Ministry group?

To see growth and more involvement.

• What words of wisdom you can offer to others who are considering beginning a Peer Ministry program?

Just get people involved in service and show how the training fits in with that.The main goal should be to get them first involved in serving, and then show them the training.