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#25 Interview JAN, 2000
Woodbury United Methodist
Interview with Amy Fuller, Director of Youth and Family Ministry 6-12
By: Sheila Jo Brockner & Corinne Rowles

Suburban
Size of congregation: 1300 with 700 worshiping
Staff size: 5 full-time, 6 part-time, Amy is the only youth staff.
Approximate number of youth per grade level: 30
Area youth are 90% from Woodbury, 10% from other areas including Maplewood and Cottage Grove

Peer Ministry Description:

How many trained adult facilitators work with Peer Ministry?

There were originally three people trained, but two moved so now it is just Amy.

How many youth are trained in Peer Ministry? 10 students

How long has your church been involved in Peer Ministry? The program started last March.

How are Peer Ministers identified and encouraged to participate?

The Peer Ministers were hand-picked this time. They were youth that were involved already in some sort of ministry. They had gifts of mercy and service. This was important to Amy. In the future, however, the youth will be able to apply openly. Others will be encouraged next fall by those already trained.

Where and at what time of day did your training take place?

Initially, the training was done with another church on a mission trip to Oklahoma. They also trained six times in August. They currently are finishing up the training and meet about one time a month.

What is your churches' overall goal for Peer Ministers?

Keep them involved in serving the church and community and reach out to the younger children in lower grade levels.

Ministry Uses

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

The training is not complete yet, but the youth meet in separate small groups in their other service areas. Seven are involved in ministry in the church and the other three are involved in civic ministry. They also have been doing some one-on-one mentoring.

How has Peer Ministry effected the youth program?

Leadership development is the key thing and students learn interpersonal skills - ministering to each other and younger kids.

What do you think is one of the biggest things the Peer Minister's have gained?

Friendship between Peer Ministers.

What stories illustrate what Peer Ministry can do?

Older kids lead younger kids and provide a connection. The Senior High have a tremendous impact on the Junior High and by Senior High reaching out to the younger kids they impact spiritual growth. The ninth graders that lead the seventh grade confirmation have an impact on the younger students and know what it is like to be in Junior High so they can provide some understanding.

What challenges or frustrations have you experienced?

Beginning the program and train leaders that leave. Attempting to get consistency in commitment and recruit more trainers.

Future Hopes and Goals

What are some of hopes and goals you have to see for your Peer Ministry group?

One goal is to at least 6 more adults involved to train future Peer Ministers. Amy also hopes to train 10-15 youth per year in the peer program to help with the confirmation program.

Are there any words of wisdom that you may offer others who are considering beginning a Peer Ministry program?

The words of advice would be to get more adults than you think you will need. They are very important to the program. Also, get the youth involved in ministry right away after the training.