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Student Interviews of Churches that are Using Peer Ministry #27 Interview JAN, 2000 Somewhat rural Peer Ministry Description How many trained facilitators work with Peer Ministry? 5 work with the Peer I group, 2 with the Advanced Peer group. I'm hoping to get 1 more person trained. How many Youth are trained in Peer Ministry? We have 7 currently in Advanced Peer. How long has your church been involved in Peer Ministry? This is the second year. How are Peer Ministers identified and encouraged to participate? 9th graders are sent a letter inviting them and their parents to attend an introduction meeting. They are then sent a reminder card before each meeting. Where and what time of day did your training take place? We meet at the church, every other Sunday, at 6:30 p.m. After the initial training, how often? when? do the Peer Ministers meet? During the summer we met every Sunday evening. After they are trained (after Advanced Peer) we will continue to meet at least every other Sunday. What is your church's overall goal for Peer Ministers? To encourage participation within the church and the community. Ministry Uses What are some of the ways Peer Ministers have used their training? So far during Advanced Peer we have volunteered to serve a meal at the Rescue Mission, visited a nursing home, next they will lead a youth discussion group, and we will give them info on helping to teach confirmation and Sunday school. Probably have the Pastor come talk to them about leading confirmation. How has Peer Ministry affected the youth program? It's given them a closer bond as a group and they feel more comfortable with each other. They also know they have someone to listen to their problems and know they will understand. What do you think is one of the biggest things the Peer Ministers have gained? Understanding themselves better, and knowing that just because they are youth they can still contribute and be counted in the church and community. What challenges or frustrations have you experienced? Attendance, it's hard for them to commit to attending every meeting. Future Hopes and Goals What are some of the hopes for your Peer Ministry Group? For it to continue to grow, and be something for the youth to look forward to. Seeing the youth who finish the training using what they have learned within the church or community. Are there any words of wisdom that you may offer others who are considering a Peer Ministry program? Keep the youth/adult ratio even. If there are only 4-5 youth, only have 2 adult facilitators. Meeting every other week seems to work the best, it gives them a break in between. Try to have peer facilitators involved with the youth in other activities besides peer training. This will help to create a closer bond to hopefully help the youth to be more comfortable during peer discussions. |
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