YoungLives Handbook - Flipbook - Page 20
Your aim is to earn the right to be heard by establishing a relationship with a person within church
leadership with whom you can develop good rapport. Start by contacting a key person at each church
such as an administrative assistant, missions pastor, or women’s ministry leader. Briefly communicate
the YoungLives mission and the need for mentors and other volunteers. Your initial contact with
churches can be a letter, but it is essential to follow up with phone calls. Make it clear that you would
like to schedule a meeting soon. Let them know you will telephone and place the call within a few days.
Keep a record of your communications and follow up regularly. Maintain an impartial attitude about
these contacts, as not all churches will choose to be involved.
Many churches will readily enter into partnership with YoungLives because they clearly see it as an
effective way to minister to an important group of people. However, do not get discouraged if it takes a
while to get your foot in the door at a church. It often takes time and persistence to get an audience in
a church.
Tips for Presenting the Ministry
If you get a meeting with a church
representative, see it as the beginning of a
long-term relationship with the individual
and church body.
Support the church by serving them well
as much as possible and thanking them
well.
As you prepare, consider:
Learning about the church’s congregation
and current ministry opportunities for
members.
Showing interest in what they are
currently doing to serve the needs of
women.
Avoiding assumptions about their
community service efforts.
FORMING COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
While our focus is on meeting the spiritual needs of adolescent parents, it is crucial to develop
relationships with community organizations to meet their practical needs and connect with young
parents.
Many of the same steps to connect with churches are applicable to building partnerships with
community organizations.
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