YoungLives Handbook - Flipbook - Page 51
ESSENTIAL # 2:
YOUNGLIVES DADS
MINISTRY STRUCTURE
Most YoungLives Dads ministries are part of an existing YoungLives area, which may also be within a
Young Life area. If there is no Young Life presence, they may belong to a stand-alone YoungLives area.
If there isn’t a YoungLives ministry for young moms in the area, YoungLives Dads would operate
independently. As you begin the YoungLives Dads ministry, there are two essential questions to
consider:
Will YoungLives Dads be with an existing YoungLives area or a stand-alone ministry?
Who will be the direct supervisor for the YoungLives coordinator/Team Lead?
INTEGRATED MINISTRY
If Young Life is already established in the community where the ministry to YoungLives Dads is being
initiated, it can be integrated under the supervision of the local area director and existing Young Life
committee. Another option for an integrated model is for it to fall under YoungLives, with the
YoungLives coordinator for moms supervising the YoungLives Dads coordinator or Team Lead. This
model is supported by data showing it promotes sustainability. In an integrated setting, the
YoungLives Dads coordinator will follow a specific job description and report directly to either the Young
Life area director or the YoungLives coordinator. The YoungLives Dads coordinator may oversee RISE
ministries but should be directly involved in only one of the ministries.
Benefits:
The area director and coordinator can collaborate to set a unified vision and goals.
Donors are approached by a cohesive ministry rather than separate programs.
New churches, foundations, and individuals may be more interested in partnering with an area that
includes ministry to adolescent parents.
Young Life can expand its influence within the mission community through new partnerships,
additional advocates, and a larger volunteer pool.
Administrative responsibilities can be shared.
Young Life leader training can include both Young Life leaders and YoungLives mentors, fostering a
stronger sense of belonging for everyone.
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