Youth Leader Training Manual

By: Kevin
Dodson

Note to the Reader

Journey Fellowship is graced by your decision to join the student ministry team. As a volunteer,
you now hold an important role in the development of our students lives. This manual is
intended to provide our volunteers with a general understanding of how and why we, here at
Journey Fellowship, implement a middle school Sunday class. By providing specific guidelines
as to how to effectively lead in the class, we hope that you will find success in your volunteer
position and solidify the goals of our student ministry.
It is also the desire of the church for its volunteers and staff to first be, obedient to the will of
God and secondly to the elders of the church.
There are many opportunities for Journey members to serve according to their gifts, talents, and
interests. We trust that your gift to our volunteer team will not only benefit our ministry, but
reward your servants heart and deepen your relationships within our church.
(http://oakhillschurch.com)
This manual will give you the tools to fulfill these needs in the church in the most effective
matter available. It will also offer advise on ways to improve your performance in the job by
providing leadership tips so that you can preform above what is asked of you.
Welcome to the exciting ministry of student volunteering.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents
Table of Contents.............................................................................................v
Introduction....................................................................................................vii
About Journey Fellowship Church...................................................................11
History........................................................................................................11
Mission........................................................................................................11
Beliefs.........................................................................................................11
Our Beliefs...............................................................................................11
God..........................................................................................................11
Jesus Christ..............................................................................................11
Holy Spirit................................................................................................12
Salvation..................................................................................................12
Baptism...................................................................................................12
Communion.............................................................................................12
Church.....................................................................................................12
Bible........................................................................................................12
Christs Return.........................................................................................12
Values.........................................................................................................13
Volunteer Information....................................................................................15
Mission, Beliefs, Values for Volunteer Involvement.....................................15
What the Volunteer should expect from the Organization..........................15
What the Organization should expect from the volunteer..........................15
Standards and Guidelines..............................................................................17
Revisions.....................................................................................................17
Performance Feedback or Evaluation Procedure.........................................17
Codes Of Conduct Behavior Or Ethics.........................................................17
Dress Code.................................................................................................17
Training and Orientation Information..........................................................17
Job Description............................................................................................17
Interactions with students..........................................................................18
Reporting incidents.....................................................................................18
Substance Use Policy..................................................................................18
Personal Property........................................................................................18

Table of Contents

Safety.........................................................................................................18
Grievances or Dispute................................................................................19
Attendance Policy.......................................................................................19
Signing in and out procedures....................................................................19
Media Inquiries...........................................................................................19
Helpful Information about the Job..................................................................20
Journey Fellowship Contact Information.....................................................20
Campus Staf...........................................................................................20
Community Leader..................................................................................20
Pulpit.......................................................................................................20
Executive.................................................................................................20
Parking,BuildingAccess...............................................................................20
Map of San Antonio.....................................................................................21
Journey Fellowship Service Times...............................................................22
FrequentlyAskedQuestions.........................................................................22
Works Cited....................................................................................................23

Introduction

Introduction
Thank you for choosing this middle school leader training manual. This manual contains
information on how to effectively conduct and control a middle school boys or girls table for
Journey Fellowship Churchs weekly Sunday school class. It will also provide a walkthrough
regarding the use of materials, staff members, and facilities that should be readily available to
each leader. Volunteers will be able to handle a small group of middle school students
independently, control the group in a respectful and disciplined manner, and answer any biblical
questions with content that the church agrees with. The manual will also provide the necessary
contact information to have access to the leaders of the church and will provide whom to contact
in the event of an emergency or question.

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11

About Journey Fellowship Church

History
Journey Fellowship began in 2005, when Oak Hills Church sent a small group of Christ
Followers to create a like-minded community on the Northeast side of San Antonio. We chose an
empty restaurant behind the historic Blue Bonnet Palace dancehall as our meeting place.
The OHC Journey Fellowship campus is a great place for people who have not felt comfortable
with what is traditionally known as church. We have always tried to be a place for people who
dont like Church. In order to do this, the old restaurant was remodeled into a cozy coffee shop.
The Sunday morning gathering is focused on extended times of prayer, as well as a great time of
music and practical spiritual insights from Randy Frazee and Max Lucado.
Huge events and fancy programs are not our forte. Our focus is set on Community Groups:
small, tight-knit groups of believers that meet in each others homes. The small caravan has
quickly grown to a bustling band of brothers and sisters.
In July 2008, Oak Hills Church moved the worship gatherings to the newly renovated Blue
Bonnet Palace. We are excited to see what lies ahead, and look forward to helping you on the
journey.

Mission

WearetheBodyofChristcalledtobeJesusineveryneighborhoodinourcityand
beyond.

Beliefs
Our Beliefs

Godsstoryisastoryofloveandredemption.Thestoryormessagethatmostclearly
showsthisredemptiveloveisthedeath,burialandresurrectionofJesus(IJohn3:16).
Paulsaysthismessageisoffirstimportance(ICorinthians15:3).AsGodrevealsHis
naturethroughthestoriesoftheBible,thefollowingteachingsemergeascentral
doctrines.TheseteachingsformthecoreofourbeliefsatOakHillsChurch.
God

ThereisonetrueGod,eternallyexistinginthreePersons,GodtheFather,GodtheSon
andGodtheHolySpirit.TheseareequalandareoneGod.Godcreatedtheworldoutof
nothingandbyHispowerHesustainsallHehascreated.(Romans8:2225;Ephesians
1:1314).
Jesus Christ

JesuswasmiraculouslybornoftheVirginMary(Matthew1:20;Luke1:35)andbecame
fleshandblood(John1:116;2934)withoutceasingtobeGod.Helivedasinlesslife
andperformedmanymiraclestoconfirmHisdivinity.Hediedonthecrossasaperfect
sacrifice,payingthedebtforoursins(Mark10:45).OnthethirddayafterHisdeathHe

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arosefromthedeadshowingHisvictoryoversinanddeath(1Corinthians15:38).He
appearedtoHisdisciplesandthenascendedintoheavenandnowsitsattherighthandof
Godservingasourmediator.
Holy Spirit

TheHolySpiritisequalwiththeFatherandtheSon.Hemakespeopleawareoftheir
needforChrist(John16:811,2Corinthians6:11).Heindwellsandempowersthe
believer(IJohn4:13;Galatians.5:1626).Hispresenceinourlifeisasealandguarantee
thatweareGodschildren(2Corinthians1:2122).TheHolySpiritgivesbelievers
spiritualgifts(1Corinthians12:711;Romans12:48)tobeusedtohelpothers.
Salvation

SalvationisafreegiftofGod.ThedeathofChristonthecrossistheonlysufficient
paymentforoursins.Allhavesinned,butallcanbesaved.Thissalvationisavailablefor
anywhoputtheirtrustinChristasSavior(Romans3:23,6:23;John3:16).Thosetrusting
Christshouldrepentofsin,confesstheirfaith,andbebaptized(Romans10:9;Acts2:38).
Baptism

BaptismisanoutwarddemonstrationofobediencetoChristbyonewhohasdeclaredhis
faithtoothers.PleasereviewtheBaptism:TheDemonstrationofDevotionteaching.
Communion

JesusestablishedtheLordsSuppershortlybeforeHisdeath.Ontheeveningbeforethe
crucifixionwhilesharingPassoverwithhisdisciples,Jesustookbread,gavethanks,and
brokeit,andgaveittohisdisciples,Takeandeat;thisismybody.Thenhetookacup,
andgavethanks,andofferedittothem,saying,Drinkfromitallofyou.Thisisthe
bloodofthecovenant,whichispouredoutformanyfortheforgivenessofsins
(Matthew26:2628).Dothisinremembranceofme(Luke22:19).
TheLordsSupperisatimetorememberthedeath,burial,andresurrectionofChrist.
DuringthismemorialremembrancethebreadsymbolizesthebodyofChristandthewine
symbolizesthebloodofChrist.Whenbelieverstaketheelementsinanactofworship,
gatheringinHisname,Christspresenceisamongthemandfelt(Matthew18).
OakHillsChurchinvitesallwhobelieveinJesusandhaveacceptedHisgiftofsalvation
toparticipateinreceivingcommunion.
Church

ThechurchistheBodyofChristonearth,empoweredbytheHolySpirittocontinuethe
taskofreachingthelostanddisciplingthesaved,helpingthembecomefullydevoted
followersofChrist(Ephesians4:116).
Bible

TheBibleistheinspiredwordofGodandisthefinalauthorityinlifeanddoctrine(2
Timothy3:16).

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Christs Return

Christwillonedayreturnandjudgeallpeople(2Thessalonians1:810;1Thessalonians
4:1318).BelieverswillbewelcomedintoGodspresenceinHeaven.Unbelieverswillbe
inHell,separatedfromGodspresence.
AtOakHillsChurchwesincerelytrytofollowtheBibleanditsteachings.However,our
abilitytologicallyfigureeverythingoutisnotthebasisforouracceptabilitybeforeGod.
OursalvationisbasedonwhatGodhasdoneforusthroughJesusChrist.Whatwemust
berightaboutisthefactthatwecannotberightabouteverythingandaretherefore
completelydependentonGodsgraciousnessandmercy.

Values

God has called Oak Hills Church toward a clear mission: We are the Body of
Christ called to be Jesus in every neighborhood in our city and beyond. With
the promise of our destination after life given to us through the Word of God
we know where we are going. Our values tell us that it matters how we get
there. God wants us to reach His desired destination, but He is concerned
and involved in how we come through the journey.
Our seven values are Unity, Grace, Truth and Faith, Family, Inclusivity, Every
Believer a Minister, Prayer, and Neighborhood. We believe these seven
biblical values will guide us as we journey through life both as a church body
and individually as we apply them to our families, neighborhoods, schools,
and communities. As you live these values you will see that they are all
interconnected like a finely woven fabric; each impacting the other in big
ways.
Imagine seeing unity throughout the Body of Christ and watching it extend
into your family and community. Imagine grace, truth, and faith planting
itself in your core and broadening its roots to your relationships and
interactions with every person in your life. As these bleed into your life,
your family as the core teaching and discipling center will grow and be an
example to all the families in your neighborhood. While people in your
neighborhood see this they will want to be a part of Christs community and
we will enthusiastically welcome them because we value inclusivity. And as
this cycle continues and every believer ministers in their own way to those
around them, people are constantly changing because of God, who we seek
in all decisions through prayer.
As you begin to explore our values and perhaps watch some of the videos
from our Living Values sermon series pray and ask God to speak to you. Our
prayer is that as you see and listen to the series you will take to heart what
Randy teaches, and see Gods miraculous hand work over your life as you
apply these values to your life and relationships.
UNITY: We seek to promote unity in the Body of Christ.

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GRACE, TRUTH & FAITH: We ofer grace, stand for the truth, and live by faith.
FAMILY: We embrace the family as the core teaching and discipling center.
INCLUSIVITY: We invite all people to belong to Christs community
regardless.
EVERY BELIEVER A MINISTER: We view every believer as a minister.
PRAYER: We seek God in all decisions through prayer.
NEIGHBORHOOD: We organize our eforts around neighborhoods.

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Chapter 2

21

Volunteer Information
Mission, Beliefs, Values for Volunteer Involvement

Volunteers should be mindful of the fact that they are representing Journey
Fellowship Church in its entirety, therefore should always work to reflect the
churchs mission, beliefs, and values in his or her actions and answers to
biblical questions.

What the Volunteer should expect from the Organization

Volunteers should show respect and obedience to the churchs leadership

and should expect to be responded with kindness and respect in the most
professional way possible. Volunteers are expected to preform under the
trusted leadership of the church but will always have an open line of
communication to receive any help needed including the workplace or
personal life.
Although volunteers are expected to control their own table of students, if at
any point a volunteer feels like he or she is loosing control or is unable to
regain control, he or she may request help from the director. This aid is also
available and is encouraged when faced with difficult situations or biblical
content regarding the students.

What the Organization should expect from the volunteer

Above all, Journey Fellowship Church expects all of its staf, volunteers, and
leadership to act in a respectable and loving nature in regards to their
conduct in and outside of the church.
Youth Leaders in the middle school Sunday class are expected to show up to
the cofee shop 30 minutes before the class starts for a briefing of what the
class will cover and accomplish that day. During these briefings, led by the
student ministry director, volunteers will be given the supplies, bible verses,
lecture content, song lyrics, or game instructions in order to be successful in
that days lesson.

Chapter 4
23

Standards and Guidelines

Revisions
Journey Fellowship reserves the right to amend, revise or delete any policy or procedure
referred to in these Volunteer Standards and Guidelines at any time with notice.
Changes may be communicated to volunteers in meetings, sessions, or by memo. If you
have any questions regarding the Volunteer Standards and Guidelines, please ask your
supervisor or Director of student ministries.

Performance Feedback or Evaluation Procedure

In efforts to make your service here as fruitful and enjoyable as possible it is important
that we open the lines of communication between the volunteers and other staff
members. After each class volunteers are given the opportunity to fill out evaluation
forms. These forms are constantly reviewed and are an important part of an effective
ministry.

Codes Of Conduct Behavior Or Ethics

Journey Fellowship conducts relations in a fairly, impartially, and ethical manner, with
compliance to applicable laws and regulations. Volunteers shall serve with respect,
concern, courtesy and responsiveness in carrying our daily activities. Volunteers should
also reflect the core values that Journey Fellowship Church stands by and should not
engage in conduct that raises questions or dishonesty to the mission as a whole.
Violation of this policy shall result in disciplinary action, up to and inclusive of immediate
termination.

Dress Code
Volunteers must dress appropriately for service. Generally, Sunday service attire will
be acceptable. Ultimately, we want you to be at ease and encourage you to wear what is
most comfortable for you. The following are not acceptable: short shorts, mini skirts,
sleeveless, tightfitting, or low-cut clothing. As a general rule, volunteers should dress
conservatively.

Training and Orientation Information

The Student Ministries Department will give all volunteers an overview of the Middle
School Class operations on a weekly basis. Group meetings will be held 30 minutes
prior to classes, and will include announcements regarding the activities and lessons
planned for the relative class.
New volunteers may be asked to shadow a leader their first time on-the-job.

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Job Description
Leaders must attend the group meetings 30 minutes prior to the class. In
these group meetings, leaders will be provided with a description of duties
and responsibilities that pertain to the upcoming class. As a leader, you are
responsible for carrying out the activities and lessons set forth by the
Director of Student Ministries.

Interactions with students

We want our volunteers to feel welcome to get to know the individual students and their
families. However, be cognizant of appropriate and inappropriate relations. Although
connecting with students at a deeper level is encouraged, our primary goal is to provide
a safe and interactive environment that students can go to and that parents are
comfortable with.
Specifics regarding interactions with students:
Do not give students a bribery of any kind.
Do not give students rides anywhere without parental consent.
Do not make significant decisions for the students without reference to supervisors
counsel or parental advice.
Do not touch or hug a student in a way that may be misinterpreted.
Profanity is never acceptable when working with staff and students.
Do no discipline children.
Always remain calm when speaking with students and parents.

Reporting incidents
An incident is inclusive of any event or situation where someone could or has suffered
an injury. All incidents must be immediately reported to a volunteer supervisor or the
Director of Student Ministries. This reporting policy is important for the safety and well
being of everyone in order to ensure a continued safe and successful learning
atmosphere.

Substance Use Policy

Journey Fellowship is committed to protecting the safety, health, and well being of all the
volunteers and students on the campus. We recognize that alcohol abuse and drug
abuse pose a significant threat to our goals. We have established a drug-free campus.
Violations of this policy will lead to disciplinary action and immediate termination.
It is a violation of our drug-free workplace policy to use, possess, sell, trade and/or offer
alcohol, illegal drugs or intoxicants. If the use of such substances could compromise the

Chapter 4
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safety of the volunteer or any other individuals, the volunteer should not report for
his/her service.

Personal Property
Journey Fellowship does not assume responsibility for the loss, damage or theft of
personal belongings, and volunteers are strongly advised to keep valuables in a secure
location.

Safety
It is the policy of Journey Fellowship to provide a safe and healthy environment for all
volunteers. Volunteers must comply with all safety and health requirements by federal,
state, and local law when working with children.
Volunteers must also be versed in emergency procedures and be made aware of all of
the emergency evacuations.

Grievances or Dispute
An effective operation and satisfied volunteers go hand in hand. Volunteer grievances
are of concern to Journey Fellowship, regardless of the problem.
In order to provide prompt and efficient evaluation of grievances we ask that you see an
authority voicing your dispute. We ask that you feel free to openly discuss your
complaint and substantiate your reasons for feeling the way you do.

Attendance Policy
Here at Journey Fellowship we do not require or contract any sort of attendance
agreements with Group Leader Volunteers. However, as a volunteer you have chosen to
dedicate your time to the student ministries and the goal to the overall mission in
providing a safe and comfortable place of group interaction. Additionally, with our
mission we have gathered that having a reliable leader is key, and ask that you take
your roll seriously as a Student Ministries team member.

Signing in and out procedures

To ensure the safety of all of the students, we require that volunteers take roll of
attending students. We also require that a guardian sign students in and out of the
classes. Volunteers and/or a volunteer supervisor must remain with a student until a
guardian signs him or her out.

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Media Inquiries
Volunteers are prohibited from photographing, audio-taping or video taping any of the
students without consent from both the Director of Student Ministries and the parents.

Helpful Information about the Job

Journey Fellowship Contact Information

Phone|210.651.1463
MailingAddress|JourneyFellowship:16847IH35North:Selma,Texas78154
Campus Staf

GregLigon|CampusMinister
TaylorRodriguez|MinistryAssistant
RossHendrickson|ChildrensMinistryDirector
WendeeGordon|NurseryDirector
LisaLawler|Operations&ChildrensMinistryAssistant
RyanRohan|StudentMinistryDirector
GabrielleLeonard|StudentMinistryAssociate
TrevorLeeland|StudentMinistryAssociate
TrevorMartin|StudentMinistryAssociate
ChrisVaughan|Worship&ProductionDirector
BeckyOrtega|Student&WorshipMinistryAssistant
KevinPalmer|FacilitiesCoordinator
Community Leader

TaylorRogers|CommunityMinister|NorthEast,Selma,NewBraunfels

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Pulpit

RandyFrazee|SeniorMinister
NancyZack|ExecutiveAssistant|210.698.4651
MaxLucado|MinisterofPreaching
KarenHill|ExecutiveAssistant/ExecutiveEditortoMaxLucado|210.698.4670
Executive

MarkTidwell|ExecutiveMinister
LaurieHogan|MinistryAssistant|210.698.4640

Parking,BuildingAccess
Journey Fellowship encourages its members to leave the first time parking
in the front open, so that new comers will experience a welcoming vibe.
Members are asked to park in the back of the church if convenient. The
student ministry operates in the cofee shop, which is located on the left
most side of the building when facing the main entrance.

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Map of San Antonio

Chapter 4
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Journey Fellowship Service Times

Chapter 4
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SAT. 6:00 PM, SUN. 9:30 AM & 11:15 AM. The middle school class will be
conducted from 9:45AM to 10:30AM and 11:30am to 12:15PM.
FrequentlyAskedQuestions
What if a student asks to leave the class?
-You or another staf member may escort him or her back to their parents but
are not allowed to freely leave the cofee shop.

Works Cited
39

Works Cited
http://oakhillschurch.com/journeyfellowship
http://serviceleader.org/volunteerhandbook