1|Page

SCFSU/ISCF Jamaica

ISCF Sponsor’s Manual

2|Page

TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE

HISTORY 3
ORGANISATION 5
ABOUT CARIFES 5
CORE DISTINCTIVES 5
DOCTRINAL BASIS 6
WHAT IS AN ISCF GROUP? 7
HOW TO START AN ISCF GROUP? 7
WHO IS A SPONSOR? 7
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITY OF A SPONSOR 8
TERMS AND COMMITMENT FORSPONSORS 8
THE STAFF WORKER AND ISCF GROUPS 9
THE ISCF COMMITTEE: ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 9
OFFICERS AND THEIR RESPECTIVE DUTIES 12
THE SELECTION OF LEADERS 15
OUR EMBLEM 18
PROGRAM PLANNING 19
HOW TO LEAD A BIBLE STUDY? 32
CREATIVE BIBLE STUDY TECHNIQUES 34
ADVERTISING YOUR GROUP 34
RAISING AND HANDLING FINANCES 35
IDEAS FOR EFFECTIVE HIGH SCHOOL MINISTRY 36
IDEAS FOR HIGH SCHOOL EVANGELISM: How To Witness 39
IDEAS FOR HIGH SCHOOL DISCIPLESHIP: Some Areas to Focus on 41
IDEAS FOR HIGH SCHOOL MISSIONS: Ideas to work with 41
SUPPORTING THE WIDER IS/IVCF OR NATIONAL BODY 42
SOME BASICS IN CHRISTIAN COUNSELING 42
REFERENCES 45
3|Page

Caribbean Fellowship of Evangelical Students (CARIFES)

HISTORY

Inter School Inter Varsity Christian Fellowship (IS/IVCF) was first introduced to the Caribbean in
1948, when a staff worker from Canada. Miss Cathy Nicoll, visited Jamaica and helped in starting
Inter School Christian Fellowship (ISCF) groups in six schools, and also advised undergraduates
of the University College of the West Indies (UCWI) on the formation of a Bible study group. She
returned four years later and established the Inter Varsity Christian Fellowship (IVCF) group on
the University campus. Since its inception in 1948, the Jamaican movement has seen the
movement grow to having approximately 300 groups from all over Jamaica After a few years of
consolidation of the Movement in Jamaica, it was introduced to the rest of the Caribbean;
Trinidad, Guyana and then the rest of countries. There are established IS/IVCF ministries in
Antigua, Barbados, Belize, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Martinique, St.
Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago. Pioneer work to
establish a movement in Dominica took place in 2008.

The rich work in the French Caribbean was consolidated during the 1980’s. The student
movement of Guadeloupe started officially with a University Campus group during the academic
year 1986/1987. The previous summer students from the GBU (Group Biblique Universitaire)
traveled to Guadeloupe to encourage Christians to mobilize and witness on their campus.
Student witness spread powerfully and reached many other institutions.

In spite of the reinforcement of French law about secularism where schools are supposed be
religion free zones, the work is presently on the university campus and in about 40% of the high
schools. AALECG is the umbrella organization coordinating both university and high school work.

In Martinique the ministry officially begun in 1983, when a pastor’s wife and another local pastor
who had heard of and experienced the GBU in France went back to Martinique and encouraged
students of the “University Antilles-Guyane” to start a group on their campus. First, six students
started meetings in the dormitories of Schoelcher campus. The following year three people
converted to the Lord through small group Bible studies and open discussions round the Bible.
Later the work spread to the high schools which is known as the CBL (Club Bibliques Lyceens).
In French Guiana, the ministry started with a two-week missionary trip of students from
Martinique and Guadeloupe. This trip was particularly important because not only it helped to
launch the ministry among students in French Guiana, but it was the sign of a new commitment
for pioneer work from two Francophone movements which were the result of a long term
struggle to establish themselves. Between 1996 and 1997, the first group started in a high school
in the town of Kourou. The work then spread to the other high schools and universities of the
country. Today the GBU is present in most of the school and university institutions of French
Guiana.

The GBU in Haiti began in the 1960s when an American, Wayne Bragg, made an exploratory visit
to Haiti . He met a group of young medical students who, without having heard of the Groupes
4|Page

Bibliques Universitaires, had a desire to speak of their faith to their fellow students. From this
meeting the Haitian GBU was born (now renamed as GBEUH).
Student ministry in Suriname was initiated in 1977 by students of the VOJ and VOS schools and
is known as “The Jesus Students (JS)”. This work covers both the high schools and tertiary
institutions of the country.

At the global level IS/IVCF, GBU and the Jesus Students which all constitute the Caribbean
Fellowship of Evangelical Students (CARIFES) are part of a body of over 143 member movements
on every continent, united under the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students (IFES),
headquartered in London. It is essentially a movement in which students reach students for
Christ, with the motto “to know Christ and to make Him known”.

ORGANISATION

Each national movement is encouraged to be legally incorporated in its country; this is a

requirement for formal membership in IFES.

At the national level, the ministry is led by a Board of Directors, which gives overall direction and
develops strategies and plans for student ministry in their respective country. In many cases the
Board is comprised of former students of the ministry. Committees and sub-committees of the
Board have direct responsibility for planning and implementing different aspects of the work, e.g.
camps, conferences, and student rallies, leadership training, publicity (in churches and
nationally), prayer emphasis, fund-raising and the literature ministry. The work in schools is the
direct responsibility of Staff Workers. The number of Staff Workers depends on the number of
schools in the country with student ministry, and also on the availability of financial resources. In
some countries, Staff Workers report to a General Secretary who has overall responsibility for
the operational aspects of the work.

Within the “Christian Club” or “Bible Club”, as it is called, operates under the leadership of a
Sponsor, which is a Christian appointed by the Board, Staff Worker or in some cases the Principal
of a school. Under the guidance of the Sponsor, students plan weekly programmes and other
activities which satisfy the need for Christian fellowship and encourage evangelizing and
discipling of their peers all within the school environment. Christian clubs also serve as a nursery
in which leadership qualities for Christian leaders and even pastors are developed.

The work is financed by interested friends, alumni and in some cases current students of the
ministry, as well as churches that include the ministry as part of their missionary program. It is
standard practice that receipts are issued for all contributions; financial records are properly kept
and audited and presented at an Annual General Meeting for review by members of the
Fellowship. Newsletters are published to keep friends, supporters and general members current
with the happenings of the movement.

ABOUT CARIFES
5|Page

Carifes comprises of 12 member movements from the English and French Caribbean including
Suriname as well. Movements are non-denominational and inter-denominational. They are non-
denominational in that they are not affiliated to any particular denomination within Christianity
and inter-denominational in that they constitute members from several denominations. The
movements are para-church and non-profit mission organizations.

CORE DISTINCTIVES

All movements in the Caribbean are guided by at least seven main or core distinctives. These are
as follows:

Evangelism- The schools are a ripen harvest field. We seek to make Christ known to
students.
Discipleship- We challenge students to grow in their faith and become 100% committed
to Christ.
Prayer- We practice the discipline of prayer and provide many settings for all members
and friends of the movements to participate in various prayer for a.
Bible Study- We challenge students to diligently study Scriptures and provide training in
practical Bible study methods such as Inductive and Manuscript.
Missions- Students are regularly encouraged to undertake missions’ projects where they
can give to the needy serve in practical community projects, reach out to the less
fortunate.
Training- We believe that leadership training is critical for cutting edge ministry. We
conduct regular training workshops, seminars, conferences and retreats.
Fellowship- Movements across the region emphasize the development of healthy
relationships among believers, where they can share their lives with one another.
6|Page

DOCTRINAL BASIS

The Doctrinal Basis of the Fellowships shall be the fundamental truth of the Christian Faith as
revealed in the Holy Scripture and generally include belief in:-

1. The Divine inspiration and infallibility of the Holy Scriptures as originally given, and its
supreme authority in all matters of faith and conduct. (Heb. 4:12, 2 Tim. 3:15-17, 1 Pet.
1:23-25).
2. The unity of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit in the Godhead (Deut. 6:4, Isa. 43:10,
Matt. 28:19, Mk. 12:29).
3. The sovereignty of God in creation revelation, redemption and final judgment ( Gen. 1:1,
John 3:16, Rom. 1:12)
4. The universal sinfulness and guilt of man since the fall, rendering man subject to God’s
wrath and condemnation. (Gen. 1:26-31, 3:1-7, Rom. 5: 12-21, Ezekiel 18:4).
5. The full deity of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Incarnate Son of God, His Virgin Birth, His real
and sinless Humanity, His death on the Cross, His bodily resurrection and His ascension
to the right hand of God the Father. (Matt. 1:18-25, 16:13-20 and Jude 1)
6. Redemption from the guilt, penalty and power of sin only through the sacrificial death,
once and for all time, of our representative and substitute, Jesus Christ, the only Mediator
between God and man.
7. Justification as God’s act of undeserved merit in which the repentant sinner is pardoned
all sin and accepted as righteous in God’s sight. The justification is only received by faith
in Jesus Christ alone. (Titus 8:11, Rom. 10:13-15, Luke 24:47, Titus 3:5-7).
8. The presence and power of the Holy Spirit’s work of regeneration, granting the sinner
repentance towards God and faith in Jesus Christ. (John 3:5-8, 2 Thess. 2:13)
9. The indwelling and work of the Holy Spirit in all Believers, producing in them and
increasing conformity to Christ in character and behaviour and empowering them for
witness in the world. (Acts 1:8, Gal 2:22-23, Rom. 8:16)
10. The one Holy Universal Church which is the Body of Christ, and to which all true Believers
belong. (Heb. 12:23, Eph. 1:22, 2:19-22)
11. The future personal return of the Lord Jesus Christ who will judge all man, executing
God’s condemnation on the impenitent and receiving the redeemed to eternal glory. (
Isa. 14, 1 Thess. 4, Rev. 20, Acts 17:30-31).

I subscribe to the purpose and Doctrinal Basis of the Fellowship as described above and pledge
my prayerful and active support of this work.

NAME: ________________________________________________________________________

ADDRESS: _____________________________________________________________________

DATE: _____________________OFFICAL CAPACITY IN FELLOWSHIP: ______________________

7|Page

WHAT IS AN ISCF GROUP?

An ISCF group operates like a school club, with most of its activities running during the school’s
lunch period or after school.

The aim of an ISCF club is to conduct activities at school that would allow students to come to a
better understanding of who God is. Our motto is “To Know Christ and To Make Him Known”.
The club is NOT run like a church gathering, but rather caters to the needs of young people, deals
with issues affecting youth and engages students in activities that are wholesome, fun and
informative on Christian principles.

ISCF is interdenominational- no one Christian denomination takes preeminence over the club’s
proceedings. The Doctrinal Statement acts as a guide to the basic Biblical principles that ISCF is
expected to follow.

The club is led by students who the main positions as listed under executive committee and a
Teacher serve as a guide to facilitate the running of the club and is known as Sponsor.

HOW TO START AN ISCF GROUP?

1. Know what an ISCF group is.

2. Discover others who are interested in becoming a part of the group. (Do not be
discouraged if no one else is interested in helping. People will become involved once they
begin to see something happening).
3. Inform your Principal of your desire to form the group.
4. Spend time in prayer for your school and for the group either aloe or with others who are
interested. (Getting support from your local church can be a major benefit)
5. Maintain contact with the ISCF staff and office for assistance.
6. Decide upon a day and time for the club and obtain permission for a room to hold
meetings
7. Identify key issues that affect your school and its students that you may want to address
in your meetings e.g. violence, drugs, teenage pregnancy.
8. Meet with other interested teachers or students to plan for a couple of meetings.
9. Begin to advertise the group in order to attract student participation.

WHO IS A SPONSOR?

A Sponsor is a Christian Teacher or Volunteer who agrees to work with the Bible Club in his or
her school or in one assigned to them. He or she serves as the main contact in a school between
the administration, students and staff and gives general guidance to the leaders of the Bible club
and is accountable to the IS/IVCF staff.
8|Page

THE ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF A SPONSOR

1. Has responsibility for the activity of the IS/IVCF group on the campus.
2. Is NOT the leader of the student group, but facilitates the functioning of the group.
3. Is expected to motivate members of the group and to guide them in the development of
vibrant clubs.
4. Has a feel fro what is taking place on campus or in the school and provides relevant
guidance and direction for the students who lead.
5. Regularly informs the IS/IVCF staff of the group’s activities and problems.
6. Is able to discern developments that may adversely affect the group, and would initiate
appropriate action.
7. Serve as a link between the members of the group and the wider IS/IVCF world.
8. Is the primary interface between the school’s administration, the IS/IVCF staff and the
club.
9. Must be able to work in an interdenominational setting which is in keeping with the ethos
of the ministry.

TERMS OF COMMITMENT FOR SPONSORS

1. Agree to Sponsor the IS/IVCF group because you appreciate the need for a Christian
witness in your school.
2. Agree with the Doctrinal Statement. This is required of ALL IS/IVCF Sponsors and
Volunteers without exception.
3. Agree to pray regularly concerning the group and its members, and to solicit the prayers
of your church and other supporters
4. Agree to acquire suitable training, particularly those available through IS/IVCF.
5. Agree to establish sufficient time for your work in this student ministry.

Name: ___________________________________ Date: _____________________________

9|Page

THE STAFF WORKER AND THE ISCF GROUPS

How do the Staff Workers fit into the operations of ISCF in the individual schools? In many cases
a Staff Worker may have approached the Sponsors in the first instance, to get them involved in
ISCF. But this does not mean that he/she has the direct responsibility for the running of the
individual groups. Staff Workers are like area coordinator, seeing to policy decisions, organizing
for the orientation and/or training of Sponsors and volunteers etc.

Sponsors (and Mentors) are encouraged to maintain a close contact with the Staff Worker for
that region. As much as possible the Staff Worker should be invited to visit the group that the
students may come to know him/her better. The Sponsor should turn to the Staff Worker when
difficulties arise with the group or with his/her own leadership of the group. This close
association will keep the Staff Worker informed as to the progress of the group, which enables
timely action in times of crises and regular updates regarding individual groups in the IS/IVCF
Prayer News.

The Staff Worker can also offer assistance to the student groups in the following areas, primarily
by working through and with the Sponsors:

* Planning the Term's programme with the Executive Committee and Sponsors.
* Training of Group Leaders
* Follow-up of students with special problems or those who have recently become Christians.
* Suggesting and contacting suitable materials and resource persons to speak at the Christian
Fellowship.
* Representing the organization to the school and advising on difficult matters.
* Planning group retreats, rallies and weekend camps.
* Helping with the choice of a Sponsor.
* Where necessary, providing encouragement and other similar support to the Sponsor

The ISCF COMMITTEE: ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Like many organizations, there are certain basic functions to be carried out by the student team
(called the Executive Committee) that is set up to lead the group for the year.

A. Planning and Programming

The Executive Committee should meet early and regularly to plan for the ISCF. Plans should be in
keeping with the objectives of the ISCF. Planning involves:

1. Establishing priorities
2. Formulating strategies, ways and,
3. Procedures for achieving the objectives.
10 | P a g e

Objectives should be understandable, realistic and challenging. It might be useful to set goals not
only for the group, but also for individual members. In planning, every effort should be made to
reach out and involve members of the group and of the academic, administrative and ancillary
staff.

B. Organizing and Coordinating

Organizing involves determining the activities required to achieve the goals, the delegation of
authority to carry out these activities and the provision for co-ordination of authority in the
organizational structure. Coordinating involves harmonizing individual effort toward the
accomplishment of goals. Target dates and time limits should be agreed upon and built into the
plans.

C. Staffing

Staffing involves selecting candidates' for positions. There may be need for training in some areas
in order to have them equipped for their tasks. Use should be made of all available resources
both within and outside ISCF. Suitable persons within and without the school may be called upon
to conduct short courses in subjects of special interest.

D. Executing

Executing involves guiding, leading and measuring progress. Executive members have a
responsibility to encourage junior members toward improved performance and to motivate
them to work with zeal and confidence. Leadership opportunities should be created and shared
to develop members and boost morale. Activities must be monitored and assessed to see that
they conform to plans. This means checking at intervals on those persons who have been
assigned certain responsibilities to ensure that appropriate action is being taken.

E. Reporting

Reporting is of extreme importance. The Executive Committee needs to report to the general
body on plans and programmes and receive feedback from it.

F. Budgeting

Budgeting involves determining and assigning the resources required to reach objectives. The
preparation and presentation of a budget is a more meaningful and honest exercise when a
special activity or project is to be undertaken. A budget should be realistic and honest. Financial
planning should include an allocation for leadership training sessions and the ISCF Office. Funds
can be raised through pledges, gifts and special efforts.
11 | P a g e

G. Reviewing

Periodically, reviews ought to be done. These bring to light problems that might need immediate
attention and will, if left unattended, seriously affect the attainment of objectives. Here are some
helpful questions we should constantly ask ourselves.

 What have we done?

 What did we set out to do?
 What should we do now?
 When will we complete the job?

Choosing Leaders

The choosing of leaders should be regarded by the Executive as a process it sets in motion
immediately it assumes office, with the actual choice of leaders being but a significant point in
the process. A major assignment of the Executive is to replace itself with a superior group of
leaders. To achieve this, it must assume responsibility for discovering people with leadership
abilities. The dynamics of II Tim. 2:2 must be set in motion.

"You heard my teaching in the presence of many witnesses. Put that teaching into the charge of
men you can trust, such men as will be competent to teach others". (NEB)

The Committee that fails here will have dealt the group a lethal blow. Many such groups have
been known to take years to recover. Avoid this. (More follows in section entitled "SELECTING
CHRISTIAN LEADERS").
12 | P a g e

OFFICERS AND THEIR RESPECTIVE DUTIES

President

 To be responsible for the spiritual welfare of the group and its members.
 To have knowledge of duties of all officers and to ensure that each member of the
Executive Committee carries out his/her job, faithfully.
 To prepare agendas for meeting of the Executive Committee and to preside at such
meetings.
 To keep a memo book recording therein decisions taken at meetings.
 To ensure goals are set.
 To ensure that an effective and properly functioning committee structure is in place.
 To read announcements at mass meetings.
 To prepare the budget with the help of the Treasurer.

Vice President

 To work alongside the President in delegating.

 To deputize in the absence of the President at meetings of the Executive.
 To plan for the smooth running of Mass Meetings.
 To supervise the work of form or department representatives.
 To encourage the involvement of members in group activities.
 To keep a Membership Book.
 To have knowledge of the talents of members.
 To be an ex-officio member of all committees of which the President is not.

Secretary

 To keep an accurate and lasting record of all group events for future reference.
 To record and present minutes of the previous meeting to the Executive.
 To keep a list of all officers and their addresses and contact numbers and to notify all
Executive members of meetings.
 To handle correspondence.
 To maintain contact with other ISCF groups and the ISCF office.
 To keep book for addresses of all people invited to speak etc. and the opinions of the
group re: their competence.
 To send letters of invitation to special guests and thank you letters to guests who
honoured the invitation.
 To present at the Annual General Meeting a report on the year's activities.
13 | P a g e

Treasurer

 To prepare the budget with the help of the President.

 To receive and bank all money due to the organization.
 To keep accurate records of such funds.
 To pay all bills when authorized.
 To keep copies of all bills and receipts as supporting documents for the book-keeping
records. To disburse all money as directed by the Executive. To give statement of finances
as often as required by the Executive.
 To give a complete financial report, previously checked by the Sponsor and President, at
the Annual General Meeting.
 To make group aware of financial needs.
 To impress on members the value of giving as revealed in the Scriptures.
 To sit on all fund raising Committees.

Public Relations Officer

 To find out and advertise the details such as day, time and place of all ISCF meetings.
 To prepare posters, and place at appropriate places on the campus in good time.
 To keep the Principal and Staff informed about ISCF activities.
 To keep Memo book, recording therein plans re activities during Executive Committee
Meetings.
 To obtain permission for the ISCF group to take the Assembly Worship.
 To keep abreast of the opinion the school community has of ISCF.
 To remind members of the importance of exemplary conduct, a manner of life which
witnesses to the reality of the New Birth.
 To encourage members to excel in all areas of school life.
 To remind group to promote an ISCF Sunday/Week.

Prayer Secretary

 To be given to prayer.
 To be a prayer warrior on behalf of the group. To instill in members the vital need of
prayer. To supervise the planning of days and times of prayer meetings.
 To remind group to pray for the national and international ISCF family.
 To encourage maximum participation of members in prayer meetings.
 To keep abreast of the activities of the group soliciting prayers on their behalf.
 To keep memo book of items for prayer.
 To record answers to prayer and share with group members.
 To share or have someone share a brief thought from the Bible at prayer sessions.
 To encourage short prayers instead of lengthy ones especially when there is limited time,
e.g. a half-hour session.
 To encourage the habit of private devotions.
 To locate and provide suitable material for Personal Quiet Time.
 To remind members to pray periodically for ISCF groups in other schools.
14 | P a g e

Bible Study Coordinator

 To plan with the Executive a programme of systematic Bible Study.

 To acquire as much material as is available on leading Bible groups.
 To plan or arrange with the Staff worker through the sponsor, training sessions in which
members learn how to conduct study groups.
 To keep the ISCF group aware of Bible Study being at the heart of ISCF work.
 To constantly remind members that Bible Study is a must for Christian growth.
 To encourage the Executive Committee to plan meetings which place emphasis on
teaching from the WORD OF GOD.
 To search diligently for outlines available at bookshops and encourage the Executive to
vote money to purchase suitable ones.
 To encourage members in the habit of having daily regular Personal Quiet Time and to
promote the use of devotional material available, eg. Daily Bread or Daily Word.
 To promote personal study of the WORD OF GOD through Bible Correspondence Courses.
 To provide incentives such as prizes for members who successfully complete such a
course having attained or surpassed an agreed average grade.

Activity Coordinator

 To plan both long and short term projects to improve the relevance of ISCF to the school
and the community and present such a plan to the ISCF executive for implementation.
 To regularly check with the school community to discover its needs in order that relevant
projects may be planned to improve ISCF witness.
 To encourage the participation of all members in regular outreach activities to the school
and community.
 To ensure that at least one major ISCF project and one ongoing project take place each
term.
15 | P a g e

THE SELECTION OF LEADERS

A. Leadership Qualities

ISCF believes that leaders are not born but are made. However, we believe that the following
qualities must be present among students before they are approached for the task of leadership:

 Must be a Christian
 Prepared to devote much time to the demands of ISCF.
 Be active in his/her local church. Be able to express self.
 Should have an acceptable scholastic standing. Personal conduct should command
respect. Must be a good team member, dependable, sincere, and obedient and be able
to take criticism. Must be enthusiastic about pleasing the Lord in all things.
 Must be in agreement with ISCF's Doctrinal Basis.

Questions You Can Ask a Prospective Student Leader:

1. Why do you want to be on the student committee?

2. Do you think God is calling you to undertake this responsibility? Explain
3. Are you growing in your relationship with Christ? Explain
4. Are you in agreement with the ISCF Doctrinal Statement?

B. The Time

It is recommended that the Executive Committee change once in each academic year. This can
be April since it will serve to relieve graduating students from the weight of leadership
responsibilities permitting them more time to study. It will also provide officers of the new
Executive the opportunity to receive encouragement and practical help from outgoing officers
and, ensure the existence of stable leadership at the start of the next academic year when the
school.

C. The Plan

Briefly the method is to have suggestions for each office made by club members and submitted
to the Executive for its consideration. The Committee then makes the final selection of officers
and reports this back to the club members for their information. The method is used because it
results in a more careful and prayerful selection of club members.
16 | P a g e

D. The Procedure

The procedure for elections will be carried out as follows:

The President will welcome everyone to the club and make an official announcement that
elections are to be held for the next year's Executive.
The Prayer Secretary will read a passage of Scripture such as Exodus 18:12-26; 1 Samuel 16:1-13;
or 1 Timothy 3:1-16 and lead the group in prayer for God's presence and guidance.
The sponsor will next read the qualifications for holding office and read the Executive Pledge that
each elected officer must sign.
The President will then write on the board a list of all the offices that are to be filled by the
election and supply each person in the club with a written list of these offices.
The President will next write on-the board the names of every person in the group who is eligible
for office.
The President will then ask those in the group to write their suggestions for each office on the
paper just provided. (Give the group enough time to do this).
The papers will then be collected and given to the Sponsor.
The President will close the meeting in prayer or call the Sponsor to close in prayer.

E. The Role of the Executive Committee in the Decision

The Executive Committee should first decide on a day and place for their meeting and make sure
that each person is able to attend. Allow plenty of time for this meeting, perhaps one whole
afternoon, evening or part of a weekend, and have it within two weeks following the club meeting
described above. The Sponsor should tabulate the suggestions made by the Club and have this
tabulation ready for the meeting. He/She will contact the candidates to see if they are willing to
stand for the office for which they have been nominated.

Begin the Committee meeting in a spirit of prayer. Each person should participate in prayer, for
guidance in choice and for a sense of oneness within the Committee. The Committee will usually
find that the group is in close agreement as to who should serve on the Executive, for there will
be one or two names suggested repeatedly for each office. This fact will give the committee the
'feel' of the group and provide the basis for its final decision. The Committee should then
prayerfully decide who is best suited for each office on the basis of personal qualifications and
ability to work with others as a team. In considering qualifications for-office, the following
recommendations should be followed:

Be familiar with qualifications for office. The Committee has to decide who best meets these
requirements.

Make sure that the candidate is able to handle the work involved. Do not be guilty of asking
someone to take on an extra load which he/she simply cannot manage.

Choose people who can and will give the office the time and work it demands, with the right
attitude.
17 | P a g e

It is ideal to have a good proportion of boys and girls on the Executive (in co-ed schools). The
selection of officers should be the result of the Committee's united decision, however, in cases
of disagreement or when the Sponsor feels that a complete error of judgment is being made,
he/she has the authority to over-rule and make a final decision.

F. The Announcement of Results

The Committee will plan its Annual General Meeting in which it will report the results of its
selection. The following procedure is suggested:

Have the Executive Pledge written on the Board for all to see. The Sponsor will give the
Committee's report and names of the chosen slate of officers. He will then ask each new officer
to come to the front for recognition.

The new President will then read the Executive Pledge on behalf of the Executive, and lead the
club in prayer for God's blessing during the year ahead.

The Sponsor will briefly address the club challenging the New Executive, and encouraging the
club to give their support for the year ahead.

The past President will close in prayer.

LEADERSHIP SHOULD BE COMPRISED OF:

- Students from different denominations

- Both boys and girls if it is a co-ed school.

- Students from as many forms as possible

G. THE EXECUTIVE PLEDGE

'Believing that through my election to office in the Inter Schools' Christian Fellowship, God has
called me to represent Him, and in gratitude for the privilege, I PLEDGE that I shall give faithful
attendance to my responsibilities, working loyally with the group and with the Sponsor so that
whether at school or at home, in studies or in sports, in all my attitudes and in my actions, daily
seeking God's strength to follow JESUS CHRIST, I shall cause others to think about Him."
18 | P a g e

OUR EMBLEM

- The Shield represents our Faith in Jesus Christ

- The Cross represents the place where Jesus Christ died for our sins.
It represents redemption and reconciliation.

- The Sword, also known as the Sword of the Spirit, represents the
WORD of God.

- The Lamp or Flame represents our life, testimony or witness to the

world. It can also represent the WORD of God.

-The Breastplate represents righteousness that comes only from the

Lord Jesus Christ.

- The Helmet represents our salvation in Jesus that gives us eternal

life with Him.

- The Emblem with all parts put together.

19 | P a g e

PROGRAM PLANNING

Planning for ISCF Clubs

Benjamin Franklin said, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail”. Excellence in your
“Work”- Proverbs 22:29

“Show me someone who does a good job, and I will show you someone who is better than most
and worthy of the company of kings”.

Why Excellence?

God does His work with excellence. When He created the world the end result was “very
good”.
Christians are to do their work as if Christ Himself were evaluating the effort- because
He is. Eph. 6:8 says “Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same
shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free”.
Christians are commanded to be well pleasing in all things in their work, because doing
so makes the gospel come alive and a witness to others.

What Should A Program Do?

The program should be designed to meet the current needs of the membership and of
the school as a whole. For the Bible club it will be mainly spiritual, but social and other
needs must be addressed.
The program should include opportunities for students to attend prayers events and
Bible study groups.
The Bible Club should encourage all its members to attend at least one ISCF activity,
whether a training, camp, rally, seminar, or conference.
The program should generally enable the Sponsor and students to achieve the ISCF
objectives.
20 | P a g e

Steps to Planning a Program

1. Do a simple need assessment: To do this you have to know your school, know
what are the ills, problems and issues affecting the students. Talk to God, your
teachers, students and Staff worker and get ideas, find out if there is a place where
students like to convene, what kind of free time students have and so on. This will
ensure that your Club is relevant and activities meet the needs of those who
participate and accomplish the objectives of Student Ministry.
2. Develop a vision statement: A vision statement represents what the aim or
goal of your club is for the coming school term or year. Your activities and
meetings will be planned to pursue this vision. E.g. “Celebrating Our Diversity in
Christ” or “Developing Healthy Relationships”.

3. Brainstorm on a list of activities: These will represent what you can do in

your club in the coming term or year. There is no right or wrong answer in this
session. The list will then be reviewed to see which activities can or cannot be
done. E.g. video show, panel discussion, drama, games day, debate, speaker,
talent time, witnessing etc.

4. Brainstorm on a list of topics: These will reinforce or help to communicate

the vision of the club. Again there is no right or wrong answers but the list will be
reviewed to see which ones will work best. E.g. Respect

5. Match topics and activities: Here is where you decide what method or
activity will be used to deal with a topic. E.g. a topic can be, “being friendly” and
an interactive games time may best bring out this topic.

6. Attach Date and Time: Draw up a calendar to represent each session of the
term or year. Also, build in when the committee will meet to further decide on all
the specifics of sessions and other matters of the club.

7. For shorter periods of planning you can use this model.

21 | P a g e

Know Your Resources

In the Community: Do you have contacts with persons who can speak at your meeting or do a
presentation as a Christian in his or her field?
 Policeman, Youth Pastor
 Social Workers, Pastor
 Parents, Businessmen
 Housewives
In the ISCF Family: Do you have someone in ISCF who can help?
 IS/IVCF Staff, Board Member, Camp Counselor another Club etc

In the Group: Students are always the most up-to-date about what tools they can use in their
meetings or activities.
 Books, CD’s, Videos, DVD’s, Sports Equipment, Games etc.

You should always be aware of the talents and abilities of your ISCF students
Who can sing, play an instrument, lead a Bible study, organize, draw, paint, and do graphic design
and so on.

Theme: Celebrating Our Diversity in Christ

Date Topic Objectives Activity Facilitator

22 | P a g e

An Individual Club Session

A sample outline for the session can be as follows if it starts at 12:20 and runs for 40 minutes.
Welcome & Prayer
Praise & Worship
Ice Breaker or Special Item or Testimony
Main Activity (Debate, Panel Discussions, Film, Bible Study, Drama, Quiz Games, Treasure Hunt,
Puzzle, Mime, Case Studies, Sword Drill, Hot Seat etc)
Closing Prayer
You DO NOT have to STICK to the model above. Plan your work and the work your plan. Always
meet and evaluate your performance and program to be able to improve your work.

USE OF CURRICULA TO HELP SUBSTITUTE CLUB PLANNING

ISCF groups across the Caribbean are encouraged to plan for their respective Bible club with the
help of the Sponsor and the Staffworker where necessary. However, in some cases a curriculum
can be done and provided to schools for use in clubs for several reasons. Some of those reasons
are as follows;
1. It helps to give a common focus to schools across the region.
2. It supplements where planning is not properly done or not done at all.
3. It gives an easy way to evaluate what is covered and how clubs are progressing.
4. It helps you to realize your vision for the schools within which you work.

Below are two samples or examples of curricula that can be used in your area of work.
23 | P a g e

Curriculum for the first term of an academic year:

Theme: Let’s Keep it REAL!

Week Topic Objectives Method Activity

Students will understand that life

happens to everyone. Interactive Speaking Opening questions
Students will understand they are Session. about some real issues
1 Let’s Keep it Real responsible for their choices. ( John 4:3-15) teens face.
Students will be given an Sharing from
opportunity to receive Christ to See attached # 1 Scripture.
gain strength to face the real Prayer to receive
world while keeping it real. Jesus.
Ask students to
Speaker attempt to define
Students, especially those who salvation.
are saved, will begin to Examine what the word Give students or a
understand what salvation is. salvation means. student the
The Essentials: Students will also examine what Examine where it comes opportunity to read
salvation is not. from. (Acts 4:12) out loud each
2 What Christianity Is Not? Examine what must be scripture you use to
done to receive it. (John make a point.
1:12). Pray that the Holy
Examine its nature or Spirit brings clarity to
what it is about. minds and that
(Eph.2:8) students be free in
their salvation
24 | P a g e

Students will understand that Depending on amount

They Happen: temptations happen to all. OIA Bible Study Outline of students place
Students will briefly look at the Matthew 4: 1:11 them in groups of 4-5
3 The Truth about nature of temptation (see and let them study
Temptations. attached) (see attached # 2) Scripture and answer
Students will examine practical questions.
ways of dealing with temptations.

Students will put Matthew 4:1-11 Simply ask students

to memory questions based on
4 Bible Cracker Students will use the approach of Quiz Competition passage given and give
Jesus to resist the temptations. small token where
possible.

Students will see and appreciate Give students

5 There’s A Connection
Life & Sports
the connection between natural Speaker opportunity to receive
sports and live for Christ. 1 Cor. 9: 21-27 Christ and pray for
Students will receive Christ and those who will be
begin their spiritual race See attached # 3 participating in school
sports.

God Made Me So! Students will share what they Speaker Do not condemn but
6 heard and believe about be firm and pray for
Did He Really? homosexuality and Lesbianism Matt. 19:4, Mark 10:6, God to bring
Students will be confronted with Romans 1:22-26, Gen. conviction change in
Bible truths the about both. 1:27 and 6:19 such lives.
25 | P a g e

Students will examine two roles of Do not condemn but

7 God Made Me So! men and women which make Do open discussions be firm and pray for
them significantly different with students based on God to bring
Students will understand that God conviction and change
Did He Really? loves those who feel that way but SCRIPTURE in such lives.
(cont’d) hate the sin and want to change Also that men fear
them. God

8 Students & sponsors will have a Pray about matters

Logging On corporate prayer time. affecting students also Do group praying
exams.

9 Does It Matter?
Students will discuss Christmas Interactive Speaking Let students share a
and what is really important about small small gift even if
what the season represents. it is just a pencil or pen
with someone who is
not their friend.

Students and sponsors will

10 Social Time to Close Club fellowship Games and Feasting Each one will bring
something.
26 | P a g e

(#2) “They Happen”: Temptation Outline for Bible Study

1. Do you think it is important to prepare for temptation? Why or why not?

2. What are some ways the Devil can take advantage of us?
3. Why do you think Jesus was tempted? How does that make you feel?
4. Based on the passage why do you think the Devil tempts us? What do you think about the place where Jesus was tempted?
5. What are two things you learn from Jesus that can help you live a better life?

(#3) There is a Connection

1Co 9:21 meticulous moralists, loose-living immoralists,

1Co 9:22 the defeated, the demoralized--whoever. I didn't take on their way of life. I kept my bearings in Christ--but I entered their
world and tried to experience things from their point of view. I've become just about every sort of servant there is in my attempts
to lead those I meet into a God-saved life.
1Co 9:23 I did all this because of the Message. I didn't just want to talk about it; I wanted to be in on it!
1Co 9:24 You've all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win.
1Co 9:25 All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You're after one that's gold eternally.
1Co 9:26 I don't know about you, but I'm running hard for the finish line. I'm giving it everything I've got. No sloppy living for me!
1Co 9:27 I'm staying alert and in top condition. I'm not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing
out myself.
27 | P a g e

Week Topic Objectives Method Activity

1 Did It Really Happen? Students will now and Speaker doing an interactive Optional
Luke 1:26-2:20 understand the virgin birth. session with students.
Students will appreciate the
value of virginity and sexual
2 Hold It Up! SUPPORTING purity. Brief background of See Case Studies
THE WIDER IS/IVCF OR Students will also embrace virginity in the Bible Attached.
NATIONAL BODY the concepts of secondary
virginity and restoration.
Students will understand
The Visit. more about the birth of the OIA Bible Study Optional
3 Matt. 2:1-12 Lord See Outline Attached.
Students will read more of
the Word of God In Club Quiz
4 Bible Cracker Students will be more Distribute small tokens.
familiar with the life of Please prepare questions
Jesus. about Jesus as a boy.
Students will examine the
excellence in the life of Prayer for students.
5 Excellence in Youth young Jesus. Give Salvation
Students will be provoked Speaker Opportunity.
Luke 2:41-52 to good works in their own
lives.
Students will read and
understand the Word of
God. OIA Bible Study Divide students in groups
6 Following The Rules Students will recognize and and split questions.
embrace the need to obey See Outline Attached
proper rules.
28 | P a g e

Students will recognize

7 some of what Jesus possess. Speaker Give students opportunity
He’ Got Game! Students will make the to receive Christ as
Luke 4:18-19 connection between His Saviour
possession and their need.
Students will understand
8 It’s That Bad! the reality of sin. Speaker Give Students opportunity
Students will repent, to receive Jesus.
turning their lives to Christ.
Students will understand
the price Jesus paid for us. Drama, Witnessing and
9 Students will begin or actual give of gifts
He Did It Just For Me! continue to enjoy Do Easter Presentations representing the best Gift,
opportunities given as a (Jesus) given to the world.
result of Jesus’ sacrifice.
Students will examine the
burial and resurrection of
10 Where is He? our Lord Jesus. OIA Bible Study Have students share their
Matthew 28:1-15 Students will understand understanding.
the main events
surrounding the event.
29 | P a g e

Curriculum for Second Term

Theme: “Celebrate”

Case Studies on Sex and Virginity

1. Jeb is the son of a Pastor. He was born into a Christian home but was involved sexually on three
occasions. He meets and falls in love with Bambina another Christian who is also the daughter of
a pastor but never had sex.
Do you think that they should have a relationship and get married?
What do you think if any might be problems they would face?
Since they are both Pastors children what might God say?
What do you think of Jeb?

2. Hanita Bullfoot is an 18 year old girl who has twin boys. She is not married and has had three
different partners. She has been saved for three months now and realizes that she made terrible
mistakes in her pass.
What are some of the personal struggles Hanita will face?
How do you think God sees Hanita?
What are three things you can tell Hanita if you met her face to face?

3. Jack and Jill were both involved sexually at an early age. The village where they live everyone
knows and the 411 is going around. However, Jack still gets to play in the Church band, and
villagers call him a ‘bling- dog’ or ‘sweet man’. Jill is treated the opposite.
Why do you think this is?
Who do you think is responsible for such behaviour by villagers?
What do you think is God’s view of the matter?
30 | P a g e

OIA Study Outlines

Bible Study 1

The Visit: Matthew 2:1-12

Introduction: What does it feel like when you believe or know that someone else will replace?
What are some things people do to prevent being replaced?

(1) What are three things you observe in the passage?

(2) Why do you think the men came to worship Jesus?
(3) Why do you think Herod was disturbed and behaved the way he did because of Jesus’
birth?
(4) Who do you think warned the men as recorded in verse12?
(5) What is some thing you learnt from the men and can do in you own life?
Bible Study 2
Following the Rules. Luke 2:21-32
Introduction: Ask why are rules given and who benefits when rules are obeyed? Discuss.
(1) Why did Jesus’ parents bring Him to the temple only eight days after He aw born?
(2) Do you think we should still present our children to the Lord? Why?
(3) What do you think would have happened if they did go to the temple?
(4) How important is it for you to follow God’s word, your parents and the proper rules
of society?
(5) Write how you plan to begin to change in this area of your life.
Bible Study 3
Where is He? Matthew 28:1-15
Introduction: Do a 2 minute drama depicting someone who misplaced something really valuable.
Or ask students to share an experience of losing something that was very precious.
(1) What do you observe about the women in verse 1?
(2) If you had seen the angel what would have been your reaction? Why?
(3) Why do you think the angel showed the women where Jesus was?
(4) What do you think the experience at the tomb did to the guards?
(5) What do you think about what happened in verse 12-15?
(6) What is one thing you think you can learn from this passage?
31 | P a g e

HOW TO LEAD A BIBLE STUDY

Prerequisites for Group Bible Study

1. Pray for the study that God will use you as a leader to help the group discover the truths
in Scripture for themselves.
2. Be interested in the people:
 Pray for them by name, if possible.
 Remember their names.
 Be friendly, even when you are not in the Bible Study, e.g. if you pass them on the
school corridor.
 Invite people to come.
 If you realize they lost interest n your study, ask for advice on how it can be
improved.
 Encourage personal Bible Study at home.
 Be appreciative of every answer given at the study. Don’t flatly contradict people.
 Be humble, willing to learn and willing to change your mind.
 Be exemplary in your own Bible Study habits.
3. Have a deep confidence in the Holy Spirit to be the Teacher.
4. Do adequate preparation before hand.
5. Have a basic understanding of group dynamics. Here are a couple of suggestions:
 The new or shy person- Encourage with questions involving the expression of opinion
or choice, not on fact. Appreciate every effort the person makes.
 The too talkative person- Gently restrain him by addressing questions to other
individuals by name.
 The well informed person- Ensure that he sticks to the topic and does not try to
impress everyone with his varied knowledge. Channel questions to other individuals
also.
 The person who makes irrelevant contributions- Ask “where in the passage you find
that?”
 The person who concentrates on what he cannot understand- Help him to see that
a principle of Bible study is moving from the known to the unknown and that
concentrating on what we know helps us with what we do not know. Difficulties can
be dealt with on an individual level or at another meeting.
 The person who wants to discuss his own ideas- Perhaps you can arrange another
meeting to deal with the topic being brought up. Make it clear that a Bible study has
been planned and you are sticking to the plan.
32 | P a g e

CREATIVE BIBLE STUDY TECHNIQUES

The Inductive Method

This is perhaps the most basic and useful form of Bible Study. The group leader asks a series of
questions designed to aid in understanding, interpreting and applying the passage being studied.
Questions asked are of three types:
1. Observation- this helps the group to understand what the passage is about.
2. Interpretation- this helps the group in getting behind the words or events and discover
their meaning.
3. Application- this helps the group in relating the truths of the passage to themselves and
their own lives.

Example using John13:1-17

Observation
Who are the central characters in this scene?
What thoughts were in Jesus’ mind as the drama described here begins?
What did Jesus do on this occasion?

Interpretation
What feelings do you imagine Jesus was experiencing?
Why did Jesus do what He did?
What does Jesus as the leader in this situation teach His followers about leadership?

Application
What changes would need to occur in you for you to be able to adopt Hs style of leadership?
“I Doubt It” Method
This style is an effective way to help Christians be honest in what they really believe and practice
from the Bible.
Example on Matthew 5: 1-12. Read the passage carefully and study it individually. Cross out
everything you do not agree with or practice in your own life. Circle any verse you fully agree
with and practice. Then discuss as a group.

ABCD Method
This method seeks to study a particular passage with the aim of giving it a title.
1. Divide the passage in to paragraphs.
2. Give each paragraph a title based on its content.
3. The title should be
Accurate
Brief
Contemporary
Distinctive
4. Give the entire passage a title after having read the little paragraphs.
5. Select a key verse or paragraph if possible.
33 | P a g e

Dramatization Method
This style of Bible Study gets students moving and allows them to all be a part of the passage
being studied.
1. Break into groups
2. Give each group the same passage to work on and a specific time in which to work on it.
3. Students can be asked to prepare:
-A short skit
-A television commercial
-A radio/television interview
-A debate. Etc.
4. Give them a time frame in which to present their pieces
5. Students can share interesting insights about the passage that they learnt while
dramatizing it.

Using Interviews
This style helps to study a passage in-depth and also gives opportunity for group members who
have understood the passage to interact during the session.

1. Divide into groups and allow them time to study the passage as a group
2. Have an interviewer who will interview persons from each group about the passage.
3. Role play can be used, i.e. allow the interviewees to take the role of someone in the
passage.

Example on Mark 8:27-38:

1. What kinds of rumors have been circulating lately about your master Jesus?
2. I understand that you made a rather sterling statement to him the other day what was it?
3. How did you come to this conclusion?
4. How is your Master interpreting His calling as the Messiah?
5. I understand that after He had congratulated you for your insight in recognizing Him, He
reprimanded you rather severely. He even went as far as addressing “Satan” when
reprimanding you. Why did He do this?
6. Did He give you any further teaching on what might be involved for Him or for you in His
mission to be the Messiah?
7. How do you feel about this call? ( His and yours?)
34 | P a g e

ADVERTISING YOUR ISCF GROUP

Suggested ways of attracting students to your group:

 Posters around the school compound that advertise both IS/IVCF in general and special
events and activities.
 Specially printed invitations that can be handed out to students.
 Display tables with books, posters, tracts, etc.
 Permanent poster on notice board that you update regularly with different articles,
pictures, stories etc.
 Printing a calendar of your term’s events and topics to be addressed.
 Distribute questionnaires or surveys on a particular topic that you will be addressing in
your meeting, then invite students to bring their complete form to the meeting for further
discussion.
 Play music at the start of meetings to draw attention.
 Host a small sports tournament or other activity that the students in your school are
interested in.
 Use your school’s Public Address system. These announcements can be a dramatic piece,
a dialogue, accompanied by sound effects etc.
 Do class visits to invite students to meetings.
 Print a “Thought for the Day or Week” or a Scripture verse to put in each classroom or at
strategic points in your school.
 Use posters and announcements to ask an interesting or thought -provoking question e.g.
How’s Your Love Life?
 Get teacher involvement (Christian and non-Christian) by asking their opinion on what
type of topics they feel can be addressed in your meetings or what they think can help
enrich their courses.
 Ensure your members participate in other school activities other than IS/IVCF. This helps
to create a positive image of your members and your group.
 Use members who have enjoyed being a part of your group and have favourable
experiences to give their testimonies.
 Try to get permission from your Principal to host the school’s morning assembly and use
it as a tool for evangelism and promoting your club.
 Create an atmosphere of love and warmth within your group so that others would be
drawn to you.
 Make buttons, stickers or other such items with something about IS/IVCF that can worn
or displayed around the school
 Use objects to capture attention and arouse curiosity e.g. If discussing a topic such as “Life
after Death”, you can borrow a skeleton from the science department.
 Use a room as a Drop-In point where students can hang out during a point lunchtime
when there is no IS/IVCF. Having books, music, board games etc will help attract interest.
 Get sponsorship for your posters, newsletters etc from businesses in the area, not just
“church” people.
35 | P a g e

Some things to bear in mind:

 Always target the audience that you want to reach. It makes no sense doing something
that will not reach the students.
 Your advertising should focus on helping individuals rather than selling your group.
 Personalize it e.g. say “You” instead of “All of you”.
 Focus on the benefits that one may derive from attending your meetings and not just the
features and activities of the group.
 Develop relationships with persons who you would like to see coming to your meetings.
 Accentuate the positives, eliminate the negatives.
 You must first believe in what you are promoting before you can convince others to
participate.
 Always measure the results of your advertising efforts afterwards.

RAISING AND HANDLING FINANCES

So… you have this fantastic programme, lots of great ideas, enthusiasm is running high in your
ISCF group… but you have no money…

Does everything fall apart? No. There is money. Find it. Use it. Here are some ways of getting at
the funds. Not only will these raise money but most will help draw your group together:

1. The Administration (Principal etc.) – they may grant money to school clubs. If you don’t
know, ask. You can even consider submitting a budget indicating your program ideas for
the year and how much it will cost. You may want to let group’s Sponsor approach the
Administration on your behalf.
2. Sales- Hot Dogs, Cakes, Pholourie, Ice-Cream, Bola, Patties etc. you can sell during lunch
or a football or cricket match. Try to sell things the cafeteria does not have to sell.
3. Commission Sales- Sometimes a good profit can be made from items bought in bulk e.g.
Notebooks, Pens etc.
4. Collect Bottles- Everyday students buy drinks. You can embark on an “environmentally
friendly” project to collect glass bottles around the school and sell them back to the
company.
5. Wash Days- Have members of your group make contact with adults (parents, neighbours)
and do a clean up, raking leaves, cleaning windows etc for cash.
6. Car Wash- This is an old one but is very often quite successful.
7. Contests- Get baby pictures from several teachers, number them, and put them on
display. Sell entry forms- winner gets the prize- you get the profit. This is just one fun idea.
You can come up with different competition ideas/ sporting activities etc. to raise money.
36 | P a g e

IDEAS FOR EFFECTIVE HIGH SCHOOL MINISTRY

The twenty first century is here and our generation is experiencing what the prophet Daniel
prophesied so many years ago; the increase of knowledge. With this increase comes many
questions and one such has to do with the relevance of High School Student Ministry and whether
it has outlived its purpose. In 1989 Frank Goveia (Former Carifes Regional Secretary) felt the
answer to this question was a resounding no. Those sentiments are still being echoed today, but
for every one involved in such ministry the challenge is to be what Billy Graham describes as
being ‘geared to the times but anchored to the ROCK’. Not only should there be focus on
relevance in student ministry, but also on the total effectiveness of the ministry itself.

Essential Ingredients for Effective High School Ministry (IFES Review 26 1989)

1. Attitudes: In 2 Corinthians 3-5 Paul identifies certain attitudes that made his ministry
effective. Although the references are to the apostolic milieu, these guidelines are
valuable for any effective service.
(a) A conviction that the ministry is worth doing (2 Cor. 3:7-8, 12, 16 and 5:16)
(b) A determination not to give up, lose heart and become discouraged
(2 Cor. 4:1, 16)
(c) A commitment to avoid shortcuts and quick solutions (2 Cor.4:2) but to
maintain biblical integrity.
(d) A Christ -centered focus for the message, with an appeal to the conscience
(2 Cor. 4:2, 5: 5:11).
We also need to be certain that our work is providing answers to the questions and problems in
the lives of students. The social realities of poverty, family breakdown, affluence, drug abuse,
unemployment, crime and violence, parental and other forms of exploitation and so on, directly
affect young people. As such, our ministry is validated not just theologically and evangelistically
but also socially.
2. Form
2:1 A clear philosophy of ministry. What is our rationale for this work?
(a) What do we want to accomplish? Our goals will determine our programs. These
goals should reflect and complement the purpose of the church. We must be careful not to
confuse the by-products, such as Bible-studies, prayer meetings and church involvement,
with the finished product of changed lives.

(b) Whose needs are we meeting? Why am I in this ministry? To satisfy my own
psychological and other needs, or to serve young people? It is easy to manipulate the setting
to meet our ideas, programs and expectations. For example, large attendances may be the
result of pressure, competition or attractive incentives. It is easy to look successful but are
37 | P a g e

we really ministering to needs of the students? Patience and dependence upon the Holy
Spirit to do His work as we demonstrate faithfulness will be if we are to overcome pride and
fear of failure.

(c) What are the unique strengths and resources that are available for this work? Every
situation has strengths that can be built upon the good of the work. In the same way, there
are also weaknesses from which we can derive unique opportunities. It would be wrong to
plunge headlong into any situation without evaluating the pros and cons.

2.2 A structure that allows young people to have leadership roles.

If the schools work is dominated by adult leaders then the work will die quickly or at best
become rather dormant. At the same time, we are faced with the problem that young
people today are reluctant to take up positions of leadership. There must be and explicit
commitment on our part to the identification, development and training of young people to
take up leadership. Ad hoc training programs will not suffice. Good leadership models will
help to attract young people to responsibility. As student work has a high turnover, there
must be an annual orientation for students as to why, what, where, when, and how of the
work. We must pass the vision from one generation to the next.

2.3 Strong sponsorship in the schools.

As indicated above, we are strongly committed to student leadership. However, this
commitment does not conflict with an equally strong commitment to the active
participation of sponsors, older people, often teachers, who act in an advisory capacity to
the school (ISCF) group. These should be seen as complementing each other. Sponsorship
does not mean dictatorial, cult-like or controlling styles of leadership.

This style of leadership provides the modeling and care necessary for students of this bruised
generation. Such sponsors demonstrate their strength through their spiritual hunger, their
love for young people and their willingness to spend time with them. How we recruit this
kind of Christian teacher with the vision and motivation for schools work is another
challenge for the future of the work.

2.4 Increased visitation of schools by staffworkers.

The pastoral ministry of encouragement exercised by staff to sponsors is much needed as
the wear and tear upon Christian teachers is greater than we realize. In some settings
Christian teachers are an endangered species. Misunderstood by their churches, at best
tolerated by their colleagues, many have to go it alone in their schools.
38 | P a g e

2.5 Flexible and relevant programs which recognize that we are living in a visual age
Today technology has increased the emphasis on visual forms communicating and print
formats have been outdistanced. Unfortunately this trend has increased the number of
functional illiterates so visual communication must not be neglected. In many ways the
church has failed to use these advances effectively so we must make it our duty to ensure
their proper use.

2.6 Structure that prepares students for involvement in a graduate’s movement.

Getting students to be committed to a graduates work is one of the weakest links in this
chain. We need the kind of preparation that will encourage students to move into tertiary
institutions and then beyond the campus.

3. Content
3.1 The emphasis must be biblical
IFES and thus CARIFES have long been known for seeking to be biblical. As such we need to
be continually informed by Scripture and not systems, even if they are called theologically
ones. Every specific situation we face must be subject to revealed truth. One aspect of this
biblical mandate is to focus on the preparation of students in areas such as evangelism,
discipleship, missions and fellowship.

3.2 It must address the family life issues of students

In western and Caribbean societies the family structure has significantly broken down. Many
of our young people live in and experience the disadvantages of single parent and broken
families. It is common knowledge how the family structure of an individual affects them and
helps shape their world view. That being the situation, issues of family life must be dealt
with in the context of the club.

3.3 The need for training in apologetics

Today we put a lot of emphasis on apologetics for tertiary level students but we give less
attention at the secondary level. Yet by the time students get to tertiary institutions, their
faith must not only be grounded but they must be able to give the reason for the hope that
they have.

Given the onslaught of issues, the subversion of the educational process and the failure of
the churches to provide the necessary responses, the need is even greater.
39 | P a g e

Conclusion
It is quite obvious that many more ingredients can be added to this list. Things such as
prayer, recruiting volunteers, doing promotional services at churches to build stronger links
and garner much needed resources, camps, retreats, workshops/seminars and so on can all
be used to do more effective ministry among students. Noteworthy again is the acquisition
and use of available technology.

Finally there is the need for evaluation of our ministry on an annual basis. If we are failing
to evaluate with an aim to improving, then our ministry is destined to be less than effective.
IDEAS FOR HIGH SCHOOL EVANGELISM

How To Witness

1. Make a friend
2. Ask questions
3. Find an open nerve.

Conversation:
The following are some conversation openers or questions you can use challenge someone when
trying to witness:
1. Do you think that heaven is a perfect place?
2. How close have you come to a perfect life?
3. If God lets you go to heaven as you are, what will happen to heaven’s perfect record?
4. Do you have an interest in spiritual or religious things?
5. Do you know any reason why you would not want to invite Jesus into your life now?
6. Give the person your personal testimony “Let me tell you what happened to me” or
explain the Gospel from the Scripture.

5 Principles for Witnessing:

1. Contact others socially- A casual wave or smile is a good start.
2. Remember not to impose our Christian behavioral patterns on non-Christians since they
are different to us.
3. Establish common interest with people. Most people like to hear themselves speak so let
them talk about themselves- we can learn a lot from them, and about them.
4. Arouse interest- ask questions.
5. Get to know the non-Christian personally- they will bring their problems to you.
40 | P a g e

APPROACHES FOR WITNESSING:

The non-Christian does not want to be like many Christians he sees daily. They are not attracted
to Jesus or to us just by the fact that we are different.

WHAT ATTRACTS THEM TO CHRIST?

1. Quiet confidence born of faith
2. Security born of truth
3. Peace born as the gift of His love
4. Courage to live and face life.

In interacting with your friends there are four points to consider:

1. Be mature with your walk with the Lord
2. Have a message worth sharing
3. Know facts relating to contemporary youth culture
4. Develop the capacity for genuine communication with others
5. Do not compromise on your faith and belief
6. Ensure that you not only ‘talk the talk’ but you also ‘walk the walk’.

HOW TO HANDLE NEGATIVE QUESTIONS

1. “I AM NOT READY”
Recommend the reading of the Gospel of John with honesty. Praying before each reading
but only after you have pointed out that “now is the accepted time” according to God.
However, don’t force anyone into a decision, for premature birth usually gives problems
all through life.

2. “NO GOOD REASON”

Point out that they are in a dangerous position. One might be but a heartbeat away from
eternity. See Isaiah 1:8 “Come let us reason together…” Ecclesiastes 12:1; Proverbs 29:1;
2 Corinthians 6:2; Joshua 24:1.

3. “GENUINE OBSTACLES, HONEST HANG-UPS”

“I’M AFRAID”, “I CAN’T HOLD OUT”: show the person 1 Corinthians 10:13; 2 Peter 1:4; 2
Corinthians 5:17; (Caterpillar becomes a butterfly).
4. I’M AFRAID I’VE GONE TOO FAR, GOD COULD NEVER FORGIVE ME
Make reference to Saul who became Paul; and Isaiah 61:10
5. “I LIVE A GOOD LIFE I’M BETTER THAN THE NEXT GUY”
Point out that the measure is Jesus Christ who is perfect and it is not the next guy.
41 | P a g e

6. “TOO MANY HYPOCRITES IN THE CHURCH”

The fact that they are hypocrites means that there are the genuine and God wants each
of us to be genuine. Challenge the person to check it out for himself.

7. “THE WHOLE THING IS A HOAX”

Your testimony is the best answer here.
8. “WHAT WILL MY FRIENDS SAY?”
Do you wish to have your friends run your life or God? Revelations 20:15
9. “I WANT TO ENJOY LIFE”
Help the person realize that they don’t have life apart from Christ who brought life into
them and to the world. He came to bring joy not gloom, understanding, meaning and
purpose, not despair and frustration.

IDEAS FOR HIGH SCHOOL DISCIPLESHIP

Some Essentials to be Taught
 How to have Quiet Time
 Bible Study
 Prayer
 Church Attendance and Fellowship with Believers
 Giving
 Marks of a Christian etc

IDEAS FOR HIGH SCHOOL MISSIONS

Ideas for missions in High Schools
1. Donate a First Aid Kit to your school
2. Paint the Black Boards in the classrooms or replace a damaged whiteboard, or provide
markers for the dry erase board.
3. Purchase a pair a glasses for a needy student
4. Help a student with lesson or exam fees etc
42 | P a g e

SUPPORTING THE WIDER IS/IVCF OR NATIONAL BODY

IS/IVCF is a non-profit organization that operates on the goodwill of others. Each
month, money is required for staff salaries, office rent, where the movement does
not own its facilities, office supplies, telephone bills, production of materials and
other items. In addition, events such as National rallies, Leadership Trainings,
Camps and others are either paid for in full or offered at subsidized costs to
students.
Your school’s IS/IVCF, UCCF, GBU, SCSFU, ICCF club is encouraged to assist the wider body in
meeting these expenses in order to keep the ministry going. Students are encouraged to support
the movement even after they leave school especially when they begin to work.
You can speak with your local staff worker about pledges and other ways of contributing to the
student ministry.

SOME BASICS IN CHRISTIAN COUNSELING

What Counseling Is Not? Counseling is not simply giving advice. It is not only about “how to”,
that is, various techniques. Rather YOU are the most important tool you will ever possess in your
effort to help others.

What is Counseling? Counseling is a somewhat structured healing relationship for the purpose
of dealing with a problem or crisis in the life of an individual. Counseling generally deals with
normal people and involves helping them cope with and deal with the problems and crises of life
and make adjustments where necessary.

What is Christian Counseling? Christian Counseling is the process of helping others recognize,
understand and solve their problems in accordance with the will of God (WORD of God). II
Timothy 3:16….. The aim of our counseling should be to help, bring clarity and restoration so that
the individual can function independent of their support system (YOU). Also, we should seek to
imitate the Lord Jesus. Success in a counseling relationship is, therefore, when the person is
confronted with God’s truth, they accept it and decides to live by it. Key Verses: John 10:10 and
John 3:16

Characteristics of a Christian Counselor:

 Living, vibrant relationship with and dependence on the Lord. Rom. 8:14, Matt7:5
 Commitment to an honest assessment of your own strengths and limitations.
 Openness to learning
 Possess interpersonal skills needed to establish good/healthy contact with others and
able to use those skills in the helping relationship.
 Genuine care for the people you help, expressed by doing what is in their best interest
 Recognition that it takes hard work to bring about change and being willing to stick with
individuals as they go through this process. (Ask: How long would you give someone to
change?)
 Taking care of yourself spiritually, mentally, emotionally, socially and physically
43 | P a g e

 You have established meaningful relationships with at least a few significant people.
 You have a healthy sense of self-love.

Some Basic Principles that Guide Counseling

 Acceptance- be warm, genuine, open, be relaxed and so help the person to relax.
 Confidentiality- limitations of confidentiality must be explained, but it must be ensured
that outside of those situations, confidentiality is guarded viciously.
 Non judgmental attitude- the person has not come to court
 Controlled emotional involvement but yet have purposeful expression of feelings.
 Individualisation- treat every person as an individual regardless of how similar his/her
situation may be to someone else’s.
 Active listening- a prerequisite for all other counseling responses and strategies. Listen
for content and feelings.
 Empathy-Heb.4:15
 When you are unsure what to do admit it and seek help with the clients permission.

Transference- has its roots in unresolved personal conflict with significant others. It is the
unconscious process whereby the person you are counseling project onto a helper past feelings
or attitudes they had toward significant others in their lives. E.g. mother, father, teacher etc.
 Clients who make you into something you are not.
 Clients who see you as a super-person ( We ought not to give that impression)
 Clients who make unrealistic demands on you.
 Clients who are not able to accept boundaries.
 Clients who displace anger onto you.
 Clients who easily fall in love with you.

Counter-transference- unrealistic reactions helpers have towards their clients that may interfere
with their objectivity. Some signs of counter-transference include:
 Being easily irritated by certain clients
 Feeling intense anger toward someone you hardly know
 Getting highly emotional and lost in the client’s world.
44 | P a g e

SEE QUESTIONNAIRE BELOW

Individual Exercise:

Do any of these DESCRIBE YOU?

1. I lose my temper easily and then I am frustrated because I get angry.

2. I can’t get along with my parents. We are arguing all the time.

3. I need to be liked by others. I seldom do anything that might offend others, lest they criticize

or reject me.

4. I am sensitive and easily get hurt.

5. I have a very low opinion of myself. Sometimes I think I even encourage people to

criticize me, and then feel put down further.

6. I am shy and have real problems relating to others.

7. I am a Christian but I never seem to get around to reading my Bible or praying.

8. I am a very critical person, so much so that other people don’t want to be around me.

9. For me what is right or wrong depends on the circumstance.

10. I have with sexual thoughts and actions. Sometimes I go too far and then I feel guilty.

NOTE: The most important personal characteristics of a good Christian counselor are being in
touch with the Lord, living a life that is transparent and brings glory to the Lord, being aware
of yourself and comfortable with whom YOU are.

Questionnaire adapted from: Christian Counseling by Dr. Desiree Penville ©May 2007
45 | P a g e

REFERENCES

IFES Review 26: A Training Tool for People in Student Ministry 1989

Inter/School Inter Varsity Christian Fellowship Guyana- Brochure and Doctrinal Statement

Introduction to IS/IVCF Belize

History of French Caribbean by Marc Pulvar.

Christian Counseling by Dr. Desiree Penville ©May 2007

Christian Counseling by Dr. Gary Collins

IS/IVCF Student Ministry Manual (Trinidad and Tobago)