Germany

The Need:

In Europe, the decline in Christian belief and church attendance is staggering. In Germany, for example, 64% of the population belong to a church, but only 6% attend. With young people having no religious or moral anchor and with Islam on the rise, the need to reach teenagers has never been greater.

Jesus-Focused Youth Ministry represents a paradigm shift in youth ministry in Europe toward prayer, intimacy with Christ, leadership development, student discipleship and evangelism. Creating a growing network of experienced youth leaders in Germany, Austria and other surrounding countries who equip others through mentoring relationships is the goal of JFYM in this region. These youth leaders will then mentor other youth leaders in Jesus-Focused Youth Ministry, who, in turn, will mentor others. This process repeated over time will equip churches in these and other countries to disciple teenagers and multiply Jesus-Focused Youth Ministry!

The Plan:

In 2007 Reach Out Youth Solutions conducted a Jesus-Focused Youth Ministry Forum for thirty German and Austrian youth leaders. Each youth leader developed a personal plan of action for implementing Jesus-Focused Youth Ministry in their lives and ministries. In 2008, we will conduct the second Jesus-Focused Youth Ministry Forum in which:

• Leaders who have implemented Jesus-Focused Youth Ministry will have the opportunity to share with one of our USA team members. In this warm environment they will be able to address the struggles and victories of implementing Jesus-Focused Youth Ministry and receive personal coaching.
• Youth Leaders who have implemented Jesus-Focused Youth Ministry and sense God's call to mentor other youth leaders will be certified as Eagle Leaders.

The Resources:

The following resources have been translated and printed in German and are available to German youth leaders:

• Building Leaders Series
  • A Personal Walk With Jesus Christ
  • A Vision For Life And Ministry
  • Essential Tools For Leading Students
• Ignite the Fire
• Moving Toward Maturity Series
  • Following Jesus
  • Spending Time Alone With Jesus
  • Making Jesus Lord
  • Giving Away Your Faith
  • Influencing Your World
  • Leaders Guide

Check out the December 2007 eVision