Anchor Youth Ministry Leaders
Who are our leaders?
Our leaders are the lifeblood of Anchor Youth Ministry. They are more than just volunteers; they are the comedians that bring joy and life to our programs, the actors and actresses that tell Jesus story with clown costumes and whipped cream. Our leaders are an listening ear that accompanies youth and their families through life joy's and sorrows, and the intercessors who bring these joys and sorrows to the feet of Jesus in prayer.
Our leaders passionately care about the teens they minister to and want to see them grow as disciples of Jesus. Leaders plan our events to be filled with meaning and to be relevant to the youth's culture. Through discussion, intentional conversations and example, they help form disciples that will one day join them as coworkers in God's vineyard.
Our leaders are ordinary parents, college students, community members, teachers, and older siblings. They show the light and love of Christ through ordinary games, talks, and conversations. Connected to the Heart of Jesus, they are the artery's that spread his love in Ames, and over the world.
Our leaders are the lifeblood of Anchor Youth Ministry. They are more than just volunteers; they are the comedians that bring joy and life to our programs, the actors and actresses that tell Jesus story with clown costumes and whipped cream. Our leaders are an listening ear that accompanies youth and their families through life joy's and sorrows, and the intercessors who bring these joys and sorrows to the feet of Jesus in prayer.
Our leaders passionately care about the teens they minister to and want to see them grow as disciples of Jesus. Leaders plan our events to be filled with meaning and to be relevant to the youth's culture. Through discussion, intentional conversations and example, they help form disciples that will one day join them as coworkers in God's vineyard.
Our leaders are ordinary parents, college students, community members, teachers, and older siblings. They show the light and love of Christ through ordinary games, talks, and conversations. Connected to the Heart of Jesus, they are the artery's that spread his love in Ames, and over the world.
What are current/past leaders saying?
"It enacts God's purpose of bringing teens closer to Christ by our commitment and helping gain teens's view of how other adults worship and praise Christ in our lives - enhanced by what we are able to bring to our youth."~Kevin M.
"I enjoyed being a small group leader through Anchor Youth Ministry because the boys were excited to learn and the chance to learn more about the faith with them was both fulfilling and rewarding."~Matthew B.
"It is hard to be vulnerable to the young adults, but they welcome it and appreciate your efforts. Don't let not knowing all the answers prevent you from leading a group. Take that leap of faith!"~Tina C.
"Helping to form the youth of our community can be such a rewarding experience."~Charles M.
"Being a youth leader for the Church changed my life and the way I look at my faith in so many unexpected ways. It was humbling and challenging in the best of terms when it came to working with our teens. They see the world in such a beautiful way and I loved learning from them and being reminded of just how much we can all learn from each other and assist one another in the pursuit towards Heaven."~Haley S.
"Becoming a leader with Anchor Youth Ministry provides the opportunity to meet amazing young men and women, develop your own leadership style, and make an impact on how they view their faith."~Rachel E.
"God needs leaders to work through to educate, encourage, and share Jesus with the next generation. Step out in faith trusting God will use you to change the world!"~Ean F.
"Teenage years are critical to growth in all areas, and as Christians, we need to make sure every teen is shown the beauty and truth and love available to them through Jesus and the Gospel message, with the wisdom of the Catholic Church."~Tim S.
"The young women in my group helped me more than I helped them. Their faith fueled me and their perspectives enlightened me. No matter how tired I was at the end of a busy work day, I always came away from YDisciple energized and more at peace. I didn't have to be an expert in anything. At least half of YDisciple is about listening to the kids and anyone can do that! The rest is mostly about loving them."~Susan V.
"It enacts God's purpose of bringing teens closer to Christ by our commitment and helping gain teens's view of how other adults worship and praise Christ in our lives - enhanced by what we are able to bring to our youth."~Kevin M.
"I enjoyed being a small group leader through Anchor Youth Ministry because the boys were excited to learn and the chance to learn more about the faith with them was both fulfilling and rewarding."~Matthew B.
"It is hard to be vulnerable to the young adults, but they welcome it and appreciate your efforts. Don't let not knowing all the answers prevent you from leading a group. Take that leap of faith!"~Tina C.
"Helping to form the youth of our community can be such a rewarding experience."~Charles M.
"Being a youth leader for the Church changed my life and the way I look at my faith in so many unexpected ways. It was humbling and challenging in the best of terms when it came to working with our teens. They see the world in such a beautiful way and I loved learning from them and being reminded of just how much we can all learn from each other and assist one another in the pursuit towards Heaven."~Haley S.
"Becoming a leader with Anchor Youth Ministry provides the opportunity to meet amazing young men and women, develop your own leadership style, and make an impact on how they view their faith."~Rachel E.
"God needs leaders to work through to educate, encourage, and share Jesus with the next generation. Step out in faith trusting God will use you to change the world!"~Ean F.
"Teenage years are critical to growth in all areas, and as Christians, we need to make sure every teen is shown the beauty and truth and love available to them through Jesus and the Gospel message, with the wisdom of the Catholic Church."~Tim S.
"The young women in my group helped me more than I helped them. Their faith fueled me and their perspectives enlightened me. No matter how tired I was at the end of a busy work day, I always came away from YDisciple energized and more at peace. I didn't have to be an expert in anything. At least half of YDisciple is about listening to the kids and anyone can do that! The rest is mostly about loving them."~Susan V.
What Makes a Good Youth Ministry Leader?
- Share your faith
- Be flexible
- Have a sense of humor
- Be a people person
- Have a listening ear
- Desire to see youth grow as disciples of Jesus
- Be energetic
- Be reliable
- Be humble
- Be themselves
- Spend time planning, preparing, and praying for their ministry
- Attend Youth Ministry events on Sunday or Wednesday evenings
- Lead small group of 6-15 teens.
- Assist the Youth Ministry Staff with projects and larger events.
- Give a short talk about their faith
- Meet with the Director of Youth Ministry or the Coordinator of Middle school Ministry for a check-in
- Attend a leader or core team training event
See the Anchor Youth Ministry Leader Handbook Below for more details.
Contact Kayla Stinga and Zeke Mientkiewicz for more information or questions at [email protected]
Protection of Children
Anchor Youth Ministry expects all of it's volunteers to be compliant with Archdiocesan Policies and Standards of Conduct relating to the protection of Children.
All new volunteers are required to receive Safe Environment Training Through Catholic Mutual Group, and to undergo a background check.
Returning volunteers are expected to retrain every five years, and annually update Anchor Youth Ministry on any events or circumstance that may influence their ability to minister to youth.
Anchor Youth Ministry expects all of it's volunteers to be compliant with Archdiocesan Policies and Standards of Conduct relating to the protection of Children.
All new volunteers are required to receive Safe Environment Training Through Catholic Mutual Group, and to undergo a background check.
Returning volunteers are expected to retrain every five years, and annually update Anchor Youth Ministry on any events or circumstance that may influence their ability to minister to youth.