Senior Youth Leader
The Senior Youth Leader (SYL) curriculum is for individuals (approved by the church board) who wish to take Senior Youth Ministry to the next level using Biblical principles and contemporary methods. After completion of the SYL such individuals may be called upon to lead the Ambassador Ministry, Young Adult Ministry, and Public Campus Ministry at the local church.
Rationale
Local Church Emphasis
The one ear-Mickey Mouse model depicts a strange placement of youth ministry. It seems to suggest that the youth department is a standalone unit when in fact, it is at the heart of the local church. The aim of this curriculum is to strengthen this reality so that the operations of the youth department are understood in the context of the local church.
Mentorship
The subject of mentoring has become popular within youth circles. The curriculum addresses and makes use of mentorship concepts from the beginning to the end. Each candidate shall formerly be accepted into the program through the local church board and assigned a mentor who will walk them through the course.
Technology/Media
This new proposed curriculum will integrate training with the use of technology to bring together the natural inclination of AMBASSADORS, YOUNG ADULTS, AND PUBLIC CAMPUS STUDENTS toward media. It also includes the latest terminology and programs/initiatives of the department. Candidates are at liberty to choose between digital (video or audio) recording or physical filing.
SYL for Pastors
SYL curriculum for pastors doesn’t seek to promote an elitist and exclusive SYL training program, but its spirit and purpose is to recognize that pastors receive extensive theological and Adventist church history training at Adventist theological seminaries. Therefore, GC youth ministries affirms such training but urges the pastors who are enrolled in SYL to exhibit a humble spirit and collegiality towards other SYL trainees who are not pastors. The divisions (where necessary, the unions) will give further guidance to their constituencies in the interest of fostering cohesion and harmony among all SYL trainees.
SENIOR YOUTH LEADER (SYL CURRICULUM)
Relationship to Master Guide
Both the Master Guide (Junior Youth) and the Senior Youth Leader (Senior Youth) curriculums have some similar requirements and prerequisites. Candidates can attend some lessons together though each curriculum will dictate the emphasis (junior or senior) thus affecting specialization. Those who already completed the Master Guide program may be exempted from some SYL requirements. The diagram below shows the Youth Ministries structure. Please remember that the SYL and MG are not new levels of the department, they are leadership curriculums for Senior Youth and Junior Youth respectively that complement the structure.
