The ELCA Youth Ministry Network’s Board of Directors has completed a one-year process to revise and update its “Standards and Guidelines for Professionals” document.
The original version of our Standards and Guidelines was created and released in 2011, It helped to give shape to the professional development of those who are called to serve with children, youth and families in ELCA congregations. It also gave shape to many of the programs and ministries that the Network has continued or launched since then.
Tom Schwolert, who serves as the chairperson of the Board of Directors, said that: “Our goal in redeveloping the Standards and Guidelines was to simplify it a bit. We wanted to make it shorter and more approachable. I think this new version has done that.”
Renewal, education and connection have always been a part of the Network’s DNA. Our hope is that when a congregation calls someone to serve in faith formation, if that person is a member of the Network, the congregation will understand that person’s commitment to growing in their calling.
Schwolert went on to say that: “Our hope is that this helps to give direction to personal, spiritual and professional development. The Network’s programs, and those of our partners, can provide the resources for our members to grow in these ways.”
The Network’s Standards and Guidelines can be found at elcaymnet.org/standards.
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