Jodie McNeill lives in Sydney, Australia, and is the Executive Director of Youthworks Outdoors.
Rathane Rd, Royal National Park, NSW Australia
PO Box 705 Sutherland NSW 1499 Australia
jodie@jodiemcneill.com
Phone: +61 2 8525 3101
I’m off to speak at the ‘Real Hope’ mission in Tamworth on the 9th and 10th of November this year. Details here at christianitytoday.com.
I will be speaking to the youth on the Friday night, then speaking to all ages at the Saturday night outreach event. I will also be conducting a training seminar on youth ministry in the afternoon.
As has been the custom of the past four years, I continue to teach the DM211 ‘Youth and the Churches’ Diploma of Theology subject at Youthworks College.
This 30-hour course provides a detailed overview of youth ministry, from foundations and strategy to practical hints and techniques.
I’ve been reminded that ‘intensive’ doesn’t just describe the method of lesson delivery! Preparing for and teaching these lectures takes lots of time and energy. However, as always, they have been very rewarding.
This year I am recording the lectures with the intention of producing a book based on some of the material I have presented. The only problem is that 30 hours equates to about 90 hours of typing. Look out for the blisters on my fingers sometime in March!
As always, January and February are the biggest months for youth ministry training. Since the start of the year I have delivered training from Katoomba to Nowra, and everywhere in between!
The year began with two big Mondays at KYLC (Katoomba Youth Leadership Conference) where I trained all of the first year delegates on the Essentials of Youth Ministry. http://www.kylc.kcc.org.au This was followed by training at the Youthworks LiT (Leaders in Training) Conference in Nowra. http://www.lit.youthworks.net
As always, I have also spent two big weeks teaching the Australian College of Theology (A.C.T.) Diploma of Theology Course in youth ministry–Youth in the Churches (DM211) at Youthworks College. 30 hours of youth ministry for youth ministers. Details at http://www.college.youthworks.net
In addition, I have spoken at the Youthworks Scripture in Schools Conference at Dapto, plus delivered training in at the annual Salvation Army youth and children’s ministry training conference.
Thanks to God for the opportunity to train around 800 people throughout Sydney!
It was a great thrill to be a part of the TWIST Music Conference last weekend. This important event provides training and encouragement for people involved with music ministry in their local church.
During the weekend, I MC’d the main sessions (including the special live recording on the Saturday night for the upcoming EMU Music Live CD). I also conducted training sessions on the topics “Youth Ministry and Music” and “Rethinking Church”.
To read more about the conference, check out the recent article in sydneyanglicans.net titled “TWIST – but don’t shout.” You can also visit the official TWIST website at www.twist.org.au
I am excited to announce a brand new program with Youthworks that I have been asked to lead. The “Year 13 @ Youthworks” program is a gap-year program for teenagers who have just finished studying their HSC. It provides nine months (March to November) during which students ‘Take a Year ON!’ and get a sample of Christian ministry in a close community of like minded people.
In addition to the two days per week at Youthworks College, studying a ‘Diploma-Lite’ course, it includes practical ministry experience at a church or a school. It also features a one month short term mission experience to Africa, as well as opportunities to serve as a leader on several of the Youthworks holiday and Horizon school camps.
Whilst I will continue to train and advise youth leaders and ministers, my new role as Year 13 Director will occupy half of my week, as I prepare, promote, and pastor the program, as I preach and teach the Scriptures to the Year 13ers during lectures, chapel, and other informal opportunities.
Due to my increased load, I will no longer be the youth ministry trainer/adviser for the Anglican region of Georges River. However, I will continue to focus upon those in the South Sydney region. For those outside these regions (and in non-Anglican denominations), I will still be available to consult and/or train on a case-by-case basis.
For more details visit http://www.year13.youthworks.net
Recent sydneyanglicans.net blogs on youth and music ministry |
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