The West Virginia Baptist Convention provides multiple opportunities for high schoolers to get involved in ministry.
Starting in tenth and eleventh grade, students can be nominated for Youth Leader Core (YLC), a ministry training program focused on equipping students for ministry and for life beyond school.
High school juniors and seniors can be nominated for the Youth Ministry Planning Team (YMPT). YMPT is in charge of planning and carrying out the WVBC’s statewide youth events throughout the year: Fall Youth Rally, Junior High Convention, Senior High Convention, and Summer Kickoff.
Both programs require students to be nominated by a pastor, youth pastor, or youth volunteer from the church at which they are an active member in good standing. Nominees should show strong godly character, potential as a leader, and a strong desire to know God and make Him known.
“To empower youth called and commissioned by their local church to learn about themselves, grow in their faith and discover ways to live out their beliefs and ministries.”
YLC is a Christ-centered young leader development program run by staff and volunteers in the WVBC family. Tenth- and eleventh-graders nominated by their church leadership gather over five weekends throughout the school year to attend sessions on everything from spiritual gifts to active listening, time management to conflict resolution, personal finance to personal worship.
These are the qualities we look for in YLC Nominees:
- Christian
- Has potential as a leader
- In tenth or eleventh grade for current school year
- An active church member
Pastors, youth pastors, and youth leaders are encouraged to nominate their strongest youth each year who have these qualities.
Nominations open every summer.
“To introduce young people to Jesus Christ and equip others through their service to God.”
YMPT, while still a discipleship and training program like YLC, gives students practical ways to apply what they’re learning in ministry.
These eleventh- and twelfth-graders plan our four youth events each year: Fall Youth Rally, Junior High Convention, Senior High Convention, and Summer Kickoff. They arrange food and lodging, book speakers and worship bands, and plan activities and games. They are guided and discipled by a dedicated team of staff and adult volunteers, but the rest is hands-on ministry experience for the students!
Pastors, youth pastors, and youth leaders may nominate the youth in their church who meet these qualifications:
- Committed Christian who strives daily to live for Christ
- Currently be a sophomore or junior in school (will be a junior or senior during their term in YMPT)
- Member of a WVBC church
- Willing to make the commitment of 8 weekend meetings. Their attendance is required at the Summer Kickoff, a summer meeting, Fall Youth Rally, Junior High Convention, Senior High Convention, and a Christmas break meeting. (Other meetings will be discussed and assigned at a later date)
Nominations for YMPT open every spring.
