All churches long for an effective youth ministry that not only connects youth to the person of Christ but equips and empowers them to live out their faith in life. While this desire exists among all, few church youth ministries ever fully develop an action plan that strategically directs their efforts. That why Eaglecrest Youth Ministries Services recently launched a new youth ministry development service called “YOUTH MAP 471.” YOUTH MAP 471 is designed to assist churches with creating and deploying an effective youth ministry advancement plan (MAP) that empowers youth to soar on wings as eagles (Isaiah 40:31). The MAP becomes a comprehensive tool that guides a church through navigating the unpredictable reality of youth ministry development, ultimately deploying a plan that will move the ministry in a strategic, synergized direction.

Assess – This process involves assessing the ability of the church to launch a potential plan. Through a series of interviews and survey information gathering documents, a “findings and opportunities” document is developed. This document assists the Eaglecrest consultant in identifying and yellow flagging obstacles to the potential development and deployment of a ministry advancement plan.
 

Discover – This process utilizes the assessment to create an “understandings” document. This document outlines key realities about the perceived mission and vision of the church as it pertains to youth ministry development. Should the MAP team determine that the findings within this document are accurate, the “understandings” document is then used as a filter to focus and direct the design of theMAP.
 

Design – This is the process of creating a blueprint for youth ministry development. This includes a detailed project plan incorporating a phased approach to the youth ministry development. This will also include a project plan presentation (power point) to be utilized in selling the MAP to the congregation.

Approve – This involves receiving the necessary approval from the MAP team and other governing bodies within thechurch. It also involves creating ownership in the MAP.

Construct – Based on #1-#3, the Eaglecrest consultant develops a timeline for constructing the various components of the design. This element involves creating the support components necessary to fully launch the MAP.

Deploy – This involves the full implementation of all components based on an agreed timeline.

Evaluate – Analysis of entire process and determination of the MAP success completions, refinements, or need foradditional solutions. This process is generally in the form of two follow up meetings involving the consultant and the church MAP team.

1 represents the one year commitment from Eaglecrest. Once complete, this extensive, written document serves as a navigation map for youth ministry development. It is designed in such a way that the goals and objectives can be achieved without additional consultation. However, the Eaglecrest team will continue to walk with your team for a full year.

Month#2
-Consultant writes FOC (Findings and Opportunities Document) based on first meeting with the MAP Team, survey returns, and demographics form.
-Consultant meets with MAP Team to present FOC and receive feedback
-Consultant sends copy of FOC to pastor and consistory/council for information and feedback
-Consultant begins to create the Map design

Month #3
-Consultant completes first draft of MAP
-Consultant meets with MAP team to present and receive additional feedback
-Consultant makes adjustments and revisions based on feedback
-Consultant meets with church governing body to present the MAP (usually a power point presentation)
-Church governing body provides feedback to MAP
-Consultant makes final revisions to the MAP

Month #4
-Church governing body signs off on MAP and gives approval
-Consultant meets with MAP Team to discuss implementation
-Implementation begins with Phase 1 of the MAP
Consultant provides MAP Team and youth leaders with resources to begin implementation process
-MAP Team and youth leaders deploy the plan with telephone and email assistance from the consultant

Month #5
-Telephone and email consultantion provided by the consultant
-Map continues to be deployed

Month #6
-Consultant meets with MAP Team to evaluate effectiveness -Recommendations for refinements provided

Months #7-11
-Telephone and email consultation provided by consultant
-Additional on-site meetings with consultant if necessary (additional fees apply)

Month #12
-Consultant meets with MAP Team and pastor to evaluate effectiveness
-Recommendations for additional refinements provided
-Eaglecrest commitment to process complete

Who are the consultants?
Eaglecrest consultants have two variables in common. All have extensive experience in church youth ministry, many with at least ten years of hands- on ministry implementation. Second, all have been trained in this Eaglecrest process. Therefore the services we provide are consistent and proven. Based on your church location, we will seek to match you with a consultant that is regionally close to your location. This close proximity provides the best arrangement. We will also seek to match your church with a consultant that has a similar theologically or denominational background. This assists the consultant with having an understanding of your church heritage.

Can we see sample MAP's from other churches?
Yes, Eaglecrest will provide you with sample MAP’s to give you an idea of what your church plan could look like.

What if the church governing body rejects the MAP?
Occasionally, this may occur given financial constraints or differing visions. In these situations, the Eaglecrest consultant revises the MAP to align with the intentions of the governing body. There is no additional charge should this occur, however it can expand the timeline an additional two months. If for any reason a church is not satisfied following the MAP revision, Eaglecrest will reimburse the church ½ the consultant fee.

What if the church gets bogged down with implementation after the Eaglecrest consultant has completed the MAP?
No problem. The Eaglecrest consultant remains available for up to one year following the MAP completion to assist with further implementation. Some of this can be completed via telephone or email consultation. In this case, there is no additional fee. Should the church determine that additional on-site visits are necessary, a fee of $250 per visit plus mileage will be assessed.

The project investment fee is $2500 plus travel expenses. To begin the process, a church pays $1250 to Eaglecrest. The remaining $1250 plus travel expenses are billed invoiced following completion of the MAP (usually after four months).

For additional information regarding money-back guarantee, working contract, additional support, typical components within a MAP, or other questions, contact Eaglecrest at 616-748-6067 or email us at duane@eyms.org