NYI
CHARTER AND MINISTRY PLANS– APPROVED June 22, 2001 Final Edit on 12/6/01 1
Nazarene
Youth International
Charter
"Don't
let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the
believers
in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity." 1 Timothy 4:12
I.
Our Mission
The
mission of Nazarene Youth International is to call our generation to a dynamic
life in
Christ.
II.
Our Members
Membership
in Nazarene Youth International includes all persons participating in
Nazarene
youth ministry who choose to embrace our stated vision and values.
III.
Our Vision
The
Church of the Nazarene believes that young people are an integral part of the
Church.
Nazarene Youth International exists to lead young people into a lifelong
relationship
with Jesus Christ and to facilitate their growth as disciples for Christian
service.
IV.
Our Values
We value Young People … significant in the kingdom of God.
We value the Bible … God's unchanging truth for our lives.
We value Prayer … vital interactive communication with our heavenly father.
We value the Church … a global holiness community of faith, diverse in culture
but
one
in Christ.
We value Worship … life-changing encounters with an intimate God.
We value Discipleship … a lifestyle of becoming like Christ.
We value Community … building relationships that help bind us together and to
God.
We value Ministry…extending God's grace to our world.
We value Witness … sharing God’s love in word and deed.
These
values are important dimensions of the holy life and are to be reflected in the
life
and
ministry of NYI at every level of the church. In reflecting these values, we
acknowledge
the following Guiding Principles.
V.
Our Guiding Principles
NYI exists for youth.
Nazarene
Youth International exists to attract, equip, and empower young people for
service
in the kingdom of God and to facilitate their integration into the Church of
the
NYI
CHARTER AND MINISTRY PLANS– APPROVED June 22, 2001 Final Edit on 12/6/01 2
Nazarene.
NYI focuses on Christ.
Christ
is central to who we are, the Word of God our authoritative source for all we
do,
and holiness our pattern for life.
NYI is built on relational ministry to youth in the local church.
Effective
ministry to young people in the local church is critical to the health and
vibrancy
of NYI. Relationships and incarnational ministry form the foundation for
Nazarene
youth ministry, guiding young people toward spiritual maturity in Christ.
NYI develops and mentors young leaders.
NYI
provides opportunities for emerging leaders to develop and utilize their gifts
within
an environment of nurture and support, assuring strong leadership for the
Church
of the Nazarene. Leadership training, accountability, and mechanisms for
evaluation
and modification of ministry are vital functions of NYI.
NYI is empowered to lead.
Relevant
youth ministry requires that responsibility for ministry and organizational
decisions
reside with NYI leadership and the appropriate governing bodies at every
level.
A sense of belonging and ownership, a passion for service, and input in
decision-making
are key ingredients for the empowerment of young people through
NYI.
NYI embraces unity and diversity in Christ.
NYI
is committed to understanding and celebrating differences and diversity in
language,
color, race, culture, socioeconomic class, and gender. Our differences do
not
diminish unity but enhance our potential and effectiveness. Sharing the good
news
of Jesus Christ in culturally relevant ways must always be a high priority.
NYI creates networks and partnerships.
A
climate of cooperation characterizes our relationships at every level of NYI.
Networking
within the church enhances the development and deployment of young
people
for service; NYI actively participates in such cooperative endeavors.
VI.
Our Ministry Framework
The
Nazarene Youth International Charter provides the foundation for organizing,
planning,
and implementing youth ministry at every level of the Church of the Nazarene.
Standard
ministry plans are provided that local, district, and regional NYI groups are
encouraged
to adapt in response to youth ministry needs in their own ministry situation.
Ministry
plans at every level must be consistent with the NYI Charter and the Manual of
the
Church of the Nazarene.
VII.
Revisions
The
NYI Charter may be amended through resolutions approved by the Global NYI
Convention,
according to the Global Ministry Plan.
