It’s been a busy few weeks – actually a busy few months! Now that our weekly large group gathering – 7 – is running steadily we have been seeing an influx of new students. As our group continues to grow, it means we will need even more adults willing to commit to investing in the lives of students.If someone has never worked with students before, they may not know what to expect. One of the questions I often get asked is…
What is a student ministries sponsor?
A sponsor is an adult volunteer or college age student who works in or with student ministries. We have four areas of involvement, each requiring a different level of time commitment.
Occasional Volunteers (Varied involvement with students - limited commitment)
Occasional volunteers are called upon for special one-time events or happenings. From serving food at a Christmas party to driving for a special event - these volunteers come into the program and get random things done. You can serve one time or choose to be called regularly. This is a great area of service for those who love students but cannot commit to regular involvement due to their schedules.
Support Staff (Low involvement with students – weekly time commitment)
A support staffer is someone who is willing to work – for the most part - behind the scenes. It may be someone who:
- Helps with setup and takedown for 7 each week
- Is in charge of food (buying, preparing, serving, cleaning up) at 7
- Opens their home for a small group meeting
These support staffers help free up our relational sponsors to concentrate on spending time and building relationships with students.
Prayer Partners (Low direct involvement with students - high commitment)
No student ministry can succeed unless it is powered by prayer. Prayer partners pledge to pray regularly and specifically for students and student ministries. Though prayer partners work behind the scenes in many ways, their support is felt each time a young person hears the Gospel of Christ, each time an adult counsels a troubled teen, and each time anyone in this ministry makes an attempt to advance the Kingdom of God. Prayer partners will receive guidance from the Student Ministries pastor about how he or she can pray each day for the young people and adults who are involved in the junior and senior high student programs. In addition, Prayer Partners will receive regular updates about specific needs within the ministry as they arise.
Relational Sponsors - (High involvement with students - high commitment)
These are the key adults who make youth ministry possible. Relational Sponsors build relationships with students in which ministry can take place. They come alongside students in their spiritual walk.
A Relational Sponsor commits to involvement with one of our ongoing programs such as
- 7 - our weekly large group gathering, or
- Connect small groups during the school year.
They are also encouraged to attend special events and retreats throughout the year as their schedules permit in order to build relationships with students.
Relational Sponsors have the opportunity to show students they are loved simply by showing up each week. They may get involved in the teaching, games, small groups, or just come each week to listen and build relationships that honor Christ. These foundational volunteers receive regular training and support through regular sponsor meeting and periodic training events.
Who can be a Relational Sponsor?
Any adult or college-age student who…
- Has a commitment to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord (Romans 10:9).
- Is leading an obedient and continually growing Christian life (Col. 2:6,7)
- Has a willingness to offer that life as one worthy of imitation (I Cor. 11:1)
- Likes youth.
- Has a willingness to make time to build friendships with youth.
- Is committed to the mission, vision, and values of Ignite Student Ministries and
