1

Core duties:

Youth leaders lead a congregational or district youth group. They inspire the young people for the values of the Christian faith, help them establish these in their lives, and thereby help them develop into personalities with strength of faith and a sense of responsibility (CNAC 12.4.2.2).

They promote

• the New Apostolic conviction of faith of the young people and
• the integration of the young people into church life, including their active participation.

They provide pastoral care and serve as discussion partners for the young people, and—in consultation with their congregational or district rector—they preside over

• divine services for youth, as ministers,
• youth discussions, and
• youth activities

In collaboration with the teachers, youth leaders support the transition of the confirmands into the youth.

2

Personal prerequisites:

• Age of majority
• Regular divine service attendance
• Acceptance among the young people
• Willingness to work in collaboration with the congregational rector and district rector in a spirit of trust
• In the case of a district youth leader: willingness to work in co-operation with the congregational youth leaders.
• Willingness to participate in the Church’s training events for youth leaders.

3

Spiritual competencies:

• Profession of the New Apostolic doctrine
• Established, authentic personal conviction of faith
• Knowledge of the basics of the New Apostolic faith.

4

Personal competencies:

• Openness in thinking and in dealing with critical questions
• Understanding for the age-related concerns of young people
• Empathy for the young people’s world
• Good communication skills, including the ability to listen
• Sufficient time to provide pastoral care to the youth
• Ability to organise
• Confidentiality in matters of confidence
• Conciliatory attitude
• Reliability

5

Leadership competencies:

Required for district youth leaders, desirable for congregational youth leaders:

• Ability to implement the Serving and Leading model
• Ability to resolve conflicts
• Composed approach to challenges
• Ability to take criticism
• Ability to delegate
• Ability to work in a team
• Ability to inspire others