The purpose of the youth workers association is to, "Build up the body of Christ by encouraging, empowering, and equipping youth workers to reach the youth of our community with the message of the gospel." (Ephesians 4:4-16)

 

This is a term used by the Apostle Paul to describe those who have "confessed with their mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believes that God has raised Him from the dead." (Romans 10:9-12)  It is our desire that the body of Christ, also known as the church, would function as a body with each part accomplishing its unique purpose to the glory and honor of Jesus Christ, recognizing that He is the head. Therefore, any youth worker who is a part of the church, as described above, is welcome to be a part of the NJYWA.

 

understanding that youth ministry is a difficult field, it is our desire to meet together with youth workers to encourage them to continue to press on in their attempts to reach the teens of our community. We will encourage youth workers to remember their calling, remember the things they love most about ministry, help them work through personal growth areas, and encourage them to fix their eyes upon Jesus the author and perfecter of their faith.

 

Realizing our desperate need for God, we will spend time in prayer together asking God to empower the work that He desires to do in and through each youth worker. We will also seek to share whatever resources are at our disposal that would empower youth workers in a tangible way to accomplish the visions and dreams that God has placed in their hearts for the youth of our community.

 

Knowing the many different challenges youth workers face, we will seek to equip youth workers to more effectively handle the many situations they encounter. Through transparency and availability, we will share insights we have gained in our experiences as youth workers, and will seek to glean new information form conferences, speakers, and various literary sources. 

 

Beyond what occurs locally in our individual churches, it is our desire to come together in worship and prayer to ask God to move sovereignly in our area. Such gatherings are meant to; encourage unity in the body in a visible way by coming together with other Christian teens, impassion young people's hearts for Christ through challenging messages and genuine worship, and to pray that God would work in the lives of each person in our community