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The Columbia Cascades Regional Method on How to Jump Start the Town Next Door in 12 Doable Steps!
The Columbia Cascades Regional Method on How to Jump Start the Town Next Door in 12 Doable Steps!
Please note that the steps and resources below are specific to the Columbia Cascades Region. If you are outside of this region, you may have your own regionally specific trainings and resources to use.
STEP 1: PRAYER
STEP 1: PRAYER
Someone, somewhere is praying for a way to reach kids in your town.
Prayer continues to be the main strategy throughout all phases of the Jump Start.
A great example of this strategy is Clara Frasher, which you can read more about HERE. Someone, somewhere is praying for a way to reach kids in your town! Look at this short video HERE.
Pray intentionally and get others to pray for you during this process. As we move forward in this process, we put prayer strategies in place. We want this to be a movement of the Holy Spirit and led by the Lord, not man.
Why pray? We are instructed to pray continually. If the son of God, Jesus was compelled to pray then we should feel even more compelled to pray. We want to follow God’s lead and be in lock step with the Lord as He goes before us to prepare a way to reach every kid.
1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
As Area Developers we are to pray continually for the next town God is calling us to. We are to pray continually for the Lord to raise up the next Red Hot Vision Carrier. We are to pray continually that we are following God’s lead in our life.
Matthew 11:24
Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
As Area Developers we are to have faith in the God who sends us into the harvest field. We are to have faith that He will raise up workers to walk into the world of kids.
John 17:20
My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message.
Jesus prayed for us that as we go, He will open the eyes and hearts of kids who will believe in Him as we share the message of salvation. As Area Developers we go and share the message.
2 Corinthians 1:10-12
10 He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, 11 as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.
As Area Developers we move out because we have people supporting us in prayer. We set up prayer teams in every town because we know it is not by our power or strength that we start the next ministry or reach that next kid, it is because God has heard the faithful prayers of His saints and He answers His children.
For those towns that want to start Young Life and are not sure how to do it, the Area Developer comes in. The Area Developer is someone who brings:
Vision, therefore they are a Vision Caster.
People need Hope and Encouragement to fulfill their calling, so they bring it.
The skills to teach, so they are a Teacher.
Energy, time, resources, knowledge, so they are an Investor.
Prayer Strategies
Prayer Strategies
Prayer Walk: Gather a team (or go individually) to walk and pray. You could walk around the school grounds, the main street in your community, your neighborhood, etc.
Designated Prayer Time (1 Thess. 5:17 “Never stop praying” NLT): Choose a verse and set an alarm to pray at a specific time every day. You could invite others into this practice as well. An example could be choosing to pray Psalm 23 at 9:23am every day.
STEP 2: RED HOT VISION CARRIER (RHVC)
STEP 2: RED HOT VISION CARRIER (RHVC)
A person or group of people are inspired by the Holy Spirit to look for a ministry that will help them fulfill the Great Commission.
We call this person “The Red Hot Vision Carrier (RHVC)” or “The Person of Peace”.
Luke 10:6, “If a person of peace is there, your peace will rest on him; but if not, it will return to you.” CSB
Connecting with a "Red Hot Vision Carrier"
Connecting with a "Red Hot Vision Carrier"
You may get the contact info of someone in a town interested in starting YL. This is a great first point of contact to call and invite to coffee.
You may have a town set on your heart to start YL, in which case you could go looking! Some strategies for getting connected in communities include:
Reach out to local pastors and meet them for coffee.
Meet with the mayor or city council members.
Attend networking events in the community.
Go to the Chamber of Commerce and ask folks there who the movers and shakers in the community are and call and invite them to coffee or ask to stop by their place of work. Only ask for 15-20 minutes of time and honor that.
If you learn of any Christian educators, invite them to coffee (or take them a coffee!).
**With any in person coffee meeting remember to let them know that you are working with Young Life which is an organization where adults mentor middle and high school kids and that you are looking for advice from them. Assure them that you are not looking for money or anymore time from them other than this meeting. What you are looking for when you sit down with them is for connections of adults who are Christians or who care deeply for kids.
STEP 3: INITIAL MEETING #1 - CAST THE VISION WITH A SMALL GROUP OF PEOPLE
STEP 3: INITIAL MEETING #1 - CAST THE VISION WITH A SMALL GROUP OF PEOPLE
The next two steps involve the initial meetings to get the area development process started.
Meeting 1: Cast the Vision and Invite folks to be a part of the Jump Start Team
Once a Red Hot Vision Carrier is established, that person will gather some other people (friends, colleagues, teachers, people at church, etc) for an initial interest meeting. It's important that the RHVC gathers folks from a variety of influences, whether that's different churches, schools, city members, etc. You will be inviting this group to be a part of the Jump Start Team during this initial meeting.
The Jump Start Team is a group of people who have a vision for kids in their community of kids coming to faith in Jesus. The hope is that the people at this initial meeting will say YES to being on the Jump Start Team.
During the meeting, the Area Developer explains the basics of the ministry and then shares with them the 12 step process to starting YL as the Jump Start Team (again, this is a 30,000 ft summary of the process).
Having this team in place takes a lot of pressure off the RHVC and the Area Developer, and makes this a community-wide effort to reach the goal.
If you have a large group or an open invitation has been sent out to find adults for your JS Team, you may want to use this "Interest Card" HERE.
You will end this meeting with a call to action for the group to consider saying YES to joining the Jump Start Team. Make sure that you set a date to have a second follow up meeting for those that want to move forward with the process.
Area Developer Preparation for Initial Meeting
Make a copy of the JUMP START (JS) DATABASE TEMPLATE and edit with the town's specific details. This database will contain names of people in that community that would be interested in seeing Young Life start, whether it's someone that the JST believes would want to be directly involved, or someone in the community that knows that kids are struggling and need trusted adults walking alongside them.
A. You'll go over this spreadsheet with everyone at the meeting, so bring a laptop and any presentation tools needed.
B. Remember to GO SLOW, ensuring that everyone in the room understands the process and each step.
C. Again, this is a 30,000 ft view of the database and action items of what it takes to hold a Jump Start Event and go through the 12 step process. You will go into more detail on each step during meeting #2.
Set an agenda for the meeting. HERE'S an example of an agenda for the first initial meeting (you can view additional agenda examples on the resources page)!
Be ready to share a general overview about the basics of the ministry: Committee Roles, Leaders, Club, Campaigners, Contact Work, Camp, and Cost of Ministry.
Be ready to schedule the second initial meeting and ask the group to consider saying Yes to the Jump Start Team.
Utilize the 3 Legged Stool Image to explain Area Development.
HERE is a sample letter of your follow up note to those who attended this meeting.
STEP 4: JUMP START TEAM (PART 1)
STEP 4: JUMP START TEAM (PART 1)
This is the second initial meeting where you will gather with the finalized Jump Start Team, start utilizing the JS Database, and develop a Jump Start Calendar. During this meeting, the JST will add initial contacts to the database and you will delegate to-do's for each member leading up to the Jump Start Event.
HERE'S an example of an agenda for a Jump Start Team meeting.
How to Establish a Jump Start Team (JST)
How to Establish a Jump Start Team (JST)
Take your time! This does not always happen right away.
Discern commitment! The team needs to fully understand the process and be committed to the process.
Leader or Committee? It is a good idea to know if the JST has a desire to serve as a Leader or on the Committee as you move forward. It is okay to have someone on the team who is committed to the JS process but is not able to commit beyond that.
Utilize Contact List on Small Towns JS DATABASE. You will want to share access to this spreadsheet to the JST and explain the process for adding names to the list. It is essential to add the JST emails and phone numbers to the list, and then everyone on the team will add other names and contact info on this sheet as well.
Very Important: We are adding names of individuals who the Lord has put on our heart. We are not God nor are we the Holy Spirit. There is a place at the table for everyone in YL. If their name comes to mind, put them on the list and invite them. We are looking for one of three things 1. People who love kids. 2 People who love Jesus. 3 People who love Jesus and kids. A person who might not love Jesus knows that kids need a caring adult and role model in their life so they can get on board with YL. They won’t be able to be a Leader but they can be on the Committee or donor or on the prayer team.
Determine a Goal for Number of Names. As the process begins, it is great to have a number in mind to shoot for. In a large town that number might be 350 names, while in a very small town 50 names would be sufficient.
STEP 5: JUMP START TEAM (PART 2)
STEP 5: JUMP START TEAM (PART 2)
Once the team is established and while contacts are starting to be added to the JS Database, you'll work with the JST to determine a tentative date, time, and meeting location for the Jump Start Event. A Jump Start is usually 54 hours over 3 days. This is a two full days, plus an additional half day on the third day if needed.
Please note that the final date for the Jump Start Event is generally not set until the goal is met for the number of names on the Contact List Tab or until the JST thinks they have exhausted all their contacts. The below preparation steps can be a place to start while the team is working to meet their contact list goal.
In addition, Area Developers should always have the following with them so they are prepared when the need arises, and can display them at Jump Start Meetings:
A few copies of almost every brochure the Service Center has (see the link in step 7 in the General Schedule below).
Interest Cards (Step 3 above)
Business Cards (order yours HERE)
General Schedule for a Jump Start
General Schedule for a Jump Start
Two evening meetings.
At least 1 (hopefully more) with educators in their buildings. Have the below flyers ready to share with educators.
A Pastor's brunch or breakfast. Use the "Come Steal Our Kids" Flyer.
Visits to Rotary or any community service clubs.
Host a business people’s luncheon. (invite local movers and shakers).
Individual coffee meetings that are scheduled on the Jump Start Calendar. Always have flyers for the Come If Meeting (see step 6) with you. Always ask “Is there someone you can think of that I should I talk to?”
See THIS LINK on Staff Resources for links to the brochures above and more!
Jump Start Preparation List
Jump Start Preparation List
Look at the “JS To Do” tab on the new JS DATABASE SPREADSHEET that you copied and edited for the area.
Notice that the JS To Do list begins and ends with prayer!
Prepare templates for each item needed on the JS To Do tab.
Walk through the list on this sheet with the JST, and delegate tasks (writing down the commitments in the shared database for team accountability). *Remember, there needs to be shared ownership within the JST for ministry to start and be sustainable!
Send templates out to those who are in need of them.
Prepare marketing campaign for the Jump Start Event (see more under Step 6).
Schedule a day/time/meeting location for the "Come If You're In...terested" Meeting that follows the Jump Start Event (within 14 days). This is so you can market this follow up meeting at the JS Event. HERE'S an example of a flyer to create so you can hand it out during the JS Event.
Print out Interest Cards to hand out during the event.
Set agenda for Jump Start Evening Interest Meeting. See HERE for an example.
STEP 6: MARKETING THE JUMP START EVENT
STEP 6: MARKETING THE JUMP START EVENT
Phone calls are made and personal invites are given for the JS Event.
Notice the word “Invites”. The best way to invite someone is face to face. We are a relational ministry and this is the best way to share your heart to reach kids in your community. Phone calls are the second best way, followed by texting and emails.
Reminders About Personal Invites
Reminders About Personal Invites
Have a stack of the “Let’s Bring YL (Back) to Our Town” flyers (other examples of flyers listed on the Resources tab!) with you at all times and hand them out like candy on Halloween! (Make sure to edit these to fit the town).
The calls begin two weeks prior to the JS. This is important as you will not reach everyone right away.
Call early and make a follow up contact with every individual within four days of the JS as a friendly reminder.
Get commitments to show up and if they aren't available, let them know that a member of the JST would like to buy them coffee and share with them briefly about the ministry.
Take notes from your personal invites in the comment section on the JS Database.
Be sure to look at the items below the calling script to share with those you invite.
Resources for In Person Meetings and Calls
Resources for In Person Meetings and Calls
Again, see THIS LINK on Staff Resources for links to the brochures above and more!
Marketing Ideas to Spread the Word About the JS Event
Marketing Ideas to Spread the Word About the JS Event
Connect with the Regional Admin (yloregoncascades@gmail.com) to if you need assistance in editing the flyer above/creating a new flyer to use when emailing/sharing with others.
Reach out to the local radio station to see if they would be willing to share the details for the JS Event.
Utilize social media (Facebook, Instagram), especially if members of the JST are able to share on their personal platforms.
Connect with local churches and take them a flyer to share with their congregation and include in their Sunday brochures.
STEP 7: CONDUCTING THE JUMP START EVENT
STEP 7: CONDUCTING THE JUMP START EVENT
You did it! The Jump Start Event is here! Below are resources to utilize during the Jump Start meetings.
Resources for Conducting the Jump Start Event
Resources for Conducting the Jump Start Event
Make visiting with Educators a Priority! Set up meetings before school, during lunch and after school. Plan on a 20 minute meeting and give each educator a $5 gift card to a favorite local coffee shop. See example agenda HERE. Click HERE for more resources when talking to educators. When visiting the school try to get 5 minutes with the principal. Give them the "Alongside Schools" Flyer. Be sure to look at this document HERE for how to approach principals.
Powerpoint presentation. Again, HERE is an example of a presentation to use and edit.
Utilize your evening agenda. See HERE for an example.
Lots of videos to choose from on Staff Resources, like “In The World of Kids”.
Again, see THIS LINK on Staff Resources for links to the brochures above and more!
STEP 8: HOLD A "COME IF YOU'RE IN...TERESTED" MEETING
STEP 8: HOLD A "COME IF YOU'RE IN...TERESTED" MEETING
Prior to the Jump Start, your JST scheduled a “Come If You’re In……terested” meeting.
It is best to hold it within 7-10 days if possible. HERE'S an example flyers to use to promote this meeting at the Jump Start Event.
Lord willing, people step up to be on the Committee and others to be Leaders at the “Come If” meeting.
If the Regional Director & RHVC have a preference for the ministry, it should be stated clearly at the JS interest meetings.
For instance, an area may want to start with Young Life and have a Full Time Area Director. Or maybe they want to start with Wyldlife and be a volunteer area. If no preference is indicated, the Area Developer will let the local JST know that they will be prayerfully considering the needs of their community and the gifting of their leaders. It may be a while before an area decides which direction is best.
This meeting used to be called the “Come if You’re In Meeting”. It was changed because too many people were leaning in but not committed and decided not to get involved. We now tell them that if you are leaning in but not sure, come and check it out further and discern what the Lord has in store for you.
These are the materials I bring to this meeting HERE.
STEP 9: SCHEDULE AND BEGIN TEAM TRAININGS
STEP 9: SCHEDULE AND BEGIN TEAM TRAININGS
Dates are set to begin training both the Leader and Committee teams with the goal of preparing the area to start club!
Initial dates for training times are set at the "Come If You're In...terested" meeting. During the first training date, you will set up the following training times with separate Leader and Committee teams. (It usually takes about two months to train and equip each team.)
Training Resources
Training Resources
You can utilize the Columbia Cascade Region's NW Leader Training website to help you conduct leader trainings.
Utilize the Committee Bus Brochure to help illustrate each role on the committee. While getting people on the bus it is even more important that we train them well in their roles. Using the training website listed above and/or the next two documents is important to doing just that.
A. Using the Walking the Walls Doc Explanation will help you determine what you have, what you want, what you need, and your timeline.
B. HERE is a clean copy of the Walking the Walls Doc from above with the Matthew Page.
Be sure to note that the hours will vary based on the area's needs.
Use this Committee Job Descriptions Folder to see individual descriptions for each role on Committee.
STEP 10: ESTABLISH AREA NUMBER AND SHADOW OTHER AREA CLUBS
STEP 10: ESTABLISH AREA NUMBER AND SHADOW OTHER AREA CLUBS
Once you have a Committee and Leader Team, you'll want to make sure to set up the area with your Regional Administrator. The Regional Admin will then provide the area with a mission unit number once the request has been processed. Make sure to ask that you be given access to this new mission unit number!
After the area is set up, you will want to add the names and emails of the committed Leaders and Committee members into the Volunteers Manager for the area.
Each member will receive an email invite to join Staff Resources, and will be prompted to go through the YL screenings so they will have access to Staff Resources as well.
Once they are established in the system, you can set a time for the Leaders (and Committee if possible) to visit other neighboring area Clubs! You can check their status in the Staff/Volunteer Roster.
*It's important to make sure their screenings are complete so a background check is done prior to them being with kids.*
Visiting several different Clubs is beneficial and helps new leaders get a feel for what would work best for the kids in their community. This step is huge for creating leader team morale as it energizes them and gets their creative juices flowing for their own area!
STEP 11: START CONTACT WORK
STEP 11: START CONTACT WORK
Again, you will want to ensure that every leader has completed their online screenings before this step. You can check their status in the Staff/Volunteer Roster.
*It's important to make sure their screenings are complete so a background check is done prior to them being with kids.*
Contact work begins! Doing contact work with another team member is encouraged!
Contact Work Resources
Contact Work Resources
The Columbia Cascades Region has a whole folder of Area/Discipleship Tools that an area can view here!
Share the WITH document to ensure healthy and quality contact work.
Hand out WITH cards to all leaders/committee members (this is a set of multiple cards that have a hole-punch at the top and bound with a big binder-ring.
STEP 12: SET A DAY FOR THE FIRST CLUB!!!
STEP 12: SET A DAY FOR THE FIRST CLUB!!!
When leaders feel they are equipped to have a quality Club, a date is set to start Club!
Club Resources
Club Resources
Utilize this home page to find club resources on Staff Resources.
Subscribe (and have leaders subscribe) to the different regular ministry newsletters.
Bookmark the YL Leader Blog website for great ideas and inspiration.
Check out this pamphlet on giving a YL Club Talk.
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