Manila, Philippines
Foreword
HOUSEHOLD LEADERS TRAINING MANUAL
Youth for Christ invests greatly in sustaining, pastoring, and enriching the lives of the young through the household. Households create a supplementary environment where members are able to establish a genuine, Christ-centred friendship with their brothers and sisters, as well as a renewed and strengthened relationship with God. Thus, the Household Leaders Training (HLT) is conducted as a response to our ministrys direction of holistic empowering of all YFC members, starting from the grassroots all the way up to the core leaders, through the household. Through the HLT, we hope to equip and empower our household heads, whose responsibility is to make sure that their members are able to have their regular household. Included in this manual are carefully laid down instructions and guidelines in conducting the training, as well as the necessary details about the sessions. Also, as we conduct the HLT, let us note two significant points: 1. Appropriate usage of terms. To cite, household essentially refers to both the group of people and the activity conducted by that group; a household head is the person leading the household; and Household Leaders Training is used to refer (in isolation) to the title of the training. 2. Emphasis on the two parts of the training. The first part addresses the pastoral aspect of being a household head, while the second part (which is conducted after the youth camp), discusses the technical aspect. While most of us have been conducting the HLT for some time now, we pray that this time we truly take it to a deeper level and do it with the best we can give, so that ultimately it may serve its purpose of equipping our YFCs with the right heart, mind and spirit as they embrace the call to become household heads.
Table of Contents
HOUSEHOLD LEADERS TRAINING MANUAL 2012 Revised Edition
Foreword 5
Annexes
Annex A: Household Form 32 Annex B: Household Monitoring Sheet 34 Annex C: The YFC Household Topic Manual Guide 36
CHAPTER 1
Overview
he Household Leaders Training (HLT) of the YFC Pastoral Formation Program serves as the training program for new household heads. This activity should be conducted two (2) to one (1) month before a scheduled youth camp. This is given to the pre-assigned Discussion Group Leaders (Youth Camp Facilitators), who will later on be the household heads of the new YFC members after the Youth Camp.
Objectives
The HLT is conducted based on the following objectives:
10
househol d l ead e r s tr a i n i n g m a n u a l
ch a p te r 1
11
1. To allow the new household heads to realize that the household is the life blood of every YFC (both members and leaders) growing in the community. 2. To give an avenue for old household heads to share the skills and best practices in their line of service. 3. To inspire the new household heads on how to be good pastors to the members placed under their care. 4. To teach them the skills needed in being a household head especially in facilitating and taking care of new YFC members.
6. The Team Leader explains the rationale behind each activity and also be able to explain the relation and connection of each talk. 7. The 2nd part is the Initiation of the New Household Heads into the Chapter service meeting after the youth camp. Here, the third talk is given in a separate 3-hour session that introduces these new household heads to their monthly service meetings with Chapter Heads and Chapter Couple Coordinators.
00:00 - 00:30 00:30 - 00:45 00:45 - 01:00 01:00 - 01:45 01:45 - 02:00 02:00 - 02:30 02:30 - 02:45 02:45 - 03:30 03:30 - 05:30 05:30 - 05:45 05:45 - 06:00
Registration/Gathering Worship House Rules Session 1: The Heart of our Vision Reflection Group Sharing Break and Registration Session 2: The State of our Hearts Group Sharing / Processing Closing Exhortation Commitment of a Household Head / Pray-over
4. House rules will be determined depending on the venue. 5. Participants should always be reminded to take down notes during the whole training.
00:00 00:30 Registration/Gathering 00:30 00:45 Worship 00:45 01:00 Personal Sharing 01:00 01:30 Session 3: Household Leading 101. 01:30 02:00 Workshop: How to use the Household Topic Manual 02:00 02:30 Monitoring of members per household 02:30 03:00 Other Matters (e.g. if the unit is assigned as a service team for the prayer meeting, or to lead an activity)
12
househol d l ead e r s tr a i n i n g m a n u a l
ch a p te r 1
13
B. The Chapter Couple Coordinators Works with the youth team leaders in preparing all the details of the activity (venue, speakers, etc.). Leads the 2nd part of the HLT. The Chapter Couple Coordinators ensure that all Household Heads go through the HLT before they handle a household grouping and or serving in a youth camp as discussion group leaders.
C. The Speakers and Sharers Three (3) speakers will be needed for this activity. YFC leader gives the workshop on how to use the YFC Household Topic Manual. He is someone who faithfully used the YFC Household Topic Manual in his household. Sharers in each talk will be needed (refer to talk outline for the profile of sharers).
CHAPTER 2
SESSION DYNAMICS
Objectives
For the participants: 1. To realize that the vision of our community is centered on the power of Gods love. 2. To appreciate the importance of Gods love in the lives of our members in the community. 3. To learn how to use this love in bringing people closer to God.
Dynamics
1. Talk Proper 2. Reflection Activity The Speaker will start by leading the participants into a prayer and reflection. He will ask them to find a quiet spot within the room, then read the verse John 21:15-19 (Feed My Sheep) and reflect on the following questions: ---Recall your first household within the community. How did you experience and feel the love of the Lord in that household? As they reflect, the participants are encouraged to write their reflections.
16
househol d l ead e r s tr a i n i n g m a n u a l
The speaker will now open the floor for sharing. There should be at least two (2) to three (3) sharers.
Speakers Profile
A YFC leader who is pastorally mature and inspiring in sharing his passion in leading a household. He is preferably a chapter head or up, and have undergone the HLT.
CHAPTER 2
EXPANDED OUTLINE
Introduction
n YFC, we often hear of visions and dreams. We envision a world that is safer and more peaceful. We envision a world united in Christ, where there is genuine brotherhood and sisterhood where people genuinely care and look after each other. The Vision of Youth for Christ Young people being and brining Christ wherever they are moves us to go out into the world to spread the love of God. This vision has moved us, together with the community, to do more and give more for God. However, we have to be reminded that the world will be renewed if individuals are renewed. There is only one force that is powerful enough to bring about this change, one which St. Paul experienced and one that was modeled by Jesus LOVE. At the heart of our vision is the great mission to love.
18
househol d l ead e r s tr a i n i n g m a n u a l
ch a p te r 2
19
people. The love that we give can slowly move them to start engaging friendships with us, allowing them to slowly experience and realize Christs amazing love. Sincere love makes them see that there are genuine people that they could trust with their lives, knowing that trusting us can lead us to their growth as a man and woman for God. As household heads, we can show them this love by: Striving to know more about them, more than just their names . Seeking to make them special, and remembered in the most important moments of their lives (e.g. birthdays, graduating, passing their subjects, etc.). Knowing their concerns (family, love life, career etc.) and letting them know that we are praying for them.
B. Listen and be teachable When our members started (begin) to realize that we are looking out for them, genuinely want to see them happy, and see that they could trust us, they begin to seek our guidance. They begin to see us as people that can LEAD (them) and influence them to do something good and be good. They begin to open up to us the (a) deeper part of who they are. As we learn more about their lives, we begin to show them love by: Learning how to correct them properly. Guiding them by being good role models. Having regular one-on-ones with them, seeking to be updated in their personal lives.
Conclusion
ost of us are experiencing the blessings of a renewed life in Jesus because someone took the time and effort to care for us. Now the challenge is on us to do the same. All we need to find out is if we are ready to take on a more difficult but more meaningful service. All it takes is a decision to go out of our way to care for other people.
C. Heal, change for the better, and love others more in return As they are guided with love, healing and change slowly come into their lives. They begin to see themselves the way that God sees them. They begin to realize that they can be better. They see themselves as people worthy to be loved, and as well as, capable of loving others. We continue showing them love by: Giving them opportunities to nourish and improve on their skills. Giving them opportunities to share more about Gods love in their lives and love other people in return.
ch a p te r 2
21
b. What are the issues in your life that may hinder you from caring for other people? 3. Next, participants will be grouped into groups of three (3) to share their thoughts regarding the talk and reflection.
CHAPTER 2
Speakers Profile
A YFC leader who has already gone through an HLT, someone who is able to conduct regular households with their members, and someone who is pastorally mature.
SESSION DYNAMICS
Objectives
For the participants: 1. To realize that this service is centered on God and His love for us. 2. To instill the right attitudes of being household leader as a way to have a heart for the people. 3. To learn how to concretely show and share Christs love to the members entrusted to us.
Dynamics
1. Opening Video: This can be a slide show of different household picture and activities. It may display the different existing households in the area.
2. Talk Proper 3. Reflection Activity: The Speaker will then lead the participants into a prayer. During the prayer, the speaker is to read them the verse 1 John 4:8, 10. The participants are asked to reflect on the verse with the following questions: a. What is the state of your heart?
ch a p te r 2
23
prayerful and have the heart that always listens to Gods will. B. For God The reason that we are loving people and have answered Gods call is because of (also for) Him. This is our response to the love that He has shown us. We serve the Lord and love the people because it is our way of loving Him back. As household heads, we have to keep in mind that we are doing everything for God. This means that we are to give our all and our best, to persevere even in difficult times, and to be eager to show his love to everyone. C. With God God is with us every step of the way. The journey that He is calling us is something that we are to do on our own. This is a path where (that) we are walking with Him. As household heads, the difficulty in our mission may overwhelm us but God will give us the right skills, and the right posture of heart, as soon as we ask for His help. Let us always remember that it is not only with our own abilities that we love others, but it is with Gods great power, mercy, and love that can transform lives.
CHAPTER 2
EXPANDED OUTLINE
Introduction
great deal about being a household leader depends not on what you do, but on who you are. A lot of it has to do with the state of our hearts. A Household leader should have a heart for God and a heart for His people. Do not let anyone look down on you because you are young, but be an example of love, faith and purity 1 Timothy 4:12. In this verse, we are reminded that it is not our age that will determine our response to be household leaders but what matters is whats inside our hearts and our desire to serve God through others.
24
househol d l ead e r s tr a i n i n g m a n u a l
Practicing what we advise them to do . Being the first to serve instead of being served. Making sure we have our households for personal nourishment. Allowing ourselves to be guided by our own leaders
CHAPTER 2
B. Going beyond our limits Being a household head can have its own challenges. There are times that we will experience rejection and feel that our members are not responding to us. There will be times that we will have members that are experiencing very difficult situations, giving us the need to do more than just our regular households. As household heads, we have to be ready to exert more effort, give more, and love more for our members. We can start doing that by: Regularly checking up on our members by calling or visiting them at home. Having regular one-on-ones with our members not just for the purpose of correcting them. Learning to correct them properly and lovingly. Being ready to go out of our way for them.
COMMITMENT ACTIVITY
1. After the second session, the Team leader will gather everyone through (using) a gathering song. 2. The team leader will summarize and process what has happened throughout the day. He (The team leader) may share personal realizations and lessons, exhorting them for the exciting service of being a household head. 3. He will then lead everyone into a commitment ceremony by instructing the crowd to recite the Commitment of a Household Leader followed by The Household Leaders Prayer
Note to the Team Leaders: (The team leaders) You can make a commitment card or bookmark which will be distributed to the participants upon your instructions (of the team leader) within the commitment activity. The household heads prayer can be included in this card or bookmark. (They can also include the household heads prayer in this card or book mark.)
Conclusion
eing a household leader may be difficult but the reward for this mission is never ending. This service will not only teach us about Gods love, it will also push us to grow (more) and live more in His grace. Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for manyMatthew 20:28. We must take on the heart of Christ - a heart that chooses to serve and will be in ransom of many, to be able to fulfill this mission as household leaders. (a heart that chooses to serve and will be in ransom of many). (Because the) The heart of Jesus models that of a true servant heart - someone to live and die to show great love and service for others.
26
househol d l ead e r s tr a i n i n g m a n u a l
I will be a witness of Jesus Christ by being pure and righteous, faithful to my studies, loyal to my brothers and sisters in YFC, and more loving to my family especially to my parents.
CHAPTER 2
SESSION DYNAMICS
Objectives
For the participants: 1. To understand the basics of leading a household. 2. To learn how to conduct a household prayer meeting. 3. To be equipped in using the YFC Household Topics Manual.
Dynamics
1. Opening Worship 2. Review of HLT Sessions (Session 1 and 2) 3. Talk Proper This session is a plenary discussion of all the basic elements of being a Household Head. In this, the speaker may provide handouts and visual presentation (to assist in) for the better understanding of the topic discussed.
Speakers Profile
This talk must be given by the YFC Cluster Head of the area.
ch a p te r 2
29
time and schedule. 3. Make your household meeting easy to go to. The more it is accessible for everyone, the more that they will be able to go to the household.
CHAPTER 2
4. Make sure you inform everyone regarding the household. Find out if they need help to get to the venue.
EXPANDED OUTLINE
3. Start with your own realizations / set the tone of the topic. 4. Share what the focus of the sharing will be. Give a preview of the talk.
Note: For your first household, seek to set expectations amongst you and the members. Ask questions on the expectations of your (their) members on the household. Describe briefly the purpose of households in the community.
5. Generally, all household topics seek to allow each members of the group to know more about themselves, the members, and about God. The Household Topic Manual has (have) indicated guide questions in each talk to facilitate the discussion of each topic.
Note: The regular household meeting can be guided with the Household Topic Manual. It is highly encourage that we make use of our manual since (hence) all YFC identity (as a YFC) that we wanted our members to carry out (is in the manual) are highlighted and included there.
30
househol d l ead e r s tr a i n i n g m a n u a l
ch a p te r 2
31
particular concept or story in order for others to relate with it and see the same point of view. As household heads, we have a crucial role of pastoring our members through the processing of (the) topics and sharings discussed with the group. It is in the processing that our members are able to fully understand and make applicable the lessons imparted during the session. The Household Topic Manual can serve as a guide for processing a particular topic.
he speaker will encourage everyone to ask questions if there are things that need to be clarified.
Household Monitoring
s household heads, we are able to witness closely the growth of the members placed under our care. It is, thus, crucial (for) to monitor this through filling up and updating our monitoring sheets. These sheets serve as a reference for us in guiding our household in their journey towards a strong relationship with Christ. Hence, it is important that one should be familiar with: A. Household Form (refer to Appendix A) This is a monitoring sheet for a household heads personal use. This means that it is filled up and kept by the household head. This form allows the household head to monitor each individuals attendance, the topic used for a given household, and the challenges (physical or mental preparation, or personal concerns of the group) encountered during the household.
B. Household Monitoring Sheet (Refer to Appendix B) This is a form filled up by the household head, submitted to the Chapter Youth Head, and noted by the Chapter Couple Coordinator, every quarter. It gives a summary of the each members attendance during household, and the discussed household topics.
C. Updating during Chapter Service Meetings A service meeting will be conducted every month to help you serve your members better.
Open Forum
ANNEX A
HOUSEHOLD FORM
Campus Torch
Year
20__
2nd HOUSE HOLD Signature
Attendance Month
(pls. blackened male or female whichever is not applicable) 1st HOUSE HOLD Signature
Challenges
2nd HOUSE HOLD 3rd HOUSE HOLD 4th HOUSE HOLD Prepared by: (signature over printed name) Household Heads Furnish a copy to the following: 1 Copy Sector Coordinators/Youth Heads 1 Copy Cluster Youth Heads/Hosehold Head 1 Copy Cluster Community Based Coordinators/Youth Heads
Revised 2012. 2 Submitted by: Date Received by: Date
ANNEX B
Household Head: ____________________________ Chapter Youth Head: _________________________ Quarter: _________ (e.g. from January to March)
Household Topic Date Venue NAMES 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Note: This monitoring sheet is to be filled up by the household, to be NOTED BY: ______________________________ submitted to the chapter head every quarter during Leaders Assembly. (name of couple coordinator) Chapter Couple Coordinator
a n n ex c
37
every Household will become a place of nourishment and fellowship for the members as they grow and tread the path of a good and happy Christian life. However, in order to fully maximize this manual, the readers must have already undergone the Household Leaders Training (HLT).
ANNEX C
The How
his manual contains topic outlines that will guide us in the delivery of our chosen topic. Each outline consists of the following elements:
WHAT IN THE WORLD! OH, I SEE
This is the topic stated in a simple yet catchy phrase. The is the main lesson that we want to impart to our YFC members. This reminds us that the topic is based on Gods Word, making it real, and everlasting. These give us a clear idea of what the main topic is trying to achieve. These instruct us on how to go about the entire household by the detail. These bring out the youths inner thoughts and feelings about a particular topic. It encourages them to understand themselves better. These questions also pave the way for a deeper relationship of trust and openness within the Household. These are what we want our members to hold on to by the end of the Household, assisting them in applying it to their everyday lives. These support the Anchor Verse. Our households do not necessarily end when we close it with a prayer. Action plans create opportunities for our members to apply what they have learned; making their learning a habit, then a lifestyle.
The Household is the basic unit in the structure of Youth for Christ.
Guide Questions
The Purpose
his manual is designed to further affirm the value of fun, friendship, freedom and faith. It aims to provide sutable topics and activities, so that
Action Plans
38
househol d l ead e r s tr a i n i n g m a n u a l
a n n ex c Topic 33: Count me In (Compassion for brothers and sisters in need) Topic 34: All in One (Commitment in our work and mission with the poor) PATRIOTIC LOVING GODS PLAN Topic 12: Be Loyal (Loyalty to our heritage and our roots) Topic 13: Color it Green (Respect for Culture and the Environment) Topic 14: Live Out Loud (Excellence in serving others) HONORING YOUR ROOTS Topic 35: Live Simply (Living out our values as good citizens) Topic 36: Made to Be (Understanding Gods plan and purpose) Topic 37: Meal of Justice (Understanding the value of justice) 100% FREE PASSION FOR SERVICE Topic 56: One Love (Living together in Harmony and Peace) Topic 54: Hands On Work (Servant Leadership) Topic 55: Generation Next (Making a difference)
39
YEAR 2 SUSTAINABILITY
MISSIONARY THINK LIKE JESUS Topic 24: Exchange Gift (Openness to learn new things) Topic 25: Send Me (Servanthood) Topic 26: Mission Possible (Creativity and Resourcefulness) Topic 27: Tattooed on my Mind (Loyalty to God) MODEL OF EXCELLENCE SELF-DEVELOPMENT Topic 28: One Track, One Mind (Focus and Knowing ones priorities) Topic 29: Jack and Jill and their trades (Discovering and enhancing your gifts) Topic 30: Rough Riders (Perseverance and Determination) Topic 31: Even the Smallest Detail (Diligence and Endurance) CHAMPION OF THE POOR MORE FOR OTHERS Topic 32: Share a Load (Generosity)
YEAR 3 EMPOWERMENT
LIVE LIKE JESUS Topic 47: Its not about me (Total Reliance on God) Topic 48: Win (Courage and Boldness to proclaim Gods Word)
Topic 10: Simply JC (Simplicity) Topic 11: Genuine Love, Genuine Service (Servanthood)
Topic 57: T Share (Stewardship of ones time, talent and treasure) Topic 58: You Complete Me (Being Patriots as a response to Gods faithfulness) RISING FROM THE FALL Topic 59: Embrace the Broken (Compassion for others) Topic 60: Do IT! (Confidence to overcome temptation) Topic 61: I endure to be pure (Endurance to live a pure lifestyle)
SELF-DUPLICATION Topic 50: On the Ground (Humility in being a good example to others) Topic 51: Becoming the Gift (Sharing ones life to others) Topic 52: Anything but Ordinary (Honesty, Trust, Listening and Respect)
YOU ARE SPECIAL Topic 15: The Best Gift (Appreciating Gods Design) Topic 16: A Matter of Integrity (Value of Honor and Integrity) Topic 17: He Recognized True Worth (Appreciating our Worth and Value as Gods Creation) SEARCH-IN Topic 18: My Prayer Life (Growing in our prayer life)
TURNING POINT Topic 38: Hidden Charges (Building and having trust with one another) Topic 39: Accountability Check (Accountability) Topic 40: Silly Rules vs. Vital Standards (Living out the Christian Lifestyle) SINGLE MINDED FOR GOD SEEKING GODS WILL Topic 41: Will of God (Knowing Gods Will)
EMBRACING VOCATION Topic 62: Next Attraction (Appreciating the life and mission of Singles for Christ) Topic 63: Standing Firm (Being firm in ones own vocation)
ENOUGH FOR ALL Topic 53: Mother Theresa: Hero of the Poor (Commitment and service to others)
40
househol d l ead e r s tr a i n i n g m a n u a l Topic 64: Wait on the Lord (Patience in waiting for Gods plan to unfold in ones life) SOURCE OF UNITY TO THE FAMILY GOING BACK HOME I AM HOME UNITING HOME Topic 43: Obedience Step by Step (Learning to purify ones desires) Topic 44: Do you love me? (Patience and Perseverance in our family relationships) Topic 45: I Stand Corrected (Healing and Forgiveness) Topic 65: House Party (Understanding our Godgiven roles in the family) Topic 66: Family Portrait (Perseverance in witnessing to ones own family) Topic 67: G.A.P. (Gods Appointed Protector) (Accountability in being guardians of unity in the home and in the family)
Topic 21: Picture Perfect (Appreciation of Gods plan for the family) Topic 22: Forever Gift (Seeking the good in our own family) Topic 23: Somewhere Out There (Appreciating the bigger family of YFC and CFC)