paradigms of youth ministry

at the large church initiative today, i sat in a class that was discussing the need for a new paradigm of youth ministry in the united methodist church. this need is due in large that there is little education specific to youth ministry (outside of a few good books) or specific about how to do youth ministry and all the tasks that come with it. many people go into a career of youth ministry with the passion and desire and receive little or no training prior to being placed in the position. we know that most people don't last more than 2 years in youth ministry on average and many move on long before that. in the methodist church there is a great standard set for pastors to be ordained and to take lead in a church. yet, for other church staff there is very little education offered and what is available is difficult to receive, unless you go back to school full time again. the methodist church should set a minimum standard for its youth ministries. this will bring quality to the ministry and quality to the spiritual growth. it will also give the church a higher level of integrity. but the church's should get involved in helping to make this training and education available. i think this is the beginning of a conversation that needs to continue. it will take quite some time for this idea to be moved into action and will need to continue throughout the denomination.