First Things in Youth Ministry

First Things in Youth Ministry is a six-session online formation program for anyone new to youth ministry (YM). Whether volunteer or paid, this training provides direction for the first six months of taking on a new leadership role. Think of it as Basic Training in Comprehensive Youth Ministry.

This program was developed as part of the 5-year strategy for NFCYM, with the over-arching goal to Empower 15,000 Ministers to Advocate for Young People to be an Integral Voice within their Local Communities. First Things in Youth Ministry aligns under focus area one: Embrace the Essential Elements of Comprehensive Youth Ministry.

Session Summary

• Session 1: First Things in Personal, Parish, and Diocesan Contexts of Youth Ministry
• Session 2: First Things to Know About Comprehensive Youth Ministry
• Session 3: First Things to Know About Young People, their Needs, and their Families
• Session 4: First Things in Volunteers and Safe Environments
• Session 5: First Things in Youth Ministry Programming
• Session 6: First Things in Budgeting and Fundraising

*Este recurso también está disponible en español

Lo Primero en el Ministerio con Jóvenes Adolescentes

Lo primero en el ministerio de jóvenes adolescentes es un programa de formación en línea de seis sesiones para cualquier persona nueva en el ministerio con jóvenes adolescentes. Ya sea voluntaria o remunerada, esta capacitación brinda orientación durante los primeros seis meses después de asumir un nuevo rol de liderazgo. Considérelo como una capacitación básica en un ministerio integral con jóvenes adolescentes.

Upcoming National Cohorts & Registration Dates

Season: Fall ’26 || Deadline to Register: September 11, 2026 || Course Starts: October 1, 2026

For questions or more information contact Jenny Jackson, Coordinator of Youth Ministry (213) 637-7674 or jejackson@la-archdiocese.org.