What If? YOU made the difference? Pt. 4
Developing Gospel-Centered Leaders through UYWI
The UYWI Certification Program and coaching through the Congregational Leadership program have been significant in Jesse Lobato’s personal and leadership growth, as well as the growth of the youth ministry. Creating his Mission Action Plan (MAP) gave Jesse a direction to run in the ministry. Prior to his MAP he was just doing things without a fully thought out strategy and why. Through his MAP, he and his team developed their mission, vision, values, and goals. They developed a framework for the ministry and clear expected outcomes. Now, every program or opportunity they offer has a why and a measurable goal. His MAP gave identity to the youth ministry, a lane to follow, and an end goal to achieve.
While in his cohort, they purchased a building next to the church that is intended to be the primary space for the youth. His pastor gave him permission to dream about what else they could use the building for. Out of his ideation, Jesse envisioned an outreach program where youth that did not go to church would have a place to come and still experience Christ. Out of that, the additional building became a teen center. This became an integral part of his MAP.
Additionally, the network of leaders within his cohort and the UYWI community has deeply blessed Jesse. After going through the UYWI Certification Program, Jesse joined the pilot cohort of Congregational Leadership. Through this, he was paired with a UYWI coach, Tanisha. She then introduced Jesse to Eric who helped Jesse tremendously in working through the planning and strategizing of developing the teen center. UYWI and its community have helped Jesse to develop an identity for the youth ministry, provided a network to dream with, and a plan to bring the teen center into reality. El Centro, the teen center, is scheduled to launch in the next 3-6 months.
Due to his experience with UYWI, Jesse dreams to have a Fuel Network in Lynn, MA. It is difficult to find other people that are in the thick of urban youth ministry and working through its nuances. Jesse has a heart to share with other urban leaders that there is training and a community specifically for them. He wants to take what he has learned and bless others with the information.
Jesse desires to see generations of urban leaders after him to also experience the impactful resources of UYWI.
WHAT IF? …urban leaders were fully equipped to reach and disciple more youth?
Please pray for the growth of All City Youth and the urban youth ministries across the nation. Pray for the launching of ministries, like El Centro. God is working through Jesse and leaders like him every single day. God is growing their ministries and doing exciting things through them.
As we launch our year-end campaign, our aim is to raise $550,000 by December 31st. This will ensure we continue equipping the next generation of urban leaders with the tools, knowledge, coaching, and networks to reach more youth with the Gospel. We invite you to join us in this life-changing work.
Would you prayerfully consider making a special year-end contribution to support our mission of developing youth leaders who disciple young people with the Gospel? You may do so here on our website at uywi.org/donate.
WHAT IF? …YOU made the difference?
Thank you for your continued partnership and support to continue to reach youth with the Gospel.
With gratitude and hope,
TOMMY NIXON, CEO
Urban Youth Workers Institute
As we continue in our year-end campaign, our aim is to raise $550,000 by December 31st. This will ensure we continue equipping the next generation of urban leaders with the tools, knowledge, coaching, and networks to reach more youth with the Gospel. We invite you to join us in this life-changing work. Would you prayerfully consider making a special year-end contribution?
WHAT IF? …more leaders were equipped to reach the next generation with the Gospel?
WHAT IF? …YOU made the difference?