Tips for getting started...- Think about the youth in your church. Do they know and understand the Bible? Would an intentional teaching and learning environment help them grow in their faith?
- Meet with church leaders and youth advisors to discuss the information on this website or in the Introduction brochure. Seek approval to move forward.
- Talk with parents of potential students at an informational gathering about D/C as a ministry. Are they willing and interested in supporting this ministry?
- Talk to potential students individually and ask about their faith. Are they growing? How well do they understand the Bible? What would make church more meaningful? Encourage them to think about joining D/C.
- Read The Journey and begin to consider your plans for the year.
- Pray about this ministry.
- Set up a schedule for the year. (Try to avoid school conflicts.)
- Who are the potential students?
- What outcomes do you envision?
- Are parents/mentors a resource?
- What can you do to get people to involved?
- Would an adult group find D/C meaningful?
| 
D/C in the Covenant Church...The results of a recent survey provide a glimpse of D/C in the Covenant church.
- 7th and 8th graders are the most common age group for D/C
- Classes meet: weekly - 90% or twice a month - 6%
- Class sessions last : 45 minutes - 19%, 60 minutes - 47%, 75 minutes - 20%
- D/C is completed in 1 year - 10%, 2 years - 85%
- 77% of churches responding indicate they have offered a class within the last 5 years. 57% start a new class annually and another 23% start one every two years
- Teachers expect: Class participation (73%) Read journal (52%) Worship notes (46%) Final tests (19%) Memorize scripture (46%) Memorize Building Blocks (35%) Final paper or project (28%)
- Teachers include: pastor - 65%, associate pastor - 7%, youth pastor - 21% and layperson - 19%
|
