Our Guiding Principles
1. NYI exists for youth
Nazarene Youth International exists to attract,
equip, and empower young people for service in
the kingdom of God and to facilitate their integration
into the Church of the Nazarene.
2. NYI focuses on Christ
Christ is central to who we are, the Word of God
our authoritative source for all we do, and holiness
our pattern for life.
3. NYI is built on relational ministry to youth in
the local church
Effective ministry to young people in the local
church is critical to the health and vibrancy of
NYI. Relationships and incarnational ministry
form the foundation for Nazarene youth ministry,
guiding young people toward spiritual maturity in
Christ.
4. NYI develops and mentors young leaders
NYI provides opportunities for emerging leaders
to develop and utilize their gifts within an
environment of nurture and support, assuring strong
leadership for the Church of the Nazarene. Leadership
training, accountability, and mechanisms
for evaluation and modification of ministry are vital
functions of NYI.
5. NYI is empowered to lead
Relevant youth ministry requires that responsibility
for ministry and organizational decisions reside
with NYI leadership and the appropriate governing
bodies at every level. A sense of belonging
and ownership, a passion for service, and input in
decision-making are key ingredients for the empowerment of young people through NYI.
6. NYI embraces unity and diversity in Christ
NYI is committed to understanding and celebrating
differences and diversity in language, color,
race, culture, socioeconomic class, and gender. Our
differences do not diminish unity but enhance our
potential and effectiveness. Sharing the good news
of Jesus Christ in culturally relevant ways must
always be a high priority.
7. NYI creates networks and partnerships
A climate of cooperation characterizes our relationships at every level of NYI. Networking within
the church enhances the development and deployment
of young people for service; NYI actively participates
in such cooperative endeavors.
Nazarene Youth International exists to attract,
equip, and empower young people for service in
the kingdom of God and to facilitate their integration
into the Church of the Nazarene.
2. NYI focuses on Christ
Christ is central to who we are, the Word of God
our authoritative source for all we do, and holiness
our pattern for life.
3. NYI is built on relational ministry to youth in
the local church
Effective ministry to young people in the local
church is critical to the health and vibrancy of
NYI. Relationships and incarnational ministry
form the foundation for Nazarene youth ministry,
guiding young people toward spiritual maturity in
Christ.
4. NYI develops and mentors young leaders
NYI provides opportunities for emerging leaders
to develop and utilize their gifts within an
environment of nurture and support, assuring strong
leadership for the Church of the Nazarene. Leadership
training, accountability, and mechanisms
for evaluation and modification of ministry are vital
functions of NYI.
5. NYI is empowered to lead
Relevant youth ministry requires that responsibility
for ministry and organizational decisions reside
with NYI leadership and the appropriate governing
bodies at every level. A sense of belonging
and ownership, a passion for service, and input in
decision-making are key ingredients for the empowerment of young people through NYI.
6. NYI embraces unity and diversity in Christ
NYI is committed to understanding and celebrating
differences and diversity in language, color,
race, culture, socioeconomic class, and gender. Our
differences do not diminish unity but enhance our
potential and effectiveness. Sharing the good news
of Jesus Christ in culturally relevant ways must
always be a high priority.
7. NYI creates networks and partnerships
A climate of cooperation characterizes our relationships at every level of NYI. Networking within
the church enhances the development and deployment
of young people for service; NYI actively participates
in such cooperative endeavors.