About Us 
Interns, Mentors & Advocates
J2A is based on the principles of relational youth ministry. It assumes that at least two or three adults (of both genders) will be mentors for each of the three groups and that these mentors will only serve for two years before taking a "break". This engages many more adults in building relationships with youth and providing positive role models for them. The traditional youth ministry model of a single youth "guru" (paid or volunteer) depends on the personality of that individual -- and when he/she leaves, the youth program often collapses. J2A is designed to engage lots of adults in nurturing the youth of your congregation and community.
Mentors
Mentors are the adults who accompany youth on their journey. They walk alongside youth as fellow companions on the way who just happen to be a little further down the road. They don’t have to be great teachers or know all the answers. They just need to be interested in our young people and be willing to share their lives with them for a time. Youth mentors commit to serve for two years. They meet monthly with the youth coordinator for reflection and planning, bi-weekly on Sunday evenings with the youth, and commit to maintaining their own practice of daily prayer.
If you are interested in becoming a youth mentor please fill out the application at the bottom of the page.
Advocates
Advocates are adults who commit to praying daily by name for youth and youth mentors. Advocates join the monthly planning meetings where they help lead the prayer and reflection portion of the meeting.
Youth Interns
The Grace Youth Internship is an opportunity for 1 -3 youth in YAC who want to learn more about the practice of ministry. The internship follows a pattern of theological reflection, planning, and carrying out a ministry of hospitality for friends (in the Living Room) and neighbors (at Sunday Dinners at Holly Court apartments). Interns are paid a small stipend and may serve for one or two semesters. Applications are due August 1 and December 1 (one month before the semester begins). Please see application at the bottom of the page.
Youth Coordinator
The youth coordinator develops the youth calendar; provides mentors and interns with resources and ideas; assists mentors with selecting and planning youth meetings; organizes youth trips; recruits, trains, and supports mentors and advocates; and manages the youth budget. The youth coordinator may be a staff person or a layperson who has experience or received training for Journey to Adulthood.
