Master Guide Curriculum 2024
PREREQUISITES
1. Be a baptized member, in regular standing, of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
2. Have a written recommendation from your local church board, stating that the candidate is in regular standing.
3. Be at least 16 years of age to start the Master Guide Leadership course and at least 18 years of age at
completion.
4. Be currently approved by your Conference's child protection screening verification.
5. With your mentor, prayerfully discuss what it means to be a Master Guide and why you want to become a
Master Guide. Include a written on-page report or a two-minute video in your portfolio.
6. Have a completed Basic Staff Training Certification and been involved for a minimum of one year in one of the
following ministries:
a. Adventurer Ministries NAD Adventurer Club Basic Staff Training
b. Pathfinder Ministries NAD Pathfinder Basic Staff Training
c. Introduction to Youth Ministries
2. Have a written recommendation from your local church board, stating that the candidate is in regular standing.
3. Be at least 16 years of age to start the Master Guide Leadership course and at least 18 years of age at
completion.
4. Be currently approved by your Conference's child protection screening verification.
5. With your mentor, prayerfully discuss what it means to be a Master Guide and why you want to become a
Master Guide. Include a written on-page report or a two-minute video in your portfolio.
6. Have a completed Basic Staff Training Certification and been involved for a minimum of one year in one of the
following ministries:
a. Adventurer Ministries NAD Adventurer Club Basic Staff Training
b. Pathfinder Ministries NAD Pathfinder Basic Staff Training
c. Introduction to Youth Ministries
I. LEADERSHIP IDENTITY & GROWTH (WISDOM)
1. Complete each of the following Conference-approved leadership training workshops. Each workshop should be 75 minutes long.
a. Vision, Mission and Motivation
Vision, Mission and Motivation YouTube Video-NCSA Junior Youth
Vision, Mission and Motivation YouTube Video-Elder Don Keele at GCA
(At the end Elder Keele mentions a YouTube video, here is the link: When Wolves Change Rivers)
Alignment of Vision, Mission and Motivation - Duane Covrig (Center for Youth Evangelism)
Mission and Motivation - Dr. Charlie Koerting, Chesapeake Conference (PDF)
Vision, Mission and Motivation - South Africa Master Guide Seminar (YouTube)
b. Christian Leadership
How to be a Christian Leader and Leadership Skills - Rahel Wells (Center for Youth Evangelism) 2022
Christian Leadership YouTube Video-NCSA Junior Youth
Christian Leadership YouTube Video-Dr. Greg Gerard at GCA
c. Discipline & Discipleship
Master Guide Seminar Discipline NCSA Junior Youth
Discipline and Discipleship - Rebekah Helbley at GCA
d. Child & Youth Evangelism
Child and Youth Evangelism YouTube Video - David Smith at GCA
Principles of Youth and Children's Evangelism - Center for Youth Evangelism 2022
Principles of Children's Evangelism - Hemet SDA Church (part of the Master Guide Lectures)
Principles of Youth and Children's Evangelism - NAD Youth Ministries
Child and Youth Evangelism - South Africa Master Guide Seminars
e. Creating Effective Worships
Creating Effective Creative Worships - David James at GCA
How to Prepare Effective Creative Worships - Chad Bernard (Center for Youth Evangelism)
Planning & Leading Effective Worship Services - Jose Feliciano, Chesapeake Conference (PDF)
Creating Effective Worships - South American Master Guide Seminars
f. Communication Theory and Listening Skills
Communication Theory and Listening Skills - Dr. Nancy Gerard at GCA
Communication 1 & 2 - Marsha Beal (Center for Youth Evangelism)
Communication Theory, Listening Skills and Practical Communication (PDF)
Practical Communication Practices YouTube Video-NCSA Junior Youth
g. Education: Theory & Practice
Education: Theory and Practice - Dr. Barbara James at GCA
Learning Styles - Hemet SDA Church
Teaching & Learning Styles - Carl Rodriguez, Chesapeake Conference (PDF)
h. Resources for Creative Instruction
Creativity and Resources Development - Karen Reed at GCA
Creativity and Resources - Jean-Baptiste (Center for Youth Evangelism)
Creative Resource Development - Richard Hurschman, Chesapeake Conference (PDF)
Resources for Creative Instruction - South Africa Master Guide Seminars
2. Read or listen to the book Education by Ellen White and do two Share Section options.
* Link to free online book Education
* Link to free audio book Education
3. Read or listen to a book about "Christian Leadership selected by your Conference and do two Share Section
options. such as:
a. Positive Church in a Negative World by John Arrias
b. Take the Risk by Ben Carson
c. Ellen White on Leadership by Cindy Tutsh
d. Help! I'm being Followed by Clinton Valleyn
e. Another book that is approved by your conference Youth, Pathfinder or Adventurer Director, or their
designated Master Guide representative.
4. For each of the following, complete a survey/inventory and complete one Share Section:
a. Understanding your Spiritual Gifts
How to use your Spiritual Gifts - Hemet SDA Church (part of a longer YouTube video)
Understanding your Spiritual Gifts - Zack Payne (Center for Youth Evangelism)
Understanding your Spiritual Gifts! - Gregory Sr & Joan Hall (PDF)
b. Temperaments - Understanding Temperaments - Hemet SD Church
5. Staff requirement: For one year, complete one of the following:
a. Coach an Adventurer Bible Game (ABG);
b. Coach a Bible Bowl, Pathfinder Bible Experience (PBE) team through the Division level;
c. Be an active staff member of an Adventurer or Pathfinder club; or
d. Teach a Kindergarten, Primary, Junior, Earliteen or Youth Sabbath School class.
6. Complete each of the following:
a. Attend at least 75% of all staff meetings.
b. Teach three Adventurer awards or two Pathfinder honors.
c. Have or earn the Christian Storytelling honor.
Christian Storytelling Honor - Hemet SDA Church
7. Enhance your knowledge of Church Heritage by:
a. Earn the Adventist Heritage Honor. See Adventist Pioneer Heritage for details on this honor.
Adventist Pioneer Heritage Honor - Hemet SDA Church
Adventist Pioneer Heritage Honor through the Adventist Heritage Ministries
b. Reading a book about Seventh-day Adventist Youth Ministry such as:
i) The Pathfinder Story by Robert Holbrook
ii) We are the Pathfinders Strong: The First Fifty Years by Willie Oliver with Patricia Humphrey (Amazon.com)
iii) Another book that is approved by your conference Youth, Adventurer or Pathfinder Director or their
designated Master Guide representative.
a. Vision, Mission and Motivation
Vision, Mission and Motivation YouTube Video-NCSA Junior Youth
Vision, Mission and Motivation YouTube Video-Elder Don Keele at GCA
(At the end Elder Keele mentions a YouTube video, here is the link: When Wolves Change Rivers)
Alignment of Vision, Mission and Motivation - Duane Covrig (Center for Youth Evangelism)
Mission and Motivation - Dr. Charlie Koerting, Chesapeake Conference (PDF)
Vision, Mission and Motivation - South Africa Master Guide Seminar (YouTube)
b. Christian Leadership
How to be a Christian Leader and Leadership Skills - Rahel Wells (Center for Youth Evangelism) 2022
Christian Leadership YouTube Video-NCSA Junior Youth
Christian Leadership YouTube Video-Dr. Greg Gerard at GCA
c. Discipline & Discipleship
Master Guide Seminar Discipline NCSA Junior Youth
Discipline and Discipleship - Rebekah Helbley at GCA
d. Child & Youth Evangelism
Child and Youth Evangelism YouTube Video - David Smith at GCA
Principles of Youth and Children's Evangelism - Center for Youth Evangelism 2022
Principles of Children's Evangelism - Hemet SDA Church (part of the Master Guide Lectures)
Principles of Youth and Children's Evangelism - NAD Youth Ministries
Child and Youth Evangelism - South Africa Master Guide Seminars
e. Creating Effective Worships
Creating Effective Creative Worships - David James at GCA
How to Prepare Effective Creative Worships - Chad Bernard (Center for Youth Evangelism)
Planning & Leading Effective Worship Services - Jose Feliciano, Chesapeake Conference (PDF)
Creating Effective Worships - South American Master Guide Seminars
f. Communication Theory and Listening Skills
Communication Theory and Listening Skills - Dr. Nancy Gerard at GCA
Communication 1 & 2 - Marsha Beal (Center for Youth Evangelism)
Communication Theory, Listening Skills and Practical Communication (PDF)
Practical Communication Practices YouTube Video-NCSA Junior Youth
g. Education: Theory & Practice
Education: Theory and Practice - Dr. Barbara James at GCA
Learning Styles - Hemet SDA Church
Teaching & Learning Styles - Carl Rodriguez, Chesapeake Conference (PDF)
h. Resources for Creative Instruction
Creativity and Resources Development - Karen Reed at GCA
Creativity and Resources - Jean-Baptiste (Center for Youth Evangelism)
Creative Resource Development - Richard Hurschman, Chesapeake Conference (PDF)
Resources for Creative Instruction - South Africa Master Guide Seminars
2. Read or listen to the book Education by Ellen White and do two Share Section options.
* Link to free online book Education
* Link to free audio book Education
3. Read or listen to a book about "Christian Leadership selected by your Conference and do two Share Section
options. such as:
a. Positive Church in a Negative World by John Arrias
b. Take the Risk by Ben Carson
c. Ellen White on Leadership by Cindy Tutsh
d. Help! I'm being Followed by Clinton Valleyn
e. Another book that is approved by your conference Youth, Pathfinder or Adventurer Director, or their
designated Master Guide representative.
4. For each of the following, complete a survey/inventory and complete one Share Section:
a. Understanding your Spiritual Gifts
How to use your Spiritual Gifts - Hemet SDA Church (part of a longer YouTube video)
Understanding your Spiritual Gifts - Zack Payne (Center for Youth Evangelism)
Understanding your Spiritual Gifts! - Gregory Sr & Joan Hall (PDF)
b. Temperaments - Understanding Temperaments - Hemet SD Church
5. Staff requirement: For one year, complete one of the following:
a. Coach an Adventurer Bible Game (ABG);
b. Coach a Bible Bowl, Pathfinder Bible Experience (PBE) team through the Division level;
c. Be an active staff member of an Adventurer or Pathfinder club; or
d. Teach a Kindergarten, Primary, Junior, Earliteen or Youth Sabbath School class.
6. Complete each of the following:
a. Attend at least 75% of all staff meetings.
b. Teach three Adventurer awards or two Pathfinder honors.
c. Have or earn the Christian Storytelling honor.
Christian Storytelling Honor - Hemet SDA Church
7. Enhance your knowledge of Church Heritage by:
a. Earn the Adventist Heritage Honor. See Adventist Pioneer Heritage for details on this honor.
Adventist Pioneer Heritage Honor - Hemet SDA Church
Adventist Pioneer Heritage Honor through the Adventist Heritage Ministries
b. Reading a book about Seventh-day Adventist Youth Ministry such as:
i) The Pathfinder Story by Robert Holbrook
ii) We are the Pathfinders Strong: The First Fifty Years by Willie Oliver with Patricia Humphrey (Amazon.com)
iii) Another book that is approved by your conference Youth, Adventurer or Pathfinder Director or their
designated Master Guide representative.
II. lifestyle development (stature)
1. Choose one of the following and record your progress:
a. Have, earn or teach the Physical Fitness honor.
b. Have, earn or teach the Sportsman Master Award.
c. Complete a three-month physical fitness program recommended by your doctor.
2. Have, earn or teach each of the following honors:
a. Basic Water Safety
b. Camp Safety
c. Camping Skills I
d. Camping Skills II
e. Temperance
3. Have earn or teach three of the following honors:
a. Backpacking
b. Basic Rescue
c. Camping Skills III
d. Camping Skills IV
e. Drilling and Marching
f. Ecology
g. Fire Building & Camp Cookery
h. Knot Tying
i. Nutrition
j. Orienteering
4. Hold a current Red Cross First Aid and CPR certificate or its equivalent (American Heart Association).
a. Have, earn or teach the Physical Fitness honor.
b. Have, earn or teach the Sportsman Master Award.
c. Complete a three-month physical fitness program recommended by your doctor.
2. Have, earn or teach each of the following honors:
a. Basic Water Safety
b. Camp Safety
c. Camping Skills I
d. Camping Skills II
e. Temperance
3. Have earn or teach three of the following honors:
a. Backpacking
b. Basic Rescue
c. Camping Skills III
d. Camping Skills IV
e. Drilling and Marching
f. Ecology
g. Fire Building & Camp Cookery
h. Knot Tying
i. Nutrition
j. Orienteering
4. Hold a current Red Cross First Aid and CPR certificate or its equivalent (American Heart Association).
III. SPIRITUAL GROWTH (FAVOR WITH GOD)
1. Choose one of the following and do two Share Section options:
a. Read or listen to the Four Gospels and The Desire of Ages or Humble Hero
b. Read or listen to the Encounter Series I, Christ the Way.
c. Keep a devotional journal for one month.
2. Keep a devotional journal for one month, summarizing what you learn in your devotional time and outlining
how you are growing in your faith,
3. Read or listen to the book Steps to Christ and do two Share Section options. Link to free audio Steps to Christ
4. Write a one-paragraph personal reflection on each of the 28 Fundamental Beliefs.
5. Choose one of the following:
a. Teach a three-month Bible class/baptismal study
b. Teach five of the following beliefs at a church-approved program. Use of creative media is encouraged.
i. Creation
ii. The Experience of Salvation
iii. Growing in Christ
iv. The Remnant and Its Mission
v. Baptism
vi. Spiritual Gifts and Ministries
vii. The Sabbath
viii. Christ's Ministry in the Heavenly Sanctuary
ix. The Second Coming of Christ
x. Death and Resurrection
6. Choose one of the following and do two Share Section options:
a. Have or earn the Sanctuary honor.
b. Attend a Conference-approved workshop about the Sanctuary.
7. Choose one of the following and do two Share Section options:
a. Have or earn the Adventist Heritage Honor. See Adventist Pioneer Heritage for details on this honor.
Adventist Pioneer Heritage Honor - Hemet SDA Church
b. Watch the seriesTell It to the World, by Mervyn Maxwell (the story of the Seventh-day Adventists)
* Tell the World: Full Movie (YouTube)
c. Watch the series Keepers of the Flame.
d. Read or listen to a book about church heritage approved by your Conference:
* Anticipating the Advent, by George R. Knight (a brief history of Seventh-day Adventists)
* Light Bearers to the Remnant by Richard W. Schwarz and Floyd Greenleaf
* The Church Heritage Manual produced by the General Conference Youth Department.
* Adventist Heritage Ministry Website - there are books on church heritage listed here.
* Another book on some aspect of church heritage that is approved by your conference Youth, Pathfinder
or Adventurer Director, or their Master Guide representative.
(Books are available from the ABC or AdventSource)
a. Read or listen to the Four Gospels and The Desire of Ages or Humble Hero
b. Read or listen to the Encounter Series I, Christ the Way.
c. Keep a devotional journal for one month.
2. Keep a devotional journal for one month, summarizing what you learn in your devotional time and outlining
how you are growing in your faith,
3. Read or listen to the book Steps to Christ and do two Share Section options. Link to free audio Steps to Christ
4. Write a one-paragraph personal reflection on each of the 28 Fundamental Beliefs.
5. Choose one of the following:
a. Teach a three-month Bible class/baptismal study
b. Teach five of the following beliefs at a church-approved program. Use of creative media is encouraged.
i. Creation
ii. The Experience of Salvation
iii. Growing in Christ
iv. The Remnant and Its Mission
v. Baptism
vi. Spiritual Gifts and Ministries
vii. The Sabbath
viii. Christ's Ministry in the Heavenly Sanctuary
ix. The Second Coming of Christ
x. Death and Resurrection
6. Choose one of the following and do two Share Section options:
a. Have or earn the Sanctuary honor.
b. Attend a Conference-approved workshop about the Sanctuary.
7. Choose one of the following and do two Share Section options:
a. Have or earn the Adventist Heritage Honor. See Adventist Pioneer Heritage for details on this honor.
Adventist Pioneer Heritage Honor - Hemet SDA Church
b. Watch the seriesTell It to the World, by Mervyn Maxwell (the story of the Seventh-day Adventists)
* Tell the World: Full Movie (YouTube)
c. Watch the series Keepers of the Flame.
d. Read or listen to a book about church heritage approved by your Conference:
* Anticipating the Advent, by George R. Knight (a brief history of Seventh-day Adventists)
* Light Bearers to the Remnant by Richard W. Schwarz and Floyd Greenleaf
* The Church Heritage Manual produced by the General Conference Youth Department.
* Adventist Heritage Ministry Website - there are books on church heritage listed here.
* Another book on some aspect of church heritage that is approved by your conference Youth, Pathfinder
or Adventurer Director, or their Master Guide representative.
(Books are available from the ABC or AdventSource)
IV. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT (FAVOR WITH mAN)
1. Have or earn the Personal Evangelism honor.
2. Have or earn three of the following honors:
a. Cultural Diversity Appreciation
b. Peace Maker
c. Social Media
d. One Spiritual Growth, Outreach and Heritage honor not previously earned
e. One Household Arts honor not previously earned
f. Participate in organizing three social/fellowship events with your local church.
3. Choose one of the following and when possible, involve your local church or youth group:
a. Meet with your local church ACS/ADRA Coordinator, local government agency, non-profit or other organization
and participate in a community service project.
b. Work in an outreach initiative with your local ACS/ADRA coordinator for a minimum of three months.
c. Completed the Disaster Response Training through Adventist Learning Community or any other disaster
training provided through ACS/ADRA and/or your local government.
2. Have or earn three of the following honors:
a. Cultural Diversity Appreciation
b. Peace Maker
c. Social Media
d. One Spiritual Growth, Outreach and Heritage honor not previously earned
e. One Household Arts honor not previously earned
f. Participate in organizing three social/fellowship events with your local church.
3. Choose one of the following and when possible, involve your local church or youth group:
a. Meet with your local church ACS/ADRA Coordinator, local government agency, non-profit or other organization
and participate in a community service project.
b. Work in an outreach initiative with your local ACS/ADRA coordinator for a minimum of three months.
c. Completed the Disaster Response Training through Adventist Learning Community or any other disaster
training provided through ACS/ADRA and/or your local government.
FINAL INVESTITURE CHECK OFF LIST
1. Have a written recommendation from your local pastor, head elder or church clerk, stating that you are a baptized member in regular standing.
documentation
1. The Master Guide curriculum must be completed in a minimum of one year and a maximum of three years.
2. All Master Guide candidates must document all work in a portfolio.
3. Curriculum completion is under the supervision of the conference Youth, Pathfinder, or Adventurer Director,
or their designated Master Guide representative.
2. All Master Guide candidates must document all work in a portfolio.
3. Curriculum completion is under the supervision of the conference Youth, Pathfinder, or Adventurer Director,
or their designated Master Guide representative.
share section
Share what you are learning! Include evidence in your Portfolio.
1. Write three inspirational cards and give them to a friend that does not attend church.
2. Post three of your favorite quotes (with brief commentary) on social media or a personal blog.
Record a video or podcast summarizing three ideas you learned and post it online.
3. Discuss with a group three concepts you can apply to evangelism.
Present a devotional to your club or youth group.
4. Share in another creative way approved by your Conference.
1. Write three inspirational cards and give them to a friend that does not attend church.
2. Post three of your favorite quotes (with brief commentary) on social media or a personal blog.
Record a video or podcast summarizing three ideas you learned and post it online.
3. Discuss with a group three concepts you can apply to evangelism.
Present a devotional to your club or youth group.
4. Share in another creative way approved by your Conference.
