LEVEL UP is a program designed to help students in grades 3 their God-given gifts and abilities and provide volunteer opportunities for them to use those gifts to make a difference in and outside the church.
1. Read this handbook.
2. Complete the specially designed Kids or YTH Next Step videos.
3. Fill out the online Kids or YTH application.
4. Meet with the Pastor/Director/Leader of the team you’ll be serving on.
The fact that you’re reading this handbook is incredible! It means you or someone around you has noticed that you’re ready to LEVEL UP by joining a Cedar Valley team.
The purpose of this handbook is to show you the expectations that come with joining a team and to help prepare you to LEVEL UP in your walk with God and in your personal development.
We believe God has created everyone with unique gifts and abilities to help them grow in their relationship with Him and others. Being part of LEVEL UP means you’re committed to growth in your personal and spiritual life. Growing your gifts and developing skills helps prepare you for the future God has for you.
It’s our hope that you’ll participate in a Cedar Valley Life Group so you continue to grow spiritually in order to give to others what God gives you.
Get ready for opportunities, community, fun, and even some failure—it’s sometimes how we learn best.
Expect responsibility, laughter, and challenges!
Living your purpose doesn’t have to wait until you’re an adult, it can start now.
God has given each of you a gift from His great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. 1 Peter 4:10
We’re incredibly excited that you’re encouraging and supporting your student to LEVEL UP in their personal and spiritual development as they join a Cedar Valley team!
Being part of LEVEL UP is a commitment and responsibility not only for your student, but for you as well. Your role is very important! We know that it’s the parents who help get their student to the right place and the right time.
LEVEL UP is a partnership between parents, students, and the church. We say thank you in advance for the sacrifice you’re making in helping your student.
Please take the time to read the LEVEL UP handbook as it clearly lays out the
expectations for students. Your student will need your encouragement, words of wisdom, and support as they participate in LEVEL UP.
If you have any concerns at any time, please have a conversation with the Pastor/Director who oversees your student’s team. We’re here to help! We want to see your student grow in his/her skills, personal development, and spiritual life. If that’s not happening, we want to know.
Without a doubt, God is going to bless you and your student as you pursue your love for Him and others. We appreciate you and your family and couldn’t do ministry without you!
Vicki Graham Executive Pastor of Ministry Operations vickig@cvchurch.orgCedar Valley believes in growing Godly leaders and providing opportunities to grow. That’s why we’ve created position levels and expectations which will challenge you to grow your leadership skills. Growing in leadership broadens your influence which ultimately reaches more people for Jesus.
Each of our student volunteer opportunities are set at a level based on the expectations for that specific position.
Commits to a serve team owning their responsibilities while discovering their God-given talents.
Already committed to a serve team. Leads others to where God wants them to be.
Already committed to a serve team. Leads a group or team to where God wants them to be.
No matter where or what level you serve at, you’ll need to take the online Next Step classes that are specifically designed for LEVEL UP volunteers before you can start serving. Visit cvchurch.org/levelup.
Grades 6–12 YTH Video
Grades 3–5 KIDS Video
Expectations have five categories: Selfless, Expand, Responsible, Value People, and Enthusiasm. Under each category are specific expectations and characteristics required for each level.
Volunteer | Leads Self
1. Able to do something a different way
2. Flexible
Coordinator
1. Able to take/give instruction
2. Flexible
3. Servant leader; understands bigger purpose
1. Attend one service, serve one service
2. Good attitude, prepared
3. Meet the needs beyond assigned responsibilities
1. Give and receive feedback tactfully; accept/decline scheduling emails
2. Show up
3. Be on THE schedule
1. Smile, welcoming, engaging
2. People more important than tasks
1. Consistent in Bible reading (S.O.A.P), prayer, spiritual maturity
2. Good attitude, prepared
3. Meet the needs beyond assigned responsibilities
4. Attend required training to be good at what you do
1. Give and receive feedback tactfully (know the right time)
2. Show up early
3. Be on THE schedule
4. Do what they say they’re going to do, honest, genuine
5. Hold those serving accountable (challenge and correct)
1. Smile, welcoming, engaging
2. People more important than tasks
3. Intentional with those they lead (knows people personally)
4. Able to identify the emotional well being of those they lead
1. Joyful
1. Joyful
2. Owns/loves job, feels the call
3. Lifts up others
1. Able to take/give instruction
2. Flexible
3. Servant leader; understands bigger purpose
4. Able to identify the gifts/talents of others
5. Not territorial
6. Able to take one for the team and soldier on (put feelings aside for the mission)
1. Consistent in Bible reading (S.O.A.P), prayer, spiritual maturity, engaged in all four Discipleship Pathways; curious, creative
2. Positive attitude, prepared, gives all
3. Sacrifice time, energy, resources, etc.
4. Gives/receives training
1. Excellent in communication skills (leading, engaging, encouraging, scheduling)
2. Show up early, stay late, recruit new people
3. Regularly schedule team members
4. Do what they say they’re going to do, honest, genuine, trustworthy
5. Hold those serving accountable (challenge and correct) evaluate people, positions, sets goals
1. Smile, welcoming, engaging
2. People more important than tasks
3. Intentional with those they lead (knows people personally)
4. Able to identify the emotional well being of those they lead
5. Cares for the spiritual, physical, emotional needs of others
1. Joyful
2. Owns/loves job, feels the call
3. Lifts up others
Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ. Colossians 3:23–24
As you prepare to commit to serve, the Cedar Valley staff and leadership are also committing to:
Communicate
► schedules, responsibilities, and providing feedback to encourage and help you grow
Providing opportunities to grow in leadership
► through community, training, resources, and serving opportunities that allow room for growth
Creating an environment to succeed
► by demonstrating excellence and always being prepared
► by scheduling you no more than two Sundays per month to ensure that you can commit to regular church attendance
Helping you find a fulfilling place to serve
► by helping you discover the gifts that God has given you and finding an area and role where you can best use those gifts to serve God in a fulfilling way
► by checking in with you twice a year to make sure you’re still growing and finding fulfillment in your chosen serving role
As the Cedar Valley staff and leadership are committed to serving, you’re also committing to:
Communicate
► your schedule, questions, and providing feedback to help us improve
Embracing opportunities to grow in leadership
► by participating in community, training, using resources, and accepting serving opportunities
Giving your best when you serve
► by demonstrating excellence, always being prepared, being on time, and having a positive attitude
Continuing to grow spiritually
► by attending church regularly
PASTOR: Hillary Leeper
Coffee Crew | Level 1 | 9th Grade+ | Sundays AM+
Serve quality coffee and offer quick, efficient, and friendly service. Responsibilities include setup, brewing, serving, and clean up. Good for people who are warm, inviting, and willing to meet and serve people.
Serving Time: Sundays| Coffee serving/clean-up 8:30–11 a.m.
+Special events as needed
Greeter | Level 1 | 10th Grade+ | Sundays AM+
Welcome guests as they enter the building. Responsibilities include making congregants/guests feel welcome with a smile and a handshake and making frequent use of church maps leading guests where they need to go (Auditorium, Kids Auditorium, Tiny Valley, etc.). Good for people who have a pleasant demeanor and a positive attitude. Must have a service mindset recognize people are more important than tasks. Willing to go the extra mile for congregants and tactful in communications.
Serving Time: Sundays| 9–9:45 a.m.
+Special events as needed
Welcome Room Host | Level 1 | 12th Grade+ | Sundays AM
Welcome visitors with a smile, a warm handshake, and pleasant greeting. Responsibilities include helping visitors navigate the early childhood and/or kids wing as needed, introducing visitors to others, distributing appropriate materials (opportunity info, maps of the facility, visitor bag, etc.), discerning if visitors have deeper needs and directing them to pastoral staff or key volunteers, inviting guests to provide contact information (Connect Card). Good for people who are people-oriented, friendly, outgoing, and personable with gifts of hospitality, encouragement, help, and mercy. Eager to welcome people to service and knowledgeable of locations of various Cedar Valley ministries and programs. Able to provide information yet focus more on communicating friendliness and being relational above all else.
Serving Time: Sundays| 10:15–11:15 a.m.
PASTOR: Nick Fladager
Greeter/Check In Volunteer | Level 1 | 6th Grade+ | Wednesdays PM
Greet students, help visitors, and ensure an efficient check-in process. Responsibilities include arriving early, bringing energy and positivity to the check-in table, and following check-in procedure. Good for people who enjoy meeting new students and are willing to answer questions about YTH.
Serving Time: Sept.–May| Wednesdays| 6–6:45 p.m.
The Deck Cafe Volunteer | Level 1 | 8th Grade+ | Wednesdays PM
Oversee café sales before/after Wednesday services. Responsibilities include set up, handling money responsibly, and providing quality service. Good for people who are friendly, efficient and detail oriented.
Serving Time: Sept.-May| Wednesdays| 6–6:30p.m./8–8:45 p.m.
YTH Tech & Production | Level 1 | 6th Grade+ | Wednesdays PM+
Help youth engage in worship and in the Bible through technology. Responsibilities include running audio, lighting or operating the computer during youth services. Good for people who are comfortable with technology.
Serving Time: Sept.–May| 5–8 p.m.
YTH Worship Volunteer | Level 1 | 6th Grade+ | Wednesdays PM
Sing or play on worship team for youth services on Wednesday nights. Responsibilities include attending rehearsals and preparation throughout the week. Good for people with vocal or instrumental talent and experience who have a passion for worship.
Serving Time: Sept.–May | Wednesdays |5–8 p.m.
Service Host | Level 2 | 9th Grade+ | Wednesdays PM
Help run games, give offering and worship moments, do announcements. Responsibilities include arriving early, being prepared, and bringing high energy and enthusiasm. Good for people who like to be in front of a large group and are comfortable with a microphone in their hands.
Serving Time: Sept.–May | Wednesdays| 6–8 p.m.
Help to lead the band musically by providing music notes prior to rehearsal and guide the team through rehearsal and live sets. Good for people who have leadership abilities and are gifted musically.
Serving Time: Sept.–May | Wednesdays | 5–8 p.m.
YTH Tech & Production Coordinator | Level 2 | 18+ | Wednesdays PM
Help lead the YTH tech and production team. Schedule volunteers and help to train and raise up other leaders in the tech and production area. Good for people who have experience in tech and production and who are good with communication and teaching others.
Serving Time: Sept.–May| Wednesdays | 5–8 p.m.
YTH Worship Leader | Level 2 | 6th Grade+ | Wednesdays PM
Vocally lead a song(s) in a worship service. Responsibilities include setting an example of what it looks like to worship and engage with God’s presence. Good for people who have a desire to grow in their worship leading abilities.
Serving Time: Sept.–May| Wednesdays | 5–8 p.m.
YTH Speaker | Level 3 | 10th Grade+ | Wednesdays PM+
Lead during service time. Responsibilities include leading offering and worship moments and beginning to give sermons. Good for people who have experience as a Service Host and are ready to take their leadership to the next level.
Serving Time: Sept.–May | Wednesdays | 5–8 p.m.
YTH Worship Lead | Level 3 | 10th Grade+ | Wednesdays PM+
Lead every part of worship for the evening. Responsibilities include planning worship moments, directing rehearsal and leading songs throughout the set. Good for people who are experienced worship leaders and ready to take their leadership to the next level.
Serving Time: Sept.–May| Wednesdays | 5–8 p.m.
PASTOR: JJ Bautista
Audio Assistant | Level 1 | 6th Grade+ | Sundays AM+
Assist in running Sunday service audio. Training is provided. Responsibilities include mixing when needed and assisting with stage preparation. Good for people who are interested in live sound engineering.
Serving Time: Sundays | 7–11 a.m.
+Special events as needed
Main Worship Team Member | Level 1 | 10th Grade+ | Sundays AM+
Lead the church in worship on Sundays, at special events, etc. Responsibilities include Wednesday evening rehearsals and preparation throughout the week. Good for those with vocal or instrumental talent and experience.
Serving Time: Sundays | AM
+Special events as needed
**Pre-audition needed
Audio Engineer | Level 2 | 10th Grade+ | Sunday AM
Oversee and run service audio. Training is provided. Responsibilities include troubleshooting all areas of live audio. Good for people who are interested in live sound engineering.
Serving Time: Sundays 6:45–11 a.m.
+Special events as needed
PASTOR: Ty Berbereia
Extra Help Assistant | Level 1 | 3rd Grade+ | Sundays AM
Assist an Extra Help Buddy with a child who needs extra assistance due to intellectual or developmental disabilities. Be prepared to accompany an Extra Help Buddy and child to the Buddy Room as needed throughout the morning. Responsibilities include interacting with the child in the Buddy Room through games, conversation, and sensory activities. Good for people who show compassion and patience towards kids with special needs.
Serving Time: Sundays | 9–10:45 a.m.
First Impressions Volunteer | Level 1 | 3rd Grade+ | Sundays AM
Reflect Jesus by helping every family know they’re loved and they belong here every time they walk through our doors. Responsibilities include greeting families, helping guests, ensuring a secure check-in process, and ensuring the safety of kids by making sure they go home with the correct adults. Good for friendly people who enjoy getting to know others and answering questions, and those who can keep track of details and follow procedure.
Serving Time: Sundays| 9–10:45 a.m.
Kids Shop Volunteer | Level 1 | 3rd Grade+ | Sundays AM
Assist in the Kids Shop. Responsibilities include being in the Kids Shop before Kids Service to make sure the Kids Shop is clean, prizes are set out, and that there are enough Guest Bags prepared; being in the Kids Shop after Kids Service to help kids redeem stamps for prizes, to hand out Devotional Journals, to stamp Devotional Journal entries, and to hand out Guest Bags to first time guests. Good for detail-oriented people who can arrive 15 minutes early and stay 15 minutes after service.
Serving Time: Sundays | 8:45–10:45 a.m.
Kids Worship Volunteer | Level 1 | 3rd Grade + | Sundays AM
Joining the team in leading kids in grades K–5 in worship on Sundays through song and dance. Responsibilities include setting an example with energy and enthusiasm by worshiping God. Good for those who love God and love to worship.
Serving Time: Sundays | AM **Pre-audition needed
Service Host | Level 1 | 6th Grade+ | Sundays AM
Lead the opening and activity time in the large group portion of Kids Service. Responsibilities include opening in prayer, reviewing the rules, collecting tithe and offering, highlighting announcements, and explaining the activity for the morning. Good for people who like to speak in front of a large group or want to grow in their ability to speak in front of a large group.
Serving Time: Sundays | 8:45–10:45 a.m.
Service Volunteer | Level 1 | 5th Grade + | Sundays AM
Be a consistent voice that speaks into kids during Kids Service. Responsibilities include playing games with kids during preservice game time, sitting with kids, helping them stay engaged in the lesson, modeling good behavior, helping kids know they’re loved and wanted, and assisting Breakout Leaders by helping the kid's pay attention. Good for people who love working with kids, but don’t necessarily feel comfortable leading a group in discussion.
Serving Time: Sundays | 9–10:45 a.m.
Set-Up/Tear Down Volunteer | Level 1 | 3rd Grade + | Sundays AM
Help CV Kids be effective in ministry by ensuring that the Kids area is ready for Sundays. Responsibilities include arriving at church early to help get the area ready or staying after service to help clean up. Good for people who like to work behind the scenes and don’t mind getting to church early or staying a few minutes afterwards.
Serving Time: Sundays | 8-8:30 a.m. Set up | 10:45–11:15 a.m. Tear down
Stage Volunteer | Level 1 | 3rd Grade + | Sundays AM
Grow in your creative gifts and help incorporate fun and creativity in services. Responsibilities include being part of the large group lesson time by helping with Bible stories, character skits, games, or behind the scenes. Good for people who like to be in front of a large group or prefer to help behind the scenes.
Serving Time: Sundays | 8:45–10:45 a.m.
Supplies Volunteer | Level 1 | 3rd Grade+ | Anytime Weekly
Equip small group leaders with the materials they need for Sunday service. Responsibilities include gathering and preparing breakout supplies for services. Good for detail-oriented people who enjoy helping behind the scenes.
Serving Time: Weekly, One hour of prep time at any point during the week
excellence and attention to detail to create a space for kids to hear the Gospel. Good for someone who is comfortable with technology.
Serving Time: Sundays | 8:30–10:45 a.m.
Breakout Facilitator | Level 2 | 9th Grade+ | Sundays AM
Lead kids from where they are to where God wants them to be through relationship-building, activities, discussion, and prayer during breakout time. Responsibilities include sitting with kids during large group time, helping them stay engaged in the lesson, modeling good behavior, leading a small group time after the large group lesson, and helping kids know that they are loved and wanted. Good for people who love working with kids and can help them process what they’re learning.
Serving Time: Sundays | 9–10:45 a.m.
Kids Worship Leader | Level 2 | 6th Grade+ | Sundays AM
Vocally lead a song(s) in a worship service. Responsibilities include setting an example with energy and enthusiasm by worshiping God. Good for those who are musically gifted and love to worship.
Serving Time: Sundays | AM
Kids Worship Team Lead | Level 3 | 6th Grade+ | Sundays AM
Leading the team of volunteers on a Sunday morning as well as vocally leading a song(s). Responsibilities include encouraging and guiding those who are on the team in their worship leading. Setting an example with energy and enthusiasm by worshiping God. Good for those who want more responsibility, love working with people, and are gifted musically.
Serving Time: Sundays | AM
DIRECTOR: Victoria Womack
Assistant Teacher | Level 1 | 6th Grade+ | Sundays AM
Assist the lead teacher throughout the morning. Responsibilities include helping with various elements such as Bible story, games, craft, worship, check-in and check-out, all transitions, and snack. Good for people who enjoy leading kids and can follow instructions.
Serving Time: Sundays | 9–11 a.m.
Set Up & Tear Down Crew | Level 1 | 9th Grade+ | Special Sundays AM
Assist coordinator with set up and tear down. Responsibilities include helping with large mobile play equipment in RM 299 and the Atrium for special Sunday events including positioning, tear down, and posting proper signage. Good for people who like to work behind the scenes and don’t mind getting to church early or staying for a few minutes afterwards.
Serving Time: Sundays | 8 a.m.–Noon.
Tech Assistant | Level 1 | 6th Grade+ | Sundays AM
Assist the coordinator with technology. Responsibilities include preparing the classroom tech (TV’s, DVD players, Ipads, speakers, etc.) and assisting with check-in desk. Good for people who are comfortable with technology and are available for special events.
Serving Time: Sundays 1–2X Monthly | 9–11 a.m.
Assistant Coordinator | Level 2 | 9th Grade+ | Sundays AM
Help with the Coordinator task list. Responsibilities include assisting teachers, running check-in desk, running errands to refill snacks and supplies, and serving in a room when necessary. Good for people who are adaptable, enjoy a variety of tasks and want to grow in leadership.
Serving Time: Sundays | 8:30–11 a.m.
Lead Teacher | Level 3 | 10th Grade+ | Sundays AM
Lead all the classroom activities. Responsibilities include leading the kids in the overall Bible lesson and worship time, mentoring and leading the Assistant Teacher and other volunteers in the room, and communicating with the pastor. Good for people who love teaching kids and developing supportive leader-child relationships.
Serving Time: Sundays | 9–11 a.m.
Assist the lead teacher with all classroom activities. Responsibilities include assisting with lessons, activities, songs, crafts, and games, and helping kids to feel connected and supported. Good for people who like working with kids and like to help others feel like they belong.
Serving Time: Sept.–May | Thursdays Weekly | AM
Teacher | Level 1 | 10th Grade+ | Thursday AM
Assist the lead teacher with all classroom activities. Responsibilities include welcoming kids, helping them to feel comfortable and to engage in classroom lessons, activities, songs, crafts and games. Good for people that love teaching and engaging with kids and developing healthy child relationships.
Serving Time: Sept.–May | Thursdays Weekly | AM
DIRECTOR/STAFF: Kent Svenson
Camera Operator | Level 1 | 6th Grade+ | Sundays AM
Operate a video camera so Cedar Valley can broadcast the service to people outside the Cedar Valley building via live stream and recordings. Training is provided. Responsibilities include maintaining constant attention to what’s happening in service. Good for people who want an exciting challenge.
Serving Time: Sundays | 8–11 a.m.
Graphics Operator | Level 1 | 6th Grade+ | Sundays AM
Support the morning’s music and message with timely visuals. Training is provided. Responsibilities include using ProPresenter to control the graphics, lyrics, and message slides during services. Good for people who can maintain constant attention to what’s happening in service.
Serving Time: Sundays | 7:30–11 a.m.
Lighting Tech | Level 1 | 6th Grade+ | Sundays AM+
Run lights during Sunday services. Training is provided. Good for those who are looking for an on ramp into live production.
Serving Time: Sundays | 7:30–11 a.m.
+As needed for events
Photographer | Level 1 | 6th Grade+ | Sundays AM+
Capture candid and posed moments during services and other events. Photos will be used for promotion, marketing, and social media. Responsibilities include operating church camera gear and importing photos. Good for those who are passionate about photography and are willing to learn equipment and technique.
Serving Time: Sundays | 8:45–11 a.m.
+As needed for events
Video Director | Level 2 | 10th Grade+ | Sundays AM+
Coordinate camera and graphic operators. Training is provided. Must be in a Level 1 production role for six months to qualify for the Video Director role. Responsibilities include determining what is shown on the Auditorium screens and live stream and monitoring the live stream and recording. Good for people who can maintain constant attention to what’s happening in service and manage the camera and graphics operators.
Serving Time: Sundays | 7:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
+As needed for events
Level Up Plus is designed for students in Level 2 and 3 leadership who have a passion for serving the church and growing in their gifting. This program will inspire and challenge students in their leadership and spiritual growth. This will happen as we meet together in monthly rallies to talk through Bible reading exercises and leadership training. All students in Level Up Plus will be expected to serve consistently and lead by example wherever they go. We know they will be encouraged as they fully invest into the program and strive to do their best with excellence.
Students who are in ninth grade or above who intend to serve as a Level 2 or 3 leader are welcome to apply for Level Up Plus.
Monthly Rallies: Students will participate in monthly rallies on Sunday evenings to spend time together, learn about leadership through teaching and discussion and to encourage one another as they continue serving.
Assigned Work: Students will complete monthly Bible reading exercises that will challenge them to be committed to reading the Word, as well as thinking critically about what they’re reading and being able to articulate what they’re learning.
Serving: Students will consistently serve with excellence in the position they choose.
Attendance: Students are required to be present at each rally and honor their serving commitments. Students will have the option to miss one rally per semester for any reason. We will be fair with students who have other situations come up; however, we believe it is important that students commit to the attendance requirement to get everything out of this program.
Serving: Students are required to serve and to do so with excellence, a good attitude, and to be teachable in whatever position they’re in. We believe that through serving, students can grow in leadership, so we ask that students give their best whatever they choose to do.
Assigned Work: Students are required to submit their Bible reading exercises on time for each monthly due date. We believe it’s important for students to be consistently reading the Bible and learning from what they’re reading, as it will help them grow not only as leaders, but as followers of Jesus.
Level Up Plus is an opportunity for students to gain community with other like minded students who feel a call to serve others and grow in their leadership. It is also an opportunity to be a part of a curriculum that will challenge and help them to continue their growth on a deeper level. We believe that when students are challenged, it can enhance their abilities and cause them to see just great of a purpose God has placed on their lives.
By signing this document, I acknowledge that I have read, understand, and pledge to honor all of the commitments noted within the LEVEL UP handbook and to perform the chosen volunteer opportunity to the best of my ability.
/ _____ / _____
Student Printed Name
Student Signature Date
Only one parent/guardian signature is needed.
By signing this document, I acknowledge that I have read and understand the content contained within the LEVEL UP handbook and pledge to help support my student to the best of my ability in their personal and spiritual development as they join a Cedar Valley volunteer team.
/ _____ / _____
Parent Printed Name
Parent Signature Date