What Is Master Guide?

 Masterguide Explained!

At some point, you may have heard the term "masterguide" and wondered who these guys were. Or perhaps you have noticed them in their magnificent green uniforms and wondered what makes them special. The purpose of this post is to give you an overview about a masterguide and how you may become one.

What is masterguide?

Masterguide is a development and mentorship program for youth leadership within the SDA Church. The purpose of this program is to develop Christlike leaders to disciple children, youth and young adults. The Masterguide's vision is to see all young people saved.  In other words, as a masterguide you are trained and equipped for leadership service within the church.

How to become a masterguide.

In order to become a masterguide you have to complete the masterguide curriculum which can be subdivided into:

1.  Leadership Identity & Growth
2. Lifestyle Development
3. Spiritual Growth 
4. Community Development

At the time of writing, the latest masterguide curriculum was updated in 2022. There has been significant changes which now make learning masterguide way easier and fun for everyone. I for one am taking masterguide this year (2023) and see a big difference in how things are being done now. Some of the changes include:

Digital Files. 

While the hard copy file is still required, most requirements can now be fulfilled by just capturing a video or audio and saving it in your digital file. This, in my opinion, is beneficial and also very inclusive. Some people desired to complete the masterguide but were illiterate. They can now listen to the audio book of education from Ellen White and record themselves summarizing the book. How convenient. 

Learning Mode

One notable modification I've noticed is that we no longer gather to learn and write notes as it was done in the past. Not to suggest that trainings are no longer held, but  we simply get together to see if we are experiencing problems completing the requirements and to talk about the best ways to overcome such problems.  I am doing my Masterguide at Solusi University and it is sort of a self paced learning mode.

Mentorship

Another important change i have noted is the mentorship program. So what they did here at Solusi is, they gave each of us mentors. they are the ones to help us as we progress throughout our curriculum. They are like guardian angels guiding us on the best way to learn and apply the lessons. Here is what the manual says about mentors:

This mentor is there not to complete  the requirements for the participant, but to gently look over their shoulder and give constructive advice and encourage practical application of lessons learned.

Exams

I won't even say it. just look at the screenshot below. focus on the text i highlighted in yellow.

 

Although the manual is very clear on this, I haven't yet confirmed it with my superiors.  You can download the updated manual here and read for yourself on page 19 what is actually needed for you to graduate. 

Final thoughts

A lot of things have changed indeed. Some things will make our lives easier, but some things were best done the old fashioned way. For instance, the Knot board is no longer mandatory. I still feel that was a nice thing to have but well, lets just embrace the change.

I am excited about this. It opens room for creativity on completing the curriculum. you just talk to your mentor, agree on something, and you can execute it in your own creative way. 

 I'm not sure what your view is on this, but I'd appreciate it if you gave it to me in the comment box below. I will also document my journey through the updated master guide  curriculum via this blog or YouTube so stay tuned. I hope I motivated someone who has been putting off joining MasterGuide. God Bless you!