This weekend thousands of youth pastors will be flooding the city of Indianapolis for the annual Simply Youth Ministry Conference. Sadly, I will not be one of them. My reason is totally legitimate (And it makes missing not so bad) my wife recently gave birth to our second son Benjamin. One of the aspects of the conference that I’ll miss the most is meeting, growing and praying with some really awesome men and women who are currently in the trenches of youth ministry. One of the best things about events like the Simply Youth Ministry Conference is the ability to build your network.
Networking can be easily overlooked because hanging with other youth workers can feel like time away from work. Youth ministry is demanding because there is a constant need to serve teens, parents and train volunteers. But, if you don’t take the time to sit with other youth workers you’ll lack some important tools and resources to grow in your ministry. When you network with other youth workers in the trenches you:
- Are Reminded That You Aren’t Alone – Youth ministry can be lonely because of the burdens you put on yourself. You network with other youth ministers you have a shoulder to cry on, an ear to hear your pains and a soul to pray for you.
- Have Someone To Bounce Ideas Off Of - Maybe you have that crazy idea that might just work. Chances are someone before you has tested it out and is willing to give you their insight. Networking with other youth ministers means getting feedback on what works and what doesn’t. It means recommendations on curriculum, conferences and events.
- Can Share An Outside Perspective – There will always be challenges in youth ministry. In order to approach the obstacles and situations that might be overwhelming you need someone to give you insight and wisdom. By partnering up with others they’ll give you tips on how to approach your pastor, work with helicopter parents and walk with a hurting teen.
- Will Be Encouraged In Your Calling – You will have moments when ministry feels like mud. You might have that temptation to quit, walk away and forget the whole thing; however, having a group of youth workers around you can cheer you on. Your fellow youth workers can remind you why it is God has called you into the trenches of youth ministry.
Networking isn’t wasting time, it’s building to your arsenal of resources to take on the evil one. It also makes youth ministry bigger than your church, it breaks down competition and jealousy. Working, communicating and sharing life with other youth workers will only make you stronger. Take advantage of it.
Why do you network with other youth workers?
Chris Wesley (@chrisrwesley)
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Josh Griffin has been in youth ministry for 16+ years in a small church and a big church. He currently serves as the High School Pastor at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, CA. [
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Geoff Stewart serves the Jr / Sr High School Pastor at Peace Portal Alliance Church in Surrey B.C.
Chris Wesley serves as the Director of Student Ministry at Church of the Nativity in Timonium, Maryland.
Colton Harker serves with Josh at Saddleback Church. He is currently in his second year in youth ministry.
Number three is something that has been very important to me as a youth pastor. I don’t know what I would have done at times without an outside perspective.
I’m bummed our team isn’t going this year, too. Oh, and for the record, your son has an awesome name.
Benjer,
Thanks for the affirmation on the name. I’m bummed I won’t be there either. But maybe next year in Columbus?
You nailed it dude. Been a part of a monthly inter-denom youth network for a good 8 years, and it’s been a source of continuing encouragement, partnership and friendship.
Benjamin, appreciate it. I too am in a inter denom network and it’s been a blessing in so many ways.
Chris, I have been a part of my network for over twenty years. It became so important to me that i joined the staff of the National Network of Youth Ministries. This is what we do. We work to support an encourage youth workers by developing youth ministry networks. We are better together!
Randy,
That’s awesome, so glad you have that calling. If there is anything I can do for you all at NNYM let me know.
This is so true. I went to SYMC this year for a number of reasons, one of which was to make some new friends who are really “in the trenches.” I’m a volunteer high school leader at my church, and there really isn’t much of a “community” between all of our volunteers and the staff. For that reason, it’s easy to feel disconnected and wandering as we reach out to these kids, and SYMC gave me numerous opportunities to see that what we’re doing is as legitimate and valuable as those getting a paycheck every other Friday. I met “real” youth ministers facing the same problems as me, and it warmed my heart to know that we are not alone in this work.
I also attended the conference for a new business venture I’m part of that helps group leaders safely establish boundaries in their electronic communication with kids and their families through texting, and being able to bounce ideas off of those who deal with this much more than myself was also invaluable as we seek not only to present our message, but also to tweak the way our service actually WORKS.