In my last post about whether small church youth workers should or shouldn’t go to big conference, one of the reasons TO go is an opportunity to connect to other youth workers. More directly, youth networks run a-plenty in visibility at conference crossroads whether formally (through sponsorships or booths) or informally (through notes tacked up on a bulletin board).
Here’s a list of tips for what to look for in a healthy or unhealthy network:
1) Consistent meeting times: If the times waffle, its too hard to know if you can attend and calendar ahead.
2) Similar interests and affinities: If you’re the one lone small church person, it may be hard to relate to their stories.
3) Make sure the group isn’t a bunch of whiners: Maybe I’m being too blunt…but I’ve met groups both in person and online where the only agenda is to complain about their SP and parents. Avoid this environment.
4) Topical planned groups are best: Look for one that has a structure of what they’ll talk about each month. One or two subjects or tips to share ensures that the group can be focused.
5) Look for sharing time: See that there’s also a time for a balanced sharing of needs and concerns along with a focused topic.
6) Online networks: I think they can work. I’m a part of one that is very caring and concerned. I also recently left one after about two weeks because it was too big with too much trolling for controversy. I didn’t feel safe to ask questions…and if you knew me, you’d know I rarely feel unsafe in YM environments. (I can hold my own!) That particular youth ministry workers group seemed more like an issue of People magazine and I didn’t need that addiction, waiting to see what dirty laundry someone was posting next.
What else comes to mind for you? What can you think of that would be a helpful tip?
Stephanie
Nice article.
I’m in two groups. One is a local group – all youth pastors are invited and encouraged to attend. We meet monthly to discuss events and other stuff. We work on SYATP together – make sure someone is at each school with donuts, take pictures, be of assistance – we’ve also been doing our own youth week-long event – we take turns doing the preaching each night along with breakout sessions all related to a particular topic/theme.
That same group also meets weekly at a breakfast shop – just to hang out, talk, and share. That is super encouraging. We take care of some business, mostly because the ones who are at that meeting are the ones who are the primary supporters of the bigger events. But it really is about encouragement.
The other group is youth pastors and worship leaders from my particular denomination from across the state. We meet monthly (except for summer and December). We read a book together. Talk about issues we are going through. I’ve had the privilege to lead this group for the past year. I’m the “grey beard” – been at my church for 13 years and over 20 in youth ministry.
Both group are great. I’d hate to leave either one. My wife says she can tell when I miss a meeting. It really is encouraging to me. Even if we never did another event or read a book together. Just to sit across from other like-minded people who have the same burdens as you is kind of therapeutic.
I think to NOT be in a group is to shave years off your youth ministry career. I don’t see how you can last without it.
Nice article.
I’m in two groups. One is a local group – all youth pastors are invited and encouraged to attend. We meet monthly to discuss events and other stuff. We work on SYATP together – make sure someone is at each school with donuts, take pictures, be of assistance – we’ve also been doing our own youth week-long event – we take turns doing the preaching each night along with breakout sessions all related to a particular topic/theme.
That same group also meets weekly at a breakfast shop – just to hang out, talk, and share. That is super encouraging. We take care of some business, mostly because the ones who are at that meeting are the ones who are the primary supporters of the bigger events. But it really is about encouragement.
The other group is youth pastors and worship leaders from my particular denomination from across the state. We meet monthly (except for summer and December). We read a book together. Talk about issues we are going through. I’ve had the privilege to lead this group for the past year. I’m the “grey beard” – been at my church for 13 years and over 20 in youth ministry.
Both group are great. I’d hate to leave either one. My wife says she can tell when I miss a meeting. It really is encouraging to me. Even if we never did another event or read a book together. Just to sit across from other like-minded people who have the same burdens as you is kind of therapeutic.
I think to NOT be in a group is to shave years off your youth ministry career. I don’t see how you can last without it.
I agree whole heartedly with all your points Stephanie! I would ad one more tip:
Community Impact: Few things build camaraderie in a community than being on mission together! When we are impacting the local school campus in various ways we are building a multifaceted story together of how students are being impacted by the body of Christ. It’s also a great way to build church unity when paid staff, volunteers and parents are working side by side with folks from various denominations.
I agree whole heartedly with all your points Stephanie! I would ad one more tip:
Community Impact: Few things build camaraderie in a community than being on mission together! When we are impacting the local school campus in various ways we are building a multifaceted story together of how students are being impacted by the body of Christ. It’s also a great way to build church unity when paid staff, volunteers and parents are working side by side with folks from various denominations.