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.

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’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’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.