Youthworkers.net

Sheep on Main

Mike Higgs — 2013-05-20 08:30:00.0 PST

About a hundred years ago, the area in Idaho to which we are moving was the second-largest sheep producer in the world; over a million of the wooly beasts used to graze the Pioneer Mountain foothills. To celebrate their rich heritage, area residents celebrate the Trailing of the Sheep Festival each year in early October, traditionally the time when sheep are moved to lower ground before winter snows come.

The weekend, which was founded by our Flattop Ranch neighbors, is activity-packed and attracts tens of thousands of visitors. The main event is a parade down Main Street in Ketchum, which includes ethnic dancers and musicians (area shepherds are often Basque or Peruvian), homemade floats, cowboys on horses, and school marching bands. Towards the end of the parade come 1500 sheep that are clearly freaked out because they have not seen more than two or three humans in the past year. When that many freaked-out sheep are herded through the middle of town, a street-sweeper is mandatory.

After a wonderful weekend - featuring sheep meals, sheep seminars, sheep movies, sheepdog championship trials, a sheep apparel and art fair, and perhaps even nights spent counting sheep – the reason for the frequent use of sheep/lambs as a biblical metaphor becomes all the more clear. I have heard more than a few sermons on sheep and have both preached and written about the little woollies myself many times. But a few truths took on a fresh meaning after the Trailing Of The Sheep Festival.

Sheep need a shepherd. Early on (as in Genesis 1), the Bible makes a distinction in the original Hebrew between “wild animals” and “livestock”. While livestock need human help to thrive and often even to survive, they are of great value to their helpers as a much more readily accessible source of food and clothing than the randomly hunted wild animal. Similarly, though we often live, metaphorically speaking, as “wild animals,” we were created to need Divine help. As sheep find safety and provision in their shepherds, so also we will find safety and provision in our Shepherd.
Sheep know their shepherd’s voice. In his Trailing Of The Sheep seminar, Flattop Ranch owner John Peavey spoke of the ability of sheep to discern and respond to the voice of their shepherd above all other voices; their little sheep-ears become attuned to his voice. How does this take place? Repetition. The same is true with us (more on this below).
Sheep fare best when they obey their shepherd. I’m not sure sheep are as stupid as they are often depicted, but they are no Mensas (society for those with a genius IQ), either. Like I said above, they, and we, do best when we follow, and obey, a Shepherd.
Sheep have a childlike faith. I will repeat a recurring theme in my recent writing: contemporary western culture youth ministry has at its disposal more resources, more biblical philosophy of ministry, more understanding of culture and adolescent psychology, more books, more training opportunities, more blogs, more networking, and more stuff than at any time in the history of the ministry. So why do those who do polling and research about such things tell us that kids are leaving the church in unprecedented numbers, and the ones who stick around are not spiritually well-grounded? I’m painting a picture here with a very broad brush, but it’s a picture that is not inaccurate.

Not long ago I heard what for me is a new phrase: “out-thinking the room.” It means, more or less, an application of logic, reasoning, and intellect that that is excessive and/or beyond the scope of the conversation, discussion, or issue at hand.

Are we “out-thinking the room” when it comes to youth ministry, and perhaps when it comes to living out our faith in Christ as well?

I do not believe Jesus out-thought any room of disciples or Pharisees or curious onlookers. I believe He practiced the same simple, childlike faith that He preached. He listened to His Father and did what He said. Period.

I have known this for some time, but come on. I have a seminary degree. I taught college-level youth ministry philosophy. I have written books on youth ministry! I possess hundreds of books on youth ministry, prayer, spirituality and many other topics of Christian thinking and practice. And because God knows all this, He gave me a marriage partner with a childlike faith. Terri does not out-think the room. She spent 20 years in the cave with Jesus, dealing with her serious health issues and those of our kids, until He told her to quit trying to out-think the health issues. She obeyed Him. Then God healed all three of them. As a result of this and her many years in the cave, she knows the voice of her Shepherd, and she does whatever He says. Period. She does not over-analyze His voice to make sure it is theologically sound, or worry about hearing the “wrong” voice. She simply hears and obeys. In a newsletter from many years ago, I wrote about Paul Yonggi Cho, the pastor of one of the largest churches in the world. When asked about the secret of his success, his answer was in a similar vein: “I pray, and obey.”

I do not believe that a seminary degree or shelves of books or computer access to a plethora of software and online resources are wrong. But if they distract me from childlike faith, they have become a hindrance, and Hebrews 12:1 is clear about what to do with hindrances: throw them off. So, in obedience, 40% of my library has been recently “thrown off” into the hands of the used book buyer at Powell’s, or friends, or thrift stores.

And during this season of transition for the Higgs family, when most of my remaining books and other possession are packed in boxes and will likely stay there for some time, I have not (often) missed them all that much. I can still pray, read the Word of God, hear His voice, and obey. I can still do ministry, even without much of an office. Imagine. The Sheep on Main, and my wife, remind me of that.

Mike Higgs and his wife Terri are founding partners of sondance, a nonprofit with a focus on spiritual formation, family restoration, and community transformation. After 35 years of youth ministry and networking in the Portland, Oregon area, God is in the process of uprooting Mike and replanting him in Carey, Idaho. To receive his free monthly newsletter, contact him at: sondancemike@gmail.com.

Praying for Our Nation's Youth

Donna Nuss — 2013-05-17 10:00:00.0 PST

To me, it is staggering that we have 32 million middle- and high school-aged students in our country. Youth are our nation's greatest natural resource and treasure. They are also a huge unreached people group for the gospel.

In May of 2012, I attended a prayer consultation held before NNYM's Youth Ministry Executive Council (a gathering of leaders of fifty denominations and youth organizations). During this time of prayer, we focused on how God would have us reshape our approach to reaching this generation. For me, the greatest outcome was a conviction that prayer is vital! I also have a fervent desire for youth workers and community leaders to pray together.

Then in the summer of 2012, I felt impressed to put together a 30-Day Guide for Praying for Our Nation's Youth. My hope is that it will be used like a small snowball going down the mountain, gaining momentum, and becoming part of an increasing avalanche of prayer. Please feel free to use this guide at anytime this year or 2014, and to pass it on to others.

Birth of a Student Prayer Movement

Keith Malcom — 2013-05-15 07:00:00.0 PST

In my community, a student prayer movement began in January of 1998 at one suburban high school – but it didn’t stop there.

Two student leaders and about twenty other students at Maize High School began praying for a spiritual awakening on their campus, for the salvation of specific students, and opportunities to share Christ with them. In February 1998, over half of these students began fasting and praying for three weeks. As a result of their prayers one student yielded her life to Christ, in her room, by herself during spring break. And the prayers continued to be answered. Even after these prayer leaders graduated there were more students for whom this group had prayed that yielded their lives to Christ.

In this prayer journey, we learned some things that might help you in your community as well.

Encourage

As director of Campus Ministry Network (CMN) in my community of Wichita, Kansas, I encouraged the student leaders at Maize. I also gave them a platform to share their vision and experiences of leading a prayer group with other students, youth pastors, parents and adults at a citywide CMN Banquet, Student Leadership Conference and through our print newsletter (pre-digital age). Students from across metro Wichita – an area of nearly 625,000 people today – caught the vision and soon there were many new student prayer groups.  

Equip

Along the way we learned how to equip student leaders to pray. We realized that Student prayer leaders need adults in their lives to:

Champion their God-given dreams, and
Equip them with practical tips and creative ideas on leading a student prayer groups while embracing the vision that God has given them.

We also learned that Experienced student prayer leaders can also be used to equip students. The student prayer leaders at Maize High School didn’t just cast vision for prayer to students from other campuses. They also helped to equip them in how to lead a student prayer group at our annual Student Leadership Conference.

Pray and Listen

Be a consistent role model of prayer for your students. My experience has been that key student prayer leaders usually come from churches, youth ministries or families that have modeled and taught the importance of prayer. Even with good adult and student role models, a once thriving student prayer movement in a community can begin to diminish. This happened at the schools in our community. But I kept praying and encouraging adults to pray. I even promoted a national prayer event near our community, praying that God would rise up from this event a new generation of student prayer leaders.

God did answer my prayer, but not as I expected. Just weeks after the big prayer event I got a call from a student who had a vision so big for student prayer that she almost talked herself out of sharing it out loud with others. I listened as she shared her calling to pray for a spiritual awakening in our community. I encouraged her vision for prayer and connected her with another student with a similar heart for prayer.

These two met with other students during the summer to pray for a spiritual awakening in our area and for the Christian student leaders on the campuses. When the school year started, I gave them a platform to share their heart for prayer and spiritual awakening at our community-wide See You After The Pole event.

One week later, these student leaders asked to meet with me. They shared  their desire to do monthly campus prayer walks in our community. We saw students catching a vision for prayer as they were inspired by the See You After The Pole event and participated in campus prayer walks. Soon there were more campus prayer groups in our community.

So how can you see something like this happen where you live? The "interactive" below offers some very practical suggestions.

Building a Student Prayer Movement

A student prayer movement in your community will probably look different than what happened in my community. Here are some action points to guide you as you pray for God to work in and through your students:

Pray for your students. Ask parents, grandparents, youth pastors and any interested adult in your community to pray for youth, campuses and for student prayer leaders in your community. Find adults who will commit to pray consistently (weekly or daily).
Listen to what God is saying. He may be speaking through one of your students. Listen to their dreams and prayerfully guide and direct them.
Encourage your students by sharing your vision and passion for prayer. Give experienced student prayer leaders a platform to share at See You After The Pole, student leadership conferences, retreats, and youth meetings. Use Twitter, Facebook, blogs and websites as platforms to share students’ stories.
Equip students interested in starting prayer groups or those who are already leading them, with practical tips and creative ideas on how to lead a campus prayer group. Use experienced student prayer leaders with good communication skills to equip other students. Student leadership conferences and retreats are great venues for workshop sessions on how to lead a campus prayer group.

How Your Ministry Network Grows

Kevin Boer — 2013-05-13 07:00:00.0 PST

Do you feel stuck as you try to work together with others in reaching teenagers in your community? You may have been there from the beginning of your network -- it is pretty exciting to launch an effort to unite those  in a community for youth ministry. But now that the newness has worn off and some of the core team may have moved to other ministries, you might find yourself stymied in direction or even in participation. How do you get your ministry network growing again?

The beauty of God’s creation is that everything grows. A tree starts from a seed, grows into a sapling and then produces fruit and multiplies. Likewise, in youth worker networks, there are stages of growth that ministry networks naturally go through. Healthy networks go through the stages of Starting, Growing, Serving and Multiplying.

Starting

Every youth worker network starts as an idea -- a vision of what can be. God raises up a youth leader, student or parent who is burdened about the needs of youth in their community and realizes there is no way to meet the needs of all teenagers alone. They take their burden to God in prayer -- the foundation of all healthy networks. That person reaches out to other like-minded people, who gather to pray together and share their common vision in the context of relationships.

Growing

As that vision develops - to reach and equip teenagers in the community - the small group might invite other like-minded people to come on board. The group builds relational bonds through developing trust and meeting together. The focus is on personal sharing and being a part of something bigger than just one church, organization or individual.

Serving

At some point in the life of the network, the vision drives the group to begin assessing and addressing the needs of youth in the community. The conversation turns to the question, "What does God want us to accomplish together?" The foundation of trust becomes a launching pad for ministry. The network works together to equip and disciple teenagers to be disciple makers. The fruit of networking is experienced in the lives of students being better reached, equipped, and sent out for ministry.

Multiplying

As the network continues to grow, they begin to focus on specific regions or schools. The network spawns other networks, as well as sub-groups that agree to collaborate within the networks. They open the door to non-traditional youth workers (parents, civic leaders, educators, marketplace leaders, students) to participate in community ministry initiatives. They also begin to broaden their vision toward other communities that need the influence of a healthy ministry network, sowing the seeds of working together to those outside their local community. 

Taking it to the Next Level

No matter where your network is in its maturity, there are tools to help your group grow. Take a look at the "Interactive" below, and then check further in the InDepth section for more resources to help you continue growing your ministry network.

How Your Network Grows 

These questions are designed to help you in each stage of your network. Alone - or, better, with your leadership team -  take time to answer the questions that apply to your ministry network.

Starting

What is the central idea that has drawn youth workers in your area together?
How can you start gathering other youth workers for prayer and relationships?

Growing

Who else in your community resonates with the desire to reach and equip youth to be transformed into disciple makers?
What are ways you can build trust in your team of youth workers?

Serving

What are the spiritual, physical and emotional needs of youth in your community?
How can you work together to help meet those needs?

Multiplying

How can you widen the net to bring in more youth leaders in the surrounding area?
Are there any nearby areas outside of your community that God has laid on your heart to stimulate a network of those who want to reach teenagers?

The Global Leadership Summit

Alon Banks — 2013-05-10 10:00:00.0 PST

Because of the ongoing relationship that Reach Youth New England has developed with Willow Creek Association, we have once again secured a discount code for the LOWEST possible price, $79, to attend the Summit, not only for New England Youth Workers but for EVERY youth worker in America!! Pretty great, huh?  Click here to find out more information or to see the list of locations click here.

PLEASE NOTE: To honor our commitment to Willow Creek, we must ask that this code be used ONLY by youth workers, youth ministry volunteers, college, and high school students. This code is not to be used by general church staff or others.

Just use the code 13TGLSYTH when you register to get the discount!

Is The Old Way Really The Best Way?

Paul Turner — 2013-05-06 10:00:00.0 PST

I love learning new things, new technology, and especially better ways to do youth ministry. I saw this video, and as usual, I have some questions for you. Watch and then respond.

What new problem are you facing that you are trying an old method to fix it? Is it working? If not why not?
What do you consider the “old ways” of youth ministry?
What “old way” of doing youth ministry still exists that needs to go?
What “old way” of doing youth ministry needs to stay?
What new model of youth ministry has emerged in the past few years that seems to be effective?

I look forward to your thoughts.

Paul has a passion for equipping youth workers to disciple teens. You can find his blog here.

May Digital YouthWorker Journal

Alon Banks — 2013-05-03 10:00:00.0 PST

This issue of YouthWorker Journal focuses on THE BEST. Follow any of these three links:

Why Network? Part 2 - Equipping

Kevin Boer — 2013-04-22 07:00:00.0 PST

Ever feel alone in ministry? Boy, I sure have. I remember one time being so depressed that I could not even get off the floor to go to speak at my youth group. Isolation, abandonment and desperation can all combine to push us away from those who can help us most. Thankfully, I had friends in ministry who took the initiative and helped me work through my issues. But how about you?

So why are we better together?

In part 1 we talked about how Jesus desires our unity. That unity isn't just for unity's sake. One reason we are better together is because we can build each other up. One of my favorite verses is Prov. 27:17:

“As iron sharpens iron so one friend sharpens another."

Uniting together gives each of us the opportunity to get sharpened in ministry. I see this happening in three ways.

We encourage one another

Many of the great leaders in the Bible dealt with discouragement. Joshua, Elijah, Gideon, Barak, Timothy, Paul - and even Jesus! On the night of His betrayal, He told His disciples to stay awake and watch with Him because He was overwhelmed with sorrow. If Jesus needed this support, we must also need one another - to watch each others' backs and to help build our courage. Who is in your corner with you?

We equip one another

Iron sharpening iron is a great word picture. A dull blade is dangerous because it will not cut properly. How many times are we functioning as "dull blades" in youth ministry? Other youth workers are ideally suited to help us to get the training, the resources and the strategy we need to effectively equip teenagers to be disciple makers. Working together helps us develop the skill set necessary to thrive in ministry - rather than barely survive!

We edify one another

I belong to a ministry network where we build each other up and help fill in each others' gaps. When we get together, we pray for our personal and ministry needs. When somebody hurts we stop and focus on them. Many times youth leaders get together outside of meetings to support and help one another.

We are better together!

We want you to be built up and to build others up in youth ministry. You may not think of yourself as a youth worker. But if you love God and love teenagers, we need you and we think you need us! I invite you to register with NNYM, get plugged in to a local ministry network, and begin to experience how we can equip one another for ministry!

7 Reasons Why I'll Skip Your Youth Ministry Network Meeting

Paul Turner — 2013-04-19 10:00:00.0 PST

Editor's Note: this blog was first published at Free Ideas for Making Disciples

This will sounds grossly arrogant, but I don't "need" a network. Now, let me clarify, I do not need a traditional network. I am in certain category, I am a 40 +, 22 year youth ministry veteran. Many networks are sponsored to pimp programs or sell stuff. Think of the timeshare you sat through to get the free ticket to x park in Orlando. Was it worth it? This is not to say I don't need Christian friendships or professional peers, I just have a different context for those.

So, whether it is Greg Stier from Dare 2 Share doing a luncheon 2 hrs from me or a company at YS doing a network deal at a conference or a local network in my area, I apply the following rules to all of them.

Here are a few reasons I'll skip a network meeting:

I'll skip it if we are only meeting so you can share your agenda and why we should jump in/buy your stuff (aka pimping your stuff )
I have enough going on. I don' t need another thing to sponsor.
I'll skip it if I feel there isn't space to share my experience or talents.
Like I said, I am in a different boat and the context of many meetings don't apply to me. I am at the point in life and career where sharing and passing on what I know is of utmost importance. I am doing this through my blog and Squidoo articles, and it is very satisfying. If there is not open space to help someone, I check out.
I'll skip it if I think you are going to waste my time (meeting just to meet)
Once again, meeting to meet, unless I am with my closest friends (shout out to my Hueytown crew), is a a waste of time. I don' need a guest speaker. I can watch what I want or need on YouTube.
I'll skip it if there is no networking.
I have been to many kinds of network meetings, seated around round tables, and I left without having really networked. To me, and most people I think, networking is not a meeting or a guest speaker. Networking is for sharing ideas, making friends, and praying with those who share your burden for the next generation. A network sponsors role is to create the context where these things can happen.
I'll skip it if I am not challenged to be more.
I want to network with people who challenge me, challenge the way I think about ministry, life, and faith. I don't need a pep talk, I need answers and life on life relationships. I have enough surface relationships, thank you.
I'll skip it if I sense I won't walk away smarter or better than I walked in.
This goes back to the principles of networking which is relationship. You many also say, "How arrogant." Go ahead and say that. Let's see what you're like after 20 years, you have a family, you have kids in college, and see if a network meeting is the same draw for you. I love relationships and new ideas. I want those at my network meeting.
I skip it if I feel like I'll be shamed for skipping it.
If you run a network or host a network, you should love your network and value the people in it. Shaming someone because they've missed or because you think that person doesn't "buy in" to your philosophy is the wrong direction.

Advice to network leaders, Treat youth pastors like you would the kids that come to your youth ministry:

Always keep your channels open.
Send friendly reminders that you missed them.
Offer them the opportunity to contribute (they won't skip as much)
Love them fiercely.

So, whether you think I am arrogant, pretentious, or just crazy, that is o.k.. I know me. I am who I am and you are who you are. I am getting ready to "play the back 9", as some say, and I want a network of people who will make playing the back nine as fun, informative, crazy, and as fruitful as possible.

You may say "If you are so dissatisfied, Why don't you start your own network then." Good idea. I have a thought. if you live in the Birmingham area or not, are interested in being equipped and not just entertained, check out EQUIP and let's see if we can create something cool.

What about you? Do you have a youth ministry network? Do you love it or hate it? Do you skip it for any of the reasons above? Which ones?

If you are a network leader frustrated with how your network, do any of the above principles apply to you? Which ones?

Why do you think people are skipping your meetings?

Why Student Pastors Need Other Student Pastors

Austin McCann — 2013-04-19 10:00:00.0 PST

I have been thinking about writing a post on this topic for a long time now because I believe it’s an important subject. Every time I think about this topic, Bill Withers classic song “Lean on Me” comes to mind. It’s true that as student pastors, we need other student parents to lean on at times. I’m amazed at how many student pastors sit in their office day in and day out and never interact or network with other students pastors. 

But why? Why do students pastors need to really worry about having other student pastors around them? There are countless reasons, but here are a few that I believe are most important.

1. Encouragement. Student ministry can be tough. Working with middle and high school students that at times don’t seem to get it, or even care for that matter, can be exhausting and discouraging. This is one reason student pastors need each other, for mutual encouragement. I am part of a few student pastor groups on Facebook and it’s cool to see how someone will post something about what they are going through in ministry and they will get slammed with encouragement from other guys in the trenches of student ministry with them.

2. Fresh ideas. Let’s face it, we will eventually run out of ideas. There will be times when your creative juices are out and your all out of ideas for a game, illustration, or an event. These are great times to talk to other student pastors and see what they are doing. Don’t steal their next event or sermon illustration, but get your creative juices flowing as you see what they are doing.

3. Friendship. Some of my best friends are student pastors. It’s great to get together with other student pastors and just build friendships. Leave the student ministry talk at the door and just hangout together. It’s in the context of friendship that a lot of these other things happen.

4. Accountability. This is not an easy one, but one reason student pastors need other student pastors is to keep them accountable for what they are doing in their ministry. It’s easy to get off track in student ministry and start to focus on things that don’t really matter. For example, you can focus on the next game instead of the next sermon series. You can spend countless hours on putting together a sweet PowerPoint, but not enough time on the content of the message. Have some student pastors around you that can keep you on track and keep your eyes on the important stuff in student ministry.

5. Accomplish more for the Kingdom. We can reach more students for Jesus if we work together. If we try to do it alone we may reach and teach numerous students, but we will never reach the level we could if we lock arms and do it together. Do some events together with your ministries. Do anything, but do it together! Don’t set your ministry aside as the “only ministry in town.” Reach students in your community while partnering with the other student pastors that are striving to do the same thing.

These are just a few of the many reasons student pastors need other student pastors. I would encourage you to seek out a network of student pastors in your area and connect with them consistently. A great place to start is the National Network of Youth Ministries. Also, here are three Facebook groups for student pastors that you may find helpful: Youth Pastors Only, YouthPastor.com, and YouthMin.org.

Editor's note: Austin McCann blogs regularly at austinmccann.com. 

Youth Ministry Etiquette

Doug Franklin — 2013-04-15 08:00:00.0 PST

What do you do when a kid from another youth group shows up in your youth ministry?

I like using the word “etiquette” when talking about this issue in youth ministry because I doubt many youth workers think about “etiquette” when doing their jobs. Normally we think about who can be the loudest, the wackiest, and have the best program. But etiquette is important when working with the local youth workers in your town to make sure that you are not adding to a problem. We all want to see our youth ministries grow, but more importantly we want to see families’ spiritual needs met.

When a kid from another youth group shows up at your door, you must call his youth pastor and tell him about it. It is my belief that you must do everything in your power to help that student get back to their youth ministry. Having a family within one church community is the best for them and the church. You may need to be a mediator for the student and his youth pastor. You may need to solve a family problem or disagreement. But whatever you do, get the student back into his youth group.

As youth workers in the same community you should talk about these things before they happen and know that you have each other’s back. The harder you work to build community amongst local youth pastors, the more effective everyone will be in building the Kingdom.

Why Are We Better Together? (Part 1)

Kevin Boer — 2013-04-12 07:00:00.0 PST

Our society places a high value on rugged individuality. Many a hero sweeps in, saves the damsel, and defeats the enemy all on their own. Maybe there is a sidekick along for the ride. However, when it comes to transforming the lives of millions of teenagers, no one can do it alone.

Jesus had it figured out so many years ago. We are better together. That is what He prayed for all of us.

“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one — I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. - John 17:20-23

Jesus wanted us to work together

Before we were even born, Jesus prayed for us to be unified. He cared so much about unity that before He went to the cross, He wanted to make sure we knew. And the common denominator is that Jesus is in us just as the Father is in Jesus. Somehow, God is hanging out inside our bodies. And He is also hanging out inside all the other believers; regardless of ethnicity, denomination or political stance. He glories in us working together with Him.

Unity reflects who God is

Jesus wanted us to be one just like He is one with the Father. There is unity within the Trinity: God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. I don’t get how the Trinity works. However, I do know that God is one in purpose and direction and wants us to be the same. His desire and energy is to be united with us.

Our unity shares His message

When we are unified with God and each other, it naturally shows who God is. Our working together has the purpose of being in partnership with God.  He chose us to represent Him here on earth to those who do not yet know Jesus intimately. If churches bicker or ignore each other, they do not share who God is. The message becomes diluted by petty arguments and stubborn pride. When we are in Jesus and working together with our brothers and sisters, people will see the difference and understand the message of the gospel.

That is why I choose to work with National Network of Youth Ministries. Their focus is to live out the slogan “We are better together”. My dream is to see 1.6 billion teenagers in community with Jesus. There is no way anyone can do it alone. I invite you to register with NNYM, get plugged in to a local ministry network, and help us work together so that the world may know.

Virtual Youth Worker Convention - in Spanish!

Abel Lopez — 2013-04-10 07:00:00.0 PST

English

Liderazgo Juvenil is a youth leader training organization dedicated to training Spanish-speaking youth leaders across the United States and Latin America though seminars and resources made available via the internet on their website: www.liderazgojuvenil.com.

For the past three years, Liderazgo Juvenil has hosted a yearly Virtual Convention for youth leaders. Participants are able to be part of the conventions via streaming video on the internet. They are also able to download support materials and print a diploma of participation.

During 2011, Liderazgo Juvenil successfully hosted a Virtual Convention for Youth Leaders entitled "I am a Youth Leader and now ... Who can help me?" In 2012, Liderazgo Juvenil hosted a second Virtual Convention for youth leaders entitled: "Vulnerable or Untouchable Leadership". Both virtual conventions managed to train thousands of leaders around Latin America.

Now in 2013!

Liderazgo Juvenil, American Bible Society, and CVCLAVOZ present for the third time the Virtual Convention for youth leaders, entitled: "12 Keys For Effective Youth Ministry." Taught by internationally recognized speakers in the field of leadership:

Jeffrey De Leon
Abel Lopez
Victor Cardenas
Oscar Castillo

This convention will be broadcast for free on April 19 and 20 from the ustream.tv platform and will require no pre-event registration.

For more information visit: http://liderazgojuvenil.com or http://liderazgo.cvclavoz.com

Spanish

Liderazgo Juvenil es una organización dedicada a entrenar líderes de jóvenes de habla hispana por todo Estados Unidos y Latino America a través de conferencias y recursos disponibles en su página de Internet www.liderazgojuvenil.com.

Por los últimos tres años Liderazgo Juvenil ha organizado una convención virtual anual para líderes de jóvenes. Los participantes toman parte de estas convenciones a través de videos transmitidos vía la internet y son capaces de descargar materiales de estudio e imprimir un diploma de participación.

Con gran éxito Liderazgo Juvenil realizo en el 2011 La Convención Virtual "Soy Líder de Jóvenes y Ahora... ¿Quién podrá Ayudarme?". En el 2012 La 2da Convención Virtual "Liderazgo Vulnerable o Intocable". Ambas lograron capacitar a miles de líderes alrededor de Latinoamérica.

¡Ahora en el 2013!

Liderazgo Juvenil y CVCLAVOZ presentan por tercera vez la Convención virtual de liderazgo titulada: "Las 12 claves para el Ministerio Juvenil Efectivo". Impartida por conferencistas reconocidos internacionalmente en el ámbito del liderazgo.

Jeffrey De León
Abel López
Victor Cardenas
Oscar Castillo

La convención será transmitida gratuitamente el 19 y 20 de Abril, desde la plataforma de ustream.tv, y no requerirá inscripción previa al evento.

Para más información visite http://liderazgojuvenil.com o http://liderazgo.cvclavoz.com.

Para ver los vídeos promocionales sobre la convención visita: http://youtu.be/ZQ3fK4SHVdM o http://www.youtube.com/user/LiderazgoJuvenil1.

Recruiting Youth Ministry Volunteers

Mark Moder — 2013-04-08 10:00:00.0 PST

Youthworkers are always asking the same question.

How can I get more help?!

It doesn’t take you long as a youth worker before you figure out this is the whole youth ministry game: recruiting, training, and deploying leaders. You are only as good as your team. You can only reach as many students as you have leaders to handle them.

If you have not come to this conclusion yet, then you are either on your first youth ministry tour of duty or on the path to burnout; where you will find this statement carved into the edge of the cliff at the jouney’s end: “I can’t do this by myself anymore.” Other than integrity, your ability to recruit, train, deploy and retain leaders may be the single most significant factors in determining your youth ministry’s success or failure, regardless of how you measure it.

So let’s take these one at a time. First up: Recruiting.  Where do you find good leaders?

Many new youth workers think that simply putting an ad in the bulletin or making an announcement from the stage is the way to recruit. Wrong. In both big churches and small churches this is not the silver bullet that you’d expect it to be. Recruiting is not a one shot deal from the stage. Yes, you still need to do it, but temper you expectations. And here’s how you want to frame it.

Key #1. Paint a picture that the potential volunteer can see themselves in.

Many people believe teenagers need help and that helping them is valuable. Most just don’t think they have the skillset or the ability to do it. Whether you’re recruiting from the stage in a video or in person, paint a picture for the volunteer that they can see themselves in.

Have a volunteer talk about how fearful they were when they started, about the simplicity of what they actually did. Have them speak about how meaningful and fulfilling it’s been, and the difference it made in their own life personally, as well as that of the teenager. Most of your potential volunteers feel like their missing something in their lives. People want to do something meaningful, something that makes a difference. Youth ministry can provide that, and they need to know it.

Key #2. Tell them you will not feed them to the lions.

Promise to train them with whatever skills they need before you leave them alone with teenagers!

Key #3 Make the time commitment BITE SIZE.

This is the most common mistake that keeps your volunteer pool dry. Too often leaders require youth staff volunteers to be at everything. Youth Service, Sunday School, Events, Leadership Meetings, Sunday Service, Pre-service prayer… and on and on. Quality people are not just out there sitting on their butts. They are already busy with something else. You want to make the time commitment small enough that quality people can easily add it to their schedule, but meaningful enough that the volunteer feels it is making a difference. If you cannot do this, you will forever have one kind of volunteer; the 18-25 yr. old single person, or the awkward person that has no life. If you want to recruit awesome people you must make the weekly time commitment bite size. Besides, I’m convinced that if I can just get my foot in the door with a new volunteer, youth ministry will beat out everything else eventually, hands down.

Key #4 Make the application long but the process easy.

Insurance companies will tell you that a long application discourages pedophiles from applying. When “hiring” a volunteer, the process should be that same as if you were hiring a paid employee. A background check doesn’t always catch everything. Having an extensive application discourages bad people from applying. However, make the process simple. In that I mean, don’t have 17 steps over a 6 month period to get people in the door. Fill out and process the application, have a face to face meeting; and get them volunteering as soon as everything checks out. The only exception I would make to this is if a person is brand new to your congregation and is unknown to anyone.

Key #5 Create a list of expectations.

Here’s what you can expect from us and here’s what we expect from you.

People are afraid of the unknown. People want to make sure that by saying yes they are not committing to helping you until Jesus comes back. Creating a short list of expectations gives you some talking points that will help you close the deal when recruiting a new volunteer. Here are a few of the things I like to include:

What we expect from you:

Length of commitment (generally the school year)
List of what they need to be at.
Communicate ahead of time when they are going to be absent.
A short job description of what they’ll be doing.
A short list of character or behavior policies that you require.

What you can expect from me: (this is EXTREMELY beneficial!)

Pastoral Care: I will be your primary pastoral care giver. When you volunteer for me, I care for you in return.
You won’t have to pay for youth events. Charge students extra if you don’t have the budget for this policy. People shouldn’t have to take off work and pay as well for the privilege of volunteering at your event. I have done this at every church I have ever been at, both large and small; it not only works, it speaks volumes to your volunteers about their value.
We will publish our yearly calendar in August.  Planning ahead tells volunteers you know what you’re doing, and aren’t flying by the seat of your pants. Don’t be surprised if you spring something on people if they don’t show up. People have lives.
We will pay for the resources you need to do what we are asking you to do (curriculum etc…)
We will train you and give you opportunities to go to conferences to receive additional trainings.

Wow. This is a lot longer article that I intended it to be when I began, but I hope it’s been helpful.

One last thing about recruiting:

Everyone on your team must recruit, all year long. Recruiting cannot just be relegated to a 3 week push each Fall. Yes have the push, but make sure your entire team is recruiting all the time. Many of your volunteers have friends that would be great at this. Ask teenagers what adults they know who would be awesome youth ministry volunteers. And make sure every current volunteer understands the application process, and how to get an application to people. 

5 Reasons To Do A Joint Disciple Now

Joshua Fuentes — 2013-04-05 07:00:00.0 PST

I’ve been in youth ministry for over five years, and one of the events I always look forward to is Disciple Now weekend. If you don’t know what Disciple Now is, it’s a weekend retreat filled with worship, bible studies, fellowships, and mission projects. Students stay at host homes, and in some sense, it’s like a weekend lock-in! I’ve been a part of Disciple Now weekends since I was a teenager, and I’ve always enjoyed how God moves in the lives of everyone who participates in them.

For the longest time, I believed Disciples Now’s could only be done by individual churches, however, two years ago my mind changed after I partnered with other youth ministers in my area to put together a community Disciple Now. If you haven’t tried to work with other churches to have a joint Disciple Now weekend here are five reasons why you should:

Collaboration: The old saying goes, “Two heads are better than one,” is completely true. Working with a group of ministers to brainstorm ideas brings out the best in everyone. When different ideas start being pitched, everyone’s creativity goes into overdrive and our students are blessed by it. Moreover, this provides an opportunity to work though weaknesses in an idea, which may not be caught when you plan by yourself.

Off-set Cost: Youth budgets are always tight, and being able to put together a quality Disciple Now can be hard when you have little money to spend. Yet, when you work together, each church is able to shoulder the burden so everyone can have a great Disciple Now. Furthermore, from my experience, when everyone gives what they can the costs are always covered. Plus, there’s always extra money that can be used for next year!

Helping Smaller Churches: When I was a bi-vocational youth minister, putting together a Disciple Now was hard. Sometimes I would get invited to join with another church, but I always felt like it was their Disciple Now, not ours. When multiple churches come tougher, this provides an opportunity to help out the smaller churches that are not able to do one. Smaller churches feel valued because they were able to contribute, and don’t feel consumed by one group since the Disciple Now is for everyone!

Worship: When you worship with your students, it’s awesome. But when students from multiple churches come together, it changes the entire dynamic. When multiple youth groups come together it exposes your students to different styles of worship. This helps them see there’s no one way to worship our God. And as an added bonus, it now gives you a chance to incorporate a new style of worship you may not have had in your youth ministry.

Kingdom Emphasis: Out of all the reasons, this is the big one because a joint Disciple Now weekend shows our churches being the Church. Students need to see Christianity goes beyond walls and intersects with everyday life. They need to see they are not the only ones living out the faith, and that there are tons of believers out there trying to live it out just like them. A joint Disciple Now weekend encourages students and shows them the Kingdom is all around them!

In the end, everyone is blessed when ministers work together. God is glorified, the Kingdom is emphasized, and what could have never been done by one is now accomplished, because a group came together. If you want to start a joint Disciple Now, but don’t know where to start, please feel free to contact me anytime! So the big question is what’s stopping you?

Joshua Fuentes is the student minister at Second Baptist Church in Corpus Christi, TX and works with youth and college students. He's been married for five years and has a beautiful four-year-old daughter. You can find him on Facebook or follow him @JoshuaFuentes85 on Twitter. Josh also blogs at millennialchristianity.com and contributes to youthmin.org.

April YouthWorker Journal

Alon Banks — 2013-04-01 10:00:00.0 PST

This month,YouthWorker Journal’s mission is to help you learn more about how to do mission work with your students.

The Roundtable on Living Missionally to the Ends of the Earth contains information from Terry Linhart, Don Richter, Hilary Alan and Steve Corbett, while Brad Griffin and Kara Powell talk to you about Sticky Service. Jon Huckins shares about Cultivating Sent Ones; and Jeff discusses the fact that while youth are long on passion, they’re short on experience.

Meanwhile, Suanne Camfield wants to help you break the habits that no longer serve your youth group and develop new habits that work for your team. 

Is Trivia Trivial?

Alon Banks — 2013-03-29 10:00:00.0 PST

With the recent surge of interest in the Bible – thanks to The History Channel’s “The Bible” series and GSN’s “The American Bible Challenge” game show – does knowing the number of times Delilah tricked Samson, or remembering the name of the guy whose ear Peter cut off or reciting the age of the youngest king of Judah make any difference?

Any fan of baseball knows the number of home runs Mark McGwire hit in 1998. Star Wars geeks can tell you the number of tentacles hanging from the head of the Jedi Knight Kit Fisto. Spongebob devotees can tell you what color Spongebob painted the krabby patties in episode 2. Why? Love.

A person in love can tell you the number of freckles on the nose of his girlfriend, the color of her eyes and the length of the dimples on her cheek to the closest millimeter. Why? Love, love, love. He stares with deep affection at his beloved, desiring to know every nook and cranny of her beautiful face. He can’t get enough, so affection has made him an expert.

This same kind of love should make us experts in the Bible. This doesn’t have to do only with knowledge, because knowledge can be dangerous. In 1 Corinthians 8:1, Paul warned, “But knowledge puffs up while love builds up.” When we flaunt our Bible knowledge, we only make ourselves look smart. Those people who watch Jeopardy and shout out the answers for everyone in the room, aren’t trying to make Alex Trebek look good, they are drawing all the attention to themselves. On the other hand, if we brag about our love for God and His Word, we build Him up and encourage others with our understanding.

Knowledge for the sake of knowledge makes us arrogant. Knowledge for the sake of love turns us into passionate nerds for the Bible. We should know the Bible because we love it, staring at it for hours, losing ourselves in its comforting words and anxious for the hope it brings.

Knowing Bible trivia is no trivial matter, as long as it reveals our love for God’s gift to us.

Troy Schmidt is a campus pastor at First Baptist Church Windermere, FL and a writer/ consulting producer for “The American Bible Challenge” on GSN. His latest book, “The American Bible Challenge Daily Reader: Volume 1,” is in stores. You can find out more about him at www.troyeschmidt.com.

In Sync

Mike Higgs — 2013-03-25 10:00:00.0 PST

Recently, I was driving from the Sacramento airport to a camp in the mountains of northern California to facilitate a Prayer Summit for some pastors and spiritual leaders of Modesto.

Because chains would likely be required before I reached my destination and rental cars don’t supply those, the leaders called and asked me to meet them in a nearby town so I could ride up with them.

While I am pretty good at finding my way to places, in this case I just plugged the town into the Apple Map app on my iPhone and, while engaged in further phone conversations (using a hands-free headset, of course), drove where the app told me.

I discovered why Apple is taking so much heat for replacing the Google Maps app with their own: theirs does not work as well. While their app has some cool bells and whistles, some roads and landmarks that it insisted were there, were not there on my journey. Their app did not, for me, sync very well with reality.

Is Youth Ministry "in Sync"?

In the ebb and flow of youth ministry, many are saying that youth ministry is in an ebb season. There is evidence to support that contention: youth group attendance is down across the nation; the youth pastor is no longer the automatic second pastoral staff hire at churches; the pressures for youth workers to give increased attention to the kids in the church and to build attendance at events have only increased.

As someone who ministers to youth pastors, I deal with the fallout from this all the time. But to take this evidence and come to the conclusion that ministry to teenagers is ebbing does not sync with reality. Here’s three examples why:

On December 27-31, 16,000 late teens and twentysomethings – mostly college students – gathered in St. Louis for “Urbana 2012”, a Student Missions Conference held by InterVarsity Christian Fellowship every three years.
Across the state in Kansas City, 25,000 students showed up on Dec. 28-31 for the International House Of Prayer’s “One Thing.”
And on Jan. 1-4, close to 65,000 students showed up at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta for “Passion 2013.”

Do the math: over 100,000 students gave up close to a week of their Christmas break to attend one of these conferences, which were anything but milquetoast: all boldly called attendees to radically follow Christ and commit their lives to His service. And these three events are just the ones with more national visibility; I imagine there were thousands of students at other conferences around the country over the holidays.

The Back Story

What does this have to do with a supposed ebb in youth ministry? The students who attended these epic events were, just a few years ago, likely involved in high school youth groups. For all the chatter about teenagers bailing on their youth groups and their churches and their faith, something spiritually substantial must be going on to prepare so many young adults to show up at these events.

Because youth workers are my tribe and youth ministry my vocation, I am not ignorant or unaware of the present challenges in youth ministry. I just want to be in sync with reality – spiritual reality. And God is up to something among young people.

Lee Grady, former editor of Charisma Magazine, concurs. In a recent online article, he wrote, “At the end of each year I always seek the Lord for a clear prophetic word for my own life, and sometimes He speaks something to me about the nation. This year the message has been clear.

He told me: “Pray for a great awakening in the younger generation.”

Grady then listed three ways he was directed to pray:

Pray for a great “turning” in the hearts of the young.
Pray for a great “recall” of backslidden youth.
Pray for great boldness to arise in the younger generation.

His entire article is worth reading, and can be found online at: http://bit.ly/Wln3Ae. 

Read it, and pray it!

Bridging the Gap Between Churches and Schools

Haley Wherry — 2013-03-22 10:00:00.0 PST

There is no greater place in your community to impact more people for God than your local schools. For every child that attends a school, there is a family. For every teacher, staff and administrator there is a family. Many area businesses provide goods and services for the schools. There are very few people in your community that are not connected in some way to a school campus. When a church ministers to a school, it ministers to an entire community.

Now, I know what you are thinking. "God's not allowed in schools, so our church can't minister there." To say God isn't allowed anywhere is an indictment on your view of God and on your faith in Him . God is God. He can go anywhere and do anything He wants. In fact, the Bible says God is omnipresent, so that means He is already at school. The Bible also says wherever two or more are gathered in His name, there He is also. If we are at the schools in His name, then He will be there with us.

So, the question isn't "Is God allowed in schools?". It's, "Are we going to take God to schools?"

Here are 5 steps and 3 principles you and your church can use to begin ministering to a school and take God to the campus:

5 STEPS

Begin praying for the campus. Ask students and staff for prayer requests. Pray for each student and staff member by name (Use a yearbook). Do prayer walks on your campus. Build a Prayer Zone around your school.
Begin serving and meeting the needs of teachers, administrators and students that are members of your church. Ask them what they need for their classrooms or areas of responsibility and provide. Word will spread quickly that you are ready and willing to serve and others will request assistance. This will help build trust to open the door for step #3.
Set up a meeting with the administration to ask them what needs they have as a school. Meet with the Guidance Counselors to learn about needs the students have. Begin by meeting one need. Once you have met one need, begin meeting others. NOTE: You will not be able to meet every need but you may be able recruit other churches and other businesses who can meet needs your church is unable to.
Start asking "What do you wish for?" Teachers and administrators have a long list of needs...the things they must have in order to educate students. What really get's interesting and creative is when you ask them what they wish they could do for their students. Most teachers and administrators have a "wish list" of things they have always wanted to do for their students but do not have the time, money or energy. Meeting a needs is a blessing, but meeting a wish is something much more powerful!
Get involved! Join the Parent/Teacher Organization, the Band/Athletic Boosters, chaperone school dances, proctor standardized tests, mentor and assist students serving in campus ministries at the school...get involved wherever you see an opportunity.

3 PRINCIPLES

Do not expect or ask for anything in return. One of the first things you will encounter is that the school will suspect you of having ulterior motives and wonder if they can trust you and your church. Most of the time these concerns are legitimate because they have been burned and mislead in the past by people claiming to have the school's best interests at heart when in reality they had other plans. The school, although desperate for help, will not share their major needs and wishes with you until they know they can trust you. For example, when you provide notebooks for students, don't slip in a gospel tract or flyer for your youth ministry. When they ask you to volunteer at the school, don't show up with your Christian t-shirts on.
Trust that God will use your servant's heart to open doors for deeper ministry. If you approach every opportunity to serve as an opportunity to "preach", your ministry at the school will not last long. While school officials are concerned about any ulterior motives you may have, they also understand that there is a greater purpose involved in your service. When serving students or adults at the school, simply meet their need...don't force any spiritual discussion or direction. Trust that God will use your service to work in the hearts of those you are serving and that He will provide opportunities outside of your service to minister to them spiritually. (BTW, Jesus was a master at meeting physical needs first, them addressing spiritual needs.) So when you are chaperoning a dance, be polite and respectful of the students. If you catch two of them making out, politely ask them to stop and don't give them a lecture on "True Love Waits". Then, when you run into the students in the hallway of school the next week, or in Wal-mart the next day, they may approach you and ask you why you are always at their school or why you didn't lower the boom on them like they expected. That's when God opens the door for ministry to the soul.
Earn the trust of the school and keep it. Be overly protective of any favor that you gain with the school administration. All it takes is for one person to cross a line or cause someone to complain, and the administration may limit or cut off your ability to serve. This would include blatant "proselytizing", disruption of class time, or causing a burden to be placed on someone at the school. For example, if you serve the football team bottled water for practice and the school custodian has to put in extra work to pick up all the empty water bottles scattered across the practice field, that person may complain to the administration. Remember that your goal is to relieve stress on the school, not to create it....to be a blessing, not a burden.

The opportunity to minister to schools is wide open! We must simply do so in a way that honors and respects the school and it's rules, while at the same time honors God with our servants hearts.

The schools need our help and want our help. So, what are you waiting for?

Getting Practical

Here is a list of things our church has done to serve the high school that sits across the street from our church. Please leave a comment and share any ministry ideas you have for schools.

The band & ROTC use our gym for band camp and drill team practice.
Provide the guidance staff male & female toiletry kits.
Serve at the prom each year as bathroom attendants and parking lot attendants and have provided hair and make-up artists to fix "wardrobe malfunctions".
Provided breakfast for students and parents at orientation.
Provide water, cookies and chips to staff during teacher work days.
Provide coffee to assist the PTA serving breakfast to teachers and staff.
Serve in crisis response coordinating teens at the hospital and helping with communication between students, the hospital, parents and the schools. Coordinate with the guidance staff to connect local youth pastors to be available for counseling students after the death of a student.
Provide umbrellas for teachers on bus duty.
The school's preschool program used our nursery for 2 years when their school had mold problems.
Youth group participates in prayer events for the campus throughout the year.
Provide volunteers for Field Days and proctors for standardized tests.
Administration has used the sanctuary for teacher training when school was undergoing renovations.

Why Network? Part 3 - Love

Kevin Boer — 2013-03-18 07:00:00.0 PST

One word could change the entire world, if we only knew how to apply it.

As we are working together to disciple teenagers into disciple makers, our motivation is love for God and love for one another. Love is one of the most used - and misused - words in our language. It has been applied equally to people and things. ”I love my girlfriend,” or ”I love my iPod.” The same word has totally different meanings. But what does it really mean -- especially in the context of networking?

In answer to the question, “Why Network?” we've seen in Part 1 that unity is one reason, and in Part 2 that equipping is another reason. Now, let's look at how Jesus wants us to love one another.

John 15: 11-15

"I’ve told you these things for a purpose: that my joy might be your joy, and your joy wholly mature. This is my command: Love one another the way I loved you. This is the very best way to love. Put your life on the line for your friends. You are my friends when you do the things I command you. I’m no longer calling you servants because servants don’t understand what their master is thinking and planning. No, I’ve named you friends because I’ve let you in on everything I’ve heard from the Father.” -The Message

Sacrifice

How less complicated it would be if we could just follow the command to love one another! However, this kind of love is not cupids and hearts, it is more like “Saving Private Ryan.” Jesus modeled love by laying His life down for those he called friends. And it was just as bloody as the movie! Love is not a transaction or an emotion. It is putting others first and building them up, even if it means setting aside your own goals and ambitions.

In our local ministry network, we have developed a youth leaders’ small group where we meet for building community and studying Scripture. Over Memorial Day weekend one year, our small group helped another youth pastor move out of his third-story apartment. They had a 350-pound desk that was in his loft. We hoisted that beauty down 20 feet and then navigated a narrow stairwell. We laughed while we strained and grunted -- to a successful conclusion, I might add! That is love -- giving time and strength to help another in need.

Friends

Jesus calls us friends, not servants. Jim Britts, the network coordinator in my home town, said this: “You gotta be friends before you can partner.” As friends, we check our logos and egos at the door. We meet together because we genuinely want to be together. By looking out for one another’s interests, we become more open and trusting as we share about our love for teenagers. When the students we work with see the love we have for youth leaders in other churches and organizations, they see a Christ-like model that will influence them to love to those around them in similar ways.

Joy

Experiencing Jesus' love gives us joy. He desires for our joy to grow and mature. Sometimes, it is the "joy-despite-going-to-the-cross" kind of joy. This joy is based strongly in each network member's understanding of who they are in Christ and what He has done for them out of love. Each network member matures by developing their God-given passion and role for reaching teenagers for Christ and multiplying disciples. As our joy matures, our network matures, and the partnerships lead to more teenagers transformed by the love of Christ.

In Chardon, Ohio a group of youth leaders who loved and trusted each other, decided to enter into a radical partnership - they chose to meet as one youth group! Youth leaders from multiple denominations equipped teenagers to share their ministry and interests. It was a great joy to everyone to see how their groups became one. This may not be the exact DNA that God intends for your area, but it illustrates how many possibilities are possible when our networks mature in love.

Action

I remember the old dc Talk song, “Luv is a verb.” So how can you act on the sacrifice, friendship and joy of love? Reach out to another youth worker in your community. Join a network if you have not already, or start a network if there is not one in your area.

Experience the joy of loving one another!

Partnering in Netville

Doug Tegner — 2013-03-15 10:00:00.0 PST

As the 18 youth workers sat around indulging their brownbag lunches, clusters of four and five laughed and chided each other over the personal anecdotes they had experienced over the past few weeks. The monthly Netville Youth Worker Coalition meeting was about to begin, and this informal bantering around the room was a vital element of their gathering.

After introducing Greg, the new youth pastor at Netville Assemblies of God Church, Chad, the coordinator, reminded everyone of the homecoming events at Netville High School scheduled for the next week. He suggested that it would be a great opportunity to get on campus, hang out with kids, and meet some school administrators.

Chad then asked if any others had some highlights or needs to share. Rocky from FCA and Tami from Young Life both mentioned groups of kids at Netville High they were spending time with, and asked if any of the youth pastors had kids in those campus groups. Jake from the Nazarene church referred to two juniors who were on the volleyball team that Rocky was working with.

They decided to call later in the week to discuss how to better reach out to the rest of the volleyball team during the coming road trip to the state tournament. Jake and Rocky had already been exploring how to better team up as a local church and ministry organization.

All four junior high youth workers present were excited about working together at Netville Junior High, assisting the activities director with lunchtime games on Wednesdays. They estimated that over the last three months, several kids had asked them “Why are you here?” and that collectively they had seen about 30 students visit their different church youth groups.

Chad then turned the meeting to the day’s topic, asking “How do you use short-term mission trips in your ministry?” After some passionate give-and- take, idea sharing and stories of “mission trip disasters,” Chad took a moment to summarize the discussion and asked if anyone had comments.

Jolene, the Baptist youth worker, asked if anyone wanted to meet and talk about working together on a special mission project to the city’s homeless shelter during Christmas break. She mentioned how her youth were deeply impacted every time that they had gone. She went on to report that “The Shelter” was urging them to come every month and to invite other groups to join them. Their director had just called to say, “Our homeless children and their parents love everything you do for them, and they have begged us to have you back.”

Tywone said he’d meet with Jolene to talk about working on this. His church had recently been considering how to get their youth involved over the Christmas break in an “others-focused” project.

As the meeting closed, the youth workers divided into small groups to pray. In one prayer huddle, four youth workers laid their hands on Renee’s shoulders, asking God to protect and give wisdom to her as she was facing criticism and a challenging meeting with a few “concerned parents” the next Sunday. Roberto was also prayed for as he and his pastor had to deal with some misunderstandings and their relationship was now strained.

Networking in Netville

This parable of “Netville USA” is typical of many local youth worker gatherings. But what is really going on here?

Embedded in every local network are snapshots of partnering that take place. In reality, various “micro-partnerships” take place under the relational umbrella of an area-wide network.

For a long time now, youth ministries have networked together. In many settings, the lingo has morphed into “partnership language.” Yet, language in our evangelical culture can become neutered of its meaning – or so generic – it can be misunderstood.

What you hear in your mind when someone says, “Hey, let’s network our efforts” or “We want to partner with you” might be very different, depending on your experience. For instance, it may mean one thing to a local church youth pastor, but something entirely different to a national organization’s project leader calling about next year’s area-wide event.

Degrees of Partnership

As youth ministry culture has matured, it has become less common for a youth worker to work exclusively “solo.” Both locally and nationally, youth workers believe in networking as vital to their personal health and the advancement of their ministry vision.

Today, doing life and ministry in community with other youth workers is more the norm than the exception. Yet in spite of this wonderful sense of interdependence, youth workers approach networking with their own expectations, assumptions and motivations.

Take a look at look at the Partnering Continuum (graphic) and consider the various types of involvement from Connecting, Cooperating, Coordinating and Collaborating. All of these elements and degrees of commitment are typically present in a healthy local network, as well as in national initiatives (such as See You at the Pole) or coalitions (such as the Campus Alliance). You can click on the image to increase its size.

Networks and Partnerships 

All of us have our own networks, both formal and informal. Most ministry networks fall under the “connecting” column, defined as: A group of people who are linked informally and who communicate with one another to share ideas and information to meet their individual needs.

The key activities of a network are introductory relationships and communication. Of course, there are different types of networks, and they can vary greatly in character and complexity. But generally speaking, networks tend to focus on information sharing and relational connections.

In our Christian youth ministry context, networks have provided a place for youth workers to connect with others who have a common interest, whether it’s community-oriented, school- focused, or just to get to know and support each other as youth workers.

And this brings us to the distinction of the meaning and use of the word “partnership,” loosely defined as: A close working relationship between individuals and/or ministries, who agree to work together for a specific purpose because they can achieve more together than by themselves.

Some Networks engage in a fairly low level of partnering. Their members cooperate together, but have little interest in planning ongoing work in a comprehensive manner together. Others engage in a much higher level of partnering, where there is comprehensive planning together for much of their work, and where they pool their resources.

It may be helpful to emphasize that while a local network may not necessarily be a true “partnership,” the relationships that are built may result in members of a network moving towards partnering together.

For instance, all the members of a local network may commit to work on a specific project that benefits everyone – where “the entire network” invests time, money and personnel to advance the kingdom of God in a specific area. Recent examples include large area-wide evangelism campaigns, city-wide training events or See You at the Pole rallies.

In other cases, a subset of the network may spin off to cooperate, coordinate or collaborate to accomplish a vision which they share a unique interest in pursuing. It’s possible that only three or four youth workers engage in the work, and thus accept the risk and the reward. Yet, the whole network is the source of their initial connection and stimulates the dreaming of “what could be…” The anecdotal story of the junior high youth workers teaming up to run activities at Netville Junior High is one illustration.

All or Nothing?

Occasionally youth workers communicate frustration that their local network doesn’t work together more effectively. But even in cases in which the entire network of area churches and youth workers does not rally behind one project or event, there may still be advances being made through subsets or clusters of youth workers teaming up for a special effort of common interest.

Even though all members of a network may not fully engage or participate in every event or project, this fact is compelling: Formalized networks are the incubator where partnerships are formed and kingdom efforts advanced.

If you ask enough questions of those involved in healthy collaborative efforts, you soon discover that ongoing partnerships that produce lasting spiritual fruit have typically been birthed and strengthened from within a formal ongoing network.

The bottom line: networks create an environment for community and communication, from which partners can roll up their sleeves and invest themselves in efforts where more is gained together than if each one worked alone. By the way, how many “partnerships” can you spot in the story from Netville USA?

How would you describe your network? Where do you see it on the Partnership Continuum? Take a look at the Interactive below to help your partnerships to become stronger in your network.

Partnering in Netville 

You might find it helpful to gather some core leaders of your network (or prospective network) to discuss where your group is on the Partnership Continuum. It may well lead to ways you can collaborate for greater effectiveness.

Have your leaders read through the article online or print the PDF version.

Ask them to consider the following questions, and then discuss it together:
Where would they put your network on the Continuum? Why?
What examples have you seen as you've worked together that have led to the “Collaboration” side of the line?
What impact did they have on kingdom growth in your community?
What barriers do you see that make greater cooperation difficult (e.g., history of conflict between ministries or key leaders, denominational or doctrinal issues, nobody has ever talked about it before, etc.)?
What are some measurable steps your group might take to advance a climate of cooperation, and possibly see collaboration happen more organically in your ministry community?

Why the Church Needs the Parachurch

Mark Moder — 2013-03-13 07:00:00.0 PST

You need to know a little about me before you hear what I have to say

I love the local church. I was a youth pastor at 4 churches over 18 years. I spent 9 years at churches under 250 and 9 years at churches from 2,000-5,000. I was a youth pastor with an evangelistic heart for the lost. I still volunteer weekly in our church’s youth ministry. (See my blog post “CEO Volunteer“).

For many years as a youth pastor, I used to think that parachurch youth ministries did not need to exist.

I used to think that the parachurch was great at reaching teens but was usurping the role of the church by discipling them as well.
I used to think that parachurch youth ministry was redundant; and that money, volunteers and students that were going to a parachurch all belonged in the local church

That’s changed.

For the past 4 years, the Lord in His great sense of humor has seen fit to place me in charge of a parachurch youth ministry called Youth Dynamics. We have 50 youth workers in the Northwest that work with 5,000 teenagers a year. What is a youth pastor’s youth pastor doing in charge of a parachurch youth ministry? It crack’s me up sometimes; but God knew what He was doing when He placed me in this job. What better way to bridge the gap between the two?

Why does the parachurch need to exist? Here are some of my conclusions to this point.

#1. The parachurch is reaching teens churches don’t want to reach.

Let’s face it. Most of the teens we reach wouldn’t fit in most church youth groups. Many churches have lost the stomach or the expertise to reach unsaved teenagers. They are disruptive, they swear, they smoke pot… they are exactly the type of teenager that parents do not want their kids around. It is part of the reason they as parents have chosen to Home School or send their kids to Christian School. Youth groups that reach these types of students have to have a Sr. Pastor with a strong backbone who has lots of confidence in his Youth Pastor and believe in what they are doing missionally. These types of congregations are becoming increasingly rare.

#2. The parachurch can do things churches can’t do, don’t want to do or shouldn’t be doing.

It’s so much easier to get into the schools as a parachurch youth worker. And you can understand from a School’s District’s perspective why that is. They live and die by public opinion. It’s much safer for the school to embrace a non-denominational parachurch than to open doors for a single church or denomination. It happens, but to do so risks outside criticism and charges of favoritism. As a youth pastor I did have success in working with the schools, but mostly as our Youth Pastor’s Network. Again it was because we represented the entire cities’ youth workers and not a single church or denomination; and because we earned the right to be heard by blessing the schools over and over again, and by respecting their boundaries.

#3.  Churches are not valuing youth ministry like they should these days.

As church budgets tighten, they are looking at shrinking High School ministries and concluding that their ROI (return on investment), is not good enough. Many pastors and board members remember the heyday of church youth ministry… “We use to have a 100 teens here every Wednesday night!”  That ship has sailed people. It’s possible but not nearly as common. There are pockets in the States where large group youth ministry still works but our culture has changes since the 80s and 90s. And it’s going to continue to get worse. Event based youth ministry is dying in the states, and is dead in Australia, England and in Canada, from what my friends in those countries tell me. It’s alright though. We can still continue to make disciples. And maybe even do it better. But churches need to stop getting rid of older youth workers. As we shift gears to a more relational model, it will become increasingly important for churches to keep old guys around who know how to make disciples, and who can recruit and train parents and volunteers with more veracity and ease. I shudder to think where youth ministry would be without the parachurch. I can count on two hands the number of youth workers I know in their 40s that are still being paid by a local church. Almost everyone I know that is helping shape the youth ministry world on a macro level is not in a local church. It’s sad but true.

The criticism of the parachurch that holds the most weight in my opinion is that the parachurch is horrible about connecting students they reach back to the local church. There are many factors that make this difficult. It is however, one of YD’s corporate values, and we fight for it, because it’s the right fight. We have church partnerships with some churches where they work for both Youth Dynamics and for the church. In addition, most of our staff are volunteers in their local church’s youth ministry teaching Sunday School or leading the youth group all together. A few weeks ago YD in Burlington, WA baptized 5 teenagers in a local lake. These included a couple of homeless teens we’d been working with for over 1 1/2 years. There were about 50 people there from 3 local churches to celebrate and embrace these kids in their new faith.

We are not in competition with the local church.  We are in partnership with it. I love Mike King’s term “church assisting organization.” We aim to be that, but unfortunately many parachurch youth ministries are just that. “Para” = Separate.

But as legitimate as this charge may be, it is my contention that many church’s youth ministries are just as disconnected from the main congregation as if they were subletting the building to a parachurch youth ministry. They meet on a night when no one else is there; they do not come on Sundays, the style and content of the youth ministry looks nothing like the main congregation.

Just because the church pays the salary of the youth worker doesn’t make the ministry connected to the local church.

I challenge churches to strategically connect their youth ministries to the main body life of the church. There are plenty of reasons that our student’s faith is not sticking after high school; this is one that is largely overlooked.

Could it be that one of the reasons students leave the church is because they were never connected to the church where their youth ministry was located in the first place? It was just a building they used for youth group.

It may just be that your church’s youth ministry is just as guilty as the rest of us.

What is a Coordinator? The Story of �The Tree�

Doug Clark — 2013-03-11 10:00:00.0 PST

On a busy street in one of India's congested cities, traffic grinds to a halt.

Frustrations are high as a a young man yells at a hapless policeman. A large tree has fallen across the narrow thoroughfare, and nobody knows what to do.

Snarled traffic, glum looks, despairing gridlock. A young woman on her cell phone, says in English, "I hate this country."

Then the problem gets worse: it begins to rain. Buckets.

A young boy, maybe seven or eight , pokes his head out a bus window. His expression is serious. He walks to the tree, backpack over his shoulder, surveying the impossible barrier.

The boy drops his backpack and then leans his full 65 pounds of body weight into the thousands of pounds of tree trunk -- water cascading off his nose and hair as he strains with all his might against the obstacle.

People begin to notice. A few other boys join the game, laughing as they push in vain against the huge tree. Adults begin to see their effort, and one by one, they come alongside. Soon, there is an army of monsoon-soaked citizens, and they have become a team.

The climactic scene shows the group lifting the tree and pivoting its mass to the side of the road. Then, from down a side street, you see traffic moving again.

The vignette ends with the team celebrating its sloshy victory, including the young boy, who is shown slipping back into his backpack with a supremely satisfied grin on his face. We did it!

"The Tree" was a 2007 ad in India for a televised contest/reality show called "Lead India."

The winner didn't get a recording contract, win money or stay on the island. It was a contest "to identify new leaders for a new India, men and women with the vision and ability to empower India with the kind of leadership that is so conspicuous by its absence, according to the Times of India, the sponsor.

I didn't know much about Lead India. But I just love the commercial! It illustrates our need to raise leaders, network coordinators, who will overcome obstacles by applying three huge principles about networking.

Somebody has to go first.

In the story, it is one young boy who demonstrates the courage to start pushing on the stuck tree.

We often pray that God will raise up one or more leaders in every community who are willing to be first; to call others to reach their community for Christ and build His kingdom.

Maybe that's you. Maybe it's you and one or two friends who know the job is bigger than your churches can accomplish alone.

Who's qualified? Someone whom God has called and is affirmed by others. Someone who is mature and stable enough in their position to rally others to lead an effort to reach and equip teenagers for kingdom ministry. In NNYM's structure of support, it's someone who will connect what you are doing in your community to other communities. We call that "someone" a "network coordinator." Maybe that's you.

Cooperation is powerful.

One boy can't move a tree, but there is a critical mass that occurs when enough people begin to lift -- and the roadblock is removed!

God has revealed again and again in Scripture the power of unity and cooperation. "One can chase a thousand; two can chase ten thousand." "Two are better than one, because they have a better return for their labor...a three-fold cord is not easily broken."

With roughly 33 million teenagers in this country, the vision of reaching them with the gospel -- let alone discipling and equipping them to reach the world -- is overwhelming. Encouraging leaders to work together is a central way to accomplish that mission. Encouraging them to not give up is also a core Network value.

Joy comes when we work together.

As you watch the "Lead India" video, the satisfaction is evident on the faces of the citizens who decided to invest their muscles to move the tree out of the way. It's clear the young boy who started the effort will never forget this day. He started something!

God is happy when we work together to build His kingdom. He fills us with joy when we obey Him in the area of unity, because it's important to Him. Psalm 133:1 says, "Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity." Life is a party when we're doing God's thing, together. (Okay, there are hard times too...).

I think of my friend Stan Leach as I write this. We worked together in the youth ministry at our church in California. Stan has the spiritual gift of "making any hard things fun."

At the end of a grueling week of ministry in Mexicali, the kitchen staff asked for help to clean the grills that had been used to feed 2,000 campers. All I could think of was sleep because I had to drive the bus back home the next day.

But Stan volunteered our youth group (including me) to tackle the job. He kept enlisting "volunteers" until he had enough. I think I finally got out of my sleeping bag on his third recruiting trip. Oh, Lord, I love to sleep!

In spite of my reluctance, Stan's enthusiasm was contagious. We actually had fun working together scrubbing grills. And I didn't crash the bus on the way home.

Someone has to step up. Adults and youth may never experience the satisfaction of accomplishing something God-sized until they do.

What "fallen trees" need to be turned to firewood and lumber in your community? Are you ready to push?

What is a Coordinator, Anyway?

A coordinator has the commitment, character, competencies and connections to mobilize those who love youth to reach and equip teenagers in their community. They have maturity, stability, credibility and commitment to the mission and values of the National Network of Youth Ministries. Here's a quick description of what a ministry network coordinator does:

Integrate prayer for youth in your community into everything you do.
Build relationships with youth workers and others who care about reaching and equipping youth in the community.
Mobilize strategic collaboration among people and ministries in the community.
Register yourself and your network at www.youthworkers.net, and connect with other coordinators for mutual support.
Invest in online coordinator training and consider taking advantage of free coaching.
Develop a leadership team to share responsibilities and ensure long-term ministry by providing asmooth transition to new leadership.

Why Network? Part 5 - Discipleship

Kevin Boer — 2013-03-07 07:00:00.0 PST

There is a huge need for making more disciples! There are 1.6 billion youth globally, and Jesus loves them all. That number is vast and overwhelming! How can we reach so many?

Discipleship is Making Disciples

God desires for each and every individual to have a personal relationship with Him. That is why NNYM holds a core value: "A LIFE OF DISCIPLESHIP which is reproducing an on-going chain of maturing believers." We will not reach every young person unless our networks cooperate to develop more teenaged disciple-makers.  

The other day, Cat, 19, shared with me about the internship program she had joined at her church. “It was the hardest and most rewarding thing I have ever done. We had a tight community and there was accountability. I grew so much.” Through this opportunity, she joined our network, helped with a community-wide worship night and equipped teenagers to share Jesus on campus.

Young women like Cat give us hope of fulfilling God's call in Matthew 28:18-20:

"Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.'”

Students, like Cat, that live out their commitment, character, competence and connections are transformed by Jesus into disciple-makers. So how can our ministry networks help equip more young leaders like that? Consider these four qualities:

Commitment

A disciple is one who follows his or her leader in every aspect of their life, not on just one day a week. Jesus says “I am with you always.” He is fully commited to us. In order to make disciples we also need to be fully commited to Him. As we abide in Christ, we present a model that helps others to do the same. It is the overflow principle. Our lives need to be solidly connected to Jesus so that His love overflows into those we are discipling. Our ministry networks need to be vehicles to encourage each of us in our walks with Jesus - even as we equip teenagers in their walks with Christ.

Character

From our commitment comes our character. It is the reflection of God's attributes in our lives. And our character influences those around us.

We can only multiply the kind of person that we are. The Apostle Paul said, "Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ." (1 Corinthians 11:1). As we live life in front of teenagers, personally applying Scripture, they can catch what we are modeling. As we are daily being transformed by the truth of God's Word within you, teenagers will be attracted to Christ.

And, our networks are simply an extension of that -- living out the life of Jesus together to our community. Jesus said that doing that collectively would draw people to Him (John 17:23)

Competencies

As we make disciples, we need to equip them with the skills they need to equip others. Cat was able to equip others because she had been equipped herself. We glorify God by using our talents, treasures and time to serve others. We need to build into teenagers the life skills and evangelism skills they need to thrive. In the same way, one measure of our disciple-making in our networks is when equipped teenagers are equipping others to share their faith.

Connections

In most communities, there is "one church and many congregations." We need to connect with one another in order that others will know Jesus is God. And we need to empower those in our community around us so that they, following our example, can also live out commitment, character, competencies and connection in their sphere of influence. In this way, our ministry network becomes the reflection of the Church with a big "C" rather than just our own individual churches.  

Working Together

Working together is the only way we can ever reach and disciple 1.6 billion young people!. God intends to use the interconnectedness of the entire body with its gifts to make disciples of all nations. For Cat, it was her connection with her church and ministry network that empowered her to equip disciple-makers.

If you need some encouragement about disciple-making within your network, connect with a network coach who can assist you in the process. Also, you can refer to the article “Why Equipping is so Important” or, use the following interactive handout to help you implement these truths into your ministry network.

Disciple-Making: Interactive

As you consider how to disciple youth in your community, here are some questions to encourage others to live out a lifestyle of reproducing disciples. You'll find this applies both to you individually as well as to your network. 

Commitment

How would you evaluate how you are doing in your journey to "abide with Christ?
How can you help others around you connect deeper in their relationships with Christ?

Character

What examples can you give of how your character reflects to those you are discipling?
What character qualities do you want to instill in those you are equipping to make disciples?

Competencies

What skills do those you are leading need to sharpen?
What skills do you see youth workers needing to develop in your community?

Connection

How can you work together with others to equip teenagers to be disciple-makers?
What can your network do to encourage disciple-making?

We're Better Together - 3 Themes

David Grant — 2013-03-04 10:00:00.0 PST

"We're better together" has been the slogan for the National Network of Youth Ministries for years.

I have the privilege of serving on an advisory council for NNYM and just returned from our annual gathering in San Diego. The men and women on the ministry council are passionate about Jesus and the youth of our country.  Spending time with ministry leaders from around the country is always personally encouraging and challenging. I grow as a leader when around great leadership and for that I'm grateful.

Of course I was challenged personally, but this year there were 3 themes I took away as it relates to student ministry nationally and the necessity for local networks.

We've lost our evangelistic edge

Ok, not everyone has, but it seems the drive to reach out to students on the middle school and high school campus has diminished. Personally I believe the best way to reach students far from God is to equip and inspire students who are close to God. As youth workers maybe we need to pull together and dream of how we can work together to see the gospel shared in word and deed.

Prayer is essential

I heard someone say that prayerlessness is proclamation that we don't need God. We all know prayer is essential but do we make it priority? What might God do if we cried out to him on behalf of our students, schools and community? If youthworkers gathered in your area for no other reason than prayer that would be extraordinary.

Unity is important to Jesus

Jesus prayed for the unity of his people, that we may be one and he and the Father are one. I'm not sure what that may mean for you in your context but there really is no place for church or ministry competition. You battle and defeat ministry competition with relationship. Do you have it?

Recently several churches in our area gathered for worship. One of my favorite outcomes was the simple fact that students from my church saw me caring for and hanging with youthworkers from other churches. Who knows, maybe that night was a part of Jesus' prayer being answered.

Let me ask, are you in consistent relationship with other youth workers in your area? I know you're busy and have so many parents and students to serve, but if you long to see the gospel go forth and transform the lives of students outside church walls in your area it just makes sense to connect with other adults who love Jesus and kids. And by the way, other youthworkers need you. (who knows, you may need them as well)

Their heart is pretty simple, gather youthworkers (adults who love students) together in a local area for prayer, relationship, developing strategy and sharing resources.

Maybe there's already a group meeting, if not create one, for the glory of God and the good of students. Check here to find out.

The National Network exist to help youthworkers start and deepen local networks. If you care about kids and want to work together to reach and deepen them, someone from the NNYM staff would love to connect with you.

March YouthWorker Journal

Alon Banks — 2013-03-01 10:00:00.0 PST

This month, YouthWorker Journal's mission is to help you learn more about how to do mission work with your students.

Meanwhile, Suanne Camfield wants to help you break the habits that no longer serve your youth group and develop new habits that work for your team.

We hope these articles prove useful to you as you work with your youth in carrying out the Great Commission.

Learn more here.

Why Network? Part 1 - Unity

Paul Fleischmann — 2013-02-27 07:00:00.0 PST

Billy Graham said, “The greatest need among Christians and churches today is for genuine spiritual revival. Whenever God has touched His people in special times of revival, lives have been changed, and Christians have experienced new power to do God's work.”[1]

Why have we not experienced revival? Why have moral conditions in our country continued to worsen with the passing years? Why does the church seem powerless to make a difference? What is lacking?

What comes first

The famous passage in 2 Chronicles 7:14 lists key conditions for revival. I wonder if enough attention has been called to the first condition: “If My people who are called by My name, will humble themselves . . .”

We have so much. We are so busy. We have so many programs, so many answers, so many directions. But what does the Lord want? Isaiah 66:2 gives the answer in the very words of God: “This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at My word.”

The last revival

The hallmark of the Welsh Revival in 1904-1905 was the phrase: “Bend the church and save the world!” Most notably, this message was heard by young Evan Roberts who responded tearfully to an altar call with the simple prayer, “Lord, bend me!” God used that humble beginning to multiply like the loaves and fishes until revival touched all parts of the globe. (Incidentally, this is the last global spiritual awakening we have seen.)

One author who actually participated in this revival observed:

“The object lesson that stands out the clearest is the fact that the Spirit of God moved upon the unsaved in converting power as soon as the Christians in a specific church, or specific meeting, were in harmony with God . . . God works in the world when His people are right with Him.”[2]

Yes, awakening must begin with you and me being in harmony – one in spirit – with our God. That was Jesus' desire for us in John 17:21: “that all of them may be one, Father, just as You are in Me and I am in You.” So, if each of us is right with God, then we are united in spirit with Him. It only stands to reason that if we are all one with God, we will also be united with one another! Despite how inadequate we might think we are to achieve this kind of unity, “the things which are impossible with men are possible with God” (Luke 18:27)!

He can do it!

If God can unite the Father, Son and Holy Spirit into one God in heaven, it is no problem for Him to bring unity within His body here on earth! And, of course, when this happens, the result is supernatural: “…that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me” (John 17:23). Think of it! All because we came humbly and found unity with God that brought unity with each other.

One church that experienced revival in 1904 began with its pastor in 1903 who “returned to his church fervently praying for an outpouring of the Spirit. Slowly signs began . . . People in the church who had taken offense with each other were reconciled. Unity prepared the way of the Lord.”[3]

That is my observation for our day as well. I have had the privilege of networking with the body of Christ from many different denominations, ethnicities, ages, methodologies and various other points of view. It takes a lot of humility for people to cooperate with each other. It means putting aside some commonly held practices that are less important for the sake of unity on issues that are considered more important. It takes time, effort and patience. But unity is essential if we are to see revival – and so we humble ourselves.

Joy Dawson, a senior staff leader and author with Youth With a Mission said:

“If the Lord were to pour out revival upon the body in the condition that we are in now, our current lack of unity would hinder us from being an adequate “vessel” to hold and maintain the revival that He would pour out. . . I have changed my priority in prayer to pray for unity first, then revival. Unity in the body is a direct answer to Jesus’ prayer in John 17, and a unified body provides a proper ‘vessel’ into which revival can be poured out."[4]

We do not know when or even if God will grant revival to the church and awakening to the world. But one thing we can do is prepare for it by meeting the conditions of 2 Chronicles 7:14 and John 17:20-23. Let’s redouble our efforts to be the kind of leaders that are one with God and one with each other – so “that the world may know…”

[1] Graham, Billy, The Coming World Revival, Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 1995, p. xi.

[2] Spirit of Revival, “Bend the Church and Save the World,” Life Action Ministries, Buchanan, Michigan, Volume 18, No. 1, p. 24.

[3] Ibid. p. 18.

[4] Dawson, Joy, “Unity in the Body of Christ” (An address at Hope United Methodist Church, San Diego, CA, May 10, 2000.)

Listening Prayer: Finding God's DNA for your Network

Doug Clark — 2013-02-25 10:00:00.0 PST

You have probably heard the story of Charlie Frank and his elephant Neeta. Frank raised her from birth, training her to be a circus performer. When he retired he gave her to the San Diego Zoo. After 15 years of being separated, Frank visited Neeta. He was 100 yards away from her and he called to her and immediately she came to him and performed her old routines on his command!

The story of Neeta is a great illustration of the elephant's love for and intimacy with her trainer, her familiarity with his voice, and desire to obey his commands. In fact, it has a lot to teach us about our walk with Jesus, too

Listening to His Voice

Practically every Christian believes in prayer, but when we're honest, most of us would say that we're not very good at it.

But that can change! Most people think of prayer as "talking to God." But God's Spirit longs to also teach us to listen as we pray. Whether you are alone, or leading a movement in your community, listening as you pray provides the opportunity to draw on the unique "DNA" God equipped you with when you became a Christian. And He wants to reveal to you His special plan for reaching and equipping teenagers where you live!

Jesus told His disciples that His sheep "hear His voice, and He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out…He goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice." (John 10:3-4)

The kind of prayer that can make a network take off is pretty simple: listen to God, and follow His voice. If you do, it could be one of the deepest, most exciting adventures you've ever experienced.

Three Lights for Listening

Bill Gaultiere is a Christian psychotherapist and spiritual director who leads a ministry called Soul Shepherding with his wife Kristi in Southern California. In Bill's article, Hearing God's Voice Today, he says that God leads us using "The Three Lights" – like a GPS navigations system -- to understand His will.

Gaultiere says, those "Three Lights" are:

God's Word. "God uses the Bible to speak to us and everything He says to us is consistent with what He's said in the Bible."
Providence. "God is the sovereign Lord and He uses circumstances in our lives to open and close doors for us."
Spirit impressions (thoughts from God). "When God speaks directly to us it is usually by his Spirit giving us impressions in our minds and hearts."

But how does the "GPS" work, practically speaking, in the experience of Christian leaders? A second article, "Methods for Hearing God's Voice," looks into how the GPS worked in the lives of some contemporary leaders (including Dallas Willard and James Dobson) and historic leaders (such as Ignatius of Loyola). For Gaultiere, Willard's book Hearing God is a key source, from which he quotes, "‘Hearing God as a reliable, day-to-day reality for people with good sense' is possible," writes Dallas Willard" (page 70).

These methods aren't formulas or cookie-cutter steps. They are a mix of principle, art, and spiritual discipline that offer a chance to risk, fail, and continue to grow and learn as believers. But since when are youth workers afraid of risk? Gaultiere cautions:

By speaking of "methods" for hearing God's voice I don't want you to misunderstand me. Hearing God is certainly not a mechanical sort of process in which we put our prayers into the vending machine and out comes the answer we want! It's not like if I do A then God will do B. No! We can't engineer our way into hearing God's voice. The Lord God is sovereign in all things and in any given situation he may chose to speak a message to us or not. God is the initiator in the spiritual life — always.

It's been said that if we want to catch the "wind" of God's Spirit, we can't summon it; but we can set our sails so that when He chooses to blow, we'll be ready to sail.

Imagine what can happen as ministry network leaders are passionate and intentional about tuning in to God's Spirit and finding out the exact DNA of the cooperative efforts the Lord wants for their community. It's not only possible; it's an adventure that God invites us into, giving ample promise and confidence that He WILL speak and reveal His will!

Listening Prayer

The principles in this article should prove useful not only to you as you consider your ministry network, but in every area of life: career, family, your church and how you counsel others. As you read "Listening Prayer," you may also want to go deeper:

Read through the online articles referenced in the article (Three Lights and Methods).
Share them with your core leaders (or prospective leaders). Take some unhurried time to enter into God's presence together. Consider a prayer retreat. (We can recommend leaders who can help you or even lead this kind of experience.). Invite people you know as prayer intercessors to pray for you and share their insights.
Ask godly people in your community, "What guidance, direction or impressions have you experienced when you've prayed for this community?" In other words, do a little Christian research to find out what God may have already revealed to other believers about His DNA for ministry where you live. Talk to veteran pastors, intercessors, and Christian community leaders for their insights.
If you are ready to really "go to school" on this topic, read Dallas Willard's book Hearing God. You might also consider John Dawson's Taking Our Cities For God, which might open your eyes to spiritual realities about your community that you have never considered.
We come together in groups to plan events. We open in prayer, asking God to bless our planning, and then our tendency is to proceed full-speed ahead with our own ideas. What would it look like if "listening prayer" was the FORCE behind our meetings? Try this:
Youth leaders gather together at their network meeting. We begin to pray and listen. "What is it You want to say to us, Lord, about You, about us, and about reaching more kids in our community?" We wait quietly for 30 minutes or so. Some journal. Some reflect with eyes closed. We listen. We wait. We keep listening for Jesus. Then we gather again to share our thoughts and impressions. We discuss them and see what plans begin to unfold.

Winter Retreat - Better Together

Jake Kircher — 2013-02-22 07:00:00.0 PST

Over the last few years, a group of churches from our local network has started making a winter retreat to Monadnock Bible Conference in Jaffrey, N.H. an annual, joint event. It started with two of us going together in 2010. Each year since we have had another church join us. There are already conversations about a fifth joining us next year! Through this simple partnership, we have seen a number of really awesome benefits to our ministries, students and our network.

First, partnering has allowed small churches to experience a “big” feel. I know, we all argue in ministry over the value of “numbers.” Having a big group doesn't mean a successful event in itself. However, more students do mean more energy and the benefit of feeling part of something much bigger than themselves. Alone, none of our churches would take 40-50 students, but together we were able to bring 70+. And that number has continued to grow each year. This has created an environment and event that our students have even more excitement about because of the community atmosphere that partnering has created.

Second, partnering has helped us connect with our students better. One youth pastor can’t do it all and can’t connect with every kid. But when we share our students and don't have a competitive mindset, it has helped considerably to make sure students are being reached. Here are three examples of this:

One of my students loves this event simply because he goes to school in a town where one of the other churches is located. Even though he has developed friendships with the teens at my church, it has been even better for him to develop friendships with teens at his school that share his faith.
On Saturday night of the retreat, students who want prayer or to talk are dismissed to another room to meet with leaders. This year, there was a young man from one of the other churches in our network who obviously wanted to talk, but for some reason wasn't able to meet with his leaders. So I sat down and talked with him. It turned out that he was the son of the church's youth pastor, and the conversation I had with him was much healthier for him than if he had been talking with his dad.
All four of the churches that went have a handful of kids that we jokingly argue about "which church they 'belong' to." They have been to all of our programs at different points over the years. This partnering event has allowed us to check in with students like this and share the responsibility of making sure they are plugged in somewhere.

Third, being the body of Christ really does have power! Every year that we have done this retreat together, we have watched God do something deeper and deeper in our students. And it is because we are together. One student from one church shares something, which then provokes a student from another church to share, which then prompts another - and so on. Every year we marvel at what God does through our students, and we know without a doubt that if we had been on the retreat individually, the event would still have been good, but there would have been a huge piece that would be missing.

Fourth, and last, this has helped spur our network to do more together. This past year, our students had such a great time together that it launched a student-led night of worship that we plan to do once a month. In our first night together, we had a worship team that incorporated a student from each church, and those students could not have been more encouraged afterwards. We’re currently planning some activities over school break together. We’re exploring partnering in mission trips. We also have developed an annual service retreat and a day of service event over the last couple of years. None of these would have worked or gained traction on our own. But because we did it together, things have started to take off, challenge our students in new ways and grow all of our ministries. We truly are better together!

Why Network? Part 4 - Partnerships

Doug Tegner — 2013-02-19 10:00:00.0 PST

People in every sphere of our culture speak of unity, of partnership - hoping to work together for a common cause.  Yet, our everyday experience reveals that unity is often an idyllic dream, or given only lip service by politicians or power brokers to gain support for a cause for which they want “your support.”

In part one, we reflected on Jesus’ prayer for united hearts among His disciples and all who would follow Him in the millennia to come. Interestingly, centuries before Jesus’ prayer, the “wisest man” among the Old Testament people of God gave rich insight about what this Jesus-centered unity should look like.

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken - Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

Solomon illustrated the principles which answer the question, “Why are we better together?” by introducing “partnership principles” that can be applied by individuals, churches or organizations committed to work together.

Partnerships produce a greater return

Whether as a church, organization, or individual youth worker - we all know times when the sky darkens, temperature drops and a feeling of isolation takes place. Hard-working ministry leaders all face seasons of defeat or discouragement. Whether it's due to declining numbers, students wandering in the wilderness or personal defeats, it is these times when youth workers may be ready to cash it in. “I’m done!” has been the cry of many a heart.

These are the times when trusted partners from other churches and ministries are especially important. They help “save the investment” already made; they “lift up” the spirit and help restore the vision of a nearly-defeated ministry partner.

We underestimate the long-term consequences of one who leaves their post prematurely. A true partner helps the other discern a way to stay the course, which in time produces a “good return for their labor.”

Partners care about each other

Here's one example of this: In my area, at the same time, one church was without worship leadership and another church was in disarray due to internal issues. Partner-pastors from our local network provided interim music leadership for the one and met regularly with leadership from the other to help them resolve internal conundrums. These “partnered-pastors” were selfless and provided the “warmth” of camaraderie even as a cold storm blew over for each church.

Partners stand together in opposition

Whether attack comes from external “secular” forces or internal opposition, true partners lock arms and stand back-to-back in times of trial. This can take place on the macro-scale as national organizations/denominations stand together. Locally, this can take place on the personal or micro-level, as true Jesus-centered partners walk side-by-side.

When partners stand together - and no one cares who gets the credit but God Himself - we fulfill Jesus’ prayer in John 17 and realize the power of Solomon’s words: "A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."

Jesus-Grade Unity

Barry Shafer — 2013-02-17 10:00:00.0 PST

We heard it, but we could hardly believe someone would actually say it. Our area network coordinator was talking about some calls he'd made since our last meeting – calls to encourage a few sporadic attendees. In one such conversation, he'd shared the content of our meeting and the area's vision for networking. The response? “You haven't convinced me why I need to add another meeting to my schedule.”

That's troubling! Except that many of us in that same room – all enthusiastic believers in networking – had probably weighed our own participation similarly at one time or another.

Is this the state of unity in youth ministry today: another meeting? As long as we view biblical unity through that filter, youth ministry will never experience the revolutionary promise Jesus prayed for in John 17 – that through our unity, the world will know that the Father sent Jesus and will experience His love.

The great heartbreak is that “Jesus-Grade Unity” in youth ministry represents one of the great untapped resources of the church. It brims with potential – chiefly, unprecedented campus outreach. Perhaps by refreshing our application of Jesus' prayer for unity, youth workers today can be a catalyst for the great spiritual awakening He promised in John 17.

What John 17 Unity Is

The Trinity Revealed

Let's face it. The Trinity is tough to comprehend. Just when we think we have a grip on some great analogy to explain it, something comes along to blow our analogy out of the water.

Yet Jesus welded us to the Trinity. And He provided the perfect model for unity in the simple prayer “that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you” (John 17:21). If you are in Christ and I am in Christ, there's nothing greater you and I could have in common – not even if we're blood relatives! What's more, anything beyond “in Christ” – be it differences or other things we hold in common – is nonessential.

Here's the catch: My observation is that the overriding tendency in the body of Christ today is to focus on these nonessentials. Yet if we were to make our commonalities in Christ the subject of our meetings, the very word “meeting” would soon become woefully inadequate to describe what we experience together.

Outreach Unleashed

Jesus' prayer reveals that when believers achieve John 17 unity, two things will happen:

The world will know and believe that God has sent Jesus.
The world will know the love God has for His people.

That sounds like receptive ground for the gospel, if not a full-blown spiritual awakening!

Imagine an entire student body believing that Jesus is the Son of God, sent from heaven by the Father. Imagine those students being absolutely floored by God's love for them! That's fruit so ripe that it practically picks itself. An entire campus could experience that kind of spiritual awakening, simply as a byproduct of believers on that campus focusing on their commonalities in Christ.

The Resources of the Citywide Body of Christ

Believers experience the body of Christ on many levels – in the local church, across the nation and worldwide. But how about citywide?

If you were to survey the needs and hurts of students and the strengths of student ministries in your community, you'd likely see an uncanny parallel between the students' needs and the ministry resources available to meet those needs. So why not match them up? It might be invigorating for youth workers to serve on a citywide team, ministering to all the teens in a city, rather than serving as islands, ministering to pockets of teens. The final picture may not be as clear-cut as “You guys do evangelism, and we'll do discipleship.” But if we lean that direction, we're bound to improve our dependence upon one another and experience yet another aspect of Jesus-grade unity (John 5:19; 8:28).

What John 17 Unity Isn't

An Event

Event-driven unity has given unity a bad rap. Yet it's often the “default” setting for student ministry collaboration. First, event planning can consume every meeting's agenda and suck the spiritual energy right out of a group. Second, the lofty goal of unity often degenerates into “Hey, bring your students to my event!” God can use planned events to unleash unity in a community. But it's not the only way He works. In fact, it may be nowhere near where God is calling your community of youth ministries to collaborate.

Another Meeting

Perhaps it's event-driven unity that has created the “just another meeting” mentality we spoke of earlier. After all, that's what many meetings are: just an efficient way to divvy out tasks.

But when we really apply John 17, we find that the most productive student outreach comes as a result of simply listening to and praying with other youth workers. That's when we discover, through story and sharing, how bonded we truly are in Christ – just as Christ is one with the Father. Those gatherings will never be confused with “just another meeting.”

A Threat

God is the one who puts the body together and arranges its parts (1 Corinthians 12:18). And since God is doing the arranging, there's no need to get nervous about our students being attracted to other ministries. The fact is, if we lose a student to another ministry, we can celebrate! We've just been part of God's movement in arranging the parts of His body as He sees fit.

What John 17 Unity Can Look Like

Obviously, we need to refresh our concept of John 17 unity in youth ministry. Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing.

Consider replacing the plan for your next Network gathering with this sample agenda:

Share with each other the highs and lows of your recent personal spiritual journeys.
Pray for each other.
Talk about the hurts and needs of your students; then talk about how to combine resources to minister to these hurts and needs.
Pray for your students.

A few gatherings like that, and you'll begin to experience the results of unity that Jesus prayed for in John 17. And no one will have left the meeting with more to do!

Radical Gathering

Ask the students in your ministry to compile a list of Christian ministries represented on their school campuses. That action alone will prove fruitful. Then help the students spearhead a gathering of these ministries. Suggest that they do the first two items on the sample agenda above.

Radical Day

Schedule a day to visit several youth pastors in your area. Ask them about their personal strengths and weaknesses, as well as the strengths and weaknesses of their student ministry. Compile a composite list of strengths and weaknesses represented in these ministries. And, voila! You've just taken the first step toward mobilizing the body of Christ to meet the needs of your community.

Unity is barely on the radar screen of student ministries today, while campus outreach is often agenda item one. And yet, time spent with fellow youth workers intent on trusting Jesus' prayer in John 17 can be exponentially more effective in campus outreach than anything we can do on our own.

Will we take Jesus at His word on this? We've too much to gain – and nothing to lose – not to.

Editors Note: The National Network of Youth Ministries and InWord Resources have collaborated to develop All For One: A Teen Study on God-Sized Unity, a small-group study to help student ministries, schools and cities experience John 17 unity. Network members can receive a 25% discount by going to www.inword.org and using the promo code “nnym5” when prompted in the ordering process. Or, call InWord toll-free at 888-422-3060.

Jan-Feb 2013 YouthWorker Journal

Alon Banks — 2013-02-15 10:00:00.0 PST

We’re back this month with new digital issues, which we pray help facilitate your ministry to others. In the Jan-Feb 2013 issue of YouthWorker Journal, you find the theme of “Who Am I?” which touches on several important topics regarding identity formation and identity theories. Get the magazine here.

Developing Trust in your Network

Aaron Babyar — 2013-02-14 07:00:00.0 PST

Crisis

Bethany felt deeply wounded. She knew youth ministry would be tough, but had never imagined that some of the other church leaders would betray her trust on an important issue. She questioned her call to student ministry. She loved God and loved the teens, but the emotional arrows from fellow leaders hurt too much. 

Bethany needed someone safe to talk to who -- someone who understood ministry -- but not from her local church. She did not want to even consider the options of absorbing the pain quietly, or quitting altogether.

Seeking Help

Bethany had been making some connections at her local youth ministers’ network. She thought, "They might understand what she's dealing with!" She shared her hurt over a cup of coffee with a couple of other local youth leaders.  

Honesty and tears led to prayer, encouragement, peace, and even some laughter. Eventually, she felt confident that she had a biblical plan to lovingly tackle the issue with grace and wisdom. It wasn't going to be easy, but she felt emboldened to move forward in God's leading down a difficult path.

She didn't need to quit or ignore the pain. Fortunately, she took the gutsy step of trusting others in her network. And it felt good to have that trust.

Overcoming Isolation

Bethany's story may be your story. In tough times, most youth leaders go into "Superman" mode, even though they are surrounded by 'kryptonite.' Much of the turnover in youth ministry is caused by youth leaders who are isolated. Bethany had the courage to reach out to other leaders in her crisis, and that comes back to relationships. Good relationships are the result of time spent + trust built.

Building Trust

A network can do a lot of good things, but building relationships is a foundational principle among all healthy ministry networks. 

Developing trust within those relationships can be a bit tricky. Youth leaders need people who listen to them and come alongside them. And allowing the Holy Spirit to work though intentional times of prayer and sharing can help engender trust.

Iron Sharpens Iron

Doesn't that sound easy? The great thing is that doors of honesty and trust are blown open by taking time to share and pray. In some cases, the people praying together end up connecting further after a meeting or at another time entirely. Proverbs 27:17 talks about how "iron sharpens iron," but a key part of that is that the various irons MUST come into contact with each other in a very real way. By implementing intentional prayer and sharing into your network meetings, relationships can grow. And, it gives leaders like Bethany the courage to reach out in times of crisis.  

Taking Action

How will you build trust into your network? Take a minute to think through how you can integrate praying and sharing into your time with other youth leaders. The "Interactive" below gives you a trusting building exercise to use with your network.

If you want to go deeper, please contact a coach through NNYM. We would love to help!

The "Happy/Unhappy" Exercise

The following is an exercise that many networks have found that helps build trust toward more healthy relationships.

At your network meeting, focus the conversation by breaking into small groups of two or three. Ask each person in each group to personally and briefly share two things:

"Happy" (some way that God has been blessing them and/or their ministry)
"Unhappy" (something that God has allowed to be a burden, making their ministry or life difficult or tough to process)

After each person shares, someone else immediately stops and prays for them briefly. Let groups know if there is a time limit.

Mobilizing Your Community Assets

Virginia Ward — 2013-02-12 07:00:00.0 PST

Imagine the Holy Spirit hovering like a cloud over your community. With His all-seeing eyes, He can clearly see the needs of the people who live there. At the same time, He has also placed the resources in the community to meet those needs – if those who are stewards of those resources will work together to meet the needs.

This networking axiom is true everywhere: in urban, rural, or suburban communities. From her home in Cambridge, Massachusetts, nationally-respected urban youth leader Virginia Ward shares how her urban church has used transferable principles to discern their community’s needs and then unite to channel resources for their context.

While written from one church’s experience, imagine the impact if all the ministries involved in a ministry network engaged in this mapping process -- then came together to share their conclusions and decide what they could do together!

-Editors Note 

I am a youth leader in Cambridge, Massachusetts. One of the important aspects of our ministry, being in the city, is to look around us and determine what resources we have to work with. We like to call it “Mapping Community Assets.” It’s a principle we’ve learned over the years that keeps our church engaged with the community.

Who are the Stakeholders?

First, we try to recognize who the key stakeholders are in the community, such as:

What are the schools?
Who’s our neighborhood police officer(s)?
Who are the area politicians?
Who’s on the local school board or committee?

We create a list of who is there, what they do, and what impact they have in the community. Then we start building relationships with each of them, so that they know about the church, who the pastor is, who the youth leader is, and some of the services that we have to offer. Once we realize what they are doing, we do our best to not to duplicate with what they are doing, but rather to fill in some of the gaps and to be able to offer a spiritual alternative to youth and the families in our community.

Walking the Community

In fact, we’re challenging other churches in our area to engage in a community asset mapping project, where they are walking their neighborhood. They are actually getting outside the four walls of their church, seeing what’s next door, and what’s around the corner! They’re talking to neighbors, seeing what’s happening with the young people in their community, and discussing what they feel the church could better serve the community or what what else they could be doing. 

Community asset mapping will teach you a lot about the neighborhood you’re in. It will teach you a lot about the families that are nearby, and even help you to pray more effectively for your community.

Understand that this is a process -- it’s not an overnight thing -- it will take time. But if you take the time and do it properly, this tool will be very useful to you in your ministry.

Mobilizing Your Community

To go deeper, we encourage you to look closely at the article, Mapping Community Assets. It may give you a whole new perspective and vision for where you live. If you would like a Network coach from NNYM to help you with applying this material in your network, please follow the map to Coaching.

Adding Dimensions of Prayer in Your Network

Kevin Boer — 2013-02-10 07:00:00.0 PST

In your networking with others, does your prayer time sometimes seem flat? it is easy to get into a rut in our prayer. Sometimes we think of prayer only as a "to-do" list for God.

However, there are ways to bring new dimensions to prayer in your network. During a break at a recent youth ministry conference, Mark Orr, our New England regional coordinator, shares simple principles that can help your network pray in three dimensions: up, across and out. Mark's video below explains.

Praying Up

What does it look like for a ministry network to put the focus on God during thier time together?  In one San Diego network, the core team brought in a worship leader and devoted the whole meeting to praise and thanksgiving through a mini concert of prayer. The power of so many youth leaders singing thier praise to God was powerful!

Praying Across

So how can youth workers pray for one another in thier network? A network up in the Portland area decided to meet weekly in order to intercede for one another's needs. Through these times, the relationship of the youth workers were deepened and they saw God show up in powerful ways as they supported one another in prayer.

Praying Out

How can a network add the dimension of praying out to thier network?  One network a few years back held a 24 hour prayer retreat at a local Christian camp to pray for the needs of teenagers in thier community.  They came back refreshed and encouraged to equip and empower teenagers to love Jesus. 

Adding Dimensions in Prayer

Praying together is vital in your network! God will give you the vision and the resources you need to reach and equip every teenager in your community. But we need to be in constant communication with Him about what He wants to see happen. It's what comes as a result of "abiding" in Christ (John 15:7-8). Jesus said that when we do that, "you can ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you." But how do we pray on that level? What Mark Orr described in the video is a great starting point. The questions below will help add new dimensions to your network's prayer life. I encourage you to use them in your group, as well as personally.

Praying Up - Connecting with God (Psalm 30)

How can your heart express glory to God today?
Is there anything keeping you from worshipping Him?
Spend time praising and thanking Him.

Praying Across - Praying for one another (James 5:13-16)

How can you pray for other youth workers in your community?
How can you encourage youth workers to pray for one another throughout the month?

Praying Out - Interceding for youth in your community (Nehemiah 1)

What needs of youth in your community does God bring to your mind for prayer?
Ask God what his vision is for youth in your community.
Who within your community should be involved with you in reaching teenagers?

If you've had success in helping make prayer more vital in your network, we'd love to hear about it. Please submit your "best practices" on our website so others can benefit from what God has taught you.

Creating Your Action Plan � Do (Part 3)

Daryl Nuss — 2013-02-07 10:00:00.0 PST

Do you ever feel like you have great plans in your ministry network but are never able to get them off the ground?

In creating your action plan The step of "Do" is where the rubber meets the road. Working to execute our plan is what brings dreams into reality.

Rebuild the Wall

We see this vital step lived out in the Bible through Nehemiah. Nehemiah was able to organize the citizens of Jerusalem to rebuild the broken down walls of their city in 52 days. As you follow his story in the first six chapters of Nehemiah, you find that he prayed, assessed the situation, and designed a plan where each family rebuilt the walls in front of their own home. Despite threats from the opposition, they prevailed. This is still a terrific model for us today!

Get ‘er done!

With his straightforward style, Peter Drucker sums up what should happen when we work together for a common goal. (emphasis added).

“Work is done when it is done.”
“Done by people.”
“By people who are properly informed, assigned, and equipped.”
“People with a deadline.”
“People who are developed and evaluated.”

“The best plan is only a plan – a set of good intentions – unless there is communication, action, appraisal, and the continuous allocation of resources to getting results.” (Peter Drucker: The Drucker Foundation Self-assessment Tool, page 59.)

Keep focused

Here are some other helpful thoughts to keep your network focused on accomplishing your plans.

Delegate responsibility with clear expectations.
Set a timeline with some deadlines.
Overcommunicate to ensure people understand the purpose and direction.
Evaluate along the way and celebrate when things go well.

Plan for the unplanned

Remember, working together to accomplish something important rarely goes exactly as planned. It can be messy. It will take hard work. Even so, be diligent and keep focused on the ONE who calls us to serve and share the gospel.

As you move forward by faith, perhaps this verse will be an encouragement to you.

“Let us not become weary of doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9)

Also remember Proverb 16:1 : "We can make our plans, but the final outcome is in God's hands.'

Putting it into action

These are days of challenge and opportunity as we choose to allow God’s Spirit to help us discover, design, and do what God has prepared for us to accomplish in His name as we work together.

So what are some steps you can take to Discover, Design and Do what God intends for youth in your community? Take a look at this "Interactive" to help plan your course of action. If you want a coach for this process, then feel free to contact NNYM. 

Do Your Action Plan 

An Action Plan is not effective unless it is put into practice. Here are some questions to help you think through how to implement your action plan.

How effective is your network in discovering, designing and doing an action plan? 
What can you learn from this article that can help your ministry network more effectively implement your action plan?
How is your plan coming together for meeting the physical and spiritual needs of youth in your community?
What are the challenges and opportunities you are facing in putting your plan into action?

Creating Your Action Plan � Design (Part 2)

Daryl Nuss — 2013-02-06 07:00:00.0 PST

Have you ever seen a bunch of youth leaders come together with all kinds of excitement to save the world only to see the momentum peter out within the year? Those that fail to plan to fail. That is why is so important to take the step of Design for your action plan.

Once you have prayed for God’s direction, built trust with your partners, and discovered the needs of those you wish to serve and reach with the gospel, you can begin to design a basic strategy.

Years ago, renowned leadership guru, Dr. Peter F. Drucker, developed five important questions that help us think through what we are doing, why we are doing it, and what we must do. The questions that we must ask are:

What is our mission?

This is a fundamental question, because it will force you to consider your purpose and reason for working together. Seeing Christ change lives should be your starting point and ending point.

Who is our customer?

The "primary customer" is the person whose life is changed through your work. Another way of stating this question is “Who do we serve?” Most of the time that group will be teenagers or youth leaders. There are other secondary groups that are served by the networks. Parents, youth leaders, senior pastors, or civic leaders are just a few examples.

What does your customer value?

You may have already answered this question during your discovery step. But, take time to consider what it is that those whom you are ministering to really value. In order to keep other important partners involved, it is helpful to consider what they value as well.

What are the results?

Many of us think only in terms of the need rather than results. As Christian leaders, we must ask how we are going to define and measure the results. This is not an easy step - especially when we are seeking changed lives or changed circumstances. Even so, it is important for us to monitor progress and measure milestones.

What is our plan?

The plan encompasses mission, vision, goals, action steps, a budget, and evaluation. It is not unspiritual to have a plan. Consider the examples of Nehemiah, Moses, David, and even Jesus from the Bible. There are many great resources on developing a plan. Find what planning process seems right for you and your team and use it.

Putting your plan into action

The questions in the "Interactive," below, are straightforward and deceptively simple. I believe that taking time to answer these questions will help you design a plan of action for your team or youth ministry network.  

Take the insights from these questions that will serve you and your network. Here is a handout to help you through this process. And please, don't hesitate to connect with a NNYM coach if you think it could be helpful.

Be sure to read "Creating Your Action Plan-Do" (part 3) next.

Design Your Action Plan 

What is the mission of your ministry network?
Who do you serve and how do you serve them?
What do those you serve value?
What are the results that you would like to see in your ministry network?
What is the plan for implementation?

Creating Your Action Plan � Discover (Part 1)

Daryl Nuss — 2013-02-03 10:00:00.0 PST

Is your youth ministry network trusting God to do something special together that will bring hope to the youth in your community?

If so, I'm excited for you! Let me share with you a simple three-step process that a youth ministry network (our ministry partner, One Hope ) in South Florida has found helpful in moving from hopeful dreams to reality. The three steps are "Discover, Design, and Do." Let’s unpack the first step in this process.

Take me to your leader

Before we go any further, let me make an important observation. We have found that every successful youth ministry network, partnership or endeavor requires a passionate, effective leader. The title isn’t important, except to say that having someone who is respected by the group is critical.

Assess the needs of youth

First, take time to assess the needs of those you wish to minister to. It is so easy to overlook this step in the process. Many times, we have already decided what should be done and assume that we know what others are feeling or needing. Consequently, we can make an incorrect assumption and invest time and resources for activities that may not be meeting the actual needs of youth in our community.

A few years ago, several churches in the community of Pompano Beach, Florida agreed to work together to minister to youth and families in an extremely distressed neighborhood. Initially, the churches decided to start a program of providing medical care and tutors for the children. After a slow start, they decided to actually survey the people who lived in the community and see what they felt were their greatest needs. To the churches' surprise, the greatest expressed need was for role models for their children. As a result, this team of churches developed athletic programs in which the children could spend time with coaches who were positive role models. This was the open door for the gospel.

Also, you may find helpful information that has already been collected by local, state, or national agencies. Take time to discover what may be happening with the people that you desire to reach.

Assess your community's resources

Second, take time to assess your community assets. Who are the existing leaders? What facilities, groups, or programs already exist? If you take the time to look, you may find people with similar passions who are already present. The Lord may be leading you to come alongside and join forces with someone who is already ministering to your target group, but could use your encouragement, partnership and shared resources.

Put it into practice

Take a look at the Interactive below, and it will help guide you through the process of discovering the needs and resources for youth in your community. And contact us if you want a network coach to guide you through the process.

Be sure to read "Creating Your Action Plan-Design" (part 2) next.

Assessing the Needs of Youth 

This "Interactive" is designed to stimulate prayer and brainstorming at the beginning or reorganization point of a network. It encourages you to see the big picture while identifying the mission field and God-given resources already in your area.

This  tool can help youth workers see each middle school, junior high and high school campus in the context of its present and future reachability. It also provides a format to identify other groupings of youth that are not a part of a campus environment.

Community Overview

What are the boundaries in your area/city that determine the distances youth workers would drive for a monthly network meeting or for cooperative efforts?
How could you divide your community in to smaller sections?
What are the needs of youth in the community?

School Ministry (For a tool to help assess school ministries, download PULSE)

What secondary schools are in your area and what is the status of their campus ministries? List ministries and leaders.
What systems are established or needed to equip teenagers in making disciples?

Community Ministry

Where and in what groups do youth congregate outside of school boundaries?
Who is already working to engage those teenagers?

Current Networking Status

Brainstorm the names of individuals within your area who could benefit from networking. Who should be included in your strategy as it develops? (Consider other organizations and caring adults who work with youth such as: juvenile facilities, treatment centers, schools, sports, law enforcement, etc.)
What issues or barriers would a ministry network need to overcome?

Vision for your Community

What role and influence could (does) a local ministry network play in your area?
What issues, needs and projects would benefit by the commitment of youth workers in a local network?

Execute, Evaluate, Celebrate!

Rick Kindschi — 2013-02-01 10:00:00.0 PST

You may have be just starting out in youth ministry -- or maybe you've been around for years. Regardless, there are times when the challenge of working together seems more of a burden than a blessing. Excitement fades, life gets busy and the focus blurs your vision for effectively reaching and equipping teenagers in your community.

So, how do you mobilize your community to help your ministry network to make it for the long haul? 

A Teenager Leads the Way

People focus on what needs to be done; God focuses on what can be done. This becomes obvious as people from multiple congregations work together, unite in a common cause, and faithfully depend upon pervasive prayer. God wants to work through His people to exceed anything mortals could ever accomplish alone.

Believers in New London, Wisconsin, learned this firsthand as a high school senior initiated and led a major community outreach event. Brooke Prahl, 18, organized "Mission of Hope" in New London as an effort to unite the community in providing health and community services, haircuts, family portraits, groceries, kids zone, and prayer. More than 80 volunteers rallied around Brooke’s vision - and more than 600 low-income residents were served on August 25, 2012. Brooke also raised more than $14,000 through donations from individuals, churches, and civic organizations.

The ministry in New London is an example of a ministry network that created a Community Action Plan (CAP) and executed a God-given vision to unite congregations and their community.

And now that the dust has settled, they believe the ministry won't stop there. Brooke Prahl would like to see similar events in the future. Those who participated said the goodwill of the "Mission of Hope" was contagious, raising awareness of other needs in the community, which they are also resolved to meet.

What stands out – and is transferable – from the ministry in New London, Wisconsin?

Prayer is Central

Communities have the capacity to reach youth and empower them for ministry when leadership from multiple congregations gather for prayer on behalf of their community. For the leaders in this city, prayer is not confined to the opening or closing moments of the meeting; prayer is the meeting. Furthermore, they recognize that trans-denominational prayer is at the heart of God’s desire for reaching the entire community, and believe that reaching every young person is both reasonable and attainable. Lesson: Prayer must be elevated in stature and priority in our congregations and networks.

In New London, intercessors had been praying for their community for more than a decade, led by Moms In Prayer and other church leaders.
About six years ago, a group was prayer-walking the downtown district of their small city. There was an abandoned lot with an empty shell of a building. With this vivid metaphor in front of them as they prayed, they sensed that God was telling them that their city would be filled with His Spirit and transformed from the inside out.
Three years ago, the congregations in the area banded together to host a TeenServe work camp. Following the week of ministry, a small segment of their group refused to disband, convicted that their community needed them to remain engaged. For two years, they continued to meet regularly for prayer.
At one point, Brooke, then 17 years old, made an initial presentation to this prayer group – and they bathed her dream in prayer. They felt led to come alongside her vision, and continued to pray and plan until it became a reality. Remarkably, the Mission of Hope outreach site was on the same property (it's now a park) where the intercessors had heard God speak to them six years earlier!

Create a Community Action Plan

Communities have the capacity to reach youth and empower them for ministry when they set their sights on the needs of our community. Every community needs resources – both volunteers and finances. As we widen our spheres of influence beyond our local congregations, we intentionally increase our capacity to impact our community.

Planning a CAP necessitates developing measurable benchmarks. Diligent planning factors in everything that is sought to be accomplished. Remember that God gave specific dimensions for the ark to Noah when He spoke to him!

Execute the Plan

Even with a unifying purpose, it can become challenging to work with people from different churches, agencies and walks of life. The secret is in breaking down the mission in to workable goals and tasks and then effectively delegating those tasks. In New London, they used up-to-date Internet tools to track their Community Action Plan. Cloud-based technology greatly simplified the task of mobilizing believers from multiple congregations so everyone could do their part. All participants knew their jobs and did them. 

Evaluate the Plan

New London’s team used their monthly planning sessions to provide a time for evaluation so as to ensure the team stayed aligned with their objectives. After the event, their “cloud” system allowed for all volunteers and vendors to evaluate the event immediately, as well as to make it possible to tabulate and post specific outcomes right away. The community non-profit agencies were then able to easily share their success in their monthly newsletters and report to their donors. Within a month, the leadership convened for intense evaluation, and to determine if Mission of Hope would become an annual event. With real data from their online survey, the answer was a resounding “yes.”

Celebrate the Plan

While events are important, for a movement to be sustained, organizers need to celebrate community impact with volunteers and recognize those who supplied resources. This solidifies the eagerness of participants to remain connected and continue to serve the community. In New London, the celebration took several forms:

Information: Telling all volunteers, donors, and participating organizations within 24 hours of the specific results.
Planning ahead: Meeting within a week with community leaders (police, mayor, Chamber of Commerce, etc.) to schedule next year’s outreach. Civic leaders were thus assured that churches were there for the long haul.
Celebration: Throwing a pizza dinner party for all volunteers within three weeks to share stories and show event pictures.
Rest: Workers determined to enjoy a few months for sabbatical before adjusting their plans and reconvening monthly meetings. Of course, the prayer meetings continued without interruption.

Persevere

Leaders in Wisconsin have learned that a vital network is one that is united in prayer. Praying together fosters relationships of trust, creating courage to serve the community cross-denominationally -- for the long haul. This – along with solid planning – leads to a “staying power” and long-range fruitfulness, rather than exhaustion that can result in collaboration coming to an end.

An effort like the one in New London often leads to unexpected, supernatural fruit. In August’s outreach, people from a congregation that had gone through a divisive split (which resulted in a second split) gathered together to serve in the prayer tent - in unity! Division and schism were momentarily set aside in light of the need for common service to our community.

Pray, plan, execute, evaluate, celebrate, and press on. The same cycle of expanding fruitfulness can happen in any community – maybe even yours.

Execute, Evaluate, Celebrate

How can you come alongside a vision for youth in your community and empower them for ministry?
In what ways will you make prayer an increasingly core part of your ministry network?
What is your action plan that helps you effectively reach and equip teenagers  for personal and community transformation?
What methods can you use to effectively mobilize volunteers to accomplish the Community Action Plan?
What do you need to measure - and how can you measure it?
How will you celebrate your victories along the way?
How are you sensing that God wants you press on in your current situation?

Lasting Change

Bob Lenz — 2013-01-28 10:00:00.0 PST

It was September 19th last fall when my friend and illusionist, AJ and I headed to the high school in Negaunee, Michigan in the upper peninsula of Michigan for two assembly programs and a rally presented to 730 students. AJ brought down the house with his gravity-defying performance. Hearts were softened and defenses came down. Then, I spoke on values, courage and respect. Kids laughed at my personal mishaps, and cried when I told the story about my brother, Tim and my friend, Ronny. Hearts were touched.

When it came time for the rally that night, we expected about 150 kids to walk back through the doors of the auditorium. Instead, 500 students and families came streaming in. We scrambled to find more chairs and quickly ran out. Every seat was filled with people sitting in the aisles. We couldn’t believe it! As I shared the gospel, hundreds of hands reached to the sky, symbolically saying, “Yes, I need Jesus.” 183 of those filled out a card and indicated that it was their first time ever responding to the gospel.

At this point I often share stories about the impact on a student’s life. But today I want to share about the impact on the life of a community. Following our time in Negaunee, our local coordinator, Pastor Steve, took it upon himself to stay connected with the team of people he gathered to help with follow up for the rally. No one could deny the effectiveness of having several churches working together to care for youth. Why should it stop there or be reserved for a special event? Why not have it be a year-round effort?

So Steve and a few others decided that they needed to invite every church in the area, along with some surrounding communities, to be part of a collaborative effort using the National Network of Youth Ministries new tool called “QuickStart” to reach youth and minister to them. Here’s just a snippet from his invitation to area churches:

“...Ever since the wonder of seeing 500 plus people (mostly youth) gathered at Negaunee High School Auditorium, hearing the gospel through the Bob Lenz outreach event in September, we have been wondering about next steps in area youth ministry. One of those steps, we’ve concluded, is this invitation and what we hope will be the resulting conversation.

Would you like our youth connecting with one another in the greater body of Christ??Would you like to further encourage them in their ministry places at school and in the world? ?Would you like to see youth who have yet to know Jesus come to know a united, yet diverse witness from Christ’s body? ?Would you like to ally together to be of greater support to each other’s congregational youth ministries?

If so, please come...”

That’s the body of Christ! That’s lasting change! We're talking lasting impact of people responding to Christ and the church working together and now reaching out to youth all year round!

I get so excited when I see business leaders, various organizations and churches that have caught the vision to unite within their community and put aside their differences for the purpose of reaching this next generation. It’s humbling to know we played a small part of changing this whole community’s view on reaching youth and changing people for Christ. My hope is that communities across the nation will work in a united effort to reach every student in their community with the gospel before they reach the age of 18!

Discovering the Strengths of Your Network

Kevin Boer — 2013-01-25 10:00:00.0 PST

Do you know your network’s strengths?

Networks, like people, develop their own personality and strengths. A network's strengths are the qualities that help your network live out the unique vision God has given you for your community.

In this training you have become familiar with the four priorities of a healthy network -- prayer, relationships, strategy and resources. If being a productive network is to emphasize each of these priorities in a pursuit of excellence and optimum health, then it makes sense to evaluate how you are doing. What does your network do especially well? Where does it need to grow? The following examples will help define what is meant by each priority. They may stimulate some ideas and discussion. Then, take some time to work through the linked “Discovering the Strengths of Your Network.” This important exercise is a simple and specific tool to evaluate your network and learn something new about its personality!

Prayer

When this is a strength of your group, your network loves to pray. Sometimes you may lose track of time because everyone is so engrossed in what they are praying about. Others may wonder if you get anything done, but you know better. The intimate time your community spends with the Savior gives the supernatural strength to empower teenagers to reach their community. Jeremy Del Rio, NNYM's New York City metro coordinator, has shared that, for the past 15 years, pastors have gathered just  to pray for the needs of youth in their community. 

Relationships

Your network fosters deep friendships. You enjoy hanging out, but it goes deeper -- effective ministry partnerships have developed as you have spent quality time together. Your students are aware of your friendships with other youth leaders and they know many of them because they have seen you do life and ministry together. Your team approach to leading brings balance to your network. In San Diego County, one network gathers monthly and is very intentional about building relationships. Knowing how important it is to develop trust before they collaborate, they focus a lot of their time getting to know one another. This empowers the times they gather to plan events.

Strategy

Your network answers the call to reach every student. You have an action plan that is being accomplished. Some in your network may think your gatherings are too task-oriented. But the effort reaps great rewards as you see teenagers equipped and transforming their community. In Pennsylvania, Travis Deans is working with networks to create "nine-month mission trips" of teenagers engaging their campuses for Christ.

Resources

Your network surfaces a wide range of resources to reach and equip teenagers. You have marshalled the time, talent and treasure of people and ministries in your churches and community to work together to help teenagers become disciple-makers. A wider net of youth workers, business and civic leaders, parents, and teenagers have a voice in your network. Adam Fischer is the executive director at Central Wisconsin Youth For Christ. He develops networks with students, youth workers, business people and community leaders who come together to share resources and focus on the needs of teenagers in their community.

Maximize your Strengths

It's been said that "a strength overdone becomes a weakness." In each of the examples above, we have cited networks that are very stronger in one dimension. But healthy networks seek to be multi-dimensional. Start where you're strong: networks that work within their strengths and passions can broaden over time to encompass the other priorities of healthy networks. Each network has a unique DNA!

The flip side of maximizing your strengths is to attain balance, and exercise your lesser abilities as well as your stronger ones. A youth pastor may be great at evangelism, but that does not mean he should stop discipling students. That is where ministry networks can come alongside and strengthen leaders in their areas of weakness.

Your Network's Strengths

NNYM desires to help you maximize your network’s strengths and build up any weaknesses through focusing on the four priorities of a healthy network.

Consider using the tool linked to this article to help you evaluate the strengths in your ministry network called “Discovering the Strengths of Your Network.” You can also connect with a Network Coach to help you think through how to better develop your ministry network. Don't forget to refer to all the helpful materials here in this Training section!

Making Tracks: Is your Ministry Network on Target?

Doug Clark — 2013-01-23 10:00:00.0 PST

Does your ministry network reflect a biblical, global picture of youth ministry—and the mission of the church?

Most of us understand the “marching orders” Jesus gave us in Matthew 28:18-20 – the passage called the “Great Commission.” If we heed those orders, everything we do needs to ultimately aim at fulfilling the Great Commission while living out the Great Commandment of love (Mark 12:29-31). The distinctive of a Christian youth worker is that our lives reflect this purpose, and every part of our lives align with it. Our ministries should train “Great Commission disciples” (also reflected in 2 Timothy 2:2). And our local networks should be intentional about obeying that commission.

Using the metaphor of train tracks, a “missional” ministry network goes somewhere. Did you ever get an electric train at Christmas? With all its twists and turns, the train ultimately only went in a circle -- unlike the tracks of your network which should lead toward the destination of making disciples…globally!

Second, an effective network’s track runs on two “rails:" Relationship and Strategy. Both are needed for a successful partnership.

Third, a good network is built section by section:  the heart and life of the youth worker, building an intentional ministry environment, partnering relationships, strategies you adopt as a ministry network, sharing resources and planning events that result in more Christ-following youth. All you do should point students oward the world that Jesus died to save. He wants to involve them in the excitement of reaching the planet.

The illustration shows how the sections of track build on one another, and how a purposeful network fits in:

Personal Life Style

Youth workers in a networking community set their hearts toward a Personal Lifestyle that demonstrates obedience to the Great Commission and the Great Commandment in everything they are and do. In relationship with other ministry network members, they support, exhort and encourage one another to stay “on target.”

Ministry Environment

The same adults labor to create a Ministry Environment in their youth ministries that helps train young people to be “multiplying disciples.” They read books, attend seminars, seek counsel, and help one another keep their focus sharp so their ministries are on target.

Network's Activities

The Network’s Activities intentionally support the personal lives and ministries of its members. The network's prayer, discussions, and activities focus on cooperating to fulfill the Great Commission in the community. That’s personal and missional…both tracks.

Campus/Community Strategies 

The ministry network prayerfully decides on the Campus/Community Strategies to reach and equip every teenager in the community. Many strategies and workers may already be in place to reach different niche groups, but there is a spirit of cooperation and being of “one mind” as they bring these strategies to the table where they can be coordinated.

Materials and Resources 

People in the network identify Materials and Resources (videos, curricula, people, etc.) to use in implementing the strategies. Youth, adults and youth workers are trained to use the materials as they carry out the strategies.

Events

The local network sponsors or supports Events that train believers (students, parents, youth workers, teachers, etc.), create opportunities for evangelism and build God’s kingdom in the community. These may include prayer gatherings, outreaches, leadership training, parenting seminars, supporting crisis pregnancy centers or reaching out to the homeless. Youth themselves go from being recipients to being the ministers, working alongside adults.

Mature Graduates

The goal is to disciple Mature Graduates who are launched from a community like this, and who go on growing as they make a global impact—their lives oriented toward the same target.

Is your ministry network intentionally steering toward the Great Commission or is the train "off track?"

Making Tracks

Like a train, a network runs on two “rails.” In a network, those rails are Relationship and Strategy. It is built section by section, towards the target. Everything we do needs to ultimately aim at fulfilling the Great Commission while living out the Great Commandment. Consider these questions to help you and your network stay on track.  

Personal Lifestyle

What can you do in your network to encourage a lifestyle of living out the Great Commission and Great Commandment?
How do you sharpen one another, like “iron sharpens iron”?

Ministry Environment

How can you help each other – including volunteer-led groups in your community – to create healthy ministry environments that train youth to be Christ-following disciples?

Network Activities

How can you encourage both the soul care of your members and strategies for working together to reach and equip teenagers within your network?

 Campus/Community Strategies

What strategies at schools and with non-students are you implementing or championing for equipping students to make disciples?
How do you evaluate these strategies in light of their ultimate purpose?

Materials & Resources

What resources and training are available in your community to effectively equip youth and leaders in the disciple making process?

Events

What events can you work on together as a network?

Mature Graduates

What ways can you mature and graduate teenagers for global impact?
What are some ways to continue encouraging those who have graduated from your youth group?

Every!

Travis Deans — 2013-01-21 10:00:00.0 PST

Almost all my best friends are youth leaders in the six youth networks in our area. When I meet with these friends from Anglican, Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, Assembly of God, Free Methodist, Wesleyan, and charismatic churches, I see God at work in more ways than I ever could have imagined. I must agree with Bill Hybels (Willow Creek Community Church) when he said, “The local church is the hope of the world.”

Something that's been adding a lot of fuel to my fire for networking is the concern that we are losing the spiritual battle with this generation. It doesn't have to be that way! A lot of youth leaders hear statistics that many youth graduate from high school without a strong faith. We've been talking about this in our network meetings.

While there are other important factors to consider in addressing this crisis, youth leaders in our area are responding with a renewed determination to work together! We are tackling four objectives:

Every church needs a healthy, growing youth ministry.

Every youth worker cares deeply about the young people under his or her care. But we often struggle with how best to bring about spiritual change in their lives. Fellow youth leaders help each other discover great resources and events that can make a big difference in developing effective youth ministries. For example, my friend Danny Rogers, a youth ministry veteran, graciously shares the wealth of resources he's collected over the years with all the new and volunteer youth leaders who come to our network meetings. And one of our network leaders, Roseann Sworts, would regularly remind youth leaders in her network to take advantage of great youth ministry training conferences that are available locally and nationally.

Every community needs a network of church youth ministries.

We love seeing youth leaders discover the youth ministry team they never knew they had! Many of them have a difficult time getting help from people within their churches, but then they come to a network meeting and are really encouraged to find people who are just as passionate as they are, who struggle like they do and who really understand them! Five of our networks started bringing their youth groups together monthly for worship, a challenge, and sharing testimonies about how God is using them. At one of the events, Al Rowicki, a volunteer youth pastor, challenged 140 students from 10 different churches to be passionate for God and to reach their friends for Christ -- asking them to come back the next month to share testimonies of what God does through them.

Why Join a Network?

What difference does a network make in the lives of youth workers? Listen to the words of these people as they answered that question at a retreat in New England

Every school needs to be reached by a network of churches.

Youth leaders in our community are deciding that it is time for them to fish on the other side of the boat. In recent years our network has joined together to bring in incredible school assembly speakers. At the last one, 800 students packed out a school gymnasium where they heard a former Harlem Globetrotter share the gospel. Nothing like that had ever been done in that community before. Now youth leaders have great relationships, and a solid reputation with the school administrators here.

Every student needs to hear the gospel and get connected to a local church.

Our network helps us all be devoted to a larger vision than just that of our own ministry. If we work together, it really is possible that every teenager in our area could hear the gospel and find foundation in a local church.That is the reason I get out of bed every morning, and I am blessed to work with people who feel that same passion.

Who is your "Every?"

Thinking about where you live, who is it that God has called you to reach? How can you work with others to reach every youth in your sphere of influence? To help you work through the questions, We have network coaches who want to help. You can contact the NNYM office or locate a coach in your area.

Making Prayer a Priority

Mike Higgs — 2013-01-18 10:00:00.0 PST

As I write this article, the church is in the midst of an explosion of prayer mobilization initiatives. I am a staunch supporter of prayer mobilization - I did it vocationally for two decades - but even I am a bit overwhelmed by the volume and the urgency of it all.

Desperate Times

What is motivating all these efforts to mobilize people to pray? Certainly, the tenuous state of the economy, the unrest in many parts of the world are in the mix, and probably a lot more. Regardless, it's safe to say that the motivation behind all the prayer mobilization efforts is a very legitimate sense of urgency and/or desperation.

As the old saying goes, "desperate times call for desperate measures," and we are certainly in a season demanding urgent, if not desperate, prayer.

This is a very good thing! I am reminded of the story of Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, who was confronted with opposing armies that were so large in number, and had advanced so close to Jerusalem, that the typical response of a seasoned military commander (which he certainly was) was utterly insufficient - there was no time to blow the shofar, muster the troops, and prepare for battle.

There was only time to call a fast and to cry out to the Lord, "We have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon You." (2 Chronicles 20:12) Urgent and desperate? Absolutely. Effective? No question - read the rest of the story. A great model for us today, in youth ministry or otherwise? Without a doubt.

Harassed and Helpless

My number one go-to sermon on the importance of youth ministry (number two is the 2 Chronicles 20 passage above) is based on Matthew 9:36-38. The passage says that Jesus looked on the multitudes and "had compassion on them" (literally, "His guts were torn up") "because they were harassed and helpless" (literally, "being torn to pieces and unable to do anything about it") "like sheep without a shepherd."

One does not have to be a card-carrying Mensa member to realize that this is a very apt description of young people today - they are being torn up by fatherlessness, family dysfunction, cultural craziness and a myriad of other maladies There is very little they can do to help themselves - other than turn to addictions, cutting or a host of other coping mechanisms. And what was Jesus' response to what He saw? He told His disciples, "Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest." Don't work harder or smarter (both good things!), but pray - pray for more workers.

A Hopeful Trend

I am greatly encouraged today by the number of youth workers who are embracing prayer personally and deploying it in their ministries in fresh, powerful ways. Sometimes we are motivated by the realization that, like Jehoshaphat, we youth workers really don't know what to do to disciple the emerging generations. Our youth ministry "bags of tricks" have proved to be helpful but, ultimately, inadequate for the task.

Sometimes our motivation is a compassionate (gut-wrenching) response to the train wreck that is contemporary youth culture, and the deep pain that is increasingly a part of adolescence today. Whatever the motivation, I see youth workers responding prayerfully as never before.

What Sustains You?

I see them gathering students on a regular basis not just for fellowship and instruction, but to pray for their campuses and their peers. I see them helping parents learn how to pray for their kids during the scary teenage years. I see youth worker networking becoming more prayer-driven and less event-driven. This is all really, really good stuff and I rejoice in all that God is doing! But I do not believe it can be sustained in the ways that will be necessary to fulfill the Great Commission among the emerging generations.

In my late 20s I was a passionate, driven youth worker who loved kids and had little interest in a relationship that might compromise my "game." So when my two best friends called and demanded that I immediately drive two hours north to meet "the perfect match" for me, I was not sufficiently motivated to drop all I was doing and make the trip.

But many months later, when I finally did meet this young lady, everything changed, as evidenced by significant shifts in my schedule, phone bill, gas bill, and bank account. I was in mad pursuit of a relationship with the woman who is now my wife, and was doing everything in my power to develop, enhance, and strengthen that relationship through communication - in person, on the phone, through letters, or whatever means necessary.

Twenty-nine years of marriage later, I am still in a mad pursuit of this woman, but I digress. My point is this: prayer - which is simply communication with the God of the universe who has chosen us, set His seal of love on us and created us for this very purpose - is sustainable when it is based on who God is to us rather than what He does for us.

This was made crystal clear by Jesus when He sent His disciples on their first missionary journey. Luke records the excitement of the disciples when they returned with stories of success. And Jesus shared in their excitement - but He also issued a caveat: "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven." (Luke 10:18-20)

The "Secret Sauce"

Because of the nature of my ministry, I am frequently asked to recommend books and resources on prayer, as if the "Secret Sauce" of prayer can be found in these places. I can make the recommendations, and there is certainly value in many of these tools. But increasingly, I find myself saying, "While I can give you plenty of book and resource recommendations, and suggest some best practices, you won't find the ‘Secret Sauce' in any of those places; the ‘Secret Sauce' is only found in ‘the Secret Place.'"

I am more and more convinced that while books and other resources can be a real help, they can also become a distraction and even a hindrance if they keep us away from the Secret Place. It is there that we cultivate relational intimacy with the Father, and it is there where we learn to pray.

People I know, whom I consider mighty in prayer, did not get that way by reading lots of books on the subject. They got that way by spending consistent, significant time in the Secret Place. And in that place, the Lord gives the hidden manna - the ultimate, real secret sauce - that will sustain and empower them for the life, and the work, to which He has called them.

Prayer motivated by urgency and desperation is a good thing. Prayer motivated by genuine compassion for the plight of the emerging generations is a very good thing. But prayer motivated by the love of, and love for, the Triune God, cultivated in the Secret Place, is the best thing. It will endure - for eternity.

And that motivation for prayer will sustain and empower us for the life, and the work, to which He has called us as youth workers. An army of holy, obedient, praying youth workers will complete the task before us!

To go deeper with the prioritiy of prayer take a look at the interactive exercise below. You can also connect with a network coach who can help you personally.

Prioritizing Prayer

In his article, Mike Higgs wrote, "You won't find the ‘Secret Sauce' of integrating prayer into your life and network in any of those places [just books and resources about prayer]; the ‘Secret Sauce' is only found in ‘the Secret Place.'"

So we asked, "Mike, how can a network leader practice this in her or her personal life, as well as in the life of their network?" He responded with six practical ideas, most related to spending time in "the Secret Place." He wrote:

Schedule extended DAILY time in the "Secret Place" (i.e. personal devotions) and guard that time jealously. Do it in the morning if at all possible. 99% of the people I know who say, "I'm not a morning person," and try to do it later in the day, don't. And Seven Minutes With God might sell in the bookstore, but that's about the only place where it works. Figure on one hour minimum, and two hours is better. Accountability is a good thing here, but if you can't do it on your own, you probably don't think it's that important. And it is.
Have a talk with your senior pastor or supervisor (and spouse, if applicable and/or necessary) about protecting your time in the Secret Place. Come to an agreement that your intimacy with Christ, nurtured through time in the Secret Place, is non-negotiable regarding your ministry effectiveness - not to mention your own spiritual health.
Time in the Secret Place is for growing in intimacy in your relationship with God, not in your knowledge of God. The latter is a good thing; the former is a better thing. Expect God to speak to you and to your spirit through His Word,. And speak back! i.e. Pray!
There are many "classic" books on prayer, and even some good modern ones. Read them to help you grow in prayer. But the greatest aid to growing in prayer is simply doing it. And the second greatest aid is to be around praying people.
Guard the prayer time in your network meetings. Networks based on relationships and prayer will endure; those based on planning and events won't.

Editor's note: For further study you may want to know that Mike has written two books related to prayer: Youth Ministry From The Inside Out and Youth Ministry On Your Knees. The first has to do with character, and the second with prayer.

SYMC Discount

Alon Banks — 2013-01-16 07:00:00.0 PST

We have the opportunity to partner with Simply Youth Ministry and their SYMC again in 2013, and are excited to offer you a special discount to attend the conference in Indianapolis, March 1-4. 

Just visit the registration page and use one of the longest codes in the history of NNYM (NNYMSYMC2013) and you will save yourself $20.

If you are wondering if you should go or not, here is Kurt Johnson sharing why you should go.

By the way, NNYM staff will be there in force, to serve you and others at the conference. Come see us!

How Do I Start a Youth Ministry Network?

Randy Davis — 2013-01-14 10:00:00.0 PST

My first youth ministry responsibility was at a rural church without any other youth pastors around. Let me tell you, I was lonely! No one seemed to understand what it was like to reach out to students and their families.  The big lesson I learned: You can never do youth ministry alone!

So what do you do if you feel alone in youth ministry? One of the greatest things is to start a youth ministry network. The benefits are huge. You have people to lean on when times are tough. You have others to bounce ideas off of before you face your pastor or board. It's so good to know that you are not alone. To highlight a favorite network slogan -- “We're better together!”

I have been a part of my local network for 18 years. I have made some life-long friendships and some true partners in ministry. Some have moved on to other ministries, but we still  have each others' backs.

So how do you start a youth ministry network? It is not unlike the first two months in a new youth ministry position.

1) Pray!

Prayer is a given that we sometimes overlook. I know I tend to jump right into the "doing" stage. But, I've found, if I want supernatural results (and I do), that we need to ask God for "divine appointments." Pray that God will put you into someone else’s path that feels the way you do. Pray that you and whoever else you come in contact with can and will set aside their "egos and their logos" and focus on the kingdom.

2) Start 

Discover youth workers in your area by checking out church and ministry websites to find other youth leaders. Start with one or two and ask if you can take them to lunch -- your treat.  Let them know you just want to get acquainted with other youth workers from the community.

This is the first step in finding those who may be part of your Core Team. A Core Team shares passion, vision and responsibilities for equipping youth to do what God wants in their community.

Don't look for people who are perfect – it will take too long! Look for Core Team members who:

Love God with their heart, soul, mind and strength (Mark 12:30). They need to be fully engaged in their faith journey.
Love teenagers (Mark 12:31).
Are good team players (Ephesians 4:1-3). Your Core Team needs to be a blend. They don’t all need to be the "up front – take charge" kind of people, but those who relate well with others; serving as true partners in ministry for reaching the community.

It will probably take some trial and error to form your team. Not every contact will be right for this role. But it is good that you enjoyed lunch and fellowshipped with a fellow youth minister!  Keep on in your search for just the right ones that will work with you to help reach youth and build God’s kingdom in your community.

3) Share 

At lunch tell your story, listen to theirs, share your dream of a network, and pray for their ministries. Above all, you are seeking to build each other up for the work of the kingdom. Be sure to bring a copy of NNYM's QuickStart for everyone. Encourage them to read through it, to understand why building a ministry network is important. If there is interest, make plans to meet in two weeks.

4) Follow Up

After the lunch, affirm the relationships through personal contact. Send them a handwritten note. I know this is archaic, but we need to move beyond a "TGIF" (Twitter, Google, iPhone, Facebook) relationship. A handwritten note communicates that they matter to you.

5) Intercede

During the two weeks, pray that God will build a passion in them as He has in you.

6) Reconnect

Remembering that every youth worker likes a free lunch, talk directly about your passion for teamwork of youth ministries working within the community for the sake of the kingdom.

If they don't share it, that is okay. Go back to #2 and start again with another youth worker. An old sales principle is: “You don’t have to get all the ducks to have a good duck hunt.” Not everyone is going to share your passion or want to let go of his or her ego or logo, but that doesn’t mean you quit. You just keep hunting for more. (And some will come around later, so we don't need to rush them.)

If they do connect with your passion for networking, make a plan to meet with those who share the vision on a regular basis. Connect with each other on Facebook and Twitter. And remember to register your network at youthworkers.net/networks.

7) Promise

Promise #1: Each of you will invite one more to the next network meeting.

Promise #2: Pray for them and their students as much as you pray for the students in your ministry.

Does this really work?  It sure does!  A network in Indianapolis started nearly 23 years ago with this pattern.  One guy met another for lunch; they discussed how they did not like doing ministry alone.  They talked about meeting again, invited a few others, shared their dream, and the Mainstream network was born. 

I joined this network 18 years ago.  It was already established, meeting once a month, praying together and building friendships.  Since Mainstream began, we have done See You At The Pole events together, ski trips, service projects, training events -- but, most importantly, we have developed friendships that I still have today. 

Some have moved away, others have made ministry or career changes, but our network is still important to us. 

I believe I am still in ministry today because of the people in my network.

The Power of a Mission Statement

Doug Clark — 2013-01-11 07:00:00.0 PST

"Write what you see. Write it out in big block letters so that it can be read on the run" (Habakkuk 2:2-3, The Message).

You’ve prayed – a lot -- on your own and with a couple of other youth leaders who want to work together to reach teenagers in your community, meeting over coffee for several months. You have a strong sense of being one in heart and mind, and the bond you have from praying for each other is awesome.

Now, you have begun to talk about inviting others and building a larger ministry network; you’d like to have meetings regularly so more can share what you are experiencing.

At the same time, the three of you don’t want to lose what you have begun to share. But the interests, theology, and priorities of the varied youth workers in your area could begin to pull the new network in a different direction. How do you keep it on track?

It may be time to follow Habakkuk’s advice!

Take a Cue from a Prophet

Like you, Habakkuk was waiting on God to reveal what He was going to do with Habakkuk’s people. Okay, he was mostly complaining to God and pouring out his heart in prayer. But God spoke to him, and instructed him to write down what he heard. Why? “so that it can be read on the run.” In other words, there is power in a written statement of your mission and vision to motivate others.

While we aren’t saying that your ministry network’s mission is on par with the Bible, the principle is still there. And it can help set the tone for and communicate to others what your network is, as well what it isn’t.

A healthy Network will move forward on "twin rails" of Relationships (who you are) and Strategy (vision; what you do cooperatively)…a vision statement articulates where the tracks are ultimately headed. A mission statement is a brief description of your group's fundamental purpose. It answers the question, "Why do we exist?" and serves as your compass as you decide what to do.

Why? Why? Why?

Ask yourself, or prayerfully discuss it with your core leaders: “Why does our ministry network exist? Take this question as close to “ultimate” as possible. Once you feel clear about the “why” of your network, write it down so others who join your group have a clear statement of why they should partner with your group. This becomes your mission statement.

It also helps to “filter out” those who do not resonate with your mission. Think about it: how many times have you started to join a group, and found out the purpose was different than you expected it to be? Rather than waste the time of people who are on a different page – and use precious time in your meetings – be up front and clear about your mission so you can pursue it wholeheartedly.

Take a look at the Interactive below to help you in the process of creating a mission statement. If you want further help you can contact a network coach. 

Mission Statement

A mission statement helps you answer the "why" of your ministry network. Take a look at the following ideas to help you develop your mission statement.

Some networks are built around more around a strategy. Others are more based on relationships. This balance usually fluctuates from time to time. Look for balance. But the end goal doesn’t change, even as activities change. The tide may come in and out, but the horizon is the same!
Ministry networks that prayerfully ask “why?” should arrive at ultimate biblical objectives, such as the Great Commission and the Great Commandment (read “Making Tracks: Is your Ministry Network on Target?
Go online and read some mission statements. Check out the National Network Covenant. Read statements from some other networks on our database to get ideas.
Outline the main points but don’t get bogged down with wordsmithing it until it’s roughed out. Then refine it.
Work to make your statement as concise as possible.
Once you have agreed on a mission statement, use it widely (“inscribe it…so the one who reads it may run”): at the bottom of every email, in mailers, social media, at meetings, etc. You will find that it will help your network attract like-minded people. And stay on point!
Bill Hybels has said that a mission statement "...is like a bucket full of holes that you fill with water. You constantly have to be refilling it (checking it, confirming it, checking what you do with it)." Periodically revisit your mission statement, pray through it with your leadership, and see if it needs revision. A network is organic, so your guiding document(s) may need to change as God leads.

Widen the Net

Jason Kaat — 2013-01-09 07:00:00.0 PST

What is a “youth worker?”

In the past,  a youth worker has been defined as an individual who is hired to oversee youth ministry through building Christ-centered relationships and programming which targets the teenage culture in their local ministry context.  But does this give us the manpower we need to reach and equip the millions of students in our nation? 

Redefining the Youth Worker

We are experiencing a redefinition of what a youth worker is. We are working in a culture of rapid change and societal shifts. The “professional” youth worker has experienced increased demand to enlarge their particular youth ministry program. They may be staying longer and gaining respect. But, there is a danger of losing sight of the urgency to reach every student with the gospel. And with the economic downturn of the past few years, many churches, for example, are replacing their paid youth pastor with one or more unpaid volunteers.

A Greater Need to Network

And the way in which we network is changing as well. Youth workers have more pressure to perform with fewer resources. However, if the local network is only for professional youth workers, we will never reach all these teenagers. When youth workers think strategically about reaching every student in their community, they see the need for more workers to reach and equip more youth.

Wasn't this the point of Jesus' words in Matthew 9:37-38 when He said, "Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."

Which brings me back to the inevitable question: Are there others in your community that God sees as "youth workers?""

Including others as Youth Workers

There may be many overlooked youth workers where you live. The list of people who love God and love youth in your community is almost always longer than most networkers realize! Consder these:

The volunteer youth worker who works full time to support their youth ministry "habit"
The students in your community who want to reach their friends with the gospel. We need to encourage students to lead ministry with a caring Christian adult mentor.
The school teacher who spends all day with teenagers in the classroom
The school resource officer who wishes she could be more involved in the prevention side of dealing with troubled students
The car salesman whose heart breaks for teens, but just doesn’t have the margin to attend another meeting. However, he prays for students every time he drives by the school or sees a group of kids hanging out somewhere in the community.
The civic leader who deals with youth vandalism in the city park and feels powerless to do anything about it
The businessman who deals with corporate problems all day but knows the future is in the hands of his kids
The mom who has a "way with teenagers" and a great home for gatherings
The retired person who now has more time available to love and help youth

These people come from all walks of life, yet have a common desire to see the youth in our communities find hope and a future. As Christ followers, we all know the answer to these needs in the community is the found in the strong name of Jesus Christ. But how on earth do we begin to bring these resource people together in the face of the pressures and demands of everyone's schedules?

Giving Them a Voice

Here's one solution: We need to widen our understanding of what a youth ministry network does. Networks need to be innovative with ways to close ranks with people in their communities who love God and love kids. This doesn’t mean they necessarily need to be around the table physically. But how can we get them involved in the Great Commission mindset of the network?

Putting Them into Action

In my role here in Wisconsin, I have seen this in action. In  my ministry, we help churches unite around events that share Jesus and develop discipleship strategies. In over 30 cities, I have witnessed farmers, students, teachers, exterminators, vending repairmen, hair stylists, carpenters, grandmas, grandpas and local church and parachurch youth workers work together to disciple teenagers. It is a beautiful picture of the body of Christ coming together! They are hungry to work together, and often have overcome significant disunity in their communities.

How can you widen the net to reach teenagers in your community? The Interactive exercise below will stimulate your thinking and discussions. Or, if you want, you can connect with a Network coach who can help you through the process.

Widening the Net 

As you think about how to involve more people in the youth ministry harvest, consider these questions  for discussion with your network or just for your private reflection: 

Read Deuteronomy 11:18-20:

“Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates, so that your days and the days of your children may be many in the land that the Lord swore to give your forefathers, as many as the days that the heavens are above the earth.”

A lot of attention is given to this verse as a challenge to parents to impress the Word of God on the hearts of our children. However, a friend recently pointed out to me that the beginning of this prayer is not just directed at parents, but to the whole community of Israel.

In what ways has your network partnered with "non-traditional, non-vocational" paid and volunteer youth workers in your community? 
If the Holy Spirit brought a revival in your community, would you be ready to disciple 100 students who expressed a desire to grow in faith (or, whatever number you'd consider to be a "bumper crop"?) What would you need to do to be ready for that kind of "harvest"?
How do you think the term “Christian youth worker” may be defined 20 years from now?
Do people in your community have a well-defined plan of reaching and equipping youth to be disciple makers?
Are Christian students in your community invited to speak to youth leaders about how to reach  their own peer group?

The Power of Group Prayer

Donna Nuss — 2013-01-07 07:00:00.0 PST

It turned out that Jimmy was suicidal.

Our youth staff team met with him after he had attended an outreach event we hosted at his high school. He later came to Christ, but his emotional, mental, and spiritual challenges were frankly, overwhelming to us at times.

I remember that on one occasion we all entered into a time of focused prayer for Jimmy. We listened to each other pray for him and in that concentrated time we also listened to what the Holy Spirit was saying to us individually and as a team.

In the months after that concentrated prayer time for Jimmy, we were able to involve him in a Friday night Bible study at the home of a dedicated Christian family. They took him under their wing, in addition to the time investment our team was giving to him.

In the years that followed, he became established in his faith and identity; even his outward appearance and expressions became more positive. He finished college, met a wonderful Christian girl, and now is married and is a new father. Of course, he was prayed for many times throughout the years. But looking back, the deep, concentrated time of group prayer we had for him turned out to be powerful!

We all know how effective prayer is, and we have often seen the miracles of prayer expressed in various ways and forms. As E.M. Bounds wrote, “Prayer is of transcendent importance, for it is the mightiest agent to advance God’s work…only praying hearts and hands do God’s work…prayer succeeds when all else fails. Prayer has won great victories and has rescued, with notable triumph God’s saints when every other hope was gone.”

Prayer in your network

Most youth worker meetings include a time of prayer. More than likely, these occur at the end of a meeting and include quick prayer requests and quick prayers. Although this is often the norm, what I am excited about is the effectiveness and power that happens when we enter into deep and concentrated group prayer.

This form of praying is actually linked to having a deep and personal conversation with God. As in a conversation with friends and family, it includes listening and expressing and sometimes exhausting a topic before moving on to another.

As we enter into focused, concentrated group prayer it is good to quiet our hearts with a time of silence and confession. We are then much more sensitive to pray under the direction and in alignment with the Holy Spirit.

I love the passage in Romans 8:26-27, “The Holy Spirit helps us in our distress. For we don’t even know what we should pray for, nor how we should pray. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that can not be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will.”

Not surprisingly, the Holy Spirit gives us impressions, thoughts, and specific verses about how to pray for someone or something specifically.

I remember one time praying with a mother about her daughter’s lack of Christian friends. Her daughter often felt alone and alienated at her high school. During our concentrated time of prayer together, I felt the Holy Spirit impressing me to pray that her daughter, Lisa would want to go on an overseas project that we were leading that year. After the prayer time with my friend, I invited Lisa to go with us. Through the project training times and the actual overseas experience Lisa made lasting friends with several other students on the project. They are still friends 10 years later!

Listening carefully to what others say in prayer along with the impressions of the Holy Spirit makes us much more sensitive in expressing our own thoughts and prayers. We can agree with others about what they pray, or share a pertinent Scripture, because we are involved in a conversation.

Making it work in your schedule

The main hindrance to this very effective way of praying is time. As a society and as youth workers, we often are pressured by time constraints. One suggestion is to divide the group up into smaller groups, with each group taking just one or two requests. That way, you can pray more effectively and all concerns can be covered. Sometimes, the request is so important or life-threatening that the entire prayer time needs to be devoted to it.

I think the early apostles might have used this focused, concentrated style of prayer. In Acts 4 it says “After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.”

How I would love to see our prayer times become truly revolutionary- then we couldn’t wait to pray and trust God to work. Shake us up Lord!

5 Reasons I'm Excited About Youth Ministry in 2013...

Greg Stier — 2013-01-01 07:00:00.0 PST

People often ask me what I think about the future of youth ministry. My response usually surprises them. I am VERY excited about the future of youth ministry. As a matter of fact 2013 could be youth ministry’s break out year. This may be the year that…

1. A lack of budget triggers a more mature approach to youth ministry. The value of a strained US economy is that smaller church offerings can lead to tighter youth ministry budgets. Before you call me crazy remember that a smaller youth ministry budget can lead to less goofiness and more seriousness when it comes to youth ministry programming. And that’s a good thing.

God has blessed me with the privilege of leading a ministry called Dare 2 Share for the last twenty years. We train teenagers to share their faith all across the country. Because much of our income is donor related when “The Great Recession” hit in 2008 we had to cut staff, slash programs and sharpen our focus. While these were challenging times God has used it in powerful ways to make us more serious and strategic about a much more singular mission. The same can happen for youth ministries that get their budget slashed. Sometimes a “fiscal cliff” becomes a bridge to a more mature approach to youth ministry. Less sizzle, more steak.

2. A growing number of youth leader networks become gospel-driven. Having seen a gospel-driven youth ministry up close and personal I’m hopeful that this model can be multiplied across the country. When I hung out with the network in Kenosha, Wisconsin I was blown away by what I saw and heard. I witnessed youth leaders who had each other’s backs, who prayed for each other and supported each other. This was no chewy, gooey ecumenical kumbaya-fest. It was real youth leaders from differing denominations who united together around the one thing they all agreed on…the gospel.Their mission is to collectively fill each others youth groups with new teen converts and recruit more churches to do the same until every teen in Kenosha hears the gospel. To read more about “The Kenosha Allies” and discover the 5 characteristics of a kingdom-advancing network check this article out.

3. Prayer becomes the driving strategic force behind more youth ministry efforts. When prayer stops being the “holy water” we sprinkle on our whiteboard-written strategies and starts being our primary strategy, revival may actually happen. I believe more and more youth leaders are realizing this. Every major spiritual awakening has had prayer on the leading edge of it. Prayer is the engine, not the caboose, on the revival train. And, oftentimes, it’s the young people who are sitting with the Conductor leading the way through intercessory prayer.

According to one eyewitness report of The Great Welsh Revival in 1859, “one of the most striking characteristics of the movement was its effect on young people and even on children. The youth of our congregations are nearly all the subjects of deep religious impressions. Very young people … children from 10 to 14 years of age, gather together to hold prayer meetings, and pray very fervently. In many places, the young people hold a prayer meeting of their own, and these sometimes proved instrumental in bringing the powerful influences of the revival to that particular locality. The majority of all converts of the revival … were young people!”

Let’s stop reading these revival accounts and start experiencing it ourselves!

4. Youth ministry and family integrated ministry find their groove…together!

There is a battle in many churches over the role of the traditional youth ministry model and the family integrated model (moms and dads discipling their own children.) It seems to me that there is a “best of both worlds” solution that some youth ministries are starting to tap into. The power of parents leaning into the spiritual development of their own children combined with a setting where teenagers can relate to other teenagers spiritually could be the model that catapults youth ministry to the next level. The more spiritually mature adults who are willing to mentor their children/teens and other children/teens the better! This should happen at home and church! The youth leaders who are seeing the power of Titus 2 (older women mentoring young women/older men mentoring young men) should do nothing more than accelerate the mission of the youth leader and godly parents. Sure, there will still be the “our way is the only way“ people, but, most youth leaders should be able to merge the power of both approaches into their youth ministry models.

5. Evangelism combines with social justice to advance the gospel like never before. Most youth leaders have progressed past the either/or dichotomy of social justice or evangelism. Let’s send “or” to his room without breakfast. Let’s give “and” the best seat at the table instead. Enough of “either/or” let’s opt for “both/and” as leaders of the next generation!

For decades verbal evangelism was all the rage. But many youth leaders got bored with just giving the gospel and wanted to express it in deeds as well. As the social justice movement gained momentum in youth ministry circles the pendulum swung hard the other way. But this hard swing also began to leave spiritually mature youth leaders wanting. More and more youth leaders are realizing that there is a precious middle ground of helping teens to express the gospel with their lives (aka “social justice”) and with their lips (aka “evangelism.”) They are realizing that this middle ground is not built on compromise but conviction. It’s combining nitrogen with glycerin, peanut butter with chocolate and, in light of the New Year, egg with nog.

If you are a youth leader be excited for 2013. Tight budgets shouldn’t scare you. Instead they should drive you to your knees in prayer, trigger an approach youth ministry that is more mature and encourage you to equip your teenagers to live and give the gospel. All the while you can be networking together with youth leaders of like mind and heart to advance THE Cause of Christ!

This is the stuff revival is made of. Bring on the new year!

YouthWorker Journal 2013

Alon Banks — 2012-12-31 10:00:00.0 PST

We’re back this month with new digital issues, which we pray help facilitate your ministry to others. In the January 2013 issue of YouthWorker Journal, you find the theme of “Who Am I?” which touches on several important topics regarding identity formation and identity theories. Get the magazine here.

Global Youth Ministry Consultation

Paul Fleischmann — 2012-12-21 10:00:00.0 PST

 Is it possible to form an “international network of youth ministries?” Twenty-five international youth ministry leaders gathered in Pompano Beach, Florida December 4-7, 2012 to discuss the possibilities. These hand-picked delegates – both men and women, younger and older – represented 15 countries and five continents. They prayed, dialogued, reviewed research and shared personal insights. They shared what God is doing among youth in their countries. And, they poured themselves into and assessing what a global platform for youth ministry networking might look like.

It’s not that international youth ministry networking hasn’t been attempted. The global Youth Commission of the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA), who initiated this meeting, had built a “structural” partnership that served the WEA regional groups.  In the 12 years I have served on this Commission, 50 national networks (youth commissions) were established for reaching youth in their respective countries. But the outcome of the discussions in Florida seemed to be more in the direction of a “relational” partnership. While there is value in retaining some structure, a strong relational commitment between the top leadership may give an internal impetus and creativity that would propel the partnership to greater productivity and results.

Though specific conclusions are still being formed, it was remarkable to see what happened as this group of relative strangers came together for the first time.

What was “remarkable” was to see the common vision and commitment to reach the world’s youth and to do it through cooperation and partnership with one another. It was obvious that God was the author of that – that the vision to reach the world’s youth is God’s desire given to many, not just a few. There was a sense of excitement and ownership about the potential for a high quality partnership that could develop – one that is freshly designed for this generation of leadership, for great effectiveness.

Some of the other highlights from the discussions of the week:

·   There is a common desire for a global partnership.

·   Someone observed how encouraging it was to realize that we are not alone; there are lots of us doing similar things.

·   Networking today must move from a posture of control to a posture of service.

·   Create platforms and space for the younger generation to be personally engaged.

·   More than ever, this is a time for the church to be both humble and bold.

·   The church must be missional in a pluralistic context: We must maintain the mission of proclamation; but we also need to have a mission of listening [to the culture].

·   A younger leader highlighted the value of intergenerational ministry – combining the value of history and stories from the past, while creating new space for those who are younger.

·   We need to explore and celebrate what we can achieve together. Partnering helps us generate ideas and momentum that can change the paradigm.

A First-Hand View From Newtown

Mark Orr — 2012-12-19 10:00:00.0 PST

Editor's note: Mark Orr, the New England Regional Coordinator for NNYM, lives only a few miles from Newtown, Connecticut, the site of the horrific shooting that took place on December 14. Here is his update and appeal from a visit to Newtown on Tuesday, Dec. 18. Please consider how you can pray and get involved in YOUR own community to make a difference as we reach out to this generation!

I sent this report from Newtown yesterday via an email to our New England youth workers. The Lord really stirred in my heart to write...it's a bit long, but I needed to share my heart with our region (and NNYM youth workers nationwide)...I know that it applies to all of us no matter where we serve.

Dear Youth Workers and Brothers and Sisters in New England--

Yesterday afternoon I had the opportunity to spend some time at Sandy Hook School. It was a very moving experience to walk though the village and up the road toward the school and see all of the memorials. People were walking in silence, carrying flowers, candles, and stuffed animals. There were Christmas trees set up on the roadside surrounding the school sign....one for each victim and all decorated with personal ornaments, messages, etc.

Crowds of media and mourners were everywhere in the small town center, and a huge Christmas tree surrounded with thousands of notes, candles, small memory gifts, etc. Police and first responders were everywhere. I was not able to get to the elementary school buidling because it is an active crime scene, but was able to get on the grounds of Newtown High School and pray there.

Fortunately there was no evidence of Westboro Baptist protesting at either funeral yesterday. But they have said that they will picket at the funeral of the principal tomorrow in Woodbury, Conn.

What YOU and your youth groups can do:

--pray together and then do something tangible. Collect flowers and notes (or make a poster,etc.) and drive to Sandy Hook and deliver it. I can't tell you how HEALING it was to just "be there" and pray on the property and in the village square and see the outpouring of love and support.

--If you are too far away to make a trip, you can set up your own memorial in your town or add to one already there.

--You can sponsor a fund raiser and send the funds to the Sandy Hook School Support Fund

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Newtown-Sandy-Hook-Announcement.html?soid=1101979468367&aid=u022UJodt2o

or Sandy Hook School Victims Relief Fund

http://www.crowdrise.com/SHSRelief

or to a number of other funds that have been established.

Again, I can't emphasize enough how healing it is to simply "go" and leave something of yourself at the site.

THEN----me must be sure to MEET TOGETHER REGULARLY TO SURROUND OUR COMMUNITIES AND SCHOOLS WITH PRAYER And TO PRAY FOR AND SUPPORT EACH OTHER IN OUR MINISTRIES.

--Do prayer walks around your town and pray on your school's property (you are allowed to do this after school hours--it is public space).

---Volunteer at your school's "volunteer desk" or "information desk" if they have them. Or assist as a coach on one of the teams...or help with the school play.

--Recommit yourselves to "front line" youth ministry and going where the hurting kids are, and equipping your youth group kids to reach out to the hurting kids in their schools, befriending them, and showering them with the love of Jesus.

In my sermon in church this past Sunday, I challenged our congregation to recommit ourselves to our children and youth ministry. I know that we can get all caught up in the "what if's"....BUT... what if there had been a youth worker there for Adam Lanza...a youth worker who could have reached him, befriended him...became a part of his world and shared the love of Christ with him? I believe it might have made all of the difference.

And I believe this because in my years in youth ministry I (like most of you) have personally entered into the lives of HURTING kids...drug addicted...strung out....violent....self destructive and suicidal....and I have seen the impact of what ONE person who cares enough to love them and spend time with them can do to change it all around as the healing power of Christ works through the simple "ministry of presence" of caring enough to BE THERE where they are, on their "turf" and in their their lives.

When they know that someone else thinks that they are important enough to be cared for....it can make ALL the difference.

And lets magnify the impact of our efforts to reach this generation of kids. Let's to it TOGETHER.

All of my love and blessings to you in this time of great grief yet immense opportunity for the Body of Christ to respond,

Mark

ONE

David Grant — 2012-12-14 07:00:00.0 PST

Last night was an amazing time for students in our area.

Several churches moved away from issues that divide to focus on what it means to be ONE and have unity in Jesus. There were Catholics, Baptists, Methodists, Bible Church and others present who participated in a time of worship, giving attention to the Word and prayer.

Actually the event wasn't that complex or "cutting edge". In fact, the simplicity was beautiful.

The worship team was from the host church, but the rest of the stage team were youth pastors from visiting churches. A pastor from the Bible Church spoke about Jesus' prayer for oneness in John 17. Then another pastor led the students through a short prayer experience.

This is why the time was amazing. In a day when many churches are competing and driven by consumerism and getting nickels and noses, the ONE service taught students how important unity is to Jesus. Sure, each of these local churches have important distinctions, but it was nice to place the differences on the back burner and see Jesus as preeminent and the One who unites.

This service could only happen because the youth workers in our area trust one another. Youth workers in our community only trust each other because we have relationship with each other. We have relationship with each other only because we spend time together.

We're all busy, but we understand that being together is much better than operating alone.

Are you connected? What if God used you to be a uniting force for student ministry in your particular area?

The best way to get started is to check out youthworkers.net.

The National Network of Youth Ministries exists to help youth workers like us connect with other youth workers in our area. You don't have to be alone.

By the way, perhaps last night was an answer to Jesus' prayer, "make them one". I believe He was praised and pleased.

Challenging Students to Excel No Matter the Setting

Rob Townshend — 2012-12-12 07:00:00.0 PST

As a small city minister from central VT I am often asked why I spend so much time studying urban issues. I can totally understand this question because I must admit that I do spend an inordinate amount of time reading urban ministry books, blogs, and studies. This is a practice that started for me while at Moody Graduate School in Chicago and it is a direct result of my time studying theology, practice, and principles of urban ministry with my friend and mentor Dr. John Fuder.

Doc helped me to rethink my views on ministry. He challenged me through books by great men such as Dr. John Perkins and Dr. Roger Greenway, along with others to seriously consider the implications of applying urban ministry practices in smaller cities, and even rural areas. In essence, Doc changed my worldview significantly which has enabled our student ministry to remain effective in our ever more “urbanized” small rural city.

What is so urban about a city with a population of 17,000 in a state of 600,000? That is a fair question and I one that had to ask myself when this journey began 8 years ago. The answer is simple: we have a sin problem out here too. Yes I think that the issue that binds the big city, small city, rural towns, and suburbia together is, at its root the same sin issue man has dealt with since the fall.

To be certain, the manifestations of this issue have some distinctions from place to place, but we must realize that at the core, they are all identical. Recognizing this reality, I became determined to help our students see the reality of this fact. This desire was the catalyst for building a cross-cultural student training program in our student ministry that has led to strong partnerships with ministries in the south side of Chicago as well as other urban centers. The goal is simply to help our students see that the city has many of the same issues they have and to help those in city see they are not struggling alone. Along the way I have been blessed to see that the other commonality between these groups is the ability to overcome obstacles to experience the victory available in Christ!

As I began to study the trends in Rutland, Vermont along with my studies of the urban culture in Chicago, I noted three key areas of struggle that exist across socio-economic, racial, and geographic lines.

In every setting students desire to be accepted. Across the board from city kids to farm kids, this need to fit in pervades the human condition. We are wired for fellowship, and when this need isn’t met through Christ and Christ centered relationships it leads to destructive attempts to fill those holes. The result of these empty attempts to find fellowship is the formation of gangs, the troubling increase in bullying, and substance abuse issues. In my little city alone we are seeing gangs forming (Gangster Disciples, and Los Solidos to name two), the poor being taken advantage of by slumlords, and as our ethnic diversity changes we are seeing a marked increase in violence and drug related crime. I once asked a young man in south Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood why he joined a gang and his answer was immediate and succinct: “How else am I going to be accepted around here? And man, being accepted means being alive.” We have to rethink our approach to reach all the young people in every location who see being accepted at all costs as the only means of survival.
In every setting students need to find their identity. One of the greatest tragedies of the Fall is our loss of true identity. Our students struggle to see themselves as valuable creations of the King. Whether this is a product of fatherless homes, unbearable economic circumstances, or some other sin issue the end result is the same. We have seen an increase in teen suicides, more teen on teen violence, an epidemic of sexual dysfunction manifest in pre-marital sexual escapades, sexual identity issues, and a porn addiction of epidemic proportions. I was recently counseling with a student who was compromising in the area of relationships who stated, “If he makes me feel complete how can what we are doing possibly be wrong.” Young people need to be re-focused on the beauty of their identity in Christ by being introduced to his truth and then challenged to live without compromise.
In every setting students are barraged by media. No one will argue that our culture is more media driven or influenced than ever before. In fact I would argue that many urban influences are finding greater traction in rural areas because of the increased exposure of all students to media. Students are being hand fed their morals from stars like Jay-z, Ric Ross, Snooki, and other less than admirable figures. As they bury themselves in social media and online gaming, they are creating alternate realities where anything goes. Even though they are “more connected” then ever before they are becoming completely disconnected from any sense of right and wrong. They are watching depravity play out in their music, TV, and other venues of entertainment. We need to attempt to counterbalance this moral slide by making positive investments in students while offering positive alternatives to the moral filth available. Students need alternatives but most importantly they need to have their own moral compass tweaked to line up with the Creator of the universe. In short, we need to model and proclaim Christ within our context to show them the reality of His love, justice, and grace!

Each of these issues brings to light the hopelessness of our world when Christ isn’t in the center. We must begin to rethink our approaches to these issues so that He can transform lives.

To my Urban friends, I start by saying that on behalf of white rural America, I am deeply sorry that we have judged you, tried to “fix you”, and shoved our brand of churchy Christianity down your throats. I pray that you can forgive us as we seek true partnership centered on the Lord we all serve!

To my fellow suburban/rural counterparts, we must seek to learn from our brothers and sisters in the city. They are innovators, “over comers”, and people who have learned to shine Christ in some difficult situations. What they have done we need to do! Sin is universal and the urban issues are also rural/Suburban issues.

The Church needs to stop being the church in the city and a separate church in the country. We must take Paul’s words in Ephesians 4:2-4 to heart: “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called—” When we focus on Christ as the great equalizer, we see young people from the city, suburbs, and countryside overcoming the sin that so easily pulls them down. When we the church invests in students they begin to have hope. In my years investing in Chicago and Rutland I have seen many break free of their circumstances and start to shine. We must recognize that there are many success stories, whether it be the young lady in Rutland who became a leader in a church after her father was sent to jail, or the young man in Englewood who in his junior year of High school serves as a role model for the young children or “shorties” in his neighborhood by excelling in school while making positive lifestyle choices or countless others.

The longer I remain in ministry the more I believe that every student can be a success story if we simply invest in him or her with the heart of Christ. It is my absolute contention that regardless of where a student lives we must focus on four simple philosophies of ministry. As long as their implementation is properly contextualized, these are practices that I have seen work wherever they are tried from the south side of Chicago to the small towns in Vermont.

We need to introduce them to Christ. We must use scripture as the basis of our efforts to reach the lost and to help grow the redeemed!
We need to give them a cause to serve. When young people are serving in a church or for the betterment of their community it becomes increasingly possible to help them see their worth and avoid some of the pitfalls mentioned above. In the Christian context that we so passionately hope they will seek to live within we need them to be active in their churches.
As they grow beyond their circumstances, hopefully as a result of Christ at work with them, we need to encourage them to share their victory stories with their peers. One thing I know to be true is that students will listen to students.
We need to encourage them to expect more of themselves! Let’s stop allowing them to expect so little from themselves (Romans 12:1-2). Challenge them to defy the odds. Challenge them to set lofty goals as they set high expectations for themselves and their peers. Allow them the freedom to fail while attempting the seemingly impossible plans they dream up for His glory. Encourage them to stop settling for compromise in their academic lives, their home lives, and their spiritual lives. Hold them accountable to His standards of excellence and watch them grow deeper and more committed to Christ than those around them.

I envision a day when student ministers across our nation link arms and commit to serving each other. Our students and our ministry have built lasting partnerships and friendships in the city because we have come to the table seeking true partnership. We have come alongside our brothers and sisters without an agenda. Our only goal is to serve alongside them as ministry equals. This investment has allowed us to learn the valuable lesson that the city and the country are at war with the same “demons’ and sin nature. I want to ask each of you to join us in battle for the souls of our young people wherever they live. Let’s learn together by admitting that we both have something to teach and that we are united in battle for one cause!

Better Together: Fighting Slavery

Brian Cress — 2012-12-10 07:00:00.0 PST

You know that student ministry is hard work. I know student ministry is hard work. So the idea of networking together with another youth group to do something together sounds likes making your job even harder.

On top of that, consider the concerns that come when you network; like "what if my students like the other pastor more than me?"  A youth pastor friend of mine from Texas shared with me that his senior pastor and parents don't really like the idea of networking because the other churches are either to liberal or to conservative and “we don't want our kids exposed to their bad theology”.

Matt Knapp and Brett Hall, two youth pastors in the Bay Area of California have eliminated these concerns by first building a relationship of trust with each other and finding a couple of things each year where they in fact have proven that sometimes it really is "better together". One such way they have done this was teaching about Gods passion for justice and working together to fight slavery and sex trafficking happening in our world today. 

"Anti-slavery is one of those things that can unite many different backgrounds to rise up together. It breaks all of our hearts and makes all of us mad. Not too many people can look at slavery and walk away from it. So it’s not a denominational issue but a human issue that crosses differences. People are becoming more and more aware of slavery and sex trafficking in the Bay Area. So when we learned that IJM (International Justice Mission), a Christian human rights organization that rescues victims of slavery, prosecutes the perpetrators and provides aftercare for the victims was creating a new tool for youth ministry called the "24 Hour Justice Experience" AND was looking for groups to beta test the experience for them, we had to do it - and do it together." (Matt Knapp)

"What we found was our students quickly bonded together, had a blast together in their learning about God's passion for justice though the "24 Hour Justice Experience" or "24JE" as they worshiped, played, served in the community and raised funds to actually pay for a slavery rescue operation that IJM would do in the coming months. In fact, the 24JE was such a great networking tool, we are doing it again this coming March with three other churches now too." (Brett Hall)

"I recently had the chance to travel to India with IJM and saw first hand how important and better it is for organizations like IJM to network together with other mission organizations, police and government leaders and even churches from across the world to provide not only rescue, but aftercare, prosecution, and structural transformation. Working together with all of our gifts and passions literally save lives – I even met some of them. It’s a better theological image of the church and shame on us for thinking we could save the world on our own.” (Matt)

Just as IJM must network to end slavery, so must youth ministry network together in the battles your students face on their campuses each day. It takes trust between church leaders and members, it takes better theology of the body of Christ, and it takes a bit of risk. But the reality is, we really are better together some times.

Brian Cress first joined the National Network in 1985 and now is the Director of Student Mobilization-Youth, for IJM. bcress@ijm.org. Matt Knapp is the youth pastor at Centerville Presbyterian Church in Fremont, California and Brett Hall is the youth pastor at InRoads Church in Fremont, California.

Note: for more information about the "24 Hour Justice Experience" go to www.IJM.org/24JE

Church Bashing

Bob Lenz — 2012-12-07 07:00:00.0 PST

I know the church hasn’t done everything right, and there are often differences that can divide us. But just like when we’re hurt and sinned against by someone in our family, we need to confront it, offer and ask for forgiveness, and pursue reconciliation.

So many people I’ve spoken with on my travels have been hurt by the church, and so many of them talk negatively about it, offering a list of offenses and mistakes. Sadly, many have given up and walked away.

First, let me say that if you call yourself a Christian, you are a part of the church whether you like it or not. If you’re among those who have been bashing it, I urge you to ask for forgiveness, and I pray that you don’t allow the hurts you’ve experienced to keep you from Jesus and knowing that you are a part of the church. God wants us to be unified for His glory and for reaching this world.

With that said, I think we also have to know there is an accuser of the brethren. Just like in the media, good news doesn’t sell, and we often only hear about those sensationalized stories of people who claim to be Christians who are given media attention for their extreme actions or get caught doing something immoral or illegal. We all know the church isn’t perfect, and that it has done its share of wrong, but even though it may not make the nightly news, the church has done a lot right as well.

I want to give an example from my day on the road a week ago. We were in Elk City, OK and a small church, Elk City Methodist, put on an outreach night for the community. Elk City is a town of 12,000 people right on Route 66. It’s a great community, and they even have a small, awesome museum about Route 66, plus a great park that was all lit up with Christmas lights when I was there. It’s a great tourist stop if you’re driving through the area. I do have to joke about their lighthouse though, because there’s no water anywhere nearby! But it seems to be working because they haven’t had a shipwreck since they put it up. LOL!

This church in a small town had a big vision and booked the I Have a Dream Tour, for which I was the keynote speaker. It featured the artists, The City Harmonic, Eric Brandon and Daniel Bashta, who wrote the song God’s Not Dead.

The church had 400 chairs. They had a sell out with 476 people coming! We had more than 50 people raise their hands to receive Christ and 20 Compassion kids sponsored. They had so many youth there, and the only complaint by a few adults was about how loud it was. But this church was willing to not just play church, but actually be the church and reach this generation.

My fondness for this community of believers didn’t start with the sold out crowd though. I got picked up from the airport by a great couple, Jim and Deannie, volunteers who have given their lives to this community and this church. They gave me a tour of the town and went out of their way to show how this church is working together with other churches and the community to reach out to those in need.

There’s an old abandoned armory that was given to the city, which turned around and allowed the ministerial fellowship to use the building to help out the community. Here’s a place that used to store ammunition that was being turned into a place to help those in need. It reminded me of the scripture in Isaiah 2:4; “They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks."

Various ministries use the facility, like a shelter for abused women, the Salvation Army and Red Cross. There is Hope Dental which has provided $270,000 in free dental care, and a new clinic that has given $75,000 in free medical care. They even have a food pantry serving thousands of pounds of food every month

My heart was full seeing all these organizations, ministries, and churches of different denominations working together in their community. I know it won’t make the front page of the newspaper, but there are churches like these across this country making a difference in Jesus name.

Go ahead and try to bash that.

A lot of churches may divide when we talk about our differences, but it’s good to see the church working together and being the hands and feet of Jesus. Let it be known that caring for the physical and emotional needs of people, caring for youth, and proclaiming the gospel of Jesus… That’s the full gospel. That’s the church.

The youthministry360 Christmas Vault

Alon Banks — 2012-12-05 07:00:00.0 PST

Each year at Christmas, the ym360 Blog gets turned into a youth worker's one-stop-shop for Christmas content.

Over the next three weeks, a TON of awesome stuff will show up there: free Christmas lessons, games, devotions, training articles, and much more!

This page will be your home for what's available and what's coming your way soon. Check back daily for what's new!

I Feel Networked!

Brian Seidel — 2012-12-03 07:00:00.0 PST

Editor's Note: This blog first showed up in Brian Seidal's blog: My End of the Deal

Yesterday I met with my local NNYM network group. I have been “helping” coordinate this group of youth workers for several years. Helping is in quotations because I have not always been convinced that my influence in the group has always been helpful; it has struggled to gain any kind of traction or momentum for a long time.

Yesterday was one of the best network meetings I have ever been to. 

As I have pondered on this, I have realized some reasons why it has struggled, and why it seems to be working now. 

Why it has struggled: 

Inconsistent leadership. When I was first hired in the Treasure Valley there was a very strong network in place with very consistent leadership. Those people either moved out of the area or out of youth ministry positions within my first year serving in Boise, and it has struggled since. The leaders that have been involved have not been bad leaders, but other factors have not lead to consistency.
Lack of clear vision and purpose. People are usually pretty clear about what they don’t want in a network, but are not able to clearly convey what will bring them back month after month. We have not had a clear purpose for our meetings, so they become pretty easy to blow off.
Personal Agendas. I remember a few times the network started to rise above the first two things, and then it would completely implode because of someone’s personal agenda. Someone would see the network meeting as a great opportunity to push their product or ministry or cause or event and the next month no one would show up.

Why it is working now: 

A clear purpose. At a prior meeting we made a list of discussion topics that would be beneficial for our lives to talk about. Yesterday we talked about how to find and maintain proper balance in your life as a youth worker. No article or book, we just shared stories and struggles and victories from our lives. We talked about our marriages, our families, our own faith, our church responsibilities, and how to actually balance them all and find health. We say up front, we are having lunch and talking about this, that’s it.
Mutual respect. Those who attended represented large and small churches, single and married, veterans and rookies and everything in between. Comparison is checked at the door and we just enjoy being together and talking shop with people that get what it is like to minister in our valley.
A comfortable and neutral place. One of the youth workers hosted us at his home. Our plan is to rotate around our valley to different homes as we take turns hosting. Restaurants are loud and hard to have good honest discussions at. Going to other churches makes the mutual respect value harder because we all by default compare facilities. Our valley is pretty spread out and people won’t always drive far to meet. This way it will be close to everyone at some point.
We all want the same thing. Seems it should go without saying, but it needs to be said. We started the discussion by reiterating the fact we all want the same thing: every teenager in the Treasure Valley to fall deeply in love with Jesus Christ. We are all on the same team and understand the unique challenges of our community, so lets help each other.

If you do not have a local network in your area, I encourage you to step up and start one. Visit www.youthworkers.net to get started. 

There have been times in my life and ministry that networking has been a tremendous blessing as well as a few struggles–but overall all the effort to make it happen has been worth it. One thing that is always true about networking with other youth workers is that if you don’t pursue it then it will NEVER happen, so whether that means starting your own or just showing up at the next meeting please do it!

WINNER!

Doug Clark — 2012-11-20 10:00:00.0 PST

 

Grace Mendenhall of Columbia, South Carolina was the winner of a week of free vacation in Myrtle Beach at our drawing at the Youth Specialties National Youth Worker Convention, November 18. 

Grace was one of many members who visited the NNYM display at NYWC in Dallas. 

Grace and her husband have a unique youth ministry role. A Colorado native, she works at Columbia International University, where Kyle is the new head men's basketball coach.

Her day job at CIU helps feed her youth ministry habit: she coaches a club volleyball team of 13-year-old girls, as well as the volleyball team at a Christian school. She shared with us that the club team gives her the chance to reach out: "Most of my team does not attend church."

The week in Myrtle will be a perfect getaway for her and her family, most of whom still live in Colorado. As you can see in the photo, she was pretty excited to win.

Congratulations Grace!

You Can Make A Difference!

Alon Banks — 2012-11-14 07:00:00.0 PST

As youth leaders we are all concerned about our students checking out on their faith! A number of studies have looked into this issue, but none with the breadth and scope of the research NNYM is helping the Youth Transition Network under take! The National Youth in Transition Survey is authored by:

James Libby, President of Decision Support Sciences (DSS) (DSS conducts large-scale research for Fortune 100 companies)
Jeff Schadt the President of Youth Transition Network (after conducting over 400 video taped interviews with young people)

What makes this study different?

Large Scale 10,000+ youth will participate from the ages 14 to 24
Much Wider Scope Than Previous Studies
This will Include world view, biblical knowledge, the dual life, epic failure, guilt, unreasonable expectations, the parent teen relationship and the college or career transition. This study will allow us all to see which factors have the greatest impact on young peoples faith across a much wider set of issues than previous studies.
The is the first study that will speak directly to parents. Where many of us intuitively know many core issues stem from.

What do we need you to do?

Help get your students to participate in the study Before October 31st. They can take it at home, school or anywhere they have internet access. We need not just your motivated students but also the students in your church who have quit coming to youth group!

Below is an introductory paragraph that can be sent to the young people you know between the ages 14 to 24. Please send it out to as many young people between the ages of 14 and 24 as you can…even beyond your ministry or youth group… As this instrument has a path for those who have never been involved with faith or church as well. Students who complete the instrument will be registered to win one of two Mac Book Pros and one of 10 IPads.

Below is the paragraph to use with your students along with the link they use to access their unique path to the instrument. This link allows them to stop and start the survey with out loosing ground.

We have an unusual but important request to make of you. We are participating in the largest survey of faith, beliefs and behaviors ever designed; the National Youth In Transition Survey. (NYITS). We urge every single student between the ages of 14 and 24 to click on the link below and take the survey. There are two reasons for doing so. First, by completing the survey you will be registered to receive one of 10 iPads or one of two MacBook Pros. But more than the prizes, this station and its affiliates believe that the 14-24 year old age group is facing a very unique combination of challenges – perhaps more complex than any prior generation has ever faced. Because of this, we will be using the NYITS survey to fundamentally rethink how to better meet the needs of your generation. But…please be aware that this is not a “wimpy” survey. It will ask the hard questions.

We think that you would expect no less from us!

http://www.ytn.org/survey

A Valuable New Partnership

Alon Banks — 2012-11-12 10:00:00.0 PST

We have partnered with ym360 to create a new area of their website specifically for you to use and NNYM gets a percentage of all the sales to help launch new networks. It's their same great site, but look for the NNYM logo in the corner.

To launch our new partnership we want to offer you:

20% off any purchase. Use the following coupon code: nnymym360
A Short (And FREE) Guide To Writing Bible Study For Teenagers. It's FREE!

Our friends at youthministry360 (ym360) have always been big supporters of what NNYM has been about, networking. They believe in it so much that it is one of their four categories of focus.

ym360's favorite thing about youth ministry is seeing students "get it." Nothing beats seeing students eternally transformed by the power of the gospel. To that end, ym360 works to serve, equip and encourage those who are leading students in the context of the local church.

So, if you're looking for a new Bible study curriculum or training resource, please check out all that ym360 has to offer. Not only will you be receiving top-of-the-line resources that are innovative, creative and relevant, but you will be supporting the ministry of NNYM as well.

Click here to check out the new site, with the NNYM logo in the corner.

Ministry Longevity

Rob Townshend — 2012-10-30 10:00:00.0 PST

This year marks a milestone in my ministry that I frankly never thought I would see. When my church graduates our seniors this year, we will be graduating a class that I met as 1st graders.

As I finish my 11th year and enter my 12th here at Calvary Bible Church, I am astounded by how wonderfully blessed I have been to be a part of this family. I am also dreadfully aware that my tenure here is well outside the average for those of us in Student Ministry. In my research, I have seen the average tenure of student/youth pastors is 18 to 24 months. Frankly, exact numbers don’t matter; what matters is that here in New England I have witnessed first hand the revolving door of youth ministry taking place all around me. The other thing that matters is that students suffer when yet another adult enters and then promptly exits their lives so quickly.

Why does any of this matter? The simple answer is that longevity in ministry promotes ministry stability. I have watched these young people grow up, and, more importantly, they are aware that I have done so as well. Our ministry is filled with a sense of security, certainty, and relational living that I never saw in my first 7 years of ministry when I was the floating youth guy. These students know I am here for them no matter what they experience. They know everything about me.

More importantly, however, they know everything about my dedication to the Savior, which is what allows me to be as completely dedicated to my family, His church, and them as ministers of the Gospel. On top of this, the people of our community see a minister of the Gospel who is committed to serving our city as a resource, cheerleader, counselor, and even a moral conscience when needed. What if this kind of ministry longevity became the norm instead of the exception? I personally dream of a day when it does!

My desire to see this become a reality has caused me to evaluate the past 11 years and try to identify how I have been able to remain in a role I pray to continue in for years to come. My hope is that others who are called to do so can pursue this longevity as the norm and not the exception. I have identified 5 keys that have contributed to the success He has given us in maintaining a “long haul” ministry.

Personal Commitment to Longevity. As a minister in New England, I knew that if I accepted this call for anything less than 5 years I would never see great kingdom fruit. As my wife and I considered this call, we did so with a long-term view. We literally asked ourselves if we could see ourselves retiring from this position in 30 years. Once we determined that the answer was yes, we knew it was the move God had for us. This doesn’t mean we aren’t open to His call away from CBC but it does mean we aren’t looking at the want ads on a regular basis. When things get tough, as they sometimes do in ministry, we look back to our call here in 2001 as a reminder that we are here for the good, the bad, and the ugly. Knowing that we are called here for this extended season has helped us weather storms and has kept us focused on His plans instead of ours…in ways that I never thought possible.
Personal commitment to spiritual growth, accountability, and transparency. I have been a ministry statistic because of my own personal pride, sin, and stupidity. In the late 90’s I worked for a parachurch outreach ministry where we had great success reaching into a local high school in the South. Unfortunately, along with this success came a slippery slope of compromise where “Rob” became the focus - instead of Christ – and ended in a tremendous fall. I had become so focused on doing things in my own strength that I started believing I didn’t need Christ. I eventually was forced to leave the ministry while the Lord hammered me back into shape. From this personal failing, I learned the valuable lesson that unless I am constantly growing in Christ, I have no business ministering in Christ’s name. Over the past 11 years, I have ensured that there are many wonderful men and women holding me accountable as I live transparently before them and my King. No area of my life is off limits to scrutiny because I never want to allow myself to slip away from my first love! Ministry longevity requires one to be first a sold out growing disciple of Jesus Christ!
Staying focused on the “main thing” while constantly innovating. Over the years, our ministry has remained innovative and sharp simply because it has never used anything but the bible as its foundation. We have changed curriculum, programming approaches, and all the peripheral stuff but we remain committed to the call in Ephesians 4:11-16. Our mission is to equip ministers who contribute to the current generation of His church. A student in 1st grade right now knows that when they reach 7th grade, we will engage them in ministry by equipping (discipling) and empowering (training and giving authority) them to become the leaders of their ministry. They know they will have older mentors, peer mentors, and will be mentoring someone (because they themselves had someone). This knowledge sparks creativity along with a passion to live for Christ. In short, our ministry has become a vital part of the church, which leads to this kind of long-term investment because the leadership sees the value the ministry has in equipping the saints!
A healthy relationship with my senior pastor. My senior pastor is my biggest cheerleader! It helps that he has been here 21 years now and thus understands the value of longevity. From the very start, he and I cultivated a relationship based on positional respect, personal respect, and a mutual commitment to open, honest communication. Over the years, we have become true ministry partners, teammates, and friends. I respect his position without question. I lift him up in prayer, carry burdens for him when I can, and serve alongside him on the elder board. In 11 years, we have had 2 major disagreements and no one but us knows what they were about because we used biblical principles resolve them between us. This doesn’t mean we don’t have different opinions or positions on things; it simply means we both understand the value of team ministry and, more importantly, we each respect the other’s position and call by God.
Our Church leadership provides for our needs as a family. On top of a great relationship with my senior pastor, I am also blessed to serve with an elder board that understands how to care for their staff. Beyond the blessing of a salary that provides for our needs, they invest in my wife and me as a couple. They serve as mentors in our marriage, our parenting, and our lives in general. I am given the time off I need to care for my primary ministry, which is my family. Our ministry is supported with real money to accomplish our personal and ministry goals. Our church treats me as a valued member of the leadership team and not like a hired hand who is a baby sitter for their teenagers. There is no expectation that I will “grow out of” this phase. Rather, there is a hope I will be here for their grandchildren.

I’ll say it again: I am blessed and honored to serve at Calvary Bible Church and hope to do so for many years to come! I pray that senior pastors, elders, and youth pastors alike see this as encouragement. Senior pastors and elders, I implore you to evaluate how you view your youth pastor (or your worship leader, discipleship pastor, etc...). Are you setting them up to succeed or are you guaranteeing that you will be looking for a new one every two to three years? Prayerfully look at your pay packages, budgets, and expectations. Expect them to produce fruit but be sure to reward them for their efforts, because your church will reap eternal benefits as they invest in your students. 

I ask my fellow youth pastors to prayerfully consider committing to a ministry of longevity. There are certainly some serving in youth ministry who will be called for short-term assignments and many who will be called on to other roles. To those that this applies to, I say thank you for your faithfulness; you need to go without guilt or reservation. Always remember our primary call is obedience to the Lord’s call, not to a position. Having said that, I also believe there are some who need to simply stay where they are. For those who are, I challenge you to stick it out, be committed to personal growth in Christ, develop great relationships with your pastor and elders, and keep challenging the younger portion of the current generation of the church to service and growth!

American Bible Challenge

Alon Banks — 2012-10-29 07:00:00.0 PST

OK, GSNTV has shared the news that casting is underway for season two of the American Bible Challenge. If you, your youth group or those Bible scholars you work with are interested in being on the show head to their official casting page for details on how to try out.

They are looking for teams made up of three people. Their website says:

Who:
Grab your friends, your bible study partners, your family members or your coworkers! Teams of three people who have competitive spirits, great personal testimonies, a general knowledge of pop culture – and, of course, you have to know your Bible! Do you love the Bible, want to share your knowledge, and compete to win money for the charity of their choice?! SIGN UP!

 What:
OPEN CASTING CALL: GSN (Game Show Network) and the creators of “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” are looking for you! We are casting ”The American Bible Challenge Season 2” with Jeff Foxworthy! We’re looking for teams of three!

So, what are you waiting for? Head over and sign up to be on season 2 of the American Bible Challenge.

NYWC Registration Discount

Alon Banks — 2012-10-23 10:00:00.0 PST

Youth Specialties' National Youth Workers Convention is just around the corner in Dallas and it's not too late to register and attend.

Below is information that will make it much easier to use the NNYM discount code with your churches and affiliates. This year, like last, our special partner discount code (NNYMNY1) but it will give you a price of $249 per person!

This price is so low you won't find it anywhere.

When registering for the National Youth Workers Convention, please apply your code NNYMNY1 on the first page of the registration process – the page where you enter your name and contact information. Please type your code in the section on that page that says “Price Code.”

So, if you still are wondering if you should attend...the answer is yes!

Click here to register and experience NYWC in Dallas.

5 characteristics of a kingdom advancing youth leader network

Greg Stier — 2012-10-17 07:00:00.0 PST

Editors note: this was first posted on http://www.gregstier.org

This last weekend I had a great and eye-opening experience in Kenosha, Wisconsin. My buddy, Andy McGowan, youth pastor at Immanuel Baptist Church and D2S/Lead THE Cause University alumni, invited me to come to Kenosha to experience what God has been doing in and through the local youth ministry network.

I had the privilege of preaching to adults as well as teens while I was there. I also had the honor of being an eyewitness of a truly healthy and thriving network of youth leaders. I saw firsthand what God has been up to in this bigger-than-a-town/smaller-than-a-city place stuck midway between Chicago and Milwaukee.

As I have been thinking about this network it seems to me that there are at least 5 characteristics that make it rare and effective. Most of these characteristics are based on what the network members themselves have told me. To hear about a kingdom advancing network is one thing but to see one in action is quite another.

“The Kenosha Allies“, as they are called, are not paying lipservice to networking. They are netWORKING in the best way I have ever personally seen it done. So, without further adieu, here are the 5 characteristics of a youth leader network that makes a maximum kingdom impact:

1. Fueled by prayer.

Every Thursday the network members gather for 3 hours to eat lunch together and to intercede to God on behalf of their city, their youth groups and each other. I got a taste of this powerful prayer time when we all met for a barbecue on Sunday afternoon. I prayed for them. They prayed for me. They prayed for each other and begged God on behalf of their teens and their town. They interceeded for each other with blunt honesty and heartfelt transparency. It was real, raw and riveting. They praised God with reckless abandon and then did the heavy lifting of intercessory prayer with a pit bull brand of relentlessness.

There is another powerful by-product of them praying and worshipping together with such consistency and passion. As they collectively stay connected to “the True Vine“, their love for God wells up and overflows into everything else they do. It was clear to me that, from evangelism to worship to their youth events, these activities flowed out of the love that God had poured into their hearts through His Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5.)

2. Built on authentic relationships.

These youth leaders are friends. They listen to each other, laugh together, open up to one another and, at times, make fun of each other (a secret way youth leaders hug.) They like each other and it demonstrates itself in a level of vulnerability and honesty rare in ministry circles. They talk to each other during the week and not just inside the network meeting.

3. Unified around the Gospel truth.

This network is no gooey ecumencial movement where hands are held and doctrine eradicated. No, this network is centered around the gospel message. If you agree with the core tenants of the Gospel you are welcome to be a part of The Kenosha Allies. If you don’t, then, well, you aren’t.

Now you have to understand that this network of youth leaders come from a broad theological swath. They range from Baptist to Pentecostal and every flavor in between. But they set aside the smaller issues to focus on the major issue of the Gospel. It is this simple truth of faith alone in Christ alone that unites them into an unbreakable bond of unity. The leaders who are more “charismatic” theologically purposely avoid speaking in tongues during their prayer times so they don’t cause division with those who have a different theological persuasion.

What love, grace and deference toward each other!

4. Focused on THE Cause of Christ.

This network is focused, not just on meeting together, but to get a job done. They’ve realized that if all of their youth rooms were filled to the max with teenagers that they would still only have reached 20% of the teens in Kenosha. So they have made it their goal to unite to reach every teen on every school campus with the gospel of Jesus Christ. They long to see each other’s groups filled with new believers and bursting at the seams. They want to recruit other youth leaders who are serious about THE Cause to join their network so that, together, they can reach their city for Christ.

Once a month they bring all their youth groups together for “The Gathering.” This is a time where teens worship, pray and get inspired/equipped to serve Jesus and share the gospel with their friends. They rotate the churches that host this amazing city-wide event so that the teens see the vastness of the kingdom of God in their own city.

5. Defined by humility.

These youth leaders have their hearts lifted high and their heads bowed low. Some of the bigger churches have even funded costs for some of the smaller churches so that their teens could participate in various camps or conferences. The youth leaders of the smaller groups are on equal footing with the youth leaders of the larger groups. This a no “flex-your-numeric-biceps” zone. What numbers matter to these youth leaders is how many new believers are being connected into their youth ministries collectively as a result of their combined efforts.

I could go on and on about what God is doing through the youth leader network in Kenosha. It is my opinion that they could be at the front end of a genuine revival (and I don’t use that word lightly.) Please pray that Satan doesn’t sidetrack from seeking God’s glory and sharing God’s story.

Youth pastors and network leaders could learn from the Kenosha Allies about how to run a network that makes a maximum kingdom impact. They are living a radical, “new” paradigm…that’s 2,000 years old.

For more information about the Kenosha Allies you can send a Tweet to Andy McGowan at @AndrewMcGowan.

Helping Students Avoid Unnecessary Baggage

Rob Townshend — 2012-10-08 08:00:00.0 PST

One of the most heartbreaking parts of being a youth minister is watching students decide to walk away from the Lord to “live it up while I am young.”  Sure, sometimes students are going to make sinful decisions simply because they are human beings with a sin problem, and frankly that is something we all do.  But what I am talking about is the willful decisions to set aside their Christianity so that it ceases to be an impediment to fun.  It is a decision that in every case leads to consequences, baggage, and, in to many cases, a complete rejection of Christ.

While I believe that God’s grace is indeed able to cover the sins of ones youth, or old age for that matter, I lament the baggage that these young people are adding to their lives. For instance, if a young lady decides to “live it up” by experimenting with sex and then gets pregnant she changes her life direction completely.  She is faced as a young person with the reality of having the fate of a new life in her hands.  Whether she decides to parent the child, put him/her up for adoption, or have an abortion she will live with the consequences of this decision for the rest of her life.  Or what if a young man decides to “live it up” by partying and one night, at the age of 17, loses his license or worse because he decides to drive drunk.  Again, this young man will live with the consequences of this decision for the remainder of his life.

God can redeem these kinds of tragic situations, but I believe He has a better plan that will help young people avoid having to walk through these minefields of consequences! Without entering into a “were they ever really saved” debate, I want to challenge us to consider a plan to counter this thinking in some of the youth we see in our churches.  I think we need to help our students understand some key truths about who they are and the amazing plans He has for them.

They must understand their Creator and Savior.  Every young person who comes in contact with our church or youth program must be introduced to the Creator of the universe.  Not the “Big Guy upstairs” or the generic “God” that most people aren’t afraid to talk about, but rather we need to ensure that they learn about the one true God who alone can offer salvation. Our students need this message from John 14:6; “Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well.” We need to be sure that our ministries are focused on boldly proclaiming the power of the Gospel in both word and deed.
They must understand their identity.  One of the biggest issues in youth culture today seems to be that of identity.  We live in a world where young people don’t realize how special they are. We have an epidemic of cutting, self-abuse, bullying, and other behaviors that show a complete lack of recognition that they are “fearfully and wonderfully made” by a Creator who deeply loves them.  Even many who are truly disciples of Christ fail to recognize their identity in Christ as seen in Ephesians 2:10; “For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” The realization of this identity as a child should spur them on to holiness, righteousness, and self-control.  Not because they are able to earn more love because of these things or even accomplish them in their own strength, but rather as a result of the wonderful saving grace they have experienced through the Savior.  It is partially our job as Shepherds to help them see this identity.  We need to come alongside them and open the scriptures with them as partners on a journey to spiritual maturity.
They must understand their current role in the church.  Those students in our ministry, who are redeemed, reconciled, and regenerated disciples of Christ need to know that they have a present role in His church.  I believe that this faulty thinking that they can live how they want now and get it together later is partially a result of us sending them the message that it’s true!  We neglect to give them a place in the current ministry of the church.  We lecture them about being “the future of the church” but forget that they are also the present.  It is imperative and biblical that we empower our students to do ministry now because according to the word of God, all are called to be ministers. Note that in the 1 Peter 2:9 we see no age distinction: “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”  Our ministry needs to include this exhortation so that students can see themselves as useful servants of the King today.  If they are declaring His praises while living for Him, they will be less likely to see earthly living as the better alternative.

Once we help today’s students see the full power of the gospel and help them embrace their identity in Christ I believe that they will become less prone to make the decision to willfully walk away.  This will create healthier disciples who won’t have to struggle with some of the baggage, consequences, and pain that “living it up now” are guaranteed to cause.

Dan Maltby (1947 - 2012)

Paul Fleischmann — 2012-10-05 15:00:00.0 PST

On October 1, Dan Maltby, one of the Network founders, went to be with the Lord at age 65.

Dan battled early onset Alzheimer's and is survived by his wife Dee, daughters Lauren Maltby and Jessica Goulet and their son and Dan's grandson, Chasdan Goulet. The service was held October 5, 2012 in Fullerton, California.

Dan was the organizer of the first Network Forum in 1979, helped found the Network in 1981, and served for many years on the Network's Board of Directors.

This article, Ministering With Open Hands, written by Dan gives an interesting story about the vision and spirit that inspired the birth of the Network.

Stories of Awakening: SYATP 2012

Kevin Boer — 2012-09-27 10:00:00.0 PST

Over a million students gathered for See You at the Pole (SYATP) on Wednesday, September 26. Groups met in masses of hundreds, while many others prayed in smaller groups; some were alone as they interceded for their friends, community, and country. 

In Dallas, Oregon the Network of Youth Pastors developed a concerted effort to empower students to pray on multiple campuses. The video illustrates their story of how See You At the Pole impacted their community.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the country, a Pennsylvania eighth grader was getting his 15 minutes of fame...and showed up on lots of Facebook profiles.

The student, Jamin Gardner, wearing a purple football jersey, was the only one to show up to pray at his See You at the Pole prayer event at O'Block Junior High in Plum, Penna. on Wednesday morning. It was rainy. Unwavering, he knelt to pray in a "Tebow-esque" way by his flagpole, and his picture was posted on the SYATP Facebook page (go to Facebook and search for "myseeyouatthepole" or click here: http://on.fb.me/V4A2sJ).

The photo resonated with people, who responded with over 10,000 "likes", hundreds of supportive and curous comments, and sharing it on more than 1,200 other pages.

People also responded to the story of Tanner, a student at Fannin Middle School in Amarillo, Texas. The short report and picture describes how Tanner and his family used SYATP as a part of their outreach to other students at the school. Tanner's concern that nobody would show up at the prayer time on Wednesday was groundless: 300 students massed to pray at his school.

See You At The Pole is the global day of student prayer. Reports from SYATP prayer times were sent in from not only across the U.S., but also Canada, Australia, Germany, Honduras, Guatemala, South Korea and the Philippines. Australia's SYATP was held in August across the country.

Some groups met a week early, or on Tuesday or Thursday of SYATP week, because schools were shuttered on September 26 in honor of Yom Kippur, the Jewish "Day of Atonement."

So what's next? For groups like the network in Oregon, SYATP is a key part of their "school launch strategy." The effort is echoed by other networks across the country. National ministries such as First Priority use the event in the same way, with community-wide post-SYATP rallies that give students a bring friends to hear how they can know Jesus Christ too. 

Besides rejoicing over students whose faith was encouraged, or took important steps to lead ministries at their schools, or came to faith in Christ, adults are being challenged to continue to pray. Donna Nuss, NNYM prayer coordinator, has created with the Network team a prayer guide that challenges people to pray for America's youth for 30 days. Read about it here: http://bit.ly/SU8EsW.

How You can Support SYATP

Mike De Vito — 2012-09-21 10:00:00.0 PST

Simply caring. Simply sitting at a different place for lunch and listening to someone’s story. These are powerful opportunities for students to connect other students with God’s story of love.  But many students need help jumpstarting their faith and through See You at the Pole (www.syatp.com), networks have helped millions of students publicly stand up and pray on their campus.

Students Mobilizing for Global Prayer

With the summer in our rear-view mirror, ahead we see students across the globe gathering around their flagpoles on September 26th at 7am, to pray for administration, teachers, staff and fellow students. See You at the Pole continues to be an annual catalytic event, launching students into the new school year with renewed hope and creativity to serve others with the compassionate love of Jesus.

What you can do for SYATP

For starters, we hope you will mark this date on your calendar and lift these students and their world to our incredible God. And connect with students you know and ask them what they are doing for SYATP on their campus. It is a student-initiated event and we can encourage students to lead.

One of the greatest things a network of youth leaders can do is equip their students to love, listen and serve their campuses. And Networks can help launch the students they serve by empowering them to initiate a SYATP gathering on their campuses.

There are great resources at www.SYATP.com to encourage teenagers to mobilize their friends to pray at their flagpole.

Pray for Schools Sunday

Travis Deans — 2012-09-14 10:00:00.0 PST

Several youth organizations in the Pittsburgh area have joined together with NNYM and the Campus Alliance to encourage churches to pray for their local schools on the Sunday before See You At The Pole each year. This year, Sunday, September 23rd will be “Pray for Our Schools Sunday” and we are asking churches in our area to dedicate that Sunday morning, or some portion of it, to praying for our schools. Here are some ideas we sharing with our churches…

- Include the “Pray For Our Schools” bulletin insert with your bulletin

- Invite teachers, administrators, and support staff to stand and pray over them

- Invite all the kids in your congregation up front to pray for them

- Commission students who feel called to be missionaries to their schools

- Invite local principals/administrators to tell your church how they can pray

- Invite a leader from a local campus ministry organization (see below) to come and talk about what churches can do to make a difference in local schools

Around 95% of American teenagers pass through public high schools and our communities are very much centered around our schools (just go to a Friday night football game or spring musical to see how true this is!). We can’t begin to reach our communities without reaching our local schools, beginning with prayer.

We hope to see hundreds of churches in western Pennsylvania participate and we hope that churches all over the nation will catch this vision too!

Building Effective Youth Ministry Partnerships

Kevin Boer — 2012-09-04 07:00:00.0 PST

You may be starting out in ministry or have been there for decades. Either way you may have realized that no one should do youth ministry alone. However, it can be a real struggle building partnerships to reach and equip teenagers in your community.

When I was at the Simply Youth Ministry conference I saw over a hundred people sign up at the booth to become Network members. All these people desired to work together in partnership with others to reach and equip teenagers in their community. Some of them shared their discouragement because they are having a hard time building sustainable partnerships with other youth workers. Many shared issues like too little time, too little trust, too big of egos or too many logos.

What do good partnerships look like?

Partnerships are built on trust and time. As we get to know each other we can develop deeper partnerships with one another. Ben O’Connell developed a partnership continuum that shows the levels of effective partnerships. This blog is adapted from his work, Good partnerships focuses on the actions of Communicate, Coordinate, Cooperate and Collaborate.  There are also practical questions below designed to facilitate discussions that will help mature the partnership to the next level.

Communicate 

Build the relationship and share who you are and what you are doing. Listen to them and find out who they are and what they are doing. All partnerships are based on some kind of interaction. At this level the interaction is low commitment and trust is being established.

Tell me about yourself. What is your passion and purpose that God has given you?
How is your soul today?
What is going well for you?
How can I pray for you?

Coordinate 

Look for common ground between your ministries and interests. Work your ministry programming in tandem. It is checking with your potential partners and making sure your event schedules do not overlap. At this level some level of trust has been established and the commitment level is starting to rise. It is like going on a first date. The opportunity is to join an event they are doing or have them join your event.

What is your ministry doing?
Do you have any events or strategies that we can be a part of?
Would you like to hear what our ministry is doing?
Would you like to join in what we are doing?

Cooperate

Do something together. At this level trust has been growing and the commitment level is higher. The opportunity is to plan an event or ministry together. It is more of a one time basis hopefully looking towards doing more together.

What can we do together that we can’t do alone?
Where do you see common ground?
What need do you see in our community that we can help meet together?
What event or strategy can we develop to meet that need?

Collaborate 

Work in partnership where your two organizations weave together to develop a larger strategy or project sharing resources of time, talent, training and treasure. At this level the partnership is hitting on all cylinders. There is high trust and high commitment to the cause. As Danny Pyon, a networker in Compton shared, “Real change happens when ‘yours’ and ‘mine’ become ‘ours.’"

What are some long term strategies that we can work together to accomplish?
What ways can we partner together to meet the needs in our community?
What resources can we share to meet those needs?
What is our joint mission and vision that we will accomplish together?

Go Deeper

As we deepen our relationship the trust built allows for deeper levels of partnership. If trust is strained then it is hard to mature in the partnerships. If you are looking to start partnering with others then download our QuickStart booklet. It will help you start a network of youth workers in your sphere of influence. If you are moving forward with your partnerships, please let me know of your success. We are looking to share the great ways networks are partnering in their communities.

Allies and Assets

D.J. Iverson — 2012-09-03 07:00:00.0 PST

A few years back I had a conversation that really impacted me, and caused me to ask some tough questions about how I viewed my role as a youth minister from a kingdom perspective. One of our shepherds asked if I knew why one of our senior girls had not been around in a while. I explained that she had become involved with the youth ministry at her boyfriend’s church. I then went into further detail explaining that she was still regularly attending church services, there was no bad blood between us, and judging from our last conversation, she was doing really well from a spiritual standpoint. I was very clear that she was not a ‘senior dropout’, she was simply at another church.

This did not seem to ease the concern of the shepherd. He asked me if I could, “get her back before we completely lose her”. I asked him what he meant by this, and he said very bluntly, “we want her here”.  I asked him about the boyfriend and he responded, “try and get him here too”.

I was kind of surprised by the serious change in tone. I also wanted to be very clear on what he was saying. “So it’s okay if the boyfriend comes here, but it’s not okay if she goes there?”

“Exactly”.

Those words stuck with me. Over the past few years that conversation has been a linchpin in a major attitude shift in my ministry. When we were starting from scratch last year, I knew that I did not ever want to have that conversation again. It took me a while to put the reasons for that feeling into words. What helped with that realization came from completely separate conversations I was having at the time.

Meeting the Competition

Not long after the conversation with the shepherd I was approached by one of the other youth ministers in town. He came into my office one day and introduced himself.  That day we had a great conversation about faith, life as a youth minister, and he let me know of a network of local youth minsters that was forming, and offered me an invite. This was the guy who ‘stole’ my senior girl. He comes from a much larger church, a much larger youth ministry, and was supposed to be my competition for students. The only problem is that he is an awesome Godly man, and a phenomenal youth minister. I quickly realized that I no longer wanted to have an attitude of competition with him, I would much rather be a friend. After all, we are both on the same side.

A few weeks later I had a conversation with another local youth minister. God had been pulling on my heart for a while to meet this guy. He’s another phenomenal youth minister with talent to spare. His youth events attract a lot of students from the area, sometimes that includes other churches. Some of our students had been to their events and had come back with ‘why can’t we be like _______’ questions that used to fastpass me into jealousy mode. After spending just a few minutes with him I came clean that I needed to apologize. I had viewed his ministry as competition and I didn’t want to do that any more. We talked for a while, and the more I shared the more I felt God comforting my heart. The feelings that had been wrestling material for the soul transformed into the words that I needed to say to release me from that competitive spirit of ministry.

A few months later all of our youth ministries participated in an event for every local church in the area. I remember standing by these guys (and a few other new  youth ministry friends) during the worship time and feeling like this was how youth ministry was supposed to feel

We are allies, not competitors.

Over the past year or so, our group of local ministers has continued to meet, and grow closer to each other. We’ve also worked on a couple of big projects together.  They have become more than just a group of friends or coworkers for me, their presence, spirit and passion for youth ministry have benefited my youth ministry tremendously. They are assets.

Here are a few thoughts, suggestions, and lessons I’ve learned when it comes to creating allies and assets that might be of use:

Don’t play the numbers game.

Different churches of different sizes all serve the same purpose; to bring people closer to God. Period. Judging another youth ministry by their numbers is like judging a person’s faith by their height. It really doesn’t make much sense.

Find the common ground.

Doctrine, methodology, programming, etc… there are so many ways to divide and categorize churches. I love talking with the different men and women from our group about their beliefs etc in a one-on-one setting, but when it is time for us to come together, we all strive to focus on the common bond we have through Christ and youth ministry. What’s cool about this, is when we do work together on a project I find we agree on almost all of the weightier matters of the law, it’s the subtle nuances that provide our diversity.

Learn, do not copy.

I cannot recreate the (very successful) programming from the church down the street. We have different students, families, needs and working conditions. We have a completely different ministry model, and look to meet similar goals in somewhat different ways. I have learned to ask questions and seek advice from other ministers, but in the end, I am responsible for leading our program in the context of our church. Trying to duplicate another youth ministry will inevitably lead to unhealthy comparisons, and competition. ‘Who can do this ministry model better?’ is not a question that needs to be answered.

Utilize each others’ gifts.

One friend has become my go-to guy for questions about building a healthy structure. Another has performed with his band at our church. Another friend has become a great resource when it comes to discussing practical (is there impractical?) theology. Yet another simply listens to me rant, and has helped me process a lot of big decisions over the past year. I try and give back to these guys as well. I’ve spoken at a youth event for one, and have another lined up in a few weeks. I’ve provided art work for another, and I still consider myself indebted to the others.

Keep an open mind.

We might not agree on everything, but I’ve never met a group of people who did. Hearing another attitude or perspective causes growth, even when you don’t necessarily agree.

Trust other youth leaders

Lastly, recognize that there may be another youth minister, or youth ministry out there that is better equipped to meet the needs of a particular family or student. It’s tough for me to admit sometimes, but our youth ministry program isn’t the best option for everyone in our community. Recognizing that the other youth ministries in town are also outposts for the Kingdom takes a huge burden off my back to create a program that pleases everyone. It’s also a huge blessing to be able to meet someone who is plugged in at another church and say, “I know the youth minister there, he/she is awesome”.

If you are interested in starting, or becoming a part of a local network, please check out the National Network of Youth Ministries.

One love, one heart.

Mac McFarland, 1941-2012

Doug Clark — 2012-09-01 10:00:00.0 PST

I remember as a brand-new youth worker, sitting in a seminar room at a Los Angeles-area church worker training conference back in the mid-1970s, listening to this guy Mac McFarland. He was the presenter; a youth pastor from a big church in Phoenix, and he was teaching us how to help youth grow in their commitment to God through a series of challenges.I was barely 20; he was bigger than life to me then.

He still is, even though he's with the Lord now. Richard "Mac" McFarland died on August 22 at the age of 71. In recent years, I don't know if Mac and Barb (his wife) still ushered people through the "Love God" challenge or other landmarks for their spiritual growth. But I am certain there are hundreds of people of all ages who love the Lord more because of their influence.

On September 8, Mac and Barb would have celebrated their 50th anniversary. Instead, the focus is on celebrating his life, cut short by cancer. 

Mac was a pioneer in many ways. He was one of a handful of youth workers who "got" networking in 1981 and signed the original Network Covenant (read it: http://ow.ly/doBEY). He never stopped believing it and living it. He mentored youth workers as he built a successful ministry in Phoenix area. He and Barb raised two sons, Scott and Greg, and they were always proud of their four grandchildren.

Mac served as NNYM's "Pastor at Large" from 2000-2006. He was our field team shepherd on every phone call and in our face-to-face times together, ministering deeply to many of us and our families, and always, always, always calling us to a more intimate walk with Jesus, which he modeled. He and Barb had moved to Eugene, Ore. where they were actively involved in ministry at Springfield Faith Center in Springfield, Ore., serving for a time as their youth pastor while in his 60s.

It was remarkable what kind of impact Mac would have on someone, one-on-one. Many would testify about how his deep caring nature seemed to draw out the core issues of your life when he'd talk to them, and he would gently guide them to life-changing commitment to Christ. He and Barb mentored hundreds of young adults out of Bible studies they held in their home, or while fishing. He was a "man's man" who could crush your hand with his grip if he wanted to, played a mean game of racquetball with guys half his age, yet had a tenderness and intensity in balance that reflected Jesus in a very unique way.

It seems like they don't make them like that any more. 

September YouthWorker Journal

Alon Banks — 2012-09-01 10:00:00.0 PST

In this issue of YouthWorker Journal, you'll find the YWJ Roundtable on Leadership, articles from Duffy Robbins, Kara Powell and Jeff Mattesich, Carolyn Custis James, Robert Loane and Randy D. Reese, Jeff Tillson, and Leonard Sweet, as well as columns from Walt Mueller, Mark-O, Larry Magnuson, Syler Thomas, Barry Shafer and Tony Myles.

Turn Up The Volume

Bob Lenz — 2012-08-03 07:00:00.0 PST

If today you hear His voice, harden not your hearts. - Hebrews 4:7

“You’re as flat as a board. You sure you’re not a boy? Better check again.”

“I heard you had dyslexia. Are you worshiping “dog” again?”

“You’re so special they have a class just for you. Your name should be Ed. Then you’d be in special Ed. I told you you’re a boy.”

Over and over again. The voices ring loud in her head. They’re played more than the top 10 songs on the radio. The hurt is all she hears. The volume at school is turned up. Even at youth group she’s treated the same way. But there, it’s mixed with shame. She doesn’t want to tell her mom. She doesn’t want her to worry.

“How do I make the pain to go away?” she asked. “Was I born this way? Am I a mistake? Where can I be open and real? There’s just too much at stake. Yes, I’ve hardened my heart just to endure the verbal hits. Sure, it’s calloused now, even cold and distant. I just want it to stop. I just want the pain to go away.”

Her words pierced my heart. But she wasn’t done. “I just want it to be the way it used to be. I want to crawl up on my dad’s lap and have him hold me. I want to be a little girl again and have him tell me the story of that lost princess and her being found. But I haven’t seen my dad since, I don’t know when. He doesn’t live with us anymore. I just want some relief. Anything.”

I wondered how she was coping. She told me, “When I drink I forget all the pain and I can laugh a little while. But it always comes back. Now I cut. I know it sounds weird for someone who wants to get rid of the pain, but it’s not as bad as the hurt on the inside. I just want the voices to stop. Because even when I’m alone I hear the voices of the kids at school, the commercials on TV, and my own insecurities. All of them join together saying, ‘You don’t matter. You have no value. The world will be better off if you’re gone.’”

This girl tried to take her life just before Lifest. That is where I met her in mid-July. Her mom couldn’t afford a ticket, so a free one was offered and she brought her daughter. They both sought me out to thank me.

“Lifest has been amazing,” said the girl. “People have treated us so good. The music is great!”

The mom laughed and said, “The music’s a little loud though.” I chuckled with her, trying to ease the heaviness in the air.

The daughter chimed in, “The speakers touched my heart. I prayed with someone in the prayer tent and asked Jesus into my heart and into all this pain. I feel like He was talking just to me. I heard His voice.”

I turned to the mom with tears and said, “That’s why we turn it up so loud, so people can hear.”

I held the girl’s beautiful face in my hands and made her look at me. She had tears coming down her cheeks. I looked her in the eyes and said, “I can’t stop the voices of the bullies. I can’t stop the commercials. I can’t stop the voices inside you. But I pray that the voice of love, the voice of God, would be louder than all the other voices coming at you. I hope you hear that you matter, that you are loved, that there is hope. It’s okay to get help. It’s okay to talk about it. It’s okay to share what’s going on inside. And it’s okay to not keep it all together.”

As she walked away, I wanted to run back up on the stage to tell another person about the love of God so they could hear His voice like she did, and another, and another... The feeling was a stark contrast to where my heart’s been at lately.

Honestly, I’ve wanted to quit. Why? Because I don’t understand why God seems to be silent when people are crying out to Him. I don’t understand why He doesn’t reach out to protect girls like this from the abuse. I don’t understand the excruciating pain of losing someone close to you, a pain that doesn’t subside. I can’t make sense of it when one teenager takes their own life. Because one is way too many.

Yet, what do I do? Where else can I go? If I quit then I am giving into my own voices, pain and bitterness. I can’t harden my heart and let my doubt, anger, questions, fears and insecurities harden me.

Instead, I will choose to hear His voice of love, hope, forgiveness and purpose and continue to be a part of turning up the volume of His voice so that one more person can hear it, and another, and another… until the whole world hears.

If today you hear His voice, please, please… don’t harden your heart.

August YouthWorker Journal

Alon Banks — 2012-08-01 10:00:00.0 PST

You’ve probably heard the question: Why can’t today’s kids just grow up?

In this digital issue of YouthWorker Journal, we get answers from Chap Clark, Robert Epstein, Amy Jacober, Jeffrey Arnett, Lauren Winner, Kelly Lashly, Jeff Baxter, Rick Dunn and Jana Sundene.

Some people call the new reality “emerging adulthood.” Others say, “21 is the new 16.” However you describe it, these authors and experts can help you figure out the best ways to help your students grow up.

The issue also includes Walt Mueller wrestling with holiness, Chuck Bomar wrestling with ego in ministry, and British youth work veteran Pete Ward asking: “Why Can’t Youth Ministry Grow Up?”

Plus our reviewers assess new resources on abuse recovery (Mending the Soul: Understanding and Healing Abuse) and engagement with gays (Andrew Marin’sLove Is an Orientation: Practical Ways to Build Bridges with the Gay Community).

The Power of Being There

Daryl Nuss — 2012-07-30 10:00:00.0 PST

Two weeks ago this message appeared on our Facebook page.

“Great to see you both on Facebook. It has been a long time. Thank you for ministering to me as a not all together teenager. You made a big impact on me whether you knew it or not. God has blessed me with a godly wife of 22 years and four God-loving children. Wow, where has time gone! Thanks again for being faithful.”–Todd

It was one of those messages that every youth worker is thrilled to receive. The message came from Todd Taylor, who was led to Christ by a fellow youth worker in our ministry during the mid 1980s.

As I think back to those days when Todd would have been in our ministry, I realize that my wife, Donna, and my greatest contribution in his life was “being there.”We were there on long trips to retreats and conferences.  I was there when Todd needed a ride home after a meeting. We were there when kids wanted to hang out at our home. I was there several times when Todd needed an older man to talk about life.

This month, as we prepare for the upcoming school year, Todd’s message reinforces a conviction about the importance of just “being there” for our young people. Todd’s life is blessed today because there were youth workers and caring adults who shared the gospel with him as a teenager and helped him live it out

Today’s generation of youth have great hearts, but for the most part, are disconnected from people and environments where the gospel is shared and lived out. They need people who are intentional about “being there.”

Summer can be a really hectic time for youth ministry. It can mean long days and long nights at camp. It can mean putting up with some crazy antics at gatherings. It will mean being available for some very meaningful conversations. There will be those times when we wonder “What am I doing? Is this all really worth it?”

Let me remind each of us with Paul’s words of encouragement. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galations 6:9. Let’s keep the faith in our personal lives and in our network communities because some day we may receive an unexpected message from a former student with a godly wife and four “God loving” kids who will thank us for “being there.”

Digital YouthWorker Journal

Alon Banks — 2012-07-02 07:00:00.0 PST

You've probably heard the question: Why can’t today’s kids just grow up?

In this digital issue of YouthWorker Journal, we get answers from Chap Clark, Robert Epstein, Amy Jacober, Jeffrey Arnett, Lauren Winner, Kelly Lashly, Jeff Baxter, Rick Dunn and Jana Sundene.

Some people call the new reality emerging adulthood. Others say, “21 is the new 16.” However you describe it, these authors and experts can help you figure out the best ways to help your students grow up.

The issue also includes Walt Mueller wrestling with holiness, Chuck Bomar wrestling with ego in ministry and British youth ministry veteran Pete Ward asking: “Why Can’t Youth Ministry Grow Up?”

Plus, our reviewers assess new resources on abuse recovery (Mending the Soul: Understanding and Healing Abuse) and engagement with gays (Andrew Marin’s Love Is an Orientation: Practical Ways to Build Bridges with the Gay Community).

Working Together with our School Superintendent

Stan Elder — 2012-06-29 07:00:00.0 PST

Imagine if you could work together with the schools in your area towards mutually beneficial goals? Well, I am seeing the door opening in our area for partnership with the superintendent!

Meeting with the Superintendent

I help coach networks in the Cincinnati Area with National Network of Youth Ministries. A few weeks ago one of our youth worker networks had the opportunity to sit down with the Public School Direct Superintendent Dr. Jackson. The youth pastors and other para-church ministries shared how important youth development is, especially through their adolescent years.

Students need Support

What the schools have found is that students who have strong family support, local church support, and school support do better than the students who miss one or more supports in their lives. This was researched by the 40 Developmental Assets in 2010. This research looked at 89,000 students in grades 6-12 in 26 states.

The students that had these three groups investing in them are more likely to have strong leadership abilities, live a healthier lifestyle, show diversity (getting to know people of other race), and succeed in school. On the other hand, students who don’t have these people investing in them are more likely to use alcohol and drugs, engage in violent behaviors, and become sexually active.

Working Together

Dr. Jackson said that the church provides opportunities for youth to grow in their faith, they reach and work with their parents, and provide leadership development. Dr. Jackson asked the network to help in reaching students and help in their character development.

It is amazing that a public school superintendent wants youth pastors to work with the schools to help build their students! This is a great opportunity for the youth pastors to reach students for Christ, and to equip students as leaders so that they can reach their friends and classmates for Christ on their campus.

What are some ways you can partner with the schools in your area?

God Chose A Girl

Judy Glanz — 2012-06-15 07:00:00.0 PST

I was captured by this phrase spoken this spring by Elisa Morgan, former president of MOPS International at Selah Women’s conference in Oregon. It captured me for several reasons:

As a woman, I like to be chosen. It makes me feel thought of and special even after I said, “I do.” I love it when my husband takes time to ask me to do something with him, just the two of us or chooses me to take a drive, run errands, etc. It feels good to be chosen knowing that someone wants to spend time with me.

It captured me because of who did the choosing: God. God chose a girl to accomplish His purposes. In this case it was little adolescent Mary, whom God was choosing to be the mother of our Lord Jesus, the Savior of the world. The creator of the universe, who could do or choose anything that He wanted within the scope of who He is, chose a girl as the vessel to usher in His kingdom.

It captured me because I am a GIRL! And God chose me!! Simple, yes. But this seed of truth sown deep down into my soul has gripped me and changed my life, my view of life and my perspective of others.

Because we have still yet to see what God can do through any of us who have been captured, chosen by the Father of Lights to live for Him 100% all the time. He is at work, still working to remake me and it is difficult. Not easy. Not simple. But because He has chosen me I live Loved! Wow, that changes me every day: to live loved by the One who possesses everlasting love. Hallelujah!

My view of life that I have been chosen by God sets me apart. And His choice of you sets you apart. The Apostle Paul says it well:

“I have been crucified with Christ, it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me, the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and delivered Himself up for me.” Gal. 2:20

I am not my own any longer. Thank God because I would surely make a mess of things when left to rule my life and I still do when I move out from under submission to the Father and away from a surrendered life modeled by my Lord Jesus. For being chosen by God means that I am living into the exchanged life declared by Paul. Christ in me, the hope of glory.

My perspective of others has changed because God chose me. They are fellow sojourners on this path of God’s choice. Learning together what it means to live the life of chosen by God. Me choosing to live unto El Elyon, the Most High God, bowing to His timing, His sovereignty, His wisdom, His plan, leading and direction. Together.

I have, by God’s grace been leading a group of women in youth ministry in the Portland area for a number of years. We gather monthly to talk about how and where God is showing up in our lives, ministries and students’ lives. We seek the Lord, pray, affirm one another and resource our lives and ministries. It feels like the power and strength of heaven when we gather. What gifts we have been given! To be chosen, to live loved, to carry the life of Christ in us to one another…together.

Judy Glanz is the Professor of Educational and Women's Ministry at Multnomah University, Portland, Oregon.

I promise Mom, I won't forget.

Kirk Militzer — 2012-06-13 07:00:00.0 PST

Man, sin sucks.
In mid -January of 2012 my mom was diagnosed with dementia.
Life for my dad and my family has taken some interesting twists.

But as mom faces losing more connections to our past, this is my promise to Mom, to the Lord she loves, and the King I serve.
I won't forget.
Here is what I won't forget.
Mom told me so many times, I can close my eyes and and still hear her say "Always keep a teachable heart. Always have a teachable heart."

That piece of wisdom is embedded in my soul and in my DNA.
Thanks to Mom, I have made a life-time commitment to be a life-long leaner.
Learners are readers.
Readers are leaders.
And leaders learn.

I remember telling a young buck heading into the ministry that he has to read to survive and lead well.
"I hate reading," he adamantly said with a shrug of his shoulders.
I looked him in the eyes and said,"Bud, you need to choose a different path. To survive and grow in the ministry you need to read!"

In August 2009, Pastor Bill Hybels challenged an international group of Christian leaders via the Global Leadership Summitt.
Hybels said, "What would happen if you improved as a leader by just 15% a year for 10 years?"
"What kind of leader would you be in a decade?"
Well, do the math, youth ministry friend.
You and I would be a 150% different and the best kind of leader.

So how does this work practically as a youth leader?
Let me tell what has worked for me.
I try to read three books a month.
Most have to do with leadership. I get some very cool kick-butt books for free via my public library and their inter-library loan.
If I like what I read, I may photocopy a few pages.
If I really like it, I will buy the book...used, of course, via Amazon or another online source.
Now to make this happen, I will pick away at a book for the better part of a week.
Don't think I sit with a tweed jacket, pipe, and wing-back chair with hours on end to achieve this.
Are you kidding me?
I grab time when I can.
Sometimes it works for me to use it as a warm-up for my devotions.
Other times, it can help me wind down from an evening meeting at church.
I try to keep at least one book in my backpack or on my iPad.

These books have fed my soul.
They have given me awesome sermon and teaching material.
And you better believe they have helped develop leadership skills.
Hey, the goal is only 15% leadership growth a year or 1.25% a month.
I can do that.

See Mom, I'm still listening to what you had to say to me.
"Keep a teachable heart."

Hope for the Youth Ministry Machine?

Rob Townshend — 2012-06-11 07:00:00.0 PST

What is wrong with the Youth ministry Machine of today? Perhaps we don’t have enough programs for students? Maybe we don’t have enough resources available? Or there is of course the chance that the problem with youth ministry is that the youth fail to see our genius?

These are the kinds of questions we spent two days in May praying over and discussing at the NNYM Youth Ministry Executive Council in Costa Mesa, CA. So what have we learned so far? Let’s look at the three options posed above:

If the problem is not having enough programs then we are indeed without hope! A casual look around the youth ministry world reveals a plethora or programmatic wonder. Yes we have many amazing and well intended programs that are clearly intending to do the work of Jesus. Actually we probably have too many programs to be honest. Lack of programs is clearly not the problem.
Of course lack of resources clearly isn’t the problem either. Simply do a Google search of “Youth Ministry resources” and then set aside a weekend to review your results. Resources are a good thing and help many lead wonderful disciple producing ministries. I love resources like books, and videos as much as the next guy but clearly lack of resources is not the issue.
Maybe we can all just relax and rest in the fact that the real problem is that our ministry genius simply isn’t understood or appreciated by these bratty students who fail to show up for our cutting edge God ordained “Jesus-fests” we produce. However, if we get honest we really aren’t “all that”; so no that likely isn’t the problem either (bummer I was really rooting for this one).

So if these aren’t the problem what could it possibly be? I have become convinced that the biggest issue facing the Youth ministry machine was best defined by a statement made during a recent prayer consultation I was blessed to attend. The statement summed up in 17 words the crux of our problem: ”the youth ministry machine is faulty because it is missing the power of Christ being our all.” It is simply a matter of our focus. We have taken our eye off the cross and the empty tomb and put our trust in our own ingenuity, creativity, and wonderful intentions. It seems that youth ministry, and dare I say the church as a whole, has chosen to wander away from our first love!

My conclusion: the youth ministry machine is not in and of itself something that necessarily needs to be discarded; as long as we are willing to conduct a major overhaul and replace it’s engine. I picture a day when we stand before the Lord with open hands and repentant hearts as we listen to His guidance & direction, and then make the radical and revolutionary changes that are needed.

Radical changes that reflect our personal commitment to live our lives in light of His grace and in the power of His resurrection. In essence if we stop trying to make Jesus fit our programs, resources, and gatherings and instead insist that these change to fit Jesus’ purposes, plans, and kingdom goals we will see a youth ministry machine worthy of His Glory and Kingdom! A rebuilt and renewed machine that doesn’t function like a machine at all but instead is a growing and expanding Bride of Christ filled with ministry warriors of all ages who invest in Kingdom worthy endeavors and change the world for His glory!

Rob is the Pastor of Student and Family Ministries at Calvary Bible Church (CBC) in Rutland, Vermont and is the shepherd for the middle School through young adults in his church and has over 15 years experience working with "this generation of the Church". Rob's philosophy is to give ownership of the ministry to the students so that they will see their importance as both disciples and disciple-rs in the Kingdom! Rob also enjoys spending time in the great New England Outdoors with his lovely wife Jenny, energetic six year old son Jacob, and their miracle baby June Elizabeth (Born January 2012).

Fundraising for Mission Trips

Jake Kircher — 2012-06-08 07:00:00.0 PST

Often times, fundraising for your upcoming mission trip can get a bit stale. Every year it's the same old ideas - bake sales, car washes and having the students do work for people within your church. As these tend to work time and time again, sometimes giving can start to diminish.

Here are a handful of creative ideas to help keep your fundraising fresh:

1. Sell stock in your trip

Lots of people are looking for a good investment these days. What better investment than in a life changing trip for your students. Have your students make their own stocks or do a Google search for "custom stock certificates" and order some realistic looking ones. Sell the stocks for any amount the group decides and then after the trip host a share holders dessert and report about the trip.

2. Flock your community

This is a highly amusing way to raise some money and also get the community buzzing about your upcoming trip. The basic premise of this idea is buy a dozen or so pink flamingo lawn decorations (you could also do this with garden gnomes, toilet paper or any other thing you could think of) and have people in your church pay to have this flock of birds show up on someone's lawn. That person then needs to pay to have them removed and can choose the next victim.

Before "flocking season" arrives, make sure you communicate with your church what is about to happen. You can even offer no-flock insurance to those who wish to be spared from the birds showing up.

PinkLawnFlamingos.com is a great website to check out for a more detailed description of how to run this fundraiser and also to purchase everything you need from the plastic birds to lawn signs.

3. Sell some Ugly Mug Coffee

How many people do you know who don't start their day with a cup of coffee? How many dinners have you been to where coffee wasn't offered along with dessert? It seems like everyone drinks it all the time, so why not capitalize on everyone's caffeine addiction for your mission trip?

Ugly Mug Coffee is a fair trade coffee supplier that seeks to benefit the communities they get their coffee from. From their website: "Our partnership will help in creating a buying COOP that works with individual growers in very rural areas of Mexico, Nicaragua, Honduras, and Ethiopia. That coop will be responsible for economic development via small loans, agricultural assistance with organic certification, processing assistance and ultimately assistance in selling the coffee of which we will be a buyer."

Beyond that, the coffee tastes really good too!! They also sell hot chocolate, tea and chai.

It's really easy to work with Ugly Mug and you can either have students pre-sell coffee or you can order a batch up front and sell it after church for a few Sunday's in a row. The organization has even had programs in the past where if you purchase a certain amount, they will give you $100 back towards your mission trip. Just ask about that program when you set up your account.

4. Get your children's ministry involved

The children within our churches can be a huge support to our teens heading out on mission trips. Plus, when we get the kids involved we have the opportunity to teach them about missions and what they will get to do when they are old enough to be in the youth ministry. One very simple thing you can do is to have the kids collect change. What 8 year old doesn't like digging through the couches at home or under the seats in the car to find loose change?

You can buy just basic coin collection bottles online and have the kids decorate them during one of their programs. Or you can buy specially shaped banks to coincide with whatever your students will be doing on the trip. i.e. If your building houses or doing construction, get house shaped piggy banks. If you're working with children's programs, maybe get banks in the shape of crayons.

Hey, Youthworker! DUCK!!

Kirk Militzer — 2012-06-06 07:00:00.0 PST

In the winter of 2009, youth leaders from four small Lutheran denominations had the privilege of sitting under the training of Tiger McCluen director Youth Leadership out of Minneapolis. The training was entitled Principles of Effective Youth ministry- The Timothy Project.

Great training material was shared. (I would humbly make the case that Tiger is one of the most knowledgeable youth ministry people in the church.) But my point is not to boast on Tiger but to tell share what I believe was the crown jewel of the entire two days of teaching. It was simplified in one statement.

Tiger taught, Your Job is to duck.

“What makes us different from secular work with kids?” “What is the real reason for all of our work with these students?”

Transition to the spiritual focus of our work. This is the key idea of this session:

Remind your volunteer leaders of the unique role of youth ministry that includes the proclamation of the gospel. The clear focus on tending to the soul, not just providing activities.
Be sure to highlight the spiritual emphasis that is the distinctive of Christian youth ministry. Youth Ministry MUST POINT TO JESUS. We can be creative, but we can’t forget this. In the midst of everything we do, we want to suggest a simple little diagram to explain our role. Very simply, this is why we are here!!!

“The Ducking” image

In your volunteer training you can do this...draw this simple diagram on the white board or flip chart.

This highlights the fact that our job is to stand in front of kids and ask:

“Are you looking at me?” When you get their attention—your job is to DUCK….so that they know the Good News about the Gospel. Our job is not just to get them to come to events—it is to help them understand the gospel. This is to help focus them on the idea that they are really in the business of spiritual things---that they are “God people.”

Go over the problems with this image:

We don’t duck after getting their attention.
We don’t get their attention.

Both of these possibilities present challenges to our ministries and may get them thinking. Based on our discussion: If you use this image, be sure to point out that this idea of standing in front on kids is not JUST personal, individual. It represents the church, the youth program, etc. that may not be “capturing kids attention.”

Digital YouthWorker Journal

Alon Banks — 2012-06-02 10:00:00.0 PST

The May-June edition of YouthWorker Journal is the "Isms" issue, in which you'll find articles such as:

The Roundtable on Isms
"Games, Pizza and Isms" by Kelly Soifer
"Bam!, Pow! Moralistic Therapeutic Deism!" by Paul Asay
"Me and Mine" by Steve Wilkens and Mark L. Sanford
"Beyond Points and Proofs" by Tony Myles

As well as content from the regular columnists and more! Check it out here.

Do You Have Garden Friends?

Kirk Militzer — 2012-05-30 07:00:00.0 PST

Garden friends...even Jesus had 'em.

Who are your garden friends?

The term garden friends comes from Jesus. Of the 12 disciples, Jesus invited Peter, James, and John into the Garden of Gethsamane as he sweat great drops of blood.

You probably have heard a sermon or two of what that meant physically for Jesus -the anguish, the heartache, the turmoil that was going on in his soul. And these three guys had a front row seat to it. O.k. O.k they fell asleep, but still...they made the cut!

I don't know who told me of the term garden friends, but I have adopted it into my soul. I have 8 garden friends who pray for me, love me, and have the guts to ask me hard questions. Including permission to answer this question, "what do you wanna say, that you should say, but don't know if you should say it, but you gotta say it, so say it" kind-of-stuff.

Now before you blow this off and think this is just another kind of wordsmithing for accountability partners. Nope. Keep reading.

It is deeper than that. The DNA of it is really support. My shoulder is next to yours. I really love you. I love you even when you are a butthead. I love you enough to remind you of your identity as a son of God Almighty.

Instead of talking with them and dreading the question, "How are you doing? I hear instead, "How can I pray for you?"

That is what Jesus asked his garden friends to do for Him. That is good enough for me.

So, Who are your garden friends?

My Future Moral Failure

David Grant — 2012-05-28 07:00:00.0 PST

I'm convinced that if God doesn't continue to show overwhelming mercy and grace in my life AND if I get sloppy in my interaction with the opposite sex I'm on a collision course with moral failure.

Just to be clear, this blog isn't in response to current relationships and inevitable moral failure for me, but stories I've heard that have gotten my attention.

Over the last 10 days I have had no less than 5 conversations with men who have fallen morally. A dad, a youth pastor, a ministry leader, a pastor, a father were all included in my conversations.

Sure, we've all heard stories of people who have compromised and given in to sexual temptation but for some reason the potential of moral failure has been screaming at me at the top of its lungs.

I'm listening.

My response has surprised me a little. A younger me might have heard those stories and thought, "there's no way I would do something like that". Or "how dare they..."

Here are some thoughts I've had as I've heard these stories and prayed for those in the wake of sin's devastation...

I'm so, so sorry...

I'm sorry for families. I'm sorry for churches. I'm sorry for the name of Jesus. I'm sorry for the men who fell. I'm so sorry. There is a wake of devastation.

Sadness overwhelms me when I think about all the people affected. There's no doubt our enemy has come to "kill, steal and destroy."

In the middle of temptation it's so difficult to see the big picture. If only we could see what our actions might do to those around us. If only we could see what our actions might do to the name of Jesus and the purity of his church.

If not for the grace of God....

I'm no better than any of these men.

God has been so gracious to protect me from scandalous public sin in my life. Of course there is the constant struggle of "hidden" sins. I'm a life long struggler with pride, arrogance and lust. As I think about my own hidden (well, mostly hidden) struggles it makes me keenly aware that I have the potential of any sin.

Also, it's important to remember that public moral failure didn't begin in public but in private.

Why has God granted me grace in these areas and not these other men? I have no idea.

Alarm

Here's the reality. If I don't give special attention to my own heart and struggles, I'm on a collision course with moral failure. Doing nothing is not an option.

If you are a lover of Jesus and especially if you are a ministry leader, you must give constant attention to your soul. To do the work of the ministry without giving attention to the health of our own souls is a recipe for ministry failure. To give people Jesus without meeting with him ourselves is always a temptation.

We are so busy with so many needs that must be met but how can we give that which we don't possess?

We must order our schedules to make time with Jesus the greatest priority.

Focus

For years I have had good accountability in my life. Currently I meet with a couple of guys who have the freedom and expectation of asking me the tough questions. It's effective most the time but it's easy to get sloppy.

The flesh has an incredible desire to protect its self and stay hidden. Sometimes I can share just enough to get me off the hook. I, we, must have real focused accountability in our lives.

For more on accountability you can see some other thoughts by David Grant:
Is Accountability a Dirty Word? Part 1
Is Accountability a Dirty Word? Part 2

Hope

The gospel is good enough and powerful enough to bring redemption and restoration to these men and yes, to me. Although the stories are sad, within some of what I've heard there has been full restoration and healing. Of course there is a scar, but the work of Jesus brings strength, perhaps even greater strength than before.

Even as I write about my "future moral failure" I'm reminded of a moral failure I had while in college. While serving as a youth intern my girlfriend, now wife, became pregnant. God's grace is sufficient and that incident is a constant reminder of his goodness and grace.

After we became married and had our first son I knew there was no way I could fulfill my calling to youth ministry but God had other plans for me.

Would I choose to relive the pain my sin caused during that time? Absolutely not. But God is a God who restores and his gentle love and patience is so evident in my life.

So, by God's grace, may we be self controlled and alert. May we give attention to our soul.

The name of Jesus is at stake.

We must do whatever it takes.

Family Systems Thinking

Kirk Militzer — 2012-05-25 07:00:00.0 PST

Each year our ministry talks about the role of how families impact teenagers. Really youth ministry circles have been talking about youth and their families for over two decades. My bias is that Dr. Karla Powell and Dr. Chap Clark are clearly kicking butt in leading the charge in equipping youth workers to work with families.

So in a very brief 20 minutes at our monthly In-service we do a big perspective / general idea about family systems thinking. I use a powerful visual for this.

A baby mobile. Like the one you find over a crib.

If you touch one of the little lambs, animal, whatever… it bounces and loses its balance. This is the nature of family systems. You change one person, in this case a teenager who comes into your ministry, and wow, God starts moving in their lives or you start having and impact on their lives. One small change, and the family dynamics, or the system can change.

As you get to know a teenager these questions will give you a descriptive picture of why they act the way they do.

Honestly, I wished 30 years ago when I started in youth ministry in the early 80’s I would have been introduced to this concept of family systems. The reference on the bottom of Edwin Friedman’s book Generation to Generation is not easy to read nor a fun read. It doesn’t have a lot of pictures nor humor.

It is one of three books outside of the Bible that changed my life. Really.

I hope this teaching is helpful to you as it has been in our ministry.

The Stack

Kirk Militzer — 2012-05-21 07:00:00.0 PST

The local youth pastor or local youth worker is constantly faced with the reality of multiplying harvest workers to reach teenagers. In our local ministry we have a monthly In-service meeting that either meets before our High School ministry begins, and after our middle school ministry has concluded. We do it on the first Wednesday night of the month, so our volunteers can get that locked into their minds and hearts.

Of course we offer a meal each month...yup we aren't above bribing!

Each month we covenant to pray for, update, encourage, and train them for their ministry with teenagers. We have worked hard at creating a culture where it is their ministry with teenagers, not simply “helping out with the youth group.”

Tons of great training is available but there are two that we constantly come back to year after year.

The first is The Stack created initially by Dale Carnegie How to Win Friends and Influence People, and then adapted into the youth ministry world by Tentmakers out of Minneapolis. It will give practical help and tips to adults who love Jesus and want to be used to minister to teenagers.

Download the PDF or the Publisher file and adapt it to your situation and away you go!!

What Happens When Leaders Pray

Donna Nuss — 2012-05-18 07:00:00.0 PST

What would happen if you get leaders from major youth ministry organizations to come together for a day of prayer?

Last week I was privileged to attend when NNYM gathered together 15 leaders in Costa Mesa, CA for a prayer consultation. Mike Higgs, founder of Sondance Inc. and Barry St. Clair, Director of Reach-Out co-led the event. Here is their summary of what happened.

The Desperate Need

We believe our nation is in desperate need of significant spiritual renewal. The chorus of those calling the American church to humility, prayer and repentance has grown in recent years, and the roar of their corporate prophetic voice is increasingly difficult to ignore. In response, 15 leaders convened on May 7 for a 21-hour Youth Ministry Prayer Consultation.

The theme for the get-together was taken from 2 Chronicles 20:12, where the Old Testament king Jehosaphat cried to God, “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.” We agreed that current strategies and methodologies, while certainly good ones, are insufficient for the task at hand, the fulfillment of the Great Commission among the emerging generations. While we may or may not be “losing” the battle for the souls of American youth, we believe God has much more for us. But we must adjust our current approach. And to do that, we must discover what is on God's heart so that we may join Him in His mission.

Our Prayer Consultation was a wonderful mix of passionate worship, heart-felt intercession, and insightful sharing; a few shared convictions emerged:

Put Christ First - Youth ministry must restore the supremacy of Christ and the fullness of His finished work on the Cross.
Live out the Gospel - Youth ministry must preach and incarnate a whole gospel of the Kingdom to a wounded, fatherless generation desperate for healing, deliverance, forgiveness, and Kingdom life now as well as eternal life.
Prioritize Prayer - Prayer is the primary strategy God has given us for fulfilling the Great Commission.
Be Unified - As youth ministries and youth ministers reaffirm the supremacy of Christ, embrace a whole gospel message, incarnate a crucified life, and pray as never before, unity will increase, disciple making will increase, and progress toward our goal of reaching the emerging generations will be greatly accelerated.

Beyond those four convictions, we are prayerfully considering if God may be leading us to convene a larger, Sacred Assembly-style gathering of youth leaders at some future date that could be webstreamed and thus expose those convictions to an even larger, more diverse audience of youth leaders.

Be a Part of the Team

What have you seen to be effective in praying for teenagers across the nation? As the prayer coordinator for National Network of Youth Ministries my heart is to gather intercessors to pray for our youth. If you are interested in praying for the needs of students across America and the efforts of the National Network of Youth Ministries then contact me, to become a part of the prayer team.

Preparing for the Journey

Kevin Boer — 2012-05-16 10:00:00.0 PST

My wife and I are preparing to go on a weekend backpacking trip with Biola University students who have varying levels of back country skills. Their success on their trip depends highly on what they choose to bring with them.

When backpacking, everything that you need must be taken with you. That is the challenge, for any distance travelled will be with all that stuff. So it becomes a balance between comfort and necessity.

In preparation for the trip the question is, "What to bring and what to leave?" The packing process becomes a series of trade offs. Do I take the chair with me that weighs one pound or do I sit on a rock when I camp? Will it rain? How much food will I need? What if my boots blow out? Should I bring another pair?

The same is true for leading students. In our lives there are an abundance of opportunities to fit into a limited amount of time. Every leader will have to prioritize what they do to influence others around them.

Here are two questions that help in the preparation process to being an effective leader.

What will I keep?

The good is always the enemy of the best. There are so many things that will crowd out what is most important. Determining what is essential helps us to know how to prepare. That is why I recommend developing a personal mission statement. It is a synthesis of who you are and how God intends for you to influence others.

What will I leave behind?

Before every backpacking trip we do the "pack dump." We have every participant pull all of their items out and determine what is essential and what is not necessary. Sometimes things get packed that are not necessities. I remember one student bringing a Bible commentary and a foot and a half long flashlight with him! Another brought a metal Bible that weighed a ton!

In the same way, we sometimes put in our lives what is not important and carry that burden with us. Instead, we need to schedule what is important first and then see what else fits.

Preparing for your journey

As you look to mentor students for the journey of life, it is so important to have others taking the journey with you. That is why I advocate joining a ministry network of like-minded people in your area. If you are a youth worker and not connected into a network, I highly recommend going to youthworkers.net/networks to find a ministry network close to you.

After The Dust Settles: Confessions of a Newsboys Advance Man

Jason Kaat — 2012-05-14 07:00:00.0 PST

I want to care about more than putting “butts in seats.”

As a 20-year local church youth ministry veteran, I have seen, more times than I can count, traveling ministries that care more about filling venues for their events than truly partnering with the local church. Many show complete disregard for how their ministry impacts the people who are the gatekeepers in the community.

But now I have been on the flipside of the coin, working for Life Promotions, partnering with the Newsboys for their “God’s Not Dead” tour. My job was to network communities throughout the US at each tour stop, to make sure those who responded to the gospel would be plugged into a local church.

I am deeply convicted that we do our best to respect and honor the local churches where we tour. We must seek to make sure students get plugged into local ministries for discipleship after they respond to the gospel.

Life Promotions’ founder, Bob Lenz, turned to me with the signature gleam in his eye and said, “The Newsboys tour will either be a networking dream job or a networker’s nightmare.”

But after I completed my final advancement meeting with Life Promotions for the Newsboys “God’s Not Dead” tour in April, I can honestly say this tour has been much closer to a sweet dream than a nightmare!

It has been humbling to see the number of pastors, youth workers and lay people who were responsive to our desire to partner with them to reach young people. In city after city, all who responded to the gospel were to be shared with, prayed over, and cared for long after we left the building.

While there are many stories to share about the success and fruit from the networking that took place because of the tour, I wanted to highlight one unique situation in which two cities not only influenced their own area, but also partnered across a state line to make sure students received follow-up.

I had a conversation with Rob Townshend, youth pastor and NNYM Vermont state coordinator; Trey Cates, a pastor in Northfield Vt.; Shane Ross, regional rep for a Warren County, N.Y. radio station; and Todd Cochran, a youth group volunteer in Glens Falls, N.Y.

* * * * *

Jason: Rob, what was it about the Newsboys tour that inspired you?
Rob: Vermont is a state that is not easy to network in because of its fiercely independent reputation. But the Newsboys and Life Promotions helped us build relationships with youth workers all around the state in order to do evangelism follow up. It was a chance for us to be a part of a ministry effort that could potentially lead to even greater things for the community. We also posed the question: “How can we start to dream together to advance ministry for the kingdom of God? How can we build teams that go beyond a one-night event to allow us to have the opportunity to reach deeper into the people around us and bring Christ to a spiritually dark state?” It was exciting to look down the road with Trey and Jason and say this could lead to partnerships and networks that will influence for years beyond the event. That’s my heartbeat; that’s what got me excited; that’s what I’m still excited about as I watch this thing come to fruition!

Jason: That’s what we value at Life Promotions: to rally people around a “point of unity” event, but to have relationships with state leaders like you at through the National Network of Youth Ministries so that we can play a small part in helping to build unity and sustainable impact in a local area.
Trey: Rob was able to cast that kind of vision for us. We bought into the idea that “God’s Not Dead” could serve as a springboard into doing more as united churches in our area. The state of Vermont is a rural state, and only 1.8% of Vermonters claim to be evangelical Christians. The fact that this is the least-churched state in the US speaks to the need for a united effort.

Jason: Could you share more about how folks got together to build a movement of unity for the Newsboys concert?
Trey: The concert promoter, Larry Morrison, uses the concerts as a fundraiser for the local Christian school. We had the initial meeting for our team of volunteers at a restaurant for any pastors, youth leaders, and volunteers, to share a free meal and hear the vision for the Newsboys concert. After that vision was cast, Rob shared about NNYM and how we could make this sustainable beyond the event. Then we focused on prayer for the concert.

Jason: As local event coordinators in Barre, Vermont and Glens Falls, N.Y., Trey and Todd have been working together. That was exciting to me: nowhere else on the 60-city tour did two separate cities work together like this. What led you guys to work together like that?
Trey: Rob was very much the bridge that helped make that happen with the Glens Falls team. Todd came from Glens Falls to hang out with us, learn from our mistakes, and see what we did right. We are looking to activate our local team again for some other upcoming events. We want to have a gospel response team ready to go into action for follow up after those events.

Jason: Could you talk about the interaction with the Newsboys tour and how a one-night concert event has impacted the Glens Falls area?
Shane: Our Sound of Life radio network had been looking for a concert to do something here in the north country region for over a year. Our mission is to be the air support for the local churches who serve as ground troops of the kingdom. We initially reached out to Todd Cochran and it grew from there.
Todd: It’s been cool to see a drastic move of God over all! At first, we felt a bit overwhelmed. However, when we got to hang out with Trey and Rob at the Newsboys concert in Barre, we saw what it would take to pull together a team to accomplish the same purposes. By working in the context of relationships, it triggered an outpouring of positive responses from multiple denominations for the sake of the gospel. After the Glens Falls Newsboys concert, we are planning an evaluation meeting and also to begin praying together to see what God has for us next. We are dreaming of holding some youth leadership summits and training for student leaders. This is all for the body of Christ as one bride, to set denominational differences aside so that we can help students know Christ. The highway that connects Rutland and Glens Falls together will serve as a conduit for unity – not just for the youth workers, but we hope to see pastors unite as well to serve one Jesus.

Jason: Do pastors meet out there already? Is there a Mission America or some sort of pastoral association?
Todd: In the Glens Falls area, we have “Adirondack Church of the Together;” and from that group there are 12 pastors get together to pray regularly. We would like to network those churches to establish church leadership first, but other churches are responding to the call. We hope to see pastors and youth pastors supporting one another in an effort to unify for the sake of the kingdom.

Jason: Rob, do you have any thoughts about sustainable results that resulted from the Newsboys “God’s Not Dead” tour?
Rob: I am excited because we had a new network started along the New York/Vermont border because of this effort. We also anticipate seeing two more networks in Vermont as a direct result of the tour. What I found is that most people aren’t even sure how to start a network. The Newsboys effort has helped me to create a starting place to dialogue about how to start a network. It’s not rocket science; it means connecting with other people and letting others know you are there.

* * * * *

As the old saying goes, “The proof is in the pudding!” When traveling ministries focus on what they do best, but genuinely work with local churches, the impact far exceeds what we could ever accomplish on our own. As I crisscrossed the country this past winter, I have found that most communities were excited to network together.

If you want to find out more about how you can network in your local area, I highly recommend picking up a copy of “QuickStart” by the National Network of Youth Ministries. You may also contact me and I will be happy to help you find resources!

The Train Runs on Two Tracks

John Kieffer — 2012-05-11 10:00:00.0 PST

Think of each rail as Relationship and Strategy.

The tracks are laid on the ties/foundation of Prayer. It is hard work to lay the ties and tracks; but once in place, we can really move to where God wants us to go. Prayer is the work! Prayer is the foundation. Prayer is what ties it all together and keeps it level and balanced. Relationship and strategy must flow from prayer. If you try to lay the tracks of relationship and strategy without the foundation of prayer or run your train into town with out tracks, you will have a train wreck.

Prayer

Why is prayer so important? It seems like we pour a whole lot more time, energy and money into the planning of events than we do in actually praying for the event. Prayer is vital; because first of all, we need to hear from God about whether or not we should even be doing what we are planning. Prayer is vital because it prepares our hearts and purifies us as The Father speaks to us. Prayer is foundational because, out of hearing from God and humbling ourselves, we can grow in unity and love with each other. Prayer is crucial because it prepares the hearts of those we are inviting to hear the Good News. Prayer prepares the ground for all our relating and planning.

We envision every believer who will be attending praying for people to invite, caring for them as the Lord directs and being ready to share with them and be there for them at the event and ready to do the necessary follow-up after the event.

The prayer foundation is essential before we start laying the tracks of relationship and strategy, and more important than the train pulling into town. The Lord could do all His work through the power of prayer, or we can do all the work of putting on another event and loose the precious fruit of our labor.

1 Timothy 2:1, 3-4 - I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone -- This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

We have found through the years that as Pastors and Christian Leaders come together in concerted humble prayer, a unity is forged that creates the right groundwork for healthy community. Out of this foundation of prayer comes community impact and transformation. Where God is at work we see a humble prayer movement bonding relationships and then wonderful ideas springing forth from the unity and love that has been developed in prayer.

Relationship

We started praying together twenty years ago. We started with a four day Pastors Prayer Summit and began meeting monthly for prayer at various churches across the Valley. Sometimes the Pastor wasn't available and we would pray in the churches parking lot for the pastor and congregation. Every year we make it a priority to get away and pray together at the Summit. The strength of relationship that is forged in this context is strong. As we have humbled ourselves before the Lord over all these years, we have bonded in true unity and love in the Spirit. Trust has been built and the ability to work through issues in a Godly and Biblical manner. We are enjoying healthy Christian Community.

Strategy is all about where we are going. What is the plan? How are we going to get there? What is the destination?

Matthew 24:14 - And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

Matthew 28:19 - Therefore go and make disciples of all nations...

The destination seems clear; proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom to all nations.

The question is, are we laying the tracks to get us there? Are we doing the hard work of prayer and relationship building so we can reach our destination? We can't just roll into town, do a Gospel dump, and then leave with out teaching them to obey everything Jesus has commanded us. Jesus taught us to love one another and to love our neighbor as ourselves.

We need both tracks of relationship and strategy laid on the firm foundation of prayer to truly fulfill the great commission.

May YouthWorker Journal

Alon Banks — 2012-05-01 07:00:00.0 PST

This month's edition of YouthWorker Journal is our "Isms" issue, in which you'll find articles such as:

The Roundtable on Isms
"Games, Pizza and Isms" by Kelly Soifer
"Bam!, Pow! Moralistic Therapeutic Deism!" by Paul Asay
"Me and Mine" by Steve Wilkens and Mark L. Sanford
"Beyond Points and Proofs" by Tony Myles

as well as content from our regular columnists and more! Check it out here.

Did We Lose Another Year?

Mike De Vito — 2012-04-23 07:00:00.0 PST

They're about ready to play the song. I remember practicing for it as a trumpet player in the high school band. We knew we would repeat the chorus more than we wanted, but we would not stop until the last graduate was seated.

To be honest I loved "pomp and circumstance." It stirred up so many emotions of endings and new beginnings. And it was important, not one of those songs that you play on just any old occasion.

As a veteran youth worker, I have sat in many a high school stadium and heard that song countless times over. But in the last ten years it has stirred up new emotions for me and I have found myself asking, "Have we lost another year? Another year on the high school campus for seeing God change lives and hearts? What did we see God do this year that was amazing, so amazing that it only God that could have pulled it off?

I'm not saying that God didn't work through individual students all year long, because I believe God is working in and pursuing each one all the time, whether they or we are aware of it or not. But what about as a community, as God's people on that campus? Students, teachers, staff and administrators, parents, youth pastors, coaches all connecting to see God move on the campus.

At the beginning of the school year, many in that "campus community" were filled with anticipation for what God might do through our students. We gathered at flagpoles, many met together and talked about a strategy to "reach the campus," but somewhere between September and May we got distracted.

I don't know about you, but didn't it seem like a new school year just began? Now we are preparing for and celebrating senior proms and senior get always. And after the recessional is played highs school seniors will scatter in a thousand different directions. But what did we see God do through us, his Church on the campus this year? Did we get distracted by a number of good things and our focus for seeking God together for our campus found itself buried in the pile of "good things?

As a youth leader I'm observing that we've helped our students be concerned about the "invisible children," but are our students forgetting about the "visible ones" they sit by every day, nine months out of the year? Are we helping them reach their mission field right there on their own school campus?

How many years will we continue to find ourselves distracted? I'm just saying, I think we may have just lost another year. What does God want to help us do about that?

Honoring Your Seniors

Jake Kircher — 2012-04-18 07:00:00.0 PST

With graduation right around the corner, it's an important rite of passage to honor our seniors and send them into their next phase in life with some resources. Here are four ideas for you to consider:

1. Reserve a Sunday morning to have your graduates get up in front of the church and commission them for what is coming next.

All of our students are technically entering the mission field if we really think about it. Even if they are going to a Christian college, they will still be in a new area, making new friends and having new experiences. We should be sending them out knowing that they have a home church that is behind them every step of the way. You can also have fun with this by having parents submit baby pictures to put on the screen along with a senior portrait. It can also be a nice touch to have one or two share their testimony from their time growing up in the church and what calling they think God is having them step into next.

2. Give them a gift.

There are so many different ways you can do this, for all types of budgets:

Give them a Bible. There are lots of great options here. One we'd like to point out is a brand new resource called The Way by The Youth Cartel which is a NLT Bible designed specifically for 18-30 year olds.
Check out a graduation bundle from any of these great organizations:
Or make your own bundle...get each student a laundry bag and then fill it with some college essentials like some ear plugs, Ramen noodles, a devotional, laundry detergent or whatever else you could think of.

3. Set up a plan now to reach out to the students next year.

This can often times be one of the most difficult parts of a students transition. It's really hard to stay up on all our students who have graduated while at the same time pouring ourselves into the students who are still around. One the one hand, remember that it's natural for those relationships to change. You can't do it all!! And that's ok. But, on the other hand you can enlist other people int he church to help maintain that connection.

One idea you can do is find a group of empty-nesters who can help put together the occasional gift boxes of baked goods or candy to your college kids. These work especially well around test times!

Another idea is to have your current students write encouraging notes or cards to send to your college kids.

Really, whatever you do can't go wrong as long as you are loving on those kids and letting them know the church is praying for them and thinking about them while they are away at school.

4. Plan to host a "Preparing Your Students for Life After High School" seminar with your network next year.

In this seminar, Derek Melby of The Center for Parent/Youth Understanding helps youth workers and parents to better understand what their kids will go through in college. Areas of discussion include: developmental issues, college student culture, gap-year, finances and debt, mental health, faith and doubt and other college related issues. The seminar paints a realistic picture of what to expect the college years to be like and offers hope and encouragement.

April Digital YouthWorker Journal

Alon Banks — 2012-04-02 07:00:00.0 PST

This month, YouthWorker Journal includes:

Youth Culture Update, Culture Watch: "Underaged and Oversexed”
Campus Ministry: "18 to 25: The Land of In-Between”
Worldview: "A Pastors Walks into a Bar...Ministry Through Comedy”
Soul Care: "Warning Signs for the Dying Soul"
Managing Your Ministry: "Let My People Dream"
10 Minutes in the Word: "A Biblical Primer on Politics"
Roundtable: "Teaching to Transform," "Super Sermons," "Planning for Success," "Teaching as Jesus Taught," "Authority and Authenticity," "Apply It or Lose It," "Many Students, Many Methods," "First Things First," "Teaching to Transform," "What's the Point?," "More than Meets the Eye"
Tools reviews
Stirring It Up: "Healing the Hurts that Churches Cause"

Do not miss it!

Blue Like Jazz Discussion Guides

Alon Banks — 2012-03-30 07:00:00.0 PST

There is a lot of buzz regarding the upcoming release of Blue Like Jazz and we have a couple great resources for you.

The producers of the film created a High School and a College/Young Adult discussion guides and we wanted to share them with you.

Visit here to download the High School Discussion Guide
Visit here to download the College/Young Adult Discussion Guide

"When I first saw this movie, my hope was that every parent of a graduating senior and college freshman would see this with their child and that they would discuss it afterwards. This could make a huge difference in helping these students transition, and parents understand, the things their kids are struggling with. It would be great for those of us mentoring these students to see it and dialogue with them as well." - Mike Gaffney, VP Young Life College

Building Blocks of Faith

Dave Baker — 2012-03-28 07:00:00.0 PST

But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. -James 1:6, NIV

It is common to hear various aspects from the world of construction used as metaphors for early childhood development. Good parents lay a foundation on which children can build on. Christian Schools offer the building blocks of faith. Fact is, building something with our hands gives us a feeling of accomplishment. William Kamkwamba knows this first hand. As a boy growing up in Malawi, he built a windmill. In doing so he proved to be very resourceful, it was made out of recycled material. His story is documented in the book: The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind. Journalist picked up on the story in 2007 and the book has been out since Summer 2010. It has an average rating of 4 1/2 stars from the online community. What’s noteworthy in the story is his ability to overcome obstacles to secure his goal. He was kicked out of school because his dad couldn’t afford to pay his tuition. During that time, he had access to a library and he read up on the basics of science and electricity. The windmill he built generated enough electricity to light up his village and pump water to his father’s field. Ultimately, it became a weapon to fight off hunger, for at the time the country was experiencing a drought.

Now there is a children’s edition of the book available. This is large format picture book intended for children ages 6 and up. Both editions teach the value of hard work and perseverance. Perseverance of the saints is one the key points of Calvinist theology. I found this to be the most interesting book I have read in the past 10 years. It is not faith based, but that shouldn’t distract from the story. Application comes in discussing it as a group and issuing a challenge. As a leader, William set a good example to follow and left his village in better condition than he found it. Can your students do the same thing in your community? What they do is entirely up to them, but that is what makes them unique as an individuals.

When I was growing up I had a wide variety of interests, but I never built anything larger than a model rocket. Today I like to build birdhouses with my children. My 6 yr. old son and I do the assembly, then turn them over to my 8 year old daughter for painting and decoration. I like to tell her in doing that work, she is adding value to the house. When kids have a bad day, activities like this help to take their mind off it.

As a literary genre, there is always something interesting about children’s books and its always rewarding to watch kids learn and grow.

Dave Baker is a bookseller and community builder. He has worked at Baker Book House for the past 13 years where he is responsible for school and non-profit accounts, hosting author events, software and diversity initiatives. He believes young people need positive role models and seeks to provide them both personally and professionally. In the past he’s established partnerships with Youth for Christ and Young Life at the local level. On the home front he is married with four children, two are enrolled in Christian schools.

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Key #1. Paint a picture that the potential volunteer can see themselves in.

Key #2. Tell them you will not feed them to the lions.

Key #3 Make the time commitment BITE SIZE.

Key #4 Make the application long but the process easy.

Key #5 Create a list of expectations.

5 Reasons To Do A Joint Disciple Now

April YouthWorker Journal

Is Trivia Trivial?

In Sync

Is Youth Ministry &quot;in Sync&quot;?

The Back Story

Bridging the Gap Between Churches and Schools

5 STEPS

3 PRINCIPLES

Getting Practical

Why Network? Part 3 - Love

Sacrifice

Friends

Joy

Action

Partnering in Netville

Networking in Netville

Degrees of Partnership

Networks and Partnerships&nbsp;

All or Nothing?

Partnering in Netville&nbsp;

Why the Church Needs the Parachurch

What is a Coordinator? The Story of �The Tree�

Somebody has to go first.

Cooperation is powerful.

Joy comes when we work together.

What is a Coordinator, Anyway?

Why Network? Part 5 - Discipleship

Discipleship is Making Disciples

Commitment

Character

Competencies

Connections

Working Together

Disciple-Making: Interactive

Commitment

How Your Network Grows

Is Youth Ministry "in Sync"?

Networks and Partnerships

Partnering in Netville

The "Happy/Unhappy" Exercise

Get ‘er done!

Do Your Action Plan

Design Your Action Plan