This will be my third year at SYMC, and to say that I am excited is an understatement.  I have had a countdown going on my computer for weeks, and just recently made one of those elementary school paper chain countdown things in my office.  (Seriously, it droops over the picture wall!)

**DISCOUNTED REGISTRATIONS are still AVAILABLE**

SYMC 2010 in Chicago was my first year.  I went with a couple of other youth workers in my local network who had been before and said how great it was.  I was kind of reluctant to go.  I had been in a valley in my ministry and felt like I was on my way out.  I thought that I would go and maybe get a few good nuggets of info here or there, hear a couple of good bands, and head back to a situation that I wanted so desperately to flee.  What I got from SYMC was so much more.  Yes, I did get some information that I was able to use in my ministry, and yes, I heard some good music, but I got so so much more than that.  I got back my passion for ministry, this wasn’t something planned but God knew what I needed and showed me just that at SYMC.  I also strengthened old relationships and built new friendships and relationships.  Those people I met have become some of my closest friends to this day and have [...] Continue Reading "I Serve Youth Workers!"]]>

This will be my third year at SYMC, and to say that I am excited is an understatement.  I have had a countdown going on my computer for weeks, and just recently made one of those elementary school paper chain countdown things in my office.  (Seriously, it droops over the picture wall!)

**DISCOUNTED REGISTRATIONS are still AVAILABLE**

SYMC 2010 in Chicago was my first year.  I went with a couple of other youth workers in my local network who had been before and said how great it was.  I was kind of reluctant to go.  I had been in a valley in my ministry and felt like I was on my way out.  I thought that I would go and maybe get a few good nuggets of info here or there, hear a couple of good bands, and head back to a situation that I wanted so desperately to flee.  What I got from SYMC was so much more.  Yes, I did get some information that I was able to use in my ministry, and yes, I heard some good music, but I got so so much more than that.  I got back my passion for ministry, this wasn’t something planned but God knew what I needed and showed me just that at SYMC.  I also strengthened old relationships and built new friendships and relationships.  Those people I met have become some of my closest friends to this day and have since helped support me through the hardest ministry stretch of my life.  I am eternally grateful for the SYMC family, for loving and supporting me, my family, and the ministry that God has called me to.

**DISCOUNTED REGISTRATIONS are still AVAILABLE**

This year at SYMC I am serving as a volunteer on the behind the scenes team.  I am helping wherever needed, from chair drops to making copies, and all that odd stuff that happens for any event.  The team is full of wonderful people who truly love this conference and want this it to be an amazing experience for everyone who is going to be in Louisville.  One of my goals that I have embraced on this team is to make it so that everyone in attendance has a time to just relax, refuel, laugh, learn a little bit, and most of all, to just Breathe!! I can’t wait to catch up with you all in just a few short weeks!

Ben Halsch
Husband, Youth Guy, Crazy.
The Shueyville UMC
ben.halsch@gmail.com
twitter: @bhalsch

Related posts:

1. 76 Youth Workers!
2. ATTN: Middle School Youth Workers

After being diagnosed with a potentially debilitating disease in my  early 30s I was sure that I would never have my dream of being married  ever fulfilled, but God had something else in mind.  I was working on my 6th year of ministry at a local church when God worked in a very mysterious way…. a friend and collegue that I had gotten to know through a ministry network – went from being a ministry friend to a husband in less than one year!  God is so good and because of that goodness I have the honor of being married to a Youth Pastor which is both a blessing and at times a challenge.

**DISCOUNTED REGISTRATION ends February 1, 2012 and SAVE $20**

I am so excited to be leading the Connect Group for those women who are married to Youth Pastors.  As a youth pastor’s wife I wear so many different hats, volunteer, secretary, sounding board, treasurer, and best friend.  There are days that I am just astonished at how God uses our individual gifts to do so much for his kingdom and there are those other days when our schedules and need for family time gets put on the back burner.  What I do know is that the victories and trials of life together in ministry has molded us and shaped our marriage into something far greater than I could have ever imagined.

**DISCOUNTED REGISTRATION ends February 1, 2012 and SAVE $20**

We [...] Continue Reading "Type A Personalities Unite!"]]>

After being diagnosed with a potentially debilitating disease in my  early 30s I was sure that I would never have my dream of being married  ever fulfilled, but God had something else in mind.  I was working on my 6th year of ministry at a local church when God worked in a very mysterious way…. a friend and collegue that I had gotten to know through a ministry network – went from being a ministry friend to a husband in less than one year!  God is so good and because of that goodness I have the honor of being married to a Youth Pastor which is both a blessing and at times a challenge.

**DISCOUNTED REGISTRATION ends February 1, 2012 and SAVE $20**

I am so excited to be leading the Connect Group for those women who are married to Youth Pastors.  As a youth pastor’s wife I wear so many different hats, volunteer, secretary, sounding board, treasurer, and best friend.  There are days that I am just astonished at how God uses our individual gifts to do so much for his kingdom and there are those other days when our schedules and need for family time gets put on the back burner.  What I do know is that the victories and trials of life together in ministry has molded us and shaped our marriage into something far greater than I could have ever imagined.

**DISCOUNTED REGISTRATION ends February 1, 2012 and SAVE $20**

We don’t have it all together…. we never will, but I believe that through sharing in this journey together as wives of Youth Pastors we can encourage one another, support those who are hurting, laugh with the stories we have to share, and celebrate the joy of being part of God’s call to love Him and love students.

The Connect Group ministry at the SYM Conference is a great way to connect with those that are in the same boat as you.  This will be my third year leading a connect group and I am so excited about this time.  The friends I have made in these groups over the past four years have been awesome.  Many of us has stayed in touch and still chat as we seek to allow this relationship to be more than a one weekend thing but a lifetime of encouraging, connecting, and praying for one another.

**DISCOUNTED REGISTRATION ends February 1, 2012 and SAVE $20**

There are so many options at the conference that it can be overwhelming!  As a bit of a Type A person, I suggest sitting down with your schedule and mapping out the things that you really want to be sure to attend, a list of things that are potentially interesting, and cross out those things that don’t apply to you.  If you want to network with others that are in your same life situation, I highly suggest making Connect Groups part of your must do list.

I am looking forward to my time at the conference, and especially my time spent with my connect group of Youth Pastor’s wives!

Jana Snyder
Speaker/Counselor/Educator
Taraja Ministries
janalynn8@gmail.com

No related posts.

I didn’t think I’d last this long.  I imagined that I would either a) quit or b) be fired after a short time.  There are some days, like many of us, that I consider throwing in the towel.  When those thoughts come, my mind and heart are brought back and reminded why I do what I do.  I’m also reminded of the “who;” Who I have helped, directed led…and…wonderfully…who has helped me.

**DISCOUNTED REGISTRATION ends February 1, 2012 and SAVE $20**

For me, the Simply Youth Ministry Conference is a family reunion.  It’s a time for me to get away and meet up with my family.  Not friends.  Not just.. people.  But family.  Old and new.  From the minute I was first introduced to the ministry to even today… the one word to describe SYMC is family.
There are no pedestals.  We are all on the same level.
There is no hierarchy.  We are all equal.

You have that “little brother” that you can’t wait to give an arm punch to.. and maybe a Noogie.
You have that “older sister” that you like to tease…and she enjoys teasing you.
You have that “dad…” the one that when you say something a little inappropriate.. he gives you “the eyes..” .. and than cracks up too, because he’s in Youth Ministry.
You have that “mom…” the one that just wants to bless you, hug you, feed you, listen and care for you.
Continue Reading "There…I am family!"]]>

I didn’t think I’d last this long.  I imagined that I would either a) quit or b) be fired after a short time.  There are some days, like many of us, that I consider throwing in the towel.  When those thoughts come, my mind and heart are brought back and reminded why I do what I do.  I’m also reminded of the “who;” Who I have helped, directed led…and…wonderfully…who has helped me.

**DISCOUNTED REGISTRATION ends February 1, 2012 and SAVE $20**

For me, the Simply Youth Ministry Conference is a family reunion.  It’s a time for me to get away and meet up with my family.  Not friends.  Not just.. people.  But family.  Old and new.  From the minute I was first introduced to the ministry to even today… the one word to describe SYMC is family.
There are no pedestals.  We are all on the same level.
There is no hierarchy.  We are all equal.

You have that “little brother” that you can’t wait to give an arm punch to.. and maybe a Noogie.
You have that “older sister” that you like to tease…and she enjoys teasing you.
You have that “dad…” the one that when you say something a little inappropriate.. he gives you “the eyes..” .. and than cracks up too, because he’s in Youth Ministry.
You have that “mom…” the one that just wants to bless you, hug you, feed you, listen and care for you.
You have the multiple cousins.. the ones where you can not see each other for a year.. and pick up where you left off.
You have that “crazy uncle…” (enough said…)

**DISCOUNTED REGISTRATION ends February 1, 2012 and SAVE $20**

But here’s the beauty of it all.  The Simply Youth Ministry is a family.  And while we may not be related by blood.. we are connected through His blood.  Our lives thread together, because of His life.  And that, my friends, is a beautiful thing. It’s a beautiful thing to read; it’s an incredible thing to experience.

Why do I go to the Simply Youth Ministry Conference…because there, no matter what…I am accepted.  I am loved. I am cherish, honoured, respected, welcomed.

There.. I am family!

Andy Disher
Youth Pastor
Kingsville Community Church
andrewdisher@gmail.com
twitter: @andydisher

Related posts:

1. Episode 91 – Marriage, Family, and Ministry
2. Episode 152: Marriage Family Ministry

In just about 30 days, early March, I’ll be making the trek down to Louisville Kentucky with 3000 or so other youth ministers, youth leaders, adult volunteers, college students and those committed to student ministry to participate in SYMC 2012. This is my 4th SYMC, and I’m pumped. Yep, Francis Chan will be there. So will Jonathon Acuff. The Skit Guys. But I’m not going to here Chan offer what will be an excellent message, or for Acuff to make me chuckle, then think. SYMC is my conference for just 2 reasons:

**DISCOUNTED REGISTRATION ends February 1, 2012 and SAVE $20**

SYMC is by youth workers.
I know this, because I’m a member of the Inside Track Team. I don’t say that as a point of pride, by as a point of humility. Why? Our church has about 100 people, we have 2 full time pastoral staff and 1 part time secretary (she loves our middle school kids!). If everyone shows up, we will have 30 kids per week. And yet, for the last two years, I’ve gone to Colorado in late Fall with 75 other people just like me and planned the conference. You read that right…me, a 6 year youth ministry veteran from a small church in eastern Iowa has input into a conference that teaches, equips and encourages thousands of youth workers just like me. I’ve gotten to know the people at Group personally; they [...] Continue Reading "Why I’m Pumped for SYMC 2012…"]]>

In just about 30 days, early March, I’ll be making the trek down to Louisville Kentucky with 3000 or so other youth ministers, youth leaders, adult volunteers, college students and those committed to student ministry to participate in SYMC 2012. This is my 4th SYMC, and I’m pumped. Yep, Francis Chan will be there. So will Jonathon Acuff. The Skit Guys. But I’m not going to here Chan offer what will be an excellent message, or for Acuff to make me chuckle, then think. SYMC is my conference for just 2 reasons:

**DISCOUNTED REGISTRATION ends February 1, 2012 and SAVE $20**

SYMC is by youth workers.
I know this, because I’m a member of the Inside Track Team. I don’t say that as a point of pride, by as a point of humility. Why? Our church has about 100 people, we have 2 full time pastoral staff and 1 part time secretary (she loves our middle school kids!). If everyone shows up, we will have 30 kids per week. And yet, for the last two years, I’ve gone to Colorado in late Fall with 75 other people just like me and planned the conference. You read that right…me, a 6 year youth ministry veteran from a small church in eastern Iowa has input into a conference that teaches, equips and encourages thousands of youth workers just like me. I’ve gotten to know the people at Group personally; they are becoming close friends. And the other members of the team? Just knowing that I can send a text asking for prayer or to share the latest ministry mishap is huge for me. And, they do the same.

**DISCOUNTED REGISTRATION ends February 1, 2012 and SAVE $20**

SYMC is for youth workers.
Because youth workers have been instrumental in the creation of the conference, it’s done for them. Kami, Justin, Andy, Rick, Josh…they love us. They really, really love us. They not only tell us, they show us. When Kami learns that someone has a negative experience at SYMC, she contacts them. They have ministered to me in a way that I have rarely been ministered to. Everything at SYMC is set up to create relationship in a meaningful way. Regardless of what class, session, or connect group that I’ve been a part of, if I had youth group that night, I would have been able to use something from that class, session, or connect group.

SYMC 2012 is by and for youth workers.  I’d love to talk with you in person about it!

John Mulholland
Next Generations Minister
Eastview Christian Church
jaknjmul@msn.com
twitter: @xjm716

Related posts:

1. Amazing SYMC 2012 Update!
2. Can I Help?
3. The First Time in 20 Years!

For youth workers. By youth workers.

It’s so much more than a slogan or a tag line. It’s the very soul-beat of the conference I have grown to love!

Youth workers from around the world have an investment in this conference. We have an investment in youth ministry. We have an investment in youth workers. We want to invest in you.

**DISCOUNTED REGISTRATION ends February 1, 2012 and SAVE $20**

I come to SYMC to serve – wherever I’m needed – whatever is necessary. Oh, don’t get me wrong. I have some specific job responsibilities. Two years ago I was the ‘move this over there’ guy. Last year I hosted a connect group for couples who serve in youth ministry together. This year I’m hanging out with The Glass House Spouse and leading some conferences and peer panels on marriage and family life in youth ministry.

What I love doing most at SYMC is meeting youth workers, though. The first year I attended SYMC, our church had just gotten the stuffing kicked out of us by a trusted friend and colleague. I was hurting and alone. I walked into a room of 3,000 people and felt instantly known. The ‘by youth workers’ folks stepped into this ‘for youth workers’ life. As the conference concluded and in the weeks that followed, I realized that I didn’t just get a conference experience. I had made some life-long, lasting connections…and not the kind of ‘ladder-connections’ some like to do during [...] Continue Reading "The First Time in 20 Years!"]]>

For youth workers. By youth workers.

It’s so much more than a slogan or a tag line. It’s the very soul-beat of the conference I have grown to love!

Youth workers from around the world have an investment in this conference. We have an investment in youth ministry. We have an investment in youth workers. We want to invest in you.

**DISCOUNTED REGISTRATION ends February 1, 2012 and SAVE $20**

I come to SYMC to serve – wherever I’m needed – whatever is necessary. Oh, don’t get me wrong. I have some specific job responsibilities. Two years ago I was the ‘move this over there’ guy. Last year I hosted a connect group for couples who serve in youth ministry together. This year I’m hanging out with The Glass House Spouse and leading some conferences and peer panels on marriage and family life in youth ministry.

What I love doing most at SYMC is meeting youth workers, though. The first year I attended SYMC, our church had just gotten the stuffing kicked out of us by a trusted friend and colleague. I was hurting and alone. I walked into a room of 3,000 people and felt instantly known. The ‘by youth workers’ folks stepped into this ‘for youth workers’ life. As the conference concluded and in the weeks that followed, I realized that I didn’t just get a conference experience. I had made some life-long, lasting connections…and not the kind of ‘ladder-connections’ some like to do during conferences. I had found community with others in youth ministry…for the first time in 20 years.

**DISCOUNTED REGISTRATION ends February 1, 2012 and SAVE $20**

I vowed right then that regardless of the role I was playing during SYMC, I would always be there for youth workers like me – needing a friend, reeling from wounds, desperate for Jesus, and still loving youth ministry.

That’s the role I like living into most during SYMC – I hope we get a chance to meet this year. I’ll be the big guy who laughs a lot and has people randomly sniffing him.

Darren Sutton
Lead Youth Pastor
Solomon’s Colonnade
VeteranYP@gmail.com
twitter: @darrensutton

Related posts:

1. Can I Help?
2. A Female Perspective
3. Transitional Ministry

When I was in college the tech rage was Instant Messaging, today most of my facebook friends shut their chat feature off.  Tech seems to progress so rapidly we can miss all the tools and toys that could be a good addition to our ministries…by the end of this post facebook may change what our home screens look like again…and again.  Mmmmmm, Timeline 3D…

**DISCOUNTED REGISTRATION ends February 1, 2012 and SAVE $20**

I am excited to be teaching on tech at SYMC.  I will lead two workshops, one on “Top FREE Tech Tools for Youth Ministry” and another on “Making the Most of Today’s Technology.”

In these workshops I will do my best to communicate for:
•    Ministry Impact: Sharing tools that make sense, save time, and accomplish a need.
•    Affordable: Most everything will be cheap or FREE!
•    Doable: You should be able to walk out of these workshops saying, “I can do that!”
You don’t need to be a guru or expert, this stuff should be practical and easy!

**DISCOUNTED REGISTRATION ends February 1, 2012 and SAVE $20**

Over the years I have made some unique connections in the tech world and I will cash in on those relationships for you.  Everyone will walk out of these workshops with something or some things…
•    Discount codes to usable tech products
•    Links to great FREE content
•    And prizes…

If you want a tech jumpstart check out Group Magazine and my column “The [...] Continue Reading "FREE Tech Tools to Help Your Youth Ministry"]]>

When I was in college the tech rage was Instant Messaging, today most of my facebook friends shut their chat feature off.  Tech seems to progress so rapidly we can miss all the tools and toys that could be a good addition to our ministries…by the end of this post facebook may change what our home screens look like again…and again.  Mmmmmm, Timeline 3D…

**DISCOUNTED REGISTRATION ends February 1, 2012 and SAVE $20**

I am excited to be teaching on tech at SYMC.  I will lead two workshops, one on “Top FREE Tech Tools for Youth Ministry” and another on “Making the Most of Today’s Technology.”

In these workshops I will do my best to communicate for:
•    Ministry Impact: Sharing tools that make sense, save time, and accomplish a need.
•    Affordable: Most everything will be cheap or FREE!
•    Doable: You should be able to walk out of these workshops saying, “I can do that!”
You don’t need to be a guru or expert, this stuff should be practical and easy!

**DISCOUNTED REGISTRATION ends February 1, 2012 and SAVE $20**

Over the years I have made some unique connections in the tech world and I will cash in on those relationships for you.  Everyone will walk out of these workshops with something or some things…
•    Discount codes to usable tech products
•    Links to great FREE content
•    And prizes…

If you want a tech jumpstart check out Group Magazine and my column “The Wired Ministry.” I hope to see you at SYMC!

Brandon Early
Pastor of Student Ministries
Fisher’s United Methodist Church
BrandonE@FirstFreeRockford.org
twitter: @uthguy9

Related posts:

1. Introducing Simply Youth Ministry Tools
2. Free Ministry Resources from SnapShot Web
3. Free Youth Leader Training Lunches

Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.” – Deuteronomy 31:8

Making a major transition in ministry to another state means everything is different. The local news channel personalities are not what you’re used to listening to and seeing every night at 11:00. Radio stations even seem to play different music as you drive unfamiliar streets finding your way around. The barista at the Starbuck’s isn’t your regular barista that knows your name and what you drink and the regulars are not…your regulars. And on a night you’re expecting God to move through your new students, something doesn’t go quite right and you’re left feeling discouraged and defeated.

**DISCOUNT REGISTRATION ends February 1, 2012**

Yes, everything is different and sometimes even a little scary. I doubt for a moment that any of you who have had to make a major transition in your ministry and life can say you never felt a little scared of what’s ahead, unsure of yourself and slightly discouraged no matter how long you’ve been in ministry.

It’s these scary, frustrating, discouraging and sometimes confusing moments that I have the privilege to share my own experiences with youth workers from all over the country who are facing transition in the ministry. For my second year in a row I’ll be leading the Surviving Transitions Connect Group at the Simply Youth [...] Continue Reading "Transitional Ministry"]]>

Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.” – Deuteronomy 31:8

Making a major transition in ministry to another state means everything is different. The local news channel personalities are not what you’re used to listening to and seeing every night at 11:00. Radio stations even seem to play different music as you drive unfamiliar streets finding your way around. The barista at the Starbuck’s isn’t your regular barista that knows your name and what you drink and the regulars are not…your regulars. And on a night you’re expecting God to move through your new students, something doesn’t go quite right and you’re left feeling discouraged and defeated.

**DISCOUNT REGISTRATION ends February 1, 2012**

Yes, everything is different and sometimes even a little scary. I doubt for a moment that any of you who have had to make a major transition in your ministry and life can say you never felt a little scared of what’s ahead, unsure of yourself and slightly discouraged no matter how long you’ve been in ministry.

It’s these scary, frustrating, discouraging and sometimes confusing moments that I have the privilege to share my own experiences with youth workers from all over the country who are facing transition in the ministry. For my second year in a row I’ll be leading the Surviving Transitions Connect Group at the Simply Youth Ministry Conference being held in Louisville, KY from March 2nd to the 5th.

**DISCOUNT REGISTRATION ends February 1, 2012**

This year I’m particularly excited about it as I’ll have my wife by my side for the first time. She’ll be available to share her experiences about surviving transitions from the stand point of the spouse.

How does transition impact our families? So often when we talk about transition in ministry we only focus on how it impacts us in our ministry, but we rarely discuss the impact it has in our homes and on our families.

So as I prepare to lead the Surviving Transitions in Ministry Connect Group at this year’s SYMC, I’ve been giving a lot of thought about the personal care of youth workers that are in transition based on my own experiences. I am looking forward to connecting with you and other youth workers who are or will be facing transition of some sort in ministry to hear their stories, pray and be an encouragement to them.

Brian Ford
Student Ministries Pastor
Agape Christian Church
xposed2jesus@gmail.com
twitter: @ypbrianford

Related posts:

1. FREE Tech Tools to Help Your Youth Ministry

Excitement is building at my house as the Simply Youth Ministry Conference in Kentucky approaches!! First and foremost, I can’t wait to run away from home to spend some quality time with my own personal youth pastor and a few thousand of my favorite people- youth workers! I want to laugh until I’m hoarse, sing until I escape, and be renewed to a fresh perspective for ministry.

**The Simply Youth Ministry Conference 2012 | Register TODAY Jan 16, 2012 and SAVE $20**

Mostly, though, I’m bursting at the seams to gather with other ministry spouses who know what it’s like to have their spouse change their hair color to pink as a motivational tool; who are on a first name basis with the manager of the local pizza joint; who have had the checkout lady question why someone would buy 40 cans of whipped cream and 13 jars of pickles with the church credit card; and who have had at least one piece of furniture in their house destroyed during a youth event. I know I’ll find friends when ministry spouses gather together for a fun-filled breakfast at SYMC filled with surprises just for us! I’m looking forward to sharing with youth workers about how to help their spouses successfully navigate the difficulties of living a ministry lifestyle. I’ll expose the elephant living under the red couch when you attend the workshop, “Things Your Spouse Wants You to Know (But is Too Supportive to [...] Continue Reading "A Female Perspective"]]>

Excitement is building at my house as the Simply Youth Ministry Conference in Kentucky approaches!! First and foremost, I can’t wait to run away from home to spend some quality time with my own personal youth pastor and a few thousand of my favorite people- youth workers! I want to laugh until I’m hoarse, sing until I escape, and be renewed to a fresh perspective for ministry.

**The Simply Youth Ministry Conference 2012 | Register TODAY Jan 16, 2012 and SAVE $20**

Mostly, though, I’m bursting at the seams to gather with other ministry spouses who know what it’s like to have their spouse change their hair color to pink as a motivational tool; who are on a first name basis with the manager of the local pizza joint; who have had the checkout lady question why someone would buy 40 cans of whipped cream and 13 jars of pickles with the church credit card; and who have had at least one piece of furniture in their house destroyed during a youth event. I know I’ll find friends when ministry spouses gather together for a fun-filled breakfast at SYMC filled with surprises just for us! I’m looking forward to sharing with youth workers about how to help their spouses successfully navigate the difficulties of living a ministry lifestyle. I’ll expose the elephant living under the red couch when you attend the workshop, “Things Your Spouse Wants You to Know (But is Too Supportive to Tell You)”. And I’m humbled to share peer panels with some of the most real and relevant people I have ever met in youth ministry.

**The Simply Youth Ministry Conference 2012 | Register TODAY Jan 16, 2012 and SAVE $20**

This year has been one of the most challenging years our family has ever experienced in ministry. The lowest of valleys has been mingled with the highest of mountain tops. SYMC fuels the trek back up to the top while friends who have walked these mountain paths before hold my hand and tell me that I can make it no matter how tired I am right now. So bring your climbing gear! The air up here at SYMC makes it much easier to BREATHE~

“I will come down and talk to you there. I will take some of the Spirit that is upon you, and I will put the Spirit upon them also. They will bear the burden of the people along with you, so you will not have to carry it alone.” Numbers 11:17

Katie Sutton
Co-Founder of Millennial Influence – MiPodcast, Glass House Spouse
GlassHouseSpouse@gmail.com

Related posts:

1. Transitional Ministry
2. Can I Help?
3. FREE Tech Tools to Help Your Youth Ministry

Several years ago by chance or God’s favor the first Simply Conference took place just a few miles from my church. Wanting to be a part (and take some adult volunteers) but not having the budget we asked if we could help and get some training that way. It was one of the best things to ever happen to me.

**The Simply Youth Ministry Conference 2012 | Register by Monday Jan 16, 2012 and SAVE $20**

The Simply Youth Ministry Conference is full of great teaching that we have used in our minstry for years, but I have been more impressed by the hearts of the people behind it. A conference like this needs so many hands behind the scenes doing the things nobody wants to do, and the hearts of the people who work and volunteer are amazing. It truly is a conference by youth workers for youth workers, only not all the youth workers are up front teaching. There are people who volunteer and show up days early to set up, youth workers who after they go to their sessions will come downstairs and clean up the main session ballroom or wake up an hour early to help put treats on the seats for attendees. These people aren’t paid to be there, they registered like everyone else, but they want to minister to others as much as they are being ministered to at this conference. There are hundreds of [...] Continue Reading "Can I Help?"]]>

Several years ago by chance or God’s favor the first Simply Conference took place just a few miles from my church. Wanting to be a part (and take some adult volunteers) but not having the budget we asked if we could help and get some training that way. It was one of the best things to ever happen to me.

**The Simply Youth Ministry Conference 2012 | Register by Monday Jan 16, 2012 and SAVE $20**

The Simply Youth Ministry Conference is full of great teaching that we have used in our minstry for years, but I have been more impressed by the hearts of the people behind it. A conference like this needs so many hands behind the scenes doing the things nobody wants to do, and the hearts of the people who work and volunteer are amazing. It truly is a conference by youth workers for youth workers, only not all the youth workers are up front teaching. There are people who volunteer and show up days early to set up, youth workers who after they go to their sessions will come downstairs and clean up the main session ballroom or wake up an hour early to help put treats on the seats for attendees. These people aren’t paid to be there, they registered like everyone else, but they want to minister to others as much as they are being ministered to at this conference. There are hundreds of youth pastors across the county right now praying for this conference and all who attend.

**The Simply Youth Ministry Conference 2012 | Register by Monday Jan 16, 2012 and SAVE $20**

A person with the servant’s heart to ask at quarter to midnight “How can I help?” is what makes this conference special to me. Youth workers aren’t just attending this conference, they are helping with it, they are invested in it. There are tons of conference where you can amazing training, but finding one where you know you are cared for, where you know people are praying for you, where people will work twice as hard to cover for someone who is “not doing their job” because a fellow youth worker needed someone to talk to or a shoulder to cry on, that is what makes this conference special to me.

Troy Richards
Senior High Director
Fisher’s United Methodist Church
TRichards@FishersUMC.org

Related posts:

1. A Female Perspective
2. The First Time in 20 Years!
3. Transitional Ministry

*offer expires at 11:59pm on 01.12.12

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