This spring I have been to a number of regional youth worker trainings. I'm impressedwith the number of youth workers out there! When I ask about going to 'Insert BIG Conference Name Here' the resounding answer is, "No, I can't afford it."
I get it! The majority of my ministry career I have been a bi-vocational youth minister. Every year my friends go away to the BIG conferences and I've struggled with...
Conference Envy
Yeah, it's not something I like to talk about, but when my social media feeds are filled with the #bigconferencehashtag I can't help but feel like I'm missing out. Here are a few tips to help you navigate frustration if you wish you were at those conferences and help prevent us from collectively breaking the tenth commandment.
- Livestream the conference if it's available.You can also follow the #bigconferencehashtag on social media. Many conferences have bloggers who are creating content on the spot. But the truth is that many of us aren't sitting at a desk ready to listen to a conference due to other responsibilities. If exceeding your data-plan for the month also isn't an option. Here are a few more practical ideas.
- Reach out to a leader who is at the conference and ask them to go to lunch.Many of the youth workers who attend conferences are well resourcedpeople and, quite frankly, don't need to come to an area network meeting. I find the people who need networks are youth workers who don't have resources readily available. DON'T APOLOGIZE FOR YOUR POSITION, BLOOM WHERE YOUR PLANTED. You may be the ONLY person to connect with these resources and bring them back to share with your network.
- Invite a conference attendee to share at a network gathering.This can be intimidating for both the conference attendee as well as those who missed the conference. Not everyone who attends a conference wants to share with a group, but some may come home with practical ways to apply new ideas in your community. Remember, a conference is a time to nurture new ideas... a network is a collective of youth workers to help implement and encourage those bold ideas! In fact, it may be beneficial to gather with your youth worker network and plan an evening event to invite the bi-vocational youth workers out to share the wealth with your community.
Let's be honest... none of the above are an option if you don't think you need help. RESIST the "I don't care" or the "I don't need their perspective" mentality. Many of the times when I experience this, it is coming from a heart of jealousy. Be CAREFUL because this destroys gospel collaboration. Jealousy awakens insecurity, stirs the heart of bitterness, and ultimately isolates leaders into narrow philosophies. We NEED to constantly be on our guard for ministry jealously. Here are a few ideas how to combat jealousy:
- Pray for your fellow youth worker.Theyare not the enemy because they have a bigger budget. WE are collectively trying to reach the next generation with the love of Jesus. Our enemy... seeks to destroy the next generation.
- Encourage the youth worker who intimidates you the most.Many of the "Big Deal" youth workers are very insecure and lonely. An "I'm praying for you" text may be the only encouragement they receive.
- Be HAPPY for them.1 Corinthians 13 talks through the attributes of love. It may take a several decisive, thought correcting moments!
- Be thankful for your ministry and your calling.Stop wanting the job that God has called someone else to do.
After nearly twenty years of under-funded ministry, I can finally write these struggles out. These lists - although super simple - have been very difficult for me to achieve. Just because you haven't been blessed to attend a conference, it doesn't mean that you are LESS important to the Kingdom. The ministry that God has placed upon you is VERY important... Don't lose your perspective over a resource. Find a way to get the conference truths into your location... then give those truths NEW life as you put them into the context of your community.
Wayne Morgan is the Northeast Regional Coordinator for National Network of Youth Ministries. He is a tall, skinny white guy who loves Jesus. You can follow him on Twitter @waynemorganjr