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, Instagram, 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.