The National Network of Youth Ministries has tallied the results, and learned some things about youth workers' networking habits and desires. In addition, five respondents will walk away with iTunes gift cards for their efforts!
Random drawing winners
Almost 500 responded to the NNYM survey. Of those who submitted information at the conclusion of the survey, five were randomly drawn to line their iPhones with some new music:
- Brian Neville, Toms River, N.J.
- Ryan Lawrence, Bolingbook, Ill.
- Mark (last name and location unknown)
- Mike Kipp, Nampa, Ida.
- Scott Smyth, Union City, Tenn.
Congratulations! The gift cards are being sent right away.
What does an average network look like?
In September, NNYM announced a nationwwide, 34-question online survey in order to determine the level of participation and satisfaction with NNYM and other youth ministry networks. OneHope of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida helped with the survey and compiling the results.
We learned that among those who responded, the "average" network meets "often" or "very frequently," is more likely to include multiple denominations, and probably has at least one person attending who is not a full-time youth worker.
The groups tend to be somewhat balanced between outreach and "inreach" for those who come, with a slight leaning toward being more internally focused.
Among those who answered the questions (from 46 states), networking is important: about 3 out of 5 said their local network is "important" or "very important" for both their success as a youth worker and to reach youth in their communities. Others expressed the desire to see networks available in their area (where they were not aware of one currently existing), or for existing networks to be more effort made by members to include them.
Survey takers came from a diverse range of at least 15 denominations, or other ministries but did not state a denomational affiliation (28%).
The Network team will be evaluating other findings and sharing them at a future time.