Network Meeting tips

Now that you've watched the National Youth Ministry Networking Day webcast on YouTube, here are some ideas for the rest of your meeting:

If you don't have a plan, consider these simple suggestions. Adapt them to the time you have available.

1.  Pray

For each other

Small groups, one-on-one, or together as a large group. Share simple requests and pray for each other's needs. This builds trust.

Tip - Trade business cards (real or electronic). Until your next network meeting, commit to pray for the person whose card you receive.

For the teenagers in your community

Lift up the needs of students by name. Pray for each school you serve. Pray that God would work in the seemingly impossible situations that face your students. This focuses your network outward.

For your network's future

Ask God to direct you regarding ways your network can be better together. Don't let today be the only day you meet!

2.  Discuss Resources

Sharing events can be tricky. Here are a few ideas to help boost Network etiquitte.

What's coming up that everyone needs to know about?

• Do mention upcoming events that are important for all the ministries represented in the group.
• Do have a table for those who have brought fliers for an event.
• Don't use the whole time making announcements.
• DON'T try to recruit everyone at the meeting for your event... But we know this never happens!

Discuss a youth ministry topic that will make you a better leader.

We know that YouTube videos are awesome to chat about, but YOU might be the best resource for someone else in the room! Pool your wisdom about working with adults (parents, teachers or other pastoral staff), balancing your life/ministry, the coolest curriculum ideas you've found, working with volunteer leaders, connecting with your local schools, etc.

3.  Get to know each other   

Life is about relationships. As your schedule allows, spend some time getting to know each other. This can be at the site of today's meeting, at Starbucks, or at a local venue. You need each other, and you're better together!

4.  Plan to meet again

Don't be a one-hit wonder! PUT IT ON YOUR CALENDAR! Most local networks around the country meet once a month. Before you leave today, have everyone agree on WHEN and WHERE your next meeting will be, and put it on their calendars. Will you have food? Who will lead? We know... details, details, details!

Suggestion:  Choose 2-3 people as a "lead team" to plan the details. Get everyone's contact information before they leave.

For long-range planning, check out Mike De Vito's article, "Eleven Good Meetings" at http://bit.ly/1tigvsI.

                 After the meeting is over

5.  Put your group on the map!

There are people looking to connect with YOU! Of course, that may be why you aren't in an official network. Seriously, we want to help connect the body of Christ. Find other networks, browse resources, and let us know of ways that we can be better together.

So before you're done today, register your group at YSNetworks.com and Youthworkers.net. It only takes a few minutes, and it will allow Youth Specialties and the National Network of Youth Ministries to serve you better.

YS and NNYM are co-sponsoring "Build a Healthy Network" – a free one-hour webinar – on October 23 at 1:00 PM Eastern time. Go to YSNetworks.com or youthworkers.net/training to learn how to sign up.