Never enough: What's a youth leader to do?
You have the ideas for an awesome year of youth ministry coupled by all the passion in the world, but lack the budget to make it happen. Sound familiar? Dan Istvanik was there too, but now he regularly exercises his network relationships to make the most of shared resources.
Sharing resources increases opportunities for evangelism and discipleship
We caught up with Dan during our most recent Network Conversations to hear his insights on how sharing resources is a game changer for youth ministry. A lifelong networker, Dan serves as coordinator for networks in the Chicago area. His heart is for the youth leader who never has enough and developed Youth Ministry Hub to resource youth leaders. Our conversation covered many aspects of networking and sharing resources, including:
- How do you create space in your networks to share resources to benefit each other's ministry to young people?
- How can you unite with local youth leaders to be a valued resource to your community?
- Sharing your spouse; apparently, it's a thing!
- Collaboration and pooling of resources increases opportunities for student evangelism
Your best resource is leaders around you: What do you need from others?
Never do youth ministry alone is more than a slogan, it is a life lesson. Meg Deans, a Utah network coordinator who joined our live Zoom conversation this month, shared how hard it is to do ministry in an 8-hour per week role. She finds that taking time to connect with other youth leaders in her area has led to multiple opportunities to collaborate with larger churches. She depends on other youth leaders to make the bigger events happen for discipling teenagers, and gladly jumps in to host joint camps and events.
Be the resource others need: What do you have to offer?
Dan has shared his wisdom and nerf guns with many youth leaders. Sometimes, he finds it is important to just be present with others. In a single week, he sat down for one-on-one conversations with three youth leaders from different churches to talk shop and work through struggles. A listening ear and encouraging voice to keep on keeping on can be an invaluable resource to a struggling leader!
The greatest resource is relationship: We're your people
Our time together reminded us that, like Jeff Martin reminded us last month, our greatest impact in ministry has to start with our network alliances (read more about Turning Ideas Into Strategy). There is strength in numbers. Youth leaders are your people, and they need you as much as you need them.
You're Invited: Celebrate With Us!
Our next network conversation will celebrate you! Come as you are and join us for games, giveaways, and gravitas as we celebrate what God is doing in your ministry.
Guest: Wayne Morgan is a skinny white guy who can jump and serves as the NNYM Ministry Director
Date: Tuesday, November 14th
Time: 9am PST/12pm EST
Format: 60 minutes via Zoom
Register: Click to reserve for your free seat!
Our monthly Network Conversations connect youth leaders and networkers to discuss effective ways to unite and equip leaders in our communities. Each conversation is aimed to train and equip you to be a better leader. We want to hear your input and thoughts on each topic because, after all, we are better together!
