This is my 34th year in youth ministry and it has been a great journey. I have enjoyed almost every part of it. Some things I have enjoyed from the beginning of my career. I have also outgrown some elements of youth ministry (For me - all-nighters need to be outlawed!).
When I started in youth ministry, you didn't have a degree. We took Religion or Christian Ministries classes and had to figure out how to do ministry with teenagers. I looked for a place to learn how to do this God-given passion, and I found Youth Specialties and the National Youth Workers Convention.
Over the years, through the different convention cities, venues, speakers, bands, and opportunities, I have discovered and remember life giving moments.
In Orlando, I remember listening to Gordon McDonald talk about grace. I believe I could take you to the specific place where I was sitting in the ballroom where I didn't just hear someone speak about grace. I felt grace for the first time; being told by a man that had experienced it.
In St. Louis, I heard the Dean of the Chapel from Duke University, Will Willimon, tell a room full of youth leaders that we were crazy for serving youth. We all yelled in excitement. I still tell some of the stories he shared that night.
In Atlanta, I remember sitting in an all-day intensive course with Walt Mueller as he taught "A Walk through Athens." It was a great day that taught me how to observe and understand the changing culture. It led me on a search for an educational direction, which led me to complete a Doctorate of Ministry degree in Semiotics and Future Studies.
NYWC has given me a chance to build a deeper relationship with guys with tiny budgets, as we shared a ride and roomed together. It has given me a chance to catch up with friends and meet new people that have become trusted friends. It has allowed me to make connections with incredible mentors and confidants.
Most importantly, walking through the exhibit hall, NYWC gave me a chance to meet the people of the National Network of Youth Ministries. It was in Cincinnati that I stopped by the NNYM booth, gathered information, joined a network, eventually became a coordinator of a network, and I now work for NNYM. I have a history and I am grateful for the National Youth Workers Convention!
I encourage every youth leader to invest your time and dollars to attend. If you still want to go to Memphis, email me at rdavis@nnym.org.