It was August 1999. My 9-months pregnant wife, our 15-month son, and I moved from north central Pennsylvania to the South Hills of Pittsburgh. Yes, a 9-months pregnant wife and a 15 month old. We pulled up to our apartment that quickly, and affectionately, became known as "The Shack." In a matter of a few hours 90% of our belongings were moved from the truck into the apartment or the lawn beside it.
In the middle of all the moving, a neighbor from across the street came over and said something to the effect of, "Hey, you're the new youth pastor at so-and-so church. My name is Don. I work for such-and-such parachurch ministry. A group of youth workers meet once a month and I'd love for you to join us!"
I Found My People In A Youth Ministry Network
At the time, the significance of that invitation was lost on me. I thought it was just another friendly face coming to make me feel welcomed in this new community. But, a few days later, there I was, shaking hands and trying to remember the names of this small group of men and women who all shared a passion to see the next generation surrender their lives to Jesus.
The truth is, that invitation changed my life and my ministry.
Community Builds Up Individual Ministry
I didn't know exactly what it was. On the surface, it was a bunch of folks getting together for lunch, talking about our ministries, swapping funny stories, bragging about our mistakes, and praying for each other. Each year we worked together to host a community-wide student event and annual celebration for our high school graduates. Deep down, it was about ministry. And I couldn't wait for our time together each month.
Participating in that first network in the South Hills of Pittsburgh lit a fire that the subsequent years fanned into a passion; a passion to walk alongside youth workers as they navigate and obey their calling to serve and love young people.
Network Relationships Build Up The Individual
Over the years, I have never NOT participated in a local network of youth leaders. And I wasn't the only one. Groups like the ones I was participating in were happening all over the place. It was because of these relationships that I grew as a husband, father, pastor, and friend. These small gatherings became a band of brothers and sisters that grew into a vital part of my longevity in youth ministry.
We Need Each Other To Thrive as Ministers
These people get the calling. They get the passion. They get the urgency. Because they feel it too. They see and understand the need, and recognize that if we don't step in with hope, the outcome will be devastating.
There are thousands of youth leaders across the country who similarly need to know that they are not alone. We each need someone who has walked the road we're walking, who understands the highs and lows, the pain and struggle. We all need to know that someone is willing to sit across the table, answer the phone or text, and show up when needed.
The Fight for Health and Longevity in Ministry
I said it before, that invitation in August 1999, changed my life. It set me on a trajectory of healthy, long-term ministry. It gave me a place that welcomed me, cared about me, challenged me, held me accountable, and demonstrated what it looks like to be a Godly husband, father, pastor, and friend.
Find The People Who Will Fight For You
Here's what I want to leave you with. If you are in student ministry, whether paid or volunteer, full-time, part-time, whatever-time, and you are not connected to a local network, can I encourage you to please, prayerfully consider joining one.
You need others who will stand in the mire of life and ministry with you, celebrate the God moments and champion the faith-wins. You need brothers and sisters willing to ask hard questions about your life and ministry, and speak Biblical truth in a loving and God-honoring way. Find the folks who will pray with you and who are for you.
Where To Start
Don't know where or how to get started? No worries, I got you. Our friends at the National Network of Youth Ministry (NNYM) can help. Get connected through our ever-growing database of youth ministry networks across the country. Find a network near you and get plugged in.
You have been given a tremendous calling to minister to the next generation, but you weren't called to do it alone. We are here and we want to walk with you.
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Jay Higham is a veteran youth worker of over 30 years and the host of the podcast, Conversations With Every Day Youth Workers Jay is passionate about youth ministry, family ministry, and connecting and networking with youth workers to help them serve their students with passion and excellence. This article originally appeared on The Youth Worker Daily.