The post-conference high!

One of the most incredible things about a youth ministry conference is that people are as crazy as me! Everywhere I look, there are adults who are spending their life energy investing in the next generation. I may feel like a stalker for Jesus most of the year, but for a few days... I am at home! I see people who understand my passion and I get resources to fuel my passion.

Connections are super easy to make when you have the same passions. For many years, I drove a slammed VW. It's so easy to make a friend who understands the fear of a pothole deeply as you! We start by sharing stories of driving and leave with a bond of friendship. Every conference has these types of connections. I share the crazy stories of ministry at first, and when it seems safe, I share what breaks my heart. Start with a story and end with a friend.

Conference resources are like going to a buffet. There is a little of everything available. I need to remember that I will be hungry later. Resources may be incredible and will fuel my passion and equip me for the next season... but my best resource is people.

I've got to do something with those friendships!

This year NNYM and Youth Specialties have teamed up to help youth workers take those resources back to your communities. We want to help give you the resources to create environments which foster connections. The Better Together Pre-Conference Intensive is designed to equip youth workers to lead their community in working together for the gospel.

Now I realize that the word "network" may sound really formal to you. Honestly, I don't care what you  call it as long as you are intentionally getting together! Once you've started a gathering of youth workers, LET PEOPLE KNOW! Post your group on YSNetworks.com and nnym.org. We want to help you see what makes your gatherings healthy and help your gathering get famous. We are also working hard to resource you along the way.

Perhaps you don't even like the idea of networking. I want to challenge you to come out and connect with networkers from all over the country. Hear what God is doing as communities are finding common purpose and walk away with a better understanding of spiritual unity.

San Diego in the books, but there is still time to get to the Louisville NYWC. You will have a great time, you will find some amazing resources, but most importantly you could leave with incredible friends who will keep you in ministry for the long-haul. And hopefully... take networking back to your town!

Read more about Better Together at NYWC - click here