Why Networking?

When I stepped into full-time youth ministry, I met a youth worker who invited me to join a small gathering of youth leaders from around the area. Before I knew it, these men and women were speaking hope and encouragement into my ministry and my life. Together we were learning how to do youth ministry better. We were reaching the students of our community as we partnered together for events and activities. And, I learned, that I didn’t have to do youth ministry alone.

Too often, youth leaders feel alone, isolated, ill-equipped, overwhelmed, and under appreciated. Some come into the field well educated, yet lack practical know-how or experience. Others step into their roles unexpectedly, without any training or education. And when difficulties arise, many don’t know how to navigate the storms causing them to leave the church or the ministry all together. They are beaten, battered, and bruised. If only they had someone they could talk to, someone to hear them, to coach them, to encourage them, to pray for and with them, then maybe they could weather the storms and learn to thrive in their calling.
​
The truth is, youth leaders who are connected to a local youth ministry network are 2.5 times more likely to stay in ministry longer than the national average. I attribute much of my longevity as a veteran youth worker to my connections with other youth workers through the local networks. In today’s culture, maybe more than ever, we need men and women who have been called to bring the hope of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the teenagers in our churches, our high schools, our middle schools, and our communities.  The hope of NNYM is to do that very thing; work alongside youth leaders and other caring adults locally to reach and equip young people for Jesus Christ. Because, we’re better together!

​- jay