In the previous post, we discovered who the real person behind seeing numbers as success is. The fact…
When it comes to Youth Ministry there are a ton of conferences. These range in length, price, location, and focus. In my years as a Youth Pastor I have been to some great ones and some terrible ones. I have had really good experiences and some really bad experiences.
Two questions when it comes to conferences are: Are conferences worth the time and budget money to attend? AND What are the deciding factors in which if any I attend? Here are 5 reasons I decided to attend the Simply Youth Ministry Conference again this year (and #3 may surprise you):
I have to admit I was really skeptical last year when I decided to attend the conference. It had been over 7 years since I had attended a “national” conference on Youth Ministry and my prior two experiences had not been that good. Nevertheless, I tried to approach it with as open of mind as possible and I am glad I did. From the moment we landed in the airport we were won over by a genuine energetic welcome wagon (ok…greeters…and not in a wagon of any sort) from the Simply Youth Ministry Conference.
The conference was so much more than I had expected and returning to a conference this time as a much more “seasoned” (older) Youth Pastor I was so encouraged by the diversity of topics and the intentionality of encouragement. They championed not only Youth Ministry and the Youth Pastor/Youth Worker, but the church. That for me was huge. So…why am I going back? Here are 5 reasons:
1. I have a lot to learn in ministry and leadership still
I have been a Youth Pastor since 1999 and in Youth Ministry for a couple of years prior to that, but I still have so much to learn. There are few ways I know and have found to be equipped than through a well done conference.
2. I love meeting and connecting with other Youth Pastors
I am a huge introvert by nature, but I love to meet other Youth Pastors. We made friends last year with a couple from the other side of the country and have kept in touch throughout the year. I’m excited to catch up with them a see what God has been doing. It is always nice to know you are not in this alone and the struggles you face are not unique to you. Making friends in ministry is often hard, so I appreciate the opportunities I have to do so.
3. I need to be reminded of why I do what I do and that I love it
I do LOVE student ministry, but it is an exhausting task at times. It is easy for me to forget among all the “to-do” lists and planning why it is that I do what id do. It is easy to forget why I love what I do and why it is so important. It is February. I am on the downhill side of the school year. And I. Am. Tired. I need to be reminded that is normal…and worth it.
4. I need time away from my normal context to reflect on my ministry
Getting away from my immediate context and out of my office to reflect and evaluate my ministry is crucial for me. Creativity is always easier in a creative environment. Hearing others share can easily fuel that in me as well.
5. I need to be encouraged
Can I get an AMEN?! We all need this. Honestly, this was the greatest thing I took away from the conference last year and it was SO needed. To be personally encouraged, to be encouraged in my ministry, and to be encouraged for the church was priceless. I am not sure you can ever be encouraged too much.
Love this article! Cant wait to see you guys at the conference. And if your debating on this conference, I can vouch for it as well! Do it!
Thanks Brady! Just a few weeks away buddy. See you there!
I have not been to a Student Conference in way too many years. I really need to head back. Maybe I can attend this one with you next year.
Good post… lots to chew on. Thanks man.
You totally should Ed!
Good points Jody… Zach and Spencer will be there with the booth from Snowbird. Definitely catch up with them while there!
Thanks John. I will definitely be on the look our for them while we are there!