Tag Archives: symc

Youth Worker Social Networking During NYWC

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We did a guest post over at Churchm.ag you should check out. Here is a link to the full post and below is a snippet:

For those that are not youth workers, there are several huge youth worker conventions that are attended by thousands of youth workers from across the nation. This month, Youth Specialties is hosting the National Youth Worker’s Conference (NYWC) in Atlanta, Georgia with amazing speakers, musicians, and break out training sessions. Unfortunately, because of the number of other conferences I will be attending with Youth for Christ, I was not able to attend. But just because I cannot be in Atlanta didn’t mean that I couldn’t utilize NYWC.

Perfect Time To Network

NYWC is the perfect time for people to come together once a year and see fellow friends and youth workers that they may not see at all the rest of the year. To orchestrate meetups as well share their experiences with others visiting, the conference is utilizing the Twitter hashtag #nywc and #nywc2011. Because of this great opportunity, I have found that I can easily find thousands of youth workers via Tweetdeck search lists with these hashtags. In fact, the last 24 hours, I have been able to increase the number of followers by about 15%. Unlike many other Twitter mass followings that unfortunately include spam bots and marketers, this event is the perfect time for ministry bloggers to game numerous active and potentially engaging followers to their social media as well as blogs.

Extending the Party

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Yesterday I talked about a new interpretation of John 2:1-12. This seems to tie into my life greatly with the end of the Simply Youth Ministry Conference and coming back to the USAFA Club Beyond youth group.

The time at the conference was amazing for my soul. The community of like minded youth workers all coming together, sharing hurts, replaying favorite memories, and resting in knowing we are not alone. At the same time, I had no expectations, Seminary could wait, no reports needed filling out, and I could do what I wanted with my time. How freeing and nourishing that time was.

How does this play into John 2:1-12? Our time at the conference ended and we all had to head home in our own directions. Yet, as Mary would say, “Lets get more wine and extend the party.” We have the SYM Podcast, Twitter chat with other youth workers, and MoreThanDodgeball.com. So lets keep enjoying this community and knowing we are not alone. Let our Sabbaths truly be filled with no expectations. And let the inspiration of that weekend continue in our hearts and conversations with like-minded people.

SYMC Update : Day 3

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So I took Doug Fields advice yesterday and spent my morning resting. I have a 15 hour drive tomorrow and Tuesday (actually, I guess today and tomorrow now) and I had only gotten 10 hours of sleep in two nights. Not a good combination. So, I have not update for the morning session but heard the talk was good.

Tonight’s session was opened by Shane & Shane with an extended worship time that was wonderful. Next, Glenn Packiam, Executive Pastor from New Life Church (across I-25 from the Air Force Academy), spoke on the idea that we need to stop staring at other ministries and being envious of them and instead look at how God is using us and our ministries.

Afterwards, Tommy did a solo Skit Guys performance (Eddie’s wife was sick) and he did my favorite skit, so I bawled. Next, the Supertones kicked off their comeback tour. Finally, I hit the SYM LIVE Podcast before I called it a night.

Some of my favorite pictures of the week will be posted tomorrow.

SYMC Update : Day 2

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Morning of Day 2
Tim Timmons led us in worship for the morning session. Rick Lawrence then gave a quick illustration about making a “bee-line” to Jesus in our messages because He is the central thread to the whole Bible.

Louie Giglio gave the morning message focusing on the fact that youth ministry should be all about Jesus using Revelation 1:9-11, with a culture of teens who want to be valued, and we need to get to a sense of humility and honor with the King of kings and Lord of lords in our ministry, if not for our sake, then for our students. What an amazing communicator, I was on the edge of his words and found no fault with his message.

Evening of Day 2
Shane & Shane seriously impacted our hearts with some great classics during the evening session’s worship. Ruth Haley Barton then spoke on the youth worker’s soul, how we sometimes do ministry but forget Jesus, either for ourselves or for our students. I related with her message on so many leaves, having done a lot of research and introspective reflection with my own counseling degree.

We had the privilege to hear Gundor, a unique style and refreshing change to what I am use to. The Skit Guys wrapped things off with several of their skits and hilarity.

I am starting to get tired, but enjoying the renewed spirit.

SYMC Update : Night of Day 1

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It’s only 3 hours into the Simply Youth Ministry Conference and as Doug has said, “I [already] feel like I am home.” Sitting with 3,000 other youth pastors, volunteers, and their spouses, there was instant community, stories were being shared, and God was present.

I was lucky enough to be right up front, center stage, and sitting right behind Tic Long (President of Youth Specialties), Doug Fields (President of Simply Youth Ministry), and Matt McGill listening to them chit-chat. The theme of the conference is “threaded,” threading together youth worker relationships with students and God.

Shane & Shane, our worship leaders for the weekend, was awesome. Doug then gave the evening’s message, speaking on the noises that speak into our lives (sometimes needlessly and uncompassionately), the point of youth ministry is to share the voice of Jesus, and our teens need Him and they know it. To describe the message in a few words, it was refreshing, honest, relate-able, and hit the mark for what I needed to hear.

We were then treated to a concert by Matt Maher and a private screening of the new movie, Soul Surfer featuring Carrie Underwood, Dennis Quaid, Helen Hunt, and AnnaSophia Robb. (Review to come)

God is here, He is moving the place, and hearts are being filled and healed. I ask for continued prayers for this conference.

SYMC Update : Morning of Day 1

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So after 900 miles, 15 hours of listening to the same CD, and months of waiting, I am currently in Chicago, Illinios at the Simply Youth Ministry Conference. This weekend is going to be filled with fun, relaxation, simple learning, and will try to post some updates about events, pictures, and any deep insight into deep revelations while I am hear. I would love for your prayers for my relaxation, an open mind and heart, and safe journey home.

Here is a snippet about the conference:

The Simply Youth Ministry Conference is a 4-day face-to-face experience that equips, encourages and connects people committed to serving pre-teens through young adults in the church. SYMC is organized by the youth ministry team at Group Publishing & Doug Fields’ Simply Youth Ministry, and operates in kingdom-focused collaboration with other ministry partners.