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GUEST POST: 6 Thoughts on Networking

Networking can be difficult in our already, way too busy lives. But there are many of us who see youth ministry networks as an important way to re-energize, fellowship, and unity. Networking happens to be a passion of mine so I thought I would share with you six things that are important to think about when starting or maintaining a youth ministry network in your community.

1) Focus on soul care: When youth pastors get together we tend to create things, this happens naturally. However we often forget that part of why we network is to recharge, and encourage each other. So many youth workers are on all the time, let meeting together be focused on relaxing, praying and laughing together, not busting out our schedules for a collaborative event.

2) Tell stories: Veterans and rookies, we have all had that one time, great ministry blunder. It’s important for us to remember where we came from, but also share success and encourage one another with stories of student’s whose lives have been changed. Be careful not to let it become a senior pastor or parent bashing session. It’s important to be honest, but it is equally important to respect people and those who are in authority over us.

3) Be intentional about time together: Get creative with the meeting place, or what activities you do together; being respectful of people’s time of course.

4) Split responsibilities: Don’t let one person handle everything. Besides, shared responsibility keeps the network from dying when that one person leaves (the number one reason I hear networks collapse).

5) Commit to each other: A network doesn’t work very well when there is no one to “network” with. Be consistent with meeting times and be realistic about how often you meet.

6) (Last but not least) Food: Good fellowship revolves around good food! Take turns providing it or see if a local coffee shop will donate food and beverage for everyone (the worst they could say is no).

Jonas Knudsen is a youth worker who loves students and blogs at Raising Ebenezer. If you want to write up a guest post for next weekend, submit your article this week.