The Importance of Networks

It was August 1999, my 9-months pregnant wife, my 15-month son, and I moved from north central Pennsylvania to the South Hills of Pittsburgh. Yes, you heard correctly, my 9-months pregnant wife and a 15 month old son. We pulled up to our apartment that quickly, and affectionately, became known as the Shack. There was already a gathering of parents, students, and church members standing by to help us move into our new home.

It was chaos, but in a matter of a few hours 90% of our belongs were moved from the truck into the apartment or the lawn beside it. More church members arrived bringing food and essentials that would help us get settled. We were overwhelmed, grateful for this incredible welcome. But while that moment continues to be special, it was another welcome that has been a game changer for me, my family, and my ministry.

In the middle of all the moving, a neighbor from across the street came over to us, and said something to the effect, ‘Hey, you’re the new youth pastor at so-and-so church, my name is Don.  I work for (para-church ministry name). Hey, there is a group of youth workers who meet once a month. We knew you were coming and we would love to have you join us.’
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At the time, the significance of that invitation was lost on me. I thought it was just another friendly face coming to make me feel welcomed in this new community. But a few days later, there I was, shaking hands and trying to remember the names of this small group of men and women who all shared a passion for seeing students surrender their lives to Jesus and live for his purpose and glory.

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The truth is, that day changed my life and my ministry.

I didn’t know exactly what it was. On the surface, it was a bunch of guys getting together for lunch, talking about our ministries, swapping funny stories, bragging about our mistakes, and praying for each other. Each year we worked together to host at least one large community-wide student event and the annual Baccalaureate service for our high school graduates. It was about ministry, there was fellowship, and I couldn’t wait for our time together each month.

​Over the years, I have never, NOT, participated in or organized/led what we now call Youth Ministry Networks. We didn’t coin the phrase, nor the idea. In fact, I would say, it was something we did not really knowing how important that time together was. And we weren’t the only ones. Groups like the ones I was participating in were happen all over the place. It was because of these networks that I grew as a husband, father, pastor, and friend. These small group gatherings of youth workers became a band of brothers and sisters that grew into a vital part of my longevity in student ministry.

Participating in that first network in the South Hills of Pittsburgh, lit a fire that the subsequent years fanned into a passion; a passion to walk along side youth workers as they navigate and obey their calling to serve and love students.

Just recently, I spend three days with a group of like minded men and women near Atlanta. They were part of a ministry that seeks to encourage youth pastors in their personal walk with God, family life, and ministry. It’s life-on-life discipleship, coaching, mentoring, and strategic ministry training. It was amazing! What had become a passion, desire, and dream for me (to work with youth workers) I was now witnessing in realtime. They were doing what my heart was longing to do.

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Needless to say, it was a much needed time away to connect with brothers and sister that get it. They get the calling. They get the passion. They get the desire. Because the feel it too. They see and understand the need, and recognize that if we don’t step in with hope, the outcome will be devastating.

There are thousands of youth workers across the country (and around the world) that need to know that they are not alone. They need to hear that they are loved, that someone cares about them. They need to know that someone is praying for them; that someone is willing to ask hard questions about their life and ministry, someone willing to speak Biblical truth in a loving and God-honoring way. They need someone who has walked the road they’re walking, who understands the highs and low, knows the pain and struggle. Someone who get’s their heart and know’s their passion. They need to know that someone is willing to sit across the table, answer the phone or text, and show up when needed. Someone who can stand in the mire of life and ministry with them, then celebrate the God moments and faith-wins.

I said it before, that invitation in August 1999, changed my life. It set me on a trajectory of healthy, long-term ministry. It gave me a place that welcomed me, cared about me, challenged me, held me accountable, and demonstrated what it looks like to be a Godly husband, father, pastor, and friend.

So here we are. Over 30 years later, almost 25 of those years in full-time ministry. And it’s not over yet. In fact, this might just be the start of a new and exciting season in student ministry.

Here’s what I want to leave you with. If you are in student ministry, whether paid or volunteer, full-time, part-time, whatever-time, and you are not connected to a local student ministry network, can I encourage you to please, prayerfully consider joining one. Don’t know where or how to find a network? No worries, I got you. My friends at the National Network of Youth Ministry (NNYM) can help you. I will provide links below that we help you connect with NNYM and their ever growing database of networks across the country. They can help you find a network near you, and put you in touch with someone who can help you get connected.

Lastly, if you are a youth worker, and you need someone to talk to, I would love to help connect you with my friends at PACT Ministry. PACT Ministry is a team of seasoned youth workers, trained to encourage youth pastors in their personal walk with God, family life, and ministry through life-on-life discipleship, coaching, mentoring, and strategic ministry training. Don’t wait till it’s too late. Click here for coaching.

You have been given a tremendous calling to minister to students, but your weren’t called to do it alone. We are here and we want to walk with you.

- jay

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