We're two months away for one of my most favorite and most necessary events for student ministry, the 2017 National Youth Workers Convention. It's time to start talking about the convention and what I'm looking forward to most!

One of the things that you have to know about me is that I am a huge supporter of the National Youth Workers Convention (NYWC), hosted by Youth Specialties. I attended my first convention in 1999. I had just accepted my first, full-time position as a Youth Director, for a church in the Pittsburgh, PA area. I had heard about NYWC, but hadn't yet had the opportunity to attend as I was just a kid getting started in student ministry.

The convention that year was held in two locations, the first on the west coast, the second in Cincinnati, OH. I attended the convention in Cincinnati.So I, along with my wife and our newborn son (Nate was our second son, by the way. Our first born who was already a year old stayed with some friends.) made our way to Cincinnati not sure what to expect, but excited nonetheless.

It didn't take me long to realize that NWYC was going to become a very important part of my ministry and my life. 18 years laters, NYWC is still an important part of both my ministry and my life.

Each year, as the convention approaches, I share a few things about the convention that I love, recommend, and look forward to the most. So in keeping with my tradition, let me share three things that I absolutely love about the National Youth Workers Convention.

I sat through my first Intensive in 2000. It was awesome. Then, I believe, the Intensives were 6 hours, and spanned two days. An extra fee, Intensives are designed to give attendees a long, deeper, more detailed look into various aspects of student ministry. Topics vary from year to year, but help to train up the youth worker by providing specific, helpful and practical information that really works when applied to your ministry. Led by experts, real youth workers with real experience, Intensives offer not just information, but the opportunities to ask questions, get help and really process the material so that it's something that you can use.

Over the years I have taken Intensives for worship and worship leader, culture, message prep and writing, and speaking/teaching. They have been some of the most important parts of understanding student ministry, youth culture and the role of the youth worker.

If you have not taken advantage of the NYWC Intensives, I would highly recommend that you consider registering for one of this years offerings.

Here is a quick list of topics and presenters for 2017...

• Building a Successful Marriage and Youth Ministry; Doug and Kathy Fields.
• Growing Young: Helping Young PeopleDiscover and Love Your Church; Kara Powell and Brad Griffin.
• LGBTQ Youth: Ministry Beneath the Surface, Julie Rodgers and Mark Yarhouse.
• Middle School Ministry; Sean Meade and Heather Flies.
• Taking Einstein to Youth Ministry: Faith, Science and the Faith Formation of Young People, Andy Root.
• The Racial Reconciliation Experience; Fred Oduyoye and Jacob Eckeberger.
• YS 101 Bootcamp: Core Training for Your Ministry; Kurt Johnston and Brian Aaby.

Rest is a good thing. It's a necessity. A biblical mandate. The problem is, youth workers don't rest enough. There is always something that needs to be completed, a student that needs to ministered to, and a technical issue with the VCR in one of the Sunday school classrooms. When all is said and done, we don't rest well, if we rest at all.

I loved Mike Yaconelli, co-founder of YS and NYWC. I never really had the opportunity to talk or know Mike, but every year at the first general session (now called Big Room) Mike would address and welcome the convention. It was the same speech every year. But it was one of the first times someone told me that it was okay to slow down, even stop and rest.

The convention is a placed filled with resources, exhibits, training opportunities, and possibilities for networking. But, NYWC is also a place to rest and be renewed. It's a place where you can choose to sleep in, go to bed early, or just sleep all day. It's a place to disconnect and relax, to do something fun, explore, or just be. NYWC, in wanting to give you access to some of the best resources, speakers, trainers, coaches, and entertainment, also cares about your spiritual well-being. You are encouraged to take a step back and evaluate your faith journey. We work all year to disciple and serve and teach and lead our students, too often at the cost of care for our own hearts, our own growth, our own relationship with our Savior. NYWC is a place where we can reconnect with the Lover of our souls.

NYWC offers youth workers an opportunity to visit the Sanctuary and Prayer Chapel to pray, sit, be quiet, and to be renewed. You can visit with one of a number of spiritual directors who are there to care for your soul. If you're married, NYWC is an opportunity for you and your spouse to enjoy some time alone. Take advantage of your hotel stay. Have a date night with dinner and explore a new city. Sit up late and watch a movie. Order room service and have breakfast in bed.

Rest. It's important. It's a necessity. It's good for you.

Sit in on any of the 90+ seminars and you will walk away with valuable information, tips, tools, and resources. But if you want some specific help in a particular area of ministry, you might want to consider taking one of the NYWC Tracks.

Tracks, like the Intensives, are designed to offer youth workers specific information on a given topic. These tracks are led by our youth experts who know and serve in the related areas. Go a little deeper. Ask questions. Hear practical, hands-on and effective tips that will help you in your ministry.

This year, NYWC is offering 3 Track topics;

• Small-Church Track; Brad Fiscus, Stephanie Caro and Virginia Ward.
• YS 101 Track; Les Christie, Brian Aaby, Duffy Robbins, and Sean Meade.
• Middle School Track; Sean Meade and Heather Flies.

Be sure to look these Tracks up in the schedule and think about how they might help you and your ministry.

Whether you are a long-time NYWC attendee or maybe thinking about attending for the first time, let me invite you to join us this November in Memphis, TN for the Nation Youth Workers Convention! Early-bird pricing ends on October 5th, 2017.

Visit the NYWC website today for more details and to register for the convention.

This year, I will be helping out as a volunteer, serving at the HUB. If you have any questions about the convention or needs while in Memphis come by and see us. If you found this article helpful, please stop by and introduce yourself to me, I'd love to meet you.

​If you have something you love and look forward to at NYWC, please share it in the comments below. What you love could be the very thing that someone else needs to hear to help them make the decision to join us this fall!

​- jay

It's Monday morning. Amy and I are home from our 2016 National Youth Workers Convention (NYWC) experience. NYWC is our annual pilgrimage to join with thousands of youth workers for training, encouragement, resourcing, connecting, and rest! This being my 14th NYWC, I can honestly say, it's still my most favorite ministry week of the year!

This morning I wanted to simply share the 2 highlight videos from the weekend. My hope is to give you just a little snapshot of the weekend, and how important it is that youth workers attend NYWC! I'm sure I'll share more about the convention later in the weeks to come, but for now, enjoy the 2 videos.

It really was an amazing weekend, and I am so honored to be able to be a part of the YS/NYWC staff.

​- jay

One of the great things about NYWC is the Exhibit Hall! Packed with over 150 vendors, it really is one of the best place to find great resources and tools! But the weekend is already flying by. I mean, it's already Saturday. So with time running out, here are three of my favorite exhibitors!

Youth Ministry 360 (YM360)...
Les and Andy, co-founders of YM360, have created an incredible line of resources for youth workers. What started as bible studies and curriculum has grown to include camps, conferences, missions, trainings, and much, much more. YM360 provides biblically solid materials that are easy to use and easy to teach. I've used their materials multiple times in different settings and found great success. Be sure to stop by their booth and check out the incredible selection of tools and resources.

Download Youth Ministry...
At this point, I'm sure you've heard about Download Youth Ministry (DYM). Started but Doug Fields and Josh Griffin, DYM provides affordable resources that have been created by youth workers. Whether you need a game or a study or a series, DYM offers High Quality, Easy to Use, Inexpensive, Trench-tested. I've been using the DYM resources for about a year now, and I love that they are quick to access, download and use. I don't have to really worry about content, typos or formatting uses.

The Youth Specialties Event Booth...
Did you know that NYWC is only one small part of the YS family of events? In fact, YS is part of a much large family. Real Resources, "a Christ-centered, multi-denominational 501(c)3 nonprofit. Founded upon the belief that teens are a vital part of the Church today, and God has uniquely equipped them to live out His love in the world" (as per the Real Resources website). Along with NYWC, YS sponsors Planet Wisdom, a student event designed to "empower students to become thinking, growing, authentic followers of Jesus Christ in today’s world." (as per the Planet Wisdom website). But there is also YS Team Training, the YS Coaching, YS Search, and the YS Job Bank. Stop by the YS Booth and discover just how big, and how helpful the YS tent is.

There you are, three of my favorites. Not the only three, but the three I have time to share. Hopefully after the convention I will be able to share a few more great resources with you. Till then, have a great convention!

​- jay

Whether you are a rookie or a veteran, every visit to NYWC comes with questions. From finding a cheap, but delicious place to eat, to I've just had a really tough year where can I find some help, we're going to do our best to help you out!

In todays post, I want to take a quick minute to share 3 places where you can find help while at NYWC this weekend.

Stop number one brings us to the HUB. Here is where you can ask just about any question. Mind you, the answer you get might not resemble the question, but at least it's an answer. Just kidding! My friends serving at the HUB are well versed in all things NYWC. Questions about seminars, Big Rooms, places to eat, and even logistical questions, the HUB can point you in the right direction!

The HUB is located on the first floor of the Duke Energy Convention Center at the main entrance. You almost can't miss them as they are almost the first thing you see when entering.

New to NYWC, the Queen City Host Team! This is a team of volunteers made up by local youth workers on the ground right here in Cincinnati! And these guys know there stuff! If you have questions about Cincinnati like, awesome local eateries, or I have about 5 hours to kill, what's something awesome I can do here in the city, they can definitely help you out! In fact, prior to the convention, these guys got together and made a short video with a list of great things to do while in Cincinnati this weekend! Check it out here just below.

You'll find the Queen City Host Team on the second floor of the Duke Energy Convention Center right above the HUB!

Lastly we come to the YS Coaching area. What is coaching? Think of it as a sit down conversation with a good friend and a cup of coffee, but your friend is an experienced and training student ministry coach and they want to help you be awesome! Has it been a tough year? Are you feeling like you're not get anywhere? Is there a change in your future? Are you wondering if youth ministry is for you? I'm about to make a major programmatic change, what's the best way to do it? Hey, I'm not sure if the brown shoes goes with this black belt, what do you think?

The YS Coaches are here and are ready to meet with you! You can schedule a FREE, 40 minute session with them by going to their table and singing up for an opening. But be warned, coaching sessions fill up quick, so if you're thinking you might want to talk with someone, sign up sooner than later!

You'll find the YS Coaches next to the HUB on the first floor of the Duke Energy Convention Center.

Okay, there you have it, 3 places to find some quick help where here in Cincinnati!

And of course, when you're in a pinch, you can also ask anyone of the NYWC staff. You'll know us because we all wear the same color shirts that have STAFF printed on the back! We would love to help you in anyway we can!

Have a great day, here at NYWC, Cincinnati!!!

- jay

After a year of waiting, it’s finally here, the National Youth Workers Convention 2016 (NYWC)! It’s like Christmas, only without the wrapping paper, candy canes, Santa, reindeer, pine trees, and garland. Okay, so maybe it’s not like Christmas, but it’s still AWESOME!!

Tonight we kicked off the weekend with our first Big Room session and the grand opening party for the Exhibit Hall!! Here are just a few pictures from tonights party!

DJ Bobbito the Chef providing the musical backdrop!

Our friends from YS events, already getting a jump on next years convention!

The exhibit hall is loaded with over 150 different vendors. You can find just about anything, and everything ministry related. be sure to spend some time visiting with the exhibitors!

There's a lot to see. Don't make just one trip. Multiple trips through the exhibit hall will prove super helpful. They will allow you to take your time, talk with the various exhibitors, and feel less overwhelmed by the sheer numbers and size.

I know that we are only a few hours into the weekend, but it's already off to a great start.

I want to invite you to follow along with me this weekend as I highlight some of my favorite parts of the convention. From books and resources to seminars and exhibitors, I'll share what I love, who is helpful, and where you can make the most of your time at NYWC.

Follow me on social media as I share the convention as both a behind-the-scenes volunteer and a long-time attendee!

​- jay

I know, I know, I'm a little late in the announcement depart. It's been a couple of weeks since my friends over at Group/Simply Youth Ministry announced the return of the Simply Youth Ministry Conference (SYMC). Nonetheless, I wanted to take a few minutes to share a little about what this means!

I was introduced the SYMC in 2009. At the time, I didn't realize how much I needed a conference like SYMC. I had been in student ministry for a long time. And I had attended the National Youth Workers Convention (NYWC) for years. At that point, I was volunteering with NYWC. But that year, SYMC made a huge impact on my heart and my ministry.

I am pretty sold out to NYWC. It was NYWC that really helped me develop, grow, and mature as a youth worker. I've often said that I've learned more attending NYWC than anywhere else. It's why I return every year as a volunteer. But SYMC offered me something different.

I was in a place in my ministry where I began wondering about my role in student ministry. An opportunity had come to that would require that I step away from student ministry. That year at SYMC, I heard God tell me my place was with students. That year, God used SYMC to wreck my world, then rebuilt and reignited a passion for students again! I even have a red a sofa in my office to remind me of the impact.

SYMC boasts, The conference for youth workers by youth workers. This is so true. After the 2009 conference, I found myself working with the "In The Trenches Team" (ITTT or IT3). The "In The Trenches Team" is made up of youth workers; some are full time, some are part time, and some are volunteers, but each one is committed, not just to their students, but to youth workers. It's this teams that comes along side the SYM/Group staff to help talk, dream, pray, prepare, plan, and lead the conference! I was blessed to serve with these amazing men and women for 3 years, helping and serving with the 2010 and 2011 conferences.

There are a number of great conferences that youth workers can attend. But there is something special about SYMC, and I think it's in the fact that youth workers are an integral part of what happens at SYMC. ​

After taking a couple years off, SYMC is back, and I for one am very excited to see it return.  A little smaller, a little more intentional, a little more focused on the heart and health of the youth worker, SYMC will no doubt offer her attendees a weekend of training, resources, and soul care.

SYMC will take place October 7-9, 2016, at the Hyatt Regency O'Hara in Chicago. (Which is a great location due to everything happening in the hotel.) 

Now I haven't decided if I will be attend this years conference. If money weren't an issue, I'm sure I'd be there in a heart, no questions asked. But I am still committed to serving at NYWC, so I have yet decided if I will be attending. However, based on what I am hearing it will be a great conference.

Take a few minutes to go and check out the SYMC website. Get to know the conference, and prayerfully consider make SYMC your conference destination this fall!

- jay

Now that Amy and I are home from the National Youth Workers Convention, I've begun the task of downloading and debriefing the general session speakers, the YS Explores speakers and the conversations that were shared throughout the weekend. A lot of information comes your way in a short amount of time, and sometimes, it takes a day or two to think through everything.

I went into the office this morning to a bunch of warm welcomes. Everybody wanted to know how the trip was. As I was talking, sharing some of the awesome things I experienced, I thought, I should just share the #NYWC15 Recap video.

So here it is, the NYWC 2015 Louisville Saturday/Sunday Recap Video. It's a glimpse at some of what makes NYWC one of my favorite places to be.

It really was a great weekend. And as is the case, there was much that challenged me. From being stretched by the topics of faith and science to the changing landscape of the churches cultures, to the general session speakers that reminded me love really is the greatest thing we could ever receive and give, there is much to think about. And with that, much to write about in the weeks and months to come

If you went to NYWC 2015, whether it was in San Diego or Louisville, what were some of your biggest take aways? Which topics or presentations caused you to think? What presenter or speaker forced you to stretch beyond what's comfortable?

I'd love to hear from you. Share your comments and thoughts below in the comment section. And thanks for taking the time to read and share!

​- jay

It's late Thursday night. The Big Room festivities are over. The Exhibit Hall is closed. And all around the Kentucky International Convention Center, youth workers are hanging out, grabbing a late bite to eat, or for exhaustions sake, turning in for the night. So as day one of #NYWC15 comes to it's end,  I wanted to share just a few thoughts before calling it a day myself.

As a member of the Main Stage Team, one of the responsibilities we share is the 'opening of the doors' at the general sessions known as Big Room. The scene goes like this. Retractable straps rope off an area preventing convention attendees from entering the Big Room space until 15 minute before the start of the session. At about 40 to 60 minutes before the session, youth workers begin congregating in little groups hoping for a chance to get a 'good seat' somewhere near the action. When our pre-session tasks are complete, the Main Stage Team makes our way to this area and chat with the youth workers standing in groups.

I love this time spent with the youth workers. It's truly amazing how much you can learn about a person or persons when you take just a few minutes to talk and ask a few questions. Usually the questions are pretty basic. What's your name? Where are you from? Is this your first time, second time, third time, or twenty-third time at NYWC?

Tonight I walked up to a couple, a bit older than me, and we started talking. They were the Anderson's. Husband and wife who have worked with students...for years. They have attended NYWC...for years. They even served on the volunteer team...for years. But they have been a way for a few years, and this was the year they were able to return.

We talked for quite a while; about the conference, about the chances that YS has experienced over the years, and the memories that have been made throughout the NYWC history. As we talked, I was struck by a particular question the Anderson's asked. The question basically asked, " Does it still feel like family?"

I thought for a second and then responded with two answers. The first was, Yes, NYWC is family. The youth workers who attend year after year create a certain familiarity that makes the convention seem like a great big family reunion. I'm never surprised when I bump into an old friend. One part of you hoped that you'd see them, while the other part somehow already knew they were there.

But there was more to the question of family then just a family reunion. You see, there's something more, something deeper that happens at NYWC then just seeing old friends. Many, many years ago, when Tic Long and Mike Yaconelli were still the dynamic duo, they created an atmosphere that  really made you feel like you were part of the family. And it wasn't just Tic and Mike, it was the entire YS and NYWC staff. They just made you feel so special. Cared for. Loved. And appreciated. You knew that you were in a safe place. A place where you wouldn't be criticized or questioned. A place where  it was okay to cry or laugh or or just be. Need a nap? Take one. Take two! Need to talk to someone? Someone was always ready to listen.

Then, the convention wasn't always about the speakers or give-a-ways, seminars or exhibit halls. The convention was a place you knew you'd be welcomed, with arms wide opened, because that's what family does. It's what Tic and Mike, and the rest of their staff did.

Tonight, as I paused to think about the question, I asked myself, "Does it still feel like family?" My second answer...ABSOLUTELY YES!!!

Much as change at Youth Specialties over the last couple of years. There are a lot of new faces. NYWC has changed a little bit, too. But at heart of YS and NYWC, the passion to love-on and care for youth workers still exists. It's that passion that first welcomed me to NYWC in 1999, when my wife and I attended our first convention on Cincinnati. And it's that same passion that has brought us back again this year.

I saw Tic tonight, behind the stage at the general session. I told him that I bummed into a great couple who once served as volunteers, and how we talked about family and how we always felt like we were part of a greater family. The funny thing...Tic knew exactly who they were. Why? Because we're family!

Faces may change. Names may change. Topics change. Venues, locations, and the number of conventions per year might change. But what hasn't changed is the heart.

You are part of this wonderful family. You're home. And, it's safe here. So be free to be you. Laugh. Cry. Take that nap. Heck, sleep all day if you want! Because we're going to love you just the same. It's what we do. It's what NYWC does!!

- jay

As we get started with the activities and fun of the national Youth Workers Convention (NYWC), i want to make sure you know about some great place to visit! From answers to your questions to connecting with youth workers in your home area to collecting some great ideas, here are 3 places you will want to make sure you check out while you're here this weekend!

So there you are, 3 places you will want to make sure you visit while you're here this week at NYWC! Be sure to check back right here as I share a few more places you won't want to miss.

​- jay

The theme this year is no secret. YS and NYWC have been working to engage youth workers for a couple of months now in pre-convention conversations all centered on the idea of what's BEYOND in youth ministry. The concept is to get youth workers talking about the ever-changing landscape of youth ministry, especially as we consider what's coming down the line in the years to come. The conversations will take us to places that, till now, haven't really been topics that have been tackled.

For example, science and faith. How do the two align? Do they align? And how does this conversation effect our students and the future of student ministry. While not trying to persuade anyone or force a doctrine, the hope is to simply start a conversation that leads to a better dialog between the two camps. I know as a youth pastor, questions about Creation, Genesis, Evolution, Adam and Eve, Dinosaurs, and the theories of a young earth vs. an old earth are some of the most asked questions I have had to deal with over the years. So I am very much interested in these conversations, and look forward to what NYWC is trying to do.

Aside from the opportunities to think outside the box of student ministry and into the places that go BEYOND what we are currently doing and thinking, many of your favorites are here! From speakers to exhibit hall, the Idea Lab to the book store, seminars to Big Room, Late Nights and of course, the YS Events booth, it's all here!

So whether you are on your way, getting ready to make your way here, or you're here all ready, please know, it's going to be a great weekend.

​We're here, we're ready, and we can't wait to see you!

- jay

Jay Higham is a 24 year veteran of student ministry; having worked with students in the local church and Christian camping settings. Jay is currently the Youth Director at Hickory Church, located in Western PA. Jay has been married to Amy for 19 years. Together, they are raising 5 kids, 4 boys and 1 little girl. You can learn more about their ministry to the family by visiting their family blog at, www.TheHighamFamily.com!