ABOUT

Having been in youth ministry for nearly 15 years, I have heard much about the value of relationships. That being said, the idea of “networking groups” sounded miserable to me. I envisioned rapid exchanges of business cards as each person tried to find as many ways as possible to get something from the other, leaving a relational vacuum. To top it off, I figured that a youth ministry network would add the constant competition of who had more students and flashier programs. How happy I have been to discover that I was wrong! [YLCo.] has provided a much needed safe space for those of us pressing on to take the gospel to teenagers in our city. Ministry can feel like an island at times and being able to show up for a few hours once a month with like-minded people to talk about God, our lives and our work can be the difference between burning out and finding the strength to endure.

[The Youth Leader Collective] has enabled me to make relationships within my area with other local Student Pastors. These relationships are crucial to me as I am able to lean on and learn from these other Student Pastors that are going through the same journey I am. Sure, every church is different with its own specific problems, but we are ONE body. [YLCo.] and the North Georgia Area Network that I am part of, makes it feel like we are ONE body more than any other area I have served in. I have an incredible respect for [YLCo.] and what they do.