are you connected?

I was thinking the other day about how lonely ministry is, or can be... and I wanted to know from some of you if you are spending any of your time in connection with other youth workers/youth leaders/youth pastors on a regular basis. Youth ministry is a tough "calling" and many of us fall into the trap of "going alone" for the journey. Why do we do this? For some of us, we are control freaks and things have to go our way; we do not need anyone else's opinion or ideas about what we know will already work. For some of us, we believe we are too busy with our ministry to students that we do not have the time to connect with another youth worker in our area for prayer or networking. After all, we are volunteering our time and our time is precious. What about those of us who are afraid of the unknown... we fear the other youth group in our area because of its size, its purpose, or its denominational/non-denominational affiliation. Many of us just want someone else to make the "first move" to invite us to a network meeting; then, we'll be fine.

My fear is that we are not connected because of our "busyness" and no one wants to take the time to get a youth workers network going in the community. In many communities, there probably is not a strong network of youth workers who meet monthly for prayer, encouragement, support and tips and tools to a better youth ministry. I wish it were different, and I am praying that it is different where you do ministry. I pray that if you are not connected to a network, God will give you the courage to find one or start one! Our ministry to students may be struggling because we are struggling. Make time to connect... connect with Jesus in some quiet time; connect with family and friends who provide encouragement; connect with another youth worker who shares your passion for students. Connection will be the life-giving air you're searching for today! Peace