director’s report october, 2010 rev. todd buegler
elca youth ministry network - director’s report october, 2010
Dear friends and colleagues, Greetings! I am very excited for our time together. Thank you again for all of the time and energy that you put into the Network. Table of Contents: 1. The Box Scores 2. Extravaganza 2011 3. Thrivent Fellowships 4. Extravaganza 2012 and 2013 5. End of the Year Financial Report 6. An Initial Budget; 2011-2012 7. The Youth Gathering; 2012 8. Standards and Guidelines: Volunteers 9. Standards and Guidelines: Congregations 10. Future Board Meetings 11. Connect Journal 12. 3rdTuesday Conversations 13. The Gathering in the East 1. The Box Scores As I mentioned at our May meeting, our Network membership numbers were down to around 460. This was due to the effect of the economy on congregational budgets. I mentioned that our numbers would begin to bounce back after Extravaganza registration opened July 1. We expect this number to keep increasing through the fall.
Date:
Membership:
October, 2005
676
October, 2006
562
October, 2007
647
October, 2008
716
October, 2009
603
October, 2010
551
2. Extravaganza 2011 I am really excited about this year’s event. There is a good “buzz” that I’ve heard, and I expect our numbers to be “up” from the 2010 event. We’ve seen signs of increased interest, and as a point of reference, at the end of Sept. 2009, we had 7 people registered for the Charlotte event. As of Sept. 20, 2010, we have 82 people registered. Now that may not mean more people overall...perhaps people are just registering earlier. But we are hopeful. The program for the 2011 Extravaganza is going to be, I think, very strong. The E-Team has done a tremendous job with ICC’s, speakers and workshops. What I find really amazing is that while 4 of us from the team did meet at the hotel site in Kansas City in the spring, the full Extravaganza team never met face-to-face for this cycle’s event planning. This was in an effort to save money. We used our online tools to do almost all of our work. 3. Thrivent Fellowships We continue to be very excited about the Thrivent Fellowships for Extravaganza 2011. Our team (Janet Renick, Beth Smallbeck, Aaron Tidwell and Amy Wagner) did a great job creating the matrix of “tables” for the Fellowships. We had 76
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elca youth ministry network - director’s report october, 2010
individuals who had never been to the Extravaganza apply to receive Fellowships. The Thrivent funding allowed for 54 Fellowships to be funded. The “tables” we will have include: Children’s Ministry (2 tables) Ministry in a collaborative/multipoint setting Ministry in a small congregational setting (2 tables) Ministry in a large congregational setting Ministry in a congregation experiencing conflict We had intended to have a table for those working in multicultural settings, but didn’t have enough people apply to make a table happen; another sign of the importance of our connecting with those communities and the work of the Vision 2.0 team. Those who applied listing “Multicultural Ministry” as their first or second indicator were all awarded fellowships and were placed in other tables so that this would still be a part of the conversation. Each table with have 8 participants, plus a member of the Fellowships task force and/or a Thrivent representative. The recipients will have breakfast together on Sunday morning of the event for an opportunity for intentional networking. 4. Extravaganzas ‘12 and ‘13 We are booked back at the Sheraton Hotel in New Orleans for the 2012 event, to again align ourselves with the site of the ‘12 Youth Gathering. Since we last met, we have signed a contract with Hyatt in Orange County/Anaheim for the 2013 event. My goal is that we stay 2-3 years ahead in our planning cycle. We will begin working on the 2014 event this winter with hopes of having a contract signed shortly after the conclusion of the 2010 Extravaganza. Hopefully, I’ll be able to announce the 2012 event theme at our meeting at Wartburg. As an aside, we have received a commitment from Bishop Mark Hanson to be with us at the New Orleans event. (we ask for him every year and are glad to take him whenever we can get him!) 5. End of the Year Financial Report We are grateful for God’s continued faithfulness and for the good work and support of God’s people. An end of the year financial statement is included as an appendix to this document. You will see that we finished the year in the black. While I wish that we had a deeper cushion at the end of the year, I am grateful for the cushion that we do have. As I have spoken to leaders of other church related non-profit organizations (outdoor ministries, resource providers and para-church organizations) everyone is struggling, and many finished their years out in the red. 6. Budget 2011-2012 I have attached a tentative budget for the 2011-2012 year (beginning July 1 of 2011). It is presented not for voting, but as information and an opportunity to ask any questions. I will take input from our conversation and present you with a budget to pass at our January meeting. While there are a couple of small changes that I will highlight in our meeting, you will see that generally, it is a conservative budget, very similar to the 2010-2011 budget. 7. The Youth Gathering: 2012 In the past, the Network has been asked to be present at the ELCA Youth Gathering to provide “The Academy”, which has been (sometimes) a set of workshops on youth and family ministry for adult leaders and (always) the “Oasis” room as a place for adults to decompress at the event, as well as other “support services” (computer support...new resources...coffee...group 3
elca youth ministry network - director’s report october, 2010
troubleshooting...etc…) We will (I believe) continue this role as we move towards the 2012 Gathering. However we have also been asked to take on an additional role. There are 3 distinct program “days” of the Gathering. In 2009 these were the day of service, the day of learning and the day of the interaction center. In 2012, these days will change to the day of “Justice” (service), the day of “Peacemaking” (learning) and a new day, the day of “Public Voice.” On this new Public Voice day, groups will be linked together by synods to have some time to work together on basic issues of faith and discipleship, focusing on how young people can use their voices to both speak their faith, and to call out when there is injustice. Much of the focus on this day is actually going to happen before the Gathering, training adult leaders to have these conversations with young people in their own communities. Because this training and preparation aligns so well with the mission of the Network, I was asked to work with and assist Catherine Anderson, who is the team leader, putting this day together. Much is still up in the air as the Gathering is still in its early formation stage. However there is a meeting Oct 20-22 where hopefully much of the detail can be developed. For the Network to be more firmly connected to the DNA of the event is a wonderful gift to the organization. I think opportunities will happen to connect with more adult leaders, to provide more support, and to create new capacities to strengthen what we already do. I will definitely keep you ‘in the loop’ as this process moves ahead. 9. Standards and Guidelines: Volunteers A first-draft of the Standards and Guidelines (hopes and expectations) for volunteers was released to the Network 2 weeks ago for public review and input. Tammy Jones West, with input largely from the SYMBOL Network created this document. Our hope is to initiate public discussion (mostly online) and bring an edited version to the Board for possible approval at the January meeting; or to do public discussions about it there with approval happening at our May meeting. I think that our method will depend on the quality and quantity of the public discussion that happens between now and then. Please take a look at the attached document. 10. Standards and Guidelines: Congregations One piece of feedback I’ve heard over and over as we have worked through the process of developing “Standards and Guidelines” is the need for “Standards and Guidelines for Congregations” for how they connect with and support professional and volunteer adult youth ministry leaders. While these may be more general than “salary guidelines” because of regional differences, the people I’ve hear from have spoken about the importance of being able to point to a resource from a “third party” that will help set them up for success in a congregation. So I’ve been initiating some conversations with people about how we might go about adding this in to our Standards and Guidelines process. I would love to get the input and feedback of the board. 11. Future Board Meetings We are scheduled to meet at the Extravaganza, beginning at 1pm on Thursday, January 20th. We will meet that afternoon and through dinner time, and again on Friday from 9am until noon. We will be meeting in the “Executive Board Room” at the Hyatt—Kansas City. We are scheduled to meet on Sunday, May 1-Tuesday, May 3 in Chicago at the churchwide offices. We would begin with dinner on the 1st and end with lunch on the 3rd. 4
elca youth ministry network - director’s report october, 2010
12. Connect Journal We continue to get very good feedback on the Connect Journal, and the advisory team has been meeting monthly (online) to do its work looking at themes and articles. We would like to increase the ad revenue for the journal to further offset cost to the Network. We are also investigating/wondering about doing the Journal in an online format. When we started, we did a survey and the membership overwhelmingly preferred a “paper” version of the journal. We have been also putting the journal online as a downloadable pdf file. But we also know that the world continues to change and perhaps the membership is more open to an online version. Last spring we did another, more extensive survey and are processing that information now. With the fall, 2010 issue, we have also moved the online version to a “blog format” that allows for comments. We are also investigating other versions that might better serve our members (one of which I can demonstrate when at our meeting.) I have attached the results of the survey to this document, as an informational piece. 12. 3rdTuesday Conversations Our 3rd Tuesday Conversations have continued to be good events. Attendance and participation has varied widely, with as many as 65 and as few as 12 on a call. But the feedback has been great for this relatively low-cost resource. Dannica Montplaisier has done a great job giving it primary leadership. We are now developing a team to work around her giving more guidance and support. The calls have been available to Network members. Julie gave a great suggestion last spring that we are going to follow-through on: Our November 3TC will be open to anyone, whether or not they are a member. Our guest that month will be Dr. Kenda Creasy Dean. We hope the exposure helps give a boost to Network membership. 13. The Gathering in the East The Gathering in the East appreciated our logistical support this last year. They have asked for similar support this year. They are looking at a significantly different (and downsized) event from previous years, being held at a church. We will again host their event web site and handle their online registrations. In conclusion This is a good time to be the Network. Thank you for your leadership role within the organization. Your vision and wisdom is appreciated. Please continue to pray for our churchwide organization during a difficult time of transition. By the time we meet, we should know more about what’s going on there. I suspect it may have implications for the Network as a primary partner of churchwide youth and children’s ministries. Peace,
Rev. Todd Buegler Executive Director
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ELCA Youth Mninistry Network Budget 2011-2012 Fiscal year: July 1 2010 - June 30 2011
Income: Item: Membership Dues Orginizational/Institutional Gifts Individual Donations Extravaganza Income Network Partnership Income Connect Journal Advertising Misc Income Gathering in the East Total
09-10 Budget $ 63,750.00 $ 46,000.00 $ 22,500.00 $ 165,000.00
09-10 Actual $ 41,984.56 $ 31,160.29 $ 8,064.61 $ 140,464.32
10-11 Budget $ 40,875.00 $ 30,000.00 $ 10,000.00 $ 145,000.00 $ 6,000.00 4,090.00 $ 5,000.00 $ 2,000.00 3,661.10 $ 2,000.00 229,424.88 $ 240,875.00
$ $
5,000.00 2,000.00
$
$
$ 304,250.00 $
11-12 Budget $ 42,000.00 $ 30,000.00 $ 10,000.00 $ 145,000.00 $ 7,500.00 $ 5,000.00 $ 2,000.00 $ 2,000.00 $ 243,500.00
Expenses: Item: Staff Salaries Board & Facilitators Meetings Other Meeting Expenses Business/Operational Expenses Regional Networking Member Recognition Extravaganza Connect Journal Vision Team Development Council Online Training Expenses Shipping costs Misc expenses Repay the Savings Account 3rdTuesday Conversations Gathering in the East
09-10 Budget $ 35,000.00 $ 30,000.00 $ 4,000.00 $ 15,200.00 $ 4,500.00 $ 2,400.00 $ 165,000.00 $ 11,000.00 $ 2,000.00 $ 2,000.00 $ 20,000.00 $ 3,500.00 $ 1,500.00 $ 5,000.00
09-10 Actual $ 32,925.66 $ 17,597.69 $ 164.23 $ 9,581.03 $ 165.99 $ 1,887.75 $ 136,989.25 $ 6,976.00 $ $ $ $ 2,487.30 $ 2,176.44 $ 10,000.00 $ 147.29 $ 3,661.10
Total
$
301,100.00 $
224,759.73 $
236,700.00 $
Profit (Loss):
$
3,150.00
4,665.15
4,175.00
$
10-11 Budget $ 35,000.00 $ 20,000.00 $ 1,000.00 $ 10,000.00 $ 4,500.00 $ 2,000.00 $ 140,000.00 $ 10,000.00 $ 2,000.00 $ 2,000.00 $ $ 2,700.00 $ 2,500.00 $ 5,000.00 $ 600.00 $ 2,000.00
$
11-12 Budget $ 42,000.00 $ 20,000.00 $ 1,000.00 $ 10,000.00 $ 4,500.00 $ 2,000.00 $ 140,000.00 $ 10,000.00 $ 2,000.00 $ 2,000.00 $ $ 3,000.00 $ 2,500.00 $ $ 750.00 $ 2,000.00
$
241,750.00 1,750.00
ELCA Youth Ministry Network Hopes and Expectations for Volunteers The Goal: To set a high standard of excellence for all adult youth and family ministry leaders. Introduction “It’s fine if we have deficiencies in our skills. It’s not okay to stay that way.” - Anonymous Excellence. Members of the ELCA Youth Ministry Network believe that all adults who work with young people within our congregations deserve excellence in the ministry in which they participate. We believe that it is imperative that congregations fully support this ministry. We also believe that the heart of any ministry with young people can be found in the work of volunteers. It is vital that congregations support adult volunteers and provide them opportunities to grow in their faith and their skills. These “Hopes and Expectations” are not intended as a “check list” towards completion, or a certification, but rather a set of core competencies and best practices essential for the development of adult volunteer leaders. Of course, we know that “context is everything” and that these hopes and expectations will be adapted for each setting. But we also are firmly committed to the heart of the expectations: that empowered by the Holy Spirit, adult volunteer leaders will strive for excellence in the work that they do with young people.
DRAFT 1.0
These Hopes and Expectations will never be complete. As our work, our culture and our ministry continue to evolve, we will continue to review and adapt this document. Skills for the Journey: It is our expectation that an adult who works with youth would model a faithful life including being active in the worshipping community. On that basis, we offer areas to deepen our faith and our skills as we walk together. I. Theological Reflection It is our expectation that adult volunteer leaders are equipped to engage young people in conversation about their faith. To be able to do this, adult volunteer leaders should be attentive to their own faith. Specifically: 1. Adult volunteer leaders should strive for a deepening understanding of : a. Our Lutheran theology and how it is shared b. How Lutherans understand and interpret the Bible c. The Bible and ways to share the stories 2. It is vital that adult volunteer leaders maintain an active worship life, including Bible study, participation in congregational worship and other opportunities for the community to gather.
II. Youth and Family Ministry Skill Sets All of these areas are valuable to effective youth and family ministries. These are not in any particular order but a listing of areas that would be valuable when working with young people. A congregation should prioritize the areas for their context that would be most helpful and should work with volunteers in a gift assessment process to determine in which areas a volunteer should focus: 1. Human and faith development of children 2. Human and faith development of youth
3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13.
Human and faith development of family systems Christian education ministry Retreat/outdoor ministry Intergenerational ministry Spiritual gifts assessment Marking faith and life transitions and/or milestones Youth leadership development Spiritual and faith practices including worship, Bible study and prayer Mission/servant events and cross cultural training Integration of Children, Youth and Family Ministry into the life of the congregation Awareness of when to refer a young person to someone else and to whom
There may also be specialized skills based on your context that could include: 1. Outdoor Ministry 2. Campus Ministry 3. Confirmation Ministry 4. Counseling and Conflict 5. English as a Second Language 6. Strategic Planning III. Safety We believe that it is important for adults working with youth to have a basic awareness of keeping our young people safe. This should be done in partnership with congregational leadership. 1. Initiating best practices that keep young people, your volunteers and you safe 2. Developing and implementing policies and programs that are legally sound for your state 3. Sustaining screening, training, policy development, and supervision 4. Excellent, appropriate, and available referrals for professional help for youth and families
DRAFT 1.0
IV. Administration Skills We believe these are helpful skills to have in order to function well in an organization.: 1. Volunteer support, recruitment, training and evaluation 2. Finances: fundraising and budgeting (being aware of the process for your congregation) 3. Working with a team 4. Communication skills including print, internet, social networking, etc. V. Support and Learning for a Lifetime Personal growth is important to the development of the individual in any ministry. We believe that this growth happens within the framework of personal renewal, continuing education, and networking and support. We believe that a congregation can support its volunteers through continued training in these areas: 1. Maintaining annual membership in the ELCA Youth Ministry Network 2. Participating in one ELCA Youth Ministry Network Extravaganza or other quality continuing education event at least every three years 3. Participating in other annual continuing education 4. Coaching or mentoring relationships 5. Networking with other Children, Youth and Family Ministry leaders 6. Intentional connection with synodical Youth & Family staff where available
Standards and Guidelines Team: Tammy Jones West, AIM; Team Leader SYMBOL Team
Connect Journal Survey Results: Total invitations sent: 470 Total responses received: 116 Response rate: 25% (approx)
Question 1: Do you read the Connect Journal when you receive it? Yes 97 83.6% No 19 16.3% No response 0 0%
Question 2 (for those who answered no to #1): Please check reasons you do not read it: I don’t have time to read it 11 I’m not interested in the theme 1 The articles don’t engage me 3 The articles are too theoretical 0 The articles are too practical 0 Other 4 (see below for entered results)
68.7% 6.2% 18.7% 0% 0% 25%
Answers to “other” from #2: I do glance over it and file for future reference It gets set aside in a pile to read and I never get to it. I don't take the time. want to, hasn't been high enough priority yet
Question 3 (for those who answered no to #1) Please give any input/feedback on how we might be able to make the Connect Journal more useful for you: I think the information is relevant...I just don't do well reading magazines I get in the mail. I haven't been receiving it long enough to know how it may be more helpful. Sorry! I really enjoy the articles when I do read it. I just get so busy and it gets lost in the stack of papers on my desk. N/A Can't really think of anything that would. Nothing. I like the content, layout and information. Time is my only barrier to "connection". I can't think of specific ways. When I do have time to read it, it seems very well put together. Your emails suffice. I do read those. They are awesome. The Journal isn't necessary. Put your money into the electronic connections.
There's nothing else you can do. I think the journal is a wonderful idea and I save all of them hoping I will have time to sit down and absorb all the information in them. I think it seems like great articles. I just haven't had the time to get into them.
Question 4 (for those who answered “no” to number 1): If the journal were presented in an electronic (.pdf) format (instead of printed & mailed), would that make you more or less likely to read it? More likely: 10 8.6% Less likely: 5 4.3% No response: 101 87% Comments: Perhaps I would be more likely to read it, but I just simply need to schedule the time to read it, whether it is in hardcopy or pdf form. I like to have the copy in my hand. Maybe it is a generational thing, but I truly don't like viewing things (like journals/articles) on the computer. Don't really know for sure...it might depend on whether the pages are too large and you have to switch back an forth on the page? When I have time to read anything, I still like to hold it in my hand. I know this is not very eco-friendly, but I still like to read things I can touch, pick up when I'm able and share with others. I like the brief emails like you already send. I don't like to read more in depth articles online as I'm on the computer way too much. I don't tend to read online articles all that much If it's in my inbox or even better via an RSS feed, I'm more likely to look
Question 5 (for those who answered “yes” to number 1): Please check the types of articles that are the most helpful or interesting to you:
The feature articles: The Bible studies: The devotional/spiritual articles: The news pieces from the Network: The “Parenting Perspective” column: Bill Bixby’s column: Interviews: The master calendar: George Baum’s column:
69 46 46 39
82.1% 54.7% 54.7% 46.4%
34
40.4%
31 27 25 21
36.9% 32.1% 29.7% 25%
Comments: Cover to cover Articles on the main topic are the most interesting and most useful. I appreciate the sound theological angle which the journal provides that many other resources don't include.
I really find it all quite good ~ but those would be my top 3. I like the fact that it is a small and highly useful publication. I usually just skim the articles and read further if something catches my attention. I actually only read the journal sometimes, when I'm not pressed for time. Looking at this list, I can't really think of what I usually read. I just skim it and whatever catches my attention that day is what I read. I'm not aware of all these articles. I will have to look closer to find them. Each issues has something worthwhile to read and absorb. Overall it's a great journal. would like to see something from the biship
Question 6 (for those who answered “yes� to #1): Overall, on a scale of 1-10, how would you evaluate the value/usefulness of the Connect Journal?
Average score: Number of responses: Comments: Very solid and useful I wish there were more program ideas in it and more info on family ministry. Journal needs to continue to be "meaty." Sometimes it feels more fluffy and less practical. Example: The notion that we need to be welcoming vs. here's how you can be welcome. The idea of excellence in youth ministry vs. here's a list of places you can continue your education and what it does for you professionally. The point I'm making: Ensure that articles are less theoretical and more practical. it is great to have a resource relevant to my employment practices, frustrations and needs. Honestly, nothing about it has stuck in my head. I guess that says something. It is a good resource, but is not the one I would point to as my first resource. I find it helpful and I like to stay connected to the wider youth ministry world It would be helpful to have more practical ministry tools. Maybe a game/activity that has been meaningful with youth to share for others to use or something more practical. It is a good piece, but seems wasteful of funds. We don't need hardcopies of this. wish it were bigger I skim it, but I generally find a lot of the youth ministry blogs out there to be more helpful than the Connect Journal. Just doesn't seem as comprehensive or as deep as some of the other youth worker magazines, and the layout/design doesn't seem as compelling either. I don't think I apply much info from it into my work. But sometimes it just feeds me as a christian working in the church, and that's good, too. The journal is a good size. It's not overwhelming where I might need multiple sessions to read through it. But it's not lightweight either. The articles are useful, thought provoking and helpful. could have more info and articals
7.0 84
Question 7 (for those who answered “yes” to #1): If the journal were presented exclusively in an electronic (.pdf) format, how would that affect your use of the journal?
I would be less likely to read it/make use of it I would be more likely to read it/make use of it It wouldn’t change my use of the journal No responses
23
19.8%
18
15.5%
43
37%
32
27.5%
Comments: How about both? Perception of quality of the journal would likely go down if it were electronic only. While it is far cheaper to produce, a simple PDF file could be perceived as "cheap." Would instead suggest a more sophisticated way of presenting the materials, such as a "flip book" used by many retailers who publish their weekly adds online. See www.staples.com for an example. I usually carry it with me so when I have time in between appts. etc. I read it I would still read it - and would probably print a copy as well. It's not my preferred way to receive it - but if sending electronically frees up Network funds for other great ministries then I say go for it. I would probably end up printing it out to read it - I like being able to take notes on it, and usually read it in the car or on the train when I'm out of the office. I do appreciate the financial strains of producing the print copy, but really value receiving it in the mail. It's also easy to pass off to another colleague or make a copy of a pertinent article. it also becomes a table ornament and a give away, i like the printed format. If there were a subscription option that included a paper product and an electronic element I would subscribe. How linked into the web, other sites, other articles and magazines would it be? That might up my chances of using it. Often the journal is something I take with me in the car or read when I have down time. When I'm at my computer, my attention has to go elsewhere. Love all things digital. It would save you on printing and postage, and people understand in this day and age, that doing things digital is good for business. It is also easier to show others when it is digital (ie laptop, iPhone, etc). Tough one for me... I like on-line stuff a lot, but there is something about the written word and being able to put my hands on it. Especially when there might be something I want to use. There is so much on-line stuff now, that I can sometimes overlook it. I look forward to receiving the journal on my desk. I think a PDF would be better because it would be keyword-searchable and I could save it to my computer instead of figuring out whether to keep a hard copy amid all my other papers. Still would probably just skim and read deeper if something seemed really compelling. Like the idea of being able to link to a website from a PDF, though. Just be sure to consider page design in light of how people read electronically (which is different from how people read printed pages). I would enjoy the ease of a PDF for office use. However, I've found with
Connect & others (YouthWorker Journal, Relevant Magazine) that if I have a hard copy to mark and make notes on, I retain things better and am more likely to pull it back off the shelf for future use with kids or adults. Not a fan of .pdf files. Would rather see it as an RSS feed on a blog, or some other sort of easily accessible medium. It might make it easier to find the articles that I didn't realize exist. i like bouth formats i like the hard copy so i can use intill it falls a part. the digital copy is great after the hard copy is gone Getting an email from you to let us know it's available would help me use it.
Question 8 (for all who took the survey): I do well with books and devotionals for Bible study. I meet monthly with a spiritual director and would highly recommend that. There are resources about spiritual directors online, but I don't know the sites. many and they are in my "favorites" list on my computer. How about a listing of excellent resources on the Network website....starter....more advanced etc. Group mag, ys website podcasts Everyday life...stories Books, journals, blogs are all resources I use. + Taking Faith Home from Vibrant Faith Ministries + Group Magazine & Children's Magazine from Group Publishing + Working Preacher podcast from workingpreacher.org n/a churchmarketingsucks.com website/blogspot Websites and books. group magazine johnathans resources faith lens frome the ELCA CPYU, Simply Youth Ministry (and podcast), Interlinc, etc. textweek.com workingpreacher.org ted.com Books. Henri Nowen's daily devo delivered electronically. a daily devotion featuring music by Ken Medema: http://www.d365.org/todaysdevotion/ LifeLong Faith Journal produced by John Roberto Yes, but I do not have a list right now. Mags: Youth Worker, Group Mag, Fast Company Blogs: Erik Ullestad, Jake Bouma, Mark Oestreicher, Seth Godin, YouthPulse, Chris Brogan, Fast Company, Church Marketing Sucks, Adam Walker Cleaveland, ChurchCrunch, Eugene Cho, Donald Miller, Jon Swanson, Sojo, YS Other: TED Talks, Pew Research (Religion; Internet & American Life), TrendCentral Mars Ill Podcast (Grand Rapids, MI), Union Seminary podcast As mentioned, YouthWorker Journal and Relevant Magazine in addition to the network site.
the usuals, Group and Youth Specialties books, youth ministry.com,etc etc D6 devotions Vibrant Faith Ministries This is the only resource I currently recieve. I'm not aware of other sources. yes i do feed://feeds2.feedburner.com/PrayingTheMystery feed://www.alban.org/rss.aspx feed://feeds.feedburner.com/ARE?format=xml feed://toolboxforfaith.org/feed/ feed://donmilleris.com/feed/ http://seedstuff.blogspot.com/ http://www.rethinkingyouthministry.com/ http://blog.tonyj.net/ http://www.sarcasticlutheran.typepad.com/ http://wildgoosefestival.wordpress.com/ Center for Parent and Youth Understanding
Question 9 (for all who took the survey): Thank you for all that the Network does! Keep up the good work! I really think you should go green and electronic! Enjoy the journal and am glad the YM Network is producing it. It becomes a tangible, non-Extravaganza way for people to connect with the organization. I REALLY value this resource, and would be willing to increase my Network dues or pay separate for the subscription. Also, I don't know if group subscriptions exist, but I would be willing to learn about getting a group subscription for other church/Synod leaders. love it! n/a Do you have any suggestions for making more time in the day? Ha! Thanks friend! include games and expiential worship too none Thanks for surveying us! Ultimately, I think either an electronic format or a more robust blog/YMNet site with the Journal content would be more valuable. Even though it would be available to non-members, it may help raise more awareness about the Network and ultimately draw more people into community in between Extravaganzas. nope Thank you for all the network does! It is an amazing organization for connecting with others around the country! Good Luck! Thnk you for your ministry! More practical ideas and stories would be helpful. Also a more diverse range of authors and contributors. I love what the Network is about and I'm glad to see that y'all are exploring ways to make what the Network does relevant to practitioners. God bless you in your ministry efforts on our behalf.