Earlier this year I faced a health challenge that I had no framework for navigating…until I found an article online that led me to a facebook group for people who had experienced that particular health challenge. Before I found this group, I felt lonely and scared and lost. No one prepared me for the recovery period, and I had no idea if what I was experiencing was normal or not. Once I found the group, I began reading others’ stories and experiences, and I no longer felt alone. I developed a deeper understanding of the issues I may face in recovery and long term. My anxiety lessened, and I found a great source of grounding and comfort from the group.

I began the training/development part of my job in early 2021; as I began talking with people about what they needed, especially post-covid – the overwhelming response was connection. Two years later, this has not changed. A great deal of research has been done to explore the problem of loneliness and disconnection. People are writing books about basic social skills to remind people how to engage with other humans, because it seems that many of us have forgotten how to be civil, conversational, or empathetic. Mental health issues plague us, and our schedules rule us. We are overwhelmed, disoriented, and disconnected.

I formed the Youth Ministry Network in the fall of 2021 with a group of youth ministers who craved connection and who were willing to show up and willingly engage in conversation and story sharing with other youth ministers. I was amazed and incredibly grateful for their willingness to accept the invitation to be vulnerable with one another; their doing so opened the door for forming authentic relationships and increased our desire for ongoing connection. At the end of each gathering, we discussed what we wanted to do next; and we developed future network offerings based on the needs and wishes people communicated.

Over the past two years the network has morphed into ideas sharing, retreating, book reviews, and content creating. The newest additions are a learning cohort for new youth ministers, monthly in person meetups, and a Christmas party. The network continues to evolve as we welcome new people and as people communicate new needs/desires/struggles.

Much like the health issue support group I found, the Youth Ministry Network helps people who may otherwise feel lonely and isolated (in ministry) to know that they are not alone. We create space for people to share their experiences in ministry so that we can support and encourage one another. We share ideas and help renew one another’s passion for ministry. One person’s excitement for or fresh eyes on a topic helps another person see things in a new light. The Spirit is ignited and we are all connected through our love for journeying alongside young people.

I believe every person in ministry should belong to a network of others doing similar ministry. For at least a few reasons:

1. Perspective. Church work can easily seem like we’re in a bubble. That all the problems we’re facing are because of something that we are or aren’t doing (or, that someone else is or isn’t doing). When you participate in a network of ministry peers, you realize that most churches struggle with the same problems. And, you may even be able to share some unique ways of approaching them. This helps people not take things personally and encourages creativity and innovation.
2. Encouragement. Church work can be a thankless job. It isn’t a job – for many of us – it’s who we are; it’s what we’ve chosen to give our lives to. We often pour so much of our time and energy and passion into our ministry. Being part of a group of peers, we can encourage and lift up one another’s ministries and the unique gifts and talents we contribute to those ministries. This helps people feel valued and increases confidence for continued ministry.
3. Accountability. This is really an extension of #2. BECAUSE we tend to give so much of ourselves to our ministries, we need to be held accountable to caring for ourselves – body, mind, and spirit. We need to be reminded that our worth is not defined by numbers. We need the regularly scheduled meeting of our peers to remind us of all of the above – that we are not alone, and that we are uniquely and lovingly called by God.

All of these things can help prevent burnout and lead to more healthy ministers/ministries . So, call it ministry retention, professional development, continuing education, soul care, or whatever else you need to, but please – don’t do ministry alone.