New Year New Beginnings

As some of you know back in November 2016, I left my position as Director of Student Ministry at Church of the Nativity.  It was a difficult decision but one I knew I had to make.

To step away was a big decision (and a little scary).  Nativity had given me so many different opportunities and I am grateful for the investment they had made in me, but now it was time to do something different.

Over the last few months, I’ve been working a few new projects.  A few of them are still in development and I cannot wait to share them with you in the upcoming weeks; however, in the meantime here are 3 that I’m most excited about:

MARATHON YOUTH MINISTRY INCORPORATED

What started as a blog over a decade ago has now grown into an organization with the goal of helping parishes get better at reaching and investing in the next generation.  MYM Inc. will do this by providing:

• Professional development through coaching. For more on coaching click HERE

• Online courses for program development.

• MYM Huddles (Master classes based on certain subjects for youth ministers) to build community.

• Resource recommendations that have helped me as a professional youth minister.

Again, MYM Inc. is there to walk with you through the trenches as you reach more youth for Christ.

ST. JOSEPH’S PARISH, COCKEYSVILLE, MD

To make Marathon Youth Ministry successful I feel it’s important for me to stay in local parish ministry.  St. Joseph’s Parish in Cockeysville, Maryland is giving me the opportunity to do that.

In the last couple of years, this local church has gained a special place in my heart.  It’s where my son Matthew attends school and I love what they have done for him and my family.  I’ve also been intrigued by the vision they have set in place.

Right now their youth ministry is in a big transition period and I love the idea of working with their creative and energetic staff to reach the next generation.  It will also present two new dynamics:

• A school attached to a parish.

• A vibrant and growing Spanish-speaking population.

I love the idea of starting from the beginning and very excited to share with you what I learn along the way.

REBUILDING CONFIRMATION

On January 27th my second book Rebuilding Confirmation will be released into the world.  I’m excited about this book because I believe it’s going to create a much-needed conversation.  For too long Confirmation has been treated like a graduation.  You and I know it should be and can be so much more.  To pre-order your copy click on the button below.

A lot of changes already and more to come.  I can’t wait to see what God has in store for 2017.  And while there is change what you can still expect from me is content aimed at helping you advocate and grow your ministry.