Why The Type Of Network You Are A Part Of Matters

Every year our church hosts the Matter Conference and one thing we encourage is networking.  The problem that many people face is not knowing who to network with.      

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If you network with the right people it will help you. You network with the wrong people it could pull you down.  Networking is necessary; but, it’s not always easy.  Some of the reasons we don’t network are because:

• We’re Too Busy
• They Can Be Filled With Angry People
• We Don’t Want To Seem Incompetent

The truth is you need to network because it’s an INVESTMENT IN YOUR LEADERSHIP.  But finding the right network is challenging because not all of them are effective.  When looking for the right network be sure it’s a place where you can:

VENT YOUR PROBLEMS AND BE CHALLENGED TO OWN THEM

There are times when youth ministers need to lament and sigh.  Youth ministry is messy because it’s a part of a spiritual battle. Being heard is so important to your spiritual and emotional health.  

But, it should not stop there. Make sure it’s a place that will challenge you to own the situation.  When a community is filled with problems and no brainstorming it can become poisonous to your health.  A healthy network will accept you with love and then challenge you to grow.

GROW IN WISDOM AND KNOWLEDGE 

There are so many different ways to tackle the next generation.  Being a part of a network is a place to learn new strategies.  Find a place where people are creative and willing to think outside of the box.  

If possible connect with someone who has been in the trenches for a while.  Seek out their wisdom and allow them to mentor you. When you have a network that offers insight and wisdom it gives you a resource that books cannot provide. (More on thinking outside of the box here)

EXPERIENCE SOLIDARITY

Leadership can get real lonely. (For more read here) Other youth workers get it.  Find a community that will walk and pray with you through the times that are good and the times that are hard.

To fully benefit from a community make meeting a regular occurrence.  However, do not feel the pressure to plan.  A main part of a network is to just build relationships.

BE REMINDED OF THE WHY

It’s easy to lose sight of our purpose.  This can happen when we get caught in the hype and the hardship of youth ministry.  Other men and women in the field will remind you why what you do matters.  They will encourage you to connect with God when you feel lost.  

Once you know what to look for in a community it’s important to:

• Pray For The Right People. You will meet other youth workers; however, connecting with the right one is so important. Find people who are encouraging and empowering.

• Calling Around The Community. Even if it means going outside of your denomination start meeting people for coffee or a bite to eat. You can’t wait for them to come to you.

• Attend A Conference. Yes it costs a little money, but the relationships you form are worth the price. Most of the times these conferences provide networking opportunities.

Be persistent and continue to connect with other youth workers.  It will be so fun it might not feel like you are doing your job.  The truth is that you are making a huge investment in yourself.  When a leader is healthy so is his ministry.

[reminder] What networks do you belong to and how have they benefited you?  [/reminder]