Every month I grab a bite to eat with my buddy Jay to talk about ministry, the New York Giants (which is a little painful right now), and everything else in life. We started this routine nine years ago with one intention: hold one another accountable to stay focused on Christ.
Jay is just one example of the many men and women who support me along the way. Alongside friends and family, I’ve built groups of people who walk with me both professionally and personally. It’s not about being social—it's because I’ve learned that balancing work and life requires a community.
If you’re in ministry, you need a support network. If you’re not sure what that looks like, consider:
Over the years, I’ve belonged to a variety of networks. Right now, I’m part of two official organizations: the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry and TENx10. Both have similar goals, but each introduces me to leaders and organizations that support and challenge my mission in different ways.
When I was in parish ministry, I was part of the Association of Professional Youth Ministers here in Baltimore. It might seem excessive to be plugged into so many groups, but for someone who gets tunnel vision, I need spaces where I can find solidarity and perspective.
If you’re looking for a network, reach out to your diocese or explore the two I mentioned. You’ll be surprised how much clarity comes from being around peers who “get it.”
Marathon Youth Ministry has an advisory team that meets with me every few months. Their job is simple: evaluate the work and help me see what I can’t see. I also connect with some of them individually between meetings for wisdom and grounding.
When I was in a parish, I had a small group of three people who did something similar. They weren’t there to critique programs—they were there to help me stay on task, give me space to process, and remind me what matters most.
When forming an advisory team, choose people you trust. You want to be challenged, but not in ways that shut you down. They should be people you can be vulnerable with because if you aren’t, they can’t help you.
Even with supportive friends, family, and advisory teams, I still need the pros. Over the years I’ve worked through deep emotional issues that required therapy. Getting help doesn’t make me weak—it makes me human.
Professionals help you tackle specific areas of your life with clarity. I have a spiritual director to guide my prayer life. I have a business coach to help me grow the organization. Even if you’re a volunteer, having an outside voice can help you navigate situations more intentionally instead of trying to carry them alone.
These professionals can also help you form healthier relationships with the people closest to you. Not because your loved ones don’t want to help, but because sometimes the weight is simply too much. If you don’t know where to start, talk to your diocesan office, your professional network, or reach out—MYM offers coaching as well.
You were called into ministry to accompany others in their journey toward Christ—not because they can’t do it alone, but because God designed us for community. As someone who walks with others, you also need people to walk with you. Ministry done together doesn’t just make us better leaders; it opens us to experiencing His joy more fully.