All month long, we have been focusing on the function and significance of small groups for the development of your students and as a way to track their engagement within your ministry.
But it doesn’t stop there.
Small groups, life groups, or discipleship groups are not just good for your students.
You need community too.
Where can a pastor find a real community?
One of my greatest joys of the last 5 years—and what will undoubtedly become the passion and legacy of my life—is helping ministers connect with other ministers for their health, wellness, and longevity into ministry.
Healthy ministries flourish where healthy ministers lead them.
Youth Ministry Booster started because of a relationship and it is growing because of relationships. The culture and community of Booster is not just something I like doing, it’s a passion because I believe in its capacity to help ministers fulfill their calling.
Your Calling Demands Community.
Telling ministry leaders they need community is not new, but it is worth offering the reminder.
Last month at a conference I heard one of my leadership-heroes talk about the importance of the 6 folks you need in your life. As a champion of ideas and leader of leaders it was affirming to hear him tell the room that the next chapter of his life will be making sure that leaders not only have the info they need but the support as well.
People are starting to take notice that ministers without support often shipwreck ministries.
You Need A Community Of Support, More Than A Groups for Ideas.
Ideas, best practices, and hacks are always changing. Community is an anchor to help hold you fast through the changes. Your role will change (or maybe it already has), your place to serve will change (or maybe it already did), your zest for doing the work will wane (reach out before you empty!); but your need for an intentional, collaborative and caring community will not.
May I share with you why I think Booster matters so much?
Intentional- Why Ministers Become Members
One of the most important features of Youth Ministry Booster is that we are deeply intentional. Every new season, each new month, for all of our mastermind groups the conversations are rich because they are well-planned.
When ministers become members they are matched to a Mastermind group equipped with monthly guides and an amazing host. Our hosts are fellow youth ministers and volunteer rock stars that make Booster happen. They are the men and women that are serving in their local church and also carve out some time to give back to their cohort, to you.
It’s a powerful distinctive and one that I can’t shout loud enough about! It is not enough to just be in a group, it takes intentionality and planning to propel you towards health!
Collaborative- People who understand your context
One of the things I am most proud of is that we put youth ministry leaders in groups that are immediately helpful because we match them by their experience and context. You aren’t just in a group of other ministers, you are matched to a group of ministers that have a shared level of experience, context/church size, and are asking some of the same questions you are asking. It creates space for members to share openly, honestly, because there is a starting level of understanding. Everyone in your group is called to ministry and in a similar situation as you.
Available- Because you are busy and community can’t wait
One of the things that holds most folks back from connecting more deeply with a community of leaders is the question of when? When will we all get together? We are all busy, “when are we ever going to make the time to get together?” Since 2016 we have found that online tools can be useful for building relationships and intentional community. Last year we had over 44 groups meeting at various times morning, afternoon, and evening. If you have 90 minutes a month we have a group that will fit your availability. Full-time, part-time, or volunteer if you are leading out in student ministry we have a cohort of fellow ministers that want to come along and support you!
The Season For Leading Healthy Starts This Summer, Signup Today.
Summer is our open signup to join Youth Ministry Booster and it is our prayer that after a pandemic year of exhaustion and isolation that you would take the time and make the investment in your ministry by investing in yourself this year.
Don’t insulate or isolate yourself from intentional, collaborative, and caring community. One of the best things you can do for your ministry and be faithful to your call is invest the resources and time in finding health for yourself.
If you have any questions or want to learn more you can visit https://www.youthministrybooster.com/
Or text Zac & team @ (844) 604-0163
Prayers for your summer, friend. Sometimes it is the busiest seasons that reveal our greatest need for support.
This content was written by Zac Workun. Zac serves as the Student Ministry Training Specialist for Lifeway and is one of the co-founders of Youth Ministry Booster. He has served the local church in various youth ministry roles for over 15 years.
