Here it comes, study leave 2012 and I can’t wait to get me “some learning” in Kentucky with the good people from Simply Youth Ministry.  Getting moments like this for youth pastors is very important.  Being together, recharging together, people that get the ministry.  We can all encourage each other, learn from each other, cry with each other (I’ve done it) and worship with each other.

Every time I go to any conference I have a short list of things that I really want to hammer out.  Learn more about, bounce ideas off others and Lord willing come back refreshed with some answers.   At the very least something to get my leaders fired up by recasting some vision in a specific area.

For me this year I want focus on 3 things:

3) I want to get exposed to new resources and tools for students ministry.  Some stuff for leaders so they can keep fulfilling their passion better.  Looking online is different that seeing and touching in person.  Asking real questions and getting real answers from either staff or other youth pastors who use it.  From curriculum to new hot new book my eyes are open.  Seeing new is always fun.

2) Since I’m traveling alone I want to try to have coffee from voices I don’t hear from all the time.  Yes main stage people sure are fun, but guess what; i believe that there is a youth pastor in iowa who is coming to SYMC thats in the same shoes I am.  I want to connect with them, Who ever they are….I want to bounce ideas with you and just let you know we are not alone.

1) The number one thing.  Guidance in my girls ministry.  Im a single youth pastor who is great with the guys and good with the girls and don’t want my ministry to be a boys club.  I have great female leaders, but vision and leadership leaks from the top, so how i am leading them matters.  I hear this same thing from other single Youth Pastors in my shoes so I know I’m not alone.  My ears are wide open,  I’m ready to hear ideas for making sure every students has repeated opportunities to hear who jesus is, that he loves them and wants to be in relationship with them.  Thats done by first agreeing “I don’t have every answer.”

So what are the 3 things you want to accomplish this year at the SYMC?