What Are Connect Groups?Connect Groups (formerly known as Affinity Groups) are casual, small group-style gatherings led by in the trenches youth workers…a simple, comfortable way to connect with others in similar ministry or life stages for conversation and make genuine friendships with others who share your passion.
Why Do Connect Groups Exist?
A core value of the Simply Youth Ministry Conference is that relationships are essential in ministry, including relationships with ministry peers. Five years ago we sought to create conference where the conversations that took place OUTSIDE the classroom were valued as much as the material being taught. We gathered a few couches and Sack Chairs and offered intentional space where youth workers could be renewed by the encouragement and ideas from the thousands of other youth workers sharing this weekend together. Today the friendships and conversations continue!
Are Connect Groups For Me?
Connect Groups are great for people who are here alone, or if you’re interested in meeting new people and being inspired by ideas and encouragement from people who “get” you. It’s okay if you’re shy or introverted—Connect Groups offer a safe, welcoming environment to hang out and be known! And you don’t have to attend every meeting. Stop by and hang out any time!
When Do They Meet?
Coming Soon!
Where Do They Meet?
Just look for the cluster of Sack Chairs! You’ll see signs where Connect Groups have taken over the Sack Chairs—grab your lunch and wander by to check it out! More info Coming Soon!
Over 18 different Connect Groups to choose from and more to be announced...
Led by Steve Schneeburger
Are you looking to connect with others who are excited and passionate about their call to youth ministry, yet feeling a little disillusioned with working in a church? Well, this is the group for you. You are not alone. Join forces with others who are feeling the same way. Be prepared to be encouraged and energized to stay true to your call!
Led by Bill Freund
This Connect Group is designed for those youth workers who have been serving students for 10+ years and have experienced the “good, the bad and the ugly” of youth ministry. If you have (or want) to move beyond the “bells and whistles” and want to passionately pursue health for yourself, your family and your ministry (in that order), this group is for you.
Led by Brian Ford and Shan Smith
Are you entering into a new season of ministry? Maybe you’re leaving one area and beginning in another. Whether by choice or circumstance, this group is designed to give you a chance to chat about how to transition into a new ministry and leave gracefully. Change happens. Let’s help each other do it well!
Led by Jay Higham
We know that life can present some unique challenges for us. Sometimes positive events, other times painful ones. Ailing parents, newlyweds, loss of a child: these events can significantly mark our lives, and we cannot ignore them. If you find yourself in a “milestone” chapter of life, this may be a great place to love and be loved on.
Junior High Ministry Connect Group
Led by TBD
So...do you have student ministry for middle school kids all figured out yet? (Me neither!) Let’s try again...how’s your understanding of junior high youth? (Seriously, I can hear you laughing.) Come and join other youth workers who love this amazing age group as we share stories, ideas, insights, tips, challenges, and more!
Led by Drew Aaron and Jacob Taylor
We’re a community of individuals that have been called to help senior high students to navigate the treacherous waters of high school, to coach them in their relationship with Christ, and to be capable of doing so with a mouth full of marshmallows. We’re called to shepherd, and to manage risk. We’re all about sharing our stories, concerns, laughter, prayers, and dreams about this crazy calling we have. Welcome.
Led by Mike Hammer
Are you serving in ministry with the special challenges of a rural community? Find you don’t have all the things to do like youth groups in the big city? Do you have to get creative to make things work for people who are spread out over a broader area? Then this Connect Group is for you!
Led by John Mullholland
Small church youth groups need love too! Small church settings have their own particular dynamics, yet what you do is JUST as vital to the Kingdom as big church’s youth ministries (with bigger budgets). Join our affinity group as we listen, share, cry, laugh, pray, eat...hang on for dear life!
Led by Justin Dougan
First, THANK YOU for being a youth ministry volunteer. You’re the backbone of any healthy youth ministry. Two quick rules for our group: #1: You’re never allowed to say the words “I’m just a volunteer.” And #2: There won’t be any assignments or homework. SO join us to get refreshed, share our joys and vent our struggles, and gain valuable insight into being the best servant of God that we can be.
Led by Jana Snyder and Dana Schmoyer
Life can be crazy being married to a youth pastor! Luckily, I’ve had some wonderful mentors and friends who are on a similar journey and have a great sense of humor. Join other wives of YP’s in this community where we can visit, laugh, and encourage each other even though our stories are different.
Led by Joel Snyder
Married to a youth pastor and she’s a woman? Wonder what other hubbies experience with wives in youth ministry? This affinity group is for you! Joel Snyder, group leader, is both the husband of a youth pastor and a youth pastor himself, so he sees this dynamic from both sides. Guys, come and hang out for listening and learning.
Led by Rebecca Hug and Katie Jackson
You don’t have to be married to be an effective youth worker. But being a single youth worker can present its own set of challenges. Come and share conversation with others about how to be a good leader while handling the unique situations that come with being single in ministry.
Led by Rachel Burns
Must I be a feminazi to prove my worth in God’s mission here? Do I have to play piano and lead worship in order to cut it as a “real” woman in ministry? How can I be effective if my husband isn’t inclined toward serving in youth ministry? Let’s talk about these and anything else taking up “plate space.” Whether you’re single, married, mom or not, and in youth ministry, we’ll meet and talk through the conference.
Led by Paul and Sandy Spittka
Some couples have one spouse involved in youth ministry. But not you. Both of you are involved in ministry! This group is all about sharing how to balance being great at your role in ministry while also being great at your role at home. Come share and grow from the stories and experiences of others.
Led by Andy Disher and Geoff Stewart
Calling all Canucks. It is our time to stand - heads raised, Canadian Flags waving in the wind and any other cliche Canadian stereotype you can think of. Simply Youth Ministry is reaching out to all of our friends north of the 49th Parallel. Being led by two great SYM friends - Andy Disher (@andydisher) and Geoff Stewart (@geoffcstewart)- we want to meet with you. From B.C to Newfoundland, there is a place for you at the Simply Youth Ministry Conference. Be sure to stop by our Connect Group (located right next to the Bookstore), grab a Canadian Flag pin, and begin new friendships with fellow Canadians. We're meeting on Friday, Saturday and Sunday Lunch.. and any other time we want to. Be sure to stay in touch, watch the "information board" and keep an eye out for "Canada!"
Led by Shawn Stewart
International youth workers span the globe reaching and encouraging young people with the gospel of Christ. Ministry can be lonely enough, but when you're all over the world--often in another culture, the need to connect with other youth workers who understand you is a key to ministry survival. Join this Connect Group for this much needed face-to-face time with other youth workers as we share experiences and encouragement related to our cross-cultural ministries.
Led by Meghan Gillis, Dave Shuman and Len Kageler
Hey, we’re excited about connecting! We’re going to have three official meetings…Friday 4:30-6pm, Saturday 1:30-2:30pm, and Sunday 1:30-2:30pm. We’re going to have some surprise visits by “main stagers” in our sessions but mostly we’ll get together in small groups to get acquainted and compare our thoughts about the conference. Students will lead the undergrad small groups, and professor-ish people will lead the grad school groups. AND YOU GET PAID FOR COMING! Come to all three sessions and you’ll get a $15 certificate to spend at the convention store. Yagottalikethat! Join the group on line (Facebook group) and in person at SYMC!
Led by Leneita Fix
We work in the city, often in some of th most poor and depressed communities that America has to offer. It can be tremendously rewarding, and it can wear us down. In the ever-changing world known as “Urban,” sharing best practices, relevant resources and our stories is necessary for Kingdom expansion. Come hang out and we’ll “chop it up.”