A core value of the Simply Youth Ministry Conference is conversation and connection. We imagined a conference where attendees from similar ministries could easily maximize ideas and relationships with others in a casual small group format.

 

Affinity Groups are optional small-group style conversations for people in similar ministry situations, led by seasoned youth workers who serve as mentors for each group. Affinity Groups typically meet at the same location (usually a sack chair pod) at various times throughout the conference. Affinity Group locations, meeting times and discussion topics are clearly posted every day.

 

Nope. It’s casual and open, just stop by and check out an Affinity Group anytime—no one is taking attendance, and everyone is welcome! Affinity Groups work best for people that have come alone or in pairs, so if you’re with your team (or your spouse) use this time to connect and debrief on your own. (pun intended)

Christian Educators Affinity Group
Led by Chris Yount Jones
Leadership can be lonely, and this affinity group is uniquely designed to connect those who lead and direct Christian education—whether as a children’s, youth, or adult minister—in their church. This is the place to talk about how to find, motivate, retain, and encourage volunteers, how to develop leadership philosophy, and how to improve your leadership skills and style.

 

Led by Dare 2 Share
This group will be all about sharing ideas of how we can best aid students in fulfilling the Great Commission: using the creativity that God has given us to think of ways within our communities, to step outside the box, and meet people were they are at.

 

Led by Jason Carson
This affinity group is a forum for discussion about values of worship and challenges that youth worship communities face. Some of the subjects we’ll be looking into include what a worship leader needs from a band, what a band needs from a worship leader, creating a lifestyle of holiness, and building authentic community with your youth teams.

 

Led by Jeff Berger
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 Brandon Early
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 affinity group is for you!

 

Led by Reza Zadeh
You don’t have to be in college ministry for long to understand there aren’t very many resources designed to help in day-to-day college ministry. We also quickly realize that it’s difficult to connect with others in college ministry to bounce ideas, get new ones, or just hear about what God’s doing in other ministries around the country. Join us for a time of Q&A, brainstorming, and simply connecting with others in the college ministry world!

 

Led by Danette Matty
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 Amanda Maguire
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 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 Vince Beresford
This affinity group is designed for those youth workers who have been serving students for 10+ years and have experienced the “good, 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 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 Jim Liebelt
Months of sleeping on the floor. Eating two lifetimes of pizza. Preferring “overnighters” to “all-nighters.” Trying to figure out how to age gracefully and stay effective as a youth worker at the same time. If these items ring familiar and you would like to hang out with others in the same season of life and ministry to gain some needed encouragement and perspective, then the Youth Worker Age 40+ Affinity Group is for you.

 

Led by Jeff Maguire
Being the point person of a youth ministry of 100+ students carries with it some unique challenges and circumstances. In this affinity group, we’ll connect with others who are in the same boat. Chances are there’s someone who’s gone through or is going through whatever it is you’re facing as a leader.

 

Led by Jana Grant Snyder
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 Jeffrey Wallace, Chris Brooks
We work in the city, often in some of the 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.”

 

Led by Travis Whittaker
Life and ministry are full of transitions. From starting a new position to leaving one, welcoming new students or saying goodbye to graduates, navigating newly hired pastors, or balancing a family. We’ll wrestle with the effects of pre/present/post transition, listen to one another’s experiences, and seek biblical encouragement for dealing with transition.

 

Led by Guy Wasko
No doubt one of the most exciting, living on the edge of your seat, CRAZY and risky endeavors in life is to start something from scratch, especially church planting! Now there’s a spot for those starting a youth ministry from nothing! You are some of the true heroes of youth ministry, and this group will tell you you’re not alone, support you, help you wrestle with questions and prove that you really are as crazy as you think you are—but we’re in it together!