SYM and Group team together to put on a world-class conference. I felt refreshed by the sessions and the workshops and walked away feeling like it was quality time spent with family.

Terrace Crawford

Most relevant educational and inspirational experience of my youth ministry career of 10 years.

William Berger

I wanted to cry after the first 5 minutes of the deeper learning track. God had answered my prayers. The session was exactly what I needed for my youth ministry.

Cheryl Wunderlich

SYMC 2010 was far beyond my expectations. Not only was it informative to build ideas and knowledge about practical ideas to create healthy student ministries, it fed me spiritually. I am going home with my mind expanded and my spirit renewed!

Heather Miller

Thank you for being the ministers to youth ministers. I hope that God uses me to fill up and love my teenagers that way I was loved and encouraged this weekend.

Lisa Schensted

Amazing conference with just what my wife and I needed. God showed up in BIG ways. My church finally paid for me to go to a conference and I'll go back home able to say it was worth more than they paid.

Travis Reynolds

An insightful, passionate, fun conference that reeks of substance and humility.

Mr. Bill

SYMC was so much more than I thought it was going to be- the speakers were passionate and full of God's truth to share with us; the deeper learning tracks were incredibly helpful and encouraging; the community was authentic and healthy for the soul; and the leadership was humble and excited. I constantly felt loved and appreciated and encouraged in a personal way, thank you for an incredible weekend SYMC staff and volunteers!

Mical Masterson

Best youth pastors conference of my life. I felt both equipped for ministry and healed for ministry/life all at the same time. Only conference I have ever seen/felt this accomplished at. THANK YOU!

John Challinor

SYMC offers youth leaders a chance to connect to others, learn, grow, recharge, and encounter Christ all over again. Meeting the 'giants' of Student Ministry in a welcoming and encouraging place allows for open and free conversation.

Marc Drooker

SYM is down to earth, Real! You feel a oneness actually we know it's the Holy Spirit. They are spot on with God and what scripture has to say. Each year my life is changed by what I learn.

Patty Hanson

I was blown away by the sheer excellence of the event. I am truly a small part of an amazing community who have the same passion with the best job in the world. I leave here challenged, edified, encouraged, and refreshed.

Sean Conor Anderson

One of the most practical conferences I've ever attended. Dealing with the whole youth worker, both spiritually, relationally, and practically

Scott Winethrom

SYMC has gone above and beyond to equip, train, and re-energize youth workers. They go ten times farther than anything I've ever experienced.

Brian Gulley

This was a great opportunity for me to connect once again with the two greatest loves of my life- my Savior and my wife. What an amazing time of refreshing and reenergizing for our ministry and us.

Derek Levins

I've been attending conferences for fiteen years and I have never experienced one that created as much of an authentically friendly environment.

Jeremy Lee

I came with a heavy heart and I felt like that man hanging on the side of a cliff. Spiritually and emotionally speaking, I was worn out. But this experience was revitalizing. I encountered God here and I allowed myself to be embraced once again. Thank you.

D.Philip Heckman

This conference reminds me and encourages me that I am not alone, my husband and I have a network of believers who understand us, are, and are alongside us in the trenches. This conference speaks to my heart, ministry, and life like nothing else. God's spirit is at work through the SYMC and we are so grateful to be a part of it.

Christie Kelly

I was asked by several people why I chose this conference to attend. My answer to them was 'This is a group of ministers who know how to minister to the hearts, souls, and minds of ministers.'

Becky Fischer

It was an epic adventure and I have been changed.

Gina Duncan

Incredible! The learning tracks are great, the knowledge and depth of the presenters is outstanding. Worshipping with 2500 other youth workers was amazing. Throwing paper airplanes in church -- awesome!

Scott Nichols

Great conference for Youth Pastors and volunteers alike. Awesome time of refreshment and refueling. I learned amazing tips, tricks, and tons about myself and the students I serve.

Becky Habegger

SYMC transforms the head, heart, hand and feet! We are equipped personally and professionally to bring this purpose to His people

Hannah Burkle

This conference focuses on youth worker's priorities. God-Marriage-Children-Ministry. So vital to surviving this 'job!'

Mindy Davis

I came uninformed about the 'feel' of SYMC. I have been awed by the humble hearts, genuine praise, and overwhelming helpfulness. You can't help but know you are in ministry together! May whole self was cared for spiritually. I will serve my youth better and live more fully in God's love.

Kirstin Shrom-Rhoads

Leaders are learners and SYMC provides unparalleled opportunity to engage in learning about areas that impact your life, family, or ministry

Jake Sorber

It's the one adult conference that I attend that starts out because of the spiritual reality that Christ still wants to work in us, and to go renew and rekindle the passion for youth ministry.

Cory Sullivan

It was a conference about us nurturing ourselves as workers for Christ and to teach us how to better lead, teach, and nurture our students.

Anne Norton

SYMC provided me with a chance to learn the latest tools, strategies and ideas to reach today's teens along with this, I cherished the opportunity to be here with members of my volunteer team and watch their passion for serving God take off.

Nate Taylor

This conference is dangerous. You will not leave the same as when you came.

David Morris

SYMC helped change my perspective on my call to ministry. I needed the encouragement and assurance that the Lord could use me despite my flaws. I was taught and reminded that I am the Lord's chosen servant and that He can and will use me as long as I am willing.

Ben Evans

I have never felt more blessed and alive as I do now on the last night of this conference. God has spoken to be and I am listening loud and clear and ready to react.

Julie Childers

SYM allows youth workers to connect, be trained, encouraged, and to be touched by God in a humble, warm, life-giving community.

Becky Carlson

As the spouse of a youth worker I felt so encouraged. There were others going through the same things I am, and it's so great to connect. A great weekend to be with my husband and get away from the craziness of everyday life.

Caroline Hutton

I came expecting to get my ideas challenged and refined. I'm leaving with my heart challenged and refined. I did not expect to walk away with such a burden for my students! Thanks SYMC for bringing me to a place where my heart felt something again!

Eric Hamlin

I was on the brink of quitting and leaving the ministry after 11 years and God moving through this event kept me going- hopefully for another 11 years.

Jeff Jackson

It was awesome, but, real, unlike any other conference I've attended finally a real life conference. Not hyped up about a famous speaker, but focused on God.

Scott Parks

It is so refreshing to be encouraged and appreciated. I truly believe that the SYMC team cares deeply for youth workers and desires to equip, encourage, and bring healing to them.

Jennifer Bast

I loved the openness of the speakers and performers to interact with everyone.

Daniel Bridges

Best time away for me and my husband to refresh, be encouraged, and learn more about how to go back to our church and be better at what we do.

Jean Reund

So refreshing, amazing, and incredible instruction. Spot on SYMC!

Beth Spizaray

I left my youth group feeling like I was the only one who cared and I'm learning here that there's an entire community who cares.

Brooke Denne

SYMC gives you the chance to go broad and deep, not just in training or ministry, but in God.

Beth Scriven

It was so great to be taken care of. The conference staff made this a fun weekend without any pressure

Lindsey Nuehring

Love the way weekend was intentionally programmed. How the theme of legacy was woven throughout weekend.

Jim Perry

Be prepared to be changed- rejuvenated, and excited about Christ.

Joy Livingston

Best training I ever had, by the most approachable trainers/leaders

Randy Muse

It's a place where you can come together with thousands of people that are doing the same thing you are. Together we worship, learn, and prepare in the furthering of God's people.

Brandon Stephenson

This conference is a transforming experience every time I have been here. This is my third time coming and it always gets better somehow. I experience God's presence every year. This is encouraging and empowering to go back into the trenches of youth ministry

Eric Bast

The conference is an awesome event to reconnect with Christ, others struggling, and receiving a renewed spirit.

Rebecca Feltner

It was exactly what I didn't realize I desperately needed. Refreshment, refocus, renewal, recharged!

Amy Hepler

I'm leaving this conference inspired, with renewed passion and greater understanding and a certainty that God has called me to youth ministry. I'm so thankful for this opportunity to gain knowledge from amazing leaders and I can't wait to live out what I've learned. I'm different because of this conference.

Megan Bagnall

It is a powerful conference to take you team to for spiritual refreshing and equipping. We bonded as a team and heard from God.

Carol Donsbach

A place for youth workers to call home

Amy Kollmeyer

I really had no idea what to expect for 2500 people; this was such an intimate Christ-centered gathering of totally committed lovers of youth ministry. SYMC, you rock!

Terri Anderson

This is the best youth ministry conference out there. I left feeling refreshed for this next year of ministry. I also learned some great things from the most-respected minds in youth ministry today.

James Galbraith

Simply refreshing and encouraging.   Oh, and the journal/conference guide combo was a GREAT idea and really quality work

Brad Neese

SYMC is the best youth ministry conference I have ever been to. I walk away with practical ideas from people who are living in the same contexts. Most importantly i walk away refreshed and refilled by Christ's love for me.

Elizabeth Loeks

Beyond simple information, the Simply Youth Ministry Conference is about transformation. I found my heart for ministry again.

Scott Pittman

Before coming, I didn't know if I could afford the time away from ministry. Now I don't know how I could not afford co be here and be re-energized for ministry

Pastor Norm Femrite

SYMC not only has changed my ministry for the better, but it has transformed my life. I am so thankful for how God has spoken to me this weekend.

Rachel Burns

Very intimate, all staff was very approachable. Great conversations.     No celebrities. We're all just family

Wes Ford

I loved going to SYMC. It was refreshing for my calling, my marriage, and my faith.

Kevin Punch

SYMC allowed my husband and me to get away from our jobs to focus on each other and our passion for young people

Allison Punch

A quality, top-notch training event for all youth workers.

Kelly Cacnahan

The depth of caring that the organizers showed to each other spoke volumes about their work; their actions emphasized their message.

Jenn Cox

I came to SYMC feeling under qualified and overwhelmed. This conference had helped me see that not only am I not alone in feeling like this, but I also realized that without putting my full trust in Jesus that I will always feel under qualified and overwhelmed.

Amber Dougan

It was a great experience in which I felt both challenged and encouraged to grow as a person, a pastor, and a leader.

Neal Peterson

Amazing conference with many options of great depth. The most encouraging thing I've seen in a long time.

Matt Murray

Great blend of inspiration, knowledge and fun. A warm and friendly place in a big city that brings me to a better place with Jesus.

Eileen Lurvey

I love you guys.

Paul and Amy Bonner

SYMC has recharged me and refueled me so that I can go about leaving the legacy I want to leave.

Darcy Dickerman

It was a very valuable experience for me, grounded/humbled me, and reminded me who is in charge of my ministry...not me! It also gave me direction to find a healthy balance between life and ministry.

Amy Beck

I was encouraged and empowered by the workshops I attended. I was thankful that the Youth Pastor's wife was not lost in the mix, but ministered to directly.

Megan Witek

It is a very fun, relaxing atmosphere that is comfortable for youth workers with 0-100 years of experience in youth ministry. It is such a life giving time of worship, learning, and acting like a middle school kid.

Jathaniel Cavitt

This conference is so practical and the personalities are so down to earch. I've been in youth ministry thirty years nearly and I learned a lot and met some great people.

Grant Byrd

SYMC allows youth workers to be themselves, all the while developing their abilities to more effectively communicate Christ's love.

Jona Kelly

This conference offers you something, no matter what size church you are at, what your budget is, and how many kids you have. We all have the same struggles and you find that you are not alone. I feel strength in that!

Barry Sharp

Much needed soul care. A conference for youth ministry people by youth ministry people who truly care about each ministry. They spoke directly to my soul this weekend, exactly what I needed to recharge my batteries.

Ben Halsch

I have grown so much in these four days. I am no long an island, I have found a community- a family of people who are like minded. I wish I would have been able to attend a week prior to accepting the ministry!

Amysara Richardson

By far the best gathering of people who are fueled by the grace of God to help heal a hurting generation. We'll always remember the lessons and love that I felt for my brothers and sister. Will be back for sure!

Jeff Kincaid

SYMC is a wonderful chance to fellowship with fellow youth ministers. It is a time of healing, of camaraderie, of joy, and reaffirmation. It is great solace to come together as a united calling.

connie Schaible

A great chance to remember why you care so much about youth ministry.

Ryan Schaible

Prepare to be amazed

Amanda Frame

This is my fourth year attending this conference and I can honestly say it is the highlight of my year! I go back to my church renewed, refreshed, educated, and on fire to continue in my ministry! Praise God for SYM and Group for this amazing experience.

Emily Heckman

Great time to meet friends old and new to know I'm not alone and to feed off the energy of 2499 other crazy, passionate youth workers.

Beth Hill

No matter how you feel about youth ministry when you come, you will leave with purpose, direction, encouragement, and excitement.

Janice Yoder

One of the best experiences of my life.

Justin Dougan

The humility and affirmation of the leadership and staff is a great example, encouragement, and inspiration

Joanna Maart

A conference that is not only exciting and engaging, but life-changing

Bronc Woodrott

It provided a wide range of options for people in all circumstances. There was definately something for everyone. And the resources were unlimited.

Stacy Hoover

Not a conference. The overwhelming with General Session, training, and entertainment. One that focuses on community, rest and truly getting to know people, you and God.

Kenneth Parker

Great opportunity to be reminded that there are all these other youth workers who understand all of your frustrations, hopes, fears, and dreams.

Sarah Smith

I feel this was an awesome learning and growing experience. I wasn't sure I could be refreshed and educated at the same time. I have seen God in a "new" beauty this weekend.

Angel Strik

I came on my own this year…next year will be trying to bet others to come.    I see my ministry through different eyes and I can't wait to put what I learned into practice.

Cheryl-Lynn DeGraaf

Simply, an amazing experience

Amy Thompson

SYMC was probably the best youth ministry conference I've been to- both in quality of content and in approachableness of presenters. Even other attendees were open and friendly. It was an overall great experience.

Teri Buehler

It was awesome! A great time to be refreshed encouraged, not just as a pastor, but as a person.

Sam Boone

It's a place where you learn, laugh, and are loved.

Jason Underwood

Ahhh...

Dan Sterk

My youth ministry tank is full for the year- now that's great mileage!

Keri Early

I came alone, but never felt alone.

Joe Thompson

I came to SYMC exhausted, worn out, and ready to give up. Through workshops and speakers, I was able to refresh and find my passion for youth ministry again. I thank you and my kids thank you!

Kim Dearborn

Every year God exceeds my expectations!

Amanda Payne

It's amazing and encouraging to see so many people who love teens

William Witters (Wil)

This is an event put together with you (the youth worker) in mind. A time to renew, learn, and live a life for Christ.

Jamie Johnson

Thank you for the love, preparation, and time you all put into this weekend. I leave here refreshed, enthused, and better equipped for life and ministry.

Sandra Yerian

God has really blessed me and slapped me upside the head when needed.

Ken Vanderlugt

Our time at SYMC is the highlight for my wife and my ministry year. It refreshes us to go back to our town and pour into our teens and leadership team.

Paul Spittka

It was amazing! It helped me learn but also helped me personally with my walk with the Lord.

Dawn DelleDonne

It is a great time of connectivity with God and other youth leaders. It is my yearly refreshing period.

Dave Jones

Being surrounded by thousands of youth workers every year, I am refreshed and encouraged to be my best.

Shane Smith

It is as necessary as air to energize your batteries if you are going to have a ministry that is authentic. SYMC does that for youth workers.

Tammy Olmstead

Amazing conference that had drawn my wife and I closer to the Lord.

Travis Williams

It's a much-needed time to stop, refocus, and connect with Jesus and others who love Him and students.

Jimmy Donaruma

I felt like I was alone at sea. SYMC not only threw me a raft, it helped me climb back in the boat, pick up the oars again, and find the strength to paddle forward. It inspired me to feel buoyed up for another year! :)

Leigh Kossman

SYMC leaves me on the verge of tears and laughter in everything they present. It's the one place that the common under seen youth worker gets a voice and gets to be part of the conversation of youth ministry.

Dave Grigoletti Jr.

I was blown away with the sponsors, fun times, and great worships. Great time to be ministered to as a youth pastor without doing youth ministry.

Steve Wolverton

As a seminary student learning about the academic side of youth ministry, this conference is the perfect supplement to my classroom education. The comraderie with other people who have a passion for Youth and young adults is incredible.

Julie Stecker

It helped open my eyes to some things I needed to see about my ministry and myself.

Nathan Reynolds

This conference is so great because you can just see the genuine love and passion that those who put it on have in their hearts and minds. It's contagious!

Jenny Garner

It was an amazing time of worship and growth. Tim Timmons is GREAT!

Krystal Smith

This conference reminded me that I don't have to "grow up" I can be me and love kids and leave a legacy.

Lori Canaday`

"Pretty much the best conference ever!" -Napoleon Dynamite :) Wonderful, Relational, Casual, Friendly, Helpful

Kevin Mahaffy

If you have hit a creative wall, this conference will help you renew vision and refocus strategy in creating space for God to bring Kingdom change.

Andrew Breton

Just an amazing time to be filled up and set free to lead and love our teens and parents with joy again!

Heather Windeler

Not just a conference to be equipped to do ministry, but a conference that ministers to your heart.

Adam Reyes

An amazing place to grow in understanding

Chris Tabone

It's about relationships. It's a huge conference that makes you an an individual feel worthy to reach out and connect on a personal level in ministry

Anita Hahn

SYMC... the place to learn, live, love, and let God work on you.

Jacqueline Wesley

As a new pastor's wife, I learned, was supported, and encouraged in my faith, my role in ministry, and how to love my husband.

Erika Reyes

Excellent resource to expand you view on youth ministry and an opportunity to grow as a believer as a leader and to be encouraged by others who have gone before us. (Hebrews 12:1)

Kathryn Adams

Excellent teaching, great worship and community, just an awesome overall experience.

Ryan Place

This weekend is about intentional youth ministry- no matter your role, volunteer, staff, part-time, full-time, and learning to love God and like kids even more.

Elisabeth Pynn Himmelman

SYMC was about so much more than Youth Ministry. For me it was a personal experience and I'm forever changed because of it.

Candace Miller

It's a great place to be reaffirmed that you are wonderfully weird as well as get encouraged that you are not alone in this crazy but wonderful calling.

Kristina Gehman

This conference was such a great value and experience. Quality, depth, and energy!

Ron Warner

A great time to get away, get before God, and be exposed to many helpful resources in youth ministry.

Dustin Halen

It's not a conference; it's a community of youth workers sharing their hearts and ideas with each other.

Mike Kupferer

Exciting time to get away from the everyday business of life and have time to listen to God and use what you learned.

Kara Hann

This is a MUST ATTEND event! The renewal is well worth it and the training is priceless!

Laura Hannah

This weekend has been like a breath of fresh air for me. Sometimes we get so caught up in our ministry it can feel like we're under water for too long. This has been an eye opener and helped resurface me up for air. SYMC helped me remember why I do what I do and I’m not alone!

Shauna Brown

I loved the relaxed schedule and the opportunity to spend time with my family and to learn in workshops. Tim burns was my favorite! What a dynamic group of youth worker giants! Thank you for everything!

Breena Schermerhorn

Great conference, overflowing with training opportunities.

Scott Cumberledge

SYMC is an opportunity to be refreshed and reequipped for ministry. It allows you to worship, not work, and learn with others who share your same passions. It allows you to be both broken and lifted up

Chelsea Mock

Reaffirmed and reminded me of my calling when I was doubting myself.

Lauren Surprenaut

This conference is refreshing, relaxing, challenging, and personally life-changing. I have some away with many ideas I want to implement into our ministry and feel recharged and ready to hit the ground running. I can't wait to come back next year!

Jenn Piatt

Best experience of my life!

Brieanna Lee Fitzgerald

SYMC is for those what work with youth. New, old, intermediate. Great value for the dollar. Should be part of yearly growth plan.

John Summitt

I love to learn I love to grow I love to be inspired I love Jesus I find that all at SYMC

Kendra Kendle

A great conference to laugh, learn, have fun and be refreshed in your calling as a youth worker.

Adrian Laveaga

What a great learning experience! I feel empowered to go back and make some changes to help improve the ministry God has given me

Matt Barcalow

It's an amazing conference that connects with the average youth worker, allows for spiritual renewal along with providing encouragement, new ideas, and comfort to know we are not alone.

Stefanie Montgomery

I feel the love

Brandon Best

A chance to connect with other youth workers, deepen your knowledge of youth ministry, worship God, celebrate successes, commiserate in failures, and have a rockin' good time. SYMC's got it all.

Michael Caldwell

This conference gave me hope again

Chris Carpenter

These people are real. It's awesome to know that people here are reachable.

Richard Kendle

SYMC was an uplifting informative event w/friendly people who all are crazy in love with the Lord and the kids.

Mary Boggs

SYMC was the perfect place to get away, unplug, and fall in love with God and youth ministry all over again. I'm refreshed, renewed, and re engaged. Thanks SYMC!

Jay Higham

What a great time to reflect on and nourish our constantly giving of ourselves. Great conference.

Janell O'Leary

SYMC was a big reminder for me that God is moving in so many people's lives in so many different ways, and that I am a part of something bigger than myself.

Michael Davis

I feel this was an awesome learning and growing experience. I wasn't sure I could be refreshed and educated at the same time :)

Angel Strik

I came feeling like my job had eaten my life and left knowing God has given me the gift of abundant life wholly consumed by God.

Elizabeth Bjorling

So much to learn. I found connection, communication, clarity, and community. I appreciated that not only did you have training, but also provided soul care and networking to help me realize I'm not the only one with obstacles in ministry

Mary Trousdale

Absolutely the most inspiring, informative, warm conference. All of the speakers were phenomenal! General sessions awesome!

Terry Daly

SYMC is a must-see and do for every youth pastor and leader. Every church should make it mandatory.

Tim Hill

I receive a lot, get refreshed, and feel like I get to contribute. It's that personal.

Craig Maart

I was moved to greater intimacy with Jesus I learned principles for more efficient ministry and I was refreshed. What more can I say?

Reggie Nichols