Jana is a dear sister in youth ministry and the Smaller Church Youth Ministry? Affinity Group Leader? at the Simply Youth Ministry Conference late February ’10. Jana will be leading with me in my “Thriving Youth Ministry in Smaller Churches” conference track. I am SO proud to post a? message from her!

Have you ever gone to a conference and felt like you were lost in the shuffle of thousands of other people that are doing the same thing as you, but somehow in the midst of it you were unsure of how to connect or who to try to connect with?? That was my case….I worked at a small church in Central PA and as much of an outgoing person that I am I went to many conferences and felt overwhelmed by the vast number of people that were there.

? Several years ago I went to my first Group/Simply Youth Ministry Conference and I was blown away by their “Conversation” set up.? They offered several affinity groups so you could connect to people that were in your same situation, whether it was women in ministry, small church ministry, veterans in ministry, plus so many more.

I was able to connect and build lasting friendships with people who were also there by themselves working in small church ministry.? It was life giving!? I left feeling like I wasn’t a number but I was a valuable part of the ministry team all over the world, working together to share Christ with students.

If you are going to the conference this February (if you aren’t you should consider it, it will be the best investment you can make) please consider checking out the Small Church Ministry Affinity Group which I will be leading.? I am so excited about the conversations we will be having!? Also take a moment to go to symcconnect.com – to join our online community!? Hope to see you in February.

Jana Snyder