Stephanie CaroMore PostsI need to pick your brain…about volunteers

I’m preparing for my track at the Simply Youth Ministry Conference in two weeks. Each day this week, I’d like to gather data from you so I provide what we need the most. Answer as much or as little as u want.? Just answer in the comments;? doesn’t matter how big or small ur ministry is.

1) What’s your current ym cvolunteer situation? (how many, adults per youth, etc.)

2) What do you need to know to help your volunteers be/do better?

3) How do u utilize ur volunteers?

Stephanie Caro

Thriving Youth Ministries in Smaller Churches at SYMC, 2/26-3/1

TagsComments 31 View Comments February 8, 2010

Stephanie CaroMore PostsFrom my friend, Jana Snyder

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

TagsComments Add Comment January 23, 2010

Stephanie CaroMore PostsNeed a conference but no finances?

There is NO line item in my church’s youth ministry budget for training of any kind. Is yours like that? Yet, its the small church part-time or volunteer youth worker who needs a great youth ministry conference the most. Group’s Simply Youth Ministry Conference is the end of Feb so how can we make this happen for you?

1) Register by 1/27 to for the advanced savings rate.

2) Email me at theemqueen@aol.com for special denom savings codes.

3) Go to the SYMC? web site and look for a roomie. Seriously, four to a hotel room is pretty inexpensive.? ? A four people to one shower ratio is? WAY better? than any youth trip. ?

4) Ask church members for miles for a plane ride? or gas cards for the drive. (BTW: there is a free hotel shuttle? from O’Hare to the hotel).

5) Check to see if your denom has any special grants or scholarships.

6) There are people in your church who would love to put money into a pot to help you be a better youth director.

7) Bring PB, bread and a ziplock bag for snatching up any free food you can find.

I hope to see you there!

Stephanie

TagsComments Add Comment January 15, 2010
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