What Should a Network Meeting Do?

Guest post by Mike DeVito from the National Network of Youth Ministries. Mike is a great guy who has a passion for networking ministries and doing outreach on the high school campus.

This is a continuation of yesterday’s post on 7 Things a Youth Ministry Network Meeting Must Have, where Mike discussed the components of a network meeting. Now he concludes with what a network meeting should actually do.

1. Give minimal time for those who have come to make announcements about events that they are sponsoring.  This has become the focus and sore spot for plenty of Networks.  Provide a Resource Table if possible.
2. Ask the group what kind of subjects they would find most helpful to be a resource to them, and who they suggest for speakers.  Only five to six speakers are needed if we provide other creative program ideas.
3. Creative ideas:
   • Panel discussion with youth workers’ wives
   • Student panels
   • Senior pastor panels
   • Times of prayer and sharing only
   • More ideas for topics in leadership and network meetings!
4. It’s time to have some fun! Local amusement facilities love to host youth workers. They want to show off their facilities, and frequently will provide a meal.

We have found the “Gotta Care” campaign from Youth for Christ can give a Network some real focus. The six disciplines can provide great meeting ideas. (Pray, Give, Read, Tell, Abide, Serve)

These have not only sparked great meetings, speakers, etc. but have also lead to citywide events.  For example, our local Bible bookstore hosted our meeting (Field Trip!) when the focus was “Gotta Read.” It was a perfect fit. They gave out a few freebies and a great tour.

This campaign can also be part of the focus for campus ministries, thus linking the city together for greater impact.

I believe that with good meetings:

• Stronger relationships are built.
• Youth workers are equipped with resources.
• Specific citywide strategic planning takes place.

We must not settle for the ordinary; our students deserve better!