An Open Letter To Youth Workers
Hey there . . . It’s me, Andy. For some of you reading this right now, I don’t need to introduce myself. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting you in person over the last few years. (And I mean it when I say it, it is a pleasure to know you.) For the vast majority of you whom I have not met, I’m the guy who leads all of our content creation here at ym360. (Nice to meet you. You look great by the way. Is that a new shirt?)
Why the introduction? I’d like to ask for three minutes of your time for a little heart-to-heart chat.
If you’re reading this, there’s a high likelihood that you are one of the youth workers who makes up the ym360 Community. One of the greatest privileges we know is getting to partner with you to help you lead students closer to Christ. And I mean that with all my heart.
Daily, weekly, monthly you stop by the blog, share a post on Twitter, leave a comment on Facebook, or call or email us. You purchase our Bible Study resources. You attend a training workshop. You put our free stuff to use. Daily, weekly, monthly . . . tens of thousands of you.
My point in mentioning a number is not to boast, or to express any sort of satisfaction whatsoever. My point in mentioning numbers is simply this:
You are one of a dynamic group of individuals who are lead by a common purpose to come to this place and interact.
What is this common purpose? It sure as heck isn’t ym360 or the ym360 Blog. No, the purpose that draws you here is (thankfully) much greater. The purpose that has drawn this community together is a desire to see teenagers experience life transformation through an ever-deepening relationship with Christ. I think this purpose is as important now as it has ever been . . .
I believe the cultural landscape our students currently find themselves on may make developing a meaningful faith as challenging a prospect as it has been in the history of being an American teenager.
Now, I’m no alarmist. I believe too strongly in the power of the Spirit and in the power of the Church. I’m also no expert (far from it). But I am a sponge. I soak up as much pertinent research about culture and young people as I can; I seek out people much wiser than me to listen to what they say about spiritual formation; and through meaningful relationships with teenagers I listen to what they deal with . . .
As a result, I’m 100% convinced that as the people tasked with leading students in their spiritual growth, we must make some changes to the ways in which we go about it.
Which brings me to the real purpose of this heart-to-heart. I want to ask you a favor. I’d like to ask your permission to work through some of these questions here on this blog. Out loud. In the open. Together.
Why do I bring this up? It’s simple, really. I don’t have the answers. Heck, there may not be any one person that does. But I think that WE, this strong and dynamic community of youth workers, can move the conversation in a really great direction.
But that means we’ll need to push and pull on each others thoughts a little. It means I might put some thoughts in front of you that aren’t perfectly formed. I might not ask the right questions all the time. And I might propose some solutions that miss the mark. But I’m willing to think out loud if you’re willing to engage in a conversation about what needs to happen.
You are the ym360 Community. You have a tremendous amount of knowledge, experience, and passion. I believe together we can ask the right questions. And I believe together we can meet the needs of a changing culture with the timeless and powerful truth of Christ.
I’m looking forward to it . . . Glad we had this talk.
Andy Blanks is the co-founder of youthministry360. Andy has worked in youth ministry for 13 years, leading small groups and developing Bible study resources for several organizations. Andy is a volunteer youth leader with his church’s youth group, leading small groups, and speaking and teaching whenever he gets the chance. Andy blogs about discipleship and spiritual formation daily at andyblanks.com.
Let’s talk!
I know you’re on board, Franco! I’ve got a few posts in mind that will start trickling out soon. Excited about the discussion.
Would love to join the conversation!
Consider it done, Joshua! I’ve got some thoughts in mind I’ll be pushing out really soon. Looking forward to engaging with you. And thank you for being part of the ym360 Community.
Are you buying the coffee or should I?
If you’re passing through Birmingham, Troy, it’s on us. (We have an incredible local coffee roaster!) IN fact, next time we’re close to you, it’s still on us!
Thanks for stopping by.
I’m in!
I’m in! I would be honored to be a part of that conversation.
Brian, you got it. I have a post cooking for next week that will get us started. AND, I haven’t forgotten about your email/DM. Look for a response today! Thankful to know you, friend. God Bless!
I’m new, but I’m in! Let’s talk!
Jeff, New is good! Thankful for your voice.
Sounds exciting. Let’s get started.
I love it, Gary. Look for a post next week. I have some thoughts I’m ready to pitch out.
Let’s talk.
Great, Steven. Glad you’re on board!
Do yo accept Brits in this conversation? Haha!
Only ones that profess their undying loyalty to the Boston Red Sox. Deal?
Hey, another Brit. I’m on board with the discussion and maybe we could start one of our own.
.
The more the merrier, Danny! (And you’re in good company with Phil. He’s one of the best!)
You know I am on board.
Counting on it!
Count me in! Let’s talk.
Good, Ben. Looking to launch a starting point very soon.
Hmmm…maybe some female perspectives?
I’ll happily offer mine…
Rosemary, Mos def! I have three daughters so my entire world is a female perspective! And I don’t mind one bit.
Staying tuned. Count me in.
Counted, Andy! Look for a post very soon. This week hopefully.
I am new also but would love to be a part of the discussion. Too many times it’s like we are alone having to try to figure it all out.
Yes, Robert! And one of the reasons I put the letter out there was because we also feel like we have to have the answers before we put anything out there. I don’t want to try and come up with answers on my own. I want US to do it. Look for the first article soon.
I think a major place to start is engaging and equipping Christian parents to take the biggest role in raising their kids for Christ. We should teach and pastor, but allow and help parents (who usually care more and have more time with their kids) to take the main role.
Couldn’t agree more, Christian. Just saw a study last week that confirmed what I heard Josh MCDowell say a few years ago: “The generation gap between teenagers and parents is as wide as it has ever been. Parents don’t realize how wide it is. But their teenagers do.” too important not to try and address it. Look for a post soon on this.
Can’t wait to take this journey with everyone.
Yes! I was hoping to have the first real point of discussion up today, but we’re going to print with a really cool new resource. I’ve been swamped! It will be next week, for sure.
Also new. Also female, mom of 4 girls. Fairly new as a middle school worker. But totally pumped to be serving in this way!!
Hey, I’m also new here, but can’t wait to start this journey together! Thanks for the opportunity!!!
I am new and female also. I have thaught adults for many years, and have now been entrusted to teach the youth, so I feel unequipped, like a fish out of water. I need all the help and guidance I can get. I expect to be blessed by participating. Thanks!!