Building a Youth Ministry Network

I'm part of a group of youth leaders/pastors that meet the second Tuesday each month.  We usually have a short devotional from one of the leaders.  We eat lunch, I like that,  it's a bring your own lunch event.   We share ideas and discuss youth ministry.  We also share prayer requests.   Every youth leader should be part of some sort of network with other youth leaders. The support and encouragement is great as well as getting good ideas.

Barriers to forming a network:

1.  Territorial or turf wars

2.  Disagreements in theology or doctrine

3.  "too busy"

4.  Don't know where to start

How the Outer Banks Youth Ministry Network formed:   A few of us got together and said, "hey, let's get together every month and do lunch".  From there the network has grown, we are always inviting churches to join us.  We are a mix of paid staff and volunteers.   Our purpose is not to plan youth group events together.  Our purpose is mainly to encourage each other and help each other with ideas.  We don't get wrapped up in debate (at the table today there were 5 denominations represented).  NHC is going to reach students that another church won't reach and they will reach students we won't reach.  

How to start a network:

1.  Contact youth workers from other churches

2.  Plan a time to meet

3.  Come up with a purpose for your network

4.  Brainstorm on some topics to discuss at your meetings

5.  Stick to your purpose and topics

6.  Don't let the network become a whining session