be.love.serve.

Some of the most encouraging and inspiring moments of my life have come at the National Youth Workers Convention run by Youth Specialties.

I remember the first time I ever heard of Youth Specialties. I was sitting in one of my first year bible college classes, I cant even remember what class it was. A TV was rolled up to the front of the class with a VCR. I remember thinking, why are we watching this video a tiny little TV on VHS?! And within a minute – I was lost. Inspired by this passionate wonderful story teller, named Mike Yaconelli. After the class I ran to my dorm room and spent the rest of the afternoon laughing, getting angry, crying, being challenged, and feeling the Spirit rush thru me as I read every article I could find written by Yac. After that, every time I saw anything with YS stamped on it, my first thought was, “this could be good!”

I remember the first time I ever heard of the National Youth Workers Convention hosted by Youth Specialties. I realize this may seem odd but it actually took me about a year before I ever heard about the NYWC. I sooo wanted to go. I was frusterated that my education wasnt practically equipping me for the trenches of youth ministry. But I was confident this conference would be part of helping me be a better youth pastor. To this day, I regret I didnt make it happen. That was the year Mike Yaconelli was released from this earth. For the next couple years, if I was honest with you, I thought, “why bother going now.”

I remember the first time I went to the NYWC. I was a couple years into my first youth pastor job. I was living in a new town, loving that I was getting to do what God had wired into my bones. First apartment all to myself. Dating the most amazing girl. However, after the first few moments, I learned I was right when I first heard about the NYWC, I was not equipped for doing this job. Within my first year, I got to experience the firing of my senior pastor and only co-worker. I learned what it meant to feel lonely and isolated. I learned what it feels like to work with a board that is nice to you but thinks of you as a kid. I learned how heavy it is to be a single pastor in your early 20’s. I was running on fumes, trying to survive on my own. I begged the leadership to send me to the NYWC. I convinced a youth pastor from a neighbouring town to share a room and carpool with me. I’d love to say the conference was perfect, but I would be lying. But it was the perfect thing for me at that moment. I was so close to giving up on youth ministry.

I remember some of my best moments at YS conventions. Like the first time I experienced a prayer labyrinth. I weeped. Like the first time I was part of a main session, ironically in Cincy . I was in awe. I remember getting to learn from great teachers like: Tic Long, Mark Oestreicher, Tony Campolo, Dan Kimball, Andrew Marin, Shane Claiborne, Jon Imbeau, Scott Erickson, Donald Miller, Jay Delp, Walt Mueller, Marv Penner, Duffy Robbins, Doug Fields, Lilly Lewin, seriously the list could go for a paragraph. I was equipped. I remember when Shane Claiborne goofed and tried to stick it to YS, and then they restored it. I was humbled. I remember being led for the first time, to worship God in song, by the David Crowder band. Before it was always alone, sing at the top of my lungs, rocking in my car ‘the British bulldog’. I was reminded. I remember laughing hard at the Skit Guys and their improve skills. I was set free. I remember running around like a mad man with my roomate at the exhibit hall, trying to get every cool free give away possible. I love free stuff more then any other person on earth. I was like a little kid. I remember being frustrated in a great way by the slowness of Jeff Johnson. I remember the first time I got to take Tanya with me. Before, I would always spend each night, and the next week after convention, constantly trying to explain every detail. This time I got to bring my wife of 3 weeks. I finally got to take MarkO up on his reminder to ‘take care’ of your spouse if thats what you need to do. I remember watching my first NFL football game in person, by skipping a main session (I mean ‘big room’). I was rebellious. I remember getting to be the stage manager at the Canadian Youth Workers Convention in Toronto. I was so proud it was finally in my town. Every time I saw Tic Long back stage, I was encouraged. I saw a great leader. I remember going for drinks with two random Brits in Nashville, way into the late hours. I was networking.

I am sad to hear that MarkO is gone. I was already so pissed when Tic Long was let go last summer. I have no idea if they are related issues. I’m assuming these are Zondervan moves. I respected and learned from Tic that he was exiting with class. I am so torn as I think of next week. Part of me wants to be a jerk and stick it to the man. I want to wear shirts with, ‘Where’s MarkO?”. I want to sneak sign-ups onto the registration table for breakfasts with MarkO and see a list to the floor. I want to ask for my refund. However, I also remember that not only do I get to experience God, but I get to give God an experience. I get to learn from great teachers and leaders. I get to see and be part of creation, art, and beauty. I get to enjoy a roadtrip, late night chats, and wonderful discussion with friends. I get to be part of worship with thousands of other youth workers who are trying to serve the King. I get to sing, listen, think, feel, learn, laugh, cry, etc. Maybe the best place I can mourn is in Cincy.

Tic Long & Baby MarkO