About a year or so ago, the Lord began connecting us with a few youth pastors in Austin. As we grew in friendship with them, we discovered that the turnover rate of youth pastors is quite high, largely due to the demands of the job as well as few support networks for them. The Lord began to put it on our hearts to create a place where youth pastors can feel encouraged and supported by other youth pastors.- Desperate prayer - We want our ministries to flow out of our relationship with God, and believe we'll be most effective in our work as we are intimately connected with Him.
- United vision - As God draws our hearts together through prayer and fellowship, we believe He will give us a spirit of unity among ourselves as we follow Jesus so that with one heart and mouth we may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! (See Romans 15)
- Collaborative preparation - We can do more together than we can individually. The Lord is drawing us to reach across barriers of denomination, race, and gender so that we can work together for His Kingdom to come in Austin and beyond.
Three initiatives we offer to youth pastors in the Austin area:
- Youth Pastor Coalition Groups - There are currently groups of youth pastors from East Austin, North Austin, and Round Rock areas that meet together to seek the Lord for ways to work together to reach the youth in their area. Contact Matt to get involved in one of these groups. Other regional groups are forming as well.
- Youth Pastor In Covenant Groups - There are currently 5 monthly small groups of youth pastors meeting to consistently share in each other's lives and provide support, encouragement, and accountability. Contact Matt to get involved in a YPIC group.
- Annual Youth Pastor Retreat - youth pastors will be meeting together for a weekend retreat at the beginning of February. This will be a sweet time to be refreshed in the Lord, encourage each other, and build lasting friendships with other youth pastors!