Networking
Join a Youth Network
Looking for a youth network to join? Browse our map above.
What is Networking?
A network by definition is a group or system of interconnected people or things. In this case it is a collaborative effort of a group of youth pastors/leaders in a geographic community who are interconnected in order to make a greater impact on youth for the gospel.
Why we network
John 17 – Jesus prays to God about himself, his disciples and us. In vs. 20 & 21, he prays that his people will come together in unity for others to come to him (that’s evangelism).
Now is the time for us to work together in the body of Christ, to be a church unified in sharing God’s love to the world around us. Networking is one of the best ways to accomplish the vision of reaching every teen across Canada.
“Youth Ministry can sometimes be lonely and isolating. I love my youth network because it allows me to connect with people that understand my struggles, but who also can celebrate and share my victories. It’s a place I can go to ask for prayer. It’s about praying for others and celebrating their victories. My Youth Network has helped Youth Ministry not seem so isolating because there are others who understand the work we do.“
Amanda Patterson
how to Networking
1. Build trust around a common Vision…
PARTNER (Develop Commitment)
- Plan a specific time to come together
- Worship, Prayer, Serving, Evangelism
PRAYER & SHARING (Develop Relationships)
- Pray for God to develop a common vision
- Share struggles, achievements, dreams
PURPOSE (Determine Vision)
- Should reflect Great Commandment & Commission
- Should value unity
2. Plan around a common vision
KEY ELEMENTS OF HEALTHY NETWORKS
- Leadership development
- Worship, Prayer, Serving, Evangelism
RECOGNIZE STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES
- Individual, church, network
- Identify ways to impact local community/schools
DRAFT PLANS TO MAKE IT HAPPEN
- Specific Events
- Calendar Year (church and network)
3. Implement a Common Vision
“DO IT” BY IMPLEMENTING THE PLANS
- Follow-up
- Evaluate
- Refine and do it again…
4. Guide others in the Phases of Networking
IDENTIFY OTHER COMMUNITIES FOR NETWORKING
- Build relationships with the leaders
- Facilitate planning through the PHASES of Networking
- Coach the implementation
- Mentor new Network Coordinators
Agincourt
Calgary
Winnipeg
Vancouver
Kanata
Guelph
Stouffville
Waterloo
North Bay
Ajax / Pickering (APYN)
Barrie
Belleville
Brockville
Burlington
Cambridge
Cobourg
Durham Region
Markham / Stouffville
Peterborough
Kingston
Oshawa / Whitby (DEYN)
Scarborough (DOXA)
Aurora / Newmarket / Bradford / Georgia (SLYN)
Toronto
Willowdale
Etobicoke
Brampton
Hamilton
St.Catharines / Niagara Falls
Cambridge / Kitchener / Waterloo
Elmira
London
Sarnia
Windsor
Montreal
Richmond Hill
Sudbury
Napanee
Ottawa
Join a Youth Network
Looking for a youth network to join? Browse our map above.