Connecting with adults who aren’t youth workers is so important, but it’s often really difficult to do that. We asked three youth workers what they do to create community for themselves.  

Juan Garcia:  I have a couple of accountability partners that I meet with at least twice a month.  It is so important to do so because it keeps me focused, honest with myself and somewhat sane.  These are individuals that understand the messiness of student ministry so nothing shocks or scares them.  These are also friends that are open to “play”; by that I mean keep me accountable as well as have fun together.

Kyle Lake: I am currently in a distance learning MDiv program and I have developed a lot of friendships in this cohort or pastors, psychologists, medical technicians, and worship directors. These are people that I see for two weeks out of the year and we have been able to develop a great authenticity with one another. There is also a group of pastors and seminary students that I have met with on a bi-weekly basis. Who shows up each time fluctuates a bit on schedules and seasons, but we have great conversations about ministry, life, theology, and culture.

Lars Rood: For many years I found good community going to a celebrate recovery program at a different church. It was a safe place where I could share who I really was and talk about real issues I was struggling with. That was good. I’ve also had the opportunity to be involved in some regular events and conferences where I could see the same friends every so often.  When I went back to graduate school my program was a cohort model and I really connected with some of the people in it.  I try to take it deeper with some of my friends too that I don’t live nearby and find times to meet with them regularly.  

Ministry can be super isolating if you let it. Partially it’s the nature of the job where we don’t always feel safe sharing much about ourselves with others. The Youth Pastors I feel the most for are those who move to a different state or community and don’t have a lot of support where they are at.  It sounds good to say we are only a phone call or text away from our friends but those friends and family aren’t so helpful when things happen in your real life. I’ve seen this happen several times when youth pastors get sick, have babies or just have needs.  You need people who can stop by your house and help. It’s crucial.