A True Community

One of the many things of I love about the Simply Youth Ministry Conference is how they place such a high value on 'Relationships.' As a Core Value, they do everything in their power to make it well known that it is not a conference, but a ministry. It's not a 'thing they do,' but rather more like a 'family reunion.'

The message being sent out is continuously "You're Not Alone." The idea that everyone has someone that they can physically turn to, call out to and depend on is priceless.

I have always been a strong advocate of this message; sharing with everyone I know the incredible power that those three words have had on me. "You're Not Alone."

As I continue on in full time ministry, slowing moving from a 'rookie' to 'not a rookie,' those three words still have meaning, still have power in them. My heart has always been to serve; to help those that are just starting and encourage them that they are, indeed, not alone.

But this year was different. This year, I was full of shame. This year, I was afraid to look people in the eye. This year, I felt alone.

You see, just a month before the Conference, my wife informed me that she wanted "out." While I won't go into details, this was a complete blindside. Her mind was made up, she had fully decided, and I was left to pick up the pieces of my broken heart. While I knew I would make it through ok - my biggest concerns were for my students, the church and my role of a Youth Pastor. I began to wear this idea that I was damaged goods and that no one would ever accept me again - because I was "that youth guy getting a divorce."

The students loved me even more. They surrounded me with love, acceptance and understanding.

The church rallied around, in front and behind me. They blew away my expectations - and for that I'm forever grateful.

However, I still didn't know how I would be accepted in the "world of youth ministry." How can I serve, how can I minister to other youth workers, when I don't have it all together.

These were fears and thoughts that only I had…which I soon came to discover.

The family at Simply Youth Ministry, Group and the Conference put together loved me. In every possible way, in every possible dimension. They accepted me in the roughest of times. They gathered around and encouraged, loved, and .. literally blew my mind.

And the biggest thing was this: I soon learned that I was, indeed… not alone. In this time of turmoil, separation, divorce and pain - I came to discover that I was not the first youth pastor to go through this. And I won't be the last.

Having the knowledge that I'm truly not alone - in every circumstance in life - is priceless. Knowing that I have the love, acceptance and understudying of my SYMC family is.. simply.. awesome.

If you're reading this… and you feel alone - there are three words that you need to read. You're not alone