The Veteran’s Guide to SYMC
In about 24 hours, I will be departing for the Simply Youth Ministry Conference in Chicago. I am stoked! I missed last years, and so am doubly excited about this year. I’ve learned over the years what to do, and what not to do. Hopefully I can share the perspective from a vet on how to maximize your conference experience.
1. Take it all in
If its your first time at a conference, it can be overwhelming. There is just so much to see and experience! Take it all in and enjoy yourself. You have 4 days, they will be full of awesomeness.
2. Find a track and stick with it
The best time I had at SYMC was when I picked a track, “Jesus Centered Youth Ministry” and stuck with it. It was 8 hours (4 classes) of the same topic. They really build on one another, and you get a chance to really go deeper. Unless none of them really connect with you (like for me this year), then you should…
3. Find seminars that enrich you
If you don’t find a track that you like, be sure to fill your time with seminars that address issues you’re dealing with, or something that sounds interesting, or a speaker that might be cool to hear. You really can’t go wrong with any of them, but use this opportunity to help yourself and your ministry.
4. Get to know other youth ministers
The first year I went I was a wallflower. I basically just thought it was all about filling my brain, and not with connecting with other youth ministers. Attend an affinity group. Talk with those who sit at your table in a seminar. Get to know those sitting around you in the main sessions. You will be building friendships for a lifetime.
5. Relax on a sack chair
Nothing beats relaxing in a big red sack chair. Take a nap, read a book, talk with a new friend, whatever. Just take the opportunity to chill for a bit.
6. Go to all the main sessions
I’ve heard some people suggest skipping the main sessions. I highly recommend to not do it. It has nothing to do with the speakers (although the speakers are always excellent). No, I suggest going because of the worship, the laughs, and the community. It is so awesome to be able to worship with 2500 of your closest youth ministry friends. I love laughing with the skit guys. Nothing beats watching Jake Rutenbar’s annual video. Even the morning sessions offer the opportunity to start the day off right.
7. Take a break
With that in mind, don’t hesitate to find time to take a break. Don’t fill all your time with stuff and leave feeling more exhausted when you came. Take some time and relax.
8. Watch the live podcast
If you’ve never watched the SYM podcast, you’ve missed out. Make up for it by joining the rest of “the team” and watch the live podcast. And if Matt shows up in a velour track suit, do not be afraid.
9. Talk to a speaker
One of the cool things about SYMC is that the speakers, teachers, seminar leaders, etc all make themselves available throughout the conference to just connect with youth workers. Take advantage of this tremendous opportunity.
10. Go out to lunch with old or new friends
Chances are you’ll run into some old friends at the conference. You’ll also make lots of new ones. Build those relationships! Go to lunch or dinner. Share a few moments on a sack chair. Don’t be a loner. These bonds are what the conference is all about.
If you couldn’t tell, I can’t wait until the conference. I am so thrilled to be able to head up with my friend Mike Kupferer. I can’t wait to catch up with many of my old friends, and meet all the new youth ministry friends I’ve made. If you’re going, I would love to connect with you. Best way to find me? Look for a guy wearing a red UD hat (for University of Dayton). I’m just gonna guess, but I doubt there will be many at the conference wearing that hat. I would love to meet you and get to know you. And if you want to take me to lunch. all the better!
