"Doing for youth ministers what they do for kids."

No one knows the importance of community and mentoring better than youth ministers. Having a place to belong, a listening ear, and the patient voice of a youth minister can make a significant impact on a young life. But who does this for youth leaders? Where are the places of community, support, and guidance that help them help youth?

The Connections Project was born from the conviction that youth leaders need supportive communities as they work to give these gifts to young people. Youth leaders also need access to theological and ministerial training that focuses on their particular experiences of ministry. The Connections Project meets these needs in two ways. First, we partners with youth leaders to cultivate supportive communities who share together in the joys and challenges of youth ministry and cultivate vocational friendships. We call these communities ‘Regional Networks.’ Second, we coordinate personal mentoring for participants in the Certificate in Youth and Theology program. We invite you to learn more and to contact us at the Institute for Youth Ministry about these opportunities.