Introducing the CGL Youth Ministry Network

Youth ministry can be incredibly rewarding. It can also be incredibly challenging. And sometimes, those doing the work can feel like they are doing it alone.

That is one reason we are excited to introduce the CGL Youth Ministry Network.

The goal of the Network is simple: to strengthen youth ministry across Converge Great Lakes by creating opportunities for leaders to connect with one another. Whether you serve as a full-time youth pastor, carry youth ministry as one part of a larger role, or lead students as a volunteer, we want to help you build relationships with others who understand both the joys and challenges of ministry to the next generation.

We believe there is strength in those relationships.

Sometimes that means sharing an idea that worked well in your ministry. Sometimes it means discovering a resource that someone else has already found helpful. And sometimes it simply means having someone to call who understands what you are facing and can offer encouragement when ministry gets tough. The Network can also be a place to share curriculum, retreat and event ideas, volunteer-development tools, policies and best practices, and outreach ideas—or simply to connect with someone who has faced a similar challenge.

Helping lead this effort are Trey Lesatz from Hope Community Church in Shawano, Seth McCumber from Bethel Church in Janesville, and Kristof Katzbeck from Faith Church in Peshtigo. All three have years of experience working with students and understand firsthand both the opportunities and challenges that come with youth ministry. They are not approaching this simply as people with ideas about youth ministry. They have spent years doing it.

Together, Trey, Seth, and Kristof are creating opportunities for youth ministry leaders across CGL to connect, encourage one another, and share resources that can strengthen ministry in our local churches. The Network meets periodically on Zoom, providing a place for leaders to build relationships, talk about ministry, share what they are learning, and encourage one another. Looking ahead, there is also a desire to create opportunities for face-to-face gatherings in the coming years.

Maybe your church does not have a youth pastor. Maybe you have only a handful of students, or you are trying to figure out what youth ministry could look like in your setting. The Youth Ministry Network is for you, too. The goal is not to hand every church the same youth ministry model, but to help churches think creatively and biblically about how they can reach and disciple the next generation with the people and resources God has already given them.

Our goal is not to create another program to maintain or another meeting to attend. We want to build a network of relationships among people who share a passion for reaching and discipling the next generation.

If you are involved in youth ministry in a CGL church—or if you are a pastor, elder, volunteer, or other leader asking how your church can more effectively reach and disciple young people—we want you to be part of the conversation. You do not need to carry the title of Youth Pastor. If you are investing in students or exploring how your church can begin, we would like to help you connect with others across CGL.

Trey serves as the primary contact for the Youth Ministry Network. Reach out to Trey or any member of the team, introduce yourself, and get connected. Ministry is better when we do not have to do it alone.

Youth Ministry Network contacts

Trey Lesatz — Primary contact · Hope Community Church · Shawano — trey@hopewisconsin.org

Seth McCumber — Bethel Church · Janesville — seth@betheljanesville.org

Kristof Katzbeck — Faith Church · Peshtigo — kristof@faithpeshtigo.com