By Christina M. Crook

Close to 1,000 Canadian youth workers from major denominations and ministries  attended the first ever Canadian Youth Workers Conference, in Vancouver’s Wall Centre last December under a dusting of snow. Events kicked off with an enthusiastic rendition of Oh Canada! led by Canadian worship band Starfield.

The hotel, was abuzz with anticipation as the conference’s over-sold crowd of mostly 20 to 30 year olds spilled through hallways, around conference booths, into seminars and social events comprising the 16-hour/day conference schedule. It was some combination of caffeine and adrenaline that kept everyone going to the packed 8 am session with Bruxy Cavey and dance ministry lessons until well past 11 pm.

Only youth workers could keep up with a program like this.

God’s  story

‘Storyline’ was the theme, woven throughout the conference with movie clips, performance art, music, images, dance and words, each helping to communicate the theme of narrative –    specifically the intersections God creates to impact the lives of youth.

“We are involved in changing a generation for eternity and inviting them to play a part in God’s story,” reminded Tic Long, conference emcee with Youth Specialties.

Speakers continually drew the inextricable link between depth of freedom in youth workers’ lives and the lives of Canada’s youth.

Youth workers were encouraged to “figure out what would rejuvenate your soul and refresh your spirit – and if that’s sleeping or hanging out with friends, then go for it. We hope you are deeply refreshed, graciously challenged and we look forward to many years ahead sharing stories, ideas and resources to better serve the next generation in Canada.”

This extraordinary conference was a joy for those in attendance, but did not come without challenge.

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That was intentional, said organizer Darian Kovacs. “We worked hard to

Conference hosts Youth Specialties and canadafire created a unique environment where controversial topics such as Ministering to Same Gender Attracted Youth, Understanding Cutting and Making Affluence History were set beside more mainstream topics. The tension was palpable as youth workers wrestled with the value of evangelism in the face of mass consumerism and increased interest in causes such as environmentalism.

make this conference the best experience for us as Canadians and that comes with a diversity of expressions and convictions.”

Not for the faint of heart!

In an age of global concern and escalating disillusionment in and outside of the church, youth ministry is not for the faint of heart.  

Sandy Rosen, author and founder of Raw Motion Dance Company, has been in youth ministry for 24 years.

She admonished: “Our youth are living in a Babylonian-esque culture. They are a generation that does not know commitment because they have grown up surrounded by church splits and divorce. We need to share meals with them and pray with them and be community with them. We have to be absolutely committed to these kids and not let go.”

Erin Webb, an assistant youth director in Winnipeg, said, ”We learned about the importance of finding our identity in Christ and knowing this first before ministering to the youth. It enables us to better pray, sense the nudge of the Holy Spirit and be empowered to act.”

Future unity

Kovacs is encouraged. “Nineteen national denominational and ministry leaders met over lunch to talk about the whole future of youth ministry training in Canada.” A 2008 CYWC in Toronto is already taking shape.

Options Winter 2008