I’ve been a small church cheerleader for years; all my books are in the smaller church genre. Youth Specialties and their conference, National Youth Workers Convention, love meeting the needs of the smaller church youth ministry. I’ve taught a workshop geared towards churches with more intimate numbers for them for the last several years. I am so grateful to be used to meet the special needs of ministry in a setting where the average number of students is less than 10!

But this year? This is THE year that Youth Specialties has gone all out! They’ve put together an entire 5-workshop track geared for the smaller ministry setting. I couldn’t be more tickled to be a part of this. I’m working alongside two amazing people, one who is a long-time friend (Brad) and someone else I cannot wait to meet (Virginia). Here’s a link to their bios:

https://youthspecialties.com/nywc/speaker/brad-fiscus/

https://youthspecialties.com/nywc/speaker/virginia-ward/

I am ESPECIALLY excited to take in Virginia’s workshop for myself. She is focusing on meeting the needs of smaller churches in an urban setting and I want to know more about that! I haven’t met her (yet) and am anxious to listen and learn.

Brad will be hanging with me during the entire track. You’re going to enjoy him so much! He and I co-authored a book together last year, Smaller Church Youth Ministry, and we’re on year 5 of teaching a smaller church youth ministry cohort for the TN Conf. of the United Methodist Church.

Here’s what’s being offered in the total track flow:

SEMINARS

Friday, 11 a.m. Who is Today’s Small Church? (Stephanie Caro)

Friday, 4 p.m. Volunteer Development in Smaller Settings (Stephanie Caro)

Saturday, 11 a.m. Small is the New Big—Youth Ministry in Small Churches (Virginia Ward)

Saturday, 4 p.m. When Numbers Do/Don’t Matter (Stephanie Caro)

Sunday, 8 a.m. Healthy Boundaries in the Small-Church Setting (Brad Fiscus)

Let me close with this: The three of us? We’re coming to the convention ready to listen. If you need some one-on-one “can we talk about my setting” time, we’re available. I’m ALWAYS up for coffee, so reach out and let’s schedule a chat time.

STEPHANIE CARO has been involved in ministry for more than thirty years. She’s the author of Thriving Youth Ministry in Smaller Churches and 99 Thoughts for the Smaller Church Youth Worker. She’s senior consultant for Ministry Architects and lives in Houston with her hubby and puppy. https://youthspecialties.com/nywc/speaker/stephanie-caro/, Stephanie.caro@ministryarchitects.com