Youth Specialties Blog
“I Love My Job” - Free Video and Discussion Questions
By Youth Specialties on May 21 2012 | 0 Comments
Whether online or over a cup of coffee, some of the most significant ministry with students is done in between youth group meetings. Technology and the world around us may continually change, but one thing remains the same: the impact it has on student’s lives when someone reaches out and genuinely cares about them.
We’ve written some discussion questions to go with this video to use in your ministry to spark conversation about connecting with students and what that looks like in your context. It would be great at a volunteer meeting to start some discussion going into summer when students are so much more available to connect with.
Click HERE to go the download page.
By Youth Specialties on May 21 2012 | 0 Comments
Rolly, We’ll Miss You
By Mark Matlock on February 10 2012 | 15 Comments
Heaven welcomed Rolly Richert early this morning after an ongoing fight against cancer. Rolly has been a significant influence on TheNational Youth Worker’s Convention, DCLA, Dare 2 Share and countless other events. For YS he was an advisor and producer of the Big Room sessions at NYWC.
I’d always heard about Rolly in the youth ministry universe, but didn’t meet him until early 2001 at a DCLA planning meeting. In 2002 after the non-profit I founded went through traumatic post 9/11 losses at our events, Rolly happened to call. I instantly felt I could trust him with the financial plight we were in, and Rolly was quick to share wisdom from his own historythat literally changed the course of my life and ministry. Already this morning I have spoken with many other ministers who have had similar encounters with Rolly.
Rolly loved the gospel and loved seeing people know the power of a life lived by following in the way of Jesus. Rolly was a servant, and while Heaven welcomes him, we will miss him for the brief moments we remain on this earth.
If you have any memories you'd like to share, please leave them in the comments below.
By Mark Matlock on February 10 2012 | 15 Comments
Youth Worker Stories: Ramon - Video
By Youth Specialties on February 07 2012 | 0 Comments
As youthworkers we all have a stories of how God called us. This is Ramon's. Hopefully God uses it to inspire you.
By Youth Specialties on February 07 2012 | 0 Comments
YS Christmas Card with the David Crowder Band and Cell Phone Video
By Youth Specialties on December 21 2011 | 3 Comments
Sorry we didn't send out cards, but here's a little video Christmas treat. At the National Youth Workers Convention, we asked 4000 youth workers to take out their phones and press record. This is the result: Crowders, Christmas and Cell Phones.
Thanks to all the Youth Workers who participated by contributing their footage, you made it awesome!
Also, a special thanks to Brad Sitton (CrowdControlGames.com) for putting this together.
Merry Christmas from your friends at Youth Specialties!
By Youth Specialties on December 21 2011 | 3 Comments
6 Lessons I’ve Learned From Tic Long
By Mark Matlock on November 22 2011 | 9 Comments
This weekend at the National Youth Workers Convention we said goodbye to Tic Long after 35 years of service. As we approach Thanksgiving weekend, I can’t help but be thankful for his role in my life and thousands of others in youth ministry community. 
I first met Tic Long in 2003 at Youth For Christ’s DCLA. Up to that point I had never attended one of the many National Youth Workers Convention he had organized. I was a complete outsider to YS and my opinion of them wasn’t all that favorable, not from experience mind you, but from the perceptions of others. As it turned out Youth Specialties’ perception of me wasn’t all that favorable either! I wonder how often we miss some amazing relationships in our lives because of perceptions rather than actually getting to know one another?
Tic and I became fast friends. He invited me to come to Phoenix or NYWC in 2003. YS wasn’t what I thought it was, and I was so impressed, not only with YS but the many incredible leaders in youth ministry that partner with YS and attend the events.
Following the Phoenix convention, Tic asked me to speak in a general session in Dallas the following year, and lead three seminars. I unwisely agreed to this. Most of 2004 was spent worrying about what I had agreed to do. Sometimes saying “yes” is the wrong answer.
My general session was lackluster. It barely made the grade. I remember the backstage area was full of people when I went up to speak, and empty when I walked off. Not a good sign! When I later saw Tic he asked the question American Idol contestantsdread from the judges, “How did YOU feel up there?” Then I received my evaluations from the three seminars, only one of them was rated well. I had a pretty good feeling my time at YS was done.
But then I received another invitation to do some seminars in 2005. It took me a few years to figure out my role at NYWC, but I’ve attended every convention since 2004. I don’t know why Tic kept having me back, but after hearing from others this weekend, I know I am not the only one who has received a second opportunity.
When I came to work for YS in 2008, one of my primary goals was to learn more from Tic, particularly how to care for people. I can’t say I’ve come close to grasping Tic’s ability, but here are just a few of the many things I’ve learned that help him love like Jesus.
- Start by seeing the best in people; let them prove you wrong, they rarely do.
- Be direct, you aren’t helping anyone by withholding how you really feel.
- Other people are more interesting than you. Listen. Ask questions of others, everyone has a story, and everyone knows something you don’t.
- Realize when you say “yes” to one person you are saying “no” to someone else, be sure you are willing to accept responsibility to those you are saying “no” to (it could be your family or even God himself!).
- Don’t be afraid to cry. Cry often.
- Never, take yourself too seriously or you will miss opportunities to serve.
Tic, thank you for investing in our lives over the years. You have made this an amazing year of transition. May God bless you in your new role as executive pastor at Journey. The youth ministry community is forever grateful for your service. We are better because of you.
Tic's Thank You Video
Watch the Thank You video that was played for Tic during the final Big Room session in Atlanta this last weekend. Leave your own words of “Thanks” in the comments.
By Mark Matlock on November 22 2011 | 9 Comments
Steve Taylor Talks Blue Like Jazz Movie at NYWC
By Chris Davis on October 19 2011 | 1 Comments
Tic Long sat down with Steve Taylor and asked him about his new movie Blue Like Jazz. If you'd like to see the film, there will be a special advance screening at the Atlanta National Youth Workers Convention. For more information about registering, visit NYWC.com.
For more information about the movie or watch the trailer, visit BlueLikeJazztheMovie.com.
By Chris Davis on October 19 2011 | 1 Comments
Video of the Week: Harvey Carey from NYWC
By Youth Specialties on October 12 2011 | 0 Comments
Havery Carey has encouraging words for all youth workers.
Filmed backstage at the San Diego National Youth Workers Convention 2011. There's still time to join us and see Harvery in Atlanta Nov. 18-20. Visit NYWC.com for more info.
By Youth Specialties on October 12 2011 | 0 Comments
