Youth Specialties, Marko and the future of Youth Ministry as we know it.

This last week has been a bit tough in the Youth Ministry world.  There seem to be only a few constants in our chosen professions. Youth Pastors tend to come and go but for the last 25+ years Youth Specialties has always been a place we can all go to where we feel like we belong.  Sort of like a regular trip to the Cheers Bar we all  knew that it was a place where we belonged and people knew our name or at least understood us and what we do. 

Several years ago Zondervan bought YS and we knew that change was coming.  It was comforting to know though that those who we had followed for many years were still there and leading and it didn't feel much different. Then this last year Tic left and last week Marko.  On top of this it became apparent that Zondervan was trying to figure out what it wanted to do with YS and the future became slightly rocky. 

Now I'll be the first to admit that the organization is more than both those guys but there is a DNA link to the past history of YS that comes through them.  They embody much of what I've decided to do with my life and having them in those positions just help me validate my career to myself.  I had an amazing conversation with a few people at the LA convention about who the "ambassadors" and history are of YS and that was like walking down a history lesson of Youth Ministry.

Now the people who are still there are amazing folks.  I'm a huge fan of Mark Matlock , Adam McLane and all of them.  I'm praying for them because more changes are likely coming and they are sitting in the midst of it wondering what their world will end up looking like.

Change is inevitable and always happens.  I am not a fan of change but in this case I'm praying that ultimately it ends well.  I wish I was going to Cincinnati this week but I can at least hold onto being there for Marko's last convention in his room till 3:00am talking about Youth Ministry and loving it.

Marko you will be missed but you need to hold onto knowing that you and YS had a huge impact on so many people.  That impact will never go away.