I missed the Youthwork Summit 2010. I’d like to act like I mind, but I was being a bridesmaid in the BEST DINOSAUR-THEMED WEDDING EVER. It was a cracking day.

However I was all the more keen and curious to go this year, having heard such splendid feedback from last years. This year was in Manchester, which was fine- I smile up at the north and I think it smiles back at me. We did have to leave way early, but we stopped in Stoke-on-Trent for a brief breakfast which was a particularly exciting moment for me- being the first time I’ve revisited it since moving away in 2008.
Was it worth the long journey and the early start? FREAKING YES! A fantastic weekend. Mark Yaconelli kicked us off with a super high quality retreat day, focusing on authenticity and tending our souls. Doing practical prayer stuff which was all amazing with only minor dozage.

My only disappointment was meeting the man himself. He didn’t seem to understand that I was the sidekick that was missing from his life, the youth work Robin to his Batman. Maybe I’ll write a letter.

However he cemented my true devotion to his ways by ending the whole summit on the Saturday by throwing some disco shapes in a way that has to be the best ending to any Christian conference in the world. The pope could not even top it by learning how to beatbox.

In this Mark Yaconelli sandwich was packed a million other things that gave me cause for celebration and give me cause for gratitude. Brilliant speakers… highlights for me were Dr Katie Edwards, Helen Gatenby and Jason Royce.

There were great extras that make an event like this go from good to extraordinary- a free advanced screening of The Help (oh my days SO good… deserves a follow up blogpost of its own), The Rend Collective Experiment (crushing hard on each of them to be honest), a goody bag, free Starbucks biscuits that I’m always too disciplined to buy in real life, and a funny Youthwork/Apprentice spoof.

So as I finish I’ll once again say CHUFFING THANK YOU to the Youthwork Summit team. A great offering. Just a little pointer though… it’d be just grand next year if you pop some Tena Lady in the goody bags if you’re going to make the end quite so exciting.

It all comes from here. From an extraordinary God capable of all things. From His unfailing love for all that we are. From a purpose and calling that He placed on our lives. From a passion and desire to change young lives. We give our time, our energy. We share our ideas, our lives. We offer our teaching, our advice. But we give, we share, we offer. Because we do not love alone but with the help of God’s heart. Because we do not stand alone but with the strength of God’s Spirit Because we do not fight alone but with the power of God’s will. From a God who loves all that He has created. From a God who guides all who seek His face. From a God who welcomes all who come in his name. It all comes from here.

Honest, challenging, thought-provoking, inspirational, spiritual, mind blowing, deep, living, alive and ogoing.

All in one at YWS11.

Best job in the world.

I’ve been challenged through both days in different ways. God’s not finished with me! Just because I’m not currently in youth work that doesn’t mean I’m a failure. My job for the moment is being a mum. I shouldn’t feel guilty doing this. I can still support and pray for my colleagues.

God has clearly spoken into me today and reminded me that youth ministry isn’t for my benefit, but for the growth of the kingdom. I’ve been a bit burned out recently and lost that focus!

The day has been amazing. Thank you so much for organising the retreat yesterday as well - I felt loved for the first time in a long time. I’m so desperate to run out and tell the world!! (or at least my youth group!)

Just listening to Mark Yaconelli at the YWS retreat was amazing. I felt like I had space to stop for the first time in weeks. Why don’t we do that more. I must learn to make retreat and reflection part of my life. All that other stuff can wait! Help me to be better at stopping Lord.