Why I Recommend SYMC

By Doug Franklin October 21, 2011

There a number of youth ministry conferences out there, all of them have some good stuff about them. There are two out there I really like but today I want to talk about SYMC and why I recommend it to youth workers. I have been in youth ministry for a while now and I don’t get real excited about seeing Toby Mac, a new Christian comedian or the latest band. The reason I don’t is because I believe many youth ministry folks are hurting and are in desperate need of training. So when I see youth ministry conferences that focus on fun, sales and wackiness I get a bit turned off, maybe its because I am old… who knows. The reason I love SYMC is because its different check out the following reasons:

1. Values driven
The SYMC is driven by five (5) values. These values are not marketing speak, they actually drive all of the activities of the conference. The five values are: authenticity, relationships, Jesus-centered, in-depth learning and innovation. When leaders develop values they do it because they seek to  be intentional. They don’t have the conference to sell you more resources but to help you grow as youth workers.

2. Conversations
I notice more and more conferences are using this idea, probably because its a good one. Conversation requires time and space, so to make it happen a conference would have to provide the elements and back it from the stage. SYMC does not and more. They allow youth workers to plan, lead and direct the conversation. As a speaker I have to commit to staying in my workshop until every questions is answered because the value is so high.

3. Love
Personally I feel a ton of love at SYMC. You can’t manufacture love. It happens because the leaders are driven by it and then and only then does it become contagious and spreads. Passion then comes from love. Ever noticed how many youth workers are so passionate about SYMC?