Len is a passionate about this generation of youth. I believe that he has what it takes to connect to the Youth Pastors across this region.
Our Lubbock Youth Pastors Network is something that we need in our city. Len is just the right guy to help these churches connect across denominational lines.
I have been in ministry in Lubbock since 1981 and there has never been a time where we needed this type of ministry more. Len can be a major factor in the resurgence of our Youth Pastor Network.
Ed Ainsworth
Lead Pastor – Generations
http://www.generationslubbock.com/index.php
The National Network of Youth Ministries exists to support youth ministries by connecting them with one another, providing support services, and increasing awareness of existing resources. Len works hard to get to know and understand the challenges and needs of the youth ministers in our area. He has and is developing relationships with local youth pastors, connecting them with one another, and supporting them any way he can.
Holly Betenbough
Betenbough Homes
http://www.betenbough.com
Our Youth Pastor Network is a diverse group of folks who love the Lord and love kids. Together we share how God is at work through us in our various ministries. I am blessed to work with and prepare students for ministry from many different backgrounds. Our network is representative of the diversity I see in the classroom and, I believe, the future that will be necessary for the future of the church.
Our network is a visible reminder to each of us of the unity and diversity present in the Trinity. We truly serve an awesome God!
Steven Bonner D. Min
Youth and Family Ministry professor
Lubbock Christian University
http://www.lcu.edu/
I am so supportive of the youth pastor's network, because it allows each of us to see how the body of Christ is functioning in so many different ways. I believe it gives us a small glimpse of the unity the Jesus prayed for. "The Network" is such a great avenue for us to support each other both personally and in our ministries. We are able to do so much more for our city together than we could ever do apart. Simply by communicating needs, desires, etc, we are able to be the body of Christ in our city.
Chris White
Youth Pastor
Vandelia Church of Christ
Statistics suggest that up to 75% of those who become Christians do so by the age of 18. Could there be a more compelling reason for the importance of effective youth ministry. I appreciate what Len is doing to strengthen this vital part of church ministry. His passion for students and His desire to share the good news of Jesus Christ is clearly evident.
Todd Cepica
Pastor
Melonie Park Church
http://www.meloniepark.org
I support our Youth Pastor's network for many reasons. But perhaps the greatest reason is that we need each other. No one else in your world understands what you go through as a Youth Pastor better than another Youth Pastor. Together, we shoulder the load of transforming students. I would hope that our network provides a place of support, inspiration, and community for area Youth Pastors. It's not just about our ministry, but reaching our area and holding onto some semblance of our sanity!
Jason Bishop
Youth Pastor
The Heights Fellowship
http://heightsfellowship.org/
In his book New Seeds of Contemplation, Thomas Merton talks about the way we as humans need community. But so often we end up in places where we constantly surround ourselves with people but essentially end up alone in a crowd never sharing our souls with those around us. Youth Ministry can be a lonely profession, surrounded by hundreds of people who view you as a minster and not a friend. That is why having a support Network is so vital. So you have a place to come, a person to call, who not only understands your need to connect but shares it. That can easily be the difference between a year in ministry that leads to burnout and a career in ministry that stretches a lifetime.
Rachael Day
Youth Minister
First Baptist Church Muleshoe
http://firstbaptistchurchmuleshoe.web.officelive.com/default.aspx
Len’s passion for blessing students with the knowledge of Christ has found a great avenue through the NNYM. His gifting to train, support, and encourage youth pastors has and will influence countless churches, families, and teens. Len Evans is a true servant leader on the front lines of the battle for the hearts and minds of the next generation.
Randy Sims
Executive Director
Worldview Academy
http://www.worldview.org/
I am relatively new to the youth ministry, and have only been a youth minister for less than 2 years. When I learned about this networking group I attended a meeting not knowing what to think about it. After that meeting I met some friends and still continue to make them with every meeting. The other youth ministers that I have met have given me prayers, wisdom, and confidence in what we are doing. It feels amazing when people meet together for a common cause, youth.
I want this group to be a place of peace and a place where we can all learn from others mistakes or experiences. I have already made plenty of mistakes in which I have learned from, and have also avoided many others because of the insight I have received from others at the networking meeting.
Johnathon Jowers
Calvary Baptist Church in Brownfield
http://www.calvarybrownfield.org/
I have found the pastors network to be a vital tool in uniting the Christian voice in Lubbock, especially among the youth. The youth pastor’s meetings are always encouraging and they give a chance to see what is happening with other youth in various churches. I feel this has been a great step forward for youth ministry and to support everyone’s effort in making Christ known to the Lubbock area.
Les Burrus
director of Link Ministries and One-9 sports complex
http://www.linkministries.com/
http://www.one-9.com/
