This 3-part series with Lydia Kidd explores the life of Esther to reveal how God shapes our challenges into opportunities for growth. You Have Purpose with Lydia Kidd Video Package $30 ADD TO CART About the Series In 'You Have Purpose,' Lydia Kidd explores the life of Esther to reveal how God shapes our challenges into opportunities for growth. This series uncovers the essence of finding and fulfilling one's purpose through faith and courage. Join Lydia as she draws lessons from Esther’s story, encouraging us to trust in God’s plan and step bravely into our daily choices and pivotal moments. Your purchase also includes small group questions, making it a ready-to-use resource for youth workers. *Every dollar spent on these resources goes back into creating more series like this.* Preview the Curriculum Need help equipping your youth ministry? Get our Curriculum Discount Codes—no strings attached. We’re a non-profit that exists to serve churches of every size. If budget is tight, we’ve got you covered. Email* Yes, subscribe me to your newsletter. * Send My Codes We’ll email you the codes right away and send an occasional update on new resources. Unsubscribe anytime. Buy the Series Now! Video Package $30 ADD TO CART Amplify Ministry Impact Train Your Volunteers Cultivate Faith Foundations Teach Your Students

In this 2-part series with Ben Woodman, we will look at how God feels towards us. Hint: He LOVES us. You Are Loved with Ben Woodman Video Package $20 ADD TO CART About the Series In this 2-part series with Ben Woodman, we are going to look at how God feels towards us. Hint: He LOVES us. We will look at different stories from the Bible to open up these ideas and wrestle with what God is like, how He feels towards us, and how we can experience that for ourselves. The hope is that the truth about how much God loves us can sink a little bit deeper from our heads into our hearts. Your purchase also includes small group questions, making it a ready-to-use resource for youth workers. Feel free to access a full preview of this teaching video below to make sure that it fits for your group. *Every dollar spent on these resources goes back into creating more series like this.* Preview the Curriculum Need help equipping your youth ministry? Get our Curriculum Discount Codes—no strings attached. We’re a non-profit that exists to serve churches of every size. If budget is tight, we’ve got you covered. Email* Yes, subscribe me to your newsletter. * Send My Codes We’ll email you the codes right away and send an occasional update on new resources. Unsubscribe anytime. Buy the Series Now! Video Package $20 ADD TO CART Amplify Ministry Impact Train Your Volunteers Cultivate Faith Foundations Teach Your Students

Make your ministry your classroom! Earn your MA or complete a BA with us in a two-year integrated vocational education program. Reshaping Youth Ministry We offer an immersive educational experience that transforms youth workers into resilient leaders. LEARN MORE Experiential Learning Spiritual Formation Intentional Community Academic Excellence It takes a disciple to make a disciple! A spiritual companion/director will help prepare your heart for life in vocational ministry with a challenging two-year shared journey of spiritual practices and disciplines. We deeply believe that spiritual health and vitality is key to long term ministry effectiveness, so this component of the program is far more than an obligatory nod to a regular quiet time. One’s walk with God must be the highest priority when preparing for spiritual leadership and vocational ministry. Successful youth workers understand that because of the intensely relational nature of their work, their own lives will be their most significant instrument of ministry to a generation that “listens with its eyes.” It takes a disciple to make a disciple! The assumption that spiritual formation automatically occurs as a by-product of formal biblical or theological education cannot necessarily be made. What we are talking about here is a matter of the heart, so curricular strategies alone will not suffice. Spiritual disciplines that seem manageable in the relatively predictable rhythms of campus life often prove to be much more difficult to manage in the mess and stress of daily ministry. We simply cannot assume that a Christian campus is “spiritual formation utopia.” Plenty of college and seminary students report that their classroom years are some of their most dismal when it comes to their intimacy with Christ. Developing sustainable spiritual formation practices in a community as part of a ministry team is more likely to lead to long-term consistency. Over the course of two years a carefully designed program of spiritual disciplines, Bible reading and study, intentional conversations and grace filled accountability will be used to help each apprentice develop spiritual rhythms that are compatible with the stresses of full-time ministry. This part of the curriculum will be guided by a “spiritual companion” who will accompany the apprentice on the journey of spiritual growth and development. We believe the most effective holistic learning takes place in an environment of “iron sharpening iron” community. Throughout your two-year learning journey you will be part of a faith community that is mission only committed to developing leaders. Not only are they the community where you will learn to serve, but they will be the cheerleaders that want you to succeed. Regional cohorts of fellow students will round out your experience of community. We were created for community. When the scripture describes healthy human interaction it uses metaphors like that of the body (I Corinthians 12) or of “living stones” together comprising a temple (I Peter 2:5) in which the Spirit of God may dwell. The picture of “family” suggests a deep relationship and a healthy interdependence. We believe the most effective holistic learning takes place in an environment of “iron sharpening iron” community. Because vocational ministry usually occurs in community it is important that the shaping of those preparing for such ministry be done in community as well. There are two specific expressions of community that are essential to the success of apprentices in The Coalition’s program. The first crucial community is that of the church, parachurch ministry, camp, or Christian School where the apprentice is being shaped and sharpened. These bodies or families will be the real-life, messy, imperfect, flawed, but grace-filled environment each student is aspiring to serve. This represents the best place to practice emotional intelligence, relational interaction, healthy communication, conflict resolution, political savvy, and personal maturity – all necessary skills for a young leader to embrace. The second crucial community is that of the cohort. Apprentices will share this journey with other aspiring young leaders, each of whom will be in their own learning environment. A combination of face-to-face and digitally facilitated gathering times will ensure that students can speak into each other’s lives in meaningful ways. The coalition will organize regional sub-cohorts so students will have access to their peers on a regular basis, in addition to the eight classes that the cohort will share over the course of their two-year journey. It is hoped that these cohorts will spawn lifelong friendships between participants. These classes will be framed, not simply as a one-week content-driven intensive, but as a three-month focus on the topic being offered. In the month prior to the classroom component, students will be expected to do pre-course reading, online collaboration, case study preparation, real world research, etc. After the week in class the subsequent two months will be used to apply the material in the trenches of ministry where class assignments will be completed. They should be seamlessly integrated into the daily ministry of the apprentice. At the heart of The Coalition’s training program is a thoughtfully structured, two-year mentored apprenticeship. Because youth ministry is a vocation that requires specific competencies, we believe the most effective way to equip practitioners is to provide them with a real-life context in which to learn and practice ministry effectiveness. Apprentices will serve in full-time ministry roles under experienced leaders who will guide them through a series of leadership development experiences and skill sharpening opportunities. The environments will vary depending on the specialty being pursued by the apprentice. Many will serve in the local church, others will receive their training in the context of a community youth ministry organization (e.g. Young Life or Youth for Christ), while others could be trained on the staff of a camp or in Christian School environments, if that is where they feel called to serve. The apprenticeship path will be marked by carefully defined milestones, but the details of the apprenticeship will be left to the mentor and the apprentice to design and carry out. Apprenticeships will not be approved unless a suitable mentor is available to provide the necessary guidance. The experiential component of this program is not a “tacked on” bonus but in fact represents the essence of what makes The Coalition different. While experiential integration and spiritual formation are recognized as key elements in the development of a vocational leader, the task of shepherding the next generation has become complex and specialized. The Coalition will provide eight rigorous College/Seminary level courses covering the most important content for youth and young adult ministry specialists. Quarterly classes will be offered in various locations based on cohort gatherings and will be facilitated by some of the most respected leaders/thinkers/teachers in the discipline of next generation ministry. These classes will begin with a Sunday night welcome reception and will then meet from Monday morning to Friday afternoon. This schedule will allow most apprentices to participate in their local Sunday services before leaving for the week and most will be home Friday night. Accommodation in each location will be the responsibility of each student, however an attempt will be made to provide affordable options that allow students an economical option. We have found that a camp/communal type option is considered ideal economically but most importantly for community building. These classes will be framed, not simply as a one-week content-driven intensive, but as a three-month focus on the topic being offered. In the month prior to the classroom component, students will be expected to do pre-course reading, online collaboration, case study preparation, real world research, etc. After the week in class the subsequent two months will be used to apply the material in the trenches of ministry where class assignments will be completed. They should be seamlessly integrated into the daily ministry of the apprentice. Coalition DNA Make Your Ministry Your Classroom! About the Coalition Earn your MA or complete a BA with us in a two-year integrated vocational education program. Learn and grow through experiential learning, spiritual formation, academic excellence and intentional community, all while you stay in your ministry context. BOOK A CALL APPLY NOW Ready to Take Your Ministry to the Next Level? We'd love to have you join us in the next intake of the Coalition. Fill in an application and let's start this journey together! A Ministry of Youth Worker Community ABOUT YWC Youth Worker Community exists to empower more youth workers to help the next generation know Jesus. We do that through conferences, the Coalition, research, coaching, and resources for youth ministries. Our purpose is to equip, empower, and relationally support youth workers to help the next generation know Jesus. We do all of this in a culture of low ego and high trust. BOOK A CALL Still Have Questions? We're always happy to chat with youth workers and help them determine if the Coalition would be a good next step for them. Book a call with Steve, the Director of the Coalition, and he'd be happy to share more information and answer any questions you might have. Learn about the Student Experience Check out our Reading List Leave us a message and we'll get back to you! First name* Last name Email* Phone Message* Submit Hear More About the Coalition

We exist to empower youth workers to help the next generation follow Jesus. We do that through conferences, the Coalition, and resources for youth ministries. We can’t find the page you’re looking for This page doesn’t exist. Go to Home and keep exploring. Go to Home

We exist to empower youth workers to help the next generation follow Jesus. We do that through conferences, the Coalition, and resources for youth ministries. Hear from pastors and youth workers who have been impacted by Youth Worker Community, and get a glimpse of how your donation makes a difference in the lives of students and ministry leaders. Your Support Makes an Eternal Difference Help the next generation follow Jesus! Click below for ways to donate to Youth Worker Community. DONATE NOW Subscribe to our Newsletter SUBSCRIBE Follow on Social Media

In this series with Spencer Conway, we will explore different themes in Psalms 23, a prayer written by David. Praying Through Psalm 23 with Spencer Conway Video Package $50 ADD TO CART About the Series In this series with Spencer Conway we will explore different themes in Psalms 23, a prayer written by David. Prayer is where our relationship with God grows. If you’re willing to stick with this practice and learn new approaches to prayer, you will be able to develop a relationship with God that is so much deeper than you could’ve ever imagined. Your purchase also includes small group questions, making it a ready-to-use resource for youth workers. Feel free to access a full preview of this teaching video below to make sure that it fits for your group. *Every dollar spent on these resources goes back into creating more series like this.* Preview the Curriculum Need help equipping your youth ministry? Get our Curriculum Discount Codes—no strings attached. We’re a non-profit that exists to serve churches of every size. If budget is tight, we’ve got you covered. Email* Yes, subscribe me to your newsletter. * Send My Codes We’ll email you the codes right away and send an occasional update on new resources. Unsubscribe anytime. Buy the Series Now! Video Package $50 ADD TO CART Amplify Ministry Impact Train Your Volunteers Cultivate Faith Foundations Teach Your Students

Prepare your youth ministry team for the next ministry season. This series will equip your team by answering their critical questions. 10 Essentials for Youth Ministry with Sid Koop and Jason Ballard Video Package $50 ADD TO CART About the Training Want your youth ministry team trained and ready for the next ministry season? We’re here to help! The 10 Essentials for Youth Ministry will equip your team by answering the critical questions they are asking. Ten 10-minute training videos on the essentials of youth ministry. Use this series once a week or use it alongside the Youth Ministry Online Summit (included for FREE) to create an entire training event for your team. *Every dollar spent on these resources goes back into creating more series like this.* Preview the Series Need help equipping your youth ministry? Get our Curriculum Discount Codes—no strings attached. We’re a non-profit that exists to serve churches of every size. If budget is tight, we’ve got you covered. Email* Yes, subscribe me to your newsletter. * Send My Codes We’ll email you the codes right away and send an occasional update on new resources. Unsubscribe anytime. Buy the Course Now! Video Package $50 ADD TO CART Amplify Ministry Impact Train Your Volunteers Cultivate Faith Foundations Teach Your Students

We exist to support youth workers in helping the next generation follow Jesus. We appreciate your support and donation. Donate & Partner With Us SUPPORT THE MISSION Read More Truth Matters is a registered Canadian charity that operates through the faithful and generous support of people who believe in what we’re doing. Two key values of our organization are accessibility and affordability. We could not live out either of these values if it were not for our partners and friends who financially make this a reality. Partner financially with us to help the next generation see and experience the truth of Jesus Christ. All donations are tax receiptable. Cheque Cheques should be made payable to Truth Matters Ministries Mail to: PO Box 29007 Moncton, NB E1G 4R3 Online E-Transfer to info@truthmatters.ca . Or give by credit card, Paypal, or Google Pay. GIVE ONLINE Automatic Withdrawal Email our team, and we'll help you get set up. EMAIL US Ways to Give Your Support Makes an Eternal Difference Hear from pastors and youth workers who have been impacted by Youth Worker Community, and get a glimpse of how your donation makes a difference in the lives of students and ministry leaders. Follow on Social Media Subscribe to our Newsletter SUBSCRIBE Explore our Curriculum Check out our Conferences Leave us a message and we'll get back to you! First name* Last name* Email* Phone Subject Message Submit

What is Youth Worker Community all about? Equipping, empowering, & relationally supporting youth workers to help the next generation follow Jesus. Equipping, empowering, & relationally supporting youth workers to help the next generation follow Jesus SUPPORT THE MISSION Youth We want youth to know Jesus therefore, Worker we invest in equipping, empowering, and relationally supporting youth workers, so that, Community there is a family of youth workers commited to making an eternal difference in the lives of the youth they lead. Our Story Youth Worker Community exists to empower more youth workers to help the next generation follow Jesus. We do that through conferences, the Coalition, research, coaching, and resources for youth ministries. It all started over 20 years ago as Truth Matters Ministries. In 2002, Truth Matters Ministries partnered with the Evangelical Free Church of Lethbridge, AB, and for the next 11 years, Sid Koop was the Executive Director of Truth Matters Ministries, as well as the Director of Student Ministries for the E-Free Church of Lethbridge. In 2013, Sid Koop went full time with Truth Matters and moved the base of operations to Kelowna, BC, where he formed an informal partnership with Marv Penner and All About Youth. Truth Matters took over the Canadian Youth Workers Conference in 2014, and changed what was a once a year national conference into 6 regional conferences for training youth workers that reached right across Canada. In 2020, Truth Matters created Youth Worker Community to meet the specific needs of youth workers in helping youth follow Jesus. That same year The Coalition for Youth Ministry Excellence launched to meet the need for deeply equipped vocational youth workers. Today, Youth Worker Community meets the unique and growing needs of youth workers across Canada and beyond. Meet the Team Youth Worker Community is run by a group of veteran youth workers. Want to get in touch? Click on our photos to send us an email! Sid Koop Executive Director Jeremy MacDonald Director of Operations Steve Zacharias Director of Coalition Dawn Gutek Administrator Ben Jepsen Academic Coordinator Melanie Friesen Coalition Administrative Coordinator Ben Woodman Content Development Specialist Follow on Social Media Subscribe to our Newsletter SUBSCRIBE Explore our Curriculum Check out our Conferences Governance Truth Matters Ministries operates as a registered Canadian charity under the leadership of a board of directors. Those board members are Adam Parsons (Chair), Phil McFarland, Ian Lawson, Pat Griffith, Lois VanRoon, and Ginny Olson. Our Values Devoted Disciples We place ourselves under the authority of Christ and Scripture. We take the Bible seriously, and invite accountability into our lives to help us become more like Jesus. Faithful Friends We show up for people, celebrating their wins and supporting their struggles. We see each person for who they are, not what they do. We are committed to staying curious, always looking for new ways to serve our community better. We approach problems with an open mind, staying calm and asking “what if”, so that road blocks can be transformed into bridges. Constantly Curious We are committed to staying curious, always looking for new ways to serve our community better. We approach problems with an open mind, staying calm and asking “what if”, so that road blocks can be transformed into bridges. Humble Helpers We leave our personal agendas at the door, and seek to serve others first. We make it a priority to model this posture to those we lead. Statement of Faith The Youth Worker Community was launched while Sid Koop, our founder and Executive Director, was an ordained minister in the Evangelical Free Church of Canada. For that reason, our Statement of Faith mirrors that of the EFCC as well as the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada. Click to read our full statement of faith .

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Looking to get in touch? We'd love to support your ministry as you serve the students that God has placed in your care. Leave us a message and we'll get back to you! First name* Last name* Email* Phone Subject Message Submit Follow on Social Media Subscribe to our Newsletter SUBSCRIBE Explore our Curriculum Check out our Conferences Looking to Support Our Ministry? There are a number of ways to donate and support our work. SUPPORT THE MISSION

How can we love others in the way that God loves us? Elisa provides insight and practical steps for building and nurturing Godly relationships. How He Loves with Elisa Humphreys Video Package $40 ADD TO CART About the Series This series is all about how we can love others in the way that God loves us. Elisa provides insight and practical steps for building and nurturing godly relationships. Topics covered include understanding God's identity as a community of love represented in the Trinity, recognizing one's inherent value through being created in His image, nurturing relationships with parents, building healthy friendships, and cultivating godly romantic relationships. Your purchase also includes small group questions, making it a ready-to-use resource for youth workers. Feel free to access a full preview of this teaching video below to make sure that it fits for your group. *Every dollar spent on these resources goes back into creating more series like this.* Preview the Curriculum Need help equipping your youth ministry? Get our Curriculum Discount Codes—no strings attached. We’re a non-profit that exists to serve churches of every size. If budget is tight, we’ve got you covered. Email* Yes, subscribe me to your newsletter. * Send My Codes We’ll email you the codes right away and send an occasional update on new resources. Unsubscribe anytime. Buy the Series Now! Video Package $40 ADD TO CART Amplify Ministry Impact Train Your Volunteers Cultivate Faith Foundations Teach Your Students