A Mission of Unity
by Daryl Nuss
The National Network of Youth Ministries was formed by a group of youth workers who desperately wanted to see the Great Commission fulfilled among young people. Jesus’ words in Matthew 28:19, commanding us to go and make disciples of all nations, were the driving force behind the birth of NNYM.
The United States had (and still has) most of the Christian work force and finances, along with a youth culture that has been highly responsive to the gospel of Jesus Christ. So it made sense to focus our efforts here to reach and train young people to go to every corner of the world!
There were also pressing needs in American youth ministry that led to the launch of the Network.
- A need for coordination among ministries.
- An alarming rate of youth worker “burnout."
- A need for a “neutral ground, safe haven” for youth pastors and workers to be encouraged and refreshed.
Don't we all want a unified mission effort that will bring glory to God?
As Jesus prayed in John 17:20-21, “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in Me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as You are in Me and I am in You . . . May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that You sent Me and have loved them even as You have loved Me.”
