Haven Berry on Jul 04, 2009 said...

I was just looking at the list of speakers and artist for Atlanta - NYWC.  Are going to be any other music artist there? Several years ago in Charlotte, Nashville and Dallas Chris Tomlin and David Crowder were both leading worship and doing praise and worship session together after one of the main session.  Will there be any other Christian Bands performing…...Newsong, Third Day etc?  What about late night sessions with some of the up and coming bands?  I noticed last year in Nashville at NYWC there was not as many other Christian Bands as there had been before and the Late Nights did not have has much variety.  However, There were some wonderful speakers and the worship services/big sessions were awesome.  The breakout sessions that I attend were great!  It cost a lot to attend the event and I must say that I have gotten so much out of it and the event has helped me a lot in ministry.  I know that times are tough for everyone but, I just felt that I needed to bring this to someone’s attention.  With the why the economy is I think you all are really going to have make it more appealing to everyone as it has been in the past.  I understand that from year to year there has to be new and updated changes made.  I have noticed a big difference in somethings that are being done vrs. when I first started attending NYWC back in 2001.  They are not all bad changes either some are good.  Churches budgets are struggling as well as individuals.  I think the more variety and the more you can offer the better it will be.  Thank you so much for all you do and for varing so much for the youth in this world.  Haven Berry

traynor4 on Jul 04, 2009 said...

I totally agree with this. I go to the convention to not only learn a lot, but to also hear some great artists and have some amazing worship. David Crowder is the BEST and I am pleased he is coming, but I have decided to not attend this year because of the lack of performers. What is the reason for this?

Regan Hensel on Jul 06, 2009 said...

DITTO… Totally!  Cinci is way so much closer and obviously cheaper for me to attend but without Crowder… NYWC has always been my “kick-in-the-pants” inspiration and revitalization. I love the smaller sessions and always get an overload of stuff out of every one that I have been to but the Big Sessions and the worship are what gets my heart pounding and revitalizes me (and everyone that I have attended with).  Guess I will be going to Hotlanta again this year!

Kate on Jul 18, 2009 said...

I would like to include my question on this same topic, too.  After my ministry partner and I both chatted with people from YS registration, we haven’t really gotten many answers in regards to the “downsizing” of your Cincinnati convention.  It would be nice to have a better understanding as to why you all are doing this - and to understand why and how you can charge the same price for Cinci in spite of this deliberate downsizing.  After attending the past two years in St. Louis & Pittsburgh, this is a little disappointing.  Plus, I’m from Michigan, so Cinci is the most logical and economical choice of locations. I would really appreciate some info.

Bethany at YS on Jul 20, 2009 said...

Hey Thanks everyone for your comments!  We just got back from a couple of great conventions for DCLA09 and now will be able to address some of the comments made. 

We really appreciate your feedback and really, thank YOU for all you do and for caring so much for youth.  You’re the champions.
It is absolutely our goal for this year’s NYWC to be your “kick-in-the-pants” inspiration and revitalization. One of the changes you’ll see in this year’s Big Room is a house worship band.  We hope this provides you with a consistent worship experience – based less on
performance and more on leading the convention in a community and communion of worship.  Every year we receive valuable feedback and it’s always across the board because we all need different things.  We know some people want the bigger names, and some people want a more subtle worship experience.

And Haven, you’re right, the times are tough and we’re in a season of
financial restraint, but in this year as always, it has been our intention to meet your needs as youth workers making the investment in this training and time of rest and worship.  Kate - thanks also for your comment and wanted to address that we’re definitely not downsizing the event.  In fact, we’re adding new features and opportunities, like the Open Space Saturday and some really exciting changes you’ll find in the Big Room.
Keep the feedback coming!  You guys are awesome.

Justin on Jul 27, 2009 said...

So, am I hearing this straight.  There will basically be no bands at the conference other than crowder and Shane and Shane- yet registration is the same price?  I personally think this was the wrong place to downsize.  The artists are a big draw for many that come, and I think it made deter people from coming. 

Also, the bands make it more family friendly.  It adds an extra appeal for family members/spouses/children who aren’t as involved in youth ministry.  I paid for the retreat before I saw the line up, and honestly, I feel kind of shafted.

It’s kinda like paying to go to the Superbowl, and all you’re given is a halftime show!  If there are no bands, my opinion is the cost should be lower.

I’m saying this all with a huge love and appreciation for youth specialities.  You guys do an awesome job, and I know the economy right now is cuasing some tough decisions.  How about, instead of cutting big name bands altogether, just invite like two.  (I don’t see crowder more as a worship leader, and shane and shane more as a worship leader.)

Kate on Jul 27, 2009 said...

Amen, Justin!

Matt Bruns! on Jul 30, 2009 said...

Umm, I think maybe you guys are missing the point.  Its 4 days of great training.  I’m a first year, full-time Student Minister, and I am attempting to bring my youth leaders to Cincy for the event.  As much as I would like to see some great bands, my leaders a young, relatively new to youth ministry, and have deer in the headlights most of the time as far as how to DO youth ministry.

So, I’m thankful for the changes. I haven’t been before, I’m super stoked for Donald Miller and Reggie Joiner.  I admire them both. I really want my leaders to be able to get as much as they can from the trip.  I mean, we can see David Crowder and all those acts just about any other time. They tour like CRAZY! Don’t get me wrong, I think Shane and Shane are basically amazing at what they do, but the draw for me and my ministry, is simply to get equipped.  YS is the marquee in all of this, so I chose to go to NYWC.  If the concerts were the draw, I would go somewhere else.  Like Orange Conference or something like that. 

Plus, I would put my Youth Band up against any of those other acts, and we will play for free! My worship leader and his band are recording as I type, and they are rocking it!  STANDSTILL, check em out on myspace!

d-wag on Aug 03, 2009 said...

you hit it matt…thanks for posting…i’m a huge music guy…but really couldn’t care less about what bands are going to be there…i’m just excited about seeing what the lord has to teach me…what the lord has in store through the speakers/labs.  this is what makes nywc unique…i think nywc is right on track by putting more energy and effort into the speakers/labs and less into getting big name artists.  we can go to concerts throughout the year to catch bands…but this is a once-a-year opportunity to learn/to soak in/to absorb.

Haven on Aug 03, 2009 said...

You all have great comments!!  You all are very correct on the fact
it is not all about the bands.  It is about what the Lord is going to do.  However, I have attended YS since 2001 and I must say that the bands did not just perform their music they also did a lot of worship music.  For me personally, through the music experiences was when the Lord spoke to me a lot.  At the time, I was serving at a very difficult church that had many issues and it was truly amazing how God spoke to me through the music/worship. It is not about the bands performing it is about worshipping.  I must say that God speaks to many people through many different ways….music, drama, speakers, etc.  YS has the BEST speakers that truly have a heart of God.  Don’t get me wrong I would recommend ALL youth workers paid or not to attend YS.  It would be great to see a wide variety of late night events either music, drama, media etc.  YS is awesome and you guys keep doing a great job!

Jon Cheatwood on Aug 04, 2009 said...

I think we need more clarification on the “not downsizing” for Cincinnati. 4 speakers there and 6 at both other events?

I’m a bit leary of the new set-up, but I trust you to come up with something great again.

Jay on Aug 06, 2009 said...

As a long-time NYWC attendee and huge fan of the awesome refreshing it has brought, I see all sides. I go for the awesome training the convention brings AND the different bands that have been part of especially the late night options.

I dig the training probably more than most, but jamming was always a GREAT stress relief. To get to rock out WITHOUT students has always been so welcoming and refreshing.

As a NYWC vet who has been to Cincy twice, Atlanta soon to be 3 times, Phoenix, Pitts, and Tampa, the training has always been second to none, but I was also able to just be Jay outside of the training rooms and seminars. Without the just me time I need (call me selfish if you want, but I do deserve it after pouring out), I may be rethinking. Please please please give me some play time.

Bethany at YS on Aug 06, 2009 said...

Great dialog guys!  Just want to clear up really quickly that we’re not downsizing Cincinnati - we just haven’t had a chance to update that page.  We have just confirmed new speakers and we’re in the process of updating.  There will be just as many speakers in Cinci as the other two!  Thanks!

Daryl Andrews on Aug 19, 2009 said...

First off, I want you to hear I am a big supporter of YS. I appreciate what you have and will do. I have been to half a dozen NYWC and was at DCLA’09 in Washington this summer. I say that only to show, that I am a loyal supporter. Furthermore, I believe you do listen to feedback. I wanted to contribute some ideas from my perspective.

Im loving some of the changes, and really appreciating the motivation behind them. The movement away from an entertainment variety show towards worship is obviously appreciated. However, as many have pointed out, worship was happening - lots! Furthermore, the idea of having some consistency in a worship team is a great idea. However, why couldn’t this still happen with a variety of ‘accomplished’ musicians? Why couldn’t a ‘dream team’ worship band be built. One with hearts for God and excellence in skill. Imagine having Chris Tomlin leading the vocals… with say Phil Keaggy playing electric guitar and Bwack playing drums. Enjoy the consistency of a common worship band, while providing an unique experience that none of us youth pastors would traditionally get to experience (and very bang for your buck). I realize finances are tight, and if thats a major motivator - just be flat out with it. I don’t know if its applicable for anyone else, but I know that the cost is a really big stretch this year for me. And if YS wants to scale down, I think it would be a great idea to scale back the cost as well. 

I dont want to only voice criticism, so I will provide a few comments about the learning changes. I AM SO EXCITED FOR THE OPEN SPACE. I have recruited a couple youth pastors already to attend for this idea alone. Furthermore, I am noticing a new crop of teachers and speakers. The last few years I was feeling like I was running out of seminars. Not that I know it all, far from it; but, its just exciting to hear some new voices from different perspectives. Im hoping this trend continues. Furthermore, Im hoping there are MORE seminars going at the same time so they can be smaller and more intimate - and more niche to compensate for the big room changes. A great example was Scott Erickson at DCLA’09. I always thought of him as just a painter on the side during main sessions. However, he offered some INCREDIBLE seminars in DC. He is an example of the new crop - and Im no artist - but I learned so much about grace, beauty, and ministry from his voice. 
In closing, one additional minor suggestion - can we get the audio’s of the seminars at a FAR cheaper rate. We live in an iTunes generation with Open Space and sharing of information. Can we adjust audio costs to be proportional to the market. It would be amazing value if attenders could acquire a free one time download of the entire conference as part of their registration. It would cost you next to nothing if you did it online (even a disc is VERY cheap) or provided a station people could plug in a USB key to at the end. And if the cost for additional downloads was affordable I would then be prone to encourage my leaders and other local youth pastors to download a seminar that I had heard. Maybe you would make more sales if you offered audio’s for around a dollar - worked for Apple?

Jay on Aug 21, 2009 said...

Well…I guess I’m just not “feeling it” with YS this year. There are other conferences that seem to want to not only train and equip me, but want to give me that “me time” I was wanting. No YS for me. Prayerfully things will return and I wonder if the changes are economic-driven or Zondervan-driven. Honetly…I miss Yac….

Michelle Fockler on Aug 21, 2009 said...

Jay we appreciate you writing and would love to talk to you one on one about anything you see as negative changes in YS.  We assure you that we make changes based on feedback from our events and everything we do is based on 30 years of trying to put on the best event for youth workers based on our experience and their feedback.  And we all definitely are right there with you in missing Yac.

This may not change your mind to attend the event but I don’t want to leave your concerns unaddressed.  We offer many avenues for Soul Care (from sanctuary to mass to art den etc) and all of our programming is optional so you could have “me time” alone, in a soul care venue, or with a convention pastor.  We also offer many other one on one opportunities that are included with your registration such as spiritual directors and youth ministry consultants.

As far as the house worship band they may not have name recognition but that doesn’t at all equate to a lesser worship experience.  The goal is to create a community worship experience through all Big Rooms.  Many other conventions work in this way and we’re received feedback year after year from attendees requesting this kind of change.

Mike Emerson on Aug 26, 2009 said...

I have to admit, if I had not listened to the podcasts with Marko and others, I would have been skeptical about the changes with this year’s conferences, but hearing it fleshed out, and especially the WHY behind those changes, I am willing to embrace the changes.  I have always loved the general sessions, but Marko is right that they were becoming big Christian variety shows.  I love a great show, but to be a good steward of the resources given me (I work at a para-church youth ministry based at a Christian camp and can only attend by raising support like a mission trip) I need to be challenged to grow and learn more about this job I am in.  I get plenty of great entertainment AND worship opportunities throughout the year, so why pay for more of the same.  So I am coming with an open mind to Cincinnati, despite the fact that I have absolutely loved all five of my previous conventions just the way they were!

Tash McGill on Aug 31, 2009 said...

Hiya Mike - thanks for your positive and encouraging comments. I’m so glad that you have heard our heart! Look forward to seeing you at convention AND receiving your feedback (along with everyone else!), as we continue to shape NYWC to be as constructive and valuable as possible to youthworkers.