YouthWorker Journal

"Change is a good thing." 

I have told more than one person this during my last 5 years of youth ministry.  In reality I guess there is something inbred in all humans that make us resistance to the thought of something changing.  Especially if the thing being changed is something you cannot imagine being any better any other way.

This is where I find myself tonight with the confirmation that Youth Specialties is no longer responsible for the content of YouthWorker Journal.  How can that be you ask?

To the best of my understanding; here is the story.  About 10 years ago, Youth Specialties sold Youth Worker Journal to CCM with the aggreement that YS would be solely responsible for the content of the Journal on a contract basis.  This aggreement worked great as YS continued to publish the Journal they are known for.  A couple of years ago (I am not sure of the date) CCM was bought by Salem Communications.  Thus, Salem owned YWJ.  They decided to end the contract with YS effective the first of the year and the latest edition of the Journal will be the last in which YS has any say whatsoever.  Will Penner has been fired and the relationship between the companies ended.  Both sides are going on about how thankful they are to the other, but I cannot help but feel that YS is really bummed about this turn of events.

YouthWorker Journal is something I have looked forward to and read for the entire 5 years I have been in youth ministry.  The handle they have on current culture is always spot on and the reviews of Youth Ministry material is always done fairly (even a couple of time telling you certain YS products may not be for you.)  But, it is the articles that make this Journal in my eyes.  Each issue makes me think, ponder, and view things differently.  I get mad at the author at times and mad at myself at others.  Other articles, like Steve Case's, make me smile and feel encouraged no matter how hard the storm of ministry is blowing.

What will the next issue look like?  I have no idea.  The only thing I do know is that the heart of YS beats for youth workers; and they only publish people whose hearts reflect this.  How cool is it that every article is written by someone whose heart is filled with a God-given passion for student ministry?

Salem, you have a big pair of shoes to fill.  Those of us in youth ministry want relevant, thought provoking material we can use and incorporate in conversations and situations we find ourselves in each day. 

So, is this change good?  I'll let you know in 2 months.  And just like those in the church who look at newly minted changes with a severely critical eye, I may find myself doing the same.  Even still, I can be convinced that the new YWJ can be an asset to me and enhance my ministry.  But if not,  I'll add the $40 a year on to my buying Slurpee's for students money; that will enhance my ministry for sure.

YouthWorker Journal

Comments

[James]

Well written. I think you should email/send this post to Salem.