the SOURCE

About two weeks ago the Church of Ireland Youth Department (for whom I work) hosted a national youth ministry resourcing day for the Republic of Ireland. It was the first of its kind (as far as I'm aware) and by all accounts well worth doing again next year. The day consisted of an opening session on Young People and Youth Culture, time for networking with 12 organisations present including: Open Doors, Scripture Union, CFI Training Centre, Youth Alive, 3Rock Youth, Mothers Union, Summer Madness, Street Reach, Youth for Christ, Exodus Christian Training Centre, Pais Project, ACET and the Church of Ireland Youth Department. There were three others seminars for participants to take part in including Uniting Reverence with Relevance (marrying tradition with innovation), Hearts and Minds (investing in volunteer leader teams), and Along the Way (discipleship with young people in the 21st century). It was a wonderful day and the event went smoothly. Many people gave positive feedback and have mentioned the desire to come to next year's event even though we haven't officially said we'll be hosting it next year. I think the feeling is that since it serves a big need and so many benefited, we'll go for a second year of SOURCE in the Republic of Ireland!