Launching a Second Women in Youth Ministry Cohort

This month I am completing my first Women in Youth Ministry Cohort and it has been phenomenal. To say that I've enjoyed these 9 women, learned from them, been inspired by their growth, and challenged by their leadership is an understatement. I'm SO very grateful for God bringing these unique women together for the purpose of pressing into their calling and developing their gifts in new ways. I've seen utter breakthrough, transformation, and miracles in their lives. They've taken a deeper look into souls, their ministry, and their callings. Together we've asked tough questions, explored fearful topics, grieved each other's losses, and celebrated victories. It's been a dream come true. Those women below are an answer to prayer and I'm so grateful to see how they're flourishing in new ways because of their commitment to their transformation...

A couple women completing the cohort this month had this to say about their experience...

"The Women in Youth Ministry Cohort was exactly what I needed in this phase of my ministry journey. I had been looking for something like this for a long time and as soon as I hear about this cohort, I knew this was an answer to prayer. Being a part of this cohort for the last few months has been a breath of fresh air and such an encouragement to me in my personal life and ministry context. This is an opportunity I would recommend for any woman in a youth ministry role, especially to those who find themselves serving in an area where they aren’t many other females in ministry to connect with on a regular basis." - Jessica Charney, youth pastor in Northern California

"Being a woman in youth ministry comes with its own set of joys, challenges and learning curves; being a part of a coaching program through TYC helped provide a space where all of those unique elements could be discussed, where resources could be shared, and where I knew I would be welcomed and understood. Coaching sessions throughout the year allowed for asking the hardest and (sometimes) most ridiculous questions, knowing that an experienced and skilled mentor would be walking the vocational ministry journey alongside me. I especially appreciated the emphasis on leadership materials developed by women!" - Rebekah Strobel, youth pastor in Washington state

The Youth Cartel

Here's a little more about The Youth Cartel's second Women in Youth Ministry cohort...

DESCRIPTION:

This whole-life coaching program is all about developing and equipping you as a woman in leadership. Being a woman in youth ministry is different. It demands unique skills and awareness as we approach the challenges and opportunities due to our gender. We will learn across a scope of subjects including theology, practical life realities, leading men, and issues defined by this group. Each time we meet is very intentional and structured to provide encouragement, challenge, and transformation. This cohort provides customized attention to your specific context and needs as a woman in youth ministry.

DETAILS:

We will journey together for about 6-months. The group chooses exact dates based on our schedules.

• Two 2-day, face-to-face meetings in Orange County, CA
• One face-to-face meeting at the Women in Youth Ministry Campference at Lake Junaluska, NC
• Three online meetings for 3 hours each (via Google Hangout)
• Participants get four 30-minute phone calls with April Diaz
• Access to a secret Facebook group for ongoing support, connection, and interaction
• We'll do a healthy amount of reading and cross-disciplinary learning, as well
• Cost - $2250, including Campference registration (+ participant travel costs)
• 8- 10 sharp women in leadership will be accepted

Some may look at the cost and discount their participation. I've come to believe, "where there's a will, there's a way." If this is something you'd benefit from, let's find a way! I've also participated in similar cohorts and paid a lot more. It's one of the best investments, in my opinion, you can make in your leadership. The learning you'll have from the other women and myself will be beyond a conference and these detailed bullet points! And you are worth theinvestment. Our churches, families, and students desperately NEED the voices of women pouring into them, making decisions, and engaging each other.

Interested? Questions? Ready to apply? Email me at april@theyouthcartel.com.

A Big Announcement!

Introducing...an inaugural event for women in youth ministry

I've waited a long time for a gathering like this. So why not go ahead and lead one?

When The Youth Cartel hired me, launching a Women in Youth Ministry Campference was one of the deliverables we agreed upon. It was actually something the (Mark Oestreicher and Adam McLane) have wanted for a long time. And now we could actually do it (because, ya know, I'm a girl and they're not). Before I even came on board at TYC, Rachel Blom and Leneita Fix wanted to make this happen. Together, we made a team. And for the past few months, we've been secretly dreaming, praying, conspiring, and putting together the basic framework for the event.

This Campference - a mashup of the best of the camp and conference experiences - is for any type of woman in youth ministry. As we've leaked thoughts of this Campference to our friends and on social media, the response has been palpable excitement. A collective sigh of sorts has been released. Finally. We need it.

One of the best parts is that every single woman who we've asked to speak or participate in any way has said an enthusiastic, "YES!" You're going to love to line-up of women we already have to lead us.But what will make this Campference truly wonderful is the unique voice, presence, experience, and participation of every woman who comes. 

The Campference hasn't even happened yet, but this Women in Youth Ministry Campference is a dream come true for me ... and I know a lot of other women in our world. We're only guaranteed 100 spots, so get yourself and your wonder women registered early.

We'd LOVE for you to check it out HERE and share with every woman in youth ministry you know. I think it's going to be a remarkable time together! We hope to see you there!!

She is Your Ezer

Earlier this year I was invited by the Men's Ministry at the church where I was on staff to speak at their Men's Retreat. That's right - a woman was invited by men to speak to them about their relationship with women. (Mad props to Ed Salas and Ray Huang for their visionary invitation!) This was the first time an invitation like this was extended to a woman. I was terrified because I knew what needed to be spoken. And I didn't know how it would be received. I was - and still am - honored! The way these men welcomed me with raucous applause and a standing ovation at the retreat that morning left me in a pile of tears at the front of the room. I believe my first words were, "Oh great. The girl that cries. How stereotypical."

But the Holy Spirit took over my words that morning in a way that convinced me I was giving one of my life messages for the first time. Those words are still being discussed among the men in attendance.

Since then, I've been asked to give a similar message at the same church's Women's Retreat next month. The weekend's theme was born from this talk: Eden - Becoming Wholehearted Women. I can hardly wait.

Last month, I was also asked to speak at Newsong LA. Below is that message. I hope it stirs something inside of you and causes greater movement in the Kingdom for women to take their rightful place in our world.

REAL TALK: She is your Ezer | 2014.08.10 | April Diaz from Newsong Los Angeles on Vimeo.

What's not shown at the end of my message is that my friend, lead pastor Adam Edgerly, came back on stage and invited me up with him. He asked for forgiveness for ways he's not consistently empowered, included, and invited women into their church. Then, he invited any women in the room who resonated with my words to come ON STAGE WITH ME to receive prayer for healing and blessing for their full ministry expression. He said he wanted them to be seen and step into that place of power. I'm sure over 50% of the women in the room stood on stage with me. I could hardly breathe as I knew the Holy Spirit was doing something powerful. Adam then took a seat off stage, prayed for us, then asked me to close in prayer for these women and women all around the world. He recognized that a man shouldn't be the last word in that service. Tears streamed. When "AMEN" was spoken, hugs and looks of solidarity flooded the stage. It was holy ground.

Oh, what the Church would look like if women were blessed to live out their full created identity! May it be so.