Why “Competing” Churches Should Collaborate in Youth Ministry (And How to Make It Work)

Episode Summary

In this episode of The Ministry Architects Podcast, Renée and Brandon sit down with Sean and Kate, two youth pastors who have successfully implemented a collaborative youth ministry model in McMinnville, Oregon. They share the journey of forming the McMinnville Youth Collective, how it has transformed their youth groups, and why churches should consider working together to maximize their ministry impact.

If you’ve ever wondered how to build a thriving, sustainable, and engaging youth ministry—without burning out—this episode is packed with practical wisdom, real-life examples, and actionable steps to help you get started.

Key Takeaways

Why Collaborative Youth Ministry?

  • Instead of competing for students, churches in the same community can partner together to form a unified youth ministry.
  • The McMinnville Youth Collective began in 2019 when three churches decided to pool resources, volunteers, and students to create something stronger than they could individually.
  • Now, four churches are involved, and the model has proven to be sustainable and beneficial for students, leaders, and parents alike.

The Benefits of Collaboration

  • Stronger Community – Instead of a scattered youth group experience, students feel part of a larger, unified movement.
  • Increased Leadership Support – Youth leaders have peers to collaborate with, reducing burnout.
  • More Opportunities for Students – A bigger youth ministry means better events, larger retreats, and more energy.
  • Cross-Church Relationships – Students connect across denominational lines, reflecting the broader body of Christ.
  • Sustainability – Because leadership is shared, no one carries the burden alone, making the ministry more resilient and long-lasting.

“The more youth we have feeling cared for, loved, and connected, the better. It’s good for them, it’s good for our churches, and it’s good for our city.” – Sean

How It Works: Practical Steps for Churches

Step 1: Build Trust and Start Small

  • The collective started with once-a-month events to gauge student and parent interest.
  • After seeing positive momentum, they moved to weekly combined youth gatherings.
  • Action Step: Start with a conversation. Invite other youth leaders in your area to coffee and ask, “What if we did this together?”

Step 2: Align on Core Values

  • The churches involved share a common theological foundation, making collaboration easier.
  • They focus on shared values rather than doctrinal differences.
  • Example: Instead of teaching one denomination’s view of baptism, they explore different perspectives and let students engage critically.
  • Action Step: Clarify which beliefs are “closed-hand” (essential) and which are “open-hand” (areas where differences are okay).

Step 3: Commit to Regular Communication

  • Leaders meet weekly to plan lessons, discuss challenges, and ensure everything runs smoothly.
  • A leadership agreement outlines expectations and keeps all churches accountable.
  • Action Step: Create a shared leadership plan—who handles what, how decisions are made, and what expectations exist for each church.

Step 4: Choose a Consistent Meeting Location

  • Instead of rotating churches, they chose one primary location for weekly gatherings.
  • Special events still utilize the different church spaces, but consistency helps with student engagement.
  • Action Step: Pick a central meeting place that works for all churches involved.

Step 5: Involve the Whole Church Community

  • Over time, parents and even church members who don’t have teens have begun volunteering and supporting the collective.
  • Leaders intentionally connect with all participating congregations so that it’s a church-wide effort, not just a youth leader project.
  • Action Step: Communicate regularly with senior pastors and church boards so the vision becomes part of the church’s DNA.

Overcoming Challenges

1. “What if we don’t have the same theology?”

  • If core beliefs align, differences can be an opportunity for learning rather than a barrier.
  • Present multiple perspectives and help students think critically rather than forcing them into one view.

2. “What if one church isn’t pulling their weight?”

  • Like a good group project, everyone needs to contribute. Leaders need to be vetted before joining.
  • A leadership agreement clarifies expectations before a church commits.

3. “What if people resist change?”

  • Most pushback comes from habit, not theology. Communicating the “why” behind the collaboration helps bring people on board.

“We’ve never done it that way before” is not a reason to reject a model that is proving effective.” – Kate

Signs Your Church Should Consider a Youth Ministry Collective

  • Your youth ministry feels small and isolated.
  • Your church lacks the volunteers or resources to sustain a dynamic youth program.
  • Your youth leaders are feeling burnt out from doing everything alone.
  • There are other churches in your town with similar youth ministry struggles.
  • You want a youth ministry model that can outlast individual leaders and staff transitions.

Final Thoughts: What’s Next?

  • “What if we partnered together?” – If this episode sparked interest, start with that question. Reach out to another youth pastor in your town.
  • Want Help Starting a Youth Collective? Sean and Kate are passionate about helping other churches replicate this model. Reach out to them!

Next Steps:

  1. Share this episode with other youth leaders in your area.
  2. Schedule a conversation with local church leaders to explore the idea.
  3. Think long-term: How can your church embrace a sustainable, collaborative youth ministry model?