Another GREAT question. What started out as pre-conference activities has become a major small groups initiative. Love that this idea was inspired by input from 2007 NYMC attendees.

 Affinity Groups are optional, casual small groups at NYMC so you can connect, share info learned in various tracks and workshops, and discuss how it applies to your similar ministry situation. Each group has a ministry mentor who’ll help lead discussion, and organize the next group meeting. Affinity Groups kick-off on Friday 2/22 from 3-4:30 pm for fellowship, and continue throughout the conference during various times. Example: early morning coffee devotions, brown-bag lunches, and late night discussions.  Affinty Group information boards in the commons area communicate daily happenings.  A lot will happen organically–we’re plugging in the mentors, coordinating some logistics and communication, and letting God do the rest.

Affinity Group details will be on the web soon, but groups we’ve got so far are: small church ym; large church ym; urban ym; jr. high ym; women in ym; veteran youth workers; new youth workers; tech nerds; college & seminary students and professors; PDYM; older youth workers (45+); and a support group youth workers dealing with difficult pastors. The list is growing…feel free to comment and add your ideas for Affinity Groups. (or anything, really)