The Hive

Hives are committed groups of youth ministers who freely and intentionally discover, discuss, and develop timely & relevant resources & responses in order to deliver eternal impact to and through youth. These collaboration communities allow youth ministers to learn more, lend a hand, and lead change.

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Intentional Collaboration

Too often, Christians mistake conversation for collaboration. But if we want to make a difference among the world’s 2 billion youth, we’ve got to move from co-talking to co-laboring. Whether its facilitating Hives —with church denominational youth directors in America or multi-national youth leaders online—we’re convinced (and our research supports it) there’s a better way to collaborate.

A few years ago, we asked youth ministers from around the world what they think about collaboration. Check out the Intentional Collaboration Survey here. Since then, we created the Hive Handbook which helps local leaders facilitate their own learning communities in order to create relevant youth ministry resources.

So, what are Hives?

In short, our intentional collaboration model (aka Hives) helps groups of youth ministers:

Discover

Youth ministers discover ways in which the Bible (and various fields of study) inform select topics related to youth spiritual formation.

Discuss

Youth ministers discuss observed and researched principles and practices.

Develop

Youth ministers work together to develop relevant Christ-centered resources & responses to impact ministry to and through youth.

Deliver

Relevant resources & responses are delivered to fellow youth ministers in a timely manner. This is done via grassroots networks and a broader web-platform. Resources may range from position papers, curriculum, teaching/preach aids, and multi-media tools and more. Responses might include multi-church or organizational campaigns and projects aimed at mobilizing youth to advance the kingdom of God.

“I’m looking forward…to The Hive.”

Pete Sutton, USA

Did You Know?

0 %

of youth ministers agree,

that resources aren’t always relevant
or available in a timely manner.

0 %

of youth ministers agree,

there aren’t enough trained
youth ministers & resources.

0 %

of youth ministers

struggle to apply
or adapt resources.

"The HIVE will become the veins in which the blood pumps through the body and brings life to youth ministry."

"The U.S. needs to learn from voices from around the world. Our model for youth ministry has been flipped because we need a new paradigm. With a global community a much broader perspective is needed. The Hive could merge strategy and relationship.”

"We didn’t have language or a paradigm for this but you’re helping the jigsaw pieces fit together. The Hive is brilliant!”

“I value collaboration because it can help my ministry personally while also empowering other ministries. It’s probably closes to what the “church” ought to be doing.”

The Hive Handbook

We’ve put together what we learned (and are learning) about intentional collaboration through Hives. This is an amazing resource that will make your attempt at launching a Hive easier and more fruitful. Fill out the form and we will send you the handbook.

Access Hive Resources

The collaboration between youth ministers in IYS Hives has led to the creation of some amazing youth discipleship resources. We offer these free resources not only as a way to further your own youth ministry, but also to show you what can be achieved through intentional collaboration.

Launch Your Hive

Are you interested in launching a Hive with your friends? Want to create your own relevant discipleship resources and evangelistic responses? Then, we’d love to help you.