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Intersect Training- Boston

May 10, 2007

Dear Fellow Youth Workers,
 
For those who may not know me, my name is Brian Dietz and I am the Middle School Pastor at Grace Chapel in Lexington, MA. If I haven’t met you personally, then I’ve been given your name by Mark Cannister who believes that you’ll be interested in hearing what I’m about to share. 
 
About three years ago, I met a couple guys at one of those critical concerns courses at a Youth Specialties Convention.  They were teaching the course and I was drooling the whole time they taught. Why?  Because for pretty much the whole 8 hours, my mind was heavily engaged, my heart was being stirred and I got super excited to pass on what they were presenting.  I had been to plenty of “how to” seminars and was pretty much done with those.  I was hungry to really be challenged to think about ministry and not just do it and they satisfied that hunger big time, but also left me wanting more of their teaching.  
 
This led to me going out to Michigan, four times last year to participate in a cohort they led with 10 other youth pastors.  And the brain stretching continued which led to deeper, healthier, more meaningful ministry. It was amazing to not just sit in large seminars for training, but to engage with the instructors and the other ministry leaders who were there. Needless to say, I loved it and learned a ton.  But the only problem was, it was all done in Michigan and everyone, except me, was from Michigan. So I’ve decided to see if I can bring the cohort to Boston.  And that’s what has prompted this email and the event that I am inviting you to. 
 
As you’ll note in the attached flyer, the training will be free with no strings attached.  If nothing else, I’d just love to hang out and get to know you all more.  But if you’re experience is like mine, you’ll leave wanting more, and that option does exist.  Starting in August 2007, my hope is to gather enough of us together for a year long New England cohort.  We’ll explain this more when you come to the preview, but I am anxious to keep thinking about ministry with others who love to think and learn in community and I’m hoping this day will get us started in doing that together!!
 
For those who may not have heard of Intersect, or Steve Argue and Dave Livermore, the co-founders, I encourage you to visit their website and learn more.  But on a more personal note, when I was out in Michigan last year I was so blessed to get to know them.  On one level, they’re on the forefront of leadership training in youth ministry working with people like Mark Oestricher, president of YS and Kara Powell, from Fuller Seminary, and publishing a regular column in Group magazine.  At the same time, they are engaged in the academic world with their work at Grand Rapids Theological Seminary and ongoing doctoral studies.  But, the coolest thing is that they are just a blast to hang with.  I got to know their families and the people they minister to, and across the board, they were tons of fun and offered tons of great wisdom in each context. 
 
If you know others who might be interested in this, please pass it along.  And if you have any questions, I’m happy to answer them.  I hope to see you in May and beyond!!
 
In Christ,


Brian Dietz

Grace Chapel 

781.862.8351 x 144 

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