I am getting ready to go to the National Youth Workers Convention in San Diego. This will be the 7th or so convention for me and each year God uses them for a different purpose in my life. This year I am looking to find my roots in youth ministry again. After 8 years in youth ministry, 7 of those in a full time paid position it can be easy to get caught up in the work or the ministry itself and forget about the calling or what it was about youth ministry that caused you to fall in love with it in the first place. It is an odd place to be, because it is not like burnout or loss of passion, but perhaps a need for a reminder of identity so that one can continue to fulfill the purpose and vision God has set out for you. In all these years I have learned a lot and gotten better at this, but it is still hard enough to grow doing it and to still be in love with it, to allow it to teach you and draw you close to God. Over the next couple blogs I want to take time to reflect on the nature of youth ministry as I journey back to my roots and passion for this great calling.