I have to echo your first observation about mentoring and add a little. In that first general session when all the 20-something youth workers were asked to stand, I was struck by the number of them and my memories of being a 20-something youth worker. It also struck me that now more than maybe ever in the history of youth ministry, we have people who are 15+ year veterans who can and should speak into the lives of these younger youth workers as mentors. That was an underlying theme in the open space as well. I remember one young youth worker coming up to the microphone in the closing circle and saying how valuable, how appreciated the voice of the veterans was.

Now that I’ve seen this, I’m trying to figure out where to go with it.

Sorry I hijacked your blog with a super-long comment. Great thoughts! Best wishes for Atlanta!