Playbook 2020 was an amazing experience for youth ministry leaders from around the North American Division September 3-5. The NAD OneTeam (#oneteamNAD)--Tracy Wood, Gael Murray, Armando Miranda, and Vandeon Griffin--all had the privilege of not only leading during the 17-track leadership training but also coordinating the seven dynamic and high-energy worship services which occurred throughout the event. 
The seven Playbook 2020 worship services had different sports-related themes to guide the experience and make connections to God and team members. The first of the seven themes was entitled “Get the Ball Rolling.” The idea was to convey to the youth leaders that they must depend on Christ, not themselves, to “Get the Ball Rolling,” and this happens best when working with a team as opposed to going solo. Tod Bolsinger, author of Canoeing the Mountains, was the featured speaker.

The gist of Bolsinger’s message to youth leaders is that they should be adaptable in their leadership and be willing to let things go that are not working. Additionally, Bolsinger challenged leaders to connect with other people who are not in power as they are the ones who are best fit to be adaptable since they’ve lived in uncharted territory most of their lives. Tracy Wood, lead director of the North American Division Youth and Young Adult Ministries Department, shared his takeaway from Bolsinger’s talk as having a vision for young adults along with leaders, and a need to not only hear from the young adults but also involve them in leadership in this new era.

Another exciting element of the worship experience was asking sports figures to address our leaders with short messages on the theme. Brice Butler, NFL wide receiver free agent; and Monique Billings, WNBA forward for the Atlanta Dream, are a couple of the athletes who spoke.

A highlight of the weekend were the praise and worship sets for each service, led by Dajuana Hammonds of Nashville, Tennesee. The theme song, “The Power of 1,” was sung at the beginning of the virtual experience for the purpose of sharing with the leaders that we are #oneteam youth leaders from around the North American Division, and that God’s desire is that our youth ministries operate as one with different responsibilities to the same youth in our local churches.

Each worship service included prayer time from union youth ministries directors from around the NAD and a brief summary of the exciting youth programs that are happening in each of the unions. We were blessed to host these spiritual services for our youth leaders. We believe the hearts of the listeners were lifted toward Christ and we sensed the presence of God at each dynamic worship service.

The NAD Youth Department is working to release the worship talks as an encouragement to all leaders who serve around the division. When the videos are available, those interested will be able to find info on how to watch on the Playbook website.

— Vandeon Griffin is an associate director of the NAD Youth & Young Adult Ministries department, and a member of the #oneteamNAD.

This article was originally published on the North American Division’s news site