Our primary focus is in the nine Texas counties, identified by the US Census Bureau as the “Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land MSA”. These nine counties cover over 8,258 square miles, with a combined estimated 2023 population of 7,481,317 souls.
Because of our connections with the National Network of Youth Ministries, the “Every Student – Every School” Campus Alliance and other ministries … the lessons we’re learning, and the skills we’re developing, have ripple effects beyond our chosen counties. In the same way, our area is benefiting from the lessons we’re learning from our fellow-servants elsewhere.
TheNet was formed in the mid-1990’s as “The Houston Area Network of Youth Ministries”, by a group of youth pastors and parachurch leaders, in partnership with the KSBJ Radio Station and other local ministries. The first coordinator was Zeke Zeiler, who was serving as the Houston Area Metro Director for Campus Crusade’s Student Venture (now called “Cru – High School”). Over the years, TheNet was part of major city-wide efforts; however, there was also a long period of inactivity due to a lack of leadership, energy and participation.
We’re working toward TheNet of Greater Houston again becoming a “network of networks” for our nine-county area, to help connect and strengthen the body of Christ, to communicate the Gospel, and help our children and youth become followers of Jesus Christ.
Since TheNet was not formally organized, and since we saw a need to develop supporting roles and staff for its efforts, in 2013 we incorporated as the Youthworkers Support Network and have received our own IRS 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status.
