About YSN

Service Area:

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 2022 population of 7,340,118.

For the number of schools and estimated students in each county, go to Schools.  For the estimated population of each county, and our number of desired Networks in each county, go to Networks.

Because of our connections with the National Network of Youth Ministries 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, we are benefiting from lessons learned by our fellow-servants elsewhere.

History:

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 desire to see TheNet of Greater Houston again become 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 see 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.