City vs. Country Youth Ministry: I have done both in 27+ years, from the deep south, Louisiana to Amish Country Pennsylvania. I have worked with students just outside of Washinton DC and in the western suburbs of Chicago. Here is what I have figured out? So Far… 10. Street Racing? (souped-up cars VS. souped-up horse & […]
ENGAGING MIDDLE SCHOOLERS IN SMALL GROUPS IS SOMETIMES CHALLENGING; OTHER TIMES, IT MAY SEEM IMPOSSIBLE. She was awkwardly staring me down, like only a middle school girl with a little too much attitude could. We had dismissed into small groups a while ago. I had asked her a simple question, “Why aren’t you in your […]
UNICORN SPELLING BEE GAME IS A FUN, UP-FRONT, FULL GROUP GAME THAT YOUR YOUTH GROUP IS GOING TO LOVE! ARE YOU READY FOR THE MAGIC!?
YOUTH MINISTRY SACRED COWS! WE ALL HAVE THEM AT OUR CHURCH AND MINISTRY. WE FEED THEM, RAISE THEM, AND KEEP THEM AROUND. MAYBE IT IS TIME TO PUT THESE TEN “OUT TO PASTURE”!? 10. We still feed kids junk food, even though we know it’s terrible for them—Our body is the “Temple of the Holy […]
Things Have to Change Post-Covid! Whether it is finally, truly over, is to be seen but it would seem like after exactly two years, we are emerging from Covid. Schools, restaurants, stores, and yes, the Church. Now as we come out of this as churches and youth ministry, it is time for us to […]
WANT TO KEEP YOUR STUDENTS ENGAGED AND LISTENING TO YOUR LESSON? CONSIDER THE “7 MINUTE RULE” WHEN IT COMES TO PLANNING YOUR NEXT LESSON: I know traditionally, youth ministry lessons tend to resemble a sermon/lecture (“Auditory Learning”) more than they do other kinds of presentations. The church is a setting for 20 minute plus sermons, […]
Level Up One Night: A video game themed “done-for-you” resource for one complete night of youth ministry on the topic of “Hope” KEY OBJECTIVES Students will develop a better biblical understanding of the power of Godly hope in their everyday lives and during difficult times. KEY VERSE “May the God of hope fill you with […]
Keeping Attention During Your Boring Lesson! A Ran-Dumb Top Ten List for Your Monday! 10. Throw your Pen or Tablet Stylus. (eyesight is over-rated) 9. Turn Up Your Mic. (can you hear me now…good!) 8. Occasionally Put Their Name in Middle of a Sentence or Verse. (And the snake said unto Herbert….) 7. Ask Their […]
Caught NOT Taught? “What are you teaching this week?” It is the question that students, parents, and others often ask us. We study, plan, and prepare for that moment when we stand up in front of our students and begin to speak. We are paid to communicate the greatest truths imaginable. We have the privilege and the responsibility […]
“TUNNEL RATS” (BIG GROUP GAME) IS A GREAT GAME FOR GROUPS OF ANY SIZE. EASY, NO-PREP GAME! SUPPLIES: • 2 cones (*or consider using a foam “Wisconsin cheese head”, it is what I use) GAME PLAY: Quick explanation: A combination between a race and steal the bacon. Players will have an assigned number, when their […]
