Be Focal, Buy Local with your youth ministry. Let’s be real, we spend money, whether we are the big church in town or small fry around the corner we are spending our church’s (*God’s money) or the parent’s money. Why not be more “Focal” in our spending by buying “Local”? Whether it is the next […]
Using Parents as Parents As Youth Leaders. Does the sound of that idea make you quake in your Vans? It doesn’t have to. Parent volunteers can be our allies, our trusted group of faithful, hard-working ministers whom we link arms with. There are many reasons why having parents as youth ministry volunteers is a good […]
Ten Youth Group Bus Games for your upcoming summer trips and other amazing moments you are stuck in a bus trying to kill time, beyond everyone on the phone or sleeping. The first set of ten FREE youth group favorites of my students from over the years. These are simple, low, or no-prep games that […]
“A-Way” Style Youth Ministry Leadership… We lead people; that is what we do, but how? Is there “a way” that works? Here are three “a-ways” to leading better in your youth ministry. More often than not, the term “pastor” in our leadership role in youth ministry is interchangeable with words such as “leader,” “director,” or […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
I am excited, as my daughter, Jenna, found out she has been accepted to Moody Bible College for this coming fall after she graduates, High School. It is so great to have watched her serve beside our family and now choose to continue to seek to serve as her life’s calling. It is why […]
Youth ministry can be one of the most amazing and rewarding jobs, but it can also be one of the most draining and exhausting. Make sure you continue to take time to recharge, refresh, and relax.
