Partnering with Parents in your youth ministry is essential and huge! Walking beside them in their child’s life takes finding ways to encourage, engage, equip, and empower them. Often this takes on us being creative and going beyond what might be the normal scope of our ministry job description. This is especially true in our […]
Here is a set of October Hilarious Holidays. Hilarious Holidays, we will be a monthly post to help you “Make Every Night Special” in your youth ministry. Think of games, food, and fun that can celebrate these odd and unique days with your students. These holidays are also great ways to make silly memories. […]
Resource Review: “Raising Girls,” a Christian Parenting Book, A Practical Guide to Faith-Based Parenting.” First, I must apologize to the author of this book, Todd Jones. I was so excited to receive this book after reading his previous books and getting to know him over the years. This book sat on my desk for a […]
PERSONAL NOTE: On Thursday, December 2, 2021, the world lost a giant in youth ministry. Mel Walker was a mentor, friend, and surrogate uncle to me. He was always willing to talk, pray, and guide me through the path of personal and ministry life. We spoke regularly about the future of youth ministry. I can […]
Successful Big Parent Meetings- Parent meetings can be intimidating but they do not have to be. So many youth leaders/pastor dread these meetings, as moments where they are put on the spot, questioned, or even feel like they are being critiqued. Often younger leaders feel threatened, put-down, or disrespected as they walk away from […]
THE MIDDLE YEARS (5th-9th grade, Ages 10-14) ARE A HUGE TIME OF LIFE TRANSITION. IT MIGHT EVEN BE ONE OF THE MOST SIGNIFICANT TIMES IN A PERSON’S LIFE! Do youth pastors/workers know and understand the transition that is happening in the lives of their students? Do we appreciate the power and the potential for doing effective […]
Helping Students Return to School… Ten Quick Hints and Ideas. 10. Offer Sharing Times, During Regular Meeting Times/Small Groups to Talk, Before and After Their First Week. 9. Be Available Virtually and In-Person After-School for Students That Need to Talk. 8. Support Parents in the Back to School Process. 7. Teach “Back to School” Lesson […]
Single Back to School Lesson. Perfect for the beginning of the school year. The lesson includes 4 main points, with supporting scripture passages, followed by discussion questions for each point, for group or small group discussions.
The Closer: Finishing with Intentionality? How do you finish your message, sermon, and lesson? Do you end well or stumble toward the finish with no real plan? Nationally known speaker Chad Poe offers up some expert advice in his latest guest post! You see parents easing into your space in the back of the room. […]
Mel Walker was a youth ministry legend, having served actively for over 45 years in youth ministry. He was the author of many excellent youth ministry books, and he was also a curriculum writer. He was a regular trainer and speaker all over the world. He was a youth ministry leader and teacher to so […]
