The Evangelistic Youth Ministry, If you grew up, like I did, in an American church youth group, it’s likely you will resonate with the following description of American youth ministry. You spent an hour or two a week in a “youth room,” sitting on folding chairs or donated couches, singing (with or without the aid […]
Your Cheating Heart? Are you having an emotional affair with your youth ministry? The attention, the applause, and the adoration!?
We pour energy, time, and money into our new exciting youth ministry year, only to become quickly frustrated by that missing group of students that have chosen sports over our ministry.
Youth Ministry Leadership Fails
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 […]
Here are at least ten proofs! Lock-Ins Are of the Devil
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 […]
Discipleship is and Is Not… Some Quick Reflections On What IS and IS NOT Discipleship in our ministries. Discipleship IS Small Groups. It is NOT Cliques. Discipleship IS faith involvement. It is NOT faith information. Discipleship IS a guide on the side. It is NOT a sage on the stage. Discipleship IS an invitation to […]
Years ago, I sat in aYouth Specialties National Youth Workers Convention, listening to Kara Powell, talk about her research connected to the new Sticky Faith book. I remember her on the main stage talking about programs being a tunnel to ministry but not being our ministry. She warned the crowd to make sure to be […]
