HELP US, HELP YOU… WHILE I KNOW YOU ARE COMING TO THE END OF YOUR YEAR, I WANTED TO SHARE SOMETHING WITH YOU, AS YOU HEAD INTO THE SUMMER AND PLAN FOR YOUR FALL! Every fall, right before we kick off our youth ministry year. I started with a couple of things. I always seek […]
Youth Pastor Soul Refreshers: Ten of the those moments, we all need. We all love those moments. The ones where you get a quick boost and a spiritual rush of fresh air to your soul that keep you going! 10. The Ice Cold Bottle of Water on a Hot Missions Project Day! 9. The State […]
Parents Can Make Great Leaders. I’m going on record: parents have been some of my greatest youth ministry leaders. Yes, moms and dads, or “old people,” as my 20-somethings would say. They are my go-to volunteers. I love recruiting parents. I guess some could call me biased. After all, I’m a parent! I have two […]
“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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Mark 12:38-40: As he taught, Jesus said, “Watch out for the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and be greeted with respected title in the marketplaces, and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets.They devour widows’ houses and for a show make […]
