You know that you need a team of leaders. To get this team, you will have to recruit people. It is probably not too far of a stretch to think that you want your team to be a strong team. So you need a team, and you want quality leaders. I wonder, though, have you... Continue Reading →
WHY MAJOR EVENTS ARE NOT THE ANSWER TO YOUTH MINISTRY GROWTH
Your fall semester is about to begin, and you spend hours prepping for a massive back to school bash. You rent the tallest rock wall, knockerball, and inflatables. You purchase expensive prizes and enough food to feed three high schools. The band is ready, and you book an engaging speaker. After all, you want to... Continue Reading →
YOU MAY BE YOUR YOUTH MINISTRY’S WORST ENEMY
You could possibly be the worst enemy of your youth ministry, volunteer team, and students. As leaders, this is never something you dream to be, but it does happen. Certainly, at times you might beat yourself up when you've made a mistake, but it isn't the norm. At least I hope not! I'm talking about... Continue Reading →
Nudging A Group’s Culture: Part 2
Last week we began by recognizing that the culture of a student ministry can determine its future trajectory, the group's influence on the community, and gives people a taste of Jesus. Also, we discussed the importance of creating a Ministry Culture document and how it will help you learn about your group's current dynamics. (Click... Continue Reading →
Nudging A Group’s Culture
Beyond the work of God through His grace, the culture of a youth group may be one of the most crucial factors in determining a group's trajectory and impact. An exclusive culture will quickly hinder your ability to be God's prevenient grace to those distant from God. An attitude such as this will describe God... Continue Reading →
Simple. Important.
With a crackle of the speaker, you hear the words, "may I take your order." Suddenly, your mind goes blank. Have you ever experienced a momentarily lapse in memory? You knew your spouse's lunch order, and then amnesia strikes. Have you experienced this before? As a leader, have you had this moment when leading? I... Continue Reading →
When Leaders Get It Wrong: Part 4
Celebration! Yes, you read that correctly. When we, as leaders, or as teams have experienced failure, the last thing on our mind is celebrating. Joy, laughter, and affirmation may not even appear on our radar in the hours, days, or weeks following our frustrating experience. Those these things may not seem important in the shadow... Continue Reading →
When Leaders Get It Wrong: Part 3
In the movie, I, Robot, Detective Spooner is called to investigate an apparent suicide. The scene unfolds, of course in the lobby of a major robotics company. As expected, the company wants to avoid bad press while Spooner intends to find the truth. In this pivotal scene of the movie, the now-deceased individual has left... Continue Reading →
When Leaders Get It Wrong: Part 2
In our first post of this series, we considered the reality that many of us will face: our ideas will not always come to fruition the way we hope they would. The final thought we left with was this; failure is a temporary necessity to healthy futures. In this post, we will begin considering ways... Continue Reading →