Ministry in the summer can fly by. Summer can feel like a whirlwind from ending the school year, celebrating graduations, jumping into camps or mission trips, assisting VBS, and family vacations. And before we know it, we’ve lost a golden opportunity. So I wonder, have you thought through how you are using summer? I believe... Continue Reading →
7 Ways to Minister in Times of Social Distancing
You are in social distancing, so should ministry stop? Absolutely not! Here are 7 ways to minister in times of social distancing. SHARE JOY The air is heavy, and people are feeling many emotions. Share joy with them during this time! Find videos, photos, memes, or other things that can bring laughter, joy, and smiles... Continue Reading →
Stop The Download – For Now
Stop the download - for now! Are you tired of always looking for a lesson or sermon series to download? Determining what you teach in youth ministry can be more than just finding the next easy and budget-friendly lesson to download. For instance, let's consider this scenario. Determining what you teach in youth ministry can... Continue Reading →
3 Ways To Grow Your Youth Ministry in 2020
It is probably safe to assume that you would like to see your youth ministry grow. No matter who you are, I believe these 3 ways to grow your youth ministry will help. If you are new to youth ministry, you may not know where to begin. Do you buy the massive unicorn float at... Continue Reading →
THE BEST WAY TO COUNTER A TOXIC GROUP CULTURE
Toxic people create toxic groups and quickly derail your mission. What do I mean? A new student shows up to your group but never returns. A longtime student leaves. Both students say your group has too many cliques. There may be a lack of participation in games, activities, discussions, or events. Or no matter how... Continue Reading →
5 TYPES OF LEADERS YOU NEED ON YOUR TEAM
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 →
PARENTS AND 3 WAYS NOT TO LOSE THEIR CONFIDENCE
Parents. You can't avoid the fact that they exist. You went into youth ministry because you wanted to change the lives of teenagers, but you've been handed more than you expected. The younger, less experienced version of yourself probably didn't realize that loving teenagers also meant loving parents. The younger, less experienced version of yourself... 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 →