Ever watch SHARK WEEK on the discovery channel? Sometimes ministry feels like we’re swimming with the sharks and one is going to bite with criticism. Yesterday we identified a few different types of criticism, and today we’ll look at some healthy ways to respond to criticism.…
Leadership and criticism go together like owning a car and spending money to keep it working. No one likes the hassle that goes along with handling repairs, but we resign ourselves to the fact that repair costs are a necessary part of ownership.…
My friend Chris at youthministrygeek.com tells me that “Games” is the most popular search word used by youth workers. That makes sense, since I’m always looking for more ways to have fun and create healthy interactions with our teenagers. So in that spirit, here’s my top-five list of both paid-for and free tech-games.…
Put your paws up if you’ve ever had this question: What do (ahem) Lady Gaga and God have in common? No really…there is more here than you might think—for example: Lady Gaga believes in God: “It doesn’t matter if you love him, or capital H-I-M.”…
This week, we are looking at some advice for responding to that one student who wants to know how they can serve in full time ministry. GIVE THEM MORE RESPONSIBILITY Raise the bar, raise it high! ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Save big on our Graduation Gift Set.…
Youth ministry doesn’t just happen. Love of teens, creativity, versatility, and an abundance of energy are all required elements, but one criterion is essential early when beginning a youth ministry—namely, developing relationships quickly. Developing relationships early happens when youth ministers: Set Aside the First Six Months to Visit Youth Homes—Explain to your youth and church leaders that it is of upmost importance that getting to know your teens happen soon in your ministry.…
This week, we are looking at potential ways for responding to that one student who wants to know how they can serve in fulltime ministry. SHARE YOUR STORY After you have heard their story and celebrated their decision, take a little time to talk about your own journey into ministry.…
One of the great joys of serving in youth ministry is observing a powerful life-change in the heart of a teenager. It’s an honor to sit front and center when monumental decisions are made. It’s also humbling to be able to play a tiny part in God’s orchestration of a changed-life for the good of His kingdom.…
Recently, while I was talking with a new youth worker, he asked me what advice I had on how to evaluate a ministry. Beyond being thankful that this youth worker, in his first year of full-time ministry, saw the importance of evaluation, this question forced me to think through what I believe are some essentials to effective ministry evaluation.…
Don’t engage a battle just because you can win. This lesson is so difficult to learn. There’s a lot more to consider than just coming out on top. COUNT THE COST Slow down your reaction and take time to ask yourself, “What will it cost me to win?”…
