This week, Josh and I are each going to share a few things we’re thinking about this summer. We purposely aren’t looking at each other’s thoughts, so there could be an overlap or two. If that’s the case, then maybe we’re thinking about worthwhile stuff!…
I remember telling my mom that I was nervous about raising “pastor’s kids” because I had seen a fair amount who had not made healthy life choices. I clearly remember her saying, “Erik, you will raise them the same whether you’re a youth pastor or a plumber.”…
Whether you have kids or not, take advantage of the topic this week to think about your family and ministry and how they work together cooperatively—and how they fight each other. The stages of kids in youth ministry vary…I’m in the thick of it right now: NO KIDS You are living the dream.…
From time to time we’re going to take a pause from the normal posts and take the time to answer a few questions from you: The Youth Ministry Nation. Here are a few we received and some thoughts about each. I’m just starting out in youth ministry, where do I begin?…
When starting a student leadership program many people in the church are going to have questions. Church leaders are going to want to know how far you are going to carry this idea of students making decisions. Parents are going to want to know who is going to be on the team and what the criteria is for choosing student leaders.…
We all have stories that mark profound passages from darkness to light. One of mine happened during a conversation with a junior high girl who’d just served as a leader in a churchwide worship experience during Holy week. This girl had spent several days leading people from her congregation into a deeper relationship with Jesus through an interactive devotional experience.…
My brother and sister-in-law recently invited my family over for a barbecue and bonfire—a kickoff to the summer season. The specification of bon-fire is important to those of us who live in the wilderness of Maine because it carries the idea and promise of much more than a camp-fire.…
Ping pong is a funny sport to watch. The sheer intensity generated by such a tiny ball and net can easily be seen plastered on the sweaty faces of its participants. And these participants don’t mess around. It’s as if a sense of humor is against the rules.…
Relational youth ministry might be described as any step toward building a relationship with a student in your ministry. It could be a big step, it could be small—either way, it’s simply the effort toward truly living in community and sharing life together.…
As I went back to work this week I was reflecting on what I have learnt about balancing working in ministry and family over the past almost six years. So for the mums in ministry here are a few key things I have learnt.…
