This is me being honest: I feel I was born to network. I remember one summer I was all about collecting bottles and going to the convenience store to turn them in and get candy. Those were some of my best memories.…
Want to have a great summer? As youth workers that have planned summers that have both crushed and crashed—let us share some tips for planning a great summer calendar. Don’t wait until the pressure is on. Here’s some good news right up front: If you’re thinking about summer now, you’re in good shape.…
It probably happens more often than you realize. A student you are connected to is arrested for some offense—or multiple offenses—and faces a court appearance. The odds are, they and their family are trying to keep it quiet. Maybe you hear through the grapevine, maybe they actually tell you.…
There’s been a growing trend in youth ministry circles about the need to develop a more intergenerational approach in ministering to teenagers. And while some of the conversation has pointed an unfair finger at youth ministry, and has been a bit extreme in tone, the idea of intergenerational ministry is totally valid.…
Youth ministry has evolved over the years in so many different ways. We have developed different methodologies and philosophies, seen different organizations emerge, and created different specialty focus areas. One of those specialty areas that has emerged over the lasts 20 years is the area of global youth ministry.…
I’ll never forget the time I was skiing with a friend and his dad, Norm. I loved Norm. At the time, he was over 50 and had never been skiing. After an hour or so, he decided he wanted to ride up the ski-lift with me.…
The past few years in ministry have changed the way I disciple students. If you would have asked me just a few weeks ago how discipleship works I would have told you that once a student comes to Christ, spend time with them, eat meals together, ask the hard questions, support their sports teams, and get connected with their family, then you will see fruit.…
Summer is quickly approaching, and many church leaders are busy planning summer trips, camps, and retreats. When I was in young adult ministry we would spend our Spring anticipating the changing season and plan out our Summer and Fall retreat environments.…
Part 3: FAQs [Part 3 of 4] So far we’ve addressed misplaced priorities in families, and overcoming three of the top challenges in developing a spiritual growth plan in families. While I’m certain we’re making progress, the list of questions generated by this topic feels exponential.…
The future of youth ministry sure is a topic that has been getting some play for a while. And while that is very interesting to me, I thought it might be interesting to think about what we know is going to happen to the whole church in a few years: The students in your ministry will be the parents in your church in 10 years The students you are counseling, nudging and caring for are the parents in your church in a few years.…
