Distractions define youth ministry because it’s a relational calling, and relationships are an engine for distraction. And if you’re like me, distractions are like catnip—three years ago a test for ADHD came back positive, though my friends could’ve told you that without a test.…
Jesus has a transformational presence that can radiate healing and salvation. Instead of wondering what Jesus would do, let’s try to understand the importance behind where would Jesus be. What would it look like for us to start carrying the presence of Jesus with us?…
Christmas is supposed to be a season full of peace and goodwill as we celebrate the Savior’s physical arrival into this world. So why are we often bombarded with feelings of pressure and extreme stress? We know Advent’s not supposed to be this way, but how do we change it?…
When something is beyond our control, our initial reaction to this is one filled with fear. Yet, during these times, our dependence on Jesus is what helps us through. What would it look like to start “scaring” ourselves in a good way, so that we can grow closer to Jesus?…
We have a global warming problem, but some struggle to acknowledge its source and implications. Meanwhile, we have a “global freezing” problem in the youth ministry world, and some in the church are struggling to acknowledge its source and implications. The “freeze” is driven by a church in decline (a 20 percentage-point decline since 1999)—stagnant youth ministry salaries and shrinking career possibilities are the results… So, it’s been four years since we asked youth pastors all over the U.S.…
It can be easy for us to go on “autopilot” mode when it comes to our relationship with Jesus. What would it look like to stop automating our relationship and start experiencing Jesus on a deeper level? Join Rick as we continue a series devoted to practices that naturally draw us into a closer “orbit” around Jesus.…
From the last porch light of Halloween through the last light of the Christmas tree, our holiday schedules are packed! Cramming their way into our margins are school Christmas parties, staff get-togethers, and family dinners—and we haven’t even touched decorating, cooking, shopping, and wrapping.…
The holidays can be a magnet for community in your ministry—I’m always looking for creative ways to connect with kids that capitalize on the natural energy the Christmas season generates. Here are 10 of my favorites… Fun Stuff 1. Cookie Decorating We ask volunteers to bake and donate plain sugar cookies for our group.…
The unknown. It causes anxiety, makes us uncomfortable and often downright fearful. While it can be hard to let go of our desire for certainty, could embracing the unknown help us deepen our relationship with Jesus by making us more dependent on him? …
Gratitude gets wonky when we sit down at our Thanksgiving banquet table and look side to side, doesn’t it? Look to your right, and there’s your neighbor who went to school for fewer years than you, works fewer hours than you, and makes twice as much money.…
 The Beeline Practices—Where Would Jesus Be?){kind=link}
 Best of PRATJ—The Stress of Advent and the Pursuit of Jesus){kind=link}
 The Beeline Practices: Scaring Yourself for Good){kind=link}
 The Beeline Practices: No More Autopilot){kind=link}
 The Beeline Practices: Living In “Chosen Dependence”){kind=link}
