A chief source of anxiety in our lives comes from the idea that what we bring to the table will never be enough. When it comes to the struggle of feeling like we’re never enough, what would it look like to invite Jesus to reveal the truth to us?…
As teenagers drag themselves out of summer and into their next school year, they have a lot on their mind. I want to access all of that “seismic activity of the soul,” so I avoid coming off like I’m interrogating them.…
How often is a “reinvention” really, well, something new? I mean, Apple upgrades the battery life (supposedly) and takes away the headphone jack and suddenly we have an “all-new” iPhone. Mostly, “new” really means a relatively unimportant gimmick is added as a feature, forcing us to upgrade. …
It can be extremely hard for people to agree on what is right and what is wrong. Whether it be a simple or complex question, people often have their own thoughts and opinions and struggle to agree. But what if we slowed down and considered how Jesus can help us answer? …
We are shorthand people who prefer shorthand solutions to complex problems. That’s true in life, and it’s true in youth ministry. In the past, our shortcut paths to deeper discipleship included… • What Would Jesus Do—”Go beyond your identity as a church-attender and have the courage to live like Jesus.…
Type “teenagers” into Google, then spend 30 minutes browsing the links. I did this the other day and was confronted (over and over) by one overriding reality—Gen Z teenagers are suffering from more depression, anxiety, and stress than ever before. EVER before.…
It’s a question philosophers, poets, and songwriters have pondered endlessly, yet a universal answer is still hard to find. What is love? And would it become less complicated if we started by seeking and embracing the greatest love of all? Join Rick and Becky as they continue a series exploring life’s essential questions and the ways Jesus answers them.…
I’m going to be honest and say I have not mastered what I’m about to share with you. I’m in the middle of this one-sided wrestling match with you. The school year will soon begin. Youth groups across the country will soon be having or are planning kickoff events.…
Harry Potter, yoga, meditation, and Dungeons and Dragons—for some Christ-followers, these are fun, entertaining, and healthy activities. Others firmly believe they’re a gateway to evil. Which view is correct? Join Rick and Steph as they explore what it means to “open yourself to dark influences.” Using Paul’s advice to the Corinthian church as a guide, let’s discuss why activities are acceptable to some Christians, but not for others.…
Low motivation is a classic meme in adolescence. But it’s a stereotype we can shatter if we understand how to ignite kids’ passion. We can’t cajole or bribe them into passion, but we can help them discover it… 1. Finding their passion. …
 Essential Questions—Will I Ever Be Enough?){kind=link}
 Essential Questions—What Is Right and Wrong?){kind=link}
 Essential Questions—What Is Love?){kind=link}
 Best of PRATJ: Is Harry Potter Evil?){kind=link}
