Serving in youth ministry is both rewarding and challenging. As a leader, you’re a catalyst for helping teenagers grow as disciples of Jesus, a counselor who must deal with upset parents and discouraged adolescents, and an EMT who has to treat the occasional dodgeball injury. Often, all in the same day. As you walk through the ups and downs of your calling, we’re here to support, encourage, and equip you with ideas that will fuel your journey as a Jesus-centered leader.
What You’ll Find
Our leadership topics are designed to give you the knowledge and skills to confidently guide your ministry. We’ll cover the must-know areas—including working with parents and volunteers, planning and productivity, and the broad range of skills you need as an adolescent specialist in ministry. And, most important, we’ll help you grow your own relationship with Jesus so your leadership flows out of a “deeper well.”
One thing Kurt and I love to do is share what God has been teaching us with all of you out there in the Youth Ministry Nation. We are so thankful to be serving alongside you all. I believe there’s a special place in heaven for those who labor on behalf of children.…
In this episode we give some thoughts and ideas on events. We would love to hear from you. So if you have a question email: talkyouthministry@gmail.com. Also, We are excited about Simply One Day youth ministry trainings with Rick Lawrence that are starting up.…
About six months ago I had this idea to put a fire under a group of apathetic students. I started teaching about injustice in the world and how God handles it. We discussed our responsibility alongside his work and from this, “Passion Projects” were born.…
It’s that time of year again, school awards, sports awards, and more awards for teens. All of those who care about teens will sit in a chair for what will seem to be the longest hours of your life. Parents will bite their nails hoping their child will be recognized in some way.…
Ned Nederlander. Franck. Jiminy Glick. These popular fictional characters were given life through the creative mind and talent of Martin Short. And then there’s Ed Grimley… Martin Short’s first breakthrough character. You may not know the backstory of how this greasy-hair-cowlicked-vertically-in-the-air, teeth-baring hyperactive manchild came to be… let alone how it all relates to the nerves and presumptions we all wrestle with in struggling to say something profound. …
[Disclaimer: In no way, shape, or form am I aiming to disrespect moms of our youth ministry kids with this post. But for real, I’m just say’n.] There’s these moms… Sorry I’m late! No, no, I don’t think you are. You’re always waiting for this mom.…
I was talking, but they weren’t listening. From up front I could witness a laugh-fest in the back row, several students were obviously dozing, while others were just having a side conversation. My heart sank. So I stopped, mid sentence and stood there in silence wondering if they would even notice.…
In this episode of “Let’s Talk Youth Ministry,” Kurt Johnston and I talk about what to do when your attendance takes a dive, and ways to become a better leader. We also have a special guest on the show!! But you have to watch to find out who it is… 🙂 Remember to email us your questions at talkyouthministry@gmail.com…
The church I serve is a wonderful mix of conservative, evangelical theology and progressive, creative methodology. Because of this, the question of, “What do we believe and how do we minister in light of these beliefs?” can at times create a lively discussion and an interesting journey.…
I have a few “go-to” tools that help me prepare a message. I am the primary teacher in our high school youth ministry but I also carry part of the teaching load for our church (about once a month). More than anything, I want to correctly convey God’s word.…
