One thing that I think youth workers are really good at is embracing change. We are trained to watch trends in culture, and we’re always attempting to adapt. Look at how quickly we embraced social media, and began using it to better our communication with our students.…
It’s that time of the year. Sometime soon, if it hasn’t happened already, people will begin to either root in or leave your church. It can wear you down… even if you attempt to see it all through a healthy metaphor.…
Kevin: “So, do you remember who I am?” My brain: Crap Theresa, come on. Think, you know this kid. What’s his name? Me: “Dude, I totally remember you. (Awkward side hug) You look so different. How are you?” Kevin: “Remember, I was at the skate park all the time.…
You’ve likely heard the debate about mission trips. On one hand, books and blog posts have cited their potential to do more harm than good. A handful of people with significant platforms have argued that it’s better to send money and prayer-fueled encouragement than a short-term team to do tangible work the locals can do themselves.…
Junior highers are my people. For most of ministry career I’ve had the privilege (did I really just say junior high ministry is a PRIVILEGE?) of focusing exclusively on this age group, and even as my role has changed this wonderful little tribe has remained the closest to my heart!…
How can you help teens fall in love when they’ve known about God their whole life? Here’s one leader’s experience! I was born on the front pew of a church during a Sunday night worship service. Before I could say momma, I said Jesus.…
Looking for some fun Thanksgiving activities for your student gatherings? Perfect, because here are eight ideas you can adapt to fit the needs of your youth group! 8 Hall-of-Fame Youth Ministry Thanksgiving Activities Turkey bowling. Grab a frozen turkey – don’t thaw it out – and a dozen two liter bottles filled with water.…
(EDITOR’S NOTE: I led this conversation with Jeffrey Wallace and Brent Crowe several years ago, but it’s more pertinent now than ever. Racial tensions, like embers in a forest, have been whipped into a flames by controversial (and deadly) confrontations between white police officers and young black men.…
To truly make the most of your lesson time in youth ministry, we suggest you develop some “staples” that you lean into as you prepare each week. The Staple of Truth. God’s word is chock-full of life-changing truth! It’s sharper than any two-edged sword!…
EDITOR’S NOTE: Michael Novelli was a full-time youth pastor for 13 years before he launched his own ministry called Echo (echothestory.com), helping both young people and adults learn through the art of “Storying,” an experiential and dialogical approach to growing deep in relationship with God.…
