An article from Jonathan McKee at TheSource4YM.com “Bullying” is the buzz of 2010. Articles, studies, news reports, anti-bullying banners…I can’t go a week without hearing someone talking about it, someone who hasn’t been bullied. Something happens to kids when they are repeatedly mocked and pushed around publicly.…
It seems as though this year has taken a toll on our community when it comes to dealing with death. In one of our local high schools we have had three student deaths in less than 8 months (two in one car accident, and one suicide).…
T.J. was one of those kids every parent prayed for. At 16 years old, he was strong in his faith, passionate about the mission field, full of joy, and a real practical joker. T.J. was a student who had been at our church for years and was loved by many!…
Sometimes I feel like I’m not cut out for this youth ministry stuff. Here’s why: 1. I’m a woman. My church is very accepting of my leadership role, but not all churches are. This is something that I struggle with from time to time, feeling accepted in a position that is male dominated.…
Everyone can be creative…regardless of how loud they declare, “I’m just not creative.” You can be! Creativity is part of God’s design within us and when we express our God-given creativity it can make our soul come alive. Creativity in youth ministry happens anytime you think about a new way to serve your students.…
“Lord, do for me what I cannot do for myself” – A prayer from a laid off youth pastor Have you ever prayed this? I mean really, sincerely prayed this? If so, you likely know the sting of pain which follows but also the unexpected joy, peace and freedom eventually received.…
Small Groups don’t always work. Instead of just ignoring it we need to face some questions to find out why. At times subtle changes can be made to fix an issue. While not exclusive, here are some issues I’ve run into that have caused some small group problems.…
If you’re a leader you can’t escape it—you will be criticized. Criticism is aimed at leaders because everyone (including leaders) is imperfect and hurting and hurting people end up hurting others. At the beginning of one’s leadership journey it’s very difficult to try to separate personalized criticism into a truth or untruth category–criticism jumps straight to personal hurt.…
Sometimes I wonder if I complain too much. It seems that I’m not very good at being content. There are days that I love what I’m doing and feel blessed that God is letting me do it, but even little things get in the way of me being truly joyful.…
Planning can enhance your ministry and extend your impact. Even if we manage to carve out some think-time, the actual planning portion is STILL TOUGH! It can be difficult to know where to start. What should change? What stays the same?…
