Today I spent 45 minutes with a high school sophomore. Last week it was two different seniors—an 8th grader and a student I am mentoring. Each of these conversations produced a variety of topics but each one was ended with a “thanks for meeting with me” or “thanks for making time for this conversation.” Student ministry has a misconception in that “everyone belongs.” …
By Bob Krulish That’s a wise and wonderful piece of biblical advice, but howdo you guard your heart? Being in vocational ministry and maintaining devotion to Christ is tricky. The lines often bleed over between the two. It’s easy to presume our service IS relationship with Christ.…
Yup, you read right. It’s time to admit that sharing the Good News about Jesus should be left to the professionals. Let’s be honest: Students don’t always do everything right. They mess up. They get it wrong. They don’t do things exactly how we would want them to.…
Editor’s Note: Jeff Wallace is an anomaly. He’s a longtime African-American youth ministry innovator in the urban world who feels just as comfortable in the outer-space of the white suburban world. He’s a respected strategist in the urban ministry context, but has used ideas he co-opted from the suburban world to invigorate his approach.…
By Marv Penner Kaylee’s urgent text message shouldn’t have surprised me: “We need to talk marv, not doin good. can we plz get together soon.” I set down my phone and that nagging inner voice jabbed at me—“You really should’ve pursued her first.”…
In Part 1 I briefly discussed the idea that missions trips to produce lasting transformation. Another reason I love missions trips is that they put you in a place where you can develop deep and lasting friendships with students. Casey is that student who’s smarter than you.…
When starting a student leadership program many people in the church are going to have questions. Church leaders are going to want to know how far you are going to carry this idea of students making decisions. Parents are going to want to know who is going to be on the team and what the criteria is for choosing student leaders.…
Yesterday’s article on starting a parent ministry resonated with many readers so we’re back today with a few more tips for partnering with parents. A healthy youth ministry has great parent interaction, involvement and information—here are a few ideas to help you connect with the parents of the students in your ministry.…
“Don’t be in any rush to become a teacher, my friends. Teaching is highly responsible work. Teachers are held to the strictest standards. And none of us is perfectly qualified” (James 3:1-2). “Through thick and thin, keep your hearts at attention, in adoration before Christ, your Master.…
The past few years in ministry have changed the way I disciple students. If you would have asked me just a few weeks ago how discipleship works I would have told you that once a student comes to Christ, spend time with them, eat meals together, ask the hard questions, support their sports teams, and get connected with their family, then you will see fruit.…
