We will finish up the week with three more ideas to help your ministry maximize the momentum created by student baptisms: ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ DEAL OF THE MONTH: $25 for $25 – Get a $25 Group Magazine Subscription & YOU ALSO Get a $25 gift card to SimplyYouthMinistry.com…
I attended a workshop led by Craig McNair Wilson several years ago. Conference attendees and I were greeted by a sign at the door that instructed us to put away our pens or pencils and pick up a crayon for taking notes.…
Youth ministry doesn’t just happen. Love of teens, creativity, versatility, and an abundance of energy are all required elements, but one criterion is essential early when beginning a youth ministry—namely, developing relationships quickly. Developing relationships early happens when youth ministers: Set Aside the First Six Months to Visit Youth Homes—Explain to your youth and church leaders that it is of upmost importance that getting to know your teens happen soon in your ministry.…
Recently, while I was talking with a new youth worker, he asked me what advice I had on how to evaluate a ministry. Beyond being thankful that this youth worker, in his first year of full-time ministry, saw the importance of evaluation, this question forced me to think through what I believe are some essentials to effective ministry evaluation.…
Student ministry is a special place. Not like Church Lady special, but really special—an opportunity for God to use you to change lives for eternity. But we all need some help, so be sure you’re well versed in how to respond to ministry situations by packing these phrases away in your toolbox.…
From swapping gummy-bears at lunch to swapping gossip. From boy cooties to boy cuties. From Disney Channel to MTV. Elementary to Middle School. One of the most dramatic transitions in a girl’s life. And youth ministers have a beautiful privilege, yet terrifying responsibility to work with this scary specimen.…
It’s a new year, so we’re looking at some ways to stay on top of our game and continue to impact the students God has entrusted to our care. We’re looking at specific actions that seem to appear within catalytic leaders.…
When I was in college, I was enrolled in a course called Philosophical Foundations for Youth Ministry. In this class, students were required to formulate their philosophy for youth ministry into words. I remember at the top of my list of priorities was “relationships.”…
Moments I will always remember from youth group: •All-girl slumber parties. •Conversations with the cool college girls that were youth interns during the summer. •My first all-girl conference with a speaker that talked about real issues and some singer I had never heard of, named Natalie Grant.…
Uh-oh. You’re supposed to give a Christmas message at a community party or youth event or at your Toastmasters meeting…and you forgot? No problem–here’s a quick message you can share in any setting. Merry Christmas! A Christmas Gift Christmas traditions abound.…
