For a junioor high kid, dynamic growth happens from the first semester in sixth grade to the second semester in eighth grade. It’s rarely slow, incremental growth that can be neatly charted. “Messy” is a much more descriptive word to explain how a junior high kid matures.…
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.…
During my younger days, when I was fit and a little bit crazy, I used to mountain bike, and I don’t mean just on nice little rails to trails, I am talking serious, through the woods, over trees, covered with mud type of serious.…
While far from perfect, Bethesda’s Fallout 3 was easily one of the best games of the last few years. It was expansive and interesting and dangerous and flat-out fun. But it was also violent and full of extreme gore—not a game I’d recommend for everyone.…
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.…
It’s summer and time for you to take a well-deserved break from youth ministry, whether it’s for two days or two weeks. I can attest that vacations and even short getaways are huge for “staying in the game” for the long haul.…
After eight years in youth ministry I recently stepped into a new role as a teaching pastor at a suburban church. If you’ve ever transitioned from one career path to another, you know how challenging it can be. Although I can point to many examples of effective ministry, I’ve been reflecting lately on what I would’ve done differently if I could do it over again….…
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.…
