Despite the fact that most youth workers take part in a variety of important activities, effective youth workers learn to focus on what is even more important. I want to share with you some of what I shared at our recent PDYM conference regarding important verses most important.…
I just returned from our Mexico spring break mission trip exhausted when a parent met me in the parking lot screaming. A minute later she was in tears. I wanted to come home to a bunch of “thank you’s Doug”…well, I also wanted to come home to a huge bonus.…
It’s about that time of year now–right around Thanksgiving and Christmas–when your students who recently graduated from youth group come back to visit and check-in. After all the small talk, you’ll probably ask the question that’s been in the back of your mind ever since the conversation started.…
I have something to admit to you that I’ve never gone public with. What I’m about to share with you through this article might shock you. It could anger you. It may make you laugh. Or, it may make you feel normal.…
Terminal velocity is achieved when an object (usually falling from the sky) reaches its maximum speed. When it can go no faster, it has reached terminal velocity; in other words it has reached its full potential. I’m sure there’s much more to it than that, but since I’m not a scientist that simple explanation will have to do.…
Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom (Psalm 90:12) What would you do if you found out that just beneath your backyard swing set was buried a treasure beyond your wildest imagination? If you’re like me, you’d start digging.…
In my last column, I introduced our readers to “the fine art of monkey management.” Borrowing from the term “the monkey on your back,” I defined a “monkey” simply as “the responsibility to take the next step.” Every youth pastor faces hundreds of monkeys every day.…
I could feel the emotional overload as he described the expanding pile of tasks before him. Everything on this youth workers to-do list screamed URGENT. He shook his head in frustration, Ill never get it all done! He was just beginning to understand.…
For years, Cathy and I have been talking with youth workers about their ministry and their marriage. I do realize all youth workers are not walked down the aisle, but most will be married at one time in their life. I also find that most youth workers struggle with juggling their ministry and marriage.…
How can I be myself, funny, and at the same time counsel young people without hurting my friends, my youth, my walk with the lord, and the youth ministry, whom I work with? It is important to be authentic – to be yourself – when working with students.…
