From time to time we’re going to take a pause from the normal posts and take the time to answer a few questions from you: The Youth Ministry Nation. Here are a few we received and some thoughts about each. I’m just starting out in youth ministry, where do I begin?…
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.…
We all have stories that mark profound passages from darkness to light. One of mine happened during a conversation with a junior high girl who’d just served as a leader in a churchwide worship experience during Holy week. This girl had spent several days leading people from her congregation into a deeper relationship with Jesus through an interactive devotional experience.…
My brother and sister-in-law recently invited my family over for a barbecue and bonfire—a kickoff to the summer season. The specification of bon-fire is important to those of us who live in the wilderness of Maine because it carries the idea and promise of much more than a camp-fire.…
Ping pong is a funny sport to watch. The sheer intensity generated by such a tiny ball and net can easily be seen plastered on the sweaty faces of its participants. And these participants don’t mess around. It’s as if a sense of humor is against the rules.…
Relational youth ministry might be described as any step toward building a relationship with a student in your ministry. It could be a big step, it could be small—either way, it’s simply the effort toward truly living in community and sharing life together.…
As I went back to work this week I was reflecting on what I have learnt about balancing working in ministry and family over the past almost six years. So for the mums in ministry here are a few key things I have learnt.…
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.…
It looked like we were prepared for last years parent meeting. Some quality table decorations. Some delicious snacks. The only thing missing? PARENTS. Not kidding: We went all out for a parent meeting…and had 2 parents show up. Want to know what we learned?…
Youth pastors all over the country claim to be victims. Our complaint is that we do too much, more often than we can handle. We believe there’s no escape from the cycle and that we need someone to come break it for us.…
