While having my spiritual retreat day at a local coffee store I ran into one of my youth group kid’s dad. He actually has twin girls. I was on FB and noticed what one of them said about the other: “I have the greatest sister in the world.”…
It had been a rough night with our middle school youth. I was talking it through with some of my adult leaders when I had an interesting thought. Often we want kids who already “get it.” They don’t talk back; they do what we ask them to do, etc.…
“Judge not lest ye be judged.” Oh, it’s quoted correctly alright. But the problem is it’s taken out of context. People don’t really understand the entirety of what is being spoken. This passage IS on forgiveness and grace but it is also about helping someone who is wandered from the path.…
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.…
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.…
T.J. was one of those kids every parent prayed for. At 16 years old, he was strong in his faith, passionate about the mission field, full of joy, and a real practical joker. T.J. was a student who had been at our church for years and was loved by many!…
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.…
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.…
Planning can enhance your ministry and extend your impact. Even if we manage to carve out some think-time, the actual planning portion is STILL TOUGH! It can be difficult to know where to start. What should change? What stays the same?…
