Why is relational ministry so important? Read on to find out! “Isolated in a world full of connection.” This is how a student described herself to me last week in our small group. She was sharing how she feels like all of the ways we “show ourselves” to the world just creates an illusion of perfection, and causes drama among her peers.…
Use these 5 digital tools to help disciple youth in your ministry. In his day, Jesus used one of the most powerful communication tools known to man—it’s called “the parable.” He was a master storyteller. And so, we read in Matthew 13, when he has gathered a large crowd, he leverages the moment by telling five parables in a row.…
In my 20+ years of youth ministry, I’ve seen shifts in programming that are often tied to shifts in the wider culture. To stay ahead of the wave, we try to be proactive about rethinking the way we do ministry. When we’re ready to roll out new ideas, we veer away from “launching programs” and, instead, tell our ministry leaders and teenagers that we’re “experimenting” with a new approach. …
“One way to define spiritual life is getting so tired and fed up with yourself you go on to something better, which is following Jesus.” – Eugene Peterson Join Rick as he pays tribute to Eugene Peterson by revisiting an interview with the beloved pastor and author from our first season.…
How long would it take you to listen to 1.5 million songs on Spotify? Or post 350,000 tweets on Twitter? Or take 210,000 snaps on Snapchat? If you’re trying to run the numbers, just stop. All that – and much, much more – happened every 60 seconds in 2017.…
Putting cameras on cell phones has been as world-changing as putting a man on the moon. After all, millions of young people have sabotaged themselves by sharing nude photos. Fortunately, a new app helps combat this problem. So parents and youth workers can relax, right?…
The start of a new year shouldn’t be the only time we encourage teenagers to dive in to their Bibles. But it is a natural time to leverage some new approaches. Try these five digital avenues to help tether teens to the ultimate text: 1.…
Almost every day, I use these [tweet_dis]10 gadgets to enhance or simplify my youth ministry[/tweet_dis]: 1. AirPort Express ($99; apple.com/airport-express)—In addition to providing Wi-Fi in our youth room, this also offers support for Apple’s AirPlay. AirPlay lets me send music wirelessly to our soundboard by connecting it to my AirPort Express with an audio cable.…
Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should. Think about how many things in life you need to apply that principle to. While you’re at it, reconsider where you feel you’ve nailed it but may actually need a good gut-check. How about when it comes to technology in your life or ministry?…
Picture courtesy of traveldealsnetwork.com I have a love/hate relationship with summer. On the one hand it’s an awesome time of relationship building with students. While, on the other hand it is one of the busiest seasons in our ministry. I can handle the craziness because I know it’s just a “season.”…
 Eugene Peterson Revisited){kind=link}
