“I’m not gonna die here.” Sometimes we just have to say that out loud. Matt Damon’s character in The Martian declared it in a key moment early on in the movie. How many things in ministry require such a declaration? Fundraising?…
It’s the end of another school year. That means we’ve all seen about 1 million senior photos plastered on Facebook pages and at least that many prom pics. Everyone looks wonderful! I can’t believe how old my niece looks, all dolled up.…
Blitz campaigns are meant to reach a target audience with a specific message in a short period of time yielding very direct results. A successful blitz will make you better known to your target audience. Timing also plays a big role in a successful blitz.…
I love seeing students be the church, and a great way they can do that is through our student leadership program. They really get to take ownership of our program and general ministry. We gave students a voice when we first started our student leadership program by letting them develop our mission statement and code of conduct.…
Here’s a disclaimer: I’m in the process of thinking through what this looks like for my youth ministry. I don’t have all the answers, but I do believe the Holy Spirit has been pressing on my heart to start the conversation, which I’ve done with my Impact leaders.…
Andy Stanley recently came under fire by suggesting that the secret sauce of youth ministry is in parents getting their kids to attend a large church. At least, that’s the sound byte that’s rapidly spreading around the Internet. (Stanley did apologize and reframed his comments through hindsight) Ironically, my first volunteer youth ministry experience took place in the church in a large, suburban mega-church that effectively reached thousands of local students.…
Sara came to youth group committed to three things: 1) Never make eye contact with any adult no matter how hard they try to connect with you. 2) Never leave without professing your undying hatred for youth group. 3) Complain, about anyone or anything.…
It’s hard not to think about the leaders when we get questions about small groups. How you think about and treat your leaders really shapes your small group program. So we thought we’d talk about a few gifts your leaders can’t go without.…
Football season is about to end, and we are going out with a bang! My favorite resource for group games (Crowd Control Games) just dropped a crazy awesome game that will be perfect for any Sunday morning gathering, your pre-game or halftime activity, or anytime you want your group to scream and have a good time!…
Stop Believing These Lies About Leadership There seems to be this notions that if a leader needs help, they shouldn’t be leading. I think that’s just dumb thinking. I believe that type of thinking is a huge contributor to pastors (and especially youth pastors) being overtaken by their struggles, and no one recognizing it until it’s too late.…
