“I hate games—organizing, running and trying to get my kids to play them.” How many times have you said or thought something similar? On the list of priorities, game playing often does not rank high. You have precious little time with students. Why use it up on games? Here is why. Middle Years Students still enjoy, need and […]
THE MIDDLE YEARS ARE NOT A TIME FOR ‘DRESSED UP’ CHILDREN’S MINISTRY OR ‘DUMBED DOWN’ HIGH SCHOOL MINISTRY.IT IS NOT A TIME TO ‘WAIT & SEE’ OR ‘HOLD ON UNTIL YOU GET OLDER’ MIDDLE YEARS STUDENTS NEED A ‘YOUTH MINISTRY’ EXPERIENCE OF THEIR OWN UNIQUE AS THEY ARE! 10. Preparing For Spiritual Life vs. Repairing […]
Over recent years, I have been continuing to hear similar things in conversations with mostly younger youth workers, sometimes with the older ones as well. As I am processing their next step in ministry or looking back over a previous ministry position that did not work out, this a continued, related theme. Decisions limited by […]
Years ago, I sat in at Youth Specialties National Youth Workers Convention, listening to Kara Powell, talk about her research connected to the new Sticky Faith book. I remember her on the main stage talking about programs being a tunnel to ministry but not being our ministry. She warned the crowd to make sure to […]
We are all, always looking for photos and graphics for our lessons, announcements, and publishing. Here is the first set of 15 sites offering some or even all FREE photos and graphics for you to use. Some may require you to sign up, but most will then send you regular freebies. Hope they help and save […]
I just returned from taking a group of my middle school (5th-8th grade) students to a “camp” experience, put on by a nationally known and acclaimed organization. Initially, I was planning on writing a review and some thoughts, when I returned offering up some hints and helps along with what I expected to an […]
Father Knows Best… Go Ask Your Father… Fatherly Wisdom… In Honor of Father’s Day, Coming Up This Sunday, Here Are 10 things “Daddy Always Said…” Growing Up, that May Also Still Apply In Your Youth Ministry Life? 10. “Walk It Off….“- Sometimes in ministry you are going to get hurt and you might just need to walk […]
For years I have created 2 things that have literally rescued my trips over and over again! Whether it be summer camp, a mission trip, or a short retreat, These 2 things have been my key resource for close to 20 years. These are the “in-the-trenches”, “live-and-learn” resources that I have shared […]
As a youth ministry coach, I have been receiving dozens of emails and calls revolving around the same issue and it’s important to talk about it as a community. Right now, and I know you are tired of hearing it, we are still in “unprecedented times.” Many schools and church groups are still meeting virtually, […]
We all want long-term, invested volunteer leaders in our ministries. We want to build a connected and cohesive team, willing to follow us. I have people ask me all the time how I get to a point where I actually have a waiting list of folks who are willing to be a part of my volunteer teams. […]