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Addressing Self Injury in Youth Ministry
Self Injury Quick Reference Sheet Self-injury is increasingly becoming a recognized problem in schools, churches, and other organizations serving youth. Teachers and non-teaching staff (in churches,...
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Engaging a Generation of Millennials
“God has no grandkids,” my mentor used to say. What he meant was simply that no one enters the kingdom merely because their parents were Christians. They must encounter the gospel themselves and...
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To Those Working with Teenagers
To the discouraged parent/teacher/youth worker, you are not alone. I love teens (obviously). I spend my time, energy and free time working with, encouraging and getting to know teenagers. Many times, I...
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Project Based Ministry (Part 2)
John’s post below is an example of what some youth workers are doing to create new elements of youth ministry. This year’s National Youth Workers Convention is all about how we rise to new challenges...
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Six Steps to Creating a Team Effort in Student Ministry
One person, who is working full time and really gifted, may be able to personally and relationally connect with – what would you say – 30 students? It would take some work – but it could be done. And...
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National Network for those who Minister to Emerging Adults
We’re excited to have David Boyd as one of our NYWC speakers. This blog post is a great start to the conversations he’ll be navigating in his seminars. Check out more information HERE. In the 1960’s,...
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HIGHS AND LOWS OF YOUTH MINISTRY
After 16 years in ministry, I’ve experienced my fair share of highs and lows. I’ve experienced great joy because of new salvations, baptisms, and the growth of a church plant that in one month went...
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3 Tips for Working With Students Who Have Busy Schedules
Every year, youth ministries attempt to create an atmosphere for students to trust and follow Jesus. However, so many struggle to see numerical and spiritual growth among their students. Many attribute...
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The Throne of Grace
Growing up my childhood was very dysfunctional. I didn’t know just how dysfunctional until I became an adult. As a teenager I found myself completely lost, heading in a destructive direction. This is...
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10-second Tip: Believe in Middle School Students
At the NATIONAL YOUTH WORKERS CONVENTION, we stopped youth workers from all across the U.S. and asked them to share a 10-second youth ministry tip. THE 10-SECOND TIP: “Middle school students can change...
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Youth Ministry Partnerships with Schools
We’re excited to have Abel López as one of our NYWC speakers. This blog post is a great start to the conversations he’ll be navigating in his seminars. Check out more information HERE. In today’s...
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Using the Creativity of Students
Think about the students in your ministry right now. How are you engaging their passions and creativity? My youth pastor in high school was always a one-man show. Every Wednesday night, my youth pastor...
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Defining the Wins
It can be really hard to tell if you’re #winning as a small group leader. Showing up week after week to lead sometimes seemingly meaningless discussions only to have kids bounce around in the...
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Where Do You Start With Jesus?
We’re excited to have Jen Bradbury as one of our NYWC speakers. This blog post is a great start to the conversations she’ll be navigating in her seminar: The Jesus Gap. Check out more information HERE....
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Communicating with Youth Ministry Volunteers
Communicating with your volunteers is a necessary part of doing ministry and building relationships. We are not just looking for a body to fill space but instead to intentionally invite our leaders to...
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What Students Need, Not What They Want
In the old 90s song “What A Girl Wants,” we hear Christina Aguilera sing, “What a girl wants / What a girl needs / Whatever makes me happy sets you free.” Have you ever noticed how we cave to popular...
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Quit Spinning Plates. Start Making Disciples.
I’m intrigued by a statement I read earlier today. While building his case for more intentional use of practical theology in student ministry, this particular author claims that being a youth minister...
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Coping with Caustic Kids in Youth Ministry
We’re excited to have Les Christie as one of our NYWC speakers. This blog post is a great start to the conversations he’ll be navigating in his seminar: Positive Discipline: Working with Rude,...
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Urban Church Planting and the Empowerment of the Poor
This post is provided through a partnership with S.O.U.L. MAG, a FREE urban ministry and lifestyle magazine created to serve youth workers and the Church. As we consider the issues and challenges...
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Self-Injury Facebook Live Q+A and Resources
Certified addictions counselor and youth worker Chris Schaffner joined me for a recent Facebook Live Q+A to help youth workers answer the question: What do you do when a student shows signs of...
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