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13 Reasons Why: Youth Workers MUST be at the top of their game!
Early on in my youth ministry career I was trained to do cultural exegesis. One of the foundational questions when consuming media is to ask yourself this question: “Is what I am watching Directive...
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We will talk about this when we get home
A couple of years ago, one of my daughters said something during one of our youth ministry teaching times that was completely out of left field that put a stop to the momentum we had begun to build...
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A Video Training Series: How to Share the Gospel with a Student
This is why we do what we do, to see student brought to life by the gospel of Jesus Christ. In truth if all we ever provide is a fun setting, silly games, and behavior modification lessons then all...
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Evangelism Deserves to Be Earned
Evangelism: the spreading of the Christian gospel by public preaching or personal witness. My understanding and context for the word evangelism has expanded and narrowed by the opportunity my family...
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Block-tionary
Pictionary Meets Jenga Meets Charades Meets Your Youth Group!? It is a quick silly upfront group game, that also can make a great icebreaker or team builder. Here is the simple idea behind...
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Church Brexit: Are we forcing our youth out of church?
In just over a month’s time, the UK will hold its general elections and much of the debate over who will control Parliament is based on the hot issue of Brexit. A quick summary for those of you who are...
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The Worst Way For A Youth Pastor To Manage Time
Ministry is busy, ya’ll. I’m sure that you operate like I do and are always looking for ways to maximize your time. We operate with a sense of urgency because we know that the need in our community is...
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The Story Behind Winter Jam: An Interview with Eddie Carswell
MAINA MWAURA sat down for a conversation with Eddie Carswell about music, innovating outreach ministry, and the story behind Winter Jam. Check out the interview below: MAINA MWAURA loves to guide...
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Are Students Actually Welcome in Your Youth Ministry?
With the risk of simplifying too much, youth ministry can often be that weird place where you eat snacks, hang out with friends, hear a Jesus talk…and play really dumb games. But have you ever stopped...
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Effective Church Staff Leaders Appreciate Their Volunteers (Here Are 15 Ideas)
The church is primarily comprised of volunteers and may well be the single largest “volunteer” army on the planet. Christians are called to serve Christ by being his Church. Each one of us has a role...
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Duct Tape Hockey Mask
This game is best played around Halloween. Supplies Lots of candy Plastic hockey masks (sold around Halloween at places like Dollar Tree) Duct Tape or Packing Tape Instructions Before the game, cover...
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Living a Life Worthy of Evangelism
Let us not become discouraged from evangelism because of the weight of the gospel or the time it requires. Sharing the gospel, though it deserves our time effort and is of great value, should also not...
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Minutes in Ministry: Fred’s Backstage Conversations at Catalyst
This past week, Fred Oduyoye spent time backstage at Catalyst interviewing a few of the speakers and artists to gather some insights on how their work is impacting the world of youth ministry. Check...
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95 Proven Life Hacks and Apps for Life Efficiency
Have you ever found yourself looking for the perfect hack or app to simply make life easier? At this year’s Orange Conference, Jim Wideman and Nick Blevins lead a breakout where they gave insight on...
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Why I Left, Why I Stayed: A conversation with Tony and Bart Campolo
Recently, Bart and Tony Campolo joined Maina Mwuara, Sabrena Klausman, and myself in a Hangout On Air to discuss their newest book, “Why I Left, Why I Stayed: Conversations on Christianity Between an...
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Fun Game on the Cheap: Dragon’s Gold
PAUL TURNER is a long-time youth worker, speaker, and blogger of all things youth ministry. He’s the youth pastor at Pleasant Grove Assembly in Birmingham, AL and writes regularly at...
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Creating Camps Your Volunteers Won’t Want to Miss
Last week, YS Blog Author Chase Snyder led a really solid webinar about how we can care for our volunteers during the summer camp season. We also leaned into Eric Friedmann, a veteran youth worker...
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That’s Good, But Here’s MY Story: The Art of Listening Well
After recent conversations with a friend, I realized something about myself that I have noticed before, but saw again with aggravating and annoying clarity. Mostly because it pointed out a character...
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Baked Bean Bubble Blow
IT IS PRETTY MUCH WHAT IT SOUNDS LIKE! A LOT OF BEANS, A LITTLE BIT OF BUBBLE GUM! A WHOLE LOT OF LAUGHS AND PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES! Supplies 2 Extra Large Cans of Baked Beans 2 Pie Pans/Bowls 1 Bag of...
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Anam-chara “Soul Friend”
Anam-chara (pronounced “ahn-im-KAR-uh”) is an Irish word meaning “soul friend.” Anam means “soul” or “spirit,” while chara means “friend.” Anam-chara is one of the important tenants of Celtic...
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