March 14-22 was a busy time for me. First, I headed down to Florida to visit a former student who is now a tech director and getting ready to be married in April. Then I attended a conference with this new research cohort I joined, which is connected to the Great Commission Research Network. I’ll be … Continue reading Back to Back Conferences in March 2025
We Hosted Our First Lift Event in Northern Colorado
We had our very first Lift event in Northern Colorado this March. In partnership with Christian Educators, we hosted a dinner and program for nearly 50 Christian teachers and administrators from all over our area. These teachers are often feeling isolated and alone, similar to many youth leaders. We had such a good time, and … Continue reading We Hosted Our First Lift Event in Northern Colorado
Training Colorado Youth Leaders
On March 8, we hosted a training day for youth leaders from area churches. Everyone who attended stated they learned a lot from their experience and they are excited about the next time we host one in the fall. It was also great, as always, to see leaders interacting from different churches, making new friends, … Continue reading Training Colorado Youth Leaders
Colorado Network Updates – February 2025
Throughout February, I was able to visit several networks and youth leaders all over Colorado. Here are a few updates from the areas I visited: Arvada: This amazing network is constantly praying and strategically planning to reach the 14,000 teenagers in their community who don’t know Jesus. And they are planning a community worship night … Continue reading Colorado Network Updates – February 2025
How to Celebrate: Year Wrapped for Youth Group
One of the things that's hard to do sometimes is celebrate. Why? Because, as leaders, we often don't want to cross that line into bragging or being arrogant. But by doing that, we can also cross another line in not celebrating enough about what God has done. Over the last couple years, you've probably seen … Continue reading How to Celebrate: Year Wrapped for Youth Group
Another Great Year of Partnering with Youth Leaders and DYM
Some of my favorite events are with Download Youth Ministry (DYM). Not only do I get to pour into a group of youth leaders all week long, but I get to do it alongside many of my youth ministry friends from all over the country. I might be a bit biased, but these events are a small … Continue reading Another Great Year of Partnering with Youth Leaders and DYM
Youth Pastor Conferences 2025
Below are the conferences I know are happening in 2025 that are specifically focused on Student and/or NextGen Ministry leaders. Please note: Not all events have posted their 2025 dates yet, so until they do, I have noted when they typically have them. Conclave NextGen • October 6-7, 2025 (Arlington, TX)https://www.texasbaptists.org/events/conclave D6 Conference • March … Continue reading Youth Pastor Conferences 2025
Wrapping up 2 Youth Pastor Retreats in Colorado
Soon after I accepted the call to step into a full-time role with NNYM, I began dreaming of getting Colorado youth leaders together for mutual encouragement, support, and rest. Here we are, less than two years later, and we had not only one, but two retreats this month! The first was the Refuel Retreat, hosted by LeaderTreks—an … Continue reading Wrapping up 2 Youth Pastor Retreats in Colorado
Colorado Networks Update – October 2024
I was so encouraged by our local network in Longmont this month. As we ate lunch and shared updates from our individual churches, it became so evident that we are in this together. When I shared a bit about another network in our state, they were totally into it. When we talked about a future … Continue reading Colorado Networks Update – October 2024
What to do about Ministry Burnout
It's so easy to get overwhelmed and burned out in ministry! While it can happen to anyone, I believe those of us in the "people-helping industry," are more susceptible to it. So what can we do to prevent it, see it coming, or recover from it? This is a common question I see in online … Continue reading What to do about Ministry Burnout
