Below is an excerpt of an article I wrote for Youth Specialties. Click the link at the bottom to read the entire piece. Oh, the mission trip. These short-term, service-based excursions have been a mainstay of youth ministry programming for years. Not only do they help teenagers to think beyond themselves, but it often gives … Continue reading 3 Ways to Think Ahead About Your Mission Trip
Steve’s Blog
Ministry Coaching with Tom Bump (The Student Ministry Podcast – Episode 49)
On episode 49 of The Student Ministry Podcast, I interview Tom Bump. Tom has been in ministry over 30 years in various capacities, but mostly in children's and student ministry. Over the years, God has led him through some really great times and some difficult times. So in addition to hosting his kids ministry podcast, … Continue reading Ministry Coaching with Tom Bump (The Student Ministry Podcast – Episode 49)
Networking with Jonny Radcliff (The Student Ministry Podcast – Episode 48)
On episode 48 of The Student Ministry Podcast, Steve interviews Jonny Radcliff, who is currently serving in student ministry in the Philadelphia area. Jonny is also a big proponent of networking with other youth workers. Sit back and get ready to hear what God has been doing in his life, but also make sure you … Continue reading Networking with Jonny Radcliff (The Student Ministry Podcast – Episode 48)
National Youth Workers Convention 2019 (The Student Ministry Podcast – Episode 47)
In episode 47 of The Student Ministry Podcast, Steve talks all about the National Youth Workers Convention 2019. As Youth Specialties celebrated their 50th year of conventions, they focused on the theme, TOGETHER. Steve had the opportunity to sit down with a few attendees and chat about their experience. He also walks through all the … Continue reading National Youth Workers Convention 2019 (The Student Ministry Podcast – Episode 47)
Best Cosplay at NYWC 2019
The National Youth Workers Convention is definitely a convention, rather than a conference. They each have their place, but they are different. For example, conventions have a lot more venders, it has a more relaxed feeling, and there is a lot more focus on networking. I have been to several video game and comic book … Continue reading Best Cosplay at NYWC 2019
Sam’s Story: An Encouraging End to NYWC 2019
This is part 4 of Sam’s Story. To read part 1, click here. To read part 2, click here. To read part 3, click here. Sunday morning was typically a big day for Sam. He needed to get to the church early and he was busy all day long. Today was different, though. He just needed to … Continue reading Sam’s Story: An Encouraging End to NYWC 2019
Say No to Busyness and Yes to Being Like Jesus (NYWC 2019)
Doug Fields is a veteran youth worker, who, as many of you know, has been one of my mentors from a distance over my years in youth ministry. He has written some of the best books, started several resource organizations, and recently got back into being a youth pastor after a few years of speaking … Continue reading Say No to Busyness and Yes to Being Like Jesus (NYWC 2019)
Grace and Peace for the Pressure of Youth Ministry (NYWC 2019)
Crystal Chiang is the director of student strategy at Orange. On Sunday morning at NYWC 2019, she started off her Big Room talk by sharing her joy for being here, because the people here have the “get it” factor. And one of the things we can get for each other more than anything else is … Continue reading Grace and Peace for the Pressure of Youth Ministry (NYWC 2019)
Treating People Better than Dogs: Welcoming People with Disabilities in Church (NYWC 2019)
Joel Sonnenberg was badly burned in a car accident during his family vacation in 1979, at 22 months old. Even though 88% of his body was burned, by the grace of God, he was able to get surgeries, progress in school, and even provided multiple platforms in his life. Growing up as a child and … Continue reading Treating People Better than Dogs: Welcoming People with Disabilities in Church (NYWC 2019)
Sam’s Story: Overwhelmed at NYWC 2019
This is part 3 of Sam's Story. To read part 1, click here. To read part 2, click here. After a good but full day, it was difficult for Sam to roll out of bed Saturday morning. But after some coffee and a shower, he made his way to the convention center to look around … Continue reading Sam’s Story: Overwhelmed at NYWC 2019
