From the very first speaker at the National Youth Workers Convention this year, one thing was evident. A central theme emerged that God and the Youth Specialties leaders clearly wanted to get across to us: It’s time to stop comparing, competing, and fighting. Instead, we need to start uniting in our efforts to reach the … Continue reading Youth Workers Unite (NYWC 2018)
I just recently started blogging for Youth Specialties, and my first article has been published. Below, you will find a quick snippet and a link to read the rest of the article on their website. The video game world has had its ups and downs. From the crash of 1983 to the rise of casual … Continue reading How to Best Use Video Games with Students
A few weeks ago, I went to DYM 200 and was reminded that I am not God. (Yes, that seems incredibly obvious, but I encourage you to read my blog about that to learn more.) In an attempt to act out on that truth, I've began planning ahead handing off even more in ministry. One … Continue reading Equip and Empower to Create Space
On episode 34 of The Student Ministry Podcast, I interview James Sabin, the youth and family pastor at Kingdom Church in Westover, WV. Over the past few years, though, James has been struggling through burnout and all that has come from that. Now, on the other side of it, he shares his story to hopefully … Continue reading Overcoming Burnout with James Sabin (The Student Ministry Podcast – Episode 34)
If you've served in student ministry longer than a month, you have probably found yourself in this situation (cue the pitch music): You need to feed a bunch of teenagers. Pizza! Yes, let's do pizza! But how many do I order for this group? And where do I order from? Maybe you're on a trip … Continue reading Pizza Calculator (iOS Shortcut)
Many years ago, I was introduced to the XP3 student ministry curriculum from Orange. I didn't know much about the whole Orange thing at that time, but I did hear they had an annual conference. So, in 2010, I attended my first Orange Conference. I was somewhat overwhelmed, but I had a great time and … Continue reading 10 Reasons to Attend the Orange Conference
On episode 33 of The Student Ministry Podcast, Steve interviews Auggie Mueller, the Associate and Youth Pastor at Central Church of Christ in Griswold, Iowa. Auggie has had hit some rough spots along his journey, but God has continued to lead the way, especially as he transitioned into his current role. Join us for a … Continue reading Transitioning in Student Ministry with Auggie Mueller (The Student Ministry Podcast – Episode 33)
Most of the time, it takes me a few days to process a conference to find the one or two big ideas that God wanted to tell me. Lately, though, He has been more clear (or maybe I've been more in tune), and DYM 200 was no exception. There was a distinct message I believe … Continue reading Stop Trying to be God! (DYM 200)
On episode 32 of The Student Ministry Podcast, Steve interviews Mike Haynes. Not only is Mike one of the student ministry directors at Christian Fellowship Church in Ashburn, Virginia, but he is also the founder of G Shades, a new student curriculum focused on helping students see the Bible and the world around them through the … Continue reading G Shades with Mike Haynes (The Student Ministry Podcast – Episode 32)
As I've said many times before, one of the most exciting things about Orange is its approach to all-church ministry. It's more than just a plan for kids and student ministry. It's actually something that can transform how your entire church does ministry -- to kids, students, parents, grandparents, singles, etc. If you are unfamiliar with … Continue reading Orange Tour Adds Parent Experience for 2018
