News flash! We're in a global pandemic! Okay, maybe you already knew that. And I think I did too, but in many ways, I'm just now realizing many of the ways it has affected me. I was going strong for a while, and I felt really excited about the future of ministry, but then I … Continue reading Reflecting on DYM100 2021
Steve’s Blog
Orange, Relationships, and Phases with Brett Talley (The Student Ministry Podcast – Episode 73)
Episode 73 of The Student Ministry Podcast features a conversation with Brett Talley. As a pastor’s kid, Brett grew up in the church world and felt called to full-time ministry at a young age. After jumping into the local church as a youth pastor and next gen pastor for over 11 years, he moved into … Continue reading Orange, Relationships, and Phases with Brett Talley (The Student Ministry Podcast – Episode 73)
What if…? Student Ministry Edition
I'm a fan of the What If? comics from Marvel, and I was excited to see they were making a TV series on Disney+. It's a series of stories told from a different perspective, each based around one or more changed details from the original story. For instance, what if Peggy Carter got the super … Continue reading What if…? Student Ministry Edition
10 Tips for Managing Your Student Ministry Volunteer Team
If we are truly going to make an impact on the teens in our community, we cannot do it alone. We need a team. But how do we put together a team, and what do we do with them? I've previously written up a list of tips on how to recruit a great team. Let's … Continue reading 10 Tips for Managing Your Student Ministry Volunteer Team
Programming Update 2021 (The Student Ministry Podcast – Episode 72)
Episode 72 of The Student Ministry Podcast features a programming update. I share how last year's programming changes went along with some insights from my summer experiences, and our plans for the 2021-2022 school year. I also share a couple stories about how God has used video games to connect with teenagers. Listen here or … Continue reading Programming Update 2021 (The Student Ministry Podcast – Episode 72)
Why I Will Never Stop Playing Video Games
Photo by Arturo EG on Pexels.com If you're new to this blog or me, in general, you may not know that I'm a huge fan of video games. It all started when I was really little, playing the Atari 2600 with my cousin, going to the arcade, and eventually getting my very first game console, … Continue reading Why I Will Never Stop Playing Video Games
Battling Anxiety, Depression, and Grief with Zack Ryer (The Student Ministry Podcast – Episode 71)
Episode 71 of The Student Ministry Podcast features a conversation with Zack Ryer. Not only is Zack one of Steve's former students, but he has recently started a music career (under the stage name, Dante Nazarro) focused on songs that he has written through his anxiety, depression, and grief. Zack and Steve talk about some … Continue reading Battling Anxiety, Depression, and Grief with Zack Ryer (The Student Ministry Podcast – Episode 71)
Youth Leader Oasis with Todd Pearage (The Student Ministry Podcast – Episode 70)
Episode 70 of The Student Ministry Podcast features a conversation with Todd Pearage. Partnering with Standing Stone, Todd and his wife, Lynda, run a ministry called Youth Leader Oasis, where they care for other youth workers and their spouses. In this episode, he not only shares his story, but talks about what his ministry looks … Continue reading Youth Leader Oasis with Todd Pearage (The Student Ministry Podcast – Episode 70)
5 Time Management Tips for Youth Pastors
Below is an excerpt of an article I wrote for Youth Specialties. Click the link at the bottom to read the entire piece. There is only so much time in the day! How am I supposed to get it all done? I don’t know how many times I have asked myself this question. Seriously, if I … Continue reading 5 Time Management Tips for Youth Pastors
The Smell of Coffee and the Dominican Republic
It's amazing how smells can take you back! In fact, it's amazing how any of our senses can trigger memories. Seeing photos and videos of past experiences are incredible. I've also had it happen with music, instantly tapping into the time I attended a concert, watched a movie, or played a video game. And as … Continue reading The Smell of Coffee and the Dominican Republic
