Steve’s Blog

Book Review: Good Call by Jase Robertson

Every Christmas, we travel to Illinois to see family. A few years ago, during our time with my wife's family, I was introduced to Duck Dynasty. While I had seen short clips online, I had never watched a full show. After one or two episodes, I was hooked! We have since went on to watch all … Continue reading Book Review: Good Call by Jase Robertson

The Student Ministry Podcast – Ministry for the Long-Haul with Brett Eddy (Episode 15)

In episode 15 of The Student Ministry Podcast, Steve interviews Brett Eddy, who serves as the Pastor of Student Ministries at Port City Community Church in Wilmington, NC. While youth ministry wasn't Brett's first choice as a career, it was obvious God had it in mind all along. He has served at his current church for 16 … Continue reading The Student Ministry Podcast – Ministry for the Long-Haul with Brett Eddy (Episode 15)

Make it Interactive

When it comes to speaking to teenagers, there are many philosophies and strategies out there. You've probably heard many of them. While they all have their place, there is one that I try to utilize as much as possible, especially when speaking to middle schoolers. Make it interactive! I was told early on that it … Continue reading Make it Interactive

3 Reasons I’m Excited about The Orange Conference 2017

It's been a couple years since I've been at The Orange Conference, but this is the year I'm going back! And this year, the conference theme is "For Our Neighbors." There are several things that make me excited about this year's event, but here are the top three: One of the reasons I'm excited to … Continue reading 3 Reasons I’m Excited about The Orange Conference 2017

The Student Ministry Podcast – Ministry Context with Justin Curl (Episode 14)

In episode 14 of The Student Ministry Podcast, I interview Justin Curl, who is currently the Youth Pastor at Twin Oaks Christian Church in Woodhaven, MI. After some rough patches, God grabbed his heart near the end of high school in Oklahoma. Eventually, God also led him to pursue youth ministry in the Detroit area. Justin talks about … Continue reading The Student Ministry Podcast – Ministry Context with Justin Curl (Episode 14)

Handling Money in Youth Ministry

A few years ago, I wrote about counting money as a youth minister, but I felt it was time for a follow-up. Other than the people who handle offerings, it is quite possible that a youth minister handles the most money within a church. Between retreats, mission trips, pizza parties, and much more, students and parents … Continue reading Handling Money in Youth Ministry

Dreaming on the Road

[This is a "guest post" I wrote for the Download Youth Ministry blog.] When was the last time you just sat and dreamed about God? I have a hard time remembering my dreams. In fact, I’m convinced I don’t even have any most nights. I’m not talking about that kind of dreaming, though. I want … Continue reading Dreaming on the Road

Celebrating 10 Years of Deep Freeze Retreats

When I first arrived at Rockingham Christian Church in October 2007, I stepped into a volunteer-led student ministry that was regularly meeting but in need of a leader to take it to the next level. I gladly accepted the role, as I felt it was something God was calling me to do. Soon after, I … Continue reading Celebrating 10 Years of Deep Freeze Retreats

Partnering with Parents to Talk about Sex

Whether you are a Christian leader or not, I think it is hard to deny that our culture is overly saturated with sex. Not only do we see it in the media, movies, and music, it has infiltrated most areas of our life. So, how do we, as youth workers, help parents walk through this … Continue reading Partnering with Parents to Talk about Sex

The Student Ministry Podcast – Leading Student & Children’s Ministries with Allison Williams (Episode 13)

In episode 13 of The Student Ministry Podcast, Steve interviews Allison Williams, who serves as the Youth Minister at Reddington Christian Church in Seymour, IN. Not only does she lead the student ministry, but she is also over the children's ministry. Listen in as she talks about how to balance the two ministries, lead through volunteers, … Continue reading The Student Ministry Podcast – Leading Student & Children’s Ministries with Allison Williams (Episode 13)