Category: General

This past week, I had the opportunity to join several churches and speak at Mission Indy, a service-based camp in the Indianapolis area. Churches from Indiana, Illinois, and North Carolina came together to serve local mission partners and focus on Hebrews 12:1-3 all week long, as our theme was “Run Free.” Each night, Monday-Friday, I … Continue reading Speaking at Mission Indy

On June 7, a large number of youth leaders from all over Colorado dropped into the Arkansas River to raft Brown’s Canyon with Noah’s Ark Whitewater Rafting. This was the 29th year that Noah’s hosted this incredible trip. Not only is it a great day of rest and fun for youth leaders who work very … Continue reading Another Successful Rafting Trip with Colorado Youth Leaders

This last Sunday, I had the opportunity to speak at another youth group in town. It was a great experience, where I was able to not only give their youth pastor a night off from teaching, but I also got to visit his youth group, meet his students and leaders, and see how he does … Continue reading Speaking at Another Church in Town

Earlier this year, God put me in contact with a couple children’s pastors in Breckenridge, CO, who have a huge heart for teens in their community. Unfortunately, almost all the churches in that area don’t have the ability to hire youth pastors. But since then, I’ve been having regular conversations with some of their local … Continue reading Continuing to Dream About Youth Ministry in Breckenridge

One of our strongest and biggest youth ministry networks in Colorado is the one surrounding Colorado Winter Camps. This collaborative event takes place over 6 weekends in January and February. In 2024, we plan to have 3 middle school camps, 2 high school camps, and 1 young adult camp. In total, we’ll have around 2500-3000 … Continue reading Planning for Colorado Winter Camps 2024

As I think back to all the mentors and coaches who have helped me, I’m so thankful God is now allowing me to do that for others. So to be better prepared for that, I headed to the Dallas, TX, area for coaching training through PACT Ministries. This partner ministry of NNYM’s seeks to develop … Continue reading PACT Coaching Training in Dallas

"Can I see an example of the permission slips you use for your youth group?" This is a question I see quite often within youth pastor groups online. While the question itself is awesome—I love their desire to be a wise leader—I would argue this is the wrong place to go for help. Let me … Continue reading How To: Youth Group Permission Slips, Release Forms, and Waivers

In August 2001, I packed up much of my belongings, moved to central Illinois, and started my first year of college. While I had been a kids and student ministry volunteer while in high school, this was the first time I would be seeking our opportunities on my own. Through my six years in that … Continue reading Support Raising in Illinois

This last week, I flew out to Illinois. One of my best friend's was leading a 3-day end-of-summer / back-to school event at his church, and they invited me to speak. I based my messages off the concepts from Fuller Youth Institute's 3 Big Questions research and book, where they talk about the questions all … Continue reading Speaking About Identity, Belonging, and Purpose in Illinois

School is about to start again for most students, teachers, and administrators around the country. And we want the 2023-2024 school year to be the best ever! That’s why National Network of Youth Ministries is launching a brand new initiative this month, and I’m so excited to tell you more about it. In our mission … Continue reading Footprints and Funds