Below is an excerpt of an article I wrote for Youth Specialties. Click the link at the bottom to read the entire piece. Youth ministry does not have a deep history. While some historians point to its mid-19th century roots, modern youth ministry really started in the 1940s. Over the years, we have seen many … Continue reading 5 Youth Ministry Fixtures that Need to Die by 2025
Thank Your Team
This week, I mailed off a handful of handwritten thank you cards to our team. And before you start thinking about telling me I did a good job, I need to tell you they weren't written by me. They were written by someone in our church that has no direct ties to our student ministry. … Continue reading Thank Your Team
Restless Restoration in “The Siege” (The Mandalorian – Chapter 12)
Below is an excerpt of an article I wrote for LoveThyNerd. Click the link at the bottom to read the entire piece. SPOILER WARNING: This post contains spoilers for The Mandalorian. Do not read if you have not seen this episode and do not want it to be spoiled for you! The Razor Crest was severely … Continue reading Restless Restoration in “The Siege” (The Mandalorian – Chapter 12)
Who am I because of Jesus?
This past Sunday, we started studying the Gospel of Mark in our student small groups. As I walked around and checked on them, talking about chapter 1, I heard a few questions asked by the students' leaders: What is the Gospel? Why is it good news? Who are you because of Jesus? It was great … Continue reading Who am I because of Jesus?
How to: Amazing Race at Your Church
I am a huge fan of The Amazing Race. My wife and I have talked about applying for many years, but we've never actually tried signing up (yet). It's such a great idea for a game, filled with physical challenges, mental puzzles, and teamwork. But what does it look like to put on your own … Continue reading How to: Amazing Race at Your Church
How We Pivoted for Summer Camp 2020
Last year, we took our high school students to Generate Camp (YM360), and they had a great time. This year, we had planned to take both our middle schoolers and high schoolers, but like many things this year, we realized we needed to pivot. Since I know a lot of you are still trying to … Continue reading How We Pivoted for Summer Camp 2020
Fellow Ministry Leaders, Be Sure to Take Care of Yourself
Earlier this week, I shared with the rest of our church staff something that has been on my heart/mind for the past couple weeks as I've talked with a lot of other ministry leaders. If you don't mind, I'd like to briefly share it with you all too. Right now, with most of us are … Continue reading Fellow Ministry Leaders, Be Sure to Take Care of Yourself
Church Moving Forward: Create Community and Provide Purpose
It’s no secret that we’re in the middle of a global health crisis due to the Covid-19 Coronavirus. At this point, most of us have been instructed to stay in our homes and practice social distancing. Soon after this began, churches began to ask the question, “What do we do?” That question propelled our church … Continue reading Church Moving Forward: Create Community and Provide Purpose
5 Ways to Engage the Artistic Students in Ministry
Below is an excerpt of an article I wrote for Youth Specialties. Click the link at the bottom to read the entire piece. We all have them. No, not the stinky kids. I am talking about the artistic ones. And if you are not artistic yourself, you might not notice those students, but they are … Continue reading 5 Ways to Engage the Artistic Students in Ministry
How Student Leadership Has Evolved in My Church
Below is an excerpt of an article I wrote for Youth Specialties. Click the link at the bottom to read the entire piece. Student leadership can be one of the most divisive parts of a youth ministry. I have seen several great youth groups torn apart by implementing a student leadership team. On the other … Continue reading How Student Leadership Has Evolved in My Church
