Graduation season is almost here! All across America, high school seniors are getting excited to finish their education and graduate. Many churches, however, are not too excited, because they fear these students will also graduate from their faith in God. And I'm sure many of you are familiar with the unfortunate statistics for those who … Continue reading 5 Steps to Keep Teens from Graduating from Their Faith
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)
Programming Update 2020 (The Student Ministry Podcast – Episode 60)
On episode 60 of The Student Ministry Podcast, I take a moment to provide an update on how our student ministry programming has changed since last year and since the Covid-19 quarantine. I share our church's experiences but also what we learned that led to these recent changes. Listen right here or on your favorite … Continue reading Programming Update 2020 (The Student Ministry Podcast – Episode 60)
Small Group Leading with Alycia Cone (The Student Ministry Podcast – Episode 45)
Episode 45 of The Student Ministry Podcast is a special one, where Steve has the opportunity to interview one of his former students and volunteers. Alycia Cone was 16 when she started attending youth group. She had Steve's wife as her small group leader, and after she graduated and completed a year with City Year, … Continue reading Small Group Leading with Alycia Cone (The Student Ministry Podcast – Episode 45)
10 Reasons to Attend the Orange Conference
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
The Power of Partnership with Yvette Cullum (The Student Ministry Podcast – Episode 31)
On episode 31 of The Student Ministry Podcast, I interview my wife, Yvette Cullum. Not only will you get to hear what God has done in her life, but she gives some great insight on what our partnership looks like within student ministry and why you should stay consistant as a small group leader. Feel free to … Continue reading The Power of Partnership with Yvette Cullum (The Student Ministry Podcast – Episode 31)
Creating a Volunteer Strategy in Student Ministry (OC18)
The longer I am in student ministry, the more I realize that there are so many things involved in making it happen. You have all the more traditional things like teaching, games, worship, trips, and regular communication, but you also have other elements that have been added over time. In many settings, the student ministry … Continue reading Creating a Volunteer Strategy in Student Ministry (OC18)
Trust and Student Ministry Magic with David Wood (The Student Ministry Podcast – Episode 24)
In episode 24 of The Student Ministry Podcast, Steve interviews David Wood, the Jr. High Director at Shelter Cove Community Church in Modesto, California. From a teenager, David knew God wanted to use him, but it wasn't always a clear path to where God has him today. Along the way, he served in the military and also … Continue reading Trust and Student Ministry Magic with David Wood (The Student Ministry Podcast – Episode 24)
Connecting New Students with Derry Prenkert (The Student Ministry Podcast – Episode 23)
In episode 23 of The Student Ministry Podcast, Steve interviews Derry Prenkert, the student ministries pastor at Nappanee Missionary Church in Nappanee, Indiana, where he has served for over 21 years. Derry has learned a lot over the years, especially in connecting with new students. His humble heart is one we can all learn from, … Continue reading Connecting New Students with Derry Prenkert (The Student Ministry Podcast – Episode 23)
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
Steve Cullum 