Youth Ministry Wisdom from Elf?

10. “The Best Way to Spread Christmas Cheer is Singing Loud For All to Hear”- Enthusiasm is contagious, even in the most awkward ways.

9. “I Just Like Smiling; Smiling is my favorite”—Your attitude is everything; it makes a difference in every situation.

8. “You Sit on a Throne of Lies”- Students can spot and smell a fake a mile away.  Be real, Be authentic.

7. “I Passed Through the Seven Levels of the Candy Cane Forest…” Tell your story of your journey of faith and how you arrived where you are today. It matters to students.

6. “You Did It! Congratulations, World’s Best Cup of Coffee”- Celebrate the small wins in your students’ lives even if they are “crappy.”  Every victory and accomplishment can be made it to a BIG deal.

5. “I am Sorry I Ruined Your Lives and Crammed Eleven Cookies into the VCR”- Own your mistakes in ministry and be humble enough to apologize.

4. “You Have Such a Pretty Face, You Should be on a Christmas Card”- Speak words of affirmation and encouragement to your students, they WILL remember your words.

3. “I Planned Out Our Whole Day. First, We’ll Make Snow Angels for Two Hours…”- Planning is important, but be flexible.  Be organized and prepared but ready to shake things up, erase everything, and start over.

2. “I Love You! I Love You! I LOVE YOU!” – Let your students know they are loved.  Too many students feel unseen and unloved. They need to know they are loved by you and by God.

1.There’s Room for Everyone on the Nice List”- No one and no student is beyond God’s love and salvation and the chance to have their name written in the “Lamb’s Book of Life”