Parents Can Make Great Leaders. I’m going on record: parents have been some of my greatest youth ministry leaders. Yes, moms and dads, or “old people,” as my 20-somethings would say. They are my go-to volunteers. I love recruiting parents. I guess some could call me biased. After all, I’m a parent! I have two […]
REAL MEETING WITH PARENTS… Absolutely REAL-LIFE reasons Why I Have Had to Call and Ask to Meet With Youth Ministry Parents.-Dan Istvanik
“A-Way” Style Youth Ministry Leadership… We lead people; that is what we do, but how? Is there “a way” that works? Here are three “a-ways” to leading better in your youth ministry. More often than not, the term “pastor” in our leadership role in youth ministry is interchangeable with words such as “leader,” “director,” or […]
Big Bowl of Irish Stew Challenge. A fun upfront face-off-style challenge for St. Patrick’s Day. A wee-bit O’ fun from Youth Ministry Hub.
City vs. Country Youth Ministry: I have done both in 27+ years, from the deep south, Louisiana to Amish Country Pennsylvania. I have worked with students just outside of Washinton DC and in the western suburbs of Chicago. Here is what I have figured out? So Far… 10. Street Racing? (souped-up cars VS. souped-up horse & […]
Youth Ministry Hints, Youth Ministry Resources, Youth Ministry Thoughts
Engaging Middle Schoolers in Small Groups
ENGAGING MIDDLE SCHOOLERS IN SMALL GROUPS IS SOMETIMES CHALLENGING; OTHER TIMES, IT MAY SEEM IMPOSSIBLE. She was awkwardly staring me down, like only a middle school girl with a little too much attitude could. We had dismissed into small groups a while ago. I had asked her a simple question, “Why aren’t you in your […]
YOUTH MINISTRY SACRED COWS! WE ALL HAVE THEM AT OUR CHURCH AND MINISTRY. WE FEED THEM, RAISE THEM, AND KEEP THEM AROUND. MAYBE IT IS TIME TO PUT THESE TEN “OUT TO PASTURE”!? 10. We still feed kids junk food, even though we know it’s terrible for them—Our body is the “Temple of the Holy […]
Youth Ministry Hints, Youth Ministry Resources, Youth Ministry Thoughts
Things Have to Change Post-Covid!
Things Have to Change Post-Covid! Whether it is finally, truly over, is to be seen but it would seem like after exactly two years, we are emerging from Covid. Schools, restaurants, stores, and yes, the Church. Now as we come out of this as churches and youth ministry, it is time for us to […]
Level Up One Night: A video game themed “done-for-you” resource for one complete night of youth ministry on the topic of “Hope” KEY OBJECTIVES Students will develop a better biblical understanding of the power of Godly hope in their everyday lives and during difficult times. KEY VERSE “May the God of hope fill you with […]
“TUNNEL RATS” (BIG GROUP GAME) IS A GREAT GAME FOR GROUPS OF ANY SIZE. EASY, NO-PREP GAME! SUPPLIES: • 2 cones (*or consider using a foam “Wisconsin cheese head”, it is what I use) GAME PLAY: Quick explanation: A combination between a race and steal the bacon. Players will have an assigned number, when their […]