Margery Meanwell was a poor orphan girl that lived on the streets. She was a sweet kind girl always doing good for others, even though she was poor and had nothing. She was recognized throughout the town as the girl with only one shoe. As the story goes, one day a rich, gentlemen seeing her […]
Youth Pastor Soul Refreshers: Ten of the those moments, we all need. We all love those moments. The ones where you get a quick boost and a spiritual rush of fresh air to your soul that keep you going! 10. The Ice Cold Bottle of Water on a Hot Missions Project Day! 9. The State […]
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
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 & […]
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 […]
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 […]
“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 […]
Youth Pastor pesky stereotypes about who we are and how we act?!! Every Group has them, people in youth ministry do too!
