TRAVIS DEANS has been in full-time youth ministry since 1996 as a youth pastor, campus ministry director, and youth network coordinator. Through Travis’s role, he mentors youth workers, consults for churches, assists youth workers to collaborate through evangelistic outreaches, equips students to share their faith, shares strategies for students to form campus ministries in their schools, and organizes youth ministry conferences.
Popular magazines and websites create lists of the biggest names and the fastest-growing lesser-known leaders. They interview the leader, then hold events to celebrate and award plaques to be hung in the lobbies and offices of these outstanding churches and leaders. Admittedly, I have even worked at one of these churches—with those plaques on the […]
Spring Thing Game Book is an all-in-one collection of ten Easter and Spring Time games. This collection of games is perfect for weekly meetings or to play a collection of games as an all-inclusive game event. There are a variety of up-front challenges, icebreakers, big group games, and even an Easter-time version of dodgeball. […]
Youth Ministry Hints, Youth Ministry Lessons, Youth Ministry Thoughts
60 Second Hint/Help: Interns Teaching
An intern’s first time teaching can be exciting and intimidating. Your guidance can turn nerves into confidence and growth.
Youth Ministry Hints, Youth Ministry Resources
Youth Ministry Mission Trip Organizations (2025-2026)
Planning a summer mission trip for your student ministry involves more than choosing a destination — it’s about selecting an experience that is safe, spiritually formative, logistically manageable, and meaningful for both your students and the community you serve. This list (*in no order) highlights ten trusted organizations that specialize in SHORT-TERM (5–10 DAY), U.S.–BASED […]
Youth Ministry Hints, Youth Ministry Lessons, Youth Ministry Resources, Youth Ministry Thoughts
Speaker of the Week: David Hardie
DAVID HARDIE is a big, bearded, full-time youth speaker who travels the world inspiring teenagers and adults to “Tell a Bigger Story” while creating some pretty awesome T-shirt designs (which he draws by hand) that he sells at large events
the difference between preaching and teaching
It is a Celebrity Challenge Game, as Students Have to Guess Who is the Famous Celebrity Twin! Who Are the Famous Hidden Famous with Their Twin! Perfect for a special “Twin Night” in Your Ministry, as You Challenge Everyone to Show Up Dressed Alike! Includes: – 2 Powerpoint Presentations (editable and flat format) – […]
Youth Ministry Hints, Youth Ministry Lessons, Youth Ministry Thoughts
60 Second Hint/Help: Volunteers Teaching
Most volunteers want to help—they just don’t always feel confident teaching. Your role is to equip, encourage, and support them so they can succeed.
Top 10 list of college youth ministry programs/majors in the United States (Alphabetically) based on reputation, curriculum strength, practical experience opportunities, professors, and career preparation (employment/placement), based on combining national rankings, popular programs, internships, and reviews.










