JOSHUA MCFANN is a passionate communicator of the Gospel who describes himself as “a friend to all and a stranger to none.” Joshua travels both locally and globally preaching the Gospel, equipping believers to share Jesus with their neighbors, and calling people to live fully focused on King Jesus and His Kingdom. He is earning his bachelor’s degree in Pastoral Ministry and Biblical Studies at Trinity Bible College. Joshua serves with Forge, a ministry committed to raising up more Kingdom laborers.
Bored with the Bible? Helping the Next Generation Engage with God’s Word “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”— 1 Timothy 4:12 (NIV) As a youth pastor, I hear a lot of things—but two […]
Glowing Shape Shifter is a fun, creative team game played in the dark where players use glow bracelets or necklaces to form shapes, objects, or words called out by the leader. Teams compete to see who can be the most accurate—and once the basics are mastered, advanced challenges like movement and waves add extra excitement.
Youth Ministry Hints, Youth Ministry Lessons, Youth Ministry Thoughts
60 Second: Evaluating Your Teaching
Regular self-evaluation helps you grow as a communicator and shepherd. It’s not about perfection—it’s about faithfulness and progress.
Youth Ministry Hints, Youth Ministry Resources, Youth Ministry Thoughts
Christian Camps: Western Region
If you’re a youth pastor looking for a high-quality overnight Christian camp in the Western U.S., this A–Z list highlights twelve standout options known for strong programming, solid lodging, great food service, and memorable outdoor experiences. Based on a combination of things: parent reviews, youth pastor recommendations, online ratings, and general reputation for 2025.
Youth Ministry Hints, Youth Ministry Lessons, Youth Ministry Resources, Youth Ministry Thoughts
Speaker of the Week: Travis Dean
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 […]










