CASSANDRA SMITH has mentored youth and college-age students for 15 years. This focus led her to partner with national and local organizations that focused on student development, mental health, and human-to-human connection. She is an author, speaker, and founder of Change Your Narrative, which focuses on creating connection and finding wholeness for lives impacted by abuse, addiction, anxiety, depression, self-harm, and suicidal ideation.
A lot can be gleaned about leadership development from baking. In both of these endeavors, if you don’t fully comprehend what you’re producing, then you won’t know if you’re doing it right or wrong. The goal has to inform the process. One young lady wrote about an instance where her goal was to produce bread […]
Feed The Baby Bird is A Silly Upfront Partner Challenge Game; this is Sure to Create Some Great Social Media Photos and Shares A simple, low-cost, low-prep game your student will be sure to love and remember. A fun way to create those “no way” moments that make students want to come back again and […]
Every once in a while, you read a book that makes you stop and think about what you really believe—and what you’d be willing to risk for it. Bible Smuggler by Dale Gibson is one of those books. This true story follows a man who secretly transports Bibles into places where owning one could get […]
What can the new Spider-Man movie teach us about ministry, leadership, and calling? Surprisingly, quite a bit.
ONY VILLAFANE, based in the heart of Lancaster County, PA, I’m serious about Jesus, and I try not to take myself too seriously. Whether I’m preaching to students, coaching leaders, or trying (and failing) to keep up with Gen Z/Alpha culture
The Evangelistic Youth Ministry, If you grew up, like I did, in an American church youth group, it’s likely you will resonate with the following description of American youth ministry. You spent an hour or two a week in a “youth room,” sitting on folding chairs or donated couches, singing (with or without the aid […]
Full Pogo Jousting: The Ultimate Balance Battle Game. If you’re looking for a high-energy game that will have everyone laughing, Full Pogo Jousting is a perfect choice. This fast-paced challenge combines balance, speed, and a little friendly competition as players bounce toward each other on pogo balls and attempt to land the winning tag with a pool noodle.
They Aren’t Opening Up in Small Groups?
If your students (or adults) aren’t talking, it’s not random—it’s revealing. Silence is feedback. And most of the time, it has less to do with them and more to do with the environment we’ve created.
PAUL TURNER has been in Youth Ministry for over 35 years and has been a camp and retreat speaker for over 20 years. He coaches and trains youth pastors through his YouTube channel, books, and resources. Paul is also the host of the Youth Ministry in Motion Podcast
