Addition bias is what happens when your brain (and most ministry cultures) quietly assumes the solution to any problem is: “Let’s just add one more thing.” One more program. One more meeting. One more “quick” initiative that somehow lasts three years. And in ministry staff burnout, it shows up like an invisible snowball rolling downhill—except […]
Teaching and walking life besides this young generation coming up, I believe it is important for us to be students of the Word first and of the world second. Especially as we head into the holiday time of year. The most important thing we can do is point our students to the person of Jesus […]
Discipleship is and Is Not… Some Quick Reflections On What IS and IS NOT Discipleship in our ministries. Discipleship IS Small Groups. It is NOT Cliques. Discipleship IS faith involvement. It is NOT faith information. Discipleship IS a guide on the side. It is NOT a sage on the stage. Discipleship IS an invitation to […]
ALEX MCELROY is an apologist, international speaker, TEDx speaker, leadership advisor, author of Blueprint for Bible Basics, President and Founder of Proof For The Truth Ministry, and formerly the Pastor of Education at New Life Covenant Southeast Church.
Messi Ministry Leadership Lessons… I just finished watching today’s World Cup semifinal—Argentina national football team vs. England—and what a moment. A 2–1 win. Another step toward the final. And once again, Lionel Messi didn’t dominate with speed or flash—he dominated with control, vision, and timing. At this stage of his career, Messi isn’t trying to […]
Ten Youth Group Bus Games for your upcoming summer trips and other amazing moments you are stuck in a bus trying to kill time, beyond everyone on the phone or sleeping. The first set of ten FREE youth group favorites of my students from over the years. These are simple, low, or no-prep games that […]
When Your Arms Get Tired: A Ministry Lesson from Moses. Have you ever felt completely worn out in ministry? Maybe your to-do list feels endless, or the emotional weight of serving others is heavy. The good news? Even God’s chosen leaders got tired — and they didn’t have to do it alone. The Story In […]
Church ministry thrives when teams are unified, communication is clear, and time is used wisely. Yet many churches struggle with unnecessary meetings, confusion, and slow decision-making that can drain energy from the mission.
MIDDLE SCHOOL CAMP MISTAKES AND MISSES, For 10-15 years, I chose to run my own camps for my groups and/or decided to run missions trips in place of summer camp. In my last two churches, we have rented out camps, hired outside speakers and musicians, and ran most of the programming and activities ourselves. In […]
Here is a quick in-the-trenches, real-life hint/help as you head into your summer camp or your mission trips It depends on the group and even the leaders I have had over the years. Pranking can quickly get out of hand, especially at camps and retreats! I have heard various theories and debates over whether to […]
