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 […]
The Summer Youth Ministry Battle… If your church is like ours, and most that I talk to are, summertime is the ever-constant battle..
INCLUDING PARENTS IN SUMMER TRIPS, Summer trips (camps, conferences, missions trips…) can be a massive moment in the life of children and teens to create memories that last a lifetime. In many ways, it is a rite of passage. Even if the location is not that far away, it may be the first extended time away from […]
June Hilarious Youth Ministry Holidays. A collection of fun ways to make every week special for your youth group this month! June 1st: National Dare Day. Perfect day for crazy youth ministry challenges and games!? June 5th: National Frozen Yogurt Day: Take the group out for Frozen Yogurt and Celebrate. June 8th: Best Friends Day: Perfect invite a […]
DEB SCHROEDER has spent over 28 years working with teens in churches, schools, and community programs. At her core, she is passionate about helping teens feel seen, valued, and understood while equipping the adults in their lives to respond in ways that build trust and strengthen relationship
Developing and encouraging youth ministry volunteer leaders is crucial for a thriving program. Here are ten simple weekly strategies: 10. Personalized Check-Ins: Send a personal message or make a quick call to check how they’re doing. 9. Affirmation and Encouragement: Highlight a volunteer’s contribution during a meeting or in a group chat. 8. Prayer Support: Pray specifically for […]
