The first 2 minutes of your lesson set the tone for everything that follows. Want to hook middle schoolers from the start? Try these strategies: 1. Lead with CuriosityAsk a surprising question, show a weird object, or share a “Wait—what?” fact. Curiosity pulls students in before they know they’re learning. 2. Use a StoryA short, […]
Great discussions don’t start with great answers—they start with great questions. Here’s how to craft questions that actually get middle and high schoolers talking:
The Cost of Premature Leadership: Why Empowering Without Equipping Hurts Young Leaders.In today’s emerging ministry culture, “empowerment” has become a buzzword. We love the idea of handing the mic to the next generation, inviting them onto the platform, and giving them a seat at the leadership table. And rightly so—young people are capable, creative, and called. I have written about this quite a bit.
Here’s what I’m learning: when someone feels like a co-creator in ministry, not just a helper, they show up differently. They carry ownership. They dream bigger. They risk more. They care deeper.
Understanding Non-Verbal Cues When Teaching Students in a Youth Ministry and Church Setting. Hint and Help for Youth Pastors.
ESL and Immigrant Inclusive Ministry, Ten Thoughts and Hints for Ministry and Students.
Middle schoolers are curious, energetic, and unpredictable—so your lessons should be too. Here are five quick tips to make your teaching more effective and memorable:
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 […]
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 […]
FREE EVENT: GREAT PIZZA TASTE-OFF… Who has the best pizza in town? Who is the absolute best pizza style, sauce, and flavor? Which place in town is your group’s favorite? Whoever is willing to give you the best deal or the one that is actually the best? There is a way to find out and […]
