The Youth Pastor Box and Bag: For years, I have created two things that have rescued my trips over and over again! Whether it be summer camp, a mission trip, or a short retreat, These two things have been my essential resource for close to 30 years. These are the “in-the-trenches” and […]
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 […]
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 […]
Successful Big Parent Meetings- Parent meetings can be intimidating but they do not have to be. So many youth leaders/pastor dread these meetings, as moments where they are put on the spot, questioned, or even feel like they are being critiqued. Often younger leaders feel threatened, put-down, or disrespected as they walk away from […]
Why Join a Local Network of Youth Pastors and Leaders? We are wrapping up our Chicago Area Youth Workers Hub Group for this school year. I have partnered with groups like National Network for most of my 30ish years of youth ministry. I believe that we are “BETTER TOGETHER” and that we survive as a […]
What is holding your ministry back? What are things that might be keeping you and your ministry from God’s best and blessing? Working beside and for various leaders has continued to give me reflections and insights on leadership- negative and positive. There are particular things I have personally witnessed working at a variety of churches. […]
Here are Just 10 Youth Ministry Survival Tips, for both Beginners and You Old Veterans too! 10. Never Fall Asleep During a Lock-In/Overnight Event. (do you like your eyebrows?) 9. Eat A Healthy Breakfast Every Morning. (skittles and a 24 oz Monster does not count) 8. If Attacked by a Group of Upset Middle School Girls, Curl […]
Millennial Parents, Gen Z Students… Navigating youth ministry with millennial parents who have Generation Alpha kids presents several unique challenges, here are just 5 challenges of ministry to Millenial Parents, with Gen Alpha Students 1. Digital Overload Generation Alpha students are growing up in a digital world, which can make it challenging to engage them […]
Over the years, I have heard quite a few leaders say, “It is just my leadership style” when it comes to a particular action, attitude or even issue in their leadership. Leaders both young and old, I have heard say something along those lines in meetings and conversations.
Youth ministry can be one of the most amazing and rewarding jobs, but it can also be one of the most draining and exhausting. Make sure you continue to take time to recharge, refresh, and relax.
