Helping Students Grow: Why Systems Matter in Spiritual Pathways Have you ever watched a student come alive in their faith, only to see them struggle to figure out what’s next? Maybe they had a powerful experience on a retreat, felt a nudge from God, or got excited about serving, but then… nothing—no clear next step. […]
Special Needs Student Ministry Accommodations for youth pastors to consider for their church youth group from Dan Istvanik & Youth Min Hub
Leadership Pathway for Students should be intentional, relational, and developmental—guiding students and volunteers from passive participation to active leadership. Leadership development in youth ministry isn’t about handing out titles or filling volunteer slots. It’s about equipping students and adults with the tools, character, and vision to lead well. A clear leadership pathway ensures that those who […]
Ten MORE Youth Ministry Programming Misses, Another Quick Top Ten List Of What We Aim for and Often What We Miss in the End. 10. Aiming to Attract SHOPPERS, Missing Building Faithful MEMBERS. 9. Aiming for SUCCES, Missing BLESSING. 8. Aiming for more BODIES in SEATS, Missing HEARTS for ETERNITY. 7. Aiming for TEACHING, Missing […]
Launching or Relaunching a Youth Ministry: 5 Hints and Helps A question I am asked A LOT and I mean a lot is about launching and relaunching… even restarting a Youth Ministry. Starting (or restarting) a youth ministry in a church can feel overwhelming, but with the right approach, it can be a powerful and […]
Youth Ministry Programming Misses, A Quick Top Ten List Of What We Aim for and Often What We Miss in the End. 10. Aiming for QUANITY, Missing the QUALITY. 9. Aming to SPEND, Missing STEWARDSHIP. 8. Aiming for Old TRADITION, Missing New TRAJECTORY. 7. Aiming at PLANNING, Missing at PRAYER. 6. Aiming for a SOCIAL […]
Measure Up: Student Discipleship Metrics- how to measure discipleship progress within a youth group and student ministry.
Teaching Church, Reaching Church? “We are a teaching church, not a reaching church….” were the actual words from my previous Senior Pastor, as he explained to me a few critical points of my new position and his vision for the church. He was just heading toward finishing another degree in an Ancient Language before his […]
Ministry Sociologist and Historian, As a youth pastor at a new church, you are uniquely positioned to play dual roles as both a sociologist and a historian.
Things They Don’t Teach (Part 2)… Someone asked me recently “What don’t they teach you in college/seminary/’school that you need to know for real-world, real-life youth ministry. Last week I post the first list of ten Things They Don’t Teach (But Should)” I have continued to think about this, as I have conversation, meeting with my […]
