Five Indoor Messy Games Tips- Messy Games are a staple of youth ministry, right up there with lock-ins and Mountain Dew. But does it mean we have to ditch the mess and sit quietly instead when the weather is uncooperative? No! Messy Games are huge, gross spectacles outside, but you can scale them to fit […]
YOUTH MINISTRY COACH OR COUCH? WHICH ARE YOU? You probably have or had one, I think every ministry I have been a part of over years has had one. They take on different shapes, colors, and designs. A few have even had some awesome 1970’s flowers. They are the youth room couches. Our ministry currently […]
On Thursday, December 2, the world lost a giant in youth ministry. Mel Walker was a mentor, friend, and surrogate uncle to me. He was always willing to talk, pray, and guide me through the path of personal and ministry life. We spoke regularly about the future of youth ministry. I can honestly say, I […]
Be Focal, Buy Local with your youth ministry. Let’s be real, we spend money, whether we are the big church in town or small fry around the corner we are spending our church’s (*God’s money) or the parent’s money. Why not be more “Focal” in our spending by buying “Local”? Whether it is the next […]
Using Parents as Parents As Youth Leaders. Does the sound of that idea make you quake in your Vans? It doesn’t have to. Parent volunteers can be our allies, our trusted group of faithful, hard-working ministers whom we link arms with. There are many reasons why having parents as youth ministry volunteers is a good […]
Margery Meanwell was a poor orphan girl that lived on the streets. She was a sweet kind girl always doing good for others, even though she was poor and had nothing. She was recognized throughout the town as the girl with only one shoe. As the story goes, one day a rich, gentlemen seeing her […]
Youth Pastor Soul Refreshers: Ten of the those moments, we all need. We all love those moments. The ones where you get a quick boost and a spiritual rush of fresh air to your soul that keep you going! 10. The Ice Cold Bottle of Water on a Hot Missions Project Day! 9. The State […]
Parents Can Make Great Leaders. I’m going on record: parents have been some of my greatest youth ministry leaders. Yes, moms and dads, or “old people,” as my 20-somethings would say. They are my go-to volunteers. I love recruiting parents. I guess some could call me biased. After all, I’m a parent! I have two […]
“A-Way” Style Youth Ministry Leadership… We lead people; that is what we do, but how? Is there “a way” that works? Here are three “a-ways” to leading better in your youth ministry. More often than not, the term “pastor” in our leadership role in youth ministry is interchangeable with words such as “leader,” “director,” or […]
City vs. Country Youth Ministry: I have done both in 27+ years, from the deep south, Louisiana to Amish Country Pennsylvania. I have worked with students just outside of Washinton DC and in the western suburbs of Chicago. Here is what I have figured out? So Far… 10. Street Racing? (souped-up cars VS. souped-up horse & […]
