It is interesting how collective subconscious forms within organizations and people groups. Without people ever really talking about a subject in much detail they can often begin to collect around a given topic, adopt a common set of vocabulary and then ultimately become a substantive force to be reckoned with. It is very interesting that…
Imagine Kaylee, a 7th grader who is new in town, comes to your youth group this week. Her mom made her. You want to make sure she feels welcome, so you greet her at the door with, “Ich bin sehr froh dass du hier bist.” She gives you the blank stare. “Bona sera principessa,” says…
How many of you are permanent youth directors working in churches or other ministries right now? I was a permanent youth director in Nashville for about two years…until I moved. Then I was a permanent youth director in a suburb of St. Louis for four years…until I was called to another church. I’m coming to…
[mp_row] [mp_span col=”12″] Introduction A young college student approached me one day and said, “I’m in a part-time youth ministry job in a small, growing church. My brother gave me a ‘youth ministry manual’ that had enough content for about three good program nights in it, and that’s about all I know about youth ministry….
Have you ever wondered why your volunteer keep showing up each week? Why they come back the next week after they were spit up on the week before? Why they return after spending hours cleaning up after the pizza party that got a little wild? Maybe it’s for the smell of powdery, sunshine-filled hope they…
“It’s easier if I do it myself,” I responded to a volunteer. It was a Sunday afternoon and we were preparing for our youth group Super Bowl party that evening. I had run to the grocery store and picked up drinks, stopped by the restaurant to pick up wings, and gathered all of the meal…
It’s summer planning time! And for many youth ministries that means summer mission trips. Have you ever really asked yourself (or your congregation) why you offer service projects and/or mission trips to your youth? Why are service projects and mission trips so important to you and your ministry? “It’s a great way for our youth…