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When Did Programming Become the P-Word?
by Jonathan McKee Posted in ArticlesProgrammingTrainingHave you noticed that “programming” has become a bad word in many youth ministry circles? Really? Don’t get me wrong, I love the push-back against those of us who have become so program-focused that we lose sight of why those programs were created to begin with. Sadly, I’ve seen way…Read More
Introducing YS Thought Partners
by Mark Matlock Posted in ArticlesOne of the challenges leading a youth ministry community is staying on top of all that is happening in the field. We know that in order to keep up YS must partner with strategic thought leaders in youth ministry. I'm well aware that we are "better together." Inviting Doug Fields…Read More
Dr. Kara Powell Joins the YS Team
Posted in ArticlesFeatured ArticleWe're very excited to announce a new member to our growing YS Team. Starting this week at NYWC in San Diego, Dr. Kara Powell, Executive Director of the Fuller Youth Institute (FYI) joins the YS Leadership team as an Advisor. Kara joins Doug Fields on the growing team Mark Matlock has assembled to lead the next generation of YS. "I am so excited about Kara joining the YS team," Matock said, "We are so privileged to have her insight and input."
YS Looks to the Future
Posted in ArticlesFeatured ArticleYouth Worker DevelopmentThe journey Youth Specialties has taken over the years is a lot like a roller coaster ride. The co-founder of YS, Mike Yaconelli, once said, “We sure didn’t know where youth ministry or our little company was headed. All we knew was that God was somehow inviting us into this…Read More
What Is Outreach?
by Adam McLane Posted in ArticlesProgrammingBy Adam McLane Recently, I got together with the guys from our local youth pastors network and talked about outreach. Outreach is a word which means a lot of different things to a lot of different people. I've seen churches call their Christian schools "an outreach" since there are people who…Read More
Youth Group Reflects Its Church
by Tim Schmoyer Posted in ArticlesYouth Worker DevelopmentBy Tim Schmoyer I’m starting to notice a trend between youth ministries and their churches. I saw it first in my own youth group when evaluating our areas of strengths and weaknesses. Where we are strong are also the areas of strength for our church and likewise for areas of weakness.…Read More
Ten Ways To Resolve Conflict In Your Ministry
by Gerrard Fress Posted in ArticlesAdviceBy Gerrard Fess So, you're thinking of quitting youth ministry? You aren't alone. I've been there too. Most people enter into ministry with the assumption that everyone will get along. Those idealistic assumptions last a month or less. Soon enough, all leaders will run into serious conflict. Experience has taught me that most youth workers don't know how to deal with conflict when it happens. They conflict with their Senior pastor, elder board, parents, sponsors, or students and the only resolution that makes sense to them is leaving their post.
You Are Abba’s Delight
by Barry Holbrook Posted in ArticlesYouth Worker DevelopmentBy Barry Holbrook My God is a God of intimacy. He is the Lover of my soul. He is the bridegroom eagerly awaiting His bride. His passion for me surpasses my passion for Him. In His wild and inexplicable love for me is where I find peace and joy. Is He aware of my sin—more than aware, He foreknew it—yet He still passionately embraces me! He chose me—while I was wallowing in my hopelessness. Relax and think about your love affair with this God of passion.
Caleb’s Promise: A Father’s Day Tribute
by Jeremy Del Rio Posted in ArticlesYouth Worker DevelopmentBy Jeremy Del Rio “If you knew me, you would know my Father also." – Jesus (John8:19, NIV) The scene was gory and tragic, every father’s worst nightmare. The mini-van carrying Matt Stevens’ two oldest sons had flipped on a gravel strewn country road and ten-year-old Caleb was thrown underneath the wreckage. Big brother Josh, himself just eleven, comforted “Cub” by encouraging him to hold on until dad arrived.
One Plus Zero Equals One
Posted in ArticlesYouth Worker DevelopmentBy Andrew Seely I think it's about time we as a church take a good hard look at what it means to be a single person within a Christian community. This largely comes from some conversations I've had with other single Christians and from my own personal struggles.
Sticky Faith Teen Curriculum with DVD
10 Lessons to Nurture Faith Beyond High School
