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Adding Creativity to Your Ministry
by Mike Kupferer Posted in AdviceProgrammingBeing part of a creative youth ministry is what most new youth workers desire. Creative youth ministries (and congregations in general) are glamorized by magazines, websites, conventions and the youth ministry world. Being creative is the goal, or at least that is how it is portrayed when the pedestal of…Read More
Awaken the Creative Genius in Your Ministry
by Jonathan McKee Posted in ProgrammingIt’s Wednesday night, 7:15 p.m., and 22 kids fill the small youth room. According to the evening agenda (scribbled in ballpoint on a napkin), it’s time to “pull everyone together” and start. What’s next? Announcements, Worship, Talk, Dismiss. Zzzzzzzzzzzz.
Exploring the Art of Bible Storying
by Michael Novelli Posted in ProgrammingAfter 10 years in youth ministry, I felt as though I’d tried everything to help my students connect with the Bible. Then when an American missionary to Africa taught me the art of Bible Storying, I realized it was more than just a new way to teach. It was a complete shift in how I could help students with their spiritual formation. It was about helping students become learners and observers of the Bible and life.
Mary Christmas: Reaching Out To Teen Moms
by Ginger Sinsabaugh MacDonald Posted in Adolescent DevelopmentProgrammingBy Ginger Sinsbaugh MacDonald Okay. We’ve heard the story a zillion times. Even those of us who are Chreasters (those who only show up for church on Christmas and Easter) know the story about the pregnant teen named Mary. She and her fiancé Joe didn’t have reservations at the Red Roof Inn…Read More
Ministry Synergy
by Adam McLane Posted in ProgrammingYouth Worker DevelopmentWhat if I told you that you could work less and accomplish more? What if I told you that you could go home from the office today satisfied, knowing you’ve accomplished all you could today? What if I could help you create more time for the work you enjoy and less time for administrative work? You’d be in, wouldn’t you?
Vision, Goal, And Mission Statements
by Adam McLane Posted in ProgrammingBy Adam McLane Every organization can measure success. It doesn’t matter if you’re running a non-profit, a government agency, a corporation, small business, or an educational institution… you need to have some ways to set the course and measure your progress. That is, if you would like to succeed.
Geocaching - The Thrill Of The Hunt
Posted in ProgrammingBy Jon Hicks You’re trekking through a wooded area on the outskirts of your local park, scanning the undergrowth for signs of the treasure. Your GPS tells you that you’re closing in, but you still don’t have a visual on the target. Then you spy it. High in the tree…Read More
Introducing The Ignatian Examen To Your Students
by Josh Cook Posted in ProgrammingLast time we talked about what the Ignatian Examen was and how to apply it in our own lives. This time we're going to talk about getting your students involved.
Why Most Missions Trips Are A Waste Of Time
by Noel Becchetti Posted in Programming"We're going to Ecuador!" The words ring out in a dimly-lit sanctuary. As music pulses, more lights come on and more voices ring out: "We'll be working with our denominational missionaries!" "We're going to repair the roof of their mission house!" "We're going to put on a Bible club for…Read More
Handling Discipline At Youth Group
by Tim Schmoyer Posted in ProgrammingYouth Worker DevelopmentOne of the regular readers of my website, Life in Student Ministry, recently submitted this question: “How do you handle discipline? I’ll give you some context to that question. I’m 25. I have worked in three churches. My biggest challenge is—how do I handle discipline? I look younger than 25 and even then I am still young, so how do I maintain authority when sometimes I still might look like a peer?”
Sticky Faith Teen Curriculum with DVD
10 Lessons to Nurture Faith Beyond High School
