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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?”
The Great Retreat Debate Revisited
by Adam McLane Posted in ProgrammingYouth Worker DevelopmentIn May 2006, Jason Raitz and I published an article series called “The Great Retreat Debate.” When the series was published it generated a fair amount of discussion as youth workers discussed the validity of retreats in their youth groups. We were both pleased with the debate and satisfied that…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
What Would Jay-Z Do?
by Jeremy Del Rio Posted in Programming"So everybody, just follow me 'Cause we need a little, controversy" -Eminem How's this for controversy? She was one of the lead vocalists of a multi-Dove award winning, Contemporary Christian Music hit maker. He was a rising star of CCM as well, a writer and producer for some of its most recognizable…Read More
I Kissed Retreats Goodbye
by Adam McLane Posted in ProgrammingYouth Worker DevelopmentIt started as a snafu. Our large senior high ministry in the Chicago suburbs was scheduled to attend a retreat at Spring Hill camps in Northern Michigan. We had chartered a luxury bus for the trip and reserved 60 spots for our students. We planned to sell out all of…Read More
Losing Control And Loving It
by Jeff Greathouse Posted in High SchoolProgrammingLosing control is one of the greatest fear for individuals. However, I believe that for us (Ministers to students ) to be effective we must lose control. My challenge to you is the following: Lose control so you can grow in ministry.
Making A Set List
by Paul Martin Posted in ProgrammingThere are many factors that go into putting together a set list that aids in worship. To many this will either be a pedantic article or one that they don’t understand the need for, but doing this well can take an average set to an extraordinary one. Which songs to play and when they are to be played will determine the flow of worship and that flow can either be an aid or a deterrent to bringing people before God.
How To Run A Rehersal
by Paul Martin Posted in ProgrammingRehearsing a band is critical to the development of any group of musicians as well as worship leaders. It is also the thing that very few do well. Look into most youth bands across the globe and you will find frustrated players, bands they don’t play well together, and people who are just bad at leading worship. Here are some tips to effective, efficient rehearsal.
How To Start A Youth Band
by Paul Martin Posted in ProgrammingIt doesn’t matter where I go, but people always ask me, “How do you start a youth band?” Many people want to have a group of teens lead worship, but they rarely feel qualified to actually gather the necessary resources to get it going. If this is you, then this article should really help.
