Advice

An Open Letter to Church Leaders on the Importance of Ministry to Young Teens By Mark Oestreicher, et al.

"In late Spring of 2002, and again in the Spring of 2003, a group of leaders in ministry to young teens gathered to discuss the state of junior-high ministry in the church. We feel compelled to write a letter to North American church leaders about what we believe to be one of the most important yet misunderstood ministries in the church."
Avoiding Seven Deadly Multimedia Design and Presentation Sins By Thomas H. Cunningham, Ph.D.

Seven Common Presentation Sins and Their Solutions.
Fun for Fun's Sake By Matthew Schultz

Too often, fun is just the hook to get kids to show up so we can give them something more substantial. But what if it's the fun itself that is the substance?
Grumpy Old Youth Workers? Part 1: The Grace and Calling of Growing Older in Ministry By David Olshine

What is the secret of longevity in this business of youth ministry? Why do some go the distance and others opt out? The more we explored together, the more that age kept surfacing as a fear factor for staying in or getting out.
Grumpy Old Youth Workers? Part 2: The Costs & Benefits of Growing Old in Ministry By David Olshine

So how does an over-40 youth worker know whether to hang it up or hang in there? Are there signs that alert you to leaving ministry, or at least cutting back to part-time? When is enough enough?
On Starting Well By Mike Woodruff

All about laying a solid foundation during your first few months at a new job or new church.
Twelve Things I Want My Teens to Know By Bryan Waggoner

Why you should develop a comprehensive long-term teaching plan for your youth ... and how.
What I Wish I Knew When I Started Youth Ministry, Part 1: My Stupid Misconceptions By Mark Oestreicher

When I first started, I was sure I understood student ministry. Now I see how little I knew.
What I Wish I Knew When I Started Youth Ministry, Part 2: Caring For Your Own Soul While Ministering to Others By Mike Yaconelli

Once ministry becomes a job, the rules all change, and Youth Ministry The Job conflicts with Youth Ministry The Call.
What Youth Pastors Should Know about Reporting Child Abuse By Richard R. Hammar, J.D., LL.M., CPA

"It is essential for youth pastors to be familiar with child abuse reporting requirements under state law. Unfamiliarity with these requirements can lead to criminal and civil liability. This article provides an overview of this important topic."
When the Real World Bites: Preparing Graduates for the Realities of Adult Life By Margaret Feinberg

How can you prepare your students for real-world living? Here are a few ideas.
Who's Guiding You? By Steve Blackshear

Emotionally struggling youth workers can be renewed if they're willing to pay the price of self-disclosure and toss out the caricature of their reputations.
Why You Must Make More Mistakes By Jon D. Ireland

Why? Because errors, miscues, and fumbles pave the way for ministry excellence.
Youth Ministry Arrogance By Dave Ambrose

"What matters most isn't that these youth workers...have great speaking abilities or specific counseling skills. What matters most is that they show up week after week."