LTYM: Oops!! The Ministry is Not What I Thought.
In this episode we go to the email bag. We discuss what to do when the ministry you’re serving in is not what you thought. We also discuss parents. Remember, you can leave a question or topic...
View Article“WHAT SHOULD I TEACH NEXT?”
We stood in the middle of an arena while hundreds of junior high students were running around, playing ninja and 4-square with more AXE body spray on than any human should be allowed. The concern on...
View Article4 Learnings From Listening To My Student Leaders
I had the privilege of taking a few of my student leaders to a workshop where they were a part of a Q & A panel. There were youth workers there asking questions about their experience in youth...
View Article5 Favorite Chrome Extensions
My web browser of choice is Google Chrome. Why? It works well and it integrates the Google universe into my workflow. Like other browsers, Chrome will let you install extensions to help you do more...
View ArticleWhat is a Bully?
Growing up I was “picked on” notoriously. There was the kid who threatened to kill me because he didn’t like my mail box, the era of the “anonymous” messages on my answering machine telling me I was...
View ArticleApril Fool’s Today…
I usually post a joke on April first to try to zing our youth worker friends (like this and this). This year I have a gift for you. I want you to remind you that today is April Fools Day and encourage...
View ArticleApril Fools Round-Up: 2015
I love that mega-companies like Virgin Group (Richard Branson), Samsung, Microsoft, and a barrage of others put their professionalism on hold and joke with the world on April 1. You may ask, “Why would...
View ArticleGood Kids are NOT Perfect Kids
The proverbial “good kid” can come in many shapes and forms. They might be the ones that always show up early to actually help set up, or sit in the front row so they can pay attention and take...
View ArticlePushbullet: Fan Favorite
Last week I shared my “5 Favorite Chrome Extensions“. In the comments of that post was a recommendation by Sean for an extension/app called Pushbullet. I did a quick search for the app and installed...
View ArticleNEW Releases! “8th Grade” and “24/7″
Hey #YMNation! Super exciting news. We released TWO new books for your students this week! 24/7 by Tim Levert and 8th Grade by Lars Rood. 24/7 by Tim Levert In his new book 24/7, Tim Levert, a veteran...
View ArticleSimply Jesus Gathering + Special Rate
Friends, Two years ago I stumbled into an incredible experience, almost by accident. It’s called the Simply Jesus Gathering—held in Denver, and featuring some of the most incredible speakers in the...
View ArticleLTYM: A Few Tips For The Summer
In this episode, we discuss modesty in youth group when it comes to clothing by the pool. We also discuss grade transitions: Elementary to Jr. High and Jr. High to High School. Send questions or topic...
View ArticleYou Don’t Think You Need To Hear This
I still recall the look on my mentor’s face when I first started in ministry. She would get this quiet smile as I would tell her that I already knew everything and I didn’t have much to learn. My...
View ArticleA Cuban Adventure With a Purpose
Our friends at Lifetree Adventures provide incredible international mission experiences for youth groups, church groups, individuals, friends, and families all over the world. One of their unique...
View Article6 Learnings On Being Present
Growing up I’ve had several people in my life that have made a lasting impact. I am totally the man I am today because of the people who took the time to invest in me. I feel privileged to have been...
View Article5 Tips for a Zero Inbox
As of 9 a.m. today I had 1,400 emails in my inbox. That is actually lite compared to some of my friends. I have a friend who told me he has 30,000 emails in his inbox. Seriously! I said, “you should...
View ArticleSome Students Hate Mother’s Day
Every other day lately it seems like I receive a new coupon telling me what I can buy my mom on her special day in May. In the restaurant world, Mother’s Day is seen as one of the busiest of the year....
View ArticleCrafting Memorable Messages
I have a few “go-to” tools that help me prepare a message. I am the primary teacher in our high school youth ministry but I also carry part of the teaching load for our church (about once a month)....
View Article15 Minutes Tech Talk: via Periscope
It seems that the latest social media craze is here in Periscope. This new iOS app allows the user to capture and broadcast video live with a smartphone. Periscope has been hitting the Political and...
View ArticleLTYM: Help, My Youth Group Attendance Has Dropped!!
In this episode of “Let’s Talk Youth Ministry,” Kurt Johnston and I talk about what to do when your attendance takes a dive, and ways to become a better leader. We also have a special guest on the...
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