Clik here to view.
Reaching Students in Public Schools
As a youth worker, nothing was more exciting to me than getting out of the church, out of my office, and reaching students in public schools. I never found much success doing that behind my desk, with...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Igniting Passion Into Youth Ministry Volunteers
When it comes to youth ministry, different people volunteer for different reasons. Some volunteer because they want to help you out, and it has nothing to with a specific calling or sweet spot. Others...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Youth Group For Everyone: Including Students With Disabilities
The funny thing about growing up with a disabled sibling is that you forget to see the disability. Of course you see the wheelchair that helps them get around, or the cane that aids them when they...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Sex, Weed and MTV
Everything Hippy at the 2015 VMA’s An article from Jonathan McKee and David R. Smith at TheSource4YM.com The MTV Video Music Awards (the VMAs) always provide a sobering glimpse into the world of pop...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Discussion Starter: Players Suspended After Tackling Ref
In the News San Antonio—After tackling a referee last week, two Texas high school football players have been kicked off the team and suspended from school. Pending an investigation, they could also...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Humor: Key Element in Youth Ministry?
A while ago, Tasha and I attended a large gathering for students. The organizers did a great job planning powerful worship and prayer experiences, and they invited well-known musicians and speakers to...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Zero Tolerance
Tolerance is something we all just put up with. (Think about the irony of that.) We often wonder, “Should Christians be tolerant or intolerant?” Perhaps we should ask, “Is tolerance overtaking the next...
View ArticleClik here to view.
The Hectic Lives of Teenagers: Beat ‘Em or Join ‘Em?
“If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em!” I’m not sure who first coined that infamous saying, but it is somehow simultaneously genius and defeatist. Pragmatically speaking, it makes sense. Why fight against...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Innovative Bible Reading
I remember purchasing Logos Bible software well over a decade ago while in college. It was so robust and innovative. Their software helped me accumulate resources, study, and complete assignments all...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Starting a Youth Ministry From Scratch
Have you ever built a house? I haven’t, but I’ve been watching one of my friends build a home with her family. I’ve learned by watching my friends navigate this process, that building is not easy. It’s...
View ArticleClik here to view.
LTYM: What Attracts Students to Small Groups?
The fall is here and small groups are upon us. So for the next two shows we will be talking about small groups. This week we answer the question, “What will attract students to join a small group?”...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Discussion Starter: Homemade Clock Leads to Teen’s Arrest
In the News Irving, Texas—The most talked-about high schooler in America began his week in handcuffs. On Monday, 14-year-old Ahmed Mohamed was arrested for bringing what looked like a homemade bomb to...
View ArticleClik here to view.
The Paradox of Christian Films: Captive
When it comes to clear faith and big-budget films, we’re in a sweet spot these days. The prayer-centric “War Room” became a #1 top-selling movie in America. The bold, real-life revival story Woodlawn...
View ArticleClik here to view.
The Butterfly Life of Teenagers
It’s easy to see teenagers like caterpillars that are wrestling free from the numbing rhythms of their everyday life and into their butterfly life—where they figure out who they really are and what...
View ArticleClik here to view.
The Most Jaded Generation?
I came across this quote from leadership guru John Maxwell recently… “The pessimist complains about the wind, the optimist expects it to change. The leader adjusts the sails.” It got me thinking there...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Your Students and Your Children
WARNING: What we say will fire some of you up. Great! Share your thoughts in the comments below. We want to learn from your experiences just like we’ve learned from our own! Tasha and I started serving...
View ArticleClik here to view.
FREEBIE: Discussion Starter on Bullying
Hey Youth Ministry Nation! It’s freebie time again. We know one of the huge challenges for many students is dealing with bullying from their peers. Whether they are being bullied, watching the bullying...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Discussion Starter: Pope Calls for Income Equality, Compassion
In the News Washington—In a historic speech to a joint session of Congress, Pope Francis challenged U.S. lawmakers to welcome immigrants, respect life, end the death penalty, and protect the...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Sometimes We Take 1 Timothy 4:12 Too Far!
If you want to be in youth ministry for the long haul, you must learn to have fun with students. I get the fact that you have administrative tasks to get done and program stuff to get done, but taking...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Jesus-Centered Ministry Loss
It hurts, doesn’t it? A student, family or volunteer leader you’ve poured your life into suddenly disappears out of your ministry… and you have no idea why. Then again, perhaps you do know why – maybe...
View Article