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Show Parents They Matter This Christmas
We are on the brink of Christmas, I mean almost minutes away from the big day. Many people keep asking me if we are “ready.” The answer is of course, “No.” I would love to be one of those amazing...
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Ideas For Christmas Youth Group Night
Every year Christmas rolls around and we are always thinking about what we should do. And what normally comes to mind is the same formula most churches in America takes. Christmas songs and a Christmas...
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You Are Not Alone
Can I encourage you into this next year? It actually involves sharing how I was caught off guard this past month. There I was, sitting in a dark room by myself while weeping hot tears. A couple from...
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160-Character Gift [FREE]
This message is from a former student who goes to a church where I onced served… Hey! I went to church yesterday and it made me wish you were still there! I hope you, Keri, and the kids are doing well!...
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Four Reasons Why You Should Join Us for SYMC 2016
Like many of you, I (Tim) have a lot of plates spinning in my life. But my primary calling, vocation, and passion is as a full-time youth pastor. As you consider what (if any) training events you’re...
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An Impossibly Large List of Youth Ministry Resolutions
“Shoot for the moon, and you just might hit the street light!” I’m not sure where I first heard it, but that pithy little quote has served me well over the years. I think it’s a perfect reminder for...
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Top Youth Ministry Posts of 2015
Top Youth Ministry Posts of 2015 Another great year flown by. Wow, we can’t believe we are wishing y’all a happy new year already. We are grateful for your faithfulness in loving students and pointing...
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Four Ways to Navigate Change In Ministry
During the polar vortex 2 winters ago I realized (right before bed time) that I had to pull my car in the drive way so I didn’t get a ticket. I honestly considered calling the police and leaving my car...
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Discussion Starter: Captured ‘Affluenza’ Teen Fights Extradition
In the News Puerto Vallarta, Mexico—Eighteen-year-old Ethan Couch, captured in Mexico after several weeks on the run, is now fighting extradition back to Texas. Meanwhile, his mom, Tonya, who had fled...
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3 Essential Youth Ministry Prayers
It’s here. 2016 is calling out to us. Every new year inspires us to be who God has created us to be in a more committed and faithful way. We all hope to rise above our failures and to enjoy even the...
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A Letter to the Pastor’s Kids
Dear PK’s, I was you once. Well, I guess I still am, a ‘Preacher’s Kid’ even though my Dad went home to the Lord a few years back. I wanted to say “thank you.” Thank you for all the time you sacrificed...
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When You Want to Quit Youth Ministry
One of the most frustrating conversations I have with friends is the “You should quit ministry” conversation. Sure, there are days when I want to quit, more than I care to admit. You know those days....
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A No-Spoilers Star Wars Discussion Starter
“Have you seen The Force Awakens yet?” You’re probably used to hearing this question by now. Whether your students are die-hard Star Wars fanatics or stumbled into the hype about events from a long...
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Three Themes to Rotate Your Lessons Around
Youth Ministry 101: Let’s Talk About What We Should Talk About Pretend a junior higher comes to youth group every week without fail. In two years she will sit through about 100 lessons. A committed...
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Discussion Starter: Actor Meets With Wanted Fugitive
In the News Sinaloa, Mexico—Before being captured after months on the run, notorious drug kingpin Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman met with actor Sean Penn and apparently wanted to make a movie about his...
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Create a Welcoming Environment at Youth Group
We have to do better than this. We can do better than this! These two sentences formed in my mind and pulled at my heart as I watched students come in the door confused and ready to turn around and...
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Your Anti-Plan for the New Year
Confession: I don’t enjoy structure for the sake of structure. Thankfully, others came along and shared how the structure that helps some people grow spiritually doesn’t always work for others. One...
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Motivate Students to Care About Your Community
I looked over the crowd of students as they stared at me blankly. My hope had been for a reaction filled with excitement and wonderment, and that overwhelming number of students would raise their hands...
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Call for Art Submissions for Group Publishing’s Biblica Bible project
Group, a non-denominational Christian publisher, is partnering with Biblica to produce a New Testament Bible for youth. What will make this Bible unique is the editorial and visual elements featured in...
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The Benefits and Killers of BFF’s
Will You Be My Friend? The Benefits and Killers of BFF’s An article from David R. Smith at The Source for Youth Ministry Today’s teenagers have no shortage of influencers; celebrities, media, parents,...
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