Articles
Recent Articles
Four Foundational Summer Priorities
by Jonathan McKee Posted in ArticlesProgrammingAfter all, everything I do in ministry falls under one of two categories: Outreach or Discipleship. I’m either reaching out to those who don’t know Jesus, or I’m helping believers get to know him better. The question is…how can I use summer vacation to achieve these goals in my ministry to teenagers?
Too Pushy…Or Too Silent
by Jonathan McKee Posted in ArticlesProgrammingYouth Worker DevelopmentIn the last few weeks I’ve had countless conversations with youth workers about sharing our faith in day-to-day real conversations, especially now that my new evangelism curriculum on DVD, Real Conversations is hitting the shelves. And every time people are always surprised with this fact… Sharing my faith one-on-one terrifies…Read More
When Did Programming Become the P-Word?
by Jonathan McKee Posted in ArticlesProgrammingTrainingHave you noticed that “programming” has become a bad word in many youth ministry circles? Really? Don’t get me wrong, I love the push-back against those of us who have become so program-focused that we lose sight of why those programs were created to begin with. Sadly, I’ve seen way…Read More
How Can I Find a New Church: Sticky Faith Teen Curriculum Free Sample
by Kara Powell and Brad Griffin Posted in Adolescent DevelopmentFeatured ArticleFree ResourcesProgrammingTrainingThe Sticky Faith Teen Curriculum is a 10-session journey exploring everything from the gospel and faith identity development to how to plan for the party scene at campus. In the sample session you can download free below, you can tackle with students the important question, How can I find a…Read More
Free: Faceplant Videos from CrowdControlGames
Posted in Free ResourcesProgrammingAs seen at the 2011 National Youth Workers Convention. Take a picture of someone with your phone and put them in the action of a movie with a set of free videos from CrowdControlGames.com.
Know Your Audiences
by Jillianne Myers Davis Posted in ProgrammingYouth Worker DevelopmentWhen I think about a time when something didn’t go according to plan, four words come to mind: ski trip epic fail. Four months into my tenure as a director of student ministries at a new church, I booked a slope-side cabin that slept 40 for the annual ski trip. I’d had the privilege of leading and organizing about 6 or 7 other ski trips at the past two churches where I had served, and I’d been told the ski trip was a tradition at this church as well.
The Little Generator That Could
by Andy Harrington Posted in ProgrammingEver thought you had everything under control, that the plans were laid, that nothing could possibly go wrong? Now I know you would never make that mistake! (But then, I’m not as smart as some people.) A few years ago, our team in the UK planned a truly awesome youth…Read More
Contextual Youth Ministry in a Diverse World
by Adam Cramer Posted in ProgrammingThe International Youth Ministry Nomad. You know the type, right? The free-spirited guy you went to college with who, upon graduating, immediately began traveling the world and never came back. While you settled down to start a family and work at your local church, the International Youth Ministry Nomad took…Read More
Ministry In My Context
by Ebonie Davis Posted in ProgrammingAsk me to describe my youth ministry, and I’d have to admit that it’s very difficult, even for me their youth minister, who’s poured into their lives for more than three years. I could say that it’s multifaceted, ever evolving, somewhat delicate, and amazing to be a part of, but to spell out a clearly defined personality would be an incomplete snapshot at best.
Goldilocks and Youth Ministry
by Chris Durso Posted in ProgrammingA few years ago a little blonde girl transformed my perspective on youth ministry. As I was preparing for a message, I sat with my Bible on one side, and a copy of Goldilocks and the Three Bears on the other. At first I didn’t think twice about my son’s book sitting there, but then I began to consider the story. I was honestly a little shocked when I found that God had something for me to learn from this timeless fairy tale.
