Join the conversation! Whether you're a youth pastor, church staff or volunteer here's the place to share ideas, hopes, dreams and resources for youth ministry.
Staci
Faith Formation
Albert
Paul
Bev
Let’s face it: students are hard to break through, and it can be a major challenge getting them to open up. So here are a few tips to help get us thinking and, hopefully, talking.
It is so exciting to see so many young men and women passionately worshipping God with a desire to serve Him on their campus and in their churches. Experiencing all of this at the Passion Conference, I long for my youth back home to have this kind of passion for Christ
We all feared them when the broke the scene but now cannot live without their convenience or instant gratification. They’ve become integrated into our daily routine: smartphones, tablets, computers ... devices.
I had a conversation with someone from our congregation which made me wonder how much I think I do as a youth pastor, and how little I tend to do voluntarily. That’s the paradox we find ourselves in as a youth pastor. Is all our work done for the right reasons?
In practice, I and other youth leaders that I work with, often do all the leading ourselves. It is less complicated, isn’t as messy, and takes less time. In the rush of our week, with work, family and other obligations, who has time to involve the youth in actually leading youth group on a Wednesday night. It is just easier to do it yourself.
In a time when our society is devastated by the actions of a single broken human being, it’s good for all areas of a system to bind together and aim for reconciliation and consonance for the families of the victims of Newtown, Connecticut.
One of the things I fear this generation is leaving behind (and my generation alike) is the idea of traditions. If I'm starkly honest about myself, I'm personally not the biggest fan of traditions. But, I think I'm more frightened by the word than by the practice in an of itself.
We talk about losing youth in our congregations. We talk about having less and less people wanting to be part of council. I wonder - why don't we start talking about youth on council. How young is too young?
I could feel the tears welling up in my eyes. I couldn't believe the island I had found myself on, and the lack of awareness for where I was spiritually. The well was dry, and the rains had come. Yet, someone had forgotten to remove the roof which was redirecting all the water. I had failed to communicate.
No class, no advice, and no mentor could have prepared us for what lay around the corner. There’s comes a point in all our lives where we become so comfortable with what is, that we can’t imagine alternatives from reality. And when that alternative reality strikes, it’s with a force of venom that rivals the strength of a Cobra.
The problem of bullying is not a topic that has surfaced over the past 3–5 years. But with the inclusion of social media outlets such as Facebook, Twitter, and Four Square, the subject matter has taken an entirely new angle, one that has many leaders, counselors, and parents scratching their heads, wondering where to even begin.
Maybe it’s late Friday morn, and you find yourself disheveled. You have a group of parents coming tonight to join you, and you know that you must present your best impression. Your problem: time.
While going on a trip is certainly a valid method for cultivating a mission heart, every Christian student should be able to answer the question, “How are you involved in missions?”
I once read that “our youth will not raise their hands in praise to God, any higher than their leaders do”. We all know that the best way to lead in anything, is by being an example. This is how we need to lead our youth. We need to “be a player”.
I'm currently in the process of becoming the new youth ministry guide for the youth ministry network. I'm very excited about this opportunity, but welcome involvement by others, and it's my belief involvement stems from investment, and what better way to invest than through suggestions!
I’m convinced that burnout leads to a re-centering of the self. When we approach the cliff of wit's end, the very questions which root and define our ministry boil up: What am I doing this for? Why am I doing this? or most importantly — Who am I doing this for?
I think every youth pastor shares the burden of finding his or her job, at times, stressful. Ponder your own personal calling with these few questions.
There is pressure to keep students “engaged” long enough to teach them something, or equip them with some sort of practical application of faith for their livelihood. However, I’ve found that the material of Scripture isn’t something to be reduced, but is actually something which compliments an ever changing culture of entertainment.
I’ve only been in this industry for a mere three years. But those of us who work here can quickly understand how much will change in three years. In fact, I often share with people that the turn over of my high school program is four years: a statistic not often considered by those who aren’t encompassed in the work.
During the month of July, Calvin Seminary hosted a program called “Facing Your Future” (FYF). The program brought in thirty grade 11 and 12 students who are actively involved in their church. This year I was one of the lucky students selected for Facing Your Future.
I have a two-and-a-half-year-old daughter. Her favorite question is “why?” When she first started doing this, it was endearing; however, at this point, I’ll admit, it can be more than a little annoying. And yet on another level, Sophie’s constant questioning is an important reminder about the necessity of repeatedly asking “why”.