Guiding Principles for Youth Ministry
How do we structure our ministries for success? Can we develop safeguards to help keep the focus on steering students toward a life of pursuing Christ? Here are three guiding principles as you think through these questions.
How to Ask Good Questions
We’ve all experience small groups filled with questions that no one answers, and the silence is brutal. Here are some traits to avoid, and some principles to help you ask better questions.
How (and why) I’m Teaching Genesis in Youth Group
It’s been said that Genesis contains “in seed form” every major church doctrine: creation, humanity, sin, etc., highlighting the Messianic promises as it unfolds. Because of that, I decided last year to take my students through the book of Genesis in its entirety.
Teaching Theologically in an AI World
Using AI to prepare your message can increase efficiency, but what does it cost you? It might help us write better messages, but we’ll become worse theologians. Is that worth it?
Youth Pastor as Shepherd
After twenty years in some form of youth ministry leadership, I've grown more convinced that the basics of shepherding should be the priority.
How Studying Philosophy Made Me a Better Youth Pastor
Studying philosophy is not the path most people entering youth ministry would take, and it was a surprise to me, too. But it has profoundly shaped and uniquely prepared me for this calling. Here are a few principles that have served me well.
Why I Recommend Same-Gender Small Groups for Youth
Should we break up small groups by gender or keep them mixed? This article highlights reasons why same-gender small groups are usually more effective than mixed-gender groups.
Welcoming Incoming 6th Graders
How can we welcome incoming 6th Graders (and their parents!) into youth ministry with wisdom and patience?
How Do I Choose a Youth Camp?
Youth camps can be a special time of ministry, but they can also lead to real challenges if you choose the wrong camp. So, what are some questions to ask while selecting a camp?
Is Youth Ministry in the Bible?
You’ve probably heard people say “Youth Ministry isn’t in the Bible”, but is that true?