New Challenges For Your Teens

June 19, 2013 — Leave a comment

It’s easy to doubt yourself and wonder, “Where did I challenge the students?”  After nine years of youth ministry I’ve found myself reflecting on the depth of my ministry.  It’s really easy to get stuck in a rut and teach the same topics over and over again.  While there are subjects that need to be addressed repeatedly, it’s important that I present them as new challenges.  If I don’t I’m risking a stunt in their spiritual growth.

If you do youth ministry long enough it’s easy to get stuck in a groove.  It’s important to consistently ask yourself, “How are we presenting new challenges to teens?” I’m not saying you have to constantly make up new content, you just have to be able to present it in new ways.  To give your teens fresh and new challenges be sure to: Continue Reading…

In MINISTRY HEALTH , , , , ,
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Give Your Meetings Purpose

June 17, 2013 — 1 Comment

Tuesdays are a marathon of meetings for me.  My day usually lays out like this:

  • 10:30am – 11:00am: Staff Prayer
  • 11:00am – 12:00pm: Family Ministry Meeting
  • 1:00pm – 3:00pm: Strategic Meeting With Staff Leadership

While they take up the majority of my day each of these meetings are essential.  A few years ago I wouldn’t have said that about all of the meetings I was a part of; however, over time they evolved into effective learning, and growing opportunities.  

Meetings are a huge part of your ministry.  It allows you to rally the team, connect with parents and brainstorm ideas.  Meetings are a way of communicating an idea to a group of people in a relational manner.  The problem is that meetings can feel like a waste of time.  If you want your volunteers, coworkers, parents or whoever you interact with to appreciate your meetings make sure you: Continue Reading…

In SYSTEMS AND STRUCTURES , , , , , , ,
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How To Plan Out A Year Of Messages

June 14, 2013 — 5 Comments

I used to head into the summer with the idea that I could plan out an entire year of messages in a couple of months.  I would hit June highly motivated, July a little tired and August in a panic.  I was trying to do too much and not really understanding how to plan out a year of messages.

You need a strategy to how you plan out a year of messages or any curriculum.  With no strategy comes a lot of mistakes and frustrations.  The tendency might just be to go with the flow or do as much as possible; however, you need to do something that will be long lasting and sustainable.  To plan out your messages properly you need to answer the following three questions: Continue Reading…

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How To Ask Others For More

June 12, 2013 — 1 Comment

I used to feel guilty when it came to asking people to serve in youth ministry.  It was like I was inviting them to take on a huge burden.  I would see their responses when I would ask and they would mull over it and then respond with a hesitant, “Sure, I guess.”  It was painful; however, I realized that it was because my strategy was weak.

In youth ministry you need to ask people for a lot of precious things:

  • Time
  • Commitment
  • Money
  • Trust

It can be an overwhelming experience because of guilt.  You might hesitate to ask because you don’t want to hear the word, “NO”  And while you cannot avoid rejection, there are ways where you can make the process more fruitful.  When it comes to asking others to give and sacrifice you need to: Continue Reading…

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Does Your Youth Ministry Have Presence?

June 10, 2013 — Leave a comment

Early on in ministry I had parents ask me,“Why don’t you have anything for teens at this church?”  I just wanted to beat my head against the wall and cry, “Why don’t they know?  Isn’t it obvious?” The answer was, “No.”  While we did have programs they occurred at times when people were generally not there (Sunday and Thursday nights).  It’s almost like our youth ministry was the best kept secret at our church.  The problem?  Our youth ministry had no presence.

Maybe this happens at your church.  You feel like no one knows who you are, and what you do.  Every Sunday you see teenagers walk in and out of the building; however, they’ve never stepped foot into your ministry.  You blame the parents and teens for not knowing.  You blame your pastor and volunteers for not helping you publicize.  

The problem isn’t necessarily them, in the end you need to look at how you publicize and present your ministry.  To make sure people are aware of your ministry you need to give it presence by:
Continue Reading…

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