5 Basic Communication Practices

May 20, 2013 — Leave a comment

Communication is key.  I learned this early on in my ministry when I couldn’t figure out why people weren’t responding to my messages, emails, etc.  I grew frustrated wondering, “Why aren’t people getting back to me?”  It wasn’t until I was talking to a veteran youth worker that he reminded me of a basic communication practice, “If you only announce it once, chances are the majority of people won’t hear it.”  

There is so much communication that needs to happen in youth ministry.  Whether it’s the bottom line in your message or informing parents of an upcoming workshop, you need to get the word out.  When you communicate correctly you get your initiatives across and build momentum. Of all the responsibilities that a youth minister has, your communication skills are amongst the most importants.  So, how do you improve your communication?  Here are 5 basic practices I use: Continue Reading…

In COMMUNICATION, Uncategorized , , , , , , ,
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What’s Your Recruitment Plan For Volunteers?

May 17, 2013 — Leave a comment

Summer is unlike any other season in ministry.  While we only shut things down for a few weeks, when we resume the format of our summer is slightly different.  This enables us to plan for the year ahead and most importantly check in with our volunteers.  What I enjoy about the season is discovering which volunteers are leaving and which ones are coming back.  While I understand life happens and people need to move on, it’s the fact that “holes” now have to be filled. 

Finding volunteers can be a stressful and painstaking event.  It’s making yourself vulnerable and asking them to sacrifice something big, THEIR TIME.  Needless to say you aggressively go after volunteers through email blasts and pulpit announcements.  You encourage current volunteers to recruit their friends and you even go after a few yourself.  While there is nothing wrong with these approaches what you need to develop is a long term recruitment plan.  That plan includes: Continue Reading…

In SYSTEMS AND STRUCTURES , , , , , ,
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The Power Of Patience

May 15, 2013 — Leave a comment

Early on when I started observing and studying successful churches I found myself growing frustrated.  The problem was a lack of patience.  I would see these churches thriving with their large numbers, enthusiastic worship and public recognition and I wasn’t there yet.  For some reason I was ignoring the fact that ministry is a journey and to see results takes time.  

As I have grown older, I’ve learned that instant results are possible; however, not always likely.  If you want a youth ministry that is going to last and endure for the long haul, you need to know that it take persistence, hard work and most importantly PATIENCE.  Most people know that; however, the frustration and disappointment is still there.  To fight through this demon and to build up patience you need to:

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The Fear Of Rejection

May 13, 2013 — Leave a comment

Rejection is like being punched in the gut.  Air escapes you and a moment of panic invades the mind.  It’s such an upsetting feeling it’s easy to understand why we go at all costs to avoid it.

A few years ago a friend of mine encouraged me to submit a recipe into a cooking competition.  I had this awesome chocolate, cherry pie recipe.  I poured so much time into it and when I finally submitted it, I got rejected.  It was a painful and embarrassing to the point where I haven’t made the pie since.  There was a part of me that just never wanted to be reminded of the pain.

Unfortunately, rejection happens in ministry way too many times.  It’s a biproduct of growth and change.  When you make decisions and choices you will face rejection to a degree.  Your push back will come from parents, teens, volunteers, coworkers and even family.  No matter what you need to work through the rejection.  To do that you need to: Continue Reading…

In SPIRITUAL HEALTH, Uncategorized , , , , , ,
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Healthy Habits For A Leader

May 10, 2013 — Leave a comment

I didn’t always consider myself a leader.  Early on in youth ministry I saw myself as someone who was meant to just hang out with teenagers.  As I grew older I discovered in order to lead teenagers deeper I had to learn to lead adult volunteers, parents and peers in youth ministry.  As an individual there was only so much I could do, I had to show others how to lead.

To lead others means being able to hand an immense amount of responsibility.  As a leader you need to coordinate, equip and direct others who will help you invest in the next generation.  In order to handle your role as a leader it’s important for you to LEARN and GROW as one.  The way you learn and grow is by developing healthy habits like: Continue Reading…

In LEADERSHIP , , , , , , , ,
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