When a group of teenagers recently asked if we wanted to meet for lunch, I replied, “That’s aesthetic, fam. Just don’t throw shade when me and my bae roll up in my minivan. I can’t help it that my ride isn’t as swaggalicious as yours.”…
Editor’s note: This post was originally published on September 25, 2016. In light of the string of destructive tornados that hit Louisiana on February 7, 2017, we wanted to refresh and bring this post to the forefront. We hope it provides practical advice for ministry when devastating events like this occur in your area.…
I walked into the deacon’s meeting expecting to be offered an interim pastor position. Our lead pastor had just resigned, so certainly my exceptional (read “average but free”) preaching skills would be tapped to transition the church into its next season.…
If we’re not careful, December 26 can be the “melancholiest” day of the year. All the excitement, buildup, and celebrating that leads to Christmas Day can make for a darn depressing denouement. [tweet_dis]We doubt that Jesus is a fan of post-Christmas letdown.[/tweet_dis]…
Hey, Youth Ministry Nation! Is it just us, or does it feel as if Lady Liberty has morphed into Negative Nancy? Whenever a person thinks, neurons connect and form patterns. So if your mind focuses on what’s wrong, it will rewire itself to repeat those negative thoughts in similar situations.…
Launching recent graduates out of student ministry can be a mixed bag of emotions. Some students have been rock stars in your ministry, and their absence leaves leadership gaps that will be difficult to fill. Other students have been leeches sucking the energy and fun out of your brilliant programming, and their absence leaves echoes of angels singing and confetti streaming through the air.…
NOTE: We understand that this article reflects stereotypes of males and females and not all of your students fit these assumptions. We simply made a statement acknowledging it, gave both genders permission to not like some of the planned activities, and moved on.…
Once you become a youth worker, it won’t take long for you to discover: You. Need. Help! One key ingredient in a healthy youth ministry is a team of caring adults. For the longest time, we tried to recruit young, funny, musical, athletic, attractive, cool, wealthy adults with big swimming pools and lots of free time on their hands.…
Neither of us grew up in the church, but it didn’t take long to learn there was plenty of room for me (Tim), but not quite as much room for Tasha. The lesson was often subtle, but occasionally it reared its head in a backhanded comment or clear statement.…
How Fruitcake Can Help Your Spouse Survive Your Christmas Ministry Schedule Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year, but it can also be the busiest. Helping your spouse survive your ministry schedule can keep the season bright while also keeping you off the naughty list.…
