Being a youth pastor is a rewarding but demanding role. While the focus is often placed on developing positive habits for success, it’s equally important to identify and avoid behaviors that can hinder your ministry. This article explores 13 common pitfalls that can hold anyone back, but allow me to share why these habits, in…
Reaching young people and fostering their spiritual growth is a delicate art and for youth pastors, it’s more like walking a tight rope between what we ought to say and what we have permission to say. Confrontational tactics like preaching AT students about what the Bible says, without depth of relationship and permission, it will…
In a world overflowing with information, our attention spans are shrinking faster than ever. Our students are overwhelmed with emails, social media posts, texts and advertisements – all vying for a sliver of their precious time. This begs the question: how do we get students to notice our events and care about what we have…
It’s that time of year and I know youth pastor and parents are looking for the perfect graduation song to send their students off into the world. Here are 15 thoughtful, fun and rocking song suggestions to create a graduation soundtrack for that slide show or video. If you’re a youth worker I have labelled…
British-Greek automotive designer, Alec Issigoris, who designed the mini automobile once said that a camel is a horse designed by committee. He’s not lying. Hey youth pastor Paul Turner here from thediscipleproject.net and I have been serving students for over 30 year and I want to help you build a successful youth ministry. Today, I want…
10 key habits that contribute to success in youth ministry, drawing inspiration from principles identified by Napoleon Hill for millionaires. Listen to the episode for context and suggestions on how to achieve each of these habits. Have a Definitive Purpose: Know why you exist as a youth pastor. What is your mission within the church…
It’s that time of year again. Brackets are busted, jerseys are ironed, and the collective roar of the crowd fills living rooms across the nation. March Madness isn’t just about buzzer-beaters and Cinderella stories, though. For youth pastors, it presents a unique opportunity to connect with your students on their turf, using the energy and…
January 1 is day many people make commitments. Somewhere around February 14 these commitments have softened if not disappeared altogether. There are commitments though, especially for Christians, that should never soften or disappear, and I’m pretty sure you know what those are. What you may not know are the qualities students are looking for in…
If you, or your youth group, have a fever for March Madness, why not use it to fuel your youth group messages. Here are 10 message seeds for your final four messages. The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse (Revelation 6): Explore the symbolism of the four horsemen, discussing themes of judgment, conflict, and spiritual warfare.…
It is almost March and the madness of college basketball is soon to begin, are you ready? I want to help you leverage this month to help you grow your ministry. The center of march Madness are the bracket sheets. Offices, work place, churches, etc. print blank bracket sheets and choose the teams they think…
