We’re just a few days away from hitting the halfway mark of the year and I think it’s a good time to reflect. Here are a few questions I’m asking myself to get my brain juices flowing as I move into the second half of the year. + What were my personal goals starting out…
Maybe you’re an veteran youth pastor. You’ve conquered that mountain you set your sights on years ago. The view from the top is magnificent, a testament to your hard work and dedication. But a nagging feeling persists. The climb, once thrilling, now feels routine. The once-daunting challenges now seem like child’s play. Maybe you’re a…
“You either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain.” Harvey Dent, The Dark Knight This multi-layered statement has been rolling around my brain like a pair of sneakers in a dryer. I recently heard the news of Pastor Tony Evans, 74, stepping down from his church due to an…
Kevin Costner, In reference to his movies Tin Cup and Bull Durham, made some comments about the protagonists in these movies not getting what they wanted, “We don’t have to win in order to be respected. We have to stay true to ourselves. We have to find the relevance in who we are and not…
This is not message to every pastor, just to the ones who confuse vision with entitlement. Pastors, a vision is not a program, an ideology or a philosophy. It’s not a statement. A vision is the ability to see what could be if the investment of prayer, hard work and resources (time, people, etc.) are…
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…
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…
If the past is hanging over your head and giving you the blahs, consider this question, “What If Your Youth Ministry Didn’t Exist?” Who would not have been ministered to? Who would not have been reached? Who would not have been prayed for? Who wouldn’t have found Christ? Who wound’t have found their “place”? Think…
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…
