I asked this question a lot as a youth worker, but I asked it way too early in my career. I wanted to know immediately what I only deserve to know four years from that moment. Making a difference should not be a short term goal. Making a difference is long term work. The key…
2020 has been a rough year for most everyone due to the pandemic, but my year of angst had nothing to do with pandemic. My kids are grown and out of the house, so no home schooling. My job was protected because I was considered essential staff. So what was my issue? God and I…
If you’re wondering what makes a successful youth ministry, it may help to look at some words and phrases that make for an unsuccessful youth ministry. I asked my youth ministry friends, and others, to chime in on what words describe unsuccessful youth ministry, and these the one’s they submitted. Which of these words do…
It’s been a year since I’ve put my coaching shingle out and said, “Hey Youth Workers, I can help you build a successful youth ministry”. It’s been quite the year but it’s been educational as well and I thought I’d pass on what I’ve learned to you. It’s more than x’s and o’s Part of…
This is Cheryl. She made my biscuits this morning at a fast food place called Jacks. My biscuit was delicious. Good job Cheryl! Jacks understands that transparency creates trust. I can see who is making my food, whether they’re in a good mood or not and I know her name, Cheryl. Were the biscuits good…
“Let’s make this clear, I am a believer, but sometimes it gets hard.” says the rapper Dax as he stands in front of the camera dressed in biblical garb, beaten, with a crown of thorns on his head giving his best pre-cross Jesus. I’ve never heard of Dax before today, but he is currently trending…
I only make one announcement a the beginning of the podcast and that is about my new book The Youth Ministry Playbook available as a physical book, a pdf or a bundle of five. That’s it, onward. Well, it only took 89 episodes but I finally get to use the word farts when talking about…
So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. Hebrews 10:35-36 NIV I knew, after 30 years of youth pastor, how to acquire things. I knew I might need those table…
Before Reading On: If you’re thinking about quitting, don’t let this article be the deciding factor. These are reasons based on my experiences, some I acted on and some I did not. Most of my decisions to stay or leave a church were bathed in prayer and struggle. I write this to you because I…
I was recently talking to a young man who desperately would like to be a full time youth pastor, and I told him, “You might want to rethink that.” Here are a few of the reasons I gave him for pursuing the full time opportunity. If it would diminish your influence n the community As…
