I’m back from a 4 day youth camp and boy was this week weird. Yes, I know, camp and teenagers is supposed to be weird but this was weirder than usual. I’ll get to why that was in just a moment. I think all youth pastors have a way of processing youth camp and today…
I just returned from what feel like my 267th time at camp. It’s not far off. I’ve done camp ministry all my life and I believe in it’s power, in conjunction with the power of the Holy Spirit, to transform the spiritual condition of students. The most students I’ve ever taken is probably somewhere around…
I’m passionate about following up after kids make spiritual commitments. If a kid is inwardly compelled to go to an altar and commit his or her life to Christ, then I must be inwardly compelled to follow up after them to help them in their journey. I understand that parents play the key role with…
I covered my mouth and lowered my head as the outreach speaker spoke. This is not what I was expecting. The delivery, the tone and the humor was off. I felt like I was watching a bad comedian lose their audience. In fact, it was a bad comedian. I was waiting for the heckling to…
After speaking a week at camp, and asking a question of the day, every day, I asked the teenagers, “Why should a church or youth group want to have Paul Turner as a speaker?” Watch the video to see what kids said and then read the list below. Regardless if you choose me as your…
I read on Facebook the other day of a youth pastor sharing why he didn’t like their camp speaker this year. This YP had a good case as he described the speaker as unengaged, boring, and disconnected from the kids. It broke my heart. I’m sure these kids still have a good time at camp…
I’ve been involved on camp ministry since I was 13 years old. I’ve held every job from camp dish washer to camp pastor. I know mistakes when I see one because I’ve made plenty of them as well as witnessing many others. If you’re new to youth ministry, and you are heading out for your…
I LOVE CAMP! Yes, I can say that with bold letters and in all caps. But, why do I feel that way? Let me tell you about my love story with camp. I fell in love with Jesus at camp I grew up in Brooklyn, NY. I was an 12 years old, an only child…
Hey Campers, what an amazing week I had with you. Thank you for coming to Life For Youth Camp and accepting my challenge to grow in Christ! I have a bible study book here for new believers and here for those who want to grow deeper. Here are my notes from the week I was…
Hey Campers, what an amazing week I had with you. Thank you for coming to Life For Youth Camp and accepting my challenge to grow in Christ! I have a bible study book here for new believers and here for those who want to grow deeper. Here are my notes from the week I was…
