I remember being frustrated with the boys in one of my youth groups, in the early aughts. I was frustrated with their commitment to just about everything. I saw boys wearing eyeliner, listening to emo and acting in ways unbecoming. Let me say, a man can be manly no matter what tribe he’s a part of,…
I was wondering one day, “I wonder how much it cost to do car crash tests?” My mind is an ocean of meandering questions like this. I was thinking of this because I was thinking of doing a short term program change in our youth ministry where I saw our students leading small groups. You…
“How honest should I be with my students?”. This is the question I asked myself in my inner debate over whether I should share my disappointment with them concerning their lack of motivation in bringing guests to our youth meeting. My concern was that my words would deflate them and make me look weak; like…
I had the pleasure of interviewing Sean Buono, author of Youth Empowered. We walk through the process, and it is a process, of empowering students in your youth ministry to serve. Purchase Youth Empowered (I am an Amazon Affiliate, any purchase helps support the ministry) Here’s the abbreviated transcript of our conversation. Tell me a…
I recently took on a role as representative for First Priority which seeks to reach students on campus with Bible Clubs. The Bible clubs are student led and youth workers and a sponsor teacher come along side to cheer them on in their endeavor to encourage their fellows students. I was at a club meeting…
I really identify with many of the guys in my youth ministry. Many of them are living stories now that I lived when I was there age. I was talking with a young man last night about his alcoholic parents and so many of the kids in my group have absentee dads. Both of these…
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…
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…
