This week, I’m publishing my first novel, Sheep Among Wolves (You can purchase it here: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IRTQ1FE ). I co-wrote it with my friend Tony Harmon. It has literally been a labor of love. However, this week, it becomes more than that. As I place it on sale, I want people […]
Staying ahead
Remember MySpace? When I first started in youth ministry, MySpace was all the rage. In order to connect with students, you had to have a MySpace page to link up with students. I even had a weekly MySpace blog to share with students about our ministry. (Yes, I was the […]
Youth Ministry on the Cheap: Progressive Dinner
This one is an oldie, but a goodie. When I look to plan cheap events, the progressive dinner is foremost on my mind. It’s easy to set up, easy to execute, cheap on the budget and gets people involved in your ministry. Here’s how it works. Find three or four […]
One more Super Bowl freebie
Here on minstryplace.net, we’re all about freebie resources. We want to give you access to things that cost you nothing that can have a big impact on your youth ministry or an event you’re doing. Today’s post qualifies under that category. Yesterday, I posted a free video you can use […]
Super Bowl Party Video
A few weeks ago I mentioned the idea of a Super Bowl party as a cost-effective event for your youth group. Simply show the big game, commercials and all, and at halftime present a Gospel message. In the past, I have written my own lesson. This year, I’ve been looking […]
Heaven is an exclusive place
Have you ever wondered what heaven is really like? Scripture gives us some glimpses of heaven and the New Jerusalem. We read about the pearly gates, the streets of gold, the tree of life and the flowing river. We know every tear will be wiped away. Yet, there is quite […]
What’s the deal with Hell?
What is Hell really like? This is a question I get from time to time from eager learners. After watching Hollywood (and culture) depict Hell and Satan, many people are confused about what the Bible actually says about the place of eternal damnation. Let’s get a few things straight. Hell […]
Youth Ministry on the Cheap: Super Bowl Party
I love playoff football. I’ll admit it. I’m a full-on NFL junkie. Here’s the deal: I’m not alone. This past weekend, network television set all time ratings records for the Wildcard Weekend of playoffs. The FOX game of San Francisco and Green Bay scored the highest ratings of any Wildcard […]
We all know Phil Robertson
I know Phil Robertson. Well, not personally. I’ve never met the real Phil Robertson. But, as a rural youth minister, I’ve met and served with plenty of Phil Robertson’s in my time. They are guys who are farmers, miners or entrepreneurs. They love being outdoors hunting, fishing or even golfing. […]
Youth Ministry On the Cheap: Youth Family Christmas Party
Do you want an inexpensive and easy Christmas idea? I stumbled onto this one a few years ago, and it’s been successful ever since. Knowing that everyone is busy in December (Christmas parties, shopping, family and work get-togethers), I didn’t want to add one more event parents had to drag […]
Youth Ministry on the Cheap: Game Night
When I was in bi-vocational ministry, I learned quickly that youth ministry had to happen on a small budget. (And by small, I mean miniscule.) Every month, I would scrape and claw and put together an event on a shoe-string budget. Every year I asked for a raise in budget, […]
About that word “No”…
My wife has lost 75 pounds. I’m very proud of her. Her journey has required time, sweat and sacrifice. It’s not easy to shed pounds. It takes carefully planning out meals and calories. I was reminded of that this weekend when we attended a child’s birthday party. Inside the house […]