What a great week to do ministry. Right now, in our country, debate is raging about marriage equality. My Facebook and Twitter timelines are filling up with articles, messages, icons and new profile pictures that proclaim a student’s or adult’s stance on the issue. No matter what side you fall […]
Sunrise service is perfect place for youth pastor
This week, I’m preparing to preach our Easter sunrise worship service. It’s the fifth consecutive year I’ve had that privilege. That spans two churches, two pastors and an interim period. I enjoy preaching that service. I get to speak on the first service of our most holy day in front of […]
Calendaring: The Final Product
I’m the guy Walmart and Target loves. I enjoy walking into a store and making various types of purchases all at once. I hate going from store to store just to get everything I need. It’s more convenient to get everything under one roof. I’d much rather look at shoes, […]
Calendaring: Know What You Need
I remember my first youth group Christmas party. I had planned a big party for the youth group, which was heavily middle school at the time. I lined up a host home for the event. We hyped it and publicized it. We prepared games and activities and spent part of […]
Calendaring: How I Do It
In my first church, they liked to plan ahead. In November, I was handed a blank calendar and told to list all of my events for the next year. I had a month to get it done, turn it in and get my spots reserved at church. I always hated […]
Calendaring: Why it’s important
March is a month of transitions. We “spring forward” our clocks. We start wishing away the cold chill of winter and welcome the warm reprieve of spring. Seniors start feeling the pull of graduation. Upcoming elementary students begin anticipating the jump to youth ministry. In March, I always meet with […]
Rural Ministry on a Budget
Let’s be honest. Most rural churches have tight budgets, especially today with skyrocketing gas prices and higher insurance premiums. That means most rural church youth ministries have to get by with less money than more urban or suburban churches. With that being said, I’ve composed some cost-effective youth events that are […]