A few years ago, I faced a dilemma. Debbie, one of my graduating seniors, wanted to stick around in the fall and help out with our youth program.  She had no plans to attend college and desired to stay involved in a program that meant so much to her teenage […]

The bird on the right came to visit my family last weekend. It is a Racing Homing Pigeon (yes, people do this) that had lost its way. It was tame enough that we could capture it, and then  read the identification on its leg band to try and locate its owner. […]

The original article this post addresses is found here… In 13 years of Rural Youth Ministry, there are a few things I’ve learned. One of these important lessons is that the daily schedule of a youth pastor in a small/rural church can be even less predictable than that of the […]

I am not your typical youth pastor. For one, I detest coffee.  I don’t touch the stuff. I also don’t dress like the “typical” youth minister does.   I hate flip flops.  I’ve never worn them, and I don’t plan on it.  My jeans have no holes.  I’ve also never worn […]

In my first ministry, I had the dreaded conversation many youth ministers fear. As I was gently talking to a parent about their child’s behavior, the father placed his hand on my shoulder and said, “You don’t even have kids.  Just wait until you have teenagers, and then you’ll understand.” […]

A lot can change in four years. Two weeks ago, my youngest child turned four. She was the child that the doctors said would not make it. God had other plans. After a near miscarriage and hard pregnancy, She was born a month early with no complications and excellent health. […]

Ah, Spring Break. This week is different than most weeks.  With no school in session, many of my normal youth ministry activities are cancelled for the week.  There are no ball games to watch, no school functions to attend and even my weekly youth minister’s breakfast is off this week. […]