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. […]

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 […]

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 […]

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, […]

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 […]