"Back in my day we had to walk uphill both ways in the snow." I grew up hearing stories like this from my parents and grandparents all the time, and my eyes seemed to be in a perpetual state of rolling. It's a funny thing, though, how the older I get, the more I crave hearing stories about their past. It almost gives me a way to connect with them in a new way, and I have a new perspective to cherish their wisdom. It's also amazing how the more I deal with younger generations; I find myself using this...
I have the privilege of working alongside many student ministries across the country. This allows me to learn from the best youth pastors on the planet. The great thing is, I get access to observe what the most impactful student ministries are doing.
People are the most important part of youth ministry. Learn how to build relationships with teens, parents, volunteers, and church leaders.
Where do you start if you’re new in your position in leading youth ministry? Here’s some advice.
128 small group questions for youth group organized by topic. Get your students to open up and discuss with these youth group questions.
Are you sabotaging the growth and health of your youth ministry?
Here's a free youth group lesson on influence, based on Matthew 5:13 to teach students that true godly influence goes beyond good morals – it flows from a heart that is surrendered to God.
If your adult leaders are looking for the best youth group games for indoors then you're in luck! This list of indoor group games is perfect for youth
YOUTH GROUP GAME ON PRAYER Bible: James 5:16 Bottom Line: Prayer is two-way communication with God, not a monologue. SUPPLIES 2 different brands of bottled water 2 cones Masking tape GAME PREP Use masking tape to create a 3 ft. X 3 ft. (or larger) Tic-Tac-Toe board on the floor. Place two cones about 6 ft. away
This article is filled with ideas that are tried and true methods I have personally used in my previous youth groups. I will share with you which fundraisers you should use and which ones you shouldn't use and why. Plus I have a secret ingredient for you to utilize to make every fundraiser I suggest a success!
Bringing the Web to Life is a youth ministry leadership development curriculum for congregations offered by the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries.
Do you want to become a great youth pastor or church leader? Here are six things I'm working on to become better at my role in youth ministry.
46 youth group icebreakers perfect to get teens talking! These are fun and easy to do games that require little or no prep. Perfect for large or small youth groups.
Youth ministry outreach ideas are essential. Every youth-focused church program provides opportunities to witness for Jesus. It's up to leaders to harness those opportunities.
One of the most amazing things you'll ever do in youth ministry is empower students to take ownership of the program. After all, it's their ministry (or should be). Having youth ministry student roles helps turn that goal into a reality.
Want tips on how to build a youth group? Then check out these 10 youth ministry insights!
Check out these 7 pro tips to improve your youth ministry and expand the group's impact.
Would You Rather? is a great game to play with kids and youth. These Would You Rather? Bible questions get them thinking and talking about Scripture.
No matter what your title is - youth pastor, student minister, etc. - you are a disciple-maker. That is your calling, your task. And one of the primary things we do as disciple-makers is to facilitate encounters with God. We create environments and interactions where students are brought into proximity with God, with the intent that He transforms them.
Here's a free youth group lesson on Gratitude, based on Colossians 3. Main Idea: Gratitude is a response to God's grace & an attitude that affects all our lives.
Ideas for youth and children's ministry in small churches. For smarter decisions, easier planning, and better results, set your foundation!
Youth group Lock-Ins are an incredibly fun way to connect with the kids in your youth ministry. But 12 hours is a long time to fill with interesting activities. So we've pulled together our list of the greatest Youth Lock-In Games of all time to help you make your next All-Niter the best time ever!
Need youth group games? We have 50 of them, and they are all no prep youth group games! Perfect for groups as little as 3 and as big as 100. Check out these 50 no prep youth group games that are not dodgeball!
I had the privilege of speaking to a newly formed youth group at a nearby parish a few weeks ago. After consulting with their leaders, I presented a talk called "Who Do You Follow" focusing on using social media as a young Catholic. It was an adaptation of a couple of other lessons I had given to my own youth group in the past. I was inspired by this great video, portraying what social media networks might have looked like if they were around during the time of Jesus's ministry, death, and resurrection. Follow from Igniter Media on Vimeo. The basic idea of this lesson: -Technology is a huge part of our world. -We are meant to know, love, and serve God. -We can use technology to follow Christ in every aspect of our lives. Click here for the leader discussion guide: I also made a card to handout to the kids with the verse and main idea of the lesson. Click on either picture for the two page printable: I also had a powerpoint with the key points (and the embedded video to make the presentation easier). It is a little harder to share a power point through Google Drive, so if you download this, be aware that the fonts and images will probably be messed up, and the embedded video will not work. I decided to go ahead and share it because you can easily reformat it, re link the video, and adapt it to the needs of your group. Click here for the power point: Also, this is another version of this lesson that I used during Lent as we neared Holy Week. We did not focus on technology and its use so much, but instead watched this video and talked about the people who followed Jesus and then turned on him. We used this handout, which can be folded in half vertically and flipped back and forth to show the contrast of faith vs. betrayal. Click here for that handout:
Play an advanced version of Simon Says, where pairs of players have to hold a balloon between their backs. Use this youth group game to teach about submitting to authority.
5 Youth Group Activities with a Message. Includes what you'll need, instructions, debrief questions, and teaching suggestions.
Whether you realize it or not, every youth ministry has a culture. Here are 5 tips to help you build a strong culture in your youth group.
Here's a youth group game on the topic of "loving others." The game includes a lesson based on Romans 13:8.
This list of indoor youth group games is great for when it's raining, too cold outside, or even when it's too hot! Instead of scratching your head when the weather throws off your plans, this list has you covered. In addition, all of our games are little or no prep and can be played with small groups. We've got you covered, especially in a pinch!
Are you wondering how to revive a dying youth ministry? Then check out these 5 Bible-based pointers for renewal.
Youth group event ideas are always in high demand. Try these 8 great suggestions with teens.
For youth ministry to thrive, I think we need to see less of these 10 things. Do you agree?
There are some basic things that parents expect from you and your ministry.
Do you need youth service ideas for your church's teens? Check out these 17 ideas for youth service projects.
One of the most amazing things you'll ever do in youth ministry is empower students to take ownership of the program. After all, it's their ministry (or should be). Having youth ministry student roles helps turn that goal into a reality.
Mentoring is an essential part of any youth ministry.
Include your youth & turn a boring planning meeting into the most productive Pizza Party ever! End with a calendar year of events and volunteers in place.
Teamwork, Bible knowledge, or icebreakers? Whatever the reason, these youth group games are fun and easy to play. Enjoy kids' ministry games like Minute to Win It, Bible trivia, fun challenges & more!
Here's a free youth group lesson on Lent based on Matthew 4:1-11. The bottom line is - Draw close to God and resist the temptation to sin.
46 youth group icebreakers perfect to get teens talking! These are fun and easy to do games that require little or no prep. Perfect for large or small youth groups.
Bible escape rooms can provide the perfect blend between learning about the Bible, friendly competition, and good, wholesome fun for the whole family.
Youth Lounge at Emmaus Catholic Parish in Lakeway, TX by Heimsath Architects. Photo credit: Kurt Larson. Here it is… one of the biggest questions in all of youth ministry: How do I create an appealing space for teens? There are many large churches that pay good money for their youth ministries to have brand new, state-of-the-art, top-notch youth centers. [If you belong to a church that is considering such a project, we would love to help you. The biggest piece of advice we can offer in preparati
If we continue to think that junior high youth ministry is the step ministry to the high school ministry, we will be making a huge mistake.
Here's a free youth group lesson on identity. Bible:1 Peter 2:9-10. Your true identity, is an amazing gift from God.
Adult volunteers in youth ministry are vital to the spiritual growth of teenagers Your presence is more important then your position. Here's why.
