Article Libray

Featured Article

Rick Lawrence's picture

We're All Born This Way

Rick Lawrence Tuesday, April 16, 2013
The other day I had breakfast with an old friend—we’ve met, off and on, two Saturday mornings a month for 10 years or so. I hadn’t seen him in a few months, so we had some catching up to do. I asked about his family. He paused, glanced down for a moment, then...
read more
Sort Articles
Leadership

The 3: Best Youth Ministry Apps (Kurt)

Kurt and Josh Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Got a smartphone? Chances are you’re working at integrating some great apps into your youth ministry world. We do the same thing—and while Angry Birds Star Wars and Temple Run 2 take up a little too much of our time if we’re honest, there are some incredible apps for youth ministry. Josh gave... read more
Leadership, Volunteers

The 3: Best Youth Ministry Apps (Josh)

Kurt and Josh Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Got a smartphone? Chances are you’re working at integrating some great apps into your youth ministry world. We do the same thing—and while Angry Birds Star Wars and Temple Run 2 take up a little too much of our time if we’re honest, there are some incredible apps for youth ministry. This week... read more
Leadership

Ideas to Increase Relational Ministry (Part 3)

Darren Sutton Thursday, April 25, 2013
Relational ministry can seem like a no-brainer. It’s simply being “in relationship” with students, right? Well yes…and no. It IS being in relationship with students, but how we evaluate that is everything. Simple things, like sending a student a well-worded text message or showing up at a football... read more
Leadership, Volunteers, Programming

20 Ideas to Increase Relational Ministry (Part 2)

Kurt and Josh Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Yesterday we ran down 10 quick hits on increasing relational ministry in your youth group; today we’re back with 10 more and hoping you contribute another couple in the comments, too! Here we go: 11. Set up shop at a fast-food place right next to the school that has open lunch. Send a group text... read more
Leadership, Volunteers, Small Groups, Programming

20 Ideas to Increase Relational Ministry (Part 1)

Kurt and Josh Tuesday, April 23, 2013
This week we’re going to simply knock out 20 ways you can increase the level of relational ministry in your youth group. Quick, random, hits that we hope inspire you to try something new, too! 1. Add a greeting time in youth group. Give them a couple minutes to help new people feel welcome. 2... read more
Families, Leadership, Culture

How to T.A.L.K. with Teens about Tragedy and Terror

ken castor Friday, April 19, 2013
In times of terror and tragedy, how can we talk with teenagers in a way that will help them cope and even thrive? I was encouraged to have some great conversations with my 14-year-old son this week regarding the Boston Marathon Bombing, the Ricin mailings, and the Texas Fertilizer Explosion...not... read more
Culture

Discussion Starter--Heroism, Kindness Emerge After Bombings

Steph Martin Friday, April 19, 2013
Boston—Despite a difficult week, with tragedies in Boston and then Texas, Americans are focusing on generosity, unity, and hope. After Last week’s attack at the Boston Marathon finish line, local District Attorney Dan Conley said, “Moments like these, terrible as they are, don’t show our weakness;... read more
Leadership, College

Post Graduation Student Ministry: A Response

Mike Kupferer Thursday, April 18, 2013
The longer I’m in youth ministry, the more I’m reminded that post-graduation ministry can be a scary place to think about. It’s full of uncertainty and is out of our control. (But honestly, how much of high school ministry is within our control anyway?) These feelings of uncertainty and lack of... read more
Leadership, College

5th Year Ministry: Post Graduation Student Ministry (Part 2)

Kurt and Josh Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Yesterday we looked at how your student ministry can really serve your graduated seniors by helping them find a church, equipping them, and checking in on their faith and life periodically. Today we’re back with 3 more ways that youth groups minister to students in the “5th year.” Send a care... read more
Culture

Fear Only Fear

Marko Tuesday, April 16, 2013
I’ve been fired two times from ministry positions. Well, that’s not fair. I was fired once, and I was laid-off once. But the fearsome inner dialogue that erupted within me—despite 20 years separating the two terminations—was eerily similar. I’d grown and matured in significant ways over those two... read more