Families Articles

Families, Leadership
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Kurt and Josh's picture

How to Ask for a Raise

Kurt and Josh Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Last week Group published their annual salary survey results for youth workers across the country. Don’t worry, they made sure that Kurt “money-bags” Johnston wasn’t included because it would have skewed things a lot higher (Josh, “I’m a little bitter”...
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Families, Leadership

The Key to Longevity (Josh)

Kurt and Josh Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Yesteday Kurt offered up some solid insight into longevity in youth ministry. Here’s a little of what I’ve learned now 15 years (and 1 week) into this journey: Hold some stuff sacred If you want to be in youth ministry 5 years from now, you have to set some boundaries on your time and life. Do... read more
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Families, Leadership, Volunteers

Navigating Relationships in the Church

Kurt and Josh Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Relationships are at the center of most any ministry position – but they are especially crucial to a youth worker. Here are a few relationships to key in on as you serve students in your church: Befriend the pastor We’ve been to conferences with workshop titles like “Senior Pastors: Friend or... read more
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Families, Leadership, Culture, Volunteers

Life Outside the Church

Kurt and Josh Tuesday, January 3, 2012
We eat, sleep and drink youth ministry. Every once in a while I (Kurt) will have somebody say to me something like, “Youth ministry is my life…I don’t know what I’d do without it!” To which I want to reply something like, “Gosh…I am so sorry to hear that!” It makes sense that so many of us... read more
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Families, Leadership, Discipleship, Speaking, Volunteers, Small Groups, Programming

3 Things That Are Changing in Youth Ministry

Kurt and Josh Tuesday, December 20, 2011
There has been a lot of talk this year about the changing shape of youth ministry. As we wrap up one of our last articles of 2011, we thought it was a good idea to talk about a few of these changes … and point out a few things that don’t seem to be changing anytime soon. Up today, a few ways youth... read more
Families, Leadership, Discipleship

Taming the Ministry Tongue

Jake and Meliss... Monday, December 5, 2011
Ministry work often feels like a 24/7 job. The hours are long, the parishioners are many, and the needs are great. It is important for all ministry workers to separate themselves at times and focus on all the other wonderful aspects of life outside of church; marriage, children, hobbies, pleasures... read more
Families, Leadership

Youth Ministry FAQ: Volume 3 - Senior Pastor Edition

Kurt and Josh Wednesday, November 30, 2011
From time to time we to take a pause form the normal articles and take the time to answer a few questions from you: the youth ministry nation. Here are two recent questions, and our thoughts on each. What do I say to people who tell me that they prefer me to speak instead of our senior pastor?... read more
Families

Thanks

Kurt and Josh Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Thank you for obeying God’s call to do youth ministry: • Thanks for serving. • Thanks for teaching God’s Word to students each week. • Thanks for being silly and fun. • Thanks for be serious, too. • Thanks for listening. • Thanks for especially to listening to “that one kid” who seems to bend... read more
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Families, Leadership

Wants, Needs and Choices

Leneita Fix Thursday, November 17, 2011
It all started with a coffee table. At the time John and I had been married for about three years. While my other friends were coming to a place in life when they were buying homes, cars and new furniture, still I felt like we were living in a college dorm. The only two pieces of furniture that... read more
Families, Leadership

People-Pleasing, Over-Achiever Syndrome

Kerensa Huffman Sunday, November 13, 2011
So, I just got off the phone with a youth pastor buddy.  He’s over done.  Tired.  Going in a multitude of directions, at the same time, can’t give enough at home, trying to be who others want him to be, forgetting who God has CALLED him to be, and it sucks!  Ministry isn’t even... read more
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Families, Leadership, Worship

Days Off: A Response

Darren Sutton Thursday, November 10, 2011
Sabbath. It’s a wonderfully biblical, churchy word for ‘take-a-load-off-before-you-implode!’ Our souls need respite. Our Spirit cries out for rejuvenation. And, yet, Sabbath days just seem hard to come by. Whether it’s the subtle deception from the enemy that I’m ‘being lazy’ or the long list of ‘... read more