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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...
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Leadership

Help

Ronald Long Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Help. I'm at the end of my rope. I need help. Have you ever had a student who, on your worst days, you kind of pray doesn't show up? Yeah, that's pretty godly of me. But it's also honest. Well he showed up tonight. And I immediately felt anxious. And annoyed. And mad. And terribly sad... read more
Leadership, Volunteers

Creating a Unified Team

Kurt and Josh Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Yesterday we talked about gossip and how destructive it can be within the church culture, and devastating to those outside the church walls. So let’s fight back! The best way to stop gossip is right where it starts – with your team and with the people you influence. Here are a few things we’ve... read more
Leadership

Getting Started in Youth Ministry

Brian Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Getting started in youth ministry can be exciting, scary, and at times frustrating and discouraging. But I would like to share my experiences and offer some advice to those just starting out in youth ministry. While some may say I am still there myself, my focus is on those who feel called into... read more
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Leadership, Culture, Volunteers

How To Be a Gossip-Stopper

Kurt and Josh Tuesday, January 15, 2013
A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends. Proverbs 16:28 There’s no faster way to destroy a team than from the inside out with gossip. Gossip is a not-so-silent killer of many youth workers and youth ministries; this week we wanted to equip you with a few ways to... read more
Families, Small Groups

A New Year’s Nuance

Youth Ministry ... Thursday, January 10, 2013
Blog by Stephanie Caro “And the time came for her to be delivered, and she gave birth to her first-born son, wrapped him swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger – because there was no room for them in the inn.” What will your youth ministry give birth to this coming year? I’m thinking that... read more
Leadership

Leading Like Jesus

John Mulholland Thursday, January 10, 2013
We’ve read all of the teaching books out there, and I’m thankful that Josh and Kurt brought us to Jesus at the beginning of the year. This is so key, because Jesus can get lost amidst methods, programming, and structure. In Ephesians 5 and Philippians 2, Paul writes that our mind-set should be the... read more
Leadership

FAQ: Baptisms From Start to Finish

Kurt and Josh Wednesday, January 9, 2013
From time to time we pause from the normal posts to answer a few questions from you—the Youth Ministry Nation. Here are a couple we received in the past few weeks, all relating to baptism. 1. How much time do you believe students need after becoming Christ-followers before they should be allowed... read more
Leadership, Worship, Speaking, Volunteers, Programming

What Would Jesus Do?

Kurt and Josh Tuesday, January 8, 2013
What would Jesus do? The saying that launched a zillion wrist bands! But it’s a timeless question that has some fun implications when you apply it to youth ministry. Here are a few of the things we believe Jesus would do as a youth pastor. Teach with lots of stories. 
Without a doubt the Master... read more
Leadership

Killing the Clique Part Four: The Difference Matters

Ronald Long Friday, January 4, 2013
We have long-time students and new students in our church every single week. If we’re going to make them feel welcome, what should we do? Let me offer some very practical advice: 1. The next time you see someone you don’t know...go talk to them. When my family was new to the north Alabama area... read more
Leadership

Killing the Clique Part Three: What Makes Cliques Bad?

Ronald Long Friday, January 4, 2013
Cliques aren’t necessarily bad. In fact, in a church of our size, it’s going to be next to impossible for everyone to be close friends with everyone. The problem comes when one clique, or even group of cliques, becomes “the” clique at the church. When this group gets together, it’s considered... read more