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Instagram Will Kill Your Youth Ministry

Daniel Beckworth Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Social media has swept across this great nation like wildfire. Facebook is on its way out. If you still use Myspace you’re most likely a stalker—or very lonely. Twitter is still rocking along quite steadily and has yet to be completely infiltrated by preteens...
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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
Culture

Ministry & Media

Scott Firestone Tuesday, April 16, 2013
  [music] BUILDING 429 SONG:“Press On” (from We Won’t Be Shaken) TOPIC:Trust THEME:The singer doesn’t always know what’s in store, but is willing to press on as long as God’s at his side. BACKGROUND:It’s hard to believe Building 429 has been around for a dozen years. Opener “Get Up”... read more
Leadership, College

5th Year Ministry: Post Graduation Student Ministry (Part 1)

Kurt and Josh Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Graduation! Your amazing students whom you have loved and cared for the past few years are heading out to the great unknown of college, the work force, their parents’ basement, or a strange combination of all three! But because moving away to college is such a big deal, those are the students we... read more
Culture

Discussion Starter—Marathon Marred by Fatal Bombings

Steph Martin Monday, April 15, 2013
Boston—A festive annual event turned deadly Monday when explosions rocked the finish line of the Boston Marathon. The blasts, reportedly bombs, were apparently timed to put the most competitors and spectators at risk. Firefighters found other undetonated devices near the race site, andsecurity was... read more
Families, Leadership, Discipleship, Small Groups

I Hate Church!

jeffreywallace Monday, April 15, 2013
This week I'm hanging out with my students in Orlando, Florida, at Universal Studios for their spring break. Last night, during one of our small group sessions, I had a group of senior high boys and we talked about the importance of living your life from the inside out and having an authentic... read more