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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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Families, Leadership

A Lover, and a Fighter and a Knock a Fella Out!

Matty Thursday, April 11, 2013
Ah, the 90’s! I remember driving my mom’s Mercury Cougar through the “mean streets” of Lincoln Park, blaring the radio with the bass turned up and the windows rolled down while I was on the way to my girlfriend’s house. My favorite jam was, “Whatta Man” by Salt-n-Pepa, and I couldn’t help but... read more
Leadership

Frequently Asked Questions: A Response

Matthew Thursday, April 11, 2013
  While Kurt and Josh deserve their own FAQ pages, I’ve had people reach out to me with similar questions. What I think is at the root of these questions is an anxiety that drives each of us to be looking over the fence to see what the next person is doing. My encouragement this week is to... read more
Leadership, Volunteers

Frequently Asked Questions (Kurt)

Kurt and Josh Wednesday, April 10, 2013
This week we’re taking on the top 3 questions that we get in our ministry, and today I (Kurt) am here with mine. Here are my Top 3 very frequently asked questions: 1. Do I Need A Sweet Youth Facility? Let me say this as clearly as possible: NO. In almost every community there is a church... read more
Families, Leadership, Discipleship, Culture, Middle School, College

The Future Depends On It!

Mike Hammer Tuesday, April 9, 2013
If you’ve been in youth ministry (or church) for even a short length of time, you've probably heard someone say something like, “Our youth are the future of the church,” and/or “Our youth are the church today.” The truth is that both are accurate. Yes, teens are part of the church today, but they... read more
Families

Grieving With Our Friends at Saddleback

Simply Youth Mi... Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Editor’s Note: Here at Group/Simply Youth Ministry, our team has many long and intimate ties to the Saddleback Church community. Today we’re grieving with, and praying for, that family after the sudden loss of Rick and Kay Warren’s son Matthew to suicide. Please pray with us, that God’s mercy and... read more
Leadership, Programming

Frequently Asked Questions (Josh)

Kurt and Josh Tuesday, April 9, 2013
This week we’re going to take on the top 3 questions that we get when people come to visit our youth ministry. You’ll get mine (Josh) today and Kurt’s tomorrow. Here are 3 very frequently asked questions: How can I start a youth ministry internship at my church? We are very blessed to have some... read more
Culture

Discussion Starter: Videotaped Abuse Leads to Coach's Firing

Steph Martin Friday, April 5, 2013
Newark, NJ—After ESPN aired video of him physically and verbally abusing players, Rutgers University head basketball coach Mike Rice was fired this week. Previously, Rice had been suspended and fined in an effort to rehabilitate him. But Athletic Director Tim Pernetti admitted on Wednesday that... read more
Leadership

Responding: A Response

Troy Thursday, April 4, 2013
In reading Kurt and Josh’s articles this week, I feel as if the theme is how to respond, not just to the things in ministry that can drag us down and wonder where God is in all of this, but also to time, to calling, to self-doubt. I have to admit, I don’t handle it nearly as well as these guys (I’m... read more
Leadership

Response Time

Kurt and Josh Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Your attitude can make all the difference in the world. Both of us are optimistic by nature—our typical response in most situations is hope, belief, and excitement. There are times when our attitudes are tested, but we’ve learned optimism wins almost every time. There is a time and a place... read more
Leadership, Volunteers

Just Believe

Kurt and Josh Tuesday, April 2, 2013
This is the time of year many youth workers get disillusioned with their ministry. Another job opportunity piques interest or the thought of working a simple 9-5 becomes a little intoxicating to think about. The fun of the fall kickoff is in the rear view mirror; the big events have died down while... read more