Teenagers have the ability to actively shape each other's spiritual lives in a tremendously meaningful and positive way if we are intentional about fostering this involvement in our youth ministries. 

Do you ever find yourself having issues with a volunteer who might not be a good ministry or role fit? Without clarity, navigating this tricky issue can cause anxiety, frustration, and potentially lead to you growing resentful toward a volunteer. There is no easy way to avoid these situations, but the best way to prepare yourself for them. Read this online article for 4 things to consider before parting ways with a volunteer.

Every December 31st, as the clock counts down to midnight, upwards of two million people pack into New York City’s Times Square, huddling together in the cold eagerly awaiting the 60-second drop of the Waterford Crystal ball atop One Times Square. For the millions of us either too smart or too far away to join the festivities in NYC, most still participate in yet another New Year’s Eve tradition; the making of a list of New Year’s resolutions. This is a time-honored tradition that invites each of us into a fresh start; an unblemished 12 months/52 weeks/365 days/8,765 hours/525,948 minutes/31,556,926 seconds where we can renew broken commitments, dust off unrealized projects, set fresh goals, and dream new dreams. Each new year calls us to reflect on the previous year’s journey while also providing us an opportunity to look ahead and chart our course forward. So every new year shortly after (or maybe even before), the crystal ball counts down to a new year. May I challenge you to carve out time for a checkup, an intentional time of reflection on your past year, and charting of what’s to come? Let’s count it down…

When it comes to doing youth ministry events, there is a whole lot we can't do and a whole lot we can do. And most times, it seems like there is more we can't do.

Instead, let's talk about 5 must-haves for your next event to keep it COVID safe and to allow you to continue to gather with your students!

Studies show that most teenagers don’t have a meaningful relationship with God’s Word. We know that the Bible is God’s primary way of making Himself known to us.

Therefore, it’s huge that our students know the Word and are regularly engaged in it. And yet, we know this is an uphill battle for most of them. What can we do this New Year to help jumpstart our students’ Bible reading? Here are just a few suggestions.

If you are a resolution maker, I feel it is important to tell you there is nothing wrong with not keeping your resolutions. I am not here to bash new year's resolutions because I will set many myself. This can be helped, though, and I want to take a minute to talk about five ways you can help keep your resolutions this year, especially those about youth ministry.