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Youth Leaders Blogs

Find Your Calling But Embrace Your Current

“So Jesse brought seven more of his sons to Samuel, but Samuel told Jesse, ‘The Lord has not chosen any of these. Are these...

Lessons I Learned From Going to Camp

Last night I wrapped up speaking at my first camp in at least a decade. It’s the largest camp of its kind in the...

The Royal Baby of Youth Ministry

When William and Kate were married, I sat with my friend Leslie with a cup of cookie dough frozen yogurt on her couch. Squealing...

Leadership Lessons from the Alpha X

This last week I had the privilege of spending six days with young leaders from all across America at Lead THE Cause University. The 258...

5 Ways to Boost Teen Morale

You can assume that your students know how you feel; however, with all the voices they face on a daily basis, you need to make yours louder.

10 Quick Things to Remember As You Prepare to Preach

1. Your job is to “set forth the truth plainly” not to razzel or dazzle the audience. 2 Corinthians 4:2 2. Preaching is the easy part. Living our...

3 Best Practices in Developing Young Leaders

I just heard my friend Doug Fields share three “best practices” developing young leaders helpful not only in the context of youth ministry, but...

Teaching Young Teens to Articulate Their Faith Stories

The most effective way to affirm a teen's growth in Christ is to have them share their personal story.

What We SHOULD Be Saying About Sexual Abuse

It is time for the church to be talking about it and for us to be the safest place for victims to come and receive care.

Spiritual Lessons I Learned While Pruning a Vineyard in Italy

Two weeks ago, while on a family vacation in Vignale, Italy we had the privilege of crashing at an amazing Bed and Breakfast. Tracey,...

The Firework Effect: On Being Tired in Ministry

I am tired.And it's ok.I used to think that being tired was a sign of weakness.But now I think it's a gift. It is...

The Value of Fun in Youth Ministry

I have to believe Jesus and His boys laughed their heads off at times, especially after Andrew snorted and shot goat’s milk out his nose.

In Defense of the Messy Youth Pastor

I’ve not known many youth leaders who can keep a clean car, a tidy desk and a schedule full of the right priorities. It’s...

What Do I Really Want for Youth Ministry As a Whole?

A few weeks back, I attended a gathering of youth ministry leaders called the Youth Ministry Executive Council. During one of the sessions, Rick...

Smartphone Ownership Still Rising

Every time a new report is released, the numbers have grown even bigger. The smartphone craze is still full throttle. Even 42% of American...

Putting the "Go" in Gospel

When Jesus told his disciples to “Go and make disciples of all nations,” he was giving his group of young disciples a directive. He was...

5 Ways to Inspire Your Teens to Share the Gospel

Teenagers can be a tough audience and sharing the gospel a tough subject. So how do you inspire a tough audience to engage in...

My Daughter's List of the "Perfect Man"

“I want a man who…” That’s how her paper started. My daughter just graduated from High School last week and will be heading to California Baptist...

10 Reasons to Present the Gospel in Every Youth Talk

1. It may be the only time a teenager visits your group and hears the gospel (1 Corinthians 14:24.) 2. The same gospel that saves...

3 Common Youth Ministry Pitfalls

Had a chance to getaway with some of our youth ministry leadership team the past couple of days and really process some of the...

Andy Bannister: How Pastors and Churches Can Stop Living as ‘Undercover...

Dr. Andy Bannister joins “The Stetzer ChurchLeaders Podcast” to talk about how pastors and church members can share their faith boldly, strategically, and without fear.

Youth Leaders Blogs