Telling Students the Truth About Our Broken World
Our impulse often compels us to try and shield young people from the reality of our broken world. Students do not need us to protect them from reality. They need us to help them process it in a biblically accurate way.
When to Tell Parents What
When should youth workers tell parents what students have shared in confidence? Here are two categories that can help you discern, and a helpful clarification about promising confidentiality to students.
Historical and Theological Trends in Youth Ministry
Youth ministry (as we know it) is at a crossroads. As a 67 year-old youth pastor who has served in youth ministry since the mid-70’s, here are some of my observations based off what I’ve seen and am seeing.
Rethinking Attractional Youth Ministry
If we believe the gospel is the greatest news we have to share, shouldn’t we always keep it front and center? Fun and games are not the enemy, but it’s time to stop obscuring the gospel by trying to deliver it alongside anything that sends a mixed message.
Three Timely Messages Students Need from Judges
Judges paints a clear picture of what happens when “Everyone does what is right in their own eyes”: those who do so follow their hearts to their own destruction. There are three timely messages for students in the book of Judges that are particular points needed in an individualized age.
Two Approaches Towards Reformation
Most youth workers agree it’s time for a reformation in youth ministry. Some approach this as Pilgrims and others as Puritans - and the distinction is important to recognize if we hope to partner together more effectively than the actual Pilgrims and Puritans did.
Attributes of a Great Youth Worker
Youth Ministries are always on the search for new volunteers. And volunteers often wonder if they “have what it takes” to be a good youth worker. This excerpt from Lead Them to Jesus lays out what to look for in a youth leader.
Fun and Games in Youth Ministry
Playing games in order to get students to come to youth group is a terrible idea. Instead, utilize fun and games as one of the best ways to establish a gospel-culture in your ministry.
Why the Gospel-Centered Movement Overlooks Youth Ministry
It’s strangely common for youth pastors to be overlooked in gospel-centered ministry circles. This article unpacks a few theories about why that’s happened and what’s at stake.
Isn’t Everyone Gospel-Centered?
If you didn’t know any better, it’d seem like everyone’s become “gospel-centered.” This should be a cause for great celebration. But in all the talk about gospel-centrality, it’s become a phrase without any meaning. For the sake of clarity, here are three postures your ministry can take towards the gospel.