Sometimes I get asked questions that smack of “When are you going to get a real job?” In other words, when am I going to outgrow working with teenagers and settle down into a “real job” of ministering to adults. Now don’t get me wrong. I STRONGLY believe in the importance of ministering to adults. […]
Gospel-Advancing Youth Ministry
Youth Leaders! What’s your “Get Multi-PLIED” Strategy for THE Cause?
Over the last few years we, at Dare 2 Share, have discovered the five common actions that are taken in every youth ministry that is thriving on both a deep and wide level. These youth ministries are guiding their teens deeper and deeper into their relationship with God and wider and wider into the world […]
Youth Leaders Unite! NETWORK!
In 20+ years of being “in charge” of a variety of ministries (church and parachurch) I have found great value and blessing in being connected to other youth leaders through gatherings of all sorts– local, national and virtual. Though all three avenues of networking exist, the one that I value and push the most is […]
Why Teenagers Are NOT the Church of Tomorrow
Did you ever notice that throughout Scripture God seems somewhat determined when it comes to using young people to accomplish some of his most significant purposes? He used a teenaged Jewish girl named Esther to save a nation from certain destruction. He used Josiah, the boy king, to launch a national revival. He used a […]
The D Word
Utter it in some churches and you’ll be damned (no, “damned” is not the word.) This is a word that causes many pastors, Sunday school teachers and deacons to cringe (no, “deacons” is not the word either.) It is such a catalytic word that it has triggered military action over the centuries and overthrown entire […]
Moving Teens Beyond Fun, Friends and Five Keys to a Better Life
As a youth leader it’s not news to you that many teens (and adults) come to church with a “here I am” mentality. It’s all about them. They come looking for connection, fun, friends, and a few how-to-do-life-better tips. Don’t get me wrong, those are all good things. But I believe Jesus is calling his […]
