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Summer Youth Ministry Planning: How to Ramp Up Your Program
ChurchLeaders.com Youth Leaders From ChurchLeaders.com Youth Leaders on Wednesday, March 27, 2024 @ 10:01 PM PST
in the "Articles" Category.
Need tips for summer youth ministry planning? Discover how your youth program can grow up, show up, and blow up this summer. The post Summer Youth Ministry Planning: How to Ramp Up Your Program appeared first on ChurchLeaders.
A Scarecrow in a Melon Patch
Dare 2 Share Ministries International From Dare 2 Share Ministries International on Wednesday, March 27, 2024 @ 6:42 AM PST
in the "Blog" Category.
Church leaders face a serious temptation: letting ministry become an idol. Here's how to resist.
Bible Verses for Teen Boys: Share God's Good News With Guys
ChurchLeaders.com Youth Leaders From ChurchLeaders.com Youth Leaders on Monday, March 25, 2024 @ 10:01 PM PST
in the "Articles" Category.
With Bible verses for teen boys and girls, you can easily share God's Word with young people in a variety of settings. The post Bible Verses for Teen Boys: Share God's Good News With Guys appeared first on ChurchLeaders.
The Art of Asking Questions
youthministry360 From youthministry360 on Monday, March 25, 2024 @ 6:00 AM PST
in the "Resources" Category.
I think most people would say that a lot of theological training is centered around a combination of a few things: proper biblical interpretation, pursuing Christ-like character and leadership, and preaching/teaching. And I believe most of us would say these are worthwhile pursuits! During my husband's time in seminary, he learned all those things and so much more, and we would both describe his time in seminary as a beautiful season of life full of rich spiritual formation. Whether you have received a formal theological education or attended conferences or trainings in the past, almost all of us would agree that those environments hold incredible value for pastors and church leaders. If you had asked me when I started in full-time ministry almost 7 years ago what I needed to grow in as a minister, I would have told you that I needed to grow in having a more robust knowledge of Scripture. I needed to grow in my ability to preach God's Word in a way that was clear and connected with students. This is what I saw those in ministry around me prioritize, and this is what nearly every conference I had been to centered on, so that's where I focused my efforts. I still believe both of those things were true for me as a young minister; however, there was one thing that surprised me as time went on. There was one area that I recognized I really needed to grow in, and I realized after a while that many other ministers and pastors needed to as well. As I began to meet with students regularly, I realized that I knew how to tell students about Jesus and His Word, but I was not very good at asking the right questions to get them to engage with and think deeply about Jesus and His Word. Discipleship looked a lot like asking the same questions over and over and then filling in the gaps for them after they shared (or even just answering it for them altogether if they didn't know). I began to realize that the art of question-asking was a skill I had not developed but one I desperately needed if I was going to try to be more effective in engaging students in discipleship. Once I realized this, I began to look at Jesus' ministry. I saw how He skillfully and intentionally used questions to prick the hearts of His audience and invite them to look inward and evaluate their hearts. He asked questions like, "But who do you say that I am?" (Matthew 16:15) to the disciples. "Do you love me?" (John 21:17) to Peter after His resurrection following Peter's betrayal. And "Do you want to be healed?" to the paralytic (John 5:6). Jesus asked so many powerful questions that made an enormous impact on those He was speaking to. I believe that if we want to maximize our impact on students through discipleship, we have to follow His example and grow in the skill of question-asking. In 1999, a Christian psychologist named David Powlison published an article in The Journal of Biblical Counseling called X-ray Questions: Drawing Out the Whys and Wherefores of Human Behavior. I stumbled upon this article in that season of pursuing growth. For years, I have taken questions from this article, personalized them, and adjusted their language to make them my own and personally fit my students. It has single-handedly been one of the most powerful and practical resources I've ever used, and it has been instrumental in growing in the skill of question-asking. Here are some examples from the article of great questions you can equip yourself with and personalize for your students: What are your plans, agendas, strategies, and intentions designed to accomplish? What really matters to you? Around what do you organize your life? Where do you find refuge, safety, comfort, escape, pleasure, and security? Whose performance matters? On whose shoulders does the well-being of your world rest? Who can make it better, make it work, make it safe, and make it successful? Who must you please? Whose opinion of you counts? From whom do you desire approval and fear rejection? Where do you find your identity? How do you define who you are? Questions like these can be launch pads into potentially life-changing conversations because they are invitations for students to evaluate their hearts and discover for themselves that Jesus is the One they truly need to meet their soul's deepest desires for love, acceptance, purpose, comfort, security, identity, and significance. In my experience, we are ministering to a generation that puts a very high value on understanding and having their own thoughts and opinions. They begrudge the idea of being forced to think a certain way or do a certain thing, and they crave the individuality of making their own choices. While this reality may often feel like a hurdle you have to overcome as a youth worker, I believe it is actually the very thing that God will use to empower our young people to be more confident, bold, and courageous in their faith. I pray you are challenged to meet your students where they are to help them discover for themselves the beauty and adventure of knowing and following Christ. Share your thoughts with others in our YM360 community: How can question-asking be better implemented in your discipleship ministry? What tools do you have to help equip your volunteers or staff with the skill of question-asking? Ready for more articles and training? Check out these top posts!
Ministry Volunteers Will Multiply Your Youth Group's Impact on Teens
ChurchLeaders.com Youth Leaders From ChurchLeaders.com Youth Leaders on Friday, March 22, 2024 @ 10:01 PM PST
in the "Articles" Category.
Ministry volunteers are essential for maximizing your impact on teens. Discover priceless insights from youth ministry veteran Jonathan McKee. The post Ministry Volunteers Will Multiply Your Youth Group's Impact on Teens appeared first on ChurchLeaders.
Easter Egg Fundraiser for Youth Groups: A Smashing Success
ChurchLeaders.com Youth Leaders From ChurchLeaders.com Youth Leaders on Monday, March 18, 2024 @ 10:00 PM PST
in the "Articles" Category.
Want to try a fun Easter egg fundraiser? Then check out this easy yet hilarious idea. The post Easter Egg Fundraiser for Youth Groups: A Smashing Success appeared first on ChurchLeaders.
Do You Know How Gifted Your Students Are?
youthministry360 From youthministry360 on Monday, March 18, 2024 @ 6:00 AM PST
in the "Resources" Category.
This is probably an understood point. But for the sake of conversation, did you know that your students are gifted? I'm sure you have students who are gifted athletically and are phenoms at their sport. I'm sure you have musically talented students who could play concerts for large crowds. But what I'm talking about is students gifted spiritually for the work God is doing. One thing I have felt purposed with lately is equipping those around me for the ministry that God is calling them to. I will regularly ask adults in our ministry if they feel comfortable doing more than just being in the room. I remember when I was a volunteer with the ability to lead worship and teach, and I so desired someone to ask me to do more than just be a warm body. So, I always want to give those opportunities to them. The same is true with our students I know they are fully capable of doing so much more than just being present in a preschool classroom. I know they are capable of teaching God's Word. I know they can be worship leaders in our student services. I know, even when they say it freaks them out, they are honest with their prayers and can lead our group in that way. So I ask them to do just that. I'll go to a student I see actively participating each week and offer them a chance to lead. "Hey, have you ever thought about leading our teaching time on Sunday nights? I think you would do a great job, and your friends would listen to you." This isn't a commercial for YM360 Sermon Series, but I will say that's why I love getting series and curriculum from YM360 because it's an easy way to set up students for success in this. The formats you get in their teaching series are great outlines to give students, and it leaves ample room to make it your own. It also gives me a chance to walk through the content one on one with those students. Ok, back to students... If I see a student hanging around during our worship band rehearsals, I'm quick to say, "Hey, have you ever played an instrument before?" Neither our drummer nor our keyboard player in our student band had any experience leading worship, but I noticed a spark when I asked if they were interested in learning. One last story, and then I'll wrap this up so you can get back to your email inbox. I had a student come to me a few months ago asking about wanting to buy a camera. He was curious about photography and wondered if it would give him some new opportunities when he goes to college this fall. So we talked about cameras, what kind of lenses he should get, very basic stuff. A few days later, he sent me a picture of his new camera setup. Needless to say, he was excited. So I asked. "Hey man, you want to bring your camera to church on Sunday and take photos of our services?" I wanted to give him an opportunity to learn his new passion, and I just happen to manage our church's social media accounts as well. So he took pictures that Sunday, and I used his pictures for our social media that week. The next Sunday, he showed up with his camera and asked to take pictures again. And again, I used his pictures for our social media posts. He is now our lead Sunday photographer, and his pictures are getting better and better every week. He shows up with a shot list of things to capture and honestly takes better photos than I ever did. People have noticed the difference; they are constantly complimenting our weekly content. His parents tell me weekly how grateful they are that we gave him the opportunity to develop this new passion. He's even using it as an outreach opportunity at local sporting events to connect. Your students are gifted in so many ways. And there is ample need for them to take ownership in our churches through serving. Give them that chance. I didn't give that student his photography skills. I just offered up an opportunity for him to promote the Gospel work God is doing through it. And he's flourishing in it. Ask your students to lead. Ask your students to teach. Ask them to live out their gifting. Share your thoughts with others in our YM360 community: How are you teaching your students about spiritual gifting? Do your students know what their gifts are? Do you have a road map in place to help your students find places to serve? What holds you back from getting more students involved in serving around the church? _________________ Help your students and the adults in your church make a difference in the lives of others with Volunteer Accelerator: Youth Ministry Edition! Ready for more articles and training? Check out these top posts!
Why Youth Ministry Is Important
ChurchLeaders.com Youth Leaders From ChurchLeaders.com Youth Leaders on Monday, March 18, 2024 @ 4:03 AM PST
in the "Articles" Category.
I have been serving teens now for 15 years as a volunteer and on staff at different churches, and I still need to be reminded why youth ministry is important. I need to be reminded because the truth is that student ministry can be difficult. The post Why Youth Ministry Is Important appeared first on ChurchLeaders.
Last-Minute Easter Prep Tips
YouthMinistry.com From YouthMinistry.com on Monday, March 18, 2024 @ 3:01 AM PST
in the "Blog" Category.
Easter will be here before you know it! One of the most difficult things about ministry is the very few number of days between Sundays. Wouldn't life be easier if we had a 10-day workweek? I think I would teach better lessons, lead better worship, and play more fun games.... The post Last-Minute Easter Prep Tips appeared first on YouthMinistry.com.
Easter: It's Not Just for the Students
YouthMinistry.com From YouthMinistry.com on Monday, March 18, 2024 @ 3:00 AM PST
in the "Blog" Category.
The death and resurrection of Jesus was and is for every student and every parent. During Holy Week, we remind our students that Jesus was a living sacrifice with a vision and a plan for each of us. To be loved and to love.... The post Easter: It's Not Just for the Students appeared first on YouthMinistry.com.
Can You Pass the Timothy Test?
Dare 2 Share Ministries International From Dare 2 Share Ministries International on Saturday, March 16, 2024 @ 7:12 AM PST
in the "Blog" Category.
But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry. 2 Timothy 4:5 Toward the end of the apostle Paul's final letter, he gave his protégé Timothy four challenges. I've come to nickname these challenges the "Timothy Test," and they're essential to [...]
Church Revival Can Begin in Your Very Own Youth Room
ChurchLeaders.com Youth Leaders From ChurchLeaders.com Youth Leaders on Saturday, March 16, 2024 @ 4:03 AM PST
in the "Articles" Category.
Church revival is a hot topic, and it's not limited to adults. Discover how teens in your youth ministry can serve as catalysts for widespread revival. The post Church Revival Can Begin in Your Very Own Youth Room appeared first on ChurchLeaders.
Bible Lesson on Truth for Teens: Offer Youth a Godly Foundation
ChurchLeaders.com Youth Leaders From ChurchLeaders.com Youth Leaders on Thursday, March 14, 2024 @ 10:00 PM PST
in the "Articles" Category.
A Bible lesson on truth is essential for equipping youth in the Christian faith. Use these teen-friendly resources about absolute truth. The post Bible Lesson on Truth for Teens: Offer Youth a Godly Foundation appeared first on ChurchLeaders.
Teaching the Resurrection to Youth: Put Easter's Outcome on Trial
ChurchLeaders.com Youth Leaders From ChurchLeaders.com Youth Leaders on Wednesday, March 13, 2024 @ 10:00 PM PST
in the "Articles" Category.
Teaching the Resurrection to youth is the most important lesson you can offer. Use this material to put Easter on trial. The post Teaching the Resurrection to Youth: Put Easter's Outcome on Trial appeared first on ChurchLeaders.
How to Unite for the Cause of Christ
Dare 2 Share Ministries International From Dare 2 Share Ministries International on Wednesday, March 13, 2024 @ 2:27 PM PST
in the "Blog" Category.
No ministry can single-handedly reach their community with the Gospel. Use the "5 G's" to find like-minded ministries to partner with.
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