Welcome to Youth Ministry News

There is No Plan B: You are it! Stories from a Canadian.

From Deep Thoughts by Gman on Friday, October 9, 2026 @ 7:19 AM PST
in the "Blog" Category.
I'm working on a memoir of sorts. My journey, thoughts and adventures all gathered together. Not that many people would read it, except maybe Len Evans if he was alive. He did have several published works and encouraged me to keep writing. I've been featured several different places including: Christian Standard, Christianity Today, Youth Specialties, and quoted in a few books. People envision writing a book as getting $$$ and famous but that's not it. I'm writing more not for celebrity, nor being recognized but more of a therapy of sorts. A look back to look forward. A part of that will be blogging more and including some of the material here in my own source material. So Welcome. There is no Plan B, but God can use you and He will. Let's begin the journey together. http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/ZioO

Giving Jesus Away

From Deep Thoughts by Gman on Friday, October 9, 2026 @ 7:10 AM PST
in the "Blog" Category.
From the Preacher's Desk: Giving Jesus Away 2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be prepared in season and out ... Romans 10:14 says: "How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? Recently a four year old boy had commented to me: "You're the guy who gives Jesus away." (For clarity's sake: I give away these mini-Jesus figures away as a reminder that to take Jesus with you and that everyone needs a little Jesus, Of course, some of us need a whole lot of Jesus). How would you like to be known as the one who gives Jesus away? What a honor, responsibility and command. We are all called to be Jesus' hands and feet, part of the body of Christ. We are all suppose to be fulfilling the Great Commission as to go and make disciples. (Matt. 28:16-20) and the greatest commandment to Love the Lord with all our heart, soul, strength, and mind; and to love our neighbor as ourselves. When was the last time you shared Jesus? Don't keep Him to yourself, share Him. May you be encouraged to give Jesus away. See You Sunday. Your Smiling Preacher, Gerrard http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/ZioO

Taking Back the Holidays

From ChurchLeaders.com Youth Leaders on Thursday, October 8, 2026 @ 12:07 PM PST
in the "Articles" Category.
I never realized I could so easily lose sight of Christ during the holidays, a time of year when I talked about him so much.

Leaning Into the Grind

From ChurchLeaders.com Youth Leaders on Tuesday, October 6, 2026 @ 3:41 PM PST
in the "Articles" Category.
Youth ministry is fun. I love what I do, even when it's hard. But some seasons are harder than others, and fall often feels like a grind.

The Question Box

From ChurchLeaders.com Youth Leaders on Monday, October 5, 2026 @ 3:43 PM PST
in the "Articles" Category.
Use a question box in your youth ministry as a means for teens to ask their questions-in a safe, anonymous way.

Is Sex Before Marriage a Sin? The Answer and the Way Back

From ChurchLeaders.com Youth Leaders on Friday, September 25, 2026 @ 12:03 PM PST
in the "Articles" Category.
Is sex before marriage a sin? Every youth worker hears a version of that question. When kids sin by having premarital sex, they need hope and forgiveness.

Battling the Fall Doldrums (Part 2)

From ChurchLeaders.com Youth Leaders on Monday, August 24, 2026 @ 3:44 PM PST
in the "Articles" Category.
Overcoming the fall doldrums will give you a new pattern and rhythm to your ministry and will encourage your students.

Battling the Fall Doldrums (Part 1)

From ChurchLeaders.com Youth Leaders on Monday, August 24, 2026 @ 3:31 PM PST
in the "Articles" Category.
The fall doldrums refer to the short season after the end of summer and back-to-school season and before the Christmas holiday ramp-up.

Three Principles

From Deep Thoughts by Gman on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 @ 2:21 PM PST
in the "Blog" Category.
Paul wrote, "I press on toward the goal, toward the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 3:14 Three Principles that governed Paul's journeys and can apply to us today. They are: Dependence on God Acts 13:1-4 tells us Paul was intentional in his reliance on God. His choices were the result of God's promptings. This dependence also enabled Paul to demonstrate joyful perseverance in his travels. Prison couldn't dampen his praise (Acts 16:25). Even when he had been stoned and left for dead, he "got up and went back into the city" (Acts 14:20).We can also depend on the Lord to empower us during difficult circumstances. No Lone Rangers Paul understood the value of companions and teamwork. In Acts 9, Ananias restored his sight and Barnabas introduced Paul to the other apostles. On all three of his recorded missionary journeys, Paul traveled with at least one companion. E Paul did not journey alone. Journeying with others provides encouragement and accountability. Humility Despite his confidence, Paul had an attitude of humility. He considered himself "the least" of the Lord's people (Ephesians 3:8). Paul was a powerful speaker, but he relied on the Word of God and the power of the Holy Spirit rather than on persuasive words. We also need humility when relating to others. When we demonstrate humility before God, our traveling companions, and those we serve, God receives all the glory. http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/ZioO

6 Back-to-School Conversation Starters

From ChurchLeaders.com Youth Leaders on Thursday, July 30, 2026 @ 2:36 PM PST
in the "Articles" Category.
Try these back-to-school conversation starters to invite youth into more substantial discussions. Don't be afraid to go deeper!

Getting Ready for the School Year

From ChurchLeaders.com Youth Leaders on Thursday, July 30, 2026 @ 2:02 PM PST
in the "Articles" Category.
As you're getting ready for the school year, have you thought about how the changes will impact your family?

10 Signs You Belong to a Healthy Church

From ChurchLeaders.com Youth Leaders on Tuesday, July 28, 2026 @ 11:34 AM PST
in the "Articles" Category.
When you plug into a church that is getting it done, it's a true blessing.

Summer Ministry's C+ Temptation

From ChurchLeaders.com Youth Leaders on Thursday, June 18, 2026 @ 4:04 PM PST
in the "Articles" Category.
Maybe your summer youth ministry already crushes. If so, keep the momentum! If not, change things up, and don't cave into the C+ temptation.

Summer Is a Liar

From ChurchLeaders.com Youth Leaders on Thursday, June 18, 2026 @ 3:42 PM PST
in the "Articles" Category.
Summer is a serial liar. Summer is NOT a slower time for youth ministry, and it's NOT chock-full of margin as it might claim.

When Sports Come Before Church: 3 Tips for Christian Families

From ChurchLeaders.com Youth Leaders on Saturday, June 6, 2026 @ 4:50 PM PST
in the "Articles" Category.
How do you react when sports come before church for teens and parents? Read on for one insider's thoughts on this challenging subject.