Youth Leader Connection

Small Groups: Making Them Dynamic

From Youth Leader Connection on Wednesday, January 25, 2006
in the "Articles" Category.
What can you do to move your small group(s) from dull to dynamic? Here are 3 BIG IDEAS you'll want to remember as you lead your small group towards vibrancy.

The 12 Days of Christmas

From Youth Leader Connection on Friday, December 3, 2004
in the "Articles" Category.
Many student groups engage in various Christmas projects each year. In fact, lots of beneficial projects happen annually. Unfortunately, these projects, while they serve a good cause, are typically short-lived and unchallenging. In other words, most are simply too easy. Here's a way to help your students engage in a project that centers on developing a sacrificial spirit for more than a couple of hours.

It's a Matter of Perspective

From Youth Leader Connection on Tuesday, November 23, 2004
in the "Articles" Category.
A thankful heart is not inherited, stumbled across, or discovered. It is cultivated and developed. Like a rich garden that brings forth precious and sweet fruit, a thankful heart is first tilled and tended to before it produces an attitude of gratitude. Though this is no easy task, it is a vital one if we are to truly understand the essence of thankfulness.

Do's and Don'ts of Supporting Volunteers

From Youth Leader Connection on Wednesday, July 28, 2004
in the "Articles" Category.
Working with volunteers can be a wonderful experience for both the volunteer and the leader. Or, unfortunately, it can be a headache for both as well. Volunteers, unlike employees, work from a different leverage point, and knowing what to do and what not to do can make a world of difference in your ministry's environment. Here are some DO's and DON'TS to follow in helping your volunteers succeed.

Evaluate Your Youth Group (PDF)

From Youth Leader Connection on Wednesday, July 28, 2004
in the "Resources" Category.
Just how healthy is your youth ministry? Find out by downloading our FREE 54-question diagnostic test. (Based on the 9 components of a Purpose-Driven Youth Ministry)

The Dad Difference

From Youth Leader Connection on Monday, May 17, 2004
in the "Articles" Category.
I personally believe the crises in our nation – dysfunctional homes, school dropouts, extreme violence and teen suicide, to name a few – flow from deteriorating leadership on the part of men. In fact, recent stats tell us that men commit 90% of major crimes, 95% of burglaries, 91% of the offenses against the family, and comprise 94% of drunk drivers. Essentially, too many men are dropping the ball and everyone feels the damaging affects.

Pursuing Growth Through Strength

From Youth Leader Connection on Thursday, May 13, 2004
in the "Articles" Category.
Every youth leader I know wants their youth group to grow. And rightly so -- expanding the kingdom of God and increasing the ranks of disciples is a worthy goal. However, the question is "how." While some take the whip cream approach (i.e., add a lot of fluff to the top), and others the balloon approach (i.e., fill it with some hot air and watch it blow up), a better idea is the weight room approach (i.e., building the body by exercising the muscles). Here are a few exercises you and your group can start doing that will improve your group’s health while at the same time enhance your group's growth.

What's So Great About the Gospel?

From Youth Leader Connection on Friday, April 2, 2004
in the "Articles" Category.
With Good Friday just around the corner and Easter only days away, now is a prime opportunity to sow the seeds of the Gospel in the field of your youth group. And since you're group is probably still talking about Mel's movie The Passion of The Christ, hearts are extra sensitive, not only within your ministry, but in circles that extend far beyond your initial group. Here is a simple talk you can use sometime in the next few days that centers on the Gospel -- why is God's "good news" really so great? As a focus passage, take your kids to 1 Corinthians 15, and use the opening 11 verses to explain these four reasons the Gospel really is great news! Of course, throw in your own illustrations and stories; I've simply given you a few lines of thought under each point to spur your thinking.

Getting Visitors To Stay

From Youth Leader Connection on Thursday, March 11, 2004
in the "Articles" Category.
The common denominator with effective follow-up programs is relationships. Whether the new student is a guest visiting with his/her family, a recent convert, or a drop in, relational contact is crucial. Remember – students will come once for an event, several times for a leader, but forever for a friend. So the key is to establish the proper relational contact at the critical moments. When are the critical moments? There are two: 1) When they first arrive on your turf and 2) when you identify with them on their turf.

More American Than Christian?

From Youth Leader Connection on Thursday, March 4, 2004
in the "Articles" Category.
When it comes to the organizational life of the church, perhaps the greatest mistake of the last decade has been our infatuation with the professional image – an unhealthy lust for the successful corporate look. It appears we have let America define more of the boundaries and parameters for success than God. As a result, we develop a successful appearance, but often little spiritual substance.

It's Really Not That Hard

From Youth Leader Connection on Monday, February 23, 2004
in the "Articles" Category.
Life wasn’t supposed to be that hard. Really. But sometimes it gets that way, doesn’t it?

The 30-Second Thank You

From Youth Leader Connection on Thursday, February 12, 2004
in the "Articles" Category.
You've no doubt spotted a weary volunteer before, haven't you? You can see it in the way they come in just at the nick of time, or in the way they leave quickly to avoid too much interaction with students. Or you can spot fatigue in their countenance and responses; the passion just isn't there anymore. In various ways you get the distinct impression something just isn't right.

Disneyland Youth Ministry (1)

From Youth Leader Connection on Thursday, February 5, 2004
in the "Articles" Category.
One of Disneyland’s philosophies says, “All lines keep moving.” In other words, no one should be standing still while waiting for a ride. And so, through elaborate twists and turns, the lines in the park weave their way around multiple corners and obstacles till you’re finally ready to board your ride. Truth is, your wait was never reduced at all; you simply thought it was. You never really made more progress; you just thought you did. By keeping you moving, they capitalized on the power of illusion. Consequently, because you felt they were getting you to your ride quickly, your enjoyment increased.

Disneyland Youth Ministry (2)

From Youth Leader Connection on Thursday, January 29, 2004
in the "Articles" Category.
While taking his daughters to a park one day, Walt Disney noticed that all the children were clamoring for the outside horses on the carousel. There were plenty of other horses, but the ones on the outer ring were the most popular. After watching the kids for a while, he realized why: all the other horses had chipped paint, and only moved forward, not up and down.

YLC Strategy Newsletter for November 2003

From Youth Leader Connection on Saturday, November 1, 2003
in the "Newsletters" Category.
Take some time to read through this issue of Strategy; in it we'll guide you through the calendar maze and the big event puzzle. That's right - this issue centers on the art of planning. As you read, make some mental notes and jot down a few ideas; then head into your fall planning session better equipped to address reality. Come next spring, you, your leaders and your students will be eternally grateful.