How To

4 Tips for Leveraging Science Minds in Student Ministry

I've felt bad at science for a LONG time. I've been confused by science for an even LONGER time. Can you relate? It started with my parents' reaction to my… Read More

How to Grow Your Faith Outside of Programming

As much as I wish students would clear their calendars and see weekly youth ministry programming as a not-to-be-missed part of their week, it just isn’t. And that’s okay, because… Read More

Leaving and Starting Well in Your Next Ministry

I just bought two boxes of Little Debbies Christmas Tree cupcakes last week (if you know, you know). Promptly after getting home, I put them in the cookbook cabinet where I hide food I don’t want my kids to see (don’t judge).… Read More

A Safe Place for Every Race

Deep inside every person is a desire to be welcomed and wanted. Many communities across the United States are rapidly diversifying and youth pastors need tools to create spaces where youth of all races are welcomed and wanted. This may seem daunting,… Read More

Activating the Power of Curriculum in Your Small Church

My absolute favorite line in a youth pastor job description is the line that sounds something like . . . “and other duties as assigned.” If you are serving in a smaller church, I know you started making a mental list when… Read More

How to Use XP3 Curriculum in a Combined Environment

In student ministry, one of the most important filters that everything can be run through is, “What is most helpful for the faith development of the students I’m working with?” Think about it. Everything from strategy, teaching, programming structure, or small group… Read More

Engaging Every Parent Everywhere

We as youth ministry leaders care about the faith and future of the next generation. To properly invest in our students, we know we must engage all parents everywhere. That includes not just the parents in our ministry, but the ones in… Read More

Why Hybrid Ministry is the Future

Let’s all face it: the future of the church is hybrid. But what does that mean? Most churches will say hybrid means offering both an online and an in-person option for watching a weekly message. But if we stop there, our idea… Read More

Don’t Let Busy Distract From What Matters

I’m going to start this blog off with an obvious statement: 2020 has been a rough year for ministry (and most other things). With so many new aspects to doing youth ministry, it’s pretty easy to get stuck focusing on the wrong… Read More