Nothing to Prove

I have spent quite a bit of time in my ministry career attempting to prove myself, whether it was through my worth as a communicator, teacher, or visionary, or simply as a pastor. This common struggle plagues most…

Approaching Sexuality in Youth Ministry

“My friend ‘came out’ recently as a bi-sexual.” she explained, sitting across from me on my frumpy youth office love seat.  “How did you respond?” I asked.  “I told her I was really proud of her,” she stated…

The Gospel According to Nate Ruess

“The lips of the adulteress drip honey and smoother than oil is her speech; but in the end she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword. Her feet go down to death, her steps take hold…

Which Matters Most: Form or Content?

As a youth pastor, the most important thing I do is pray for my students and their families. The next most important thing I do is teach teenagers the Word of God. Over the last year, my ministry…

Youth Group Culture: Bigger Than Ourselves

This is the fifth piece in our series on youth group culture that asks the question, “How do we create a culture of participation, passion, and engagement in the broader church in our youth groups?” The fourth piece…

HTH: Grace for the Older Brother

In this helpful article, author Syler Thomas asks the very important question, “Do we extend the same grace to the “older brothers” in our ministry?” We are often quick to welcome the younger prodigals into our youth ministries…

Youth Group Culture: Creating Passion

This is the fourth piece in our series on youth group culture that asks the question, “How do we create a culture of participation, passion, and engagement in the broader church in our youth groups?” The third piece…