The Legacy I Hope to Leave My Kids

When my son was eight years old, he participated in a poetry reading at his school. Friends and family came to support these budding writers and dramatic readers, and just like all the proud parents, I couldn’t wait…

A Nighttime Blessing of Gospel Love

I sat outside my son’s room weeping. He just wouldn’t go to sleep. Tantrum followed wail followed discipline like cackles follow hyenas following prey. He wouldn’t listen. 10, 11, 12 times he wouldn’t listen. 13, 14, 15, times…

Jesus Doesn’t Want You to Be Nice

I thought I had taught a great lesson. I had brought scripture to life, provided thoughtful application points, and used some great illustrations from my own life. I, along with my youth volunteers, sat in small groups and…

Essentials in Youth Ministry: Retreats

Retreats. Chaos. Logistics. Long nights. Long drives.  Injuries. Fond memories. That is the sequence of words that follow in my mind when I think of youth retreats. When I think of what was most memorable in my time…