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Replacing vs. Partnering with parents
The more I read youth ministry blog posts, it feels like there’s a growing dichotomy between how we work with parents in our youth ministries. The first approach doesn’t come right out and say this,...
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What I’m processing about stage-of-life ministry and ecclesiology [video]
A lot has happened in my family in the past two years! Most of you know I lost my job about two years ago and was searching for a youth ministry position while working for myself as a full-time blogger...
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Getting kids to commit to youth group events
Here’s a question I was recently asked by a youth worker: “Will I have a better attendance if I have kids commit to an event months ahead of time or is it better to have them just show up the day of...
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Pioneering a “better way” for youth ministry
This is on the front page of Amazon.com right now. Does anyone else feel this way about youth ministry? I feel like I’ve been wrestling with “figuring out a better way” for a few years now. As much...
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It’s okay to quit your youth ministry job
After serving in vocational youth ministry for 12 years and revolving my life around everything youth ministry entails, it felt really weird the moment I was no longer employed by a church. I...
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How family ministry is influenced by the American Church Story
As you read this I’m getting on a plane for the D6 Conference in Dallas this week. I’m looking forward to talking a lot about family ministry and the church and would love for you to join me in...
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What is the goal of biblical teaching?
Most churches have small groups, bible studies, Sunday morning messages, Sunday school, accountability partners, support groups, and more. What is the goal of biblical teaching that happens in these...
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Why (and how) to supplement your ministry salary
When I lost my youth ministry job a few years ago I was very glad I had this site. All the time and energy I had poured into Life In Student Ministry over the years suddenly made this blog become an...
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An idea for making parents the spiritual leaders of the home
A few weeks ago I sat at a table in a coffee shop with several other local youth workers. I was wrestling through the idea of youth ministry at Red Door Church that’s based on bringing teens and...
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What do you deeply believe about family?
So, let’s say a mom of two teenagers comes to you and says, “My husband is spiritually absent from the family and we’re really looking for a place where we can plug in and grow spiritually. Can you do...
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6 questions every pastor must ask about their family
I’ve been learning more and more that there are a lot of things I say I believe, but my actions don’t always fully support those “beliefs” as consistently as I want them to. These lessons have resulted...
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How to disciple families for a multi-generational impact
Last week I shared 6 questions every pastor must ask about their family. Each of these questions come out of my own experienced over the past year or two. Some of them are questions others have spoken...
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What church budgets reveal we believe about the family
It’s been said that if you want to see where someone’s true values lie, take a look at their checkbook. I’m thankful that churches are taking family ministry more and more seriously, but I think the...
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