Have you noticed the chaos that followed the announcement by the College Football Playoff selection committee? One school feels snubbed, while the other feels like they deserve it. One group believes in their record, while the other claims that the playoffs are a mere invitational. No matter the committee’s decisions, someone was bound to be […]
Category Archives: Spiritual Growth
After The Program: What’s Next?
For many of us, VBS 2023 is over. We’ve loved seeing volunteers serve, loads of kids on campus, and many new faces. But I have to ask you, is it actually over? What’s next? Whether you held a VBS, summer camp, or another outreach-oriented event this summer, the program’s conclusion is not the end. Now, […]
Am I Doing This Right?
There was a time when I wondered, “Am I doing ministry right?” This feeling went on for years. Yes, I would feel good about events we were hosting, and sometimes I’d even feel good about a sermon, lesson, or small group. But, I still felt unsure whether I was doing ministry well. Then one day, I learned […]
Creative Options For Continuing Education
If you’re one of the Youth, Children’s, or Family Ministers out there whose church provides funding for continuing education, you might think big conferences are the only way to use that money. Those events can be so fun, impactful, and energizing to your ministry! Often, however, you’ll also need travel funds, hotel reservations, ride-share costs, […]
Compassion Fatigue – Recognize the Signs
You love this job. You love the people with whom you get to work, and you love the Lord! So why do you feel like you cannot muster the empathy and sympathy to care as deeply as you should right now? You’re exhausted. I don’t mean sleep-deprived, which is completely possible, but you’ve found that […]
Lead Well This Year
Here are a few ideas to remember as you seek to make Christ known and lead well in 2023.
GET READY FOR TOUGH QUESTIONS
“Can God create a rock so heavy that He can’t move it?” If you’ve ever had a student ask you this question or a question like it, you might have dismissed it. It’s a bit of a silly question, and I’m betting it was probably a silly student who asked it. But, if you were […]
Five Ways To Prepare For Next Year
It’s nearing the end of the calendar year. Some of us are overly busy in Advent and Christmas services, while others are winding down. Regardless of where you are, you can use the final few weeks of this year well. Because the truth is this, it is easy to bury our heads. It is easy […]
Difficulty And Beauty Held Together
Difficulty and beauty held together… They don’t have to be opposites, it’s not an either or situation in ministry. We can feel both.
Helping Teens Keep Their Faith After High School
As teens grow to be integrated members of Christ’s body, the Church, they will be better equipped as young adults to keep their faith after they leave high school and find their way within other bodies of worship.