College Football Playoff Chaos & Bible Reading

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 […]

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, […]

Maximizing Summer Ministry: Rest or Ramp Up?

Many of us will wrap up our school year within the next few weeks. I have always appreciated the transition into summer ministry because it brings a different pace. The opportunities we have in the summer create a rhythm that is unattainable during the school year. Over my time in ministry, I have approached the […]

Hiring: Four Ways Your Interviews Can Be Better

Have you ever sat in bad interviews? These happen all the time in our churches. But it doesn’t have to be that way. As a church, finding the right person to lead your Youth or Children’s Ministry is crucial to the spiritual growth and development of the young members of your congregation. The interview stage […]

VBS Tips for First Timers

Love it or loathe it, Vacation Bible School looms on our advance planning calendar. Maybe you’re new to ministry altogether. Perhaps you’re one of the first timers at the VBS helm, desperate for tips, and don’t even know where to begin. At some churches, VBS is a major outreach event, and for others, it’s a […]