How A Mud Run Transformed My View of Christianity
Obstacles I recently completed my 6th Tough Mudder in as many years. A Tough Mudder is a 10-12 mile obstacles course with 20-25 obstacles and plenty of mud. They intentionally implement several obstacles that cannot be completed without the help of others. The first year I ran was on the anniversary of the Columbine shooting. […]
Triumph from Tragedy: 18 years later Hope Prevails
As a junior in high school I was looking forward to going to prom in a week and celebrating my 17th birthday a few days after that. But in one fateful morning all of that became inconsequential and my life was forever changed. It was a beautiful spring day and we begged the teachers to let us […]
Ways to Win this Lent: 7 Quick Tips
1. Intentionally look beyond yourself Though Lent is a time for prayer and fasting, it does not mean you are called to be a narcissist. Strive to build up the kingdom of God through your prayers and fasting. Do someone else’s chores. Invite someone to join you for a Holy Hour. Offer up your suffering for […]
Battling Burnout
When I was new into ministry I asked a priest if he had an advice for a new youth minister. “Take care of yourself,” he said. “You have to look out for yourself because no one else will.” I thought he might be exaggerating, after all I was working for a Church and anyone working […]
3 Tips to Combat Relativism
Well, that’s just your opinion. Don’t force your beliefs on me. Intolerant. Hater. Bigot. These are all things you’ve heard and may have been called. Why? Because you’re teaching the truth of Jesus Christ. A few years ago I was in the Austin airport and overheard two teens talking. The girl, who I learned was […]
8 Steps for a Strong Volunteer Team
This may seem backwards, but you are called to first minister to your volunteers, then to your teens. Your volunteers may need you to show them how to more effectively minister to your teens, but you must pour into your volunteers to help them learn, grow, multiply, and become disciple makers. 8 STEPS FOR A […]
3 Cities, 7 Deaths…NOW WHAT?!
You’d have to be living under a rock to not know what has been happening in our country over the past week. There were multiple fatal shootings by police officers being called into question with a public outcry helped by witness’s video, then someone taking the law into his own hands and ending the lives […]
YM Exposed: Things I Never Thought I’d Do
Whenever you began your youth ministry career you had hopes and aspirations. You may have been excited to lead teens to Christ, catechize them on the truths of the faith, and build relationships with them. You probably expected some joys and challenges to take place like teens encountering Christ, occasional difficulties with co-workers or parents, […]
Why Youth Ministers Need to Miss Youth Group
Every year I have a youth group session where I’m intentionally not there. That’s right, I miss it on purpose. I set it up to occur in the fall semester, usually October or November. Some might think that by missing youth group I’m not doing my job, but by missing that session I’m able to do my […]
5 Simple Steps to Create Engaging Talks
You’ve worked on your talk for weeks in prayer and preparation. You’re excited to deliver the Truth of Christ to the youth. Then, as you’re passionately speaking, you look out to see a room filled with glazed over eyes. They have completely checked out. We’ve all been there. Here’s 5 ways to keep your audience […]