Volunteer Training, Simplified
The ministry year is in full swing! We’re drinking more coffee than ever and have full voicemail inboxes, but to God be the glory! At this point in the fall semester, you might still be searching for volunteers, or you may be realizing that the ones you have still need some help. Today’s post is to […]
For When You Don’t Feel Like It
The world promises you comfort, but you were not made for comfort. You were made for greatness. — Pope Benedict XVI I have a confession to make. Rarely, do I feel like doing ministry. I don’t feel bad in telling you this. I told some of my youth this the other day during small group. […]
Give Them What They Came For
The question I’m most frequently asked at the start of any given youth night is “What game are we playing tonight?” The truth is that for a number of our youth it’s the things like snacks, social activities, and games that really gain their interest in coming. I challenge you to give them what they come for! Most of […]
Get Out of the Way
Ministry is almost as much preparation and planning as it is getting out of the way and letting God work. We must learn how to get out of the way of what God is trying to do in the lives of the youth and volunteers. I have to allow growth, progress, and His plan to take shape. It’s not my ministry, but His.
Let Saint Teresa of Calcutta be Your Ministry Mentor
“Vocation is belonging to Christ. The work is only a means for us to put our love of Christ into action.” Holy Toledo Batman. Read that again… What a rockstar. I recently wrote a paper on Mother Teresa’s spirituality in the midst of the modern world. (Don’t worry, I am not about to copy and paste […]
10 Things I’ve Learned in Ministry
After working as a rookie youth minister for over a year now, I see how this past year has brought so many blessings and opportunities. It’s been a year of growth and has changed me for the better. Here’s the top ten things that youth ministry has taught me so far.
Big News for Next Level Ministry… Partnership Announcement!
Next Level Ministry is overjoyed to announce our new partnership with Ablaze Ministries! Next Level Ministry has always been committed to excellence in ministry leadership. Partnering with Ablaze Ministries will allow us to do just that at, well, the next level. Ablaze Ministries is committed to supporting and building up excellent youth ministers to build […]
How to Plant an Invisible Garden
That’s the thing with middle school youth ministry: we are not the ones watching the fruit grow. We are merely planting seeds, or sometimes just tilling the soil to help make a place where something might grow someday. And honestly, it’s not even us doing the work. We’re just lucky enough that the Holy Spirit is choosing to use our feeble hands to further the Kingdom of God here on Earth. God has the power and ability to use every game we play, every word we speak, every time of small group, every smile, every interaction, every meal, and every prayer said to move the hearts of these kids, and move my heart as well.
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, […]
The Problem with Youth Ministry is that it is an Adolescent Itself
Youth ministry is not perfect. Many blogs have recently pointed out the problems Youth Ministry has. It tries to be the primary catechist and takes Sunday nights away from families. It’s not mentioned in the bible and does not have a great retention rate. It cannot hold the same authority that the parents or pastors […]