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Youth Leaders

Why a Youth Lock In Schedule Makes a World of Difference

Youth ministry is synonymous with the youth lock in. Teenagers enjoy staying up all night together and telling everyone about it the next day. But without a solid youth lock in schedule, you might be in for a rude awakening.

How to Use Journals in Preteen Ministry

The age range of preteens may be rather narrow, but the avenues for preteen ministry are wide. For a meaningful preteen and tween activity that helps kids explore and grow their faith, consider breaking out paper and pens.

Why Your Youth Ministry Program Can’t Stay Stuck in the ’80s

Most of our strategies to reach and disciple young people haven't changed since the '80s. Find out why your youth ministry program needs to leave that approach in the past.

15 Christian T-Shirts You Might Have Owned If You Grew Up in a Youth Group

If you were a youth group kid in the 80's and 90's, you more than likely owned and wore Christian t-shirts that copied a well-known logo or phrase that was tweaked to share the Gospel. Maybe you'll recognize some of these.

Youth Ministry Outreach Ideas: Practical Tips for Making an Impact

Youth ministry outreach ideas are essential. Every youth-focused church program provides opportunities to witness for Jesus. It's up to leaders to harness those opportunities.

Ministry Branding for Maximum Outreach and Impact

For many local churches, ministries and Christian nonprofits, branding and marketing can be difficult practices to grasp. But ministry branding merely entails communicating who you really are (or rather, who you’re striving to be).

5 Youth Lessons on Prayer for Your Ministry to Kids

For any Christian program aimed at educating young people, prayer is an important topic. Kids need to hear that God listens to and answers all their prayers. That’s why we’ve collected several helpful youth lessons on prayer.

Student Worship: 5 Steps for Building a Youth Praise Team

If your youth ministry can have a student worship band or youth praise team, it will powerfully impact the way teens worship and connect with God. Youth led worship sets a model for peers and gives kids ownership in the ministry.

How To Lead When There Is Mother Daughter Drama

One of the tricky parts of leading in your home with teenagers is when two women that you love are at odds – your wife and your daughter. And before you know it, you're right in the middle of mother - daughter drama.

A Prayer for Youth Leaders as You Passionately Serve

Dear fellow youth ministers, I want you to know I said a prayer for youth leaders this morning. It was sparked by my own need for encouragement, but I'm hoping these words (and my words to God) boost your spirits as well.

Youth Ministry Parent Meeting: 5 Steps to Success

No matter the season, youth ministers always have important information they need to share with parents. Whether you're preparing for a mission trip or the annual back-to-school kickoff, a youth ministry parent meeting is a great way to keep everyone in the communications loop.

Can You Pass the Timothy Test?

Toward the end of the Apostle Paul’s final letter he gave his younger protege, Timothy, four challenges. I’ve come to nickname these challenges “The Timothy Test.”

Youth Ministry Student Roles: 10 Ways to Increase Teen Ownership

One of the most amazing things you'll ever do in youth ministry is empower students to take ownership of the program. After all, it's their ministry (or should be). Having youth ministry student roles helps turn that goal into a reality.

Proud Father Teaches Son How to Stack Chairs in Front of Youth Group Girls

According to sources, local dad Michael Stoutt is training up his son in the way he should go and teaching him how to be a man. Just as his father before him taught him the ways of chair-stacking at church, Michael is now teaching his son Marcus to stack chairs.

Was There Any Value in Purity Culture or Was It All Just a Mistake?

Whether we’re married or single, purity begins in the heart, and that’s why God tells us, “Above all else, guard your heart [mind, inner being], for it is the wellspring of life”.

Summer Camp Planning: 3 Key Ingredients for Success

Planning ahead is crucial for almost all elements of youth group programming. This is especially true for any kind of camp or trip. Here are three key ingredients for successful summer camp planning.

10 Rock – Solid Reasons You Should NOT Quit Youth Ministry

Perhaps you’re one of those youth leaders who is rethinking your role as a youth leader. Here are 10 rock-solid reasons you should not quit.

Youth Ministry Summer Strategy: 4 Scheduling Tips for Intentionality

An age-old debate in youth ministry is whether to take the summer off. I've always landed on the side of NO! The caveat is that you need to carefully consider your youth ministry summer strategy.

18 Youth Group Games, Lessons and Activities for Teens

A thriving youth group is crucial for churches that want to grow. But planning youth group games and activities week after week can be tough. Here are 18 youth group games and activities you can use at your youth events to keep things fresh.

Youth Group Summer Camps: 3 Reasons They’re Vital

With everything else that tends to get packed into the precious summer months, you might be tempted to skip camp this summer. But I encourage you not to make that mistake!
Anya Lee

‘I Was Gone’—Christian Musician Anya Lee Releases New Music Inspired by...

God spared the life of pastor's kid and Christian musician Anya Lee, so now she is dedicating her life to sharing the gospel through music.
Joby Martin

Joby Martin: What Happens When Pastors Finally Understand Grace

Joby Martin joins “The Stetzer ChurchLeaders Podcast” to discuss what happens when a church leader has truly been run over by the “grace train" and understands the profound love and grace of God.

Youth Leaders