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Youth Leaders

Getting in Shape: 4 Reasons Youth Ministers Need to Be Physically Fit

Getting in shape can be a challenge but is well worth it. Read one youth minister's take on physical fitness for church leaders.

Who Is Jesus: A Bible Study for Youth About the Word of God

Who is Jesus? That's a key question for any youth group to explore. This Bible study for youth explores Jesus' identity as the Word of God.

God’s Will for My Life: Help Teens Discover Their Purpose

Many teenagers are asking, "What is God's will for my life?" Young people want to know their purpose on this earth. How will you answer teenagers' questions about God's plan for their life?

Crazy Youth Group Games: Play These at Your Own Risk!

Check out these 10 crazy youth group games. Which ones will your teens go crazy over!

Conquering the Challenge of Biblical Unity

Unity matters. Doctrine matters too. But not all doctrine is created equal. There are five foundational truths we must build our networks upon so they won’t fall “with a great crash.”

Movies About the Bible & Biblical Themes: 22 Films for Youth Groups

Movies about the Bible and biblical themes are ideal for youth ministry lessons and events. Consider these 15 films for teen studies at your church.

Want Youth Group Transformation? Start Here.

"Of the 20-plus books I’ve written over the past 20-plus years, Gospelize Your Youth Ministry is the most important."

Spiritual Works of Mercy: 17 Bible-Based Acts for Youth Groups

What are spiritual works of mercy? And how can youth groups participate? Discover 17 ways teen can be selfless servants.

Opening Letter to Parents: What Your Teenagers Need

Use this opening letter to parents to thank, educate, encourage, and inspire parents of teens at your church.

Your Youth Ministry Philosophy Cheat Sheet

Having a clear philosophy enables you to focus on what’s truly important for your youth group and weed out what’s not.

Reasons Not to Smoke Weed (Even if It’s Legal in Your State)

These days, many U.S. teens need to hear reasons not to smoke weed. Share these 10 arguments against using marijuana with kids in your youth ministry.

On Making an Emotional Decision for Christ

Some people, nervous about the sheer shock value of biblical truths, will gently rebuke me with statements like, “Well, we need to make sure our teens aren’t just making an emotional decision for Christ.”

3 Reasons To Stop Treating Youth Pastors Like the JV Team

Youth ministry is some of the most important work a person could do. Further, it’s some of the most important work a church could support. Here are three reasons to start treating youth pastors like “real” pastors.

Is Manifesting a Sin? A Biblical Look at This Psychological Trend

Is manifesting a sin? The concept is trendy among teens and young adults. Learn about manifesting and explore what the Bible says about it.

Transgender Student: Heartfelt Thoughts From a Youth Pastor

If a transgender student attends your youth group or a nearby school, what will you tell them? Consider this approach, in one youth minister's heartfelt letter.

Sunday School Games: 8 Fun, Ageless Activities for Youth Groups

Although these Sunday school games are designed for children, older kids are sure to enjoy them too. Adapt these 8 fun games for teens in your youth group!

Youth Ministers: Watch Out for These 6 Attacks From the Devil

If I were the devil, I'd have a field day with youth ministers. Discover six vulnerabilities of youth workers, and consider ways to bolster your spiritual armor!

Street Apologetics

Street apologetics is a term I use to describe insights I learned while doing evangelism on the streets. Christians can use these strategies on social media, in the halls of schools, and of course, on actual streets!

Youth Group Games: 3 Go-to Games Your Teens Will Love

Need some quick youth group games? When time is short, what do you do? Chances are, you pull out an old standby that works time and time again. Here are 3 easy, classic youth group games.

Movies About Bullying: 12 Films to Get Teens Talking

Movies about bullying can help spark important discussions among teens and preteens. Use films about bullies to introduce the topic, generate conversations, and teach biblical lessons.
candace cameron bure

Candace Cameron Bure Says Her Son’s Sermon Was ‘Pivotal’ to Her...

In 2020, Candace Cameron Bure and her husband, Valeri, were going through a “rough season” in their marriage, to the point that Bure didn’t know if they were going to make it. The turning point came when their son Lev sat them down and gave a “45-minute sermon on marriage.”
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