I wanted to let you know as a reader of Youth Ministry Ideas about my launch of an online community for youth leaders called YOUTHMINISTRY.WS YouthMinistry.ws is like an online community for youth leaders where you can do anything from get your own youth ministry, post pics, videos,

I just got back from a youth conference that I will blog about soon and Rick Young (who also MC’d the event) – Middle School Pastor at First Baptist Church Woodstock shared with the youth pastors and leaders about how to last in youth ministry. Rick has been at his church for the past 16 years! Currently the average stay of a youth pastor is anywhere from 18 months to 3 years. We need to change this so here are 1o principles for lasting in youth ministry.

Keep Growing – Key: …

I have decided to create what I’m calling a parent advisory team. Other names might be “board” “committee” or something similar to that. The reason that I’m doing this is to give my youth ministry some parental guidance and for parents to begin to take some responsibility in the youth ministry.
Here are some pros and cons to consider:
Pros:

Gets some parents involved – Many youth leaders or youth workers need more parents involved and one way to get this started is by allowing some parents to meet monthly to help you …

I’m excited to share with you about a new Youth Ministry Conference called Scribble Sessions.
I will be going to Scribble Sessions so I’m looking forward to meeting any that may also be attending this event. I believe it will be one of the best youth ministry conferences this year!
I spoke with Chris Ball who is helping to coordinate Scribble Sessions and I wanted to share with you about what it will be about. I want to apologize first because I wanted to write about this last month, but I have …

This week we are doing VBS at our church and I must say if you want a good idea – get some of your middle school students from the youth ministry to help you lead games or crafts or assist teachers.
Here’s Why:

Tons of energy – Middle schoolers will bring a natural energy to the group. This is really great for boosting enthusiasm and creativity.
Gives them some leadership – Since they are under an adult leader still, they are still able to lead but in a controlled way. Controlling probably isn’t …

About a year ago Jeff Borton contacted me to let me know that there was a book that was on its way called Simple Student Ministry. He asked that I would let others know about it on my blog to gather some input from other youth workers across the country.

It has come to light that a major problem plaguing youth groups around the country is what happens to their high school seniors after their first year at college.  Most of the time, their involvement with youth groups dead ends after their initial enrollment in school as they get easily distracted by the prospect of easily meeting friends at parties.  It is this problem that has frustrated youth ministers for the past few years.  While they build up great youth members throughout their high school years, they are losing them …