I didn’t make anything new this week.
I literally just hit post.
Let me show you exactly what I shared using my Summer Content Pack—and how it performed.
Plus two bonus pieces of content that were the true all-stars at the end of this video!
And if you’re interested in seeing more of what the Hybrid Ministry Show has to offer, I’d love to encourage you to check out more!
Summer in youth ministry doesn’t have to mean blowing your entire budget on expensive outings or elaborate events. With a little creativity (and maybe some duct tape), you can provide incredible experiences that engage your students without draining your wallet.
Start simple—never underestimate the power of classic backyard games with a creative twist. Try grabbing a big pilates ball on Amazon and play any normal game you can think of using the oversized sports equipment! Soccer, kickball, volleyball all get way sillier with the larger twist on the game! You might want to order two though… just in case.
Outdoor movie nights are another easy win. Project a favorite film onto a wall or bedsheet, spread blankets on the lawn, and pop plenty of popcorn. Encourage students to bring their own snacks, creating a potluck vibe and keeping your costs minimal.
How about a photo scavenger hunt around town? Divide students into teams, give them quirky challenges (“pose like a statue,” “create a human pyramid,” “find something older than your youth pastor”), and let them snap away. Gather afterward to laugh at the results—bonus points if you showcase their creativity on social media or during a youth group meeting.
Another budget-friendly idea is a DIY craft day. Raid the church supply closet or local thrift stores for craft materials and let creativity run wild. Tie-dye shirts, friendship bracelets, or custom-painted photo frames not only spark creativity but also give students tangible souvenirs from the summer.
Finally, embrace service projects as inexpensive, meaningful activities. Gardening, park clean-ups, or volunteering at local food pantries cost next to nothing but provide priceless opportunities for teaching empathy, teamwork, and community involvement.
Remember, creativity beats cash every time. With a little imagination, you can craft summer experiences your students will treasure long after the budget spreadsheets have faded.
The “done-for-you” social media strategy is dead in 2025—and it might be quietly hurting your youth ministry.
HubSpot’s latest report says real impact comes from micro-connections over time, not cookie-cutter content.
If you want to win on social this summer without burning out, show up with authenticity, stay consistent, and use tools that amplify your voice—not replace it.
And if you’re interested in seeing more of what the Hybrid Ministry Show has to offer, I’d love to encourage you to check out more!
Summer in youth ministry often feels like a nonstop whirlwind of activity, full of games, retreats, camps, and more pizza than you’d like to admit. Amidst this controlled chaos, it’s surprisingly easy to overlook those precious, teachable moments. But don’t worry! With just a little intentionality and some strategic timing, you can capture these spiritual gold mines hiding in plain sight.
Let’s be honest: long van rides with teenagers aren’t typically known for deep theological discussions (unless you count heated debates over playlist selections). However, these confined spaces, where escape is impossible, actually provide the perfect opportunity for genuine conversations. Turn down the radio, ask thoughtful, open-ended questions, and watch as meaningful dialogue unfolds. Who knew that being stuck in traffic could lead to breakthroughs in faith?
And let’s not underestimate the spiritual power of a late-night bonfire. As marshmallows catch fire (again) and glow sticks mysteriously disappear, conversations tend to shift toward deeper things of life and faith. Lean into these moments. Ask reflective questions or encourage your students to share their own stories. There’s something magical about crackling flames and stars overhead that encourages authenticity.
Then there are those spontaneous hangouts—moments that seem completely random but are often perfectly timed. Whether it’s an impromptu ice cream run or an unexpected thunderstorm that sends everyone running for cover, these spontaneous events can become memorable bonding experiences. Use these moments to build trust, laugh together, and create a safe space where spiritual conversations naturally arise.
Finally, empower your students to lead devotionals or share their testimonies whenever possible. Trusting them with spiritual leadership not only boosts their confidence but also deeply impacts their peers. You might be amazed at the insight and depth teenagers can bring to the table when given the opportunity.
Remember, summer is about more than just surviving—it’s about making moments count. Capture and cherish these interactions because long after the sunscreen washes away and the tan lines fade, these spiritually significant conversations will leave a lasting impression.
Two legendary youth ministry games.
One epic showdown. Will Gaga Ball’s chaos reign supreme?
Or will the high-flying strategy of 9 Square (Nine Square in the Air) take the crown?
Stick around as we settle the score once and for all — and help YOU pick the ultimate youth group game!
9-SQUARE https://walmrt.us/4lFQtMq
GAGA BALL https://walmrt.us/42T5weo
And if you’re interested in seeing more of what the Hybrid Ministry Show has to offer, I’d love to encourage you to check out more!
Summer camp season: the magical time when youth pastors everywhere wonder why they didn’t pursue a calmer career—like lion taming or diffusing bombs. Don’t worry! You’re not alone, and your sanity is salvageable. Here are some practical tips and humorous anecdotes to help you and your volunteers thrive (and survive) through the chaos of camp planning and execution.
1. Embrace the Chaos (Within Reason)
Accept it now: things will not go perfectly. Buses will break down, teenagers will lose shoes (and socks, and backpacks), and volunteers will inevitably panic at least once. Embrace the chaos, laugh often, and remember: today’s crisis is tomorrow’s hilarious campfire story.
2. Prep Like a Pro (But Be Flexible)
Have detailed schedules, contingency plans, and an emergency snack stash. But also be ready to toss the schedule when spontaneous dance-offs, impromptu talent shows, or sudden downpours hijack your plans. Flexibility is your superpower.
3. Take Care of Your Volunteers
Your volunteers are your greatest asset—treat them like royalty. Provide clear instructions, ample coffee, and the occasional chocolate surprise. Remember, a well-caffeinated and appreciated volunteer can withstand almost any amount of adolescent drama.
4. Create Your Own “Sanity Station”
Designate a quiet, volunteer-only zone stocked with essentials like snacks, beverages, comfy chairs, and earplugs. Brief escapes to recharge can transform overwhelmed volunteers into refreshed and enthusiastic camp heroes.
5. Document Everything (Especially the Funny Moments)
Assign someone to capture camp moments, especially the funny mishaps. Create a post-camp highlight reel for volunteers and students to enjoy later. Laughing together post-camp can help everyone recover from the inevitable exhaustion.
Summer camp season is intense, but with preparation, humor, and heaps of grace, you can save your sanity and create memories that last a lifetime. You’ve got this—now go be awesome!
When should you promote elementary students—right after school ends or just before the fall kickoff?
In this video, we’re breaking down the pros and cons of beginning-of-summer vs end-of-summer promotions to help you make the best move for your ministry.
Whether you promote from 5th to 6th or 6th to 7th, or just want to avoid the chaos of unclear grade promotions—this one’s for you!
And if you’re interested in seeing more of what the Hybrid Ministry Show has to offer, I’d love to encourage you to check out more!
Ah, vacation—an elusive concept that often feels like mythical folklore for those in youth ministry. But guess what? Taking a genuine break isn’t just possible; it’s essential. Here’s why you shouldn’t feel guilty about switching into vacation mode and some practical tips to make sure your time away actually leaves you refreshed, not more stressed.
1. Remember, You’re Human
It’s easy to forget amidst lock-ins, retreats, and endless texting marathons that you’re human too. Burnout isn’t a badge of honor; it’s a red flag waving wildly, urging you to rest. Taking time away isn’t selfish—it’s stewardship of your energy and ministry longevity.
2. Set Clear Boundaries (And Stick to Them)
Before your vacation starts, set clear boundaries for when (and if) you’ll check in. Communicate this clearly to your team and parents. This way, everyone knows the plan, and you won’t be haunted by the ghost of “just one quick question” every five minutes.
3. Delegate Like You Mean It
Trust your team. Delegate tasks and responsibilities clearly before leaving. Empower your volunteers or coworkers with the authority they need. And here’s a secret: most will rise to the occasion. Plus, you might even come back to find a couple of hidden ministry talents uncovered.
4. Silence Those Notifications (Yes, Even That One)
This might be the hardest step, but it’s critical. Turn off email and social media notifications on your phone. Temporarily delete ministry-related apps if necessary. Trust me, the world (and your ministry) will survive without your immediate responses.
5. Plan for Refreshment, Not Perfection
Don’t pressure yourself into planning the “perfect” getaway. Sometimes, the best vacations are simple: an afternoon with a good book, a hike in nature, or a day of absolutely nothing. Prioritize rest over Instagram-worthy adventures—your mental health will thank you.
Remember, youth ministry is a marathon, not a sprint. Taking genuine, guilt-free time off is part of the race strategy. You’ll return stronger, clearer, and ready to tackle whatever wild adventures await your next ministry season.
Summer is coming, and youth pastors everywhere are asking—do we keep programming or hit pause?
In this video, we’ll break down the pros and cons of both options and help you decide what’s right for your ministry this summer.
Stick around till the end for a FREE resource: 100 social media ideas to keep students engaged—even if you hit pause.
Plus 3 tips for summer ministry, regardless of the direction you choose
And if you’re interested in seeing more of what the Hybrid Ministry Show has to offer, I’d love to encourage you to check out more!
Summer is knocking on the door, and you’re about to dive headfirst into the chaos of camp, retreats, and endless youth group activities. But before you buckle up for the whirlwind ahead, make sure you have these five essential conversations with parents. Trust me, a little proactive chatting now can save a world of headaches later.
1. Expectations Chat
Kick things off by clearly setting expectations for the summer. What should parents anticipate in terms of involvement, costs, schedules, and the likelihood of their kids coming home covered in mud, sunscreen, or glitter? Clarity now means fewer frantic midnight texts later (well, hopefully).
2. “The Tech Talk” (Youth Group Edition)
Yes, this is like the awkward parental “birds and bees” talk but about phones and devices. Clarify your policy on tech use during events and camps. Remind parents that the “no phones” rule isn’t cruel—it’s to make sure their teen actually sees something other than the glow of their screen for at least a week.
3. Summer Goals and Spiritual Growth
Discuss your ministry’s spiritual goals for the summer. Parents love to hear that you’re intentionally planning beyond just keeping their kids busy. Outline what you’re teaching and how parents can support the same spiritual themes at home—yes, even when their child rolls their eyes dramatically.
4. The Emergency Protocol Chat
Have an honest (but humorous) conversation about emergencies. Clarify your procedures and reassure parents you’ve thought about everything from bee stings to homesickness to zombie apocalypses. Being prepared never hurt anyone, especially when you’re responsible for a van full of teenagers.
5. The “We’re on the Same Team” Pep Talk
Remind parents you’re allies, not adversaries, in this whole “raising a teenager” business. Emphasize open communication and mutual support. Bonus tip: throw in a casual reminder that Starbucks gift cards go a long way in securing extra blessings (just kidding…kind of).
Taking time for these five conversations now will not only smooth the road ahead—it will make you look like a ministry rockstar who really has their act together. Happy chatting!