14 Oct 2024

4 Things I Would Change if I Were Starting Today

By Ronald|2024-10-14T09:53:37-07:00October 14th, 2024|Youth Ministry Ideas|6 Comments

I’ve been in youth ministry for 16 years, which is wild—my youth ministry career could practically drive a car by now! Though, I’d probably need to take the test at least twice.

If I were starting at my very first church with all the experience, knowledge, and mistakes I’ve made along the way, what would I do differently? Or, if I were starting brand new at a church right now, what are the four things I would change?

Here they are!

I’d Have More Fun

I’ve heard it said many times, “What you win them with is what you win them to!”—as if having fun and being joyful in ministry is a bad thing.

Maybe it was my youth and lack of experience, but when I started out, I wanted to make sure everyone knew how serious I was.

If I were starting today, I’d be more willing to have fun with students, volunteers, parents, and the church as a whole. I’ve learned there are plenty of ways to show people I’m mature and capable, but only one way to show them I can have fun!

What would that look like? I’d be more comfortable incorporating games into lessons. I’d enjoy having fun with students outside of youth group without needing to add a spiritual element to everything. I’d also be okay with having fun just for fun’s sake.

I’d Focus More on Parents

This was definitely because of my youth, but I didn’t reach out to parents as much as I should have when I was starting out.

I was laser-focused on students, which is great—but now, if I were starting again, I’d make time for more coffees and lunches with parents. I’ve come to realize I didn’t need to have kids of my own to minister to parents effectively.

I’d take parents out to coffee and ask them about the challenges their families were facing. I’d ask how I could pray for them and find ways the ministry could better support them.

I’d listen a lot and communicate even more.

Speaking of…

I’d Over-Communicate Everything

We live in a world where communication is easier than ever. We have free email services, free social media platforms, free texting services, and free graphics tools.

What a time to be alive!

I’d make sure I was sending out consistent and well-thought-out communication every week. For parents, that would be an email with what we studied that week and the details of our most recent event. For students, I’d post frequently on social media about upcoming events and ask questions related to what we studied in youth group.

I’d Have an Easy-to-Communicate Vision

For both parents and students, I’d want them to clearly understand why we were doing what we were doing. I’d develop a ready-to-share “elevator pitch” to explain the purpose of our ministry.

At my last church, I communicated that we aimed for students to “Belong, Believe, and Become.” We wanted students to feel a sense of belonging at youth group, believe the Gospel, and become the people God created them to be by giving them opportunities to grow into that identity.

I also told parents that we’d focus on teaching students about the Attributes of God, the Gospel, Spiritual Disciplines, and Relationships. Could we cover more? Absolutely. But we wanted to ensure those four pillars were solid foundations for everything we did.

More than anything, I’d want parents to feel confident that I had a clear grasp of what we were doing and why.

Those are the four things I would change and focus on if I were just starting out today.

How about you? Any thoughts or suggestions? I’d love to hear them!

12 Aug 2024

Setting Spiritual Goals for the New School Year

By Ronald|2024-07-22T13:34:49-07:00August 12th, 2024|Leadership|22 Comments

As the new school year kicks off, it’s a great time to help your students set meaningful spiritual goals. The start of a new year brings fresh opportunities for growth and reflection. Here’s how you can guide your students in setting and achieving their spiritual goals for the year ahead.

Begin by hosting a goal-setting workshop. Gather your students and provide a space for them to reflect on their personal faith journeys. Encourage them to think about what they want to achieve spiritually over the coming year. Whether it’s developing a daily prayer habit, reading through the Bible, or growing in a specific area of their faith, help them articulate clear and achievable goals. Provide resources and tools, like goal-setting worksheets or journals, to support them in this process.

Next, pair students with accountability partners or small groups. Having someone to share their goals with can provide motivation and support. Create a system where students can check in regularly with their partners or small group members to discuss their progress, share challenges, and celebrate successes. This not only helps them stay accountable but also fosters a sense of community and encouragement.

Finally, establish a system for tracking and celebrating progress. Regularly check in on the students’ goals and celebrate their milestones. You could implement a progress tracking system using journals, apps, or a bulletin board where students can mark their achievements. Host milestone celebrations or recognition events to acknowledge their hard work and progress. This will help keep students motivated and focused on their spiritual growth throughout the year.

By guiding your students in setting spiritual goals, providing accountability, and celebrating their progress, you can help them make the most of the new school year and grow in their faith. Here’s to a year filled with spiritual growth and achievements!

Need to set some goals of your own? New to Ministry? We’ve got a great conference for you!

29 Jul 2024

Transitioning from Summer to Fall

By Ronald|2024-07-22T13:17:58-07:00July 29th, 2024|Youth Ministry Ideas|4 Comments

Can you believe summer is already wrapping up? It feels like just yesterday we were gearing up for camp and mission trips. As we bid farewell to those sunny days, it’s time to shift our focus to the fall season. Here are some tips and strategies to help make that transition smooth and successful for your ministry.

Program Planning: Keeping the Momentum Going

First things first, let’s talk about planning. Transitioning from the relaxed vibe of summer to the busier fall schedule can be a bit tricky, but with some thoughtful planning, it doesn’t have to be stressful.

Start Early: Don’t wait until the last minute to plan your fall programs. Start brainstorming and organizing well in advance. This gives you plenty of time to fine-tune details and address any potential hiccups.
Consistency is Key: Keep some of the successful elements from your summer programs. If a particular small group format or event worked well, consider incorporating it into your fall schedule.
Get Input: Involve your team and even your students in the planning process. Fresh ideas and perspectives can lead to innovative programs that resonate well with everyone.

Engaging New Students: Making Them Feel at Home

Fall often brings new faces to our youth groups – new students starting high school, kids moving into the area, or those just curious to check out what we’re all about. Making them feel welcome is crucial.

Warm Welcome: Create a welcoming atmosphere from the moment they walk in. Friendly greeters, a tour of your space, and introducing them to current students can make a big difference.
Icebreakers: Plan some fun icebreaker activities to help new students feel comfortable and start building relationships. Games, small group discussions, or team-building activities are great for this.
Buddy System: Pair new students with a “buddy” from your current group who can show them the ropes and be a friendly face they can turn to.

Parent Involvement: Building a Supportive Community

We all know that parents are key partners in ministry. Keeping them in the loop and encouraging their involvement can enhance your ministry’s impact.

Clear Communication: Send out a detailed calendar of fall events and programs. Consider using newsletters, emails, or even a dedicated app to keep parents informed.
Volunteer Opportunities: Invite parents to get involved in various ways, whether it’s helping with events, leading small groups, or simply providing snacks. Their involvement can enrich the experience for everyone.
Parent Meetings: Host a few parent meetings throughout the fall to discuss your plans, gather feedback, and address any concerns. This shows that you value their input and partnership.

Transitioning from summer to fall doesn’t have to be daunting. With a bit of planning, a focus on welcoming new students, and strong parent involvement, your ministry can smoothly shift into a new season full of growth and excitement. Here’s to an amazing fall!

Want to train your volunteers for the Fall in the best way possible? Let’s go! Check out the National Day of Volunteer Training below!

Sign up now!

15 Jul 2024

How to Do a Summer Check-In with Yourself in the Middle of a Crazy Season

By Ronald|2024-07-15T05:05:25-07:00July 15th, 2024|Leadership|10 Comments

As youth pastors, we know summer can be one of the busiest times of the year. Between camps, mission trips, and events, getting lost in the hustle and bustle is easy. Taking time for a self-check-in is essential to stay healthy, spiritually nourished, and effective in your ministry. You can’t serve from a place of complete burnout and exhaustion. It’s also near impossible to help others connect with God when you feel far from Him because you’re so busy serving.

Here are three steps to help you do just that:

1. Reflect and Reconnect with God

Why It’s Important: Your spiritual health is the foundation of your ministry. It’s challenging to pour into others effectively without a strong connection to God.

How to Do It:

Set Aside Quiet Time: Carve out at least 15-30 minutes daily to pray, read Scripture, and meditate on God’s word. This can be early morning, during a lunch break, or in the evening.
Journaling: Write down what God is teaching you during this season. Reflect on His faithfulness and any areas where you feel He’s leading you to grow.
Worship: Listen to worship music or sing your favorite hymns. Let the lyrics remind you of God’s goodness and sovereignty.

Pro Tip: Don’t see this as another task on your to-do list. It’s a vital time to refill your spiritual tank and hear from God amidst the busyness.

2. Evaluate Your Physical and Emotional Health

Why It’s Important: Your body and mind are instruments for God’s work. Neglecting your physical and emotional well-being can lead to burnout and affect the effectiveness of your ministry.

How to Do It:

Physical Health Check: Assess your current health habits. Are you getting enough sleep, eating nutritious meals, and exercising regularly? Small adjustments can significantly affect your energy levels and overall well-being.
Emotional Health Check: Reflect on your emotional state. Are you feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or joyful? It’s okay to acknowledge your feelings. Talk to a trusted friend, mentor, or counselor if you need support.
Rest and Recharge: Schedule downtime to rest and do things you enjoy. Whether reading a book, hiking, or spending time with family, prioritize rest.

Pro Tip: Remember, taking care of yourself is not selfish; it’s essential. You can’t serve others well if you’re running on empty.

3. Reassess Your Ministry Goals and Priorities

Why It’s Important: During a busy season, losing sight of your ministry’s overarching goals is easy. Reassessing ensures you stay aligned with your mission and make the most impact.

How to Do It:

Review Your Goals: Review the goals you set at the beginning of the summer. Are you on track? Do any goals need to be adjusted or prioritized differently?
Celebrate Wins: Acknowledge and celebrate the successes and progress made, no matter how small. This can boost morale and provide encouragement to keep going.
Delegate and Collaborate: Don’t be afraid to delegate tasks to your team or involve volunteers more. Empowering others lightens your load and fosters a sense of community and shared purpose.

Pro Tip: Keep a flexible mindset. Ministry is dynamic, and sometimes plans need to change. Be open to where God is leading, even if it’s different from your initial plan.

Taking time for a summer check-in can rejuvenate your spirit, mind, and body, enabling you to serve more effectively and joyfully. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. Lean on God and your community, and take care of yourself to continue to pour into the lives of the youth you minister to.

8 Jul 2024

Start Recruiting in the Summer

By Ronald|2024-07-08T04:49:53-07:00July 8th, 2024|Training, Volunteers|8 Comments

Summer is wild! You may be reading this from your summer camp bunk or on a mission trip in another country. You may even read this after finishing up a wild week and needing a pick-me-up.

So, why am I encouraging you to start recruiting fall leaders right now? Don’t you have enough to do already?

The reality is that people will commit to things in the fall long before you start your first small group meeting. They may even be committed to things before school starts for their kids! Locking down volunteers right now will ensure that you’ve got the leaders you need to make ministry great this next season!

And you can start recruiting by asking just three questions:

Who has been hanging around?

Whenever you have an event or start your summer programming, who are the adults that seem to be hanging around? Sometimes, you can identify a potential leader just because they hang out with students without being asked to! This doesn’t mean parents who throw their students out of the car while the wheels are still spinning make great volunteers, but parents who stick around and chat should definitely be on your radar!

Who do the students gravitate to?

In the same vein, who do your students normally move towards? This might be a parent hanging out or a college leader stopping by the student ministry to check out what’s going on. If your students are already gravitating towards this potential leader, why wouldn’t you keep track of them and put them through your volunteer process?

Who do your leaders speak highly of?

Leaders recruit leaders! People know that you are supposed to be gathering a team of ministry volunteers, but what about your leaders, who are around all the time? Who do they know in your church that might be a good fit for student ministry? Ask around and see who your leaders would recommend. You might be surprised at who they already have in mind!

Get ready to train them!

These aren’t the end-all or an automatic pass for volunteers! You’ll still need to meet with them, vet them, and train them to make sure they help the student ministry grow! Speaking of training, have you heard of DYM’s amazing training?

This Fall, kick off your ministry year with a customizable video-driven, fun, and helpful event, with practical youth ministry training for your volunteer youth workers. It’s packed with energy, discussion time, and fun-filled “we get you” memorable moments, and over the last 5 years we’ve trained 70,000+ volunteers!

3 Jun 2024

Summer Camp Leader Survival Bag

By Ronald|2024-06-03T06:34:29-07:00June 3rd, 2024|Youth Ministry Ideas, youth mission trips|10 Comments

Summer is upon us!

Which means camp is probably here soon (or next week!). You’ve got leaders ready to go with you on the trip. They aren’t your normal adults. They’re the ones who have a week of vacation they’re willing to burn, or they’re stay-at-home moms or retired seniors who like students enough to spend a week with them. But is there a way you can show them that you care about them and want to thrive during the week of summer camp?

I present to you: the Camp Leader Survival Bag.

What a great way to let leaders know you love them, are thankful for them and want them to have a great week of camp! It doesn’t have to be big, but it can have a big impact. Here some ideas of what you can put inside!

Earplugs – Needs no explanation.

Sleep mask – Do the cabins have blinds? NO? Cool.

Favorite snack and drink – text them and ask or have them fill out a quick Google form survey

Clorox wipes – You don’t know where that student has been

OTC Pain Reliever – We’re not young anymore. That’s why we’re CHAPERONES!

Leader Journal – They’ll have thoughts. Good and bad. Give them a place to write them out!

Sunscreen – It’s hot out there

Bugspray – Mosquitos are evidence of the fall. I’m sure of it.

Electrolytes – For adding to your water bottle that you definitely remembered.

Gum – You endeavor to brush your teeth, but camp happens.

Icy Hot Patches – You know. You know, you know.

Put all of it in a swag bag with your student ministry logo and look like a rockstar! Got any other ideas? I’d love to hear them!

Do YOU need a summer survival kit? DYM has got you covered! Grab this kit to get started right! Click this to find out more!

Need some ideas and resources to help you with summer programming? We’ve got you covered! Need help to prepare your leaders for summer camp? Check. It’s in here. Wondering what series to teach? Not to worry! This pack has got it all and more!

Summer Events Canva Graphics 6-Pack: Help plan your summer with ease using this event graphics 6-Pack which includes slides, Instagram Story & grid posts that you can customize on Canva!
Known: Discovering Our Identity in Christ: A 4-week series on our identity, value, and purpose in Christ.
Summer Camp Counselor Toolkit: If you run a summer camp or even just attend one and want some sweet pre-made resources for your counselors, then this is the tool kit for you.
Total Event Prep Kit: A resource to help leaders plan, execute & evaluate an event

13 May 2024

Following Up With Visitors and New Students

By Ronald|2024-05-13T11:43:29-07:00May 13th, 2024|Youth Ministry Hacks|7 Comments

When you get a chance to hang out with new students, do you have a process of making sure you can follow up with them? Do you follow up with them?

If you don’t have a process, you won’t follow up with students.

Here’s my suggestion to you and it’s in three parts:

Get Their Info

Every time you meet a new student, get their information. You need four things:

First and Last Name

Grade

Gender

Contact Info

What contact info do you need? That depends on you. What are you more likely to use to follow up with a student? Their phone number? Email? Street address?

Whatever you use, get the same thing each time. And determine HOW to get that info as well. Is it a card students fill out? Is it an online form they scan with a QR code?

In our ministry, I had students fill out a card and they got a big candy bar from me when they turned it in. You may want to give them a cool t-shirt or even a gift box, but that’s totally up to you!

Whatever you do, do the same thing each time because of step two.

Have a Plan for Follow-Up

Do you text every student after they come to youth group? Do you send them an email with links to next steps? Do you send them something in them mail?

Whatever you do, have a plan! It’d be best if you had students know that you are glad they showed up and let them know they’re welcome back anytime!

It’s totally fine to have a prewritten text or email or letter to send out to students. You can make it personalized with a few extra words or not. That’s up to you!

Put Follow-Up on Your Weekly To Do

Following up with students SHOULD be important. But if it’s not on your weekly list of things to do, it won’t get done.

Make it happen at the same time each week. Like every Thursday after youth group night. Or every Monday after Sunday is over with. Whatever you do, make sure it happens each week at the same time.

That will help you recognize when you have visitors and when you don’t. Knowing that will let you see if your group is inviting in friends or if they aren’t.

And if they aren’t, then you can learn what you can do about it!

Any extra thoughts? I’d love to hear them!

1 Apr 2024

Post Easter Recovery Guide

By Ronald|2024-04-01T04:25:16-07:00April 1st, 2024|Youth Pastor Life|9 Comments

Happy Easter Monday! I pray you had a great time celebrated the resurrected Jesus. That’s what youth ministry is all about! But let’s be real, you’re probably exhausted. Your church may have had a few more services than normal, a few more responsibilities got put on your plate, and you may have been asked to be Jesus in the Easter pageant because you’re the only one on staff who can grow a beard.

So, how do you recover from a really busy and hectic Easter season?

You can do a few things TODAY to help you reset, recharge, and avoid burnout.

Go Home!

No seriously. Get out of the office. Go home. You may have worked more than many hours at the office this last week. And if you attended a lot more services than normal, you have banked more than enough for a personal day. Take it. You’ll never be totally ready for a day off and never “get that time back”, so go home. Right now.

Turn Off Your Phone

Don’t just put it on “do not disturb,” but turn it off for an hour—just one hour free of notifications, dings, and emergencies. Take that time to pray, listen to music, read scripture, and reconnect with God. We use most of Easter to encourage and teach others. It’s possible we didn’t quite take anything in ourselves, so use this chance to reconnect.

Touch Grass

Easter services are a blast. We get to celebrate the Risen Savior and rejoice! We also probably did a lot of that under fluorescent lights and under the roof of our buildings. So get outside. Go for a walk. Maybe even take off your shoes and touch the ground. There’s something about nature that helps me reconnect with God. Being outside reminds me of how big God is, whether under a canopy of trees or looking at the expanse of the sky.

Reconnect with Students

Recharging can also mean reconnecting with people! Easter may have meant seeing some students you haven’t connected with in a while. After you turn your phone back on, send three texts just to say you were glad to see these students around! Let them know how much seeing them made you smile.

Ok! Now, you might be ready to dive back into the race and work of student ministry. Just remember to take moments to pause and see who God is. Let’s not miss Easter because we were so busy showing Easter to others.

Blessings to you all!

Are you feeling a little burnt out and not sure what to do next for youth group after a crazy busy season? Consider giving Coleader a look! Lessons planned, games already chosen, songs selected. It’s a ton of helpful tools for you, the youth pastor, to get back to ministering to students!

14 Aug 2023

Starting Off Small Groups Right

By Ronald|2023-08-14T10:47:41-07:00August 14th, 2023|Small Groups|3 Comments

As the leaves start to change and the air gets crisper (at least there’s a rumor cold air is happening somewhere around here…), it’s the perfect time to kick off small groups within your youth ministry. I’m excited to share some practical tips with you that will help you create an enriching and transformative experience for your students this fall. Let’s dive in:

1. Select Clear Topics and Themes:

Imagine sitting down with your small group, ready to dive into meaningful conversations. To make that happen, choose topics and themes that genuinely resonate with your students. Think about their needs, interests, and challenges. When you address subjects that matter to them, you’ll spark engagement and encourage everyone to actively participate.

Want to make it a double win? Get on board with your church’s vision statement and show how what you’re talking about correlates to that!

2. Recruit and Train Leaders:

Leaders are the heartbeat of your small groups. Identify individuals who have a passion for mentoring and guiding others. These leaders don’t have to be experts; they just need a heart that cares. Equip them with training, resources, and ongoing support. When leaders feel confident and well-prepared, their guidance will inspire great discussions and growth.

Check out some of the resources down below for more info!

3. Define Group Guidelines:

Creating a safe and open space is huge for effective small groups. Sit down with your leaders and craft clear group guidelines together. Address behaviors, confidentiality, and mutual respect. These guidelines set the tone for an environment where students feel comfortable sharing their thoughts, questions, and struggles.

Make sure students are on board with these guidelines and are willing to participate with these in mind!

4. Incorporate Prayer and Worship:

Picture your small group gathering around in a circle, connecting not only with each other but also with Jesus. Start or end each session with prayer and worship. It deepens the spiritual experience, reminding everyone that they’re part of something bigger than themselves. This practice also fosters unity and encourages students to explore their faith journey together.

Remind students they aren’t just here for fellowship! They’re here to experience the life changing work of God!

5. Celebrate Milestones:

We all love celebrating victories, right? Well, your small groups should be no different. Recognize and celebrate milestones—whether it’s someone’s spiritual breakthrough, a goal achieved, or personal challenges overcome. These celebrations create a sense of accomplishment and belonging, making your small group feel like a tight-knit community.

As you embark on this exciting journey of fall small groups, remember that you’re not just organizing meetings; you’re fostering a space for growth, connection, and transformation. Keep these tips close as you create a nurturing environment for your students.

Need some resources to get your fall in full swing? Check these awesome Co-Leader resources out!

27 Nov 2017

#YMHACKS: Start Your Day with Jesus

By Josh Griffin|2017-11-27T09:08:20-08:00November 27th, 2017|Youth Ministry Hacks|0 Comments

This is a series of Youth Ministry Hacks to help youth workers get more out of their day. Want quick, practical tips to help you strengthen your ministry? This is the place! Here is today’s youth ministry hack:

Start Your Day with Jesus
OK, this one seems a little obvious, even insulting to have to mention it to youth workers. But here’s what it’s important: many youth workers don’t spend time with God. We talk about it to our students as a habit to develop, and we’ve “mastered the mask” ourselves so people think we walk with Jesus, but we know better in our heart. How can we make Jesus the center of our work day? Put Him there at the start. When you drive to the church office, take an extra 5m in your car before you go inside.

Once you go inside, it’s over. The secretary hands you a stack of papers to fill out, your voice mail lists calls to return and there’s whatever drama to unpack. It’s over once you go in, your work day has started and you’re off and running. But if you steal a minute or two on the front end, commit your day and your way to Jesus, that’s the type of youth worker your church needs and your teenagers deserve. So put on a worship song and savor those 3 minutes before you show up. Keep a devotional in your glovebox. Steal a minute to center on Jesus, then walk in the office door.

Share your hack on social media using #YMHacks, too! JG