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17 Mar 2025

Spring Cleaning Your Youth Ministry: Evaluating What’s Working and What Needs to Change

By Ronald|2025-03-17T07:52:15-07:00March 17th, 2025|Leadership|1 Comment

Spring is here, which means it’s time for warmer weather, allergy season, and that moment when students start asking, “Are we still meeting during the summer?” But before you get too far ahead planning beach trips and summer camp, let’s talk about something that doesn’t involve pollen or panicked vacation planning—spring cleaning your youth ministry.

No, I’m not talking about finally throwing away that pile of pizza boxes in the youth room (though, seriously, it’s time). I’m talking about evaluating your ministry, figuring out what’s working, and making changes before summer hits. Just like your house, your ministry can collect clutter—things that once had a purpose but now just take up space.

Step 1: Take a Hard Look at Your Weekly Programming

If you’ve been running the same format for months (or years), it’s easy to get stuck in autopilot. Take a step back and ask: Is our weekly program actually engaging students? Are students growing in their faith, or just showing up for snacks and games? (Snacks are great, but hopefully, that’s not the only reason they come.)

Look at your teaching. Are you addressing what students are dealing with right now? Are your small groups actually facilitating conversation, or is it mostly blank stares and side conversations about TikTok? Take a moment to ask your leaders and students what’s clicking and what’s falling flat.

Step 2: Evaluate Your Volunteers

Your adult leaders are the backbone of your ministry, but even the best volunteers need encouragement, feedback, and sometimes a reality check. Who’s thriving? Who’s barely hanging on? Who maybe signed up to help in 2019 and is still around out of pure momentum?

Spring is a great time to reconnect with your team. Schedule a check-in with each leader, get their honest input, and (if needed) reassign roles so people serve where they’re most effective. If someone seems burned out, don’t guilt them into staying—help them transition well and recruit fresh faces for the team.

Step 3: Declutter Your Calendar

Youth pastors love events. Lock-ins, retreats, game nights, service projects—if there’s an excuse to hang out with students, we’ll take it. But is your ministry calendar jam-packed with things just because they’ve always been there?

Take a look at your schedule and be honest: Are these events actually helping students grow spiritually? If not, cut them. It’s okay to let go of something that no longer serves its purpose. Plus, a little breathing room might help you (and your leaders) avoid burnout.

Step 4: Set Fresh Goals

After decluttering, it’s time to dream again. What do you want to see happen in your youth ministry over the next few months? More student leadership? A deeper culture of prayer? Better engagement from parents? Whatever it is, set a few clear goals and rally your team around them.

Spring Forward

Spring cleaning isn’t just about getting rid of junk—it’s about making space for what really matters. Take time this season to refocus, refresh, and make sure your youth ministry is actually helping students grow in their faith. And yes, go ahead and clean out that storage closet while you’re at it. You might even find that missing dodgeball from last fall’s game night.

12 Mar 2025

Easter is coming…Let us help you get ready!

By Ronald|2025-03-12T14:14:17-07:00March 12th, 2025|Youth Ministry Resources|0 Comments

Easter is rapidly approaching – it will be here before we know it! Grab these easy, fun, and powerful resources to help your students engage with the story of what Jesus has done for us!

Jesus was not the King that was expected, but through His powerful entrance into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, students will be challenged to be humble, merciful, kind, gentle, and patient.

Available on Coleader

This four-week series challenges students to ask themselves how they might apply the last words of Jesus to their lives today.

Part of the Coleader Curriculum!

The message of Easter is often sugar-coated and meaningless. But Jesus death and resurrection is more than a neat story. Help your students experience it… with Him… in this station of the cross resource.

5 star reviews!

Jesus Paid It All is a prayer experience that will encourage students to dwell on the sacrifice that Jesus made for them and how that affects every area of their lives. If you want your students to own their faith, this is a cool way to help them do that.

Help students connect to Jesus!

Chubby Bunny is a video-driven “buzzer beater” style game. Participants on stage will do their best to decode the jumbled audio faster than their opponent. Instead of you risking your life by shoving tons of marshmallows in your face, we take that risk for you!

“Kids absolutely loved this game!”

Games you can play to involve your entire crowd are fantastic, and in this pack, you get three cohesively designed games that will get kids moving and engage everyone! Each challenge is meant to test students in both ability and creativity.

This is perfect for any sized group!

Chubby Bunny is a video-driven “buzzer beater” style game. Participants on stage will do their best to decode the jumbled audio faster than their opponent. Instead of you risking your life by shoving tons of marshmallows in your face, we take that risk for you!

Nothing’s cuter than bunnies

In this fun Would You Rather game your students will be asked 10 interactive ‘Would You Rather’ questions about Easter using emojis! This game comes with three different versions so you can play as a crowd game, a 5-minute countdown video before youth group, or an interactive video for online ministry.

Get your students connecting!

5 Mar 2025

This is one thing we can all agree on…

By Ronald|2025-03-05T04:15:15-08:00March 5th, 2025|Youth Ministry Ideas|1 Comment

27 Jan 2025

I’m a Youth Pastor and… What if I Don’t Want to be a Youth Pastor Anymore?

By Ronald|2025-01-07T11:09:51-08:00January 27th, 2025|Leadership|2 Comments

Let’s rip the Band-Aid off: what happens when you realize the passion that got you into youth ministry isn’t there anymore? Is it burnout? Mid-ministry crisis? Or—dare I say it—a sign that God’s calling you elsewhere?

If you’re wrestling with these questions, you’re not alone. Ministry isn’t a static journey, and passions can shift over time. The important thing is learning how to navigate these changes without guilt or fear.

Recognizing the Shift

The first step? Acknowledge what you’re feeling. Here are some signs your heart might be moving in a new direction:

1. Changing Interests

The stuff that used to light your fire—lock-ins, small groups, and dodgeball marathons—might now feel like just another thing on your to-do list.

2. New Desires

Maybe you’re dreaming of something different. A new type of ministry? A different career path altogether? These feelings don’t make you unfaithful—they make you human.

3. Feeling Drained

Tasks that once energized you now leave you exhausted. This might be a sign it’s time to reevaluate where you’re investing your energy.

Embracing the Change

Change can feel unsettling, but it’s also an invitation to grow. Here’s how to lean into it:

1. Self-Reflection

Spend time praying, journaling, and asking yourself some hard questions. What excites you now? What feels lifeless? Honest self-assessment is the foundation for meaningful change.

2. Seek Guidance

Reach out to trusted mentors, friends, or even a counselor. They can help you process your feelings, offer perspective, and encourage you to take steps forward.

3. Explore New Opportunities

Be open to where God might be leading you. This could mean exploring a different role in ministry, a new area of service, or even a different career path.

4. Don’t Force It

If your passion for youth ministry has faded, it’s okay to let go. Forcing yourself to stay in a role that doesn’t align with your calling can lead to frustration—for you and the students you serve.

Finding Fulfillment

Once you’ve embraced the possibility of change, it’s time to move toward something life-giving:

1. Follow Your Passion

God’s calling for you might look different than it did before, and that’s okay. Pursue the things that genuinely excite and fulfill you.

2. Embrace Change

Change isn’t failure; it’s growth. Trust that God is with you in the transition and that He has a plan for your next steps.

3. Stay Connected to Your Calling

Even if your role shifts, your ultimate calling to love and serve God remains the same. Keep seeking ways to live that out in whatever context you find yourself.

4. Prioritize Self-Care

Change can be exhausting. Take care of your physical, emotional, and spiritual health so you can step into the future with clarity and energy.

The Key Takeaway

Realizing you don’t want to be a youth pastor anymore doesn’t mean you’ve failed—it means God might be stirring something new in your heart. Embrace the shift, seek guidance, and trust that God is leading you into a season where you can serve with fresh passion and purpose.

You’ve got this.

And hey, if you need more encouragement (or just want to hear some great stories about burnout and surviving it), check out the video conversation I had with Josh Boldman, Derry Prenket, and Todd Pearage [You can watch it here].

20 Jan 2025

I’m a youth pastor and I took a day off. Am I a sinner now?

By Ronald|2025-01-07T10:50:05-08:00January 20th, 2025|Leadership|0 Comments

Let’s start with a confession (because we’re all about those): I took a day off. I know, shocking, right? Somewhere, there’s a well-meaning youth worker whispering, “But what about the students?” Don’t worry—they’ll survive without you for one day.

Taking time for self-care in ministry can feel downright rebellious. But here’s the truth: self-care isn’t selfish—it’s holy. Yes, holy. Let’s talk about why prioritizing yourself isn’t just okay—it’s essential.

Why Self-Care Matters

1. It Prevents Burnout

Youth ministry isn’t for the faint of heart (or the short of patience). The endless stream of events, parent emails, and late-night texts can leave you feeling like a wrung-out sponge. Self-care is how you recharge before the burnout sets in, leaving you emotionally and spiritually fried.

2. It Makes You Better at Your Job

When you’re rested and recharged, you’re a better youth pastor. You’ll find more patience for that kid who keeps flipping water bottles mid-sermon and more creativity for engaging lessons. Self-care equips you to serve with energy and joy—not just survival mode.

3. It Sets a Good Example

Your students are watching you, and they’re learning from your habits. By modeling healthy boundaries, you’re teaching them that it’s okay to say no, to rest, and to care for their own well-being. That’s a lesson they’ll carry for life.

Practical Self-Care Tips for Youth Workers

If you’re wondering where to start, here’s a cheat sheet:

1. Schedule Rest

Treat your rest time like a non-negotiable meeting with the most important person you know—because it is. Whether it’s a full day, a few hours, or an unplugged evening, carve out space to recharge and guard it fiercely.

2. Set Boundaries

Repeat after me: It’s okay to say no. You don’t have to be at every event or take on every task. Saying no to one thing is saying yes to your health and longevity in ministry.

3. Delegate Like a Pro

You’re not the ministry superhero. (Sorry, but capes are out of style anyway.) Train your volunteers, empower your team, and let others share the load.

4. Pursue Hobbies

What do you love that has nothing to do with ministry? Reading? Baking? Kayaking? Whatever it is, make time for it. Life isn’t all lock-ins and sermon prep.

5. Invest in Relationships

Surround yourself with people who refresh your soul—friends, family, mentors. These connections remind you that you’re more than just a youth pastor.

6. Prioritize Your Spiritual Practices

Your relationship with God is the foundation of your ministry. Spend time in prayer, read your Bible, and worship without it being tied to planning your next talk.

7. Seek Professional Help When Needed

There’s no shame in getting extra help. If you’re struggling emotionally, mentally, or spiritually, a counselor or therapist can offer tools to get back on track.

Self-Care Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All

Here’s the thing: what refreshes someone else might make you cringe. Love hiking? Hit the trails. Hate it? That’s cool—stay home and watch a movie. Experiment and find what genuinely recharges you.

The Big Picture

Taking a day off doesn’t make you a sinner—it makes you human. Self-care isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity for sustainable ministry. By caring for yourself, you’re better equipped to care for others and fulfill your calling.

So, go ahead: take that day off. Pursue that hobby. Build those relationships. And for goodness’ sake, stop feeling guilty about it. Your ministry (and your sanity) will thank you.

And hey, if you need more encouragement (or just want to hear some great stories about burnout and surviving it), check out the video conversation I had with Josh Boldman, Derry Prenket, and Todd Pearage [You can watch it here].

25 Nov 2024

Show Some Love to Your Volunteers!

By Ronald|2024-11-25T11:55:35-08:00November 25th, 2024|Volunteers|0 Comments

Volunteers are the backbone of every youth ministry. They invest their time, energy, and hearts into making a difference in the lives of students, and we often couldn’t do it without them. But how often do we let them know just how much we appreciate their efforts?

Showing gratitude doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive; small gestures go a long way in making your volunteers feel valued and supported. Let’s dive into three actionable ways to show your team some love today:

1. Write a Handwritten Thank-You Note

In a world of quick texts and emails, a handwritten note feels like a warm hug. Take a few moments to write a heartfelt thank-you to one of your volunteers. Be specific about something they’ve done that made an impact—whether it was their leadership during a small group or simply their welcoming smile on a Sunday morning.

Why It Matters:
Personalized recognition reminds your volunteers that you see them and value their unique contributions. Plus, they’ll hold onto that note as a reminder of why they serve.

2. Publicly Celebrate Their Efforts

Whether it’s a shout-out during your youth service, a post on your ministry’s social media, or a highlight in your parent newsletter, take time to publicly recognize your volunteers. Share a quick story or fun moment that showcases their impact.

Why It Matters:
Celebrating them in front of others not only encourages the recognized volunteer but also inspires the rest of your team. It sets the tone for a culture of appreciation within your ministry.

3. Ask for Their Feedback

Sometimes the best way to show you value someone is to listen. Ask your volunteers how they’re feeling about their roles, what they need, and how you can better support them. A simple coffee meeting or a quick feedback form can open up meaningful conversations.

Why It Matters:
When volunteers feel heard, they feel empowered. Creating space for their input strengthens your ministry relationships and shows that you value them as partners, not just helpers.

Why Gratitude Matters

Expressing appreciation not only boosts your volunteers’ morale but also transforms your ministry culture. It fosters trust, deepens relationships, and makes your team feel like family. As you intentionally show love to your volunteers, you’ll see the ripple effects in their enthusiasm and commitment to serving.

So, who’s your first thank-you note going to today?

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!

16 Sep 2024

How to Get Youth Ministry Speaking Gigs

By Ronald|2024-09-16T08:23:38-07:00September 16th, 2024|Teaching|5 Comments

Every so often, we see people ask on the Download Youth Ministry Community Facebook page how they can get speaking gigs. Here are some great tips just for you!

Be Faithful with Your Own Students
Before you start speaking to students from other ministries, make sure your heart is fully committed to your own group. Students can tell if you’re using them as a stepping stone in your ministry. They know whether you’re being sincere or not!
Make your ministry to your own students your top priority, and other opportunities will fall into place.

Record Yourself Speaking
Not many people enjoy watching themselves speak—I’m one of those people! But if you want to improve as a speaker, you need to critique yourself. Recording your talks and reviewing them gives you a chance to see where you can improve. Plus, it provides you with something to send to people who might ask for a sample of your teaching.
It’s better to have something ready to send than to stress out about recording your next message at the last minute!

Speak for Free Locally
There are plenty of local opportunities that can help you get used to speaking to outside groups. Your local high school or middle school likely has a Fellowship of Christian Athletes—reach out and see if you can speak to them! A local Christian club at those schools may also be an option.
If there’s a Christian school nearby with a chapel service, offer to speak there. Meeting the needs of local ministries is a great way to gain experience!

Trade Youth Groups with the Church Down the Street
It’s possible that a youth pastor you know is also looking for more speaking experience. You could arrange to trade speaking engagements—one week you speak at their youth group, and they speak at yours the next. This could provide a local church with a break and give you both valuable experience. You might even make a new friend in the process!

Don’t Suggest Yourself
This might just be my personal preference, but when someone suggests themselves for a speaking gig, I’m much less likely to consider them. While this isn’t a hard-and-fast rule, I personally find it off-putting. Instead, ask a friend to recommend you.
If they don’t, even after you’ve asked, it could be a good opportunity for some soul-searching to figure out why.

Did I miss anything? Is there anything else you would suggest? Let me know in the comments!

Need to pick up some tips on talking to the squirrelly students? Grab this helpful guide on the DYM store!

2 Sep 2024

Handling Academic Pressure and Expectations

By Ronald|2024-08-05T14:19:41-07:00September 2nd, 2024|Youth Ministry Ideas|0 Comments

As school starts back up and students get into the rhythm of handling homework, tests, projects, and sports, it can be tough to manage all the pressure and expectations that come with it!

As youth pastors, we have an opportunity to speak into students’ lives, offer practical tips on managing busy schedules, and encourage them to observe their academic journey within the grand landscape of their faith journey. Here are some tips for helping students navigate school and faith.

Host Youth Room Study Halls

Students will have difficulty balancing homework and everything else they have going on. If you are a full-time youth pastor, there’s likely an hour or two of overlap where you might be required to be in the office, and students get out of school. Why not offer up the youth room as a study hall for students? They can come in, do their homework, and even consult other friends who might be working on a similar subject. Bonus points here if you can get retired adults in your church who happen to be math whizs or a social studies expert to come in and help tutor. Did somebody ask for intergenerational ministry?

Help Students with Time Management

Time management isn’t just something that students struggle with; it’s something we all need to have a good grip on! As a youth pastor, you can model this to your students and give them tools to help manage their time. Whatever time management techniques you have used in the past, you might be able to share with your students so that they can learn how to better manage their time. We all have timers on our phones and calendars to set for reminders. Why not use our technology to help us get tasks done? This could be a big benefit for you as a youth pastor because you might be helping parents who are also trying to give their students time management tools. We like to say that different voices saying the same things help solidify important lessons! Maybe we can help parents by teaching students helpful time management tools.

Offer Encouragement and Vision

Seven years seems like a short time and also an eternity. Trying to think of seven years is a wild proposition to a student. To a 14-year-old, that’s half of their lifetime! But to those of us who are a little older, seven years goes by pretty quickly. The reality is that school isn’t forever. Yes, we want students to have a good foundation for their lives immediately after their teenage years, but the reality is that school isn’t everything. You might remember that you didn’t use trigonometry well into your 30s. But will it really matter? We must help students understand that their education and school life are important but not the end-all experience. Helping students put their life journey now into context versus where they might be in 10 to 20 years is something that we, youth pastors, can help students grasp. We need to remind students what really matters. And yes, giving students verses reminding them of how much God loves them even when stressed can be incredibly helpful!

What other tips would you suggest here?

19 Aug 2024

Building Strong Relationships with Parents and Guardians

By Ronald|2024-08-05T13:47:39-07:00August 19th, 2024|communication, Parents|3 Comments

I heard a youth pastor recently say that youth ministry would be easy if it weren’t for the parents! I know it can often feel like we are ministering to very willing students who are parented by flaky parents. I’ve certainly felt like that over my years of student ministry. But now that I’m getting older and have students in my own ministry, I’m beginning to see that those flaky parents just needed a little help from their youth pastor, especially since that parent is now me!

Here are some tips to help you build strong relationships with parents and better minister to them and their students.

Communicate Well and Often

I have seen youth pastors send out an email that announced for the first time that a retreat was happening in a month and that a $200 per student fee was all it took to sign up! As a parent, I realize I need much more time to plan things! As a youth pastor, try to make sure that you let parents know when big events will be as soon as possible. Fall retreats need to be communicated as soon as summer wraps up. Things happening in the spring should really get communicated in December. Summer camp and mission trips must have save-the-dates sent out sometime in January!

This comes from a parent who loves to hear about things frequently. Don’t just think one email is enough. Communicate regularly! It would be great to send a weekly email to parents reminding them of big and small events and even the teaching series you’ve got going on. The more you communicate, the more trust you build!

Host Parent Meetings

As a parent of teenagers, I can often feel like I’m alone in this endeavor. What helps me out is knowing that other parents are also parenting their students and going through the same struggles as I am! Parent meetings are a great place for parents to see that there are others in their church who are having the same issues.

You can also use parent meetings to remind parents of upcoming big events, let them meet their kids’ small group leaders, and get them involved in what’s happening in the student ministry! I always liked to host these during the big season beginnings—one in the fall, one in the spring, and a much more informal get-together in the summer.

Provide Parents Resources

The most frequent question I would get as a youth pastor from parents was usually something like, “Do you have any resources to help me with…?”

Knowing what resources I could send to parents was such a help for the parents who came up to me at that time. As a youth pastor, you are an expert in students. Because of that, you probably see many resources that deal with what students are going through. Keeping a list on your phone of books, podcasts, and blog articles dealing with specific issues will make you look like a rockstar when a parent has an issue they are struggling with. I have always liked highlighting resources like this during parent meetings and emails!

The more we communicate to parents and show them that we are student ministry experts, the more trust we will build with them as we minister to their students. And the more trust we have with parents, the easier time we will have ministering to their students!