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31 Mar 2025

Spring Forward: Helping Students Grow Spiritually After a Winter Slump

By Ronald|2025-03-17T08:13:20-07:00March 31st, 2025|Leadership|4 Comments

Winter has a way of making everything feel sluggish—students, leaders, and let’s be honest, even us youth pastors. Between holiday breaks, bad weather, and the general exhaustion of the school year, it’s easy for faith habits to take a hit. But now that spring is here, it’s time to help students shake off the slump and start growing again.

Just like nature comes back to life in spring (hello, allergies 🌸), this is a perfect season to refresh students’ faith, reestablish good habits, and help them take the next step spiritually. Here’s how to help them spring forward into a season of growth.

1. Start with Small, Achievable Goals

A lot of students know they should be reading their Bible, praying, and growing in their faith… they just don’t know where to start. Instead of overwhelming them with a massive commitment, help them set small, achievable goals.

Challenge them to read one chapter of the Bible a day, pray for a friend each morning, or find one worship song that connects with them. Small wins build momentum, and momentum leads to growth.

2. Refresh Your Teaching & Small Groups

If winter felt like a rut, spring is a great time to shake things up. Try a new teaching format, start a fresh series that meets students where they are, or change up how small groups run.

You could introduce student-led discussions, incorporate creative prayer stations, or even meet outside if the weather allows. Anything that feels new will help re-engage students who checked out during the colder months.

3. Plan a Spiritual Reset Event

Sometimes, students need a big moment to help them move forward. Spring is a great time for a spiritual reset night—a focused evening of worship, prayer, and recommitment.

This doesn’t have to be a huge event. It could be as simple as a night where students share testimonies, write down distractions they need to let go of, or take communion together. The goal is to help them see spring as a fresh start in their walk with Jesus.

4. Make Faith Habits Fun & Relational

Let’s be real—students are more likely to stick with something if they do it together. Encourage them to find a faith buddy—a friend they can text when they read their Bible, pray for daily, or talk about what God is teaching them.

You could even turn this into a friendly challenge:
✅ Who can memorize the most Bible verses?
✅ Who can complete a short devotion series on YouVersion?
✅ Who can invite a new friend to church first?

Healthy competition plus spiritual growth? That’s a win-win.

5. Show Them Progress, Not Perfection

One reason students struggle with faith habits is because they think, If I mess up once, I’ve failed. But the goal isn’t perfection—it’s progress.

Remind them that spiritual growth is like planting a seed. You won’t see fruit overnight, but consistent care—small steps of faith—will lead to big results. Celebrate their progress, encourage them when they stumble, and remind them that God is working even when they don’t feel it.

Spring into Growth

Spring is all about new beginnings, and it’s the perfect time to help students grow in their faith again. Whether it’s through small steps, fresh teaching, or intentional encouragement, you can help them move forward after a winter slump.

So take a deep breath, shake off the sluggishness, and let’s help students spring forward in their walk with Jesus! 🌱🙌

24 Mar 2025

How to Recharge Your Leadership Team – Avoiding Burnout and Bringing Fresh Energy

By Ronald|2025-03-17T08:03:26-07:00March 24th, 2025|Youth Ministry Ideas|0 Comments

Your youth ministry volunteers are superheroes. They show up week after week, listen to middle schoolers talk about Minecraft for 20 minutes straight, and somehow still have the patience to lead small group discussions. But even superheroes need a break—otherwise, they go from energized leaders to exhausted, over-caffeinated zombies just trying to survive another Wednesday night.

Burnout is real, and if you don’t intentionally recharge your leadership team, you’ll start to see signs of it—less enthusiasm, more last-minute cancellations, and a noticeable drop in energy. But don’t worry, you don’t need a massive retreat or an expensive gift to bring them back to life. Here are some simple, effective ways to refuel your leaders and bring fresh energy to your team.

1. Check In—For Real This Time

When was the last time you had an honest conversation with each of your leaders? Not just a quick, “Hey, how’s it going?” in the church hallway, but a real check-in. Ask them how they’re feeling, what they’re loving, and what’s been hard.

Sometimes, volunteers hesitate to say they’re overwhelmed because they don’t want to disappoint you. But if you create space for honesty, you’ll know who needs encouragement, who might need a break, and who’s ready to step up in new ways.

2. Give Them a Week Off

Let’s be real—sometimes the best way to recharge is to take a breather. Consider giving your leaders a week off from small group duties and bringing in guest speakers, student-led nights, or even a “big group” night where no small groups meet.

Not only does this allow your volunteers to rest, but it also helps students experience different voices and perspectives. And let’s be honest, your leaders will love you forever if they get a week where they don’t have to figure out how to break up an argument over who’s better at Fortnite.

3. Celebrate the Small Wins

Nothing drains energy like feeling unappreciated. If your volunteers only hear from you when something goes wrong, it’s time to change that. Celebrate the small wins—text them when a student they’ve been investing in takes a step of faith. Brag about them in front of parents. Give them random thank-you notes just because.

It doesn’t have to be a big production—just a little recognition goes a long way in reminding leaders that what they’re doing matters.

4. Bring the Fun Back

Ministry is serious business, but that doesn’t mean it has to feel like a grind. Sometimes, leaders get burned out simply because things have gotten stale. Inject some fresh energy into your meetings—host a leader-only game night, plan a ridiculous team challenge, or surprise them with their favorite snacks at the next leader meeting.

The more fun your team has together, the more they’ll want to stick around.

**5. Remind Them Why They Serve**

At the end of the day, the best way to keep your leaders energized is to help them remember their why. Share stories of life change. Let students express their appreciation. Remind your team that what they do isn’t just “volunteering”—it’s making an eternal impact.

Keep the Fire Burning

Recharging your leadership team isn’t about doing more—it’s about being intentional with the team you already have. When your leaders are cared for, refreshed, and reminded of their purpose, they’ll not only avoid burnout—they’ll thrive.

So take a deep breath, check in with your team, and make sure your superheroes are ready to keep changing lives… without turning into ministry zombies. 🧟‍♂️🔥

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|4 Comments

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 Feb 2025

Shoeboxes: Tres..Dos..Uno Open!

By Ronald|2025-02-12T06:43:27-08:00February 12th, 2025|Youth Ministry Ideas|2 Comments

I am always excited to get a new pair of shoes. As soon as I get home from the store, I immediately take the bright red Nike shoes out of the box and toss the shoebox aside. The shoebox means nothing to me—but not to everyone.

Josh and I went to two outreaches today, delivering shoeboxes filled with toys to kids.

Going into today, I expected it to be all about handing out the boxes. I’m so glad I was wrong!

The shoeboxes were only a small part of the day. The gospel presentation took center stage as the true focus.

At both locations we visited, Christ was made known, and the shoeboxes were simply tools to share His love with the children.

As we passed out these gifts, we watched the kids react in different ways—some didn’t know what to say, some eagerly showed off every Barbie doll they had just received, and some clung tightly to their toy cars, afraid they might be taken away.

With tears in our eyes, we played, danced, and became the hands and feet of Jesus today.

To whoever Jeff, Britt, and Claire Milton are—there was a little girl in a yellow dress who absolutely adored your gift!

*Guest Post written by Chris Thomas

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].

7 Jan 2025

I’m a Youth Pastor and I Punched My Senior Pastor. Is that bad?

By Ronald|2025-01-07T10:33:01-08:00January 7th, 2025|Leadership|0 Comments

Okay, okay. I didn’t actually punch my senior pastor, but let’s be honest, we’ve all had those days where we felt like it. And if you’ve ever caught yourself fantasizing about throwing a folding chair in the staff meeting, there’s a good chance burnout is knocking on your door.

Youth ministry is one of the most rewarding gigs out there. Seriously, who else gets to eat pizza for lunch and call it a strategy meeting? But it’s also exhausting, demanding, and sometimes downright soul-crushing. Burnout? It’s not just a buzzword; it’s a very real threat. So, how do you know if you’re headed for trouble? Let’s talk about the warning signs.

Red Flags You’re on the Road to Burnout

1. A Shorter Fuse
Do you find yourself snapping at volunteers who show up late, or silently plotting revenge against that one kid who keeps asking, “Can we just play dodgeball today?”? If your patience is wearing thinner than the youth budget, it’s time to pause and take stock.

2. Constant Exhaustion
Sure, we all get tired. Late nights, lock-ins, and last-minute sermon rewrites will do that. But if you’re waking up more tired than when you went to bed—even after a full weekend off—you might need more than just a nap.

3. Inability to Disconnect
Are you checking emails while binge-watching Netflix? Answering texts about this week’s game night during family dinner? If your phone is practically an extension of your hand, you’re never giving yourself a chance to fully recharge.

4. Feeling Like You’re the Only One
Does it seem like you’re carrying the entire ministry on your back? Like no one else cares as much as you do? That “it’s all on me” mindset can be a fast track to burnout. Spoiler alert: it’s not all on you.

5. Loss of Passion
When was the last time you were genuinely excited about youth ministry? If you’re just going through the motions or secretly dreading the next Wednesday night, you’ve lost more than energy—you’ve lost your spark.

What to Do When Burnout Hits

So, what’s the game plan when these red flags start waving? Here are a few ideas to keep you from going full-on WWE in the staff meeting:

Talk It Out
Call up a friend, mentor, or counselor and let them in on what’s going on. Trust me, venting to someone other than your reflection in the youth room window can work wonders.
Take a Break
No, really. Step away. Whether it’s a weekend retreat or just an afternoon nap, give yourself permission to rest. Your ministry will survive without you for a hot minute, I promise.
Re-evaluate Your Priorities
Are you saying “yes” to everything? Stop it. Seriously. Jesus took naps, and you can too.
Seek Professional Help
If burnout has you in a chokehold, don’t hesitate to reach out to a counselor. Sometimes you need a little extra help to find your footing again.

You’re Not Alone

Here’s the thing: burnout doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you’re human. Recognizing the signs and taking action isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s the exact opposite. 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].

Hang in there, friend. You’ve got this—and the next time you’re tempted to throw hands in a staff meeting, just remember: pizza solves most problems.

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!

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|11 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.

1 Jul 2024

You Will Always Be Their Youth Pastor

By Ronald|2024-07-01T05:51:34-07:00July 1st, 2024|Youth Ministry Ideas|6 Comments

I had a former student from my previous church reach out to me. That may not be the biggest deal, but the last time I was in a youth room with this student was about 15 years ago and four states away.

He thought of me because of how I ministered to him in his teenage years. I had impacted him, and because of that impact, he wanted to reach out to me when he needed some encouragement and direction.

No matter why you are no longer the youth pastor at your previous church, the students you ministered to will consider you their youth pastor. It doesn’t matter if you were promoted, fired, or moved across the country. There will be students who think back to their youth group days and think of YOU as their youth pastor.

So what can you do when those students reach back out to you?

Pray for Them

Usually, former students reach out because they need some spiritual direction. In this time of searching, remember to take some time to pray for them. This may seem secondhand to some, but for those of you who may no longer be at a church but instead work in a different field, it may not be as intuitive.

We talk about our students being missionaries at their school. We encourage them to pray for their friends, teachers, coaches, etc. We may forget this for ourselves when we’re no longer working at a church.

Remember that these students see you as their spiritual leader. Or, at the very least, remember you as such. Take this opportunity to lead them spiritually!

Be Their Cheerleader

Have you ever reached out to a friend or family member for help in a time of need? What did you need from them? Hope? Wisdom? Love? Encouragement?

Probably a little bit of all of those.

Take this opportunity to be your former student’s cheerleader!

They may have reached out to you during real pain, worry, anxiety, or fear. Encourage them in their time of need!

Remind them how much God loves them, that you love them, and that you are on their team.

Help Them Get Connected

The former student who reached out to me sought consistent spiritual guidance. Now, in the time of Zoom and FaceTime and all the ways we get connected, I could have offered them all of those things.

But I know what I need when I have been in those dark times.

I needed people.

Face to face, knee to knee, toe to toe people.

I hit up my buddy, who is still serving in that area. I told him I had been contacted by a student and asked if he’d be willing to meet. And I ask the student if he’d be willing to hang with a friend of mine.

Everybody was.

It’s a great idea to try to stay in contact with pastors and mentors in your previous church if you can. So that when a former student reaches out, you can connect them to people who can actually meet face-to-face.

And if you’re still in the area, arrange a coffee and hang out in person!

There’s something about face-to-face, in-person time together that can’t be beat.

Point Them to Jesus

You served this student as their spiritual leader for a time. That’s probably why they are reaching out to you specifically. When you were their spiritual leader, it was your job to point them to Jesus. It’s still the best thing you can do!

Whether they are far from God or just feeling that way, take some time to point them back to their Savior. Remind them how much Jesus loves them and encourage them with the good news of the Gospel.

Not platitudes or pithy sayings.

The real person of Christ.

Read Scripture over them. Remind them of what Jesus did in His day and what He’s doing right now.

That’s the best thing you can do as a spiritual guide and mentor!

Keep At It

I got a text yesterday from the pastor I had connected my former student to. They had made the decision to get baptized! I was so grateful for the church as I watched my former student get baptized by the pastor who replaced the pastor who replaced me.

We’re not in ministry to bring ourselves glory.

We’re in ministry to point others to Jesus.

And it was a beautiful moment to be a part of.

Remember: you’ll always be someone’s student pastor or youth minister.

When they reach out to you, point them to Jesus and be grateful for the time you have been given to minister to them!

10 Jun 2024

Oh No It’s Youth Movie Night!

By Ronald|2024-06-10T09:08:40-07:00June 10th, 2024|Youth Ministry Ideas|13 Comments

I’ve seen it a lot.

It’s the summer. You’ve got a lot on your plate. You’re scrambling to add just one more event to the calendar. Or you have intentionally planned a chill event after a week-long mission trip.

What’s easier than putting on a movie and microwaving popcorn for your students?

Very little!

But let’s be real, sometimes a harmless movie night can turn into A LOT of angry emails. Especially if you’ve got hypervigilant parents who think Veggie Tales is a little too mainstream.

So, what to do?

Well, first, check out this movie list. It’s not conclusive, but it can get you started! Picking the right movie is KEY!

Pick a Movie

Are you doing a faith-based movie? An animated sing-a-long? An action or sci-fi flick? Great! Have fun with it! Then, I go check out a website I use to see what’s in a movie. Common Sense Media is my go-to, but you can search just about any movie by putting it into Google with “how many cuss words does _____” It will get you far and save you a lot of trouble.

Watch it First

I know, you’re busy. But if you want to put students before a movie, you will want to watch it first. Don’t slack here. Put it on while you catch up on emails or clean the youth room. If something DOES come up, you want to be able to say, “Yes, I watched the movie and prepared students for that.”

Plan it Out

Does the movie push the boundaries? Send an email. Tell parents WHY you want to watch that movie. Explain what difficult scene their students will see. Tie it into your teaching for the month. Prepare and communicate. That way, you’ve got parents sorted, and no one is surprised. Besides, an extra 30 minutes of work can make you look like a rockstar who totally didn’t just put a movie night on the calendar to have an easy week.

Have Some Games!

DYM is full of resources you can use for your movie night. There are tons of movie-themed games in the DYM store. Go see them all! And with a little bit of effort, your low-key event turns into a great hang with your students!

Get a License

Ugh. LEGAL STUFF!? Yeah, I know. Most youth pastors think you can just watch a movie and pray for forgiveness. But you actually DO have to get a license to show a movie. Unless you know the owner of the movie’s copyright. Just where are you doing youth ministry anyway? Head to this website to grab a license. Put it in your budget. The lawyer, a deacon, and the head of the youth committee will thank you.

Any other suggestions? I’d love to hear them!