Youth Ministry Lite

Welcome Back Fellow Youth Ministry Geeks! Our first resource is the dvd lesson series "Youthbytes" which can be found at www.youthbytes.org. The series is great to use every now and then to give the teens something new. Each dvd consists of scripture and solid bible teaching. The teens can easily relate what they learn to their daily lives and they will get a few laughs in as well. You can have a free sample dvd sent to you and you can view small bytes of various videos on the website.
Everyone has seen the huge billboards along the highway saying, "I GEEK...." Our second resource is the illustration "I GEEK JESUS". Talk about the purpose behind the billboards, which is basically to coax the public to go to their public library and learn about whatever topic interests them. Let the kids know that this is the attitude every Christian should have when it comes to following Jesus. We must read our bibles to get to know Jesus and learn how we are to model our lives.
Next I want to talk a bit about what is going on in my life regarding youth ministry. I unfortunately had to leave my original church home due to conflicts in biblical foundations and other issues. We were a small church with an even smaller youth group, but we had kids who were faithful who came from various backgrounds. I did not want to leave them but God was clear in His will for me.
I spent many months praying and crying because my heart was broken.
I was serving as the "unofficial" Head Youth Leader because our Youth Pastor had left. I got a lot of hands on experience because the ministry had to continue and during that time, God taught me much. I know that there was purpose behind my being there because God led me to that church, but I had fulfilled what I was supposed to and it was time to move on. Now months later and several new churches having been "tested", I possibly may have found where God wants me.
This new church is also small and when it comes to Youth Ministry, they have a couple of volunteer adults so there is plenty of room for me and for the ministry to grow. I am naturally a person who thinks outside the box and is a go getter. I have been called to work with teens and to share my personal journey to Christ. I want to reach the teens who are turned off by church and who are hurting right here in my community.
I will keep you up to date on how things are going as I continue down this road. Serving God in any fashion can be difficult and it may mean leaving a church we don't want to and staying at one we would probably leave, if it were up to us. If you have had a similar experience, please leave a comment.

Youth Ministry Lite

Ok guys, I am back on schedule. I am going to be adding book and film reviews, along with some other things so please leave a comment and let me know what you like, what is helpful and what isn't! Let your colleagues know about my blog!
Our first resource is to hold a "Great Debate 2010", where you will allow teens to debate and discuss current hot topics that affect Christians. A couple of weeks prior to holding the debate, ask your teens to write down one topic they feel needs to be discussed. Choose which you want to use from there ideas and add with it topics you and your fellow leaders choose. I have listed below several which can be used if you do this soon. If you are reading this later on in the future, they will not be of use. Throw in a few philosophical questions, such as "What is commitment?" or "Define success." Prepare a list of comments and questions that you feel need to definitely be covered. Also have a couple of scriptures that go along with each topic. You want the teens to know where God stands on the issues. This will help you to control where the debate heads and keep it flowing.
Have the group set in a circle and let them know that only one person can talk at a time. You don't want a screaming fest. Also, do not let anyone bully or pick on another because of their views. Help them to respectfully discuss the issues and to think about the opposing view points and how to reach those who believe opposite of what the bible teaches on a subject. Make sure both sides to each topic is presented and share what the bible has to say on each.
A. Campbell County, Virginia - a young girl gave birth to her newborn and suffocated it. When authorities arrived the umbilical cord was still attached to the mother. Do to a loophole in the law, she can not be tried for murder because the baby was not completely separated from the mothers body.
a. How should Christians respond to this case as well as the loophole?
b. What can we do to get girls like this one to have the baby and give it up for adoption?
B. A mosque was recently opened up at Ground Zero.
a. Do you believe that Christians are being pushed to the side and that we are being silenced?
C. Allowing politicians to make immoral choices with no consequences.
a. What kind of example does this set for your generation?
b. Do you think those in charge should be held to a higher standard than they currently are?

Our second resource is the saying, "God is the God of 2nd chances."

Our third resource is the film, "To Save A Life". You can visit the website at www.tosavealifemovie.com. This is a film that every teen needs to see and then have a group discussion on it. So many teens are hurting and this film brings to light one teens story of dealing with a childhood friends death and dealing with life in general. Have a great week!

Youth Ministry Lite

Hey Gang!! Hope all is going well in your piece of the world. The more news I listen to the more I believe that Jesus will be returning very very soon. Today's generation is the hardest to reach thus far due to what they come into contact with on a daily basis. Our kids can not walk into a grocery store without seeing a magazine cover with a shirtless guy who is this years "sexiest" man alive or a young woman who is wearing a shirt so low that you can see a good portion of her upper extremities. We have to lean fully on God if we are to start a revolution for God among this generation. We must encourage one another and unite as one.
From now on, I will only be posting every other week. I have not been able to keep my commitment to this blog so I believe this will help. If you are using the ideas from this blog please leave a comment so I know it is making a difference. Our first resource will recall you to do little researching. It is called "Whats In A Name" and it is a game and lesson all in one. The key of the lesson will be that names are very important. Back in Biblical times, a person was named for the characteristics seen in them. Compile a list of good names and bad names along with their meanings. Put the names on a poster board, dry erase board, or somewhere the kids can read them. Give them a pen and paper, ask them to choose a couple of names that fit with their actions (what would their classmates choose) on one side of the paper. Let them know it's for their eyes only so be honest. Then have them choose a couple of names that they would like to represent them. Challenge them to work on becoming the person they would like to be, the person God made them to be and to hang their paper up at home as a reminder. Ask them how it is going after a couple of weeks, remember we are called to make disciples and that means keeping up on how our lessons are affecting or not affecting their lives.
Our second resource comes from a book I am currently reading through called, "A Theological Miscellany" by T.J. McTavish. Find a lesser known bible fact or figure and start your lesson off with it and allow the teens to comment or ask questions regarding it. Note: It doesn't have to relate to your lesson.
Resource three is the quote, "God always gives His best to those who leave the choice to Him."
Have a great couple of weeks and keep fighting the fight!

Youth Ministry Lite

Welcome Back guys. I have more work than I can make time for and my blog has suffered, I apologize. This weeks edition is going to be short because I have attached the first edition of my newsletter for you guys to sample. If you are interested in ordering, simply contact me via this blog as a comment or the email on the newsletter.
I do want to share the website planetwisdom.com created by Mark Matlock. The site is geared towards teens, parents, and youth leaders. Teens can send in questions to have answered by Mark himself, read the daily devotion, and their is a store as well. Us adults can read various articles and much more.
I am almost finished reading "Venti Jesus Please" by Greg Stier, founder of Ddare2Share Ministries. It is a conversation held by three teens on faith in Jesus and I have never heard it explained better than what it is in this book. It is a short read and would be a great read for your teens as well as yourself. If you have the budget, purchase a copy for each student, read as a group, and discuss the material. Questions and doubts will come up in the conversation and will be clearly answered. Have a great week!

Youth Ministry Lite

yOuTh MiNiStRy AdDiCtS yOu HaVe Come tO tHe RiGhT pLaCe FoR gReAt IdEaS aNd InSpIrATiOn!!!! Ok I am tired of typing like that..whew. I hope everyones week is going well, I know I have been slammed with work and checking items off my "To Do" list. I am also working on my first Youth Ministry book, which I am very excited about but I can say no more...for it is a secret!
On to our resources...Our first is a way to help bridge the gap between your teens and their parents by hosting a "What is MySpace and Facebook" seminar in which you act only as the guide and allow the teens to develop and lead a discussion on these two social networking sites. The point is to give your teens the opportunity the teach and at the same time teach the parents all they need to know about the sites which practically every teen uses. Make sure you allow time for Q & A.
Our second resource is a website in which to share with your teens, www.therebelution.com by Alex and Brett Harris. Ask your teens to visit the site and read or watch the latest blog entry, then the next time you meet, discuss the topic. It is a great way to turn your teens onto a great Christian website and its a great lesson idea.
As for our talk sparker this week, I want to talk about bridging the gap between the different generations in our churches. I have been reading the latest issue of Leadership Journal ministry magazine and that's where the idea comes from. What are you doing to bridge the gap? Are you making an effort to help the teens form relationships with older, more mature Christians? When teens do not have relationships throughout the church with a variety of generations, once they graduate high school they are more likely to leave the church.
So talk with your fellow leaders and Pastor about getting the teens involved in the running of the church. Some great examples of how to do this is have teens and adults serve together for a community service project. You will be amazed at how the Lord will work on both sides! Also, have teens serve as ushers, greeters, music, assisting with younger children, and so forth. That's all for now. Tell all of your fellow youth leaders about my column and if your interested in subscribing to my monthly Youth Ministry newsletter, which features this column and so much more get that info off of this site or leave a comment on this column. See ya!

Youth Ministry Lite #14

Welcome back guys! Our first resource is found at www.daveramsey.com under the section "Kids, Teens, and Money". Teens today do not understand about money management and you have the perfect opportunity to teach them! The curriculum is titled "Generation Change" and for $169.00 you can get 1 Leader's Kit and 8 Student Kits which come with t-shirts (Single student kits are $19.95). Dave Ramsey is the best teacher of how to gain financial peace for adults and students alike. With teens believing you can live off of a plastic card there is much need for financial guidance. For the most part they are totally clueless. Teaching them now before they are on their own could potentially save them from making life altering mistakes. Make sure you hold a discussion and allow the teens to ask questions and make comments so you can know where they stand and what you need to address.
Our second resource is one to share with your teens and possibly have a fundraiser to purchase the t-shirts ($18.99) which I believe are a great resource themselves. At www.askmemystory.org, teens can join a community of their peers and be equipped and encouraged to share their faith. The t-shirts proudly proclaim the websites name which will have your teens friends asking them about their story.
For our talk sparker this week I would like to think about how your ministry is making an impact for Christ with the teen gay community. First of all, have you taught a lesson on homosexuality, how to witness to homosexual teens, and so forth? Is your youth ministry a safe haven where no off color comments about being gay are made? Would an openly gay teen feel welcomed and loved? I want to leave you thinking about that and how you could improve this aspect of your ministry. We will finish talking on this subject in next week's column. Have a blessed week and remember, every teen deserves hope!
If you are interested in receiving my monthly Youth Ministry newsletter, The Ministry Minute, please email theministryminute@yahoo.com and I will send you a free first issue so you can decide if your interested. It has a variety of columns, including this column, as well as stats on teens, humor, and much more.

Youth Ministry Lite #12

This week we have great resources for you so let's get right to it! Our 1st resource is an illustration which you can build a lesson around.
"Preparing our hearts to worship is like a Pro-football player coming to the field prepared to play in the Championship game." Discuss the quote itself, asking the teens what they think it is saying and ask them to reflect on how they currently prepare to attend services. Then go over all the things a football player might do to preparation, as well as what Christians should do.
If you don't typically have a worship portion to your youth services, start today by making it a part. You can buy a cd with popular Christian hits from today that the teens would enjoy. Print out the lyrics off the web and learn them together.
Our 2nd resource is the website, www.homeward.com , which was created by Jim Burns to build Godly families. You can print numerous articles on just about any topic you can think of and listen to podcasts of the Homeward radio program.
For our discussion, I want us to think about how we are getting our teens involved in living out their faith daily. We need to go beyond simply telling them how God wants us to act and give them the opportunities to impact their local community.
One example is to find a great book on a teen who is making a difference in the world, such as "Do Hard Things" by Alex and Brett Harris. Read it as a group, discuss it, then get out and help the community. Be creative and remember to show them how to use the tools you are giving them each week in class. Email youthministrylite@yahoo.com with comments or leave them here.

Youth Ministry Lite #11

Sorry I am a little late with the latest post but here it is. I hope you enjoy the column and are finding the resources helpful in running a more effective ministry. The 1st resource is a great website to go to for your personal growth as well as to retrieve lessons for your class. Focus On The Family is Dr. James Dobson's radio program and website. Dr. Dobson is an expert on family life, raising kids, etc. On this website you will find a variety of articles which will help you to better understand your teens, as well as effectively reaching them. Visit his site at http://www.focusonthefamily.com/ .
Our second resource is a lesson idea based around the statement, "God isn't interested in your ability, but rather in your availability." Use this lesson to help your teens understand that God only asks them to come to Him with an open and willing heart. Explain to them that no one who God has used, in the bible and otherwise, has had the "experience and qualifications" to accomplish the tasks given to them by God. They have only been successfully because He instilled in them the abilities to achieve the tasks He gave them. God does that so when people see the events they will know it was by God's hand they were accomplished. Today we all lead very busy lives and need to make sure we are putting God 1st at all times and are seeking His will for our lives everyday. Let your teens know that at times this will mean us sacrificing doing things we want to do in order to follow God. The earlier we teach this to our teens the better. Help them make themselves available to God and ask them regularly what God has asked them to do ove rthe past week or two.
Thirdly, I want to discuss curriculum. The book series is written by Mark Matlock and is entitled "Wisdom On.........". The topics range from dating to family to school. This is a series to purchase a book for each student and have them read a chapter each week and then discuss as a group. I highly recommend it and if it requires you having a weekly or biweekly meeting at your home, I recommend doing so. Go through the entire series and make your meeting a discussion. Have refreshments and snacks for the teens and create a relaxed atmosphere. If you have shy kids, provide paper and pens for them to write down questions or comments anonymously and then pull them out of a basket. Thats it for this week and I promise to be on time with the next column. Have a great week.

Youth Ministry Lite #9

Here we are with out next Youth Ministry Lite, your source for the best ideas, tips, and resources for Youth Ministry. Our first resource can be found at your nearest Lifeway Christian store and is titled, The Invitation. It is a cd which contains music by a variety of artists, scripture, and narration by Rick Warren, which takes the listener through an invitation to accept Christ. This is great to hand out to first time visitors, regulars whom you arent sure of their salvation, and for the teens to hand out themselves. They are only a buck a pop, a deal you can't pass by!
Our second resource is a tool which I have learned to use often, a poll/survey. You can create a survey on your lesson topic and let the teens fill it out and hand it in prior to class or you can create one to simply get to know the teens on a more personal level. The possiblities are endless and from my experience, the teens love to take a survey and they like hearing what their peers answered.
For our talk-sparker I want to discuss a very tricky topic. It's tricky because it requires the youth leader to take a stand. The topic is "creating a safe-haven" youth group. Now when I say safe-haven, I mean having a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to bullying and picking. Every teen should be able to walk into your youth group and know that they will not be berated, bullied, or picked on. I am a stickler for this in my youth group and my teens know that so long as I am their youth leader, I am will not tolerate it. So how do you go about creating this environment? Here are a few tips to help you make your youth group a "safe-haven":

1. It starts by letting the teens know that you mean business.

2. Hold your teens accountable. Talk one on one with any offenders, build them up and let them know they are better than that. If you have repeat offenders, find out why they bully and come up with a plan to prevent it from happening again.

3. When you see it happen (since we arent living in a perfect world), handle it immediately! You've got to keep your eyes and ears open at all times.

4. Make sure there is always a teen to youth leader ratio of 5:1. If this isnt possible right off the bat, begin recruiting! Pray and begin asking. Enlist the help of adults whose sole purpose is to be your "Eagle Eyes", you can even come up with a clever name for them. Meet with them as a group and train them in how you want them to handle any bullying situations and what constitues bullying. Always talk with them about any incidents they handle.

Have a great week and I'll see you soon!

Youth Ministry Lite #8

Happy Fourth Weekend! I have some resources that I am very excited to share with you! Our first highlight is the 4-session dvd pack Teens vs Parents by Mark Matlock. This is a great tool to use either on your Wednesday night meetings or to do over the summer as a week-long class for the community. You can promote it to the community by having you and your teens go out one evening and do a neighborhood blitz, handing out flyers and explaining what the activity is. You can also make up posters to hang within your youth area at church to promote your teens to invite their friends and neighbors. It is a great tool to teach teens how to have a better relationship with their parents and provides you the opportunity to teach them how they should view and treat their parents. This is a big issue as many of today's youth do not respect their parents or adults for that manner. On the fifth evening you could invite the parents to come in and discuss with them what you have taught the teens and what you hope comes from the lessons. You could even talk with the parents about both parties making that night when they begin with a clean slate. Possibly having the teens serve their parents/guardians refreshments.
Next up we have a great book and journal combo for you to read. Now it doesn't specifically deal with youth ministry but rather with you. Many times we forget about keeping ourselves spiritually healthy and this is a great book to renew yourself with. The title is The Travelers Gift and it is written by Andy Andrews. Make sure to pick up the journal that goes along with the book as I highly recommend it! I am currently reading both and it has had a huge impact in my life and how I view success and whats important to me. You will be telling your friends about it, I guarantee.
For our talk sparker this week I want to discuss teens, their prayer life, and what stance you need to take on the issue. Of course you know that you need to talk about prayer and so forth but what about really making prayer an important part of your weekly meetings. It is one thing to allow your teens to say your closing prayer and another to have them regularly participate in a prayer meeting. If we want to teach our youth how important prayer really is then we have to give them hands on experience. Every 1-2 months give the youth 10-15 minutes to spend in prayer. Prior to providing them this time, share with them how the prayer meeting will work and what the purpose is. You could ask them for specific prayer requests before you begin the prayer meeting or even the week prior and then type up a prayer sheet and handout to them. This will give them some direction. It will take them time to learn how to pray for 10-15 minutes and you have to be right alongside them. Make sure you ask each week for updates on the prayer requests that have been made. You could even have a praise party after your prayer meeting every couple of months. Make sure that you explain to the teens that God often times answers our prayers differently than what we want or expect. However, He sees the whole picture of our life and truly knows what is best for each of us.

By His Grace and For them,
Ashley E.

Youth Ministry Lite #5

Welcome back for more great ideas and insights into the world of youth ministry. This weeks first highlight is one of my all-time favorite websites to get lesson ideas, video lessons, and handouts: Dare 2 Share Ministries (www.dare2share.org) in an ace in the hole and Youth Pastor or Youth Leader should be without it in our "little black book" for youth ministry resources. Greg Stier, the founder, does a great job at providing top notch materials for for youth leaders, teens, and parents on his website, all for free! They even do conferences across America, teaching teens how to effectively share their faith with their friends.
Our second highlight is one of the best youth ministry magazines I have come across and you can always count on refreshing ideas, thought provoking articles, and helpful insights when you pick up an issue of Campus Life's Ignite Your Faith. This magazine if written for teens and young adults but is a tool all youth leaders should have within reach. Try a free trial issue and you will be hooked!
Our talk sparker for this week is about actively connecting with the teens in your youth group. How often do you make it a point to make and grow a more personal connection with your teens? Actively connecting with teens requires that we move beyond simply "showing up" on Sunday's and Wednesday's. It requires us to say hello to each of our students, to shake hands, to call on them to read scripture, or close in prayer, as well as to set aside time outside of church. This could mean sending out email or chatting via Facebook through the week or having a teen grill out where getting to know your teens more personally is the purpose. If we want to see their world, gain their trust, and earn their respect, we must draw them out and pursue them. We need to be better listeners, ask more probing questions, and share more of our life experiences. We must show them we deeply care by knowing them by name, knowing their strengths and weaknesses, and when their birthday is. We must form a relationship with each and every one of them and nurture that relationship if we are to having a lasting impact on their lives. All the time respecting proper boundaries and never putting ourselves in potentially compromising situations. If we forget the basic necessity of teens to be heard and be known, we won't be the role model and mentor we are striving to be.

Quote to live by: "You may think you are leading, but if no one is following, all you're doing is taking a walk." Mark Batterson paraphrasing a quote from a beloved leadership guru