Growing Souls in a Nutshell

Ministry implications from the Youth Ministry and Spirituality Project Editor’s Note: This synopsis was written as part of a Lilly Foundation grant to the Center for Youth Ministry Training. The Research in a Nutshell What does it look like to do youth ministry within a culture where the anxious voice of society is often listened to over […]

Souls in Transition in a Nutshell

A summary of research on religious change in emerging adulthood Editor’s Note: This synopsis was written as part of a Lilly Foundation grant to the Center for Youth Ministry Training. The Research in a Nutshell What happens in the midst of transitioning from one phase of life to another? What happens to religious faith and practices? How […]

Youth, Religion and Globalization in a Nutshell

A summary of research on faith and adolescence around the world Editor’s Note: This synopsis was written as part of a Lilly Foundation grant to the Center for Youth Ministry Training. The research in a nutshell This collaborative work was birthed from a common concern among practical theologians around the world that globalization was changing the face […]

Book Review: A Weed in the Church

by Nate Davis Every year, youth workers expend vast amounts of energy and resources planning programs and events that are aimed at reaching students who seem to be slipping away despite their best efforts to keep them plugged into the Church. Snowboard camps, skate demos, christian rock concerts, and house boating are just a few […]

Creating a Budget: Step-by-step guide to the process

by Mike Kupferer It’s time for many youth ministries to turn in their budgets for the next year. The economy is tough, and churches are feeling the crunch, too. The most important thing to remember when working on your youth ministry budget is that the money is not your own personal spending money. It is […]

Roman Holiday: A response to Nicki Minaj's Grammy performance

by Cory Martin At the 2012 Grammy Awards, Nicki Minaj debuted a brand new song, “Roman Holiday,” which caused a bit of a stir in some Christian circles. The video intro depicts Nicki/Roman (her alter ego) as being possessed, and a Catholic priest is summoned to exorcise the demon. The whole performance was a tad […]

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Lessons about Identity through the eyes of a "wimpy kid"

by Sean Meade About the Movie Diary of a Wimpy Kid is a new family comedy based on the first book in the popular series by Jeff Kinney.  Diary follows the misadventures of smart mouthed pre-teen Greg Heffley as he navigates the uncharted terrain of life’s scariest institution….middle school. For Greg, middle school is the […]

A Youthworker's Camp Survival Kit: Don't leave church without it!

by Mindi Godfrey I recently attended a weekend retreat in the mountains. I’ve been to this particular camp several times before but it had been a while since I’d done the “camp” thing—the last few student retreat/events I’ve been to, we’ve stayed in hotels. And being a little out of practice at the traditional camp […]

Drop Your Nets: Following Jesus Immediately, Regardless of the Cost

by Will Penner Approximate length: 90 minutes Supplies: • VCR or DVD player, and TV or projector and screen • Video or DVD copy of An Insiders View of Jesus, 2002, YS/Zondervan • Video or DVD copy of Cruel Intentions, 1999, Columbia Tri Star • Video or DVD copy of Jerry Maguire, 1996, Columbia Tri […]

Panopticism in The Hunger Games

Editor’s Note: The content of this article was developed in Advanced Studies in Youth, Church and Culture taught by Andrew Zirschky at Memphis Theological Seminary in partnership with CYMT. To learn more about the CYMT graduate residency, visit cymt.org. by Joanna Simmerman The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins has quickly become one of the most […]

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