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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
by Deech Kirk I was reminded recently about how much technology is changing youth ministry. A friend had just returned from a youth trip and was dealing with the aftermath of a high school kid having shown inappropriate YouTube videos to some middle schoolers. Gone are the days when we can feel safe simply asking […]
by Hank Hilliard and Mary Dell Deweese My oldest son, Tanner, played baseball last spring in what is called a “modified coach-pitch league,” which is one step up from T-ball. The batter gets seven pitches from the coach (which actually turned into more like 10-12 pitches) to try to get a hit. If he fails […]
by Will Penner Approximate length: 35 minutes Primary Theme: Commitment Themes: Discipleship, Social Status, Humility, Death Scripture: Mark 2:1-12 The gospels are full of stories of people who desperately wanted to see Jesus. Some want to learn from him, because they hear he was a great teacher. Some want to be healed by him. Others […]
by Steph Dodge Overview: This activity is meant to model for the students what the early Christians went through meeting in the catacombs to avoid Roman persecution. It requires a lot of preparation and a number of volunteers but it can be a very powerful exercise to help youth understand what it is like to […]
by Deech Kirk Create a worship experience that your students will not forget. Jesus bled from seven places when he gave his life for our sins. He bled from both hands, both feet, his head, his back, and his side. Each of these places remind us of all the ways Christ wholly forgives our sins. […]
It’s the end of the Church as we know it, and they (youth) feel fine. The Western church is an inconsequential place in the life of many students. The research from the NSYR (National Study of Youth and Religion) points to this fact. Is it true? The Church has become a destination or a building. […]
by Stephen Ingram The most transformative opportunities one has in student ministry are those 24-48 hour-long free-for-alls we call retreats. Retreats are excellent places to bring our groups together and create bonds and memories that will last for years to come. If, however, we only think of retreats as youth group vacations, we’re missing out […]
Subscribe to receive a monthly roundup of fresh insights and free tools for senior ministry leaders.
