Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on Julie’s personal website and is reprinted here with permission. by Julie Richardson Brown I sometimes joke (in full earnest) that Mark Yaconelli ruined my youth ministry career. “Ruined” is probably an overstatement. However, in truth, hearing him speak for two days out of his book Contemplative Youth […]
As a ministry leader, you’re likely familiar with the holy habits of prayer, worship, reading the Bible, giving, and the sacraments. These habits are each deeply significant in their own way, yet it’s all too easy to begin doing them mindlessly as part of a routine. Ask yourself these questions: Do you think, with all […]
by Andrew Mochrie I entered into youth ministry when I was between eighth and ninth grade. I stumbled my way awkwardly into a youth group because of an invitation to a summer camp from a friend. I have followed Jesus and been involved in youth ministry ever since. Youth group was one of the most […]
by Deech Kirk In the middle of Justin Beiber’s song “As Long as You Love Me,” sits the lyric: But the grass ain’t always greener on the other side, it’s greener where you water it. I find this to be a profound statement and would love for you to ponder it with me for a […]
by Mark Taylor 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. With her flashy appearance, brash disposition, and multiple personalities, Nicki Minaj has become […]
Human flourishing and theology of the body Currently, the trend we see in both youth ministry and the church at large in regards to issues of physical behaviors (especially, but not exclusively, sexual) is one of policing said behaviors in isolation from a larger holistic theological context. When we talk about sexuality or homosexuality we […]
When the Christian story no longer seems compelling The looming crisis in youth ministry is that young people have examined the church and judged it to be inauthentic and irrelevant. In spite of our best efforts, young people in our culture are simply not convinced that the church is an important or necessary voice in […]
by Amy Jacober A Public Service Announcement to youth pastors Connections are my great reminder that God designed us to be a communal people. Technology has allowed us to be connected more than ever. Twitter, Facebook, e-mail, texting, Instagram and a whole lot more let us catch glimpses into the lives of our friends, family […]
by Brian Kirk A friend from my seminary days recently contacted me to ask if I had any suggestions on ways to engage students in discussion so they wouldn’t get bored. A tall order, as the last thing most teenagers want out of youth group is to feel like they are at school. And nothing […]
Friends, Your investment in the Center for Youth Ministry Training continues to pay huge dividends and we are grateful for your support. This month ordination boards are meeting with individuals who have felt called by God to serve the church. The board’s job is to affirm a visible call and preparedness for ministry. Approximately one-third […]
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