by Hank Hilliard Several years ago I was playing golf with John, a former youth group member who had gone on to college. John shared a story about his little sister Kate. He had driven Kate to a friend’s house for a birthday party the previous night. Because John’s car was old with a worn […]
by Sarah Arthur It’s Sunday morning and my toddler has a fever. Again. For the fourteenth time this winter. Clingy, sweaty, he hovers by my thigh as I dial one parent after another. All the usual volunteers are unavailable. Someone has to be on hand at the last minute to sub for me back in […]
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 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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