Curriculum Plan Step 1: Know, Feel, Do

Youth ministries choose curriculum in a variety of ways. You might find yourself using some of these methods: Two hours before youth group you grab something off the shelf Your Sunday School teachers teach whatever is on their hearts You have been instructed to use the denominational curriculum or have bought into a curriculum plan […]

Children of Divorce – Andy Root

The Center for Youth Ministry Training invited Dr. Andy Root to teach an elective to our students on the Children of Divorce last week. What an important topic for youth ministers to explore so that the church can better respond to this important issue in our society that greatly affects young people and families.  I […]

Why Churchy work is Hard

The Center for Youth Ministry Training is in the process of building a collaborative relationship with a business.  My friend who owns the business has commented through the process about how hard it is to work with churches or churchy organizations.  If you work in a church or a churchy business, you know that he is right; […]

How2: 5 Questions to Help Find Good Curriculum

The Center for Youth Ministry Training has a youth ministry library full of more than 700 resources and books. We created the library because we wanted folks to be able to see the curriculum and try it out before making a large purchase for their church. But we have observed that those who utilize this library as a resource […]

Confirmation Essentials

Two weeks ago, I posted a blog on What is the Right Age for Confirmation? After a wonderful week at Hilton Head with my family and a 37 on the front 9 at Arthur Hills only to find out that the fun does begin on the 12th to finish with a 82, I pick back up the […]

Advent Prayer Stations

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on rethinkingyouthministry.com and is reprinted here with permission. by Brian Kirk Advent, those four weeks preceding Christmas, has its origins separate from the Yuletide season. In the fourth and fifth centuries, Advent was known as a six week preparation for the season of Epiphany, not Christmas. Like our […]

Advent Bible Study: Making Room for God

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on rethinkingyouthministry.com and is reprinted here with permission. by Brian Kirk Like it or not, the “Christmas Buying Season” is upon us. Apparently, the secular culture never heard of Advent and started playing Christmas carols before Halloween had even come and gone. So now might be the best […]

Advent Bible Study: Depictions of Jesus

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on rethinkingyouthministry.com and is reprinted here with permission. by Brian Kirk Getting Ready Invite students individually or in small groups to brainstorm on sticky pad notes the names/nicknames we give to Jesus that explain how we think about him (or how we’ve been taught to think about him). […]

10 Simple Prayer Ideas for Teens

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on rethinkingyouthministry.com and is reprinted here with permission. by Brian Kirk The Examen This is a cool ancient form of prayer that asks you to think back over the last week or month. Let your mind wander through the following questions as you pray: Thinking back over the […]

Reflecting on the Season of Lent

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on rethinkingyouthministry.com and is reprinted here with permission. by Brian Kirk As we move through Holy Week, here are a few suggestions for celebrating the end of the season of Lent with your students. Host a prayer vigil. Students respond well to prayer and silence. Have the sanctuary […]

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