Over the past 16 years of ministry, I have had 6 different senior pastors at my various churches. As the Executive Director of the CYMT, I have now worked with 25+ pastors as they supervise our students. As a YMA consultant, I had the privilege of working intently alongside 6 churches and pastors during times of transition. Throw […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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). […]
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 […]
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 […]
by Deech Kirk Is a “professional youth minister” simply someone who gets paid to do youth ministry? Someone could pay you to treat an illness, but that would not make you a doctor, nor would winning a friendly bet on the golf course make you Tiger Woods. So how do you become a “pro” youth […]
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on rethinkingyouthministry.com and is reprinted here with permission. by Brian Kirk I’m not a big fan of big back-to-school bashes. They are sort of the bait-and-switch of the youth ministry world: We bring them in with noise, activity, and entertainment; then when they come back the next week, […]
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