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Want to Get on Your Students’ Campuses?
Seven Things School Administrators
Want to Hear
I live and work in the Bible belt, but I have found that even here in this very conducive environment what administrators fear from religious groups and what puts those fears to rest for them. This society is so litigious that they do not need any problems from the people they allow to spend time with students. |
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How to have a SAFE trip, program,, event, or activity!
Which is your priority: having fun and enjoying the time with youth because it was easy, or delivering them back to their parents safe, encouraged, and excited about the ministry? Remember that you have received from these parents the thing that is most valuable in their lives: the spiritual development, safety, and well being of their children “Safety First” Your ministry’s unwritten policy should always put safety first. Ministries must be above reproach in this arena. The greatest gift and asset people entrust us with is their children. It is imperative that “safety first” be foremost in our minds as we minister to students anywhere and at any time. We should strive as ministries to have the utmost regard in matters of safety and responsible behavior. |
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The Heart of a Volunteer
As youth leaders, one of the most valuable assets we have, but often the least effectively utilized, is volunteers! What is so special about volunteers? Well, it has been my experience that a volunteer can do a number of things I cannot do and that together we are better able to further the Kingdom. God did not make us so that we would not need others; we do need others. We need to surround ourselves with volunteers, especially those who have gifts, talents, skills, or abilities that we do not have. |
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The Youth Leaders’ Most Dangerous Situation
(Counseling the Opposite Sex)
Media attention has brought the issue of safety in youth-adult relationships to the forefront. As adults who work with youth, we need to heed the warnings. Discipleship of the opposite sex is especially difficult, because trust, intimacy, honesty, openness, and vulnerability are completely necessary for real discipleship. |
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How to Initiate and Develop Friendships with Students
Youth ministry is built on relationships with youth. |
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Planning for Effective Bible Studies
Bible Studies are an essential part of discipleship and mentoring. Many Bible studies lead to long-lasting relationships with students that continue beyond the teens’ graduation. |
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How to Avoid a BORING Bible Study
Have you ever sat through a boring lecture, seminar, or sermon? Well, Bible study should never be such a drag. The Bible is excitingly alive, and good materials help in connecting with youth. In addition to using printed resources, however, the mentor needs to see Bible study as more than just a way of discussing the richness of the text. A successful youth leader will speak to the youth in a thought-provoking way that is relevant to their lives. |
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Hook, Line, and Sinker
What is youth ministry really about? Youth ministry, in my opinion, is about bringing adolescents—especially those who are unchurched or uninterested—into a closer relationship with Jesus Christ. By doing so we demonstrate our love for everyone, not just youth who exhibit faith beyond their years. |
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2X4 Youth Ministry
I have found that the best way to lead youth ministry is by teaching others how to lead better than I could ever lead. And you ask, “How can you teach someone to lead better than the teacher can?” The key is training everybody. |
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Prominent vs. Significant
I believe that in all my years of youth ministry, in all of my travels in missions, and in all of my years of teaching and training that there is no more important concept than this one for a youth pastor to understand. “Your ministry does not have to be prominent to be significant!” |
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Roses vs. Thorns
You know one of the most important aspects about the youth ministry leader is attitude. Because no matter what anyone says, you can become a great leader or be just another common person interested in youth ministry determined by your attitude. And the difference in successful ministries and those that are common is the attitude with which you lead your god-given opportunity to shape and mold the lives of young people, who look to us to exemplify Christ. |
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