Are you aware that the largest unreached people group on earth consists of preteens, teens, and twenties?  We are used to thinking about unreached people groups in geographic terms, but now that half the world’s population is under the age of 25, we are faced with a demographic as the largest mission field. This group…

I ran across this article by a young clergyman (I can say young since I have more gray hair than he does) who really articulates well what all churches should look for in a youth minister.  It also speaks volumes to current youth ministers about what should be most important to us. I am close…

This article from The Gospel Coalition blog is worth sharing around your church! Some think teenagers are precious works in progress, and others are overwhelmed by their messiness. Many church members think serving teenagers is a lot like serving babies: there are those who have the “gift” of youth ministry, and those who simply don’t. And…

Update: A more refined version of this article can be found at: http://rootedministry.com/articles/how-survive-and-thrive-your-first-youth-ministry-job There is nothing quite like being young, idealistic, and naive.  Let’s face it, this is a fair way to describe most people in their first full time job out of college (or at least when it’s in their intended career path).  Despite…

Most years I get the opportunity to speak to all delegates and clergy from all the churches in our diocese. This year was no different. Here was my message to the diocese: We read in Judges chapter 2 about the death of Joshua and subsequently the passing of those who served under his leadership. We…