As a youth minister I have spent countless hours driving our church bus, Big Rhonda. She and I have a love hate relationship that started with a six hour drive back from a mission trip in July with no AC….
The No. 1 reason teens keep the faith as young adults
The holy grail for helping youth remain religiously active as young adults has been at home all along: parents. Mothers and fathers who practice what they preach and preach what they practice are far and away the major influence related…
Let’s share this mess
It doesn’t happen every day, but sometimes I buckle down and cook dinner for my husband and three teenagers. It’s a lot of effort, but it’s almost always worth it and, at least the way I cook, it always makes…
Race, Ferguson, and Youth Ministry
There are important conversations happening now in American about race. Since I’m a student minister, I’ve been thinking about my students and how this conversation needs to include them. So, how do I talk with teenagers about something as big…
Has church become a fairytale?
By Seth Vopat “My dog,” one replied. Another said, “Beauty and the Beast.” Agreeing with the first response, another responded, “My dog.” “I think the couple in the movie The Fault in Our Stars,” someone else said. The question: Does…
Passport’s founders spearheaded quiet shift in how youth hear God’s call
Over the last two decades, a quiet shift has taken place in how and where Baptist young people hear the call of God and receive training for Christian ministry. One of those in the vanguard of this movement is Passport…
A word for the graduates, part 2
As graduates around the country begin making plans for the next phase of their lives, it will be worthwhile for them to take some time to prepare for the challenges that will come with it. For Christian young people in…
A word for the graduates
June is traditionally the month when graduates are recognized. College grads have already walked the fateful stage and most high school grads either have or are preparing to do so. Major life transitions like this are often fraught with challenges…
Network provides ‘Oasis’ from youth minister burnout
By Jeff Brumley Ministry burnout is far from being a new concept with even the most hard-working pastors and demanding congregations admitting it can happen to them and their clergy, too. But one group often left out of the equation…