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Training Tools

Ministry to BY Teenagers

ministry-to-by-teenagers
The following article is an excerpt from Jonathan's brand new book, Ministry by Teenagers: Developing Leaders from WithinA few years ago I met a young girl at my church named Heather. During Heather's eighth-grade year, she introduced five of her school friends to Jesus.Five friends!How many of your friends have you introduced to Jesus this year?Yeah, Heather has me...
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Training Tools

I Hate Recruiting Volunteers

"I love children's ministry---all of the creative parts of developing exciting programs, but I sure don't like filling vacancies. I hate that part of the job." "I have a passion for the pastorate-preaching, visioning, visiting and pastoral work. But when I have to recruit volunteers for our...
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Training Tools

Connecting with Students

Last month a student from the high school just down the street from me excused himself from class about 10:15 a.m., walked into a restroom, and shot himself.It was his 17th birthday.My heart sank as I read the entire story in our local Sacramento paper. That's the third article this week I've seen about teenage anxiety, depression, violence, and...
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Training Tools

Simmer Down Now

We recently received an email from our friend Joe that asks some great questions about discipline: I've struggled with disruptive and goofy kids who like to sabotage games, interrupt worship, and distract during teaching. Part of it's my fault: I've been a buddy, not a shepherd. Now I'm playing catch-up. Near the end of last semester I spent three...
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Training Tools

Leading Small Groups… without Losing Your Mind

A Closer Look at What Small Groups Can DoLet's cut to the chase. Do you want a ministry tool that can provide the following? A great way for students to get to know each other better A way for staff to build strong relationships with students A stepping stone to accountability and mentor relationships An environment in which individuals...
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Training Tools

How Do I Run a Successful Program?

Find a Purpose or Theme This doesn't necessarily mean that you need a discussion topic theme, like "Knowing God." This might just mean understanding your purpose, like "to reach unchurched kids for Christ," or "to bring out a large number of new kids to youth group and show them a good time." You should always know what your purpose...
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Training Tools

When the Ministry Budget isn’t Big Enough

His motives seemed pure. "I just want to see kids reached with the Gospel." Who can argue with that? Well... he spent his entire youth ministry budget by January 17th. I first met "Chris" about six months prior to that ominous January. He contacted me about speaking at his community outreach event. The event sounded...
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