And This Too Shall Pass

And This Too Shall Pass

When I was a teenager, all bad things in the moment felt like the end of the world. My Grandma was a fantastic listener so I often complained to her about the troubles I was facing. She would always listen to me as if I was the center of her world in that moment. When...
The Challenge of Leading Your Own Kids

The Challenge of Leading Your Own Kids

This is probably the hardest article for me to write as it pokes at a pain that runs deeper than anything I have encountered as a youth leader. The problem: My children in youth group are the kids that are the hardest to lead and those that I fear I am failing. As I...
E.G.R. teens got you frustrated?

E.G.R. teens got you frustrated?

Hard times are expected in life and ministry and loving those that challenge us can be hard, but hard doesn’t need to be defined as bad. Youth don’t expect bumper sticker platitudes or cheerleaders every week. They are looking to be seen. If youth ministry is simply...
Jesus’ Answer to Being Overwhelmed

Jesus’ Answer to Being Overwhelmed

My only thought, after 59 minutes and 50 seconds of trying to escape this Star Wars themed room, was “I hope this 12 year old knows how to unlock an actual doorknob!” I took my sixth grader group this week, and we escaped with only 5 seconds left! It was...