When it comes to youth group movie nights, the goal is simple: pick something clean and appropriate that everyone will enjoy. You need laughs, quotable moments and no awkward scenes you forgot were in there. With summer coming up (and the 20th anniversary of a certain youth group classic right around the corner 👀), here Read more about Top 5 Flicks for an Unforgettable Movie Night With Your Group[…]
Like us, teens don’t invite their friends to everything. No one’s probably texting the group chat like, “Hey, you HAVE to come to this thing I go to where I have an okay time.” Instead, it’s probably more like, “OMG! We have SO much fun. You HAVE to come!” When it comes to youth group Read more about What Makes Youth Ministry Students Invite Their Friends to the Group (and What Doesn’t)[…]
Youth ministry is known for a few things, like games that get a little competitive (but always stay friendly, of course), snacks that disappear way too fast and inside jokes that make zero sense to anyone outside the group. And all of that is super important. But underneath the fun, your students are facing real-life Read more about Let’s Talk About It: Creating Space for the Tough Stuff in Youth Ministry[…]
Being the new kid is always a struggle for children and teens entering an already-established group environment. At VBS, it feels a little like showing up to a party where you don’t know anyone. There’s energy and inside jokes already happening, and new students can sometimes find themselves trying to figure out where to stand Read more about New Kids, No Problem: Helping Everyone Feel Welcome at VBS[…]
Spring is the season of fresh starts, both for the members of your group and for your group’s style. Let’s be honest: not every youth ministry t-shirt makes it past the “sleep shirt” status, and if your shirt is going straight into the pajama drawer, we have a fashion emergency on our hands. So, what’s Read more about Fresh Fits for Fresh Faith: Youth Ministry Spring T-Shirt Ideas[…]
A youth group spring retreat isn’t just a weekend away; it’s a memory-making moment. It’s inside jokes waiting to happen, late-night talks that go on a little longer than planned (but that’s okay because there’s nothing more satisfying for a youth pastor than students reflecting together), and those unexpected worship moments that hit in the Read more about Youth Group Spring Retreat Games and Activities That Bring the Hype[…]
Your shirt talks before anyone reads a single word. Seriously, colors speak their own really cool language. They have the awesome ability to set the tone, share a message and let people know what they’re about to experience. When it comes to custom church shirts, color choice isn’t just about what looks cool (although that Read more about Finding Balance: Using Earth Tones and Bright Colors to Tell a Story[…]
Valentine’s Day has a reputation. You know, pink everything, awkward PDA, way too many heart emojis and couples endlessly posting on their IG stories. But we’re here for the plot twist: Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be mushy-gushy or lovey-dovey. It can be about friends being friends and showing each other love in ways that Read more about Heart Your Friends: Celebrating Valentine’s Day Without the Mush[…]
Student leaders are showing up, stepping out of their comfort zones and actively choosing to lead when they could easily sit back. That’s definitely something to celebrate! Beyond a quick “good job,” student leaders deserve encouragement and recognition from their super amazing, awe-inspiring youth ministers (that’s you!). When they feel seen and supported, their faith Read more about 5 Ways to Make Student Leaders Feel Like the Rockstars They Are[…]
Okay, so we know that when youth ministers say “it’s time for some icebreakers,” it can immediately strike fear in the hearts of the students (if not fear, then definitely a feeling of awkwardness). Suddenly, everyone forgets how to speak, eye contact becomes illegal and at least one person considers faking a bathroom emergency to Read more about Small Group Icebreakers That Don’t Make Students Cringe[…]