Slow and steady wins the race
By Jordan Francis Wow! The first quarter of 2023 is flying by. It can feel like the days are spinning out of control with so many things to balance and juggle. Even as I write this blog, there are about three other tasks I know I need to do, and my mind is encouraging me […]
Remembering the Moments That Matter: How to Sustain Yourself in Ministry
This week, a student from ministry I did years ago reached out to me. They asked if we could get coffee to talk about what they are struggling with in their faith because they think I would be a good person to talk to about it. Honestly, I feel honored that they would consider me […]
Infiltrate not Invade
A goal, or at least should be a goal of every Youth Pastor, Student Ministry Pastor, Next Gen Pastor, or whatever you identify as these days, is to visit your students at the nearby schools. Many Student Ministers hope to be guest speakers of a club, service the “See You at The Pole,” or simply […]
Fear or Curiosity?
We live in a world that loves the sensational. There is so much information out there; the way to get attention is to say something that stops people dead in their tracks. Gen Z has picked up on this, and they can take sensationalism to another level. But, how we respond may be more important […]
For the birds and the lack of bees
“There is no way that this winter is ever going to end as long as this groundhog keeps seeing his shadow. I don’t see any other way out. He’s got to be stopped. And I have to stop him.” – Phil Connors Social issues seem to come in cycles. In one season, we are debating […]
Caring for the Heartbroken Teen
Living in the desert, we have our share of dangers—wildlife such as coyotes, javelina, various types of lizards, and of course, snakes. One, in particular, is the Rattle Snake which is a predator but also an opportunistic animal. It not only seeks out the prey, but it also lies in wait and strikes at the […]
Romance Discipleship
Remember the age that you noticed someone else in a special way? Remember their smile, laugh, and general being that stirred feelings in you that made you long to become their friend, maybe even more than friends? Who taught you the art of how to romance them and how to woo them? Who taught you […]
5 Ways a Youth Pastor Can Better Engage Mental Health Issues In Youth Ministry
Mental health is becoming an increasingly prevalent issue, especially among young people. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 1 in 5 youths aged 13-18 years old has or will have a mental illness in their lifetime. As a youth pastor, it is essential that you are aware of these statistics and know how […]
The vulnerable and transparent youth pastor
Keep your friends close and your enemies closer. Keep the circle tight and move in silence. These phrases have only grown in popularity as more people jockey for social and corporate ladders positions. But is this true for those in ministry? What should our network of friends and peers look like? We certainly can’t let […]
God’s Plan?
Recently, we were discussing the nature of God, specifically his omniscience. This means His ability to know our innermost thoughts and the paths of our lives. The discussion began with Psalm 139, a poetic example of God’s innermost knowledge of our creation and formation. As a father expecting another child, this Psalm has been influential for […]
