Transformative Leadership
As a freshman, Olivia was immature. Even so, she faithfully attended every event my youth ministry sponsored. She was often difficult. She cared far more about chatting with her friends than participating in a ...
Ministering with Grace: How to Reach Teen Girls
Chris Wheeler stands out in a crowd—and it's not just due to his large, unruly mop of hair or his magnetic, off-the-wall personality. These days, the former youth pastor and current director of Student In...
If We Survive (Excerpt 2)
"Probably a crocodile!" Jim called, his voice sounding as unsteady as mine. "Maybe a caiman, although it's kind of big for one of those.""Well, thank you, National Geographic," I said. "But the thing is: I thin...
If We Survive (Excerpt 1)
But we're all afraid all the time. I know I am.""So am I," Jim said."You know I am," said Nicki."But you," I said to Meredith, "it's like it makes no difference to you how things turn out. It's like you're̷...
Interview with Andrew Klavan
Related Links: If We Survive (Excerpt 1); If We Survive (Excerpt 2)YouthWorker Journal: Where do the ideas for your stories come from; and in particular, how did If We Survive develop?Andrew Klavan: I'm ne...
The Cost of Faithfulness
When Jesus began His earthly ministry, it wasn't long before He began calling disciples. This was His pipeline of leadership. Though He identified, chose and called them fairly quickly, it took Him th...
The Discipleship Project Contest for Middle School Ministry
Paul Turner of The Discipleship Project is opening a contest to fellow youth ministers.Designed as encouragment for middle school students, this contest, which runs through Friday, Aug. 16, is a simple way...
Youth Culture Update: Stop Your Phubbing, People!
As smartphones continue to grow ever more popular, patterns of etiquette are beginning to form around them. Most recently, 23-year-old Alex Haigh from Australia has begun a campaign to keep people from phubbing...
Youth Culture Update: What’s That Ringing? Oh, Just My Ears
A study from the Netherlands suggests that 20 percent of teens have damaged their eardrums permanently—stats reflecting a previous study done in England.For the new study, researchers polled more than 4,0...
Youth Culture Update: Mom! Dad! I’m Home (Still)!
About a third of young adults between the ages of 18 and 31 are living with their parents, according to research from the Pew Research Institute. That's more than 21.6 million youth—and the highest percen...