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I've been a part of curriculum development since the early 2000s. I've seen a little bit of everything. And unless you craft your own curriculum week-in and week-out (which is an option), knowing how to make sense of what's out there is not always an easy proposition.

I want to offer some guidelines for how to go about selecting the Sunday morning curriculum that's right for you. While there may be more things on your list, these are the most essential elements to consider when deciding what curriculum works best for you.

“Our church cancels our normal youth ministry programming during the summer.” I’m surprised how many times I’ve heard this from youth pastors all around the country. It surprises me because there isn’t a church I’ve previously served at that does this. We actually doubled-down on our gatherings during the summer months. Here is why you should do the same!

With in-person gatherings happening more and more, we want to take a quick moment to solve your games problem for you. Here are three games that stand the test of time as well as give your students an incredible experience for your next gathering. Let’s play some games!

Your students are tired of digital meetings. Right now seems like the perfect pivot point where BOTH you AND your students feel the same sense of burnout. Because of this, you have probably seen a decline in attendance as the weeks of quarantine and isolation have gone on.

If you scramble in anything, in your haste, you are likely to make mistakes. Regardless of if they are big or small, they are still mistakes, and they must be improved to better reach our students. Don't find yourself discouraged and questioning why you're not having a sustained impact on your students’ lives.

Speaking to Graduating High School Seniors? Consider answering the “how” of living a life that matters, a life that ultimately makes a difference. This post by Andy Blanks passes along three important and practical thoughts for high school graduates.

At YM360, we’re here with you. Our office is open and we are ready to take your calls, chats, and emails. Whatever hassle is standing between your students and life-changing, gospel-centered resources, we want to help you move them out of the way.

If you aren't using Youth Group at Home, this week is a GREAT time to start. It's easy to use Youth Group at Home in your ministry. You are as overloaded now as you've probably ever been. While the world around us has stopped, we know that Youth Ministry Doesn't Stop. Invest relationally with your students and let Youth Group at Home serve as a catalyst for you to continue growing with your students.

These are trying times for those of us who are in the realm of youth ministry. Face-to-face interactions with our students have all but disappeared. Because of this, we want you to be equipped to continue to make an impact in the lives of your students, even if you can't be in a room with them.

Your call to the mission of youth ministry has not stopped just because the world around us is in chaos. In fact, it has become even more prevalent than ever. Don't be a youth worker whose response to the Coronavirus is limited because of money.

Regardless of the length of time, it is a common thread that we are all dealing with reduced gathering size and huge changes. I am sure you are looking for ways to create connections and continued community. Below are a handful of platforms/resources that may help you as you continue to lead your students:

Zoom is one of the best and easiest to use apps for online meetings, so you will need a zoom account. See the How to Use Zoom App handout for setting up an account and how to start or schedule a meeting. There are also some useful technical tips about the uniqueness of meeting in an online environment.

Many people have labeled the coronavirus and its impact as a storm we are all going through. You may be freaked out along with others, you know, but as Christians, our guide on how to respond in times like this is very clear – SPEAK PEACE IN THE STORM. Let's talk about how we can do that together!

As our teenagers navigate days of quarantine measures and infection counts (who would have ever thought!?), let's help them remember these five core truths about God.

What does it take to toughen up a Christian student spiritually? The Bible is full of stories of Bible heroes who became heroes because they went through some tough times, and those experiences strengthened their faith. So instead of giving in to fear and panic, why not let God use this time to build up your faith and "toughen" up your spiritual nature.

These are unique times. And they will probably get even more unsettled in the days ahead. Coronavirus has altered nearly every aspect of our lives. As adults, we find this unsettling. But the impact of the upheaval we see in our culture can have an even more dramatic effect on our children. How do we help them keep a healthy outlook on life? Let's dive in together!