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Having run groups for years in a clinical setting as a licensed counselor, Brendt Blanks knows that many of the characteristics of running a successful discipleship group are quite similar. Yet, there are some that are unique to leading students in meaningful spiritual growth. Here are seven characteristics of running an effective small group.

Andy Blanks examines some of the challenges we face in leading students to develop good spiritual habits.

In this article, Andy Blanks writes that if we are to be effective at leading students in spiritual transformation, we have to do so in the context of real relationship.

Somewhere along the way, we began to communicate to students that the best way (or maybe even the only way) to help introduce their peers to Christ was to simply invite them to Church. But what does this look like if it is the primary objective of our evangelism? 

Want to know the most dynamic, most useful, most flexible youth ministry resource there is? The one thing that, if implemented, will super-charge your youth ministry and dramatically transform the lives of your students?

As Christ-followers it seems like the promise of Holy Week, Good Friday and Easter should have us singing in our souls. As you reflect on the provision of the cross and the reality of the empty tomb, here are 99 songs (in no particular order) for your playlist to help you celebrate the Easter season.

The YM360 Easter "Vault" offers FREE Bible study lessons and student devotions, perfect for leading up to your Easter services!

Good Friday is a day of reflection, gratefulness, and in some sense, wonder. The Cross is the central point in all of history. And yet, there are many days when the grace of God expressed at that moment is simply too overwhelming to comprehend. At best, we can respond with thankful awe, knowing only that Christ loved us enough to willingly face His crucifixion.

The world is increasingly wired and digitized and it will only become more so. 

So how should we handle social media and students' attachment to their devices?

Honest doubt, and honest questioning is how teenagers begin to own a faith that is theirs, not their parents’, or grandparents’, or even yours.

But what do we do with those questions? What is the right attitude or approach toward having these questions or doubts?

Here’s a challenging thought:

If you were to start taking away elements of your youth ministry, what would you actually need to do be able to still do ministry?

Now, before you answer, I’m not talking about some theoretical youth group. I’m talking about YOUR youth ministry.

Senior Adults range from some of the nicest people you will meet in the church to well some of the most difficult people you will deal with. Here are a few thoughts on why they are so crucial to your ministry even though your title may be Youth Pastor.

The answers to these questions form your worldview. All of us have a worldview picture- at least a rudimentary one- forming in our minds, even if we are not consciously aware of it. Every religion tells a story of reality. Every philosophy and every individual outlook on life is a take on the way someone thinks the world actually is. There is no escaping it. These stories are meant to bring order to our beliefs, to explain the "pieces" of reality that we encounter in life, whether big things or little things, important or inconsequential.

This week as we celebrate the life and legacy of Rev. Graham and his ministry, do not forget it began as a teenage convert before leading to being the world's best known (and maybe most impactful) evangelist. If you work with students in any capacity, I encourage you to remember the opportunity of influence that you have. Look around at the faces of the students you interact with and just imagine the potential for impact. The possibilities are endless of what God can do with a young man or young woman that fully surrenders their life and focus on Him. 

How can singing llamas fit in with worship and a sermon? You’d be surprised. Games, if done right, have a fantastic purpose in youth ministry. I’ve been creating youth ministry games for a decade, and I’ve seen a common trend. Read on as Parker Stetch has heard from tons of youth workers who fall into one of three camps when it comes to games in their ministry.

It is our joy to serve you in the name of Jesus. Merry Christmas.

Growing up in a church where my mother was leading the drama ministry meant that I played Jesus every single year. And I do mean Every. Single. Year.

Check out this video with Terrance, Lee, and Lindsey as they are working hard to ship out copies of Arrival. Have you ordered your students copies yet? They are almost sold out.

With a tragedy like the one First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas what passages can you share with your students?

When asked, "Is there an absolute moral truth based on the word of God?" 91% of respondents said, yes. Furthermore, 93% of students said they believed the Bible was accurate in all it teaches.