Small Church Youth Ministry: Stephanie Caro & Brian Aaby (Interview only) Youth Specialties 2026-09-23 | Small Church Youth Ministry: Stephanie Caro & Brian Aaby (Interview only)
Youth Ministry Exchange Announcement Youth Specialties 2020-09-03 | Learn more at thinkorange.com/youth-ministry-exchange/#.
YS Whiteboard with Shef - Co-Leader Strategy Youth Specialties 2020-04-24 | Several years ago we made a decision that at the time seemed ridiculous! We decided that every group in our ministry needed TWO adult small group leaders. The ridiculousness???? We didn’t have enough leaders so that every group could actually be a “small” group and have just one leader. But, we decided that, if we are serious about a relationally based ministry, we simply had to do it. So we started…and, to be honest, we never got to the place where we had enough leaders. But, in the meantime, our ministry changed for the better. In fact, the decision to embrace a co-leader strategy is one of the top 3 decisions we made over the years. And, though we knew there would be benefits to it (why else would you make a crazy decision like this?) we were surprised at just how many “perks” we discovered. Here are 7 of those to help you consider it.In no particular order…1. Coverage and Consistency - We no longer had to put groups together when a leader didn’t show. This was huge for our groups and the integrity of their time together. We also could keep moving if we lost a leader or two along the way.2. The Immature - Too Mature Problem - We often had new excited Christians who wanted to help and, though I loved their energy, I was always cautious. We also had some, let’s say “seasoned” adults show up and I was a bit concerned they didn’t quite have enough energy. Putting these two types together actually proved to be a winning philosophy.3. Better Relational Odds - Students are drawn to who they're drawn to. That’s just reality. When you give them more relational options you increase the odds that they will connect. The stronger the relationship the stronger the discipleship.4. Morale - Youthworks is hard. It’s better to have someone with you. That simple.5. Recruiting - When perspective volunteers heard there was a co-leader the tension was cut in half. 6. People were much more comfortable taking on the challenge…AND…they often like to choose their own co-leader which helped big time in recruiting!6. Group Splits - Good groups grow. Some grow too much and they are no longer “small” groups. When it comes time to split them up you can send an established relationship in each direction. It’s still hard but it’s better.7. Safety/Security/Liability - Having two adults in the room is just wise on several fronts. Plain and simple.
YS Whiteboard with Shef - Roster Youth Specialties 2020-04-17 | Sometimes it’s the simple things that can make the biggest difference. One of those things is an ACCURATE and ACTIVE Roster. Accurate – correct and completeActive – only students who are currently active in your ministry.Yet…It’s been my experience that most rosters are littered with students who haven’t shown up in over a year, wrong information, and missing students whose first-time guest card is still sitting in a pile. Accurate and Active Rosters take a bit of effort, but they are worth it.Accurate rosters are a gift to your volunteers in that they communicate value. They constantly remind all of us that our stewardship goes beyond attendance. And, they prompt us and our volunteers to reach out to students if we use them right.Maintaining active rosters is a bit more difficult but it forces us to look at the names we are both adding and “purging” as we move through the year. Doing that regularly requires us to think about “Who?” we are ministering to, “Where?” have they gone, and “why?” did they leave.Sometimes it’s the little things that force us to make a big change.
Good Friday Devo with Shef Youth Specialties 2020-04-10 | During these uncertain times, many of us are filled with great fear and anxiety, not unlike the disciples were feeling when Jesus died on the cross. On this Good Friday let us be reminded that who we serve is more powerful than our fear. In lieu of whiteboard, Friday here is a Good Friday devo from Shef and some powerful worship from our friend, Tim Timmons.
YS Whiteboard with Shef - Culture Youth Specialties 2020-04-02 | Welcome to this week’s edition of YS Whiteboard. We just want to take a few minutes to talk shop with youth workers so we can all do a little bit to get a little better at what we do each week.
YS Whiteboard with Shef - Your Ideal Week Youth Specialties 2020-03-26 | Welcome to this week’s edition of YS Whiteboard. We just want to take a few minutes to talk shop with youth workers so we can all do a little bit to get a little better at what we do each week.This week Shef is breaking down simple hacks for creating your ideal week. Everybody can get more out of their weeks with less effort if we just step back and look at our “When”. Start to understand what works for you by drawing up your own IDEAL WEEK.· - Start with your PERSONAL “Have-To’s.” These are personal priorities for you to be who you need to be each day. Quiet Time, Family Time, Exercise, etc.- Next – Put in your WORK “Have-To’s” – These are your standing meetings each week.- Next – Give yourself time to “Start-up” and “Shut Down” each day.- Next – Don’t’ fight your RHYTHM. You have times each day when you’re at your best. Put those high priority work items in those spots the best you can.- Finally – LUNCH! Everybody has a trough or a dip of effectiveness each day. That time is right around lunch. Be strategic about lunch. Get away from your work, take a nap, exercise, call a friend…whatever you can do to get the most out of the second part of your day.
#NYWC18 Announcement Video #2 Youth Specialties 2018-12-10 | Josh, Heather and Kellen have some extra fun with their new friend Shef doing announcements at #NYWC18. We have to admit ... not bad, Shef, not bad! Join us in Tamps for #nywc19 Nov 21-24, you won't want to miss the biggest/best youth ministry conference in the world! www.youthspecialties.comwww.orangestudents.comwww.downloadyouthministry.com
#NYWC18 Announcement Video #1 Youth Specialties 2018-12-10 | Josh, Heather and Kellen have some extra fun with their new friend Shef doing announcements at #NYWC18. We have to admit ... not bad, Shef, not bad! Join us in Tamps for #nywc19 Nov 21-24, you won't want to miss the biggest/best youth ministry conference in the world! www.youthspecialties.comwww.orangestudents.comwww.downloadyouthministry.com
Karl Romeus Invites YOU to the YS National Youth Workers Convention 2018 Youth Specialties 2018-04-20 | Hey Youth Workers! Join us in St. Louis Nov 15-18, 2018WELCOME HOMEThe 1st 1,000 people to register get in for only $99Read the press release, "A New Future for YS" http://ysnyw18.comREGISTER HERE: http://youthspecialties.com/nywcGet all of the games, videos and tools you need in Download Youth Ministry's membership. $20/month for everything you need to run your youth ministry. downloadyouthministry.com Looking for an annual youth ministry curriculum and strategy? http://thinkorange.com/xp3s
Tic Long Invites YOU to the YS National Youth Workers Convention 2018 Youth Specialties 2018-04-17 | Hey Youth Workers! Join us in St. Louis Nov 15-18, 2018WELCOME HOMEThe 1st 1,000 people to register get in for only $99Read the press release, "A New Future for YS" http://ysnyw18.comREGISTER HERE: http://youthspecialties.com/nywcGet all of the games, videos and tools you need in Download Youth Ministry's membership. $20/month for everything you need to run your youth ministry. downloadyouthministry.com Looking for an annual youth ministry curriculum and strategy? http://thinkorange.com/xp3s
Duffy Robbins Invites YOU to the YS National Youth Workers Convention 2018 Youth Specialties 2018-04-17 | Hey Youth Workers! Join us in St. Louis Nov 15-18, 2018WELCOME HOMEThe 1st 1,000 people to register get in for only $99Read the press release, "A New Future for YS" http://ysnyw18.comREGISTER HERE: http://youthspecialties.com/nywcGet all of the games, videos and tools you need in Download Youth Ministry's membership. $20/month for everything you need to run your youth ministry. downloadyouthministry.com Looking for an annual youth ministry curriculum and strategy? http://thinkorange.com/xp3s
Kurt Johnston Invites YOU to the YS National Youth Workers Convention 2018 Youth Specialties 2018-04-17 | Hey Youth Workers! Join us in St. Louis Nov 15-18, 2018WELCOME HOMEThe 1st 1,000 people to register get in for only $99Read the press release, "A New Future for YS" http://ysnyw18.comREGISTER HERE: http://youthspecialties.com/nywcGet all of the games, videos and tools you need in Download Youth Ministry's membership. $20/month for everything you need to run your youth ministry. downloadyouthministry.com Looking for an annual youth ministry curriculum and strategy? http://thinkorange.com/xp3s
Jim Burns Invites YOU to the YS National Youth Workers Convention 2018 Youth Specialties 2018-04-17 | Hey Youth Workers! Join us in St. Louis Nov 15-18, 2018WELCOME HOMEThe 1st 1,000 people to register get in for only $99Read the press release, "A New Future for YS" http://ysnyw18.comREGISTER HERE: http://youthspecialties.com/nywcGet all of the games, videos and tools you need in Download Youth Ministry's membership. $20/month for everything you need to run your youth ministry. downloadyouthministry.com Looking for an annual youth ministry curriculum and strategy? http://thinkorange.com/xp3s
Crystal Kirgis Invites YOU to the YS National Youth Workers Convention 2018 Youth Specialties 2018-04-17 | Hey Youth Workers! Join us in St. Louis Nov 15-18, 2018WELCOME HOMEThe 1st 1,000 people to register get in for only $99Read the press release, "A New Future for YS" http://ysnyw18.comREGISTER HERE: http://youthspecialties.com/nywcGet all of the games, videos and tools you need in Download Youth Ministry's membership. $20/month for everything you need to run your youth ministry. downloadyouthministry.com Looking for an annual youth ministry curriculum and strategy? http://thinkorange.com/xp3s
Terry Linhart Invites YOU to the YS National Youth Workers Convention 2018 Youth Specialties 2018-04-17 | ...
Jonathan McKee Invites YOU to the YS National Youth Workers Convention 2018 Youth Specialties 2018-04-17 | ...
Walt Mueller Invites YOU to the YS National Youth Workers Convention 2018 Youth Specialties 2018-04-17 | Hey Youth Workers! Join us in St. Louis Nov 15-18, 2018WELCOME HOMEThe 1st 1,000 people to register get in for only $99Read the press release, "A New Future for YS" http://ysnyw18.comREGISTER HERE: http://youthspecialties.com/nywcGet all of the games, videos and tools you need in Download Youth Ministry's membership. $20/month for everything you need to run your youth ministry. downloadyouthministry.com Looking for an annual youth ministry curriculum and strategy? http://thinkorange.com/xp3s
Neely McQueen Invites YOU to the YS National Youth Workers Convention 2018 Youth Specialties 2018-04-17 | Hey Youth Workers! Join us in St. Louis Nov 15-18, 2018WELCOME HOMEThe 1st 1,000 people to register get in for only $99Read the press release, "A New Future for YS" http://ysnyw18.comREGISTER HERE: http://youthspecialties.com/nywcGet all of the games, videos and tools you need in Download Youth Ministry's membership. $20/month for everything you need to run your youth ministry. downloadyouthministry.com Looking for an annual youth ministry curriculum and strategy? http://thinkorange.com/xp3s
Doug Fields Invites YOU to the YS National Youth Workers Convention 2018 Youth Specialties 2018-04-17 | Hey Youth Workers! WELCOME HOMEJoin us in St. Louis Nov 15-18, 2018The 1st 1,000 people to register get in for only $99Read the press release ahttp://youthspecialties.com/nywchttp://thinkorange.com/xp3sdownloadyouthministry.com
Marko Invites YOU to the YS National Youth Workers Convention 2018 Youth Specialties 2018-04-17 | Hey Youth Workers! Join us in St. Louis Nov 15-18, 2018WELCOME HOMEThe 1st 1,000 people to register get in for only $99Read the press release, "A New Future for YS" http://ysnyw18.comREGISTER HERE: http://youthspecialties.com/nywcGet all of the games, videos and tools you need in Download Youth Ministry's membership. $20/month for everything you need to run your youth ministry. downloadyouthministry.com Looking for an annual youth ministry curriculum and strategy? http://thinkorange.com/xp3s
Kara Powell Invites YOU to the YS National Youth Workers Convention 2018 Youth Specialties 2018-04-17 | Hey Youth Workers! Join us in St. Louis Nov 15-18, 2018WELCOME HOMEThe 1st 1,000 people to register get in for only $99Read the press release, "A New Future for YS" http://ysnyw18.comREGISTER HERE: http://youthspecialties.com/nywcGet all of the games, videos and tools you need in Download Youth Ministry's membership. $20/month for everything you need to run your youth ministry. downloadyouthministry.com Looking for an annual youth ministry curriculum and strategy? http://thinkorange.com/xp3s
Scott Rubin Invites YOU to the YS National Youth Workers Convention 2018 Youth Specialties 2018-04-17 | Hey Youth Workers! Join us in St. Louis Nov 15-18, 2018WELCOME HOMEThe 1st 1,000 people to register get in for only $99Read the press release, "A New Future for YS" http://ysnyw18.comREGISTER HERE: http://youthspecialties.com/nywcGet all of the games, videos and tools you need in Download Youth Ministry's membership. $20/month for everything you need to run your youth ministry. downloadyouthministry.com Looking for an annual youth ministry curriculum and strategy? http://thinkorange.com/xp3s
Virginia Ward Invites YOU to the YS National Youth Workers Convention 2018 Youth Specialties 2018-04-17 | Hey Youth Workers! Join us in St. Louis Nov 15-18, 2018WELCOME HOMEThe 1st 1,000 people to register get in for only $99Read the press release, "A New Future for YS" http://ysnyw18.comREGISTER HERE: http://youthspecialties.com/nywcGet all of the games, videos and tools you need in Download Youth Ministry's membership. $20/month for everything you need to run your youth ministry. downloadyouthministry.com Looking for an annual youth ministry curriculum and strategy? http://thinkorange.com/xp3s
Greg Stier Invites YOU to the YS National Youth Workers Convention 2018 Youth Specialties 2018-04-17 | Hey Youth Workers! Join us in St. Louis Nov 15-18, 2018WELCOME HOMEThe 1st 1,000 people to register get in for only $99Read the press release, "A New Future for YS" http://ysnyw18.comREGISTER HERE: http://youthspecialties.com/nywcGet all of the games, videos and tools you need in Download Youth Ministry's membership. $20/month for everything you need to run your youth ministry. downloadyouthministry.com Looking for an annual youth ministry curriculum and strategy? http://thinkorange.com/xp3s
The Skit Guys Invite YOU to the YS National Youth Workers Convention 2018 Youth Specialties 2018-04-17 | Hey Youth Workers! Join us in St. Louis Nov 15-18, 2018WELCOME HOMEThe 1st 1,000 people to register get in for only $99Read the press release, "A New Future for YS" http://ysnyw18.comREGISTER HERE: http://youthspecialties.com/nywcGet all of the games, videos and tools you need in Download Youth Ministry's membership. $20/month for everything you need to run your youth ministry. downloadyouthministry.com Looking for an annual youth ministry curriculum and strategy? http://thinkorange.com/xp3s
PlanetWisdom Free Swag Kit Offer Youth Specialties 2017-09-14 | For a limited time - register a group of 10 or more for PlanetWisdom 2017-18 and we'll send you a free swag kit! While supplies last.
NYWC Attendee Testimonials - Youth Specialties Youth Specialties 2017-08-23 | For these youth workers, the National Youth Workers Convention (NYWC) isn’t a convention—it’s a tradition. Join them—and us—at the 2017 National Youth Workers Convention in Memphis, Nov. 17-19.
Sacred Privilege: An Interview with Kay Warren Youth Specialties 2017-06-26 | Kay Warren shares with Maina Mwaura about her family's life in ministry, being the spouse of a pastor, and her latest book, "Sacred Privilege." Find out more about Sacred Privilege online: http://kaywarren.com/sacredprivilege
Idea Swap: Best Fundraising Ideas Ever Youth Specialties 2017-06-06 | We gathered a handful of YS Blog Authors and Youth Ministry Leaders from around the US for an Idea Swap to share their most successful fundraising ideas.
Asking the Right Questions: An Interview with James E. Ryan Youth Specialties 2017-05-31 | Maina Mwaura sat down for a conversation with James E. Ryan, Dean of the Harvard Graduate School of Education and the bestselling author of “Wait, What? And Life’s Other Essential Questions.” Most of us know James from his famous speech "5 Essential Questions" given at the 2016 Harvard Graduation School of Education Presentation of Diplomas and Certificates. His work has influenced both students and educators across the U.S. and around the world, and we're excited for you to hear Maina's conversation with James about how those ideas apply to the world of youth ministry. Check out more information about James E. Ryan's new book online:amazon.com/Wait-What-Lifes-Essential-Questions/dp/0062664573http://youthspecialties.com
Tony and Bart Campolo: Why I Left, Why I Stayed Youth Specialties 2017-05-15 | [Monday, May 15 - 12:15 pm - 1 pm] Join us for a conversation with Bestselling Christian author, activist, and scholar Tony Campolo and his son Bart, an avowed Humanist, discuss their new book, "Why I Left, Why I Stayed: Conversations on Christianity Between and Evangelical Father and His Humanist Son." For more information, visit: http://tonycampolo.orghttp://bartcampolo.orgcampolofilm.com
Creating Camps Your Volunteers Wont Want To Miss Youth Specialties 2017-05-11 | [Thursday, May 11th, 12-12:45pm CST] Why should adults use their vacation days to serve at a week of camp? It is intimidating for an adult to commit to serve students during an overnight camp: middle schoolers don't shower, adults sleep on bunk beds, and the Wifi is nonexistent. Student pastors must create a culture that empowers and encourages adults to serve students at retreats. Join us for this YS webinar as Chase Snyder, an 11-year student and camping ministry veteran, shares ideas that will ensure your adults love serving at camp. During this free webinar you will learn: »» How to prepare your volunteers to serve at camp»» How to invest in leaders as they serve during camp»» How to ensure they love serving at camps
Dont Settle For Safe: An Interview with Sarah Jakes Roberts Youth Specialties 2017-04-28 | Maina Mwuara sat down for a conversation with Sarah Jakes Roberts about growing up as a PK, engaging culture, and other valuable life lessons she shares in her latest book, "Don't Settle For Safe: Embracing the Uncomfortable to Become Unstoppable." Find more information online here:»» dontsettleforsafe.com»» http://youthspecialties.com/blog
Ministry’s Deadliest Challenge: Assessing Suicide Risk and Creating a Follow-up Plan Youth Specialties 2017-04-27 | [Thursday April, 27th from 12-12:45 PM CST] Suicide is one of the top killers among teens. Are you prepared to assess if your teens are at risk for completing a suicide? This webinar offers a simple method for risk assessment, risk factors to watch for, and concrete next steps for teens who are contemplating suicide in your ministry.
Holding to the Gospel in our Politically Polarized Nation: An Interview with Michael Wear Youth Specialties 2017-04-17 | MAINA MWAURA sat down for a conversation with Michael Wear, former Obama White House staffer as the Director of Faith Outreach and author of the new book, "Reclaiming Hope: Lessons Learned in the Obama White House About the Future of Faith in America." Check out the interview below and more online at: »» http://michaelwear.com»» youthspecialties.com/blog
