If you’re anything like me, you feel a little stressed in youth ministry right now. The number of teens faithfully attending is declining, summer events still need planning, Confirmation is happening (or just happened), graduating teens are politely demanding letters of recommendation, and there’s still this little thing called life. Add all of that up and life in ministry can get overwhelming pretty quickly. Finding myself feeling a little tense, I’m reminded of the things a few great

Reflecting on the parable of the workers in the vineyard, I am drawn to which worker I more often resemble as a youth minister. Do I serve without reservation and gladly accept what God gives me? Or do I grumble most of the time and keep asking for more? When we are the grumbling workers in the vineyard, youth ministers probably aren’t inspiring teens to fill their shoes — to continue the work in the vineyard. Go to a youth ministry conference, deanery meeting, or any gathering of youth

About a week ago, I was privileged to join the Life Teen staff for Chick-Fil-A Leadercast. We heard amazing talks about leadership and of course, ate some tasty chicken. Many things resonated with me throughout the day, but one speaker said something that completely blew me away. It was a quote that I have not been able to stop reflecting on over the past week. It came from Jack Welch, former CEO of General Electric and Fortune Magazine’s Manager of the Century. He said: “If your

1. ) Life Teen Summer Missionaries began 2 intense weeks of training at Life Teen Camp Covecrest in Tiger, GA in preparation for round one of Summer Life Teen Camps! 2.) 6 Atlanta parishes have signed on to implement our new Life Teen Intentional Discipleship in the fall utilizing Life Teen full time missionaries. This outreach focuses on juniors and seniors in High School. 3.) 58 parishes have already signed up for Life Teen’s new College Life parish outreach! This new outreach helps

There have been two times this past month that the word “always” has brought me to tears (which isn’t all that difficult, ask my teens). But seriously, one word doesn’t usually evoke that kind of emotion. Maybe it wasn’t the word itself, but what it stood for. Talking to one of my juniors after a Life Night recently I thanked her for being there. She responded with a laugh and said, “Betsy, I’m always here.” And it hit me – she is always here. I got to thinking, if it weren’t