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Category Archives: Youth Group Management

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Keeping Youth Ministry Fun & Alive

By | August 12, 2010

One of the worst things I ever hear out of my teens mouths is when they, speaking about a teacher, class, event, etc. say, “It was sooooo boring.” It sends shudders down my spine, gets me sweating and thinking, “Ohmigosh, was Sunday’s Life Night boring?? Is that what they told their friends on Monday at school?”

Having a “boring” youth group is the fear of every youth minister who is planning and making decisions about youth group for the teens and not for themselves (Let’s be honest – what adult REALLY loves the messy, wet game night? We do that for THEM!). The question, then, is how do we keep our youth ministry fun and alive even on Sundays that are not a Minute-to-Win-It night?

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Gearing Up For A New Semester!

By | August 10, 2010

Well the summer has come to an end and just when you thought you would get a break, it is time for a brand new school year! Remember first things first, you cannot take care of anyone else until you are taking care of yourself. The teens will take the first couple of weeks of school to adjust to new changes in their lives. Freshmen are getting used to a new environment and a more mature world; sophomores and juniors are adjusting to the harder academics; seniors ‘think’ they are home free. As youth ministers this is an important time to be available to your teens so don’t over book yourself. Here are some tips to allow your teens and Core to gather, relax and start a great new year!

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“Um… Jake, I am bleeding!” Preparing for Summer Activities, Trips, and Retreats

By | May 21, 2010

As you may well know, most retreats, summer camps and outdoor activities typically have someone in need of minor medical attention. Here are three easy ways to be prepared for any and all medical situations that might arise from teens seeking their own “badge.”

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A Youth Minister’s Guide for Planning Truly Safe Events

By | March 10, 2010

The chances are you will be taking a group of teens to an event, retreat or conference in the near future. Events and retreats are a beautiful part of our ministry to youth. These events may take place in different areas of the country and may vary from one day youth rallies to weeklong conferences. Regardless of the location, length or number of youth, the one constant is the need to ensure a safe environment for everyone involved. Here is a list to help you evaluate if the youth events you are planning and attending are truly safe.

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Relational Ministry: Outreach Events

By | February 15, 2010

As Core Teams and youth ministers we know that going to our teens’ events can make a big impact.  After a number of years in youth ministry, I think I have now been to nearly every sporting event the public school system has to offer. I have also seen some amazing plays, moving orchestra concerts and “interesting” talent shows.  I keep going because I know the impact that showing up can have in relational ministry.  Nevertheless, it’s taken me a lot of trial and error to get the hang of

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Turning the Tables: Ministry to the Core Team

By | February 12, 2010

How are your Core Members doing? Take a moment and think about everything you’ve done in ministry this year and then look at what you have planned. Does your Core know that they are loved and appreciated? Do you know how they are doing spiritually? Before you read anymore, take a moment to pray for a member of your Core Team. This blog can wait. Now that you’ve prayed, take the next step and tell them. Go ahead; send them a text, or an email, or even better call them. Again, this blog can and

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Dealing with the “Other Stuff” of Youth Ministry

By | February 11, 2010

When I first started in youth ministry I was green, youthful, and enthusiastic.  I attended Diocesan meetings excited, only to encounter tenured youth ministers who appeared burned out. The longer I stayed in youth ministry, the more I understood how people get burned out. On the outside I was as enthusiastic as ever, but in all honesty, I wanted to quit everyday. Not because of the teens–I loved them–but because of “other ministry stuff.” Let’s talk about that other stuff. I wish I knew

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Just In Time: “In Focus, A Movie Guide for Catholics”

By | November 18, 2009

Take a deep breath… there is now less than 40 days till Christmas. While we know that this should be a time of joyful anticipation for the celebration of the birth of our Lord, the reality is this countdown inspires just as much trepidation as jubilation. And for those of us in ministry (whether that ministry happens in a youth room, classroom, or living room), there is another factor to add into the mix: how to maintain consistency and depth in your programming without burning out the teens

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Don’t Be A “Bridezilla” At Your Life Teen Kickoff

By | September 10, 2009

I just got off the phone with a youth minister who asked me for some last minute words of advice prior to her parish kickoff this weekend. In our conversation I told her that the most important thing to do on the big day is to pray and be present to the teens. As much as you are laboring over the environment, skits, talks, training, music and homily for Mass, what the teens will remember most is your presence to them. They will return the next week if they feel a connection to Christ through you

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When It’s Not “All Good”: Thoughts on constructive criticism in ministry

By | September 3, 2009

“It’s All Good.” You’ve probably heard that phrase before, and I want to tell you from the start that I have never been a fan of it. While I suspect that the intention of those who utter those words is to be positive and look for the good things in life (a very noble thing!), I still don’t like the phrase because, quite frankly, sometimes things in life are not good. While I definitely believe that good can come out of even the worst situations; let’s be honest – sometimes it’s not