Blog
A collection of interviews, ideas, theories, notes, and resources written by youth workers, for youth workers.
YouTube Channel
Brand new YouTube Channel looking at theory, ideas, tips, and more behind the world of youth work.
Recent posts
Which Bible should I buy for teenagers? …Another approach.
People are often asking for recommendations for what kind of Bible they should get for their teenagers. Should they go for the NIV knowing it’s probably the one they’ll likely hear in evangelical churches? Should you try something a bit more word-based like the NRSV or the ESV? Maybe they should go for readability, and […]
7 ways to develop a healthy team culture
[First published on the IVP blog, 2019]. One of the most memorable fairy tales from my childhood was ‘the princess and the pea’. The way I remember the story, an overly-entitled bratty millennial princess couldn’t get comfy enough to fall asleep, and so her wealthy, avocado-farming parents called upon every dashing bloke in her kingdom […]
Jesus isn’t the problem – you are!
Ouch, right? I felt it too. But I’m supposed to, because I’m also the problem. I’ve been a youth worker for over fifteen years, and for more than a decade of that I’ve been a full-time youth evangelist working with unchurched young people. In all my time I’ve never – not once – met a […]
We need to dial down our altar call language.
I’ve been to more Christian youth events and festivals than you could swing a weasel at, and invariably there is always some form of “altar call.” Whatever you (or I for that matter) might think about an altar call-type response for decision moments, I’m always troubled (translation: ticked, irked, vexed, miffed) by the language we […]
Does youth ministry need a lighter touch?
As youth workers, we are people of action. We love big verbs, inspirational adjectives, and far-reaching slogans. We want young people who are on totally fire for God; we want to reach the ninety-nine, and we want to change the world more than we change our pants… and then we want to change it again. […]
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Recent guest posts
Youthwork for the Long Haul – Interview with Ali CampbellJune 4, 2020 - 8:39 amI’m so pleased that Ali dropped by to share from his long experience how to stick at youth work for the long haul. This is an immensely helpful half hour to get more equipped to stick at what we do for years to come! Thanks Ali 🙂 If you want to check out more from […]
“Faith-based videos are too hard to find”. Check out YouthVids storyDecember 16, 2019 - 7:00 amThis Monday I’m promoting a fabulous website that curates quality Christian videos for use with youth groups. Check out the site at www.youthvids.com “Faith-based videos are too hard to find.” That’s the report we got back from many conversations with youth leaders across the U.K. Having spoken to a load of youth pastors they had […]
Should we keep saying that God ‘uses’ His people? – by Jonny PriceDecember 11, 2019 - 10:49 amI have recently been reflecting on the way we speak in church about how God works with us, walks with us, and uses us for revealing His purposes and His goodness in the world. I have come to the conclusion that we need to rethink how we talk about this because of the implications the […]
Bringing the Bible to Life for Young People – by Tim AdamsOctober 15, 2019 - 10:15 amThis week, Communications Manager for British Youth for Christ, Tim Adams, tells us about their incredible new resource, ‘The Good News Bible: The Youth Edition’, that was created in partnership with the Bible Society. At Youth for Christ, we passionately believe that the Bible is foundational to seeing young people’s lives transformed by Jesus. Gen […]
Living with cancer as a volunteer youth workerSeptember 23, 2019 - 4:38 pmThis brave and honest anonymous post has been written by a youth work volunteer who recently was given the all clear after treatment for cancer. We hope this will be an encouragement to anyone walking through similar challenges. Cancer, My Youth Group & Me. Cancer: In August 2016 I was diagnosed with a Hodgkin’s […]
Awkward open prayer in youth groups – ComicAugust 30, 2019 - 7:30 amChloe’s back – fresh from her Uni offices and with her weirdly wonderful wired brain – to give us some insight into those more awkward moments of open prayer in youth clubs.
Youth Ministry First Aid
Is something not working? This provides a tailored session to help you identify the root of the obstacle, and how to pass it.
Plateaued growth? Hemorrhaging leaders? Glass ceiling? Can’t get young people to engage with Jesus?
Let’s have a look together at your context, your strategy, and your resources to get to the bottom of the issue – and move through it. Get in touch for a friendly chat about how we can help you move forward as a ministry.
Biblical Theology of Youth Work
Delving into the foundational roots of what we do, why we do it and how we can do it better!
Either run as a whole day, half day or evening, this session unpacks the Bible’s key passages in context to help us understand exactly what it is were doing. It will highlight essential theology for youth ministry, and it will open up some exegetical practice to hone our Bible reading techniques.
This is a deep day for those who want some meat to study – but also has a highly practical element to it that will help you with writing your own Bible Study material.
