Category: General

Steps of Justice »

If you took your youth group on a mission trip, of any flavor, this summer this is the one book you have to buy to give your students. This guide has pictures that are worth 10,000 words and is written by  people who ooze seeking justice for the least of these. It provides insights on [...]

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You Hired a Youth Worker »

Congratulations! After reviewing a ton of resumes, a gaggle of interviews, countless hours of discussion, prayer and anticipation, you have a new youth worker/director/pastor for your church. In case you did not realize this, the real work has just begun.  That is, if you want there to be a long tenure, lasting impact and the [...]

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The Blah, Blah, Blah Bio »

Len has served in full-time youth ministry since graduating from Dallas Theological Seminary in 1994. He has  served churches in New Jersey, Connecticut and his native Texas. Len is the author of Creative Bible Lessons in 1 and 2 Timothy & Titus and wrote a chapter for The Youth Workers Book of Hope. He has [...]

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DTS »

The emphasis on theology and the bible, along with school’s heritage often results in alumni being strong headed and arrogant. I have worked very hard to remember my mutt roots and remain humble about my DTS experience, trying to stay focused on outreach and service. One thing I learned was that there was a lot [...]

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Frazer »

Frazer grew from 1,000 members to over 8,000 members over the 9-10 years I attended. We had the highest average attendance of any UMC in the country for most of my time in my home church. I thought every church reached lost people like that and had 87% of its members involved in ministry. I [...]

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Getting Excited about the NYWC »

I have been a friend of Youth Specialties for the majority of my youth ministry life. I have been fortunate to serve in a variety of roles at the National Youth Worker Convention.  I have been a YS bookstore volunteer (1996),  led a workshop (2002), worked different booths in the exhibit hall (2 or 3 years) , was part of a late night [...]

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God Opened My Eyes »

The trip to CO to Group Publishing was great. Fifteen or so different youth workers were invited to discuss the Simply Youth Ministry Conference. I shared with a few friends that being part of the group that was invited made me feel like I was the last kid chosen for an All-Star team.  The interaction [...]

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Youth Ministry Awesomeness »

Sometimes It Blows Up In Your Face Another reason I love Youth Specialties: they understand youth ministry but more importantly, they truly love youth workers. This is why I am so excited about getting serve as a convention pastor for them, my job will be is to listen to, encourage, love on and pray for [...]

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Big Prayer Update Answer »

1. Earlier this week, I shared that even with the $200 in our NNYM account and the paycheck from the Census job it seemed we would be around $1,000 short for our paycheck on the 15th. I asked you to pray and you guys must have prayed mighty prayers because in three days we received [...]

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7 Ways to Strengthen Youth Workers #1 »

This series is being written as a guide for parents, pastors, and church boards to adapt and implement in their local ministry setting. One of the foundational convictions for the National Network of Youth Ministries is having a strong and healthy youth worker increases the chances for a strong and healthy youth ministry. So if [...]

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