Regardless of the year, youth ministry will always take a considerable amount of time and preparation, that is, if you’re looking to do something significant. When I started in ministry, the focus was all about the events. I found myself doing an event just to do one.  Even though relationships were built, I didn’t really have a clear picture for the purpose of each event. My messages were out of desperation (and much prayer) as I would cram for youth service. I apologize to those early in my youth ministry…but we did have a lot of fun! We were just having a party, and everyone was invited. (more…)

Some things don’t Change-part 2

As youth ministry continues to progress it’s obvious that styles will change.  I mean if you’re still rocking campfires and singing Kum-By-Ya as the best event ever then you might want to upgrade your idea folder. With so many ideas in circulation it’s never been more fun to serve in the role of a youth pastor/leader. However we must be very careful not to run our groups on great ideas rather than vision. (more…)

Over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing some of my thoughts as a veteran youth pastor.  If you’re a youth pastor reading this blog, thanks so much for taking the time to read this, because I know too well: you don’t have the time!  If you’re a youth reading this blog, it would be awesome if you could shoot this over to your youth pastor/leader, because my hope is that it would encourage them as they fight for this generation.

There are several youth leadership conferences that I’ve gone to as a youth pastor.  While many have been good, and very refreshing, most focus the majority of their time on how to stay relevant in a ever changing youth culture. There are new perspectives to gain, ways to communicate, hairstyles (lol), methods to try, and countless “how to’s” that one MUST do to be labeled as an effective youth minister. Does all of this make one a good youth pastor?  Well, I don’t know about that, but I can tell you that there are a few concepts in youth ministry that don’t change.  Today let’s take a minute to look at some core elements of a youth minister. (more…)

Over this last year, God has been allowing the message “Be the One” to resonate with so many people.  I’m starting to hear testimony after testimony of how God is using His people to make a difference and I’m super stoked about it. Your stories of victory, mishaps and even rejection help others to engage and not stay on the sidelines.  So that your stories can be collected and shared to be a encouragement to all, we have set up betheonestories@stevensexton.com. Please take a moment and send one to us today. (more…)

So Christmas is literally around the corner and I have to ask myself what am I celebrating? Is it about the gifts, Santa, and shopping.  Is it because I get a few days off of work (which I’m grateful for)? How about the great food, sweets, and hot chocolate? What about the celebrated Christmas movies that encourage you to believe in Christmas, forgo selfishness, and embrace the spirit of Christmas? What spirit is that again…the spirit of materialism, the spirit of tolerance, or the spirit of humanity? As Christians, the spirit we want activated in our lives is the Holy Spirit which teaches us all things and shows us how to love and how to give.  This last year I have written a book called Be the One, and it is my hope to see this concept stay active even at Christmas time.  Below I have written three ways that will help you be the one this Christmas. (more…)