All posts in How to

I previously shared why I think every youth group should go see Blue Like Jazz. The film is authentic, asks good questions, and is ultimately redemptive. It’s a great opportunity to literally meet the students where they are both spiritually (because many of your teens will connect with the characters in the film) and physically (because going to the movies is already what they do). The return on investment could be huge because the conversations you may be able to have following the movie are well worth the effort it will take to get them there.

As with so many things in life and ministry, that is easier said than done. Aside from the routine logistics of any youth event, a Blue Like Jazz screening presents some unique challenges. The content of the film means you must be wise in how you promote the event among students and parents, and in how you discuss the film afterwards. This is my step-by-step guide for planning a youth group event to see Blue Like Jazz. Continue reading →

I have a little box in my office. It sits in the corner, mostly unnoticed. I only open it every few months or so, but it has been one of the keys to staying encouraged throughout the years. In this box I keep an assortment of notes, cards, and other little scraps of paper that I’ve collected over the years. These are small reminders, tiny altars, that remind me of what God is up to in me, through me, and around me. Continue reading →

Determining the price for events is one of the least favorite parts of my job. Trying to find that balance between busting your budget or scaring off students is stressful, and the countless variables that impact the bottom line can seem impossible to anticipate. It can become quite the headache, but the ministry value of these events is unparalleled. The growth that a teenagers can experience in just a day or two away is amazing, and that’s why we keep having events each year. Continue reading →