Youth ministry is more than just a job, but it’s not the sum total of who you are.

Despite all the challenges that come with being a youth ministry rookie, the results and rewards are ultimately worth every single headache. "I have the best job in the world," said Christopher Dinnell, who just completed his first year as youth minister at Urbana United Methodist Church in Urbana, Ohio.

"It seems like our ministry team meetings are just when you have fun with all of your favorites. I don't want to be a part of it anymore."

What do we do? Are we happy students are at least giving youth ministry a try, or is their reluctance causing them to resent the church and bring others down?

We all know that as youth ministry workers, we aren't to take the place of parents, but to help them raise their children. Unfortunately, there are few hard and fast rules. Crisis situations are complicated and must be navigated with prayer, wisdom and the help of trusted advisers. Though one of the...

We're pretty sure Billy Joel didn't have youth ministry in mind when he wrote the song (and we've never quite understood the WOs and LAs), but this much is true: You don't get a second chance to make a first impression. What happens during the first 60 minutes a student spends at the first youth meeting...

Think Again: 5 New Ways to Look at Your Youth Group's Budget

Youth ministries are supposed to be safe. They’re intended to be refuges where children can learn about God, as well as get away from the everyday stresses of being a kid—school, peer pressure, piano lessons and competitive sports. Youth groups also can be dangerous places. The activities that attract...

“What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” This line from Juliet’s famous speech on the balcony to her tragic lover Romeo is one of the most famous from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. “Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?” also has to do with his name; Juliet...

Looking for a great way to raise thousands of dollars for your school, church or club? The EcoPhones Recycling Fundraiser pays up to $300 per item. There's nothing to buy and nothing to sell. Simply ask parents, neighbors, co-workers and local businesses to donate and recycle their used consumer electronics: