1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1. Ask, “Who wants a Starbucks card?” 2. Pick somebody to come get it. Keep that person with you in front of the group. Say, “This is your card. You didn’t do [...]

Filed under: Lesson Helpers | 2 Comments »

I’ve used this illustration twice now. Both times I’ve seen lights go on in the minds of students. This illustration can be used by any teacher by changing the points of pain to reflect your own life. 1. I ask, “If this building burned to the ground and everything is going crazy, how is it [...]

Filed under: Lesson Helpers | No Comments »

Lesson 45 – The curriculum calls for students to write their testimonies out on 3X5 cards. I decided this would work better for our group as a journal. If you choose to use this, the first page is the cover. You’ll want to make a new one for your group (or remove the back cover). [...]

Filed under: The Landing | No Comments »

Tonight I had my small group pray for a kid in our church named Chase. He was run over by a car and came very close to losing a leg. To put some action to the prayer, I had my guys pass my iPad around the room to make this video for him. Paul, one [...]

Filed under: Lesson Helpers | No Comments »

This weekend I spoke at a youth retreat for students in Hayesville, Kansas. We had an amazing time laughing, learning and playing together. It was cool to do youth ministry with their volunteers and get to speak into the lives of their students. As is usually the case with camps, etc, I got connected with [...]

Filed under: Trophy Case | No Comments »

“But his father said to the servants, ‘Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. And kill the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast, for this son of mine was dead and has now [...]

Filed under: For your newsletter, Ministry Lessons | No Comments »