Editor’s Note: Rick Thompson is the author of this year’s (2023–24) Word of Life Fifty1 curriculum module called, “Relationship Goals: Navigating with Wisdom.” This article is based on the content of that module. For more information on the module or to download it, visit www.teachersource.life. One of the many beautiful things about the Bible is …
The Christmas season will soon be upon us! Youth ministry Christmas parties are the best. In talking with my youth leaders, I have come up with some creative ideas I’d like to share with you that will make your Christmas parties fun and enjoyable for your students. I hope there is something on this list …
Top 10 Activities to Take Your Christmas Celebration to the Next Level Read More »
A student once asked me, “If God is good and powerful, then why evil?” Armed with philosophical arguments, I presented the “free will defense” and proposed “skeptical theism.” But the student seemed unimpressed. Though helpful, I discovered that the philosophical approaches to the problem of pain (or evil) leave much to be desired. Why? Because …
Four Ways To Approach the Issue of Suffering with Students Read More »
“Breaking down walls for the gospel.” This phrase became a purpose statement for me when I first started serving in event and camping ministry more than 16 years ago. The premise is to create an atmosphere or experience that helps lower the barriers in students’ lives so that the good news of Jesus is more …
To Game or Not To Game: The Value of Video Games in Ministry Read More »
“Forty-four hours that could change your life” is a statement I heard often when I was first introduced to winter camp. As someone who didn’t have much exposure to Word of Life at the time, I thought it was quite a statement to make. As far as expectations go, it sets the bar high. I …
The Eternal Impact of Winter Camp on Your Students Read More »
When you hear the word, “Reverb” (Word of Life’s all-night evangelistic event), phrases like “exciting professional sports game,” “activities,” “food,” “prizes,” “all-nighter,” and “a clear gospel message” might come to mind. What if you could turn this event into a discipleship movement for your students, training them to share the gospel with their friends? What …
Take Your Evangelism to the Next Level at Reverb Read More »
“Better together” is a phrase that is growing in popularity. While it is sometimes attached to agendas we might disagree with, the thought behind it is biblical. In fact, we can find this thought in several passages of Scripture. One of the more well-known passages is Ecclesiastes 4:9–12. This passage reminds us that two are …
Five Reasons To Establish a Gospel-Advancing Network Read More »
“I didn’t get into youth ministry to spend hours writing curriculum. I want to spend meaningful time with students.” A friend shared this sentiment with me during lunch recently. And honestly, he couldn’t be more spot on. We didn’t dive into this journey for paperwork – we signed up for the people work. A well-structured …
Five Key Ingredients To Saving Time with Youth Ministry Curriculum Read More »
“Hey, we’re here to set up for tonight,” declared a small band of student ministry volunteers as they barged into the youth room one afternoon just prior to teens arriving. It was obvious they were enlisting my help. This was the first Wednesday of my first week as their new student pastor, and I had …
Five Reasons Why Small Group Training Is Crucial to Your Ministry Read More »
What is a gap year? How would one of my students or a teenager I know benefit from one? These are questions that the Admissions and Recruitment team at Word of Life Bible Institute are asked quite frequently. Studies have shown: A gap year is “a semester or a year of experiential learning in order …
How Taking a Gap Year at WOLBI Can Benefit Your Students Read More »
It’s an obvious statement to make, but it bears stating anyway – no youth ministry can survive when attempted alone. It takes a team of dedicated people, using various talents, to do the work of sharing the gospel with students in an impactful way. Having a unified team is crucial! To take this point even …
Three Ways To Engage Parents in Your Youth Ministry Read More »
Preschool ministry is vital to the church because children are a vital part of the church. After picking up my five-year-old son from children’s church one Sunday, he took off running and cut off an older couple who were gingerly making their way to the car. Horrified, I apologized to the woman. The white-haired …
Why Is Preschool Ministry Important in the Church? Read More »
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