Neurodiversity: When Friday night feels like a shaken can of soft drink
For many neurodivergent young people, life can sometimes be overwhelming, unpredictable, and hard to contain the strong feelings bubbling inside. Social situations, sensory input, or sudden changes might feel like persistent “shaking” —the eventual explosion is often misinterpreted as simply disruptive behaviour.
As leaders in youth and kids’ ministry, our desire is to create spaces where every young person feels safe.
So how can we lead more thoughtfully and inclusively?
Five strategies to cultivate a culture of church-parent partnership
The childhood years are foundational for a young person’s spiritual development. Yet children’s ministry is too often carried out in isolation from the families to whom these children belong.
When the church and home are aligned in purpose, vision, and strategy the discipleship and spiritual formation of children flourish. So, what does meaningful partnership between the church and the home look like—both theologically and practically?
Should we add a new gospel bead?
Have you taught your kids how to share the good news with gospel beads? It’s a great way to equip young people to share their faith. It’s simple, memorable… and wearable.
In his new book, The Child in God’s Church (2025)Tim Beilharz makes the point that we are missing a bead.
Hannah More and radical discipleship
What does a radical disciple of Jesus look like? I think it looks like Hannah More, a woman who trusted in God’s providence, used her gifts, cared for the poor, taught children and fought for justice.
Going the distance in youth ministry: Longevity, role and personal life.
Wondering how you might be able to keep going the distance in youth ministry? This is what Andy Stevenson has found helpful to keep him going for over 25 years in youth ministry!
Fostering a love of God in youth ministry
In this article, I want to parse out what I think are 2 (perhaps self-evident) essential aspects to loving God, and their implications for the kind of youth ministry we’ll do.