“Identify your high school grads and their plans.” High school graduation is an exciting time in a person’s life. It’s the closure of one chapter and the anticipation of the next one to come. As the pastor, acknowledging this rite of passage is crucial. At least know who’s graduating this year in your church. You may not be able to connect with them regularly, but at least knowing who they are is a great start. What specific
3 Key Insights from Tanya Digital discipleship needs to be an integral part of the entire discipleship strategy. Curate a playlist (of activities, videos, etc.) for asynchronous learning. Learning can be customized specific for the individual based on their learning intelligence, current faith stage, interests, etc. Bonus Content Designing Faith Formation Playlists (from Lifelong Learning) Designing Faith Formation Playlists (from Vibrant Ministry) Guide
In a couple of weeks, neighbourhoods across Quebec and Ontario will be celebrating Halloween. It’s a time when people in the community are out and about sharing a little fun with one another, which gave us opportunities to interact with them. Pre-COVID, many of our youth ministries were involved in community Halloween events or fundraising efforts such as “Trick or Treat for Hope” to share the love of Christ. This year will look different. First of all, stay up to date with what your local public
Youth Pastors Retreat 2020: Reloaded Follow-Up Download the Focus Group Questions
It goes without saying that 2020 has held unexpected events. So much has happened since March. We are asked to approach Thanksgiving with hearts of gratefulness, but as it approaches being grateful will be easier for some than for others. There are many in our communities (local or regional), and maybe in our churches, who are feeling great anxiety, tension and stress as a result of COVID-19. However, the question remains for each of us individually, “Do I come to God with unreserved thanksgiving?” In Psalm 27, David reminds us of
Although most high school students are getting into some kind of back-to-school rhythm, their year will be unlike any other. And think about how different it will be for those who are graduating in 2021! It’s just as vital as ever for us to come alongside them as they navigate their move from high school to whatever post-secondary chapter they choose. Our grad mentoring kit is still available as a
Youth ministry has a great symbiotic relationship with camps. Youth ministries and Christian camps both strive towards the goal of the next generation knowing and growing closer to Jesus, but we each have our specific platforms in which to accomplish that. That being said, there are many ways we can complement each other in attaining that goal. (You can see specific ways Kwasind, Kids and Youth do this as CBOQ Next Gen in our onboarding guide.) Resource Sharing: God has equipped each of our individual churches and camps with various
In 2012, Matt Wilkinson wrote a book that guides a conversation between the lead pastor, youth leader(s) and parents in how their church can move towards a youth ministry that is youth-led, adult-mentored and family-empowered. From October to May, each month, we'll spend an hour together with Matt as he shares some key considerations followed by a group discussion with those on the Zoom call. The 10-min sharing by
It’s vital, as the pastor, to have an understanding of what’s happening in other ministries. It’s not to say you have to manage or organize these. At the very least, if someone asks you what’s happening in those ministries, you can share with confidence and redirect as needed. With these resources, you can discuss with your children and youth leaders if/how they might use them. Perhaps they have a rationale not to use it; that’s fine. They
Lived examples are one of the best ways for children and youth to see concepts in action. It’s also another way for them to get to know you not just as a pastor but as a person. Through the monthly ONE resources (kids, youth links), they are hopefully deepening their understanding of prayer and how they can grow in it. Sharing your own experience in your prayer life gives them
