Last Saturday, I had the privilege of attending parts of the Toronto Children’s Ministry Conference. (Tanya Yuen was one of the key organizers.) At face value, it may not make sense for the “youth guy” to be at a children’s ministry conference. However, strengthening a child’s move from children’s ministry to youth ministry is crucial. A few years ago, Tanya and I wrote a booklet called “Faith Formation in Children
(Submitted by Blake Bentley, English Pastor at Pickering Community Baptist Church) I am a new pastor at my church and I’ve been here for two years now. When I came to my small church in Pickering, ON, there were almost no babies in the church, no nursery to speak of, no youth group, no Sunday School for high school youth and no leaders to look after these things. I came
“Only a few weeks left.” Your grade 12 grads are anticipating the end of their high school career. They’re also figuring out what the next chapter of their lives looks like whether they’re going to university or college, or pursuing jobs. How do you help them with this transition? Here are some ways your church can be a support for this crucial life-stage change. Have someone walk with the students
They say that nothing in life is constant except change. It is inevitable. For many, June is a time for changes, with students graduating, ministries either winding down or ramping up for the summer, school ending and so much more. (Perhaps you’re also about to have a transition in your own life.) Here are some reminders as you move through these changes and transitions: Aim to finish well. You see
Over the last 2 weeks, Matt and I travelled to 10 cities, spanning from Windsor to Ottawa, with the Canadian Youth Network’s Youth Worker Resource Lunch Tour. Along with Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship, Power to Change and Ambassadors for Christ, we facilitated a discussion about students transitioning from high school to post-secondary studies. During our tour, we met with approximately 450 youth pastors who supplied a multitude of ways they are
Many people have reviewed the findings of the Hemorrhaging Faith report. One key area the report found where students "fell through the cracks" was during transition periods, including the shift from high school to post-secondary studies. This year, CBOQ Youth, along with Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship, Power to Change and Ambassadors for Christ, is pleased to sponsor a portion of the Canadian Youth Network Youth Worker Lunch Resource Tour. Together, we're
Change can be hard. Some people thrive on it. Others are paralyzed by it. As they say, change is inevitable. How we prepare for it is vital. Hemorrhaging Faith demonstrated that transitions are key opportunities for churches to support children and youth. So what are key steps in ensuring an effective transition? Here are some suggestions from a youth worker's perspective. FROM CHILDREN'S MINISTRY TO YOUTH MINISTRY With your children's
After March break, the final stretch to this ministry year is just on the horizon. It is crucial to finish well. If you haven't already, here are some areas to ensure you're covering in this final stretch: Plan a celebration when the ministry year concludes with students and the church (this could include a special Sunday service in June) Help your graduating high school students transition into their new life
