Chief Learning Officers Becoming Adaptive Leaders
Dr. Tod Bolsinger applies “adaptive learning” theory to pastoral ministry.
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Gauges of Sustainability Framing My Life for the Finish Line
How do you track your own health in ministry and life? This very practical leadership tool offers gauges you can customize for a new year check-in to re-set your course for longevity.
Courageous Intervention Successfully Confronting Drug Abuse
It was another one of those “nightmare scenarios” for a youth pastor, which always seem to happen when I go out of town (for another, see my article about ministering to abusive families). When I returned from my trip,…
The Art and Science of Persuading Teenagers Chap Clark's Perspective on Communication Theory and Youth Ministry
What does it mean to persuade students with the Gospel? When do we cross the line to manipulation? What can we learn from persuasion research to help sharpen our communication practices with students? Mark Maines utilizes some of Chap Clark’s work from the newly-released Deep Ministry in a Shallow World to offer a new look at our persuasion.
Why is Networking Not Working for You? Part II
What makes a good networker? Was Jesus one? Here’s Part II of our series on new research in youth ministry networking.
The World is Flat Why Your Ministry May Never Be the Same
How do changing world dynamics impact your leadership approach and strategies? If your answer is, “I have no idea!” take a look at these reflections from Tom Friedman’s The World is Flat as well as Vermeer Manufacturing C.E.O. Mary Andringa. You might be surprised!
Why is Networking Not Working for You? Part I
What makes a good networker? How do you know if you are one? Check out this new research on youth ministry networking and pick up a few strategy tips you can use immediately.
Power Under Control Towards a Leader, Not a Manager
In junior high, I had a football coach that was like the drill sergeant from Full Metal Jacket. He was a manager. In high school, I had a very different coach. He was a leader. It’s crucial for our ministries that we understand the difference.
Getting the Mentoring You Need
Wouldn’t it be great to have the kind of mentoring that Luke Skywalker had in the “Star Wars” trilogy? First he had Obi-Wan Kenobi. Kenobi was instrumental in beginning Luke’s light saber training and was single-handedly responsible for freeing Luke…
The “McDonaldization” of Youth Ministry
While McDonald’s has brought many positive elements to our culture, it is also eroding much of our life and vitality. It’s a process sociologist George Ritzer calls “The McDonaldization of society”. Is it also creeping into our youth ministries?