VY Blog

Written by vineyard youth workers,

for vineyard youth workers.

What Will They Remember?

What Will They Remember?

In all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us. - Titus 2:7-8 Over the course of 20+ years of...

Connecting with Students: Be Willing to Take the Hit!

Connecting with Students: Be Willing to Take the Hit!

A young man who I had never met before came to our church camp with a football jersey on.  I asked if he played football and a big smile came across his face. I knew I had found his passion. I asked him to show me his tackling form. Boy did he, he hit me full speed...

Lives Changed at Reverb 2017!

Lives Changed at Reverb 2017!

Isn’t the power of a catalytic event amazing? Reverb winter conference is that catalytic event for the Midwest-South Region. Every February students from all over the area (KS, MO, NE, IA, IL, MN) converge not only to spend time with friends but for a deeper discovery...

Relationships to a Funky Beat

Relationships to a Funky Beat

Do you remember the viral video from a few years ago about a beatbox battle between a daughter and her dad? Watch it once or twice and find yourself in awe of their mad skills. Amazing, amiright?! Now watch it once more, but this time pay close attention to the dad’s...

A Creative Approach to Making Disciples

A Creative Approach to Making Disciples

Then Jesus said to his host, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor,...

Jesus’ Answer to Being Overwhelmed

Jesus’ Answer to Being Overwhelmed

My only thought, after 59 minutes and 50 seconds of trying to escape this Star Wars themed room, was "I hope this 12 year old knows how to unlock an actual doorknob!" I took my sixth grader group this week, and we escaped with only 5 seconds left! It was thrilling! As...

Created in the image of The Creator

Created in the image of The Creator

In the late 80’s, while I was in 3rd grade, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles took America by storm. Leonardo, Michaelangelo, Donatello, and Raphael.  These turtles, raised and trained by a rat in the sewers of New York City, fought evil while staying in the shadows....

Create Creativity!

Create Creativity!

Like the other bloggers this week I will admit I am not the most creative person. But with that being said, there is an importance for being creative within the ministry.  Creativity keeps things fresh, which is ultimately what will keep students engaging.  Here are a...

Creative Space

Creative Space

Creativity comes in bursts for me. To be honest I have a love-hate relationship with being creative. I love when it comes and hate when it doesn’t. Whether it's writing a sermon, thinking differently about my youth group, creating a welcoming space, or really whatever...