VY Blog

Written by vineyard youth workers,

for vineyard youth workers.

App-ortunities

App-ortunities

Like most of you, my family life is fast. With the thrill and grind of ministry, school, work, play, relationships, schedule, and rest, the pace of our lives often leaves us feeling breathless. As a result, we are always on the lookout for apps to help us become more...

Redefining Excellence

Redefining Excellence

Several years ago, our youth group partnered with a local church in a tornado-ravaged town to help them clean up a neighborhood that had been particularly devastated by the storms. Arriving onsite, we saw neighborhoods in shambles that were virtually untouched nearly...

Loving Difficult-to-Love Teens

Loving Difficult-to-Love Teens

My favorite thing about working with students is . . . well . . . working with students. I love teenagers. I love their honesty, passion, and angst. I think they are fun, and I can’t imagine a life without youth ministry being part of my story. I know I’m not unique....

Are You a Fighter or a Hider?

Are You a Fighter or a Hider?

The unfortunate truth is that in ministry – and in every other area of life – conflict is inevitable. And conflict never goes away until we address it. It might hide for a while, but until it’s dealt with in a healthy way, it will continue to raise its ugly head in...

What’s Happening in Colorado

What’s Happening in Colorado

I just returned back to PA, after spending a whirlwind 3 days at the Vineyard of the Rockies in Fort Collins, CO.  I was there for the launching of the first The Rockies Project Timothy!  This is so exciting, and I was honored to be invited to be part of the kick off....

Sticky Faith

Sticky Faith

I grew up in a country church of 200 individuals.  It was far from perfect and had its faults, as all churches do.  But from the ages of 5 through 18, I thought it was perfect.   Each Sunday morning I was greeted by multiple youth and adults who not only knew my...

Sending Them Off on Solid Ground

Sending Them Off on Solid Ground

Anyone who works with high school students can attest to how difficult it is to be a senior facing the road to graduation and beyond.  Especially ominous can be the weight of knowing they must decide what to do for the rest of their lives.  What 17 or 18 year old can...

My Friend Kevin

My Friend Kevin

“He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”-Matthew 18:2-3 I have heard this verse spoken and talked about many...

Deli Sandwiches & High Fives

Deli Sandwiches & High Fives

Deli Sandwiches Recently, I had a student text me and ask if we could meet up.  He had been struggling with negative thoughts and an overwhelming/crippling bout of anxiety.  I could tell he needed a touch from Jesus and someone to just listen.  We grabbed a deli...