I’m so excited to announce the launch of my latest book, Forming Faith, which I co-authored with two of my friends, Matt Markins and Mike Handler. Our heart behind this project was to help inform with the latest research, inspire with time-tested methods, and educate with engaging stories and life experiences. Each chapter teases out the […]
My New Book Forming Faith Is OUT NOW!! Read More »
Today my little blog is old enough to drive. A lot of life happens in 16 years. Sixteen years ago, my oldest was two our other three children were unborn. We would never have even considered owning a dog. There were many tears that had not been shead ther were many joys we had yet
5 Things I Learned From Blogging For 16 Years Read More »
Talking about sorrow and death is something that we, as parents, do not do well. In my experience, many pastors are not much better. I have come to understand the goodness in God’s providence. As Spurgeon would say, ” I have learned to kiss the wave that threw me upon the Rock of Ages.” This
When tragedy strikes: How to talk to kids about shootings and death. Read More »
Here is a post I wrote for Youth Worker Journal. They have an incredibly resource-rich website as well as a magazine filled with excellent articles to grow your faith and capacity as a youth worker. If you work with youth or lead family ministry the Youth Worker Journal needs to be on your radar. It
Rabbit Starvation and Missional Youth Ministry Read More »
When I was new to children’s ministry, one of the most challenging things for me to deal with was kids who misbehaved. I so wanted difficult kids, all kids actually, to like me, and parents to think well of me. I avoided hard conversations with kids and parents. What I have come to realize is
How to Deal with Difficult Kids Read More »
If I could speak to adult worship leaders or youth worship leaders, most of the items on this list wouldn’t change. I actually have a theory that leading worship for kids is the rawest and most underrealized way to develop future worship leaders. If you can’t lead worship for kids, chances are you won’t be
6 Things I Tell Every Worship Leader Read More »
I recently launched a podcast with a couple of friends aimed at helping kids ministry leaders to think more deeply, lead more effectively, and to love God and kids more extravagantly. I would love for you to listen and give us a review as that helps other kids’ ministry people find us. Here is a
Resources for Kidmin Leaders Read More »
One of the things I enjoy doing is finding new or novel ways to do things that make life easier or more enjoyable. I remember ten years ago when online rewards systems were just coming online, and I started BibleBucks 2.0 to help churches streamline and digitize incentives. We still use BibleBucks 2.0 in our
How ChatGPT Can Make You a Better Pastor. Read More »
Knowing when to quit isn’t a specialty of mine. Staying is a strength with a corresponding weakness. 2022 was a challenging year for everyone I know. Without exception, every pastor, leader, or parent would say 2022 was the hardest or one of the most brutal years they have ever lived. I have lots of speculation
What Pastors and Parents Need More of in 2023 Read More »
Kids need stories. We live in a culture where kids have heard more scary things than they ever did growing up. Kids know more about the sadness in the world than ever before. We see the outworking of this in the anxiety and worry in our kids at a younger age and in a
Lewis on the Need for Better Stories. Read More »
