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Articles

Article Categories
Tip of the Week
Our weekly youth ministry tips archived for all guests.

Sub-Category: Tip of the Week
Total Items: 187
Youth Ministry
Over 1000 tips, tools, and techniques for your youth ministry. [proMAXimizer members]

Sub-Category: Youth Ministry
Total Items: 326
Spiritual Growth Zone
Articles and resources to keep you focused and on fire. [The Zone]

Sub-Category: Spiritual Growth Zone
Total Items: 30
Parenting
Articles to use in your newsletters, classes, and meetings. [proMAXimizer members]

Sub-Category: Parenting
Total Items: 62
MAXimizer Archives
Back issues of the Monday MAXimizer. [proMAXimizer members]

Sub-Category: MAXimizer Archives
Total Items: 108
Discussion Sheets
Topical discussion sheets to use in class, devotionals, events, and retreats. [proMAXimizer members]

Sub-Category: Discussion Sheets
Total Items: 72
E-Ministry
Instruction and autoresponder messages to help you follow up with guests, create automated bible ecourses, and more.

Sub-Category: E-Ministry
Total Items: 11
Movie Clip Discussion
Your teens have seen just about every movie on the market. These clips will help you discuss movies in a spiritual way.

Sub-Category: Movie Clip Discussion
Total Items: 20
Listen to Lisa
Encouragement and insight for female youth workers.

Sub-Category: Listen to Lisa
Total Items: 35
Sudden Impact
Short devotional thought articles you can use in emails or publications for your teens.

Sub-Category: Sudden Impact
Total Items: 57
Quiet Time
Devotionals to use in your group discussions, or to send to teens for quiet time.

Sub-Category: Quiet Time
Total Items: 24
Dawn Till Dusk
One day personal retreats

Sub-Category: Dawn Till Dusk
Total Items: 22
Daily Bible Readings
Topical selected readings for the month

Sub-Category: Daily Bible Readings
Total Items: 22
Teen2Teen
Written by teens fo teens.

Sub-Category: Teen2Teen
Total Items: 7
Twilight Zone
Article and ideas for long-haul youth ministry

Sub-Category: Twilight Zone
Total Items: 14
Teaching Tips
Tips for communication and teaching teens.

Sub-Category: Teaching Tips
Total Items: 15
Backgrounds
backgrounds for use in your ministry

Sub-Category: backgrounds
Total Items: 6
Games & Icebreakers
Games to play in your youth ministry. Please use discretion, common sense, and all safety precautions as you decide what activities, programs, events and discussions you are going to do. You must understand the possibility of unforeseen hazards and know the inherent possibility of risk.

Sub-Category: Games & Icebreakers
Total Items: 12
Video Training
Video Training segments.

Sub-Category: Video Training
Total Items: 3
Out Reach Ideas
Ideas to help you reach your teen community

Sub-Category: Out Reach Ideas
Total Items: 8
Devotionals


Sub-Category: Devotionals
Total Items: 11




Emotions (May 14, 2008 at 4:35 AM) - Psychologists have identified as many as 360 different emotions. Everyone experiences a myriad of emotions every day. Some days may feel more emotionally balanced than others. We’ve all had those days where...

No Money Allowed (May 13, 2008 at 7:54 PM) - This is an outreach activity that most teens will not want to be involved in. However, please encourage them to part and help them understand that it is not always about them.

I Timothy Lesson 5 (May 13, 2008 at 4:40 AM) -  Zone members you can download this week's lesson from I Timothy. Click Here.

The Ultimate Act (May 12, 2008 at 5:18 AM) - The selfless actions of Holtman and Wallace picture what Jesus Christ wants to do for each of US: He wants to carry us all the way home to heaven!

The Ladder of Faith (May 8, 2008 at 8:29 PM) - Give your students an example of and explain the real meaning of faith.

Tip of the Week (May 7, 2008 at 6:32 AM) - Teen Life Ministries
Youth Ministry MAXimizer ================================
01 :: Praise and Thanksgiving
02 :: Zone Updates
03 :: Gas Problems?
================================ Please forward this issue to 3 youth ministry friends ======================================
01 :: Praise & Thanksgiving
====================================== [Note :: This week is participatory!

Praise and Thanksgiving (May 7, 2008 at 5:31 AM) -  Please post comments of praise and thanksgiving below. Just post once. We will manually approve each one. (This protects the site from "spam bots" from posting unsavory material!)

A Joyful Noise (May 6, 2008 at 8:18 PM) - The ability to express ourselves through song, through art, even directly through prayer, is a special blessing, one that I take for granted far too often.

Friends Matter (May 2, 2008 at 5:35 AM) -   Cut, paste and send to your teens.   Friends Matter   One day, when I was a freshman in high school, I saw a kid from my class was walking home from school. His name was Kyle. It looked like he was carrying all of his books. I thought to myself, "Why would anyone bring home all his books on a Friday?

Tip of the Week (Apr 30, 2008 at 5:39 AM) - Teen Life Ministries
Youth Ministry MAXimizer ==========================
01 :: Good Managing
02 :: Zone Updates
03 :: Zoned Out
========================== Please forward this issue to 3 youth ministry friends ======================================
01 :: Good Managing
====================================== Luke 12: 42 Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the
master puts in charge of his servants to give them their food
allowance at the proper time?

Work Hard On Patience (Apr 30, 2008 at 5:01 AM) - It seems like the older I get the more patient I become and, in my situation I can understand why. My children are now grown and married. I no longer have to leave my wife at home with two small children to go on a weeklong mission trip or, as on two occasions three week long mission trips.  I no longer have the pressure of being under the same roof as my teens, so I am not responsible for what time they come in at night or who they have

Daily Bible Readings (Apr 24, 2008 at 8:05 PM) - Jesus Is Your Savior-Jesus Is Your Lord-Jesus Is Your Love

Will Life Get Any Easier? (Apr 22, 2008 at 8:22 PM) - I suppose that I should stop thinking that the Christian life is supposed to get easier the older I get.

How is God Working in Your Life and Ministry? (Apr 17, 2008 at 8:23 PM) - Do you feel as though God is working in your life and your ministry? Do you feel as though God is working in the lives of your teens? God is so awesome, turn Him loose and let Him work.

Fat Isn't Fun...Supporting Your Overweight Teen (Apr 15, 2008 at 7:37 PM) - This article by Lynn Slaughter should be read by all parents of teens.

The Name of God (Apr 10, 2008 at 8:15 PM) - So, what is in a name, exactly? Think of a graveyard. One similarity comes to mind in most of them: Tombstones, containing names.

Paint Up, Fix Up (Apr 8, 2008 at 7:59 PM) - Can you think of a better way to show love for someone than to serve them while they are in need?

The Gift of Grace (Apr 3, 2008 at 8:01 PM) - Grace is an unmerited favor from God. That is, grace is God doing good for us that we do not deserve.

Youth Ministry Tip of the Week (Apr 2, 2008 at 5:12 AM) - One of our friends brought a special gift from the holy land. 5 stones form the same stream where David got his stones. The gift made me immediately turn to 1 Samuel 17 to the account of David and Goliath...

Common Criminals (Apr 1, 2008 at 8:11 PM) - Many signs, wonders and miracles were taking place and the high priests were furious. The apostles were dangerous men in their eyes because they were reaching thousands about Jesus.

Daily Bible Readings (Mar 27, 2008 at 8:38 PM) - Daily Bible Reading Strengthens the Mind Spiritually and Helps Establish a Life-long Habit.

Outreach Ideas (Mar 25, 2008 at 8:13 PM) - A service project where students serve their parents.

Recharge Your Youth Ministry Battery (Mar 21, 2008 at 5:55 AM) - Have you ever walked out to your vehicle after a good night of sleep ready to face the world? You get in the car, put in the key, and nothing happens.

Youth Ministry Tips of the Week (Mar 20, 2008 at 6:26 AM) - Teen Life Ministries
Youth Ministry MAXimizer
==========================
01 :: Easter Love
02 :: Zone Updates
03 :: Help/Advice Wanted
04 :: Test Drive
========================== Please forward this issue to 3 youth ministry friends ======================================
01 :: Easter Love
====================================== Easter is the great reminder of how much we are loved by God. There are NO misfits in the kingdom.

In The Meantime (Mar 18, 2008 at 8:11 PM) - One of my pet peeves is standing behind someone in line at the grocery store (or Target or some other store) who is unprepared to pay when they make it to the register.

Success in Christ (Mar 13, 2008 at 8:02 PM) - Help students understand that their success comes from their faith in God and His Son and not from gaining material things.

Exalted-The Word of God (Mar 12, 2008 at 6:36 AM) - Do you have friends with nick names? Have you used their nick names so often that sometimes you do not remember that their real name?

Tip of the Week (Mar 12, 2008 at 6:23 AM) - Teen Life Ministries
Youth Ministry MAXimizer
==========================
01 :: Believe It Or Not
02 :: Updates
03 :: Help/Advice Wanted
04 :: Test Drive
========================== Please forward this issue to 3 youth ministry friends ==============================
01 :: Believe It Or Not
============================== Have you heard people say, "It doesn't matter what you believe"? You know what? They are right! It doesn't matter, because Philippians 2:10-11 says... ...at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,

Impromptu Lessons Can Be Great (Mar 6, 2008 at 9:06 PM) - You might want to punt and let the Spirit lead you.

Tip of the Week (Mar 5, 2008 at 6:32 AM) - Teen Life Ministries
Youth Ministry MAXimizer
==========================
01 :: Daniel's Decision
02 :: Updates
03 :: Test Drive
========================== Please forward this issue to 3 youth ministry friends ==========================
01 :: Daniel's Decision
========================== The decree didn't stop Daniel. Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went
home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward
Jerusalem.

You Are Not a Healer (Mar 4, 2008 at 9:13 PM) - Jesus was a great teacher, the best. He was not ordinary by any stretch.

One Month Tutor Blast (Feb 28, 2008 at 9:02 PM) - School will soon be out and summer activities will begin. There are those who might not be able to go on trips, play baseball or take part in church related activities because of grades. It would be awesome if we could help those who are struggling.

God's Search Engine (Feb 27, 2008 at 7:20 AM) - Teen Life Ministries
Youth Ministry MAXimizer
==========================
01 :: God's Search Engine
02 :: Updates
03 :: Test Drive
========================== ==========================
01 :: God's Search Engine
========================== Google is the world's #1 search engine. Here's the premise.

Daily Bible Readings (Feb 26, 2008 at 8:47 PM) - Daily Bible readings for March.

God and Pain (Feb 21, 2008 at 9:10 PM) - God allows us to experience pain to protect us!

Tip of the Week (Feb 20, 2008 at 7:42 AM) - Teen Life Ministries
Youth Ministry MAXimizer
==========================
01 :: Sin Protection
02 :: Updates
03 :: Test Drive
========================== ==========================
01 :: Sin Protection
========================== Psalm 119:9-16 How can a young man keep his way pure?

Do Not Get Involved In Gossip (Feb 19, 2008 at 9:36 PM) - A good way to lose your credibility and possibly your job is to get involved in the gossip circle.

How Am I Really Doing? (Feb 14, 2008 at 9:07 PM) - The process you are about to go through will take time and thought. However, it is our belief that you will benefit greatly if you take it seriously and focus on your teens and how you are ministering to them as you work through each area.

Tip of the Week (Feb 13, 2008 at 7:23 AM) - A higher standard.

Do We Really Honor God? (Feb 12, 2008 at 8:34 PM) - How are you doing with your attitudes and your actions?

Pride : Discussion Guide (Feb 9, 2008 at 8:00 AM) -   OPEN:  What silly things does pride or vanity cause people to do?   DIG:  Read II Chronicles 26: 1-15 What strengths do you see in Uzziah? What are Uzziah’s accomplishments (verses 6-15)?  Which one stands out as the headliner for this king’s resume? Who contributed to Uzziah’s success (verse 5)? What red flag about Uzziah’s life do you see in verse 15?  How has his success served as a trap?   DIG:  Read II Chronicles 26: 16-23 ·         Was Uzziah’s mistake an innocent blunder?  ·         How does he respond when confronted by the priests? ·         Does God allow too little

Search Away (Feb 7, 2008 at 8:48 PM) - Let's celebrate, I found the coin.

Productively Sitting Still (Feb 5, 2008 at 9:18 PM) - I've been attending a class on spiritual disciplines on Wednesday nights at our church this quarter. In tonight's class we discussed the discipline of meditation

Five Tips for Classroom Discipline (Jan 31, 2008 at 9:19 PM) - These five tips will help you do a better job of teaching and mainting discipline in the classroom.

Rick's Eulogy - YouTube Devo (Jan 30, 2008 at 10:27 AM) - You may be familiar with the syndicated radio program The Rick and Bubba Show. These guys are on national radio, not a small Christian station. Yet they take a bold stand for the Lord with each show that has grown through the years.   Rick's 2 year old son drowned almost 2 weeks ago.

Guidelines from God (Jan 29, 2008 at 9:43 PM) - Do you feel as though you are becoming spiritually stagnant? Have you ever thought how nice it would be if God would just give you a short set of guidelines to help get you back on track?

Lesser Know Heroes Lesson 11 (Jan 28, 2008 at 6:10 AM) -     Zone Member's Click Here to Dowload

Guard Your Heart (Jan 26, 2008 at 8:29 AM) - GUARD YOUR HEART OPEN: Jesus said, "out of the overflow of the
heart the mouth speaks".  What does your speech
revealed to you about the condition of your
heart? DIG:  Read Proverbs 4:23 - What is the "heart"?
- The heart is compared to a "wellspring" of
  life.  What does this mean?
- Why are we to guard the heart "above all else"?
- In what ways is the mind the "doorway" to the
  heart? DIG:  Read I Peter 5:8-9 - The devil is compared to a "roaring lion".  In
  what circumstances

Bobbing for Marsh Mellows (Jan 24, 2008 at 9:03 PM) - Okay, do you want to have fun and get good and sticky? This game is awesome especially for Jr. high students.

Daily Bible Readings (Jan 22, 2008 at 8:50 PM) - Get your teens in the Word as they will read about eternal life, failure, holiness and hope.

Youth Ministry Mist (Jan 22, 2008 at 1:03 PM) - Teen Life Ministries
Youth Ministry MAXimizer
==========================
01 :: 21 in the Books
02 :: 1000 Barrier Broken!
03 :: YouTube Devo
04 :: $1
========================== Thanks to all who sent blessings and prayer regarding our last
email about our church bus burning down.

YouTube Devo : Martin Luther King - I Have a Dream (Jan 21, 2008 at 3:50 PM) - YouTube devotional based on Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I have a Dream" Speech.

Lesser Known Heroes Lesson 10 (Jan 21, 2008 at 6:02 AM) -     Members Download Here

Teaching Tip (Jan 17, 2008 at 9:49 PM) - Because all students are different it means that you have to handle them differently. You need to find ways to make them excel and realize they have different ways to be challenged.

Stay Physically Healthy (Jan 15, 2008 at 9:05 PM) - Long haul youth ministry certainly calls for keeping ourselves physically fit. Those fun loving lock-ins seem to get longer every year and getting started with a physical fitness program the harder it is.

The Eye of the Lord (Jan 10, 2008 at 8:49 PM) - Do our students really see what God wants them to see?

Bus Burning!! (Jan 9, 2008 at 8:57 PM) -  As our youth group made it's way down to a retreat center a couple of weeks ago the back tire blew, then caught on fire, then the bus caught on fire!     God blessed and no one was hurt...       except the bus and stuff like purses and such...which don't count as anything important!     God's word made it through the flames.

Life Stories (Jan 9, 2008 at 7:35 AM) - Your life tells a story. It may not be worthy of a movie; although some of the best movies are of real people who have done extraordinary things with their lives. But regardless of whether or not you life would be a hit on the big screen, the story your life tells is being watched by others around you.

Lesser Know Heroes Lesson 8 (Jan 7, 2008 at 1:10 PM) -     Members Click Here to Download

Do We Really Honor God? (Jan 3, 2008 at 9:27 PM) - I remember when I was a teen that I felt like my Christianity was fulfilled if I attended Sunday School and Church and if I went on Wednesday nights I would get extra credit from God.

Only God Knows (Jan 1, 2008 at 8:58 PM) - Only God knows for sure what 2008 holds for me.

Lesser Known Heroes Lesson 7 (Dec 31, 2007 at 6:05 AM) -   Members: Download Here

Run for the Weak! - YouTube Devotional (Dec 30, 2007 at 8:23 PM) - Too many times selfishness rules among teens (among all of us, really). Use this devotional to awaken your group to "Run for the Weak!"

New Year : New Start - YouTube Devotional (Dec 30, 2007 at 3:08 PM) - You can copy the devotional below and send to your teens by email. Or use it together as a group. It's a great way to begin the new year

Why Did She Do That? (Dec 29, 2007 at 9:14 AM) - The purpose is to help students understand exactly what Jesus did for us.

Games & Icebreakers (Dec 27, 2007 at 9:36 PM) - This game is so wacky that your kids will want to play it for hours.

Use Parents as Ministry Partners (Dec 25, 2007 at 9:25 PM) - If you really want to stay in youth ministry for the "long haul" I can't think of a better place to start than gaining the confidence and respect of the parents of our teens.

LKH - 6 (Dec 24, 2007 at 6:00 AM) -     Member's Download Here

Daily Bible Readings (Dec 20, 2007 at 9:21 PM) - Begin 2008 by getting your group into the word!

Free Devotional for Guests (Dec 19, 2007 at 7:43 AM) - Here's a devotional out of the "archives" from Al. Every month ZONE
members get two of these as part of their regular updates. We're almost into 2008, so now is the perfect time to join and get
every resource you could ever want or use for the entire year when
you join...

It's a New Year! (Dec 19, 2007 at 6:17 AM) - One of the great things about the New Year is that it gives us the opportunity to make changes in ourselves, families and ministries. We all know that we could make changes anytime but the New Year just seems the right time so let’s take full advantage of it.

LKH - Lesson 5 (Dec 17, 2007 at 5:12 AM) -     Members Download Here

Great Teaching is Entertaining and Humorous (Dec 13, 2007 at 7:54 PM) - Great Teaching is Entertaining and Humorous Richard Leblanc says good teaching includes a definite style. Should good teaching be entertaining? You bet! Jesus was somewhat entertaining when He turned fish and loaves into more fish and loaves.

Can You Imagine? (Dec 12, 2007 at 4:48 PM) - "Thirty-thousand Teens Reached for Jesus in 2008." What if you woke up one morning and your newspaper

Coats for Kids (Dec 11, 2007 at 9:04 PM) - Fall is here and winter is right around the corner. Unfortunately, we have children in our cities that do not have winter coats.

Lesser Known Heroes - Lesson 4 (Dec 10, 2007 at 10:47 AM) -     Members Download Here

Youth Ministry - Godly Goals - Part 1 (Dec 10, 2007 at 10:43 AM) - 1. Do whatever it takes to get teens to heaven. Paul wrote that he became all things to all people so that some might be saved (II Corinthians 9:19-23).

We All Need Somebody to Lean On (Dec 6, 2007 at 9:38 PM) - I'm not a very good leaner. I prefer to be the lean-ee, the person that others lean on in times of crisis.

2007 - So Far! (Dec 5, 2007 at 7:02 AM) - 2007 at Teen Life     As you know, The Zone is updated EVERY Monday, Wednesday and Friday.   Members :: listed below is everything added to the site this year – at least according to the calendar on the site.

Lesser Known Heroes (Dec 5, 2007 at 6:51 AM) - Lesson 3 added today. Eleazer - he's really unknown, just ask your teens!!!     Members, download the lesson here.   Blessings!
Paul    

Close Your Eyes (Dec 4, 2007 at 8:29 PM) - When you close your eyes to rest, meditate, or go to sleep what do you think about? Do you ever think about God?

Dawn 'til Dusk (Nov 29, 2007 at 9:10 PM) - As we close out 2007 we need to look back and see how we as youth workers and our ministries have grown spiritually. We will look at different areas of our lives and ministries and try to pinpoint our growth.

THANKSgiving. (Nov 28, 2007 at 7:56 AM) - Dear Youth Workers, Paul and I have so much to be thankful for that it's really hard to
know where to begin. We are thankful for our wives, Connie and
Marla, who have been tremendous encouragers as we trek through our
youth ministry years.

Statistical Treasure Hunt (Nov 27, 2007 at 9:03 PM) - Purpose: To create communication, learn about each other, and just have fun. Here is a great game for learning more about your group members. The game can be played at a youth devotional or at a banquet table.

Daily Bible Readings (Nov 23, 2007 at 7:38 PM) - Satan will surely attack.

Compassion (Nov 20, 2007 at 9:34 PM) - Zach Hunter is a teenage student with a dream: to end slavery in the world.

Youth Ministry Saturday Nights (Nov 19, 2007 at 8:01 AM) - It's a little after 8 pm on Saturday night as I type this. Class is prepared, but the "work" is not done. The prayer that slowly builds all week seems to crescendo on
Saturday night, doesn't it?

Food for Families (Nov 15, 2007 at 9:57 PM) - Does your Church or community have a food pantry or food bank? Why not put your youth group in charge of gathering and taking food to those in need?

Black, White and Gray (Nov 13, 2007 at 9:04 PM) - Life would be so much easier if everything was black and white. Instead, it's filled with a lot of grays.

Promote Great Staff Unity (Nov 8, 2007 at 10:10 PM) - How many times have you seen a ministry or minister destroyed because the members of the church staff could not get along? It seemed like they were always at odds about something.

Complete Series Ready for Download. (Nov 7, 2007 at 7:05 AM) - Ruth. Esther. Powerful Prayer.           Zone Members Download Here   Not a Member? Get the Details.  

Meet Their Needs Outside of Class (Nov 6, 2007 at 9:21 PM) - Occasionally I’ve been asked to teach and accepted without really wanting to. There have also been times when I’ve asked others to teach and they did so reluctantly.

Plan Ahead (Nov 1, 2007 at 8:09 PM) - I have a friend in another state who is constantly frustrated because he has not won the lottery. He buys ticket after ticket month after month with no success.

The Hall of Shame (Oct 30, 2007 at 8:28 PM) - Marion Jones owned the 2000 Summer Olympic Games in Sydney. A world-class sprinter and long jumper, she won five medals, three were gold and two bronze, in track and field.

Daily Bible Readings (Oct 25, 2007 at 9:03 PM) - Get your group into the Word.

Frisbee Golf (Oct 24, 2007 at 8:20 AM) - You don't need to be a golf pro to enjoy this game. If you can throw, you can play.

Balloon Race (Oct 24, 2007 at 8:17 AM) - This game will allow the "hot air" to freely flow.

Blind Volleyball (Oct 24, 2007 at 7:44 AM) - A game where everyone is on equal ground.

Church House Info (Oct 24, 2007 at 7:27 AM) - This is a timed event and is so much fun. Divide your group into teams and go for it.

Youth Ministry MAXmizer (Oct 22, 2007 at 5:10 AM) - Youth Ministry Teaching Tips    For more teaching tips go to http://www.teenlifeministries.com/thezone. You can pick up "Amazing Teaching" in the Zone as well.   Never teach a half-prepared lesson. It’s not fair to the teens, God or yourself to go into a teaching situation unprepared.

Tragedy in Our Youth Group (Oct 18, 2007 at 8:31 PM) - This morning between 3:30 and 4:00am the phones of our church members began ringing off the hooks. Not long after that, my phone rang and it was one of our high school coaches telling me that the mother of one of our sophomore boys was killed in a house fire.

Let's Get Practical (Oct 16, 2007 at 9:00 PM) - Today’s D2 is one that is so practical that you might think I don’t even need to deal with this. Just hang with us, it may be practical and seem elementary but the areas we will cover are areas that are needed in all youth ministries.

Quiet Time- “Stand” (Oct 12, 2007 at 6:01 AM) - During the season premier of “Survivor-China” each of the game contestants were taken to a Buddhist Temple to participate in a cultural ceremony to welcome them to China.  Before the ceremony they were assured that this was not a worship service and it wasn’t intended to conflict with anyone’s religious beliefs.  However, once inside the temple they were surrounded by statues of Buddha and parts of the ceremony required bowing down in front of this Chinese god as a way to show respect.  One of the contestants was an outspoken

Youth Ministry MAXimizer (Oct 11, 2007 at 5:27 AM) - Developing Friendships Youth Ministry Sudden Impact   Developing Friendships from the "Sudden Impact" section of The Youth Ministry Zone. These are copy and paste devotionals you can email to your teens or handout.

Praise Preceding Deliverance (Oct 9, 2007 at 8:20 PM) - As I read through the Old Testament, sometimes I am stunned by the Israelites' lack of faith in trusting a God who delivered them time and time again.

Rake and Run for Fun (Oct 4, 2007 at 8:24 PM) - This outreach idea is as old as the trees in your grandma’s yard. However, some ideas are worth keeping around for a while. The leaves are beginning to fall and that could mean fun times for youth groups.

Prayer Lessons (Oct 3, 2007 at 5:03 AM) - Lessons 1, 2, 3 are available in the member's area...   http://www.teenlifeministries.com/site.php/file/category/page_1/weekly_bible_lesso/weekly_bible_lesso/      

Youth Ministry MAXimizer (Oct 3, 2007 at 5:01 AM) - Joy Filled Youth Ministry   1. Stay close to God. As rigid as some people feel God is, isn’t it amazing at how things go smoothly when we are close to Him.

Teaching Tip (Oct 2, 2007 at 8:04 PM) - See what Psychologist Sylvia Clare has to say. Hug those who want to be hugged.

Growing up Without Selling Out : The Professionalization of Youth Ministry (Sep 28, 2007 at 8:33 AM) - My brother and his wife spend most of their waking hours thinking about drag racing. Their whole lives revolve around race cars: they build them, race them, rebuild them, and race them again.

Youth Ministry MAXimizer (Sep 26, 2007 at 5:26 AM) - V.I.S.I.O.N. C.A.S.T.ing   Verify the Source. Did the desire come from God or from you? Moses knew the vision was from God. Abraham knew the vision was from God. Paul knew the vision was from God.

Identity (Sep 25, 2007 at 8:15 PM) - Have you ever been mistaken for someone else? Perhaps you’ve been told that you remind someone of their close friend- that you have an uncanny resemblance.

Daily Bible Readings (Sep 20, 2007 at 8:37 PM) - Encourage your teens to get into God's Word daily.

Youth Ministry MAXimizer (Sep 19, 2007 at 5:18 AM) - Picking a Youth Retreat Location   Here are 10 ways to choose a retreat center...   1. Settle on a Purpose. Your purpose will decide what type of facility will work best. A youth group wanting a fun weekend together may put a high priority on recreational facilities.

Use Your Tongue Wisely (Sep 18, 2007 at 8:18 PM) - It usually takes a pretty long time for you to build a good reputation. People don’t say good things about you just because they think it’s the right thing to do.

Simple Guidelines for Discipleship (Sep 13, 2007 at 9:04 PM) - We, as youth ministers, are constantly trying to get our teens to disciple others.

Teaching Tip (Sep 11, 2007 at 8:28 PM) - Encourage your students to......

Youth Mininstry MAXimizer (Sep 10, 2007 at 5:36 AM) - Creative Emails for Youth Ministry!   Here are three ways to use email creatively...   1. Half a message.  Who can’t send an entire message? Try sending only half the message. In order for the full message to be received have group members respond with a favorite verse or the name of a friend they are inviting to church.

Hitting the Wall (Sep 6, 2007 at 8:51 PM) - Cut, paste, and send this to your teens or use it as an "Attention Getter" in a class or devo.

Youth Ministry MAXimizer (Sep 5, 2007 at 5:56 AM) - Youth Ministry Harvest   After releasing the youth ministry spy photo http://teenlifeministries.com/spyphoto.html we got a lot of great responses.   Everything from those whose youth ministry is going smooth to the fiercely frustrated.

Serving Those Who Serve (Sep 4, 2007 at 8:26 PM) - THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

Parenting Tips (Aug 30, 2007 at 8:17 PM) - As youth ministers we are constantly faced with parents who struggle with their teens. Use the following article written by Lori Cooper as a guide to help the parents in your church. You might use it to teach a parenting class or copy it and hand it to the parents.

Ten Youth Ministry "Don't Forgets" (Aug 28, 2007 at 8:36 PM) - Ten of many youth ministry "Don't Forgets."

Monday MAXimizer (Aug 27, 2007 at 4:37 AM) - Successful Youth Ministry - Part 10   P's of a Successful Youth Ministry.  Each week for 10 weeks we'll cover another "P".   10. Praise. “Therefore let us offer continually to God the sacrifice of praise, the fruit of our lips giving praise to His name” (Hebrews 13:15).

Daily Bible Readings (Aug 23, 2007 at 8:09 PM) - September Daily Bible Readings. Get these scripture into the hands of your teens.

Twenty-one Days to an Improved Youth Ministry (Aug 22, 2007 at 7:06 AM) - We all need to stop periodically and exam our ministries. These points are just guides to get us started.

Summer Success (Aug 22, 2007 at 6:46 AM) - Here are some unedited responses to our... "Summer Success" email. If you would like to share some summer successes send an email to summer@teenlifeministries.com     My name is W. Willmore Carey out of Freeport Bahamas.

Monday MAXimizer (Aug 19, 2007 at 12:44 PM) - Successful Youth Ministry - Part 9   P's of a Successful Youth Ministry.  Each week for 10 weeks we'll cover another "P".   9. Propriety. “Be holy for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16).

Fighting Sexual Sin (Aug 16, 2007 at 9:21 PM) - As parents and youth ministers we are constantly fighting for our teens to resist sexual temptations.

Conduct Parenting Classes (Aug 15, 2007 at 8:28 AM) - Staying in touch with parents is vitally necessary if you are seriously considering youth ministry for the long haul.

Monday MAXimizer (Aug 12, 2007 at 7:04 PM) - Successful Youth Ministry - Part 8   P's of a Successful Youth Ministry.  Each week for 10 weeks we'll cover another "P".   8. Passion. “…His word was in my heart like a burning fire shut up in my bones.

Teaching Tip (Aug 9, 2007 at 8:46 PM) - Can you imagine how much you can get done in two hours?

Contentment (Aug 8, 2007 at 5:55 AM) - Do you ever wish you could change something about yourself? Most people would say yes!

Youth Ministry MAXimizer (Aug 6, 2007 at 5:36 AM) - Successful Youth Ministry - Part 7   P's of a Successful Youth Ministry.  Each week for 10 weeks we'll cover another "P".   7. Preach. “Preach the word in all seasons” (2 Timothy 4:2).

Life Is Fleeting (Aug 3, 2007 at 7:48 AM) - The tragic scene at Virginia Tech has reminded me that life is fleeting. That's certainly not a new revelation, but one that I need to be reminded of from time to time.

Obedience (Aug 1, 2007 at 5:01 AM) - A young man told me his story of his high school days and how athletics changed his life. He was a junior in high school and one of the stars on the basketball team.

Youth Ministry MAXimizer (Jul 29, 2007 at 8:04 PM) - Successful Youth Ministry - Part 6   P's of a Successful Youth Ministry.  Each week for 10 weeks we'll cover another "P".   6. Power. “For the kingdom is not of talk, but of power” (1 Corinthians 4:20).

Don’t Get Involved In Gossip (Jul 26, 2007 at 8:47 PM) - A good way to lose your credibility and possibly your job is to get involved in the gossip circle. I have seen youth minister after youth minister get into trouble with staff members and church leaders because of saying things that were not necessary.

Daily Bible Readings (Jul 25, 2007 at 6:39 AM) - Daily Bible Readings for August 2007

Youth Ministry MAXimizer Tip of the Week (Jul 23, 2007 at 6:11 AM) - Successful Youth Ministry - Part 5   P's of a Successful Youth Ministry.  Each week for 10 weeks we'll cover another "P".   5. Perfection. “Therefore, be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect (Matthew 5:48).

Pre-marital questions (Jul 20, 2007 at 6:57 AM) - Several youth ministers have asked about pre-marital counseling. Listed are a few suggestions to help you get started.

Combat Zone (Jul 19, 2007 at 7:06 PM) - Several youth ministers have asked about pre-marital counseling. Listed are a few suggestions to help you get started.

Teaching Tip (Jul 18, 2007 at 5:00 AM) - Choose your subjects by what your teens need to hear not by what they want to hear.

Youth Ministry MAXimizer (Jul 15, 2007 at 3:23 PM) - Successful Youth Ministry - Part 4   P's of a Successful Youth Ministry.  Each week for 10 weeks we'll cover another "P".   4. Personal. “And when Jesus went out and saw the great multitude, He was moved with compassion for them and healed their sick” (Matthew 14:14).

Living and Loving Life (Jul 12, 2007 at 7:53 PM) - Do you know what the Bible says is most important in the life of a Christian? Do you think its how much money we make or how many material possessions we posses?

Out Numbered But In Control (Jul 11, 2007 at 7:07 AM) - It had to be total chaos. Jesus was being challenged by a band of soldiers led by one who had served with Him for three years.

Youth Ministry MAXimizer Tip of the Week (Jul 9, 2007 at 7:56 AM) - Successful Youth Ministry - Part 3   P's of a Successful Youth Ministry. This week we begin a new MAXimizer series. Each week for 10 weeks we'll cover another "P".   3. Plan. “For which of you before he builds a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it?” (Luke 14:28).

Me, Me, Me (Jul 6, 2007 at 5:44 AM) - By the time the worship service and Sunday school were over, I just wanted to get out of there and go home and take a nap. I found myself being less than my usual friendly self with people who were talking to me because I was focused on how tired I was.

Are We Really Spoiled? (Jul 4, 2007 at 2:52 AM) - Our youth minister was talking to us about how we as teens could help change the world.

Daily Bible Readings (Jun 29, 2007 at 7:04 AM) - Get your teens reading daily.

What Is Student Leadership? (Jun 27, 2007 at 5:23 AM) - Jesus gave his disciples an image of leadership that we will use as our standard for student leadership within our student ministry.

Youth Ministry MAXimizer (Jun 26, 2007 at 5:51 AM) - Successful Youth Ministry - Part 2   P's of a Successful Youth Ministry. This week we begin a new MAXimizer series. Each week for 10 weeks we'll cover another "P".   2. Prayer. “Worry about nothing, pray about everything” (Philippians 4:6).

Missions: How it Started and Where it is Today (Jun 20, 2007 at 7:31 AM) - As the years go by, more and more youth ministries get involve in missions. For example, my youth group is going to Mexico in July. As all of these youth groups go on mission trips, we are being exposed to many different things.

Preparing for Rain (Jun 20, 2007 at 5:25 AM) - How can I expect my faith to strengthen if I do not allow God the opportunity to work in a mighty way?

Youht Ministry Monday MAXimizer (Jun 18, 2007 at 9:19 AM) - Successful Youth Ministry   P's of a Successful Youth Ministry. This week we begin a new MAXimizer series. Each week for 10 weeks we'll cover another "P".   1. Purpose. “Whatever you do in word or deed do all to the glory of God” (Colossians 3:17).

Spirderman PowerPoint Game (Jun 18, 2007 at 9:16 AM) - Members download the Spiderman game here...   Click Here

A Father's Day Devotional (Jun 15, 2007 at 5:26 AM) - This will be a great opening for your Father’s Day Sunday school class Also, have your students answer the questions at the end.

Learn How to Accept Criticism (Jun 13, 2007 at 6:15 AM) - In youth ministry, as in most other professions, we are subject to criticism; some may be justified and some not.

Youth Ministry Tip of the Week (Jun 11, 2007 at 1:29 PM) - Youth Ministry - P.E.E.R. A.R.M.Y.   This week we continue the P.E.E.R.  A.R.M.Y.  series. Hopefully, these brief lessons will help you turn your teens into an evangelistic force. We often talk about peer pressure, but now we're talking about using peers for a positive purpose.   P = Personal Faith E = Equipping E = Evangelism R = Relationships   A = Advance R = Report M = Mission   The "Y" stands for...   YOUnique   I'm a week late with the newsletter because I just got back from visiting some mission works in Russia and Turkey.

Someone Needs This Prayer (Jun 8, 2007 at 5:23 AM) - There are several prayers offered on behalf of the saints throughout the New Testament. I am learning to adopt these prayers as my own in praying for myself as well as for others.

Teaching Tip (Jun 6, 2007 at 7:01 AM) - Teaching is about what students do with what you taught.

Scared to Death (Jun 1, 2007 at 5:05 AM) - When I was in middle and junior high school I was scared to death of drugs. I was scared when I heard older kids talking about them or even when I saw someone using them on television or in a movie.

Family (May 30, 2007 at 5:03 AM) - When you think about your family, what things immediately come to mind? Maybe you think of family meals, or your sibling that drives you crazy, or maybe you think about a great vacation you’ve been on recently.

Youth Ministry Tip of the Week (May 28, 2007 at 6:57 AM) - Youth Ministry - P.E.E.R. A.R.M.Y.   This week we continue the P.E.E.R.  A.R.M.Y.  series. Hopefully, these brief lessons will help you turn your teens into an evangelistic force. We often talk about peer pressure, but now we're talking about using peers for a positive purpose.   P = Personal Faith E = Equipping E = Evangelism R = Relationships   A = Advance R = Report   The "M" stands for...   Mission   "We're on a mission from God" The Blues Brothers.   The sad thing is that the Blues Brothers were more active in their reckless pursuit in the name of God, than many true believers

First Aid (May 26, 2007 at 11:56 AM) - Zone members. Download your Summer FIRST AID Kit here...   http://www.teenlifeministries.com/site.php/file/read/summer_first_aid_kit/ 

Daily Bible Readings (May 24, 2007 at 7:54 PM) - Get your teens in the Word daily.

Key Attitudes to the Success of our Youth Ministry (May 23, 2007 at 5:06 AM) - Are we still on track today? Have we gotten away from many basic attitudes? See what one long-haul youth minister said.

TO KNOW HIM BY NAME: Passing the Big Test (May 23, 2007 at 3:40 AM) -     OPEN:  What’s the biggest test you’ve taken?  How did you handle the pressure?   DIG:  Read Genesis 22:1-19 ·        In verse 2, what is God emphasizing as he describes Abraham’s relationship with Isaac?  Why this way of breaking the news? Knowing God waited 25 years before providing a son for Abram, how would you expect Abraham to react to God’s instruction in verse 2?  What do you learn about Abraham based on his prompt, obedient actions (v.3-10)? Describe the ups and downs of Isaac’s emotions as this story unfolds? Why does God wait until the last