Resource Links for Youth Ministers
Welcome to the "Resource Links" section for adults that work with youth. Here you'll find a listing of major league resource links. The 21st century brings with it a gazillion resource websites for youth & family ministry. You do not have time to sort through them all. In their fourth decade of ministry, Gary & Laurie have selected the following sites to share with you because these folks are doing wonderful ministry. Yep, each of these sites are comprehensive in and of themselves. It will take time to go through them; however, they are worth the time investment. If you are ever in search of resource materials, or a workshop, or conference to attend, you will not be disappointed. Come back often and work through the best of the best!
A Note About Theology: The links listed below come from various Christian denominations and traditions. Gary & Laurie search for what works. Yes, often times they use materials from Christian ministries that need to be tweaked to fit their purpose. However, they do that anyway, even with their own denominational materials. So, look through the recommendations and take what will work best in your locale, adjusting the lessons and activities as needed.
A Note About Theology: The links listed below come from various Christian denominations and traditions. Gary & Laurie search for what works. Yes, often times they use materials from Christian ministries that need to be tweaked to fit their purpose. However, they do that anyway, even with their own denominational materials. So, look through the recommendations and take what will work best in your locale, adjusting the lessons and activities as needed.
You should be aware of Sola Publishing. The ministry offers solid Biblical resources with a confessional Lutheran focus. The ministry provides individuals and congregations with educational resources that are trustworthy and useful, at a reasonable price. Whether you are searching for resources related to seasonal events, music, worship, education or confirmation, Sola Publishing offers a wide variety of options for all ages.
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With more than a million hits a month, pluggedin is a ministry designed to shine a light on the world of popular entertainment while giving families and youth workers the essential tools they need to understand, navigate and impact the culture in which they live. Should your youth go see the new movie? Not sure about a band they listen to or a concert they want to attend? Concerned about content in a TV show? pluggedin.com will give you facts and commentary so you can make an informed decision. |
Group.com, simplyyouthministry.com and Youthministry.com are all part of the Group Publishing Family of resources. Get acquainted with Thom and Joanie Schultz. Decades ago they were the pioneers of resources for children’s, youth, and family ministry. Still going strong they have developed a network of websites and resources to meet the needs in ministry to young people. Their resources cover the gambit for Sunday School, VBS, Retreats, Mission Trips, Work Camps, Magazines, Conferences, DVD’s, CD’s, Background Check systems, Training Events, Webinars, Blogs and more. If your church does it…then Group has resources to help.
Gary has been to their house and he can tell you they are quality people with a passion for ministry that has spanned the course of time. When you go to the Group.com landing page, scroll across "Ministry Resources", "Training and Events", and "Mission and Outreach" and you will find oodles of great resources. Be sure to check out simplyyouthministry.com and Youthministry.com! Here are a sampling of the Group.com link highlights: Vacation Bible School: Gary & Laurie base an entire weekend retreat for children and families with Group's VBS material Church Volunteer Central: A good place to start if you need to get your volunteers organized Background Checks: If your Insurance provider ok's it, you can run your background checks through Shepherd's Watch Video Training for Volunteers: Good-To-Go-Training videos for your volunteers Magazine and Newsletter: For those who work with Children Group Magazine: For those who work with Youth KidMin Conference: A solid conference for those that work with Children Online Ministry Tools: Everything from organizing your ministry to job postings to looking for a staff person e-connect Online tools and social media: A 2 1/2 day seminar designed to equip you to use the latest social media tools Grow Your Church Webinars: Free Wednesday Webinars Next Level Speaker Training: Sharpen your speaking skills during this three day course Simply One Day: Day Long Youth Ministry Training Events Youth Specialties has been helping Christian churches of every denomination lead students to find and follow Jesus for more than 40 years. Each year they serve more than 100,000 youth workers worldwide through training seminars, conventions, resources, and online communities. We have been to their National Youthworkers Convention multiple times--Always well done! They also have a Network Community if you are looking to meet youth workers in your area. Oh, they have an extensive Job Bank
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John Roberto is president of Lifelong Faith Associates, editor of the journal Lifelong Faith. John works as a consultant to churches and national organizations, teaches courses and conducts workshops in faith formation, and has authored books and program manuals in faith formation.
He is a leader in the intergenerational Faith Formation Movement. If you get a chance to attend a workshop led by John--Do IT! Gary has attended John's presentations and conferences multiple times times. John has much of this intergenerational faith formation and 21st century faith formation figured out. With lots of research to back it up! Here are John Roberto's main websites: lifelongfaith.com 21stcenturyfaithformation intergenerationalfaith.com genonministries.org Milestone Ministry supports homes and congregations in the important work of faith formation and outreach. They have a proven way to get parents praying over children at the altar on a regular basis. We specifically love their Milestone concept and their Taking Faith Home bulletin insert. And yep, we purchased the Milestone Ministry Manual. Way worth it! Here's a Great "FREE" resource from
King of Kings Lutheran Church, Omaha, NE (LCMS) called Kids Kount The website offers discipleship learning experience curriculum for both for children and their families. It is called high impact discipleship! The site also equips the equippers. They provide lots of training tools. Over a hundred online training videos. Handbooks. Build-it-yourself improvements. Even personal consultations. And more all for "FREE" |