I’ll be honest with you, this was a tough post to write because I’ve been guilty of exactly what the title suggests. There are times when I’ve been a jerk in my job—both in subordinate and leader relationships, and I’m not proud of any of those moments. During my time as a student pastor, ...
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If evangelism typically takes place within your church building, evangelism opportunities probably feel really challenging right now in the wake of COVID-19. In this video, I share some encouragement for embracing opportunities that exist even in light of restrictions that may exist—many of them ...
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You deliver a message and look out across the room (or Zoom call) and see students' eyes glazed over or reflecting the glow of their phone. And you feel discouraged... is there even hope for these kids who just DO NOT seem to care? There IS. In this four-part series, we'll walk through diagnosing ...
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Are you tired? It’s ok if your answer is “yes.” This season has been one of the most difficult of any I’ve had in leadership. It has been challenging emotionally, mentally, physically, spiritually . . . and I am tired. So, my student pastor friend—when was the last time you checked in with ...
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Don't skip over this one, even if you've been in your role for a while! In this video, Ben jumps into some of the most crucial ways you can set yourself up for success in your ministry role. There's always more learning that can be done. ...
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I’ve felt tired of growing, have you? In leadership, there are consistent messages about how we need to get better. In our spiritual lives, there is a right expectation that we will continue to grow in our faith, and many ministry leaders feel personal pressure here as well as pressure to continue ...
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As a student pastor, I often felt that there was a lot of information available on how to start in a new church, but not much on how to leave where you are. It’s an awkward time that can be celebratory and rewarding if handled correctly, while the opposite can certainly be true if you aren’t ...
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You might notice a theme for this week's content across the blog, Student Ministry That Matters YouTube channel, and our podcast. This season has been HARD for ministry leaders. Many of you might be in a season of doubt or wondering if where you are right now is still the right place to be. This ...
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I’ve spent a considerable amount of time as a leader trying to project strength in moments of weakness. My first full-time ministry position was as a middle school pastor in a large church that—if I’m being honest—at the age of 21, I did not have enough experience for. Because of that early ...
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Those who know me best would say I am a collector of hobbies. While I pushed against that descriptor for a long time, my bookshelves, closet, and garage space all reveal the truth. I admit it . . . I am a collector of hobbies. I’m always up for trying something new, especially if it involves some ...
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