100th Post, 100 One liners

We really didn’t think we’d last this long!  When we decided to give blogging a go, we thought we’d be lucky to stick with it a few weeks, but here we are, our 100^th post.  In honor of that big mile stone, we present to you 100 youth ministry one-liners.  Enjoy, and add your one-liners at the bottom!

1. Take a day off
2. Read!  Both fiction and non-fiction
3. Remember, you are a theologian
4. As Doug Fields says, “you’re not called to be original; you’re called to be effective.
5. Games have an important role in youth ministry.
6. Use social media appropriately
7. And teach youth how to use social media appropriately too
8. Mission trips>Youth Gatherings
9. We will never apologize on the amount of my budget that is spent on food and drink.  Kids hunger.
10. If you have a Bible, you are never lacking for series topics, stories, illustrations, and practical advice for teens
11. <Coffee
12. Martin Luther was a genius
13. Martin Luther was a screw up
14. We love Martin Luther.
15. You should probably pray more.  Us too.
16. Write your own material.  You can do it!
17. Be real with kids
18. Learn your kids names!
19. Learn their parents’ names.
20. Once you have your basic points, ask yourself what story, video, or skit can support your lesson or talk.
21. Be comfortable with silence.
22. When counseling or providing pastoral care, remember that your call isn’t to fix it, but to help them locate the cross in the midst of it.
23. There are right and wrong ways to use Powerpoint in ministry.
24. Be committed and consistent.
25. Even if you think you can do it all on your own, don’t.
26.  If you need to read one book to feed yourself and your ministry, read “Messy Spirituality,” by Mike Yaconelli.
27. <4-Square
28.  In our tech age, make use of old school tools- break out the flannel-board, puppets, and carpet squares for a retro feel.
29. Don’t be afraid to fail
30. Failure shows your kids that you’re vulnerable
31. Vulnerability is a good thing
32. Remember, you need to advocate for the youth in your church.
33. <Van rides
34. Never stop learning.
35. Never stop evaluating
36. Never stop having fun!
37. Make the youth ministries- and youth- visible in your congregation
38. Make sure you tell the good/funny Bible stories.  Balaam, Ehud, Elisha and the bears, David and the foreskins…
39. Be different
40. <youth group softball
41. Take care of your volunteers
42. Buy, subscribe to, and bookmark resources that will keep you up to speed on adolescent development
43. Remember, you are not at the church across town, your kids aren’t, and the publishing house isn’t.  So your program and ministry should not try to look like theirs.
44. Keep on good terms with your custodian and secretary!
45. Make them laugh.
46. Over communicate
47. Treat Wednesday nights like Pastors treat Sunday mornings
48. Delegate!
49. <youth ministry networks
50. Never stop giving thanks that God called you to youth ministry!
51. Family first.
52. Work WITH your staff, not around them.
53. Be a leader; don’t do anything just because others think you should.
54. Hug your youth.
55. Ask more questions.
56. Proclaim the gospel every chance you get.
57. Don’t always be on your phone.
58. Offer to preach on Sunday mornings from time to time. It lets parents see that you are more than just the game guy/girl.
59. Play games.
60. Create games.
61. Be professional.
62. Let the office staff know where you are.
63. Cheap sport coats make formalize jeans and a t-shirt
64. Take care of your own faith life.
65. Be yourself
66. Pray for your kids.
67. Trust your instincts.
68. Be transparent- there is nothing worse than finding out the youth minister has a million skeletons in their closet.
69. Make other youth ministers your friends.
70. Don’t try and steal other churches youth leaders.
71. Play fantasy football with other youth directors.
72. Do mission trips.
73. Do mission trips with other churches.
74. Take time to ask teenagers questions.
75. Don’t try to get your teens to do all your work.
76. Check ESPN from time to time.
77. Get off the internet and get to work.
78. Light a candle and talk about Jesus.
79. God’s word is good…. Use it.
80. Much of what Luther said was amazing…. And some crazy, know the difference.
81. The Small Catechism is your friend.
82. The Large Catechism is not that large, and it’s useful… sometimes.
83. Don’t get sucked into teenage drama- but don’t dismiss it either.
84. Give thanks to God in all things.
85. Stock up on 4 square tape (painters tape).
86. Old is not bad. One of the best youth directors I’ve ever seen was a retired school teacher.
87. Try to remember, you represent your church, act like it.
88. Read this blog more.
89. Create traditions- traditions help tell the story of your group.
90. Explore controversial topics with youth- the church can’t be silent!
91. Don’t be afraid of talking about sex.
92. Or homosexuality.
93. Or abortion.
94. When tragedy strikes a family, be there.
95. Don’t try to fix all things, tell of the God who did.
96. Always point to the cross. Every Wednesday, every Sunday, every time you can.
97. Take a vacation.
98. Get to know their parents.
99. Always leave them wanting more…