The State of Youth Ministry 2023
Since the mid 70’s a ministry focused on the teenage years has become pretty much standard for most churches and denominations. But even throughout a single denomination things can vary when it comes to ministering to teenagers. USMB NextGen wants to know how are different ministries reaching the next generation, what are they struggling with,
- Published in News, Uncategorized, usmb nextgen
USMB Youth Will Now Be…
When you work with teenagers, what works one year doesn’t always work the next. To be effective you must constantly be willing to adjust and change. For some, that much change is exciting, challenging, and enjoyable. To others, it is scary, and difficult, and may even freak them out. At USMB Youth, we never want
- Published in ASCENT, Leadership, Network, News, usmb nextgen
ASCENT 2022 By The Numbers
ASCENT 2022 was our second annual national summer camp for high schoolers. With 2021 being overshadowed somewhat by COVID restrictions this year was more in line with the original vision of ASCENT. God blessed us with a great year and we are excited from all the stories we heard from people’s camp experiences. Thank you
- Published in ASCENT, Senior High, usmb nextgen
How To Follow Up After That Camp High
We all know or at least have seen the spiritual euphoria after returning from summer camp. We call it the “camp high” it’s not a bad thing but a result of what happens to most students who spend a week with their friends, away from most distractions, having fun, being challenged by dynamic speakers, and
- Published in ASCENT, Ideas, Resources, Uncategorized, usmb nextgen
How to Spice Up Small Group Time
Even the most exciting group can lose energy over time and with teenagers sometimes routine actually hurts the atmosphere rather than helps. If you notice your group not engaging as much as they did before then here are some suggestions for re-igniting the group relationships and fighting the boredom routine. ONE – BUILD A NEW
- Published in Ideas, Leadership, Resources, Small Group, Training, Uncategorized
How to Better Promote for Summer Camp
Promoting events is always a struggle for youth workers. And one of the most important events that happen every year is summer camp. Have you found yourself struggling with keeping up the promotional energy year after year? Here are some tips and tricks to help keep your summer camp promotion excitable and impactful. START EARLY
- Published in ASCENT, Ideas, Parents, Training, Youth Worker Life
THE GIFT OF REST: My First Sabbatical Experience
“The Lord replied, “I will personally go with you, Moses, and I will give you rest – everything will be fine for you.” Exodus 33:14 (NLT) I personally have just completed my first sabbatical. I have been doing full-time youth ministry for 19 years now and my church was so supportive to grace me with
- Published in Leadership, Training, usmb nextgen, Youth Worker Life
The Impact Of A Meal
Food is mentioned 90 times in the Gospels and another 109 times throughout the Bible. It is a crucial social activity in both the Old and New Testaments. In the first church, the followers devoted themselves to four things: the apostle’s teaching, fellowship, prayer, and the breaking of bread (Acts 2:42-47). This could mean communion
Something Big Is Coming…
Have you ever struggled with finding gifted leaders? What if there was a pool of trained and called leaders to draw from; a place to find potential applicants for an internship or even a permanent member of your staff? One of USMB Youth’s passions is to develop up-and-coming leaders who are equipped, empowered, and ready
- Published in Ideas, Leadership, News, Resources, USMB, usmb nextgen
LOOKING FOR BLOGGERS
Our ALL THINGS YOUTH BLOG is looking for people who are passionate for youth and leadership to be contributors! USMB Youth wants to resource, equip, and inspire youth workers from all walks of life. So we are looking for passionate people who can bring a fresh perspective and different experiences to share and resources our
- Published in Leadership, News, Resources, Teaching, Training, USMB, Youth Worker Life
ASCENT Story: Emcee Perspective
Hello Youth Workers, My name is Jenn Tarbutton and I was one of the emcees on stage at ASCENT. I started working at Ridgepoint Church (formally known as First MB Church, Wichita) as Middle School Director in August of 2020. I started working with USMB Youth last November and I have been a part of
- Published in ASCENT, Senior High, YouthCon
ASCENT 2021 By The Numbers
ASCENT 2021 was the first-ever national summer camp for high schools for the U.S. Mennonite Brethren conference. Overall we think it was a success! God moved, people came to Christ, students deepen their relationship with God and each other. It will be a camp very few will forget, like on night two having the power