Hey everyone — I’m opening up a few free 15-minute ministry audits for members of this community. It’s a quick call where we’ll look at three things together: 1️⃣ Where you’re seeing momentum 2️⃣ What’s holding things back 3️⃣ What small changes could bring big impact No pitch — just an honest outside perspective to help you see what’s next for your ministry. If you want one, comment “I’m in” Excited to connect -Mike

One of the best ways to build a healthy volunteer culture isn’t another meeting — it’s better questions. Here are three that help you get past surface-level check-ins and into real connection: 1. When do you feel most alive serving in youth ministry? This shows what fuels them — the parts of ministry that give them energy and joy. 2. If you could change one thing about how we do youth ministry, what would it be? This builds ownership and often surfaces creative, practical ideas you’d never think of alone. 3. What’s something in your life outside church that I might not know about? This reminds them they’re more than volunteers — they’re people with stories, gifts, and real lives. Try these out this week and watch how the tone of your team shifts. What’s one question you’ve found that helps open up your team? Drop it in the comments — I’d love to hear what’s working in your ministry.

Seven years in youth ministry will teach you something—actually, it’ll teach you a lot. I’ve walked through leadership transitions, changing student culture, shifting church dynamics, and those seasons where the fruit feels far away. If you’ve been in it long enough, you know longevity doesn’t just happen by accident—it’s built with intention. Here are 3 keys that have helped me stay grounded and grow through every season: 1. Stay Rooted, Not Reactive The longer you lead, the more change you’ll see. Students graduate. Volunteers move. Leadership shifts. But your health as a leader depends on your ability to stay rooted in your calling, not reactive to your circumstances.Stay anchored in your “why.” Ministry will test it, stretch it, and sometimes try to steal it—but clarity of calling sustains you through uncertainty. “Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.”—Colossians 2:6–7 (ESV) When your roots are deep in Christ, change won’t shake you—it will shape you. 2. Build People, Not Programs Programs can be copied. People can’t.What lasts isn’t the event you planned—it’s the leader you developed, the student you discipled, and the culture you created. If you build people, you’ll always have something to stand on no matter how your ministry changes shape. “So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.”—1 Thessalonians 2:8 (ESV) Paul reminds us that ministry isn’t about information—it’s about impartation. The greatest legacy you leave is found in the lives you’ve poured into. 3. Pace Yourself for the Long Run You can’t lead students toward sustainable faith if your own rhythm isn’t sustainable. Protect your sabbath. Find mentors outside your context. Learn to say no when needed. Longevity in ministry isn’t about running harder—it’s about running healthy.