In youth ministry, authenticity is crucial for connecting with young people and being able to effectively teach biblical principles to them. In this podcast episode, I will share some insights on leading small groups in youth ministry.

[0:00] Intro

[2:00] A better youth program?

[10:15] How to facilitate a small group

[14:05] Don’t burnout

[17:09] Final thoughts

Bible Verses:

1 Corinthians 11:1

Psalm 23:5-6

In youth ministry, it is important to balance engaging content with biblical teaching, and to spend time with God personally so that you overflow with God's love to others. It’s about facilitating the group meeting, asking thought-provoking questions, and creating space for discussion and growth. Get to know your students and challenge them with truth from Scripture, rather than simply entertaining them with games and fun activities.

Unlike community centers, local churches have a unique role in making disciples of Jesus Christ. No community program for youth can do that except the church.

Additionally, youth don’t need more friends. They need men and women of God to be themselves, love God, and help them become believers in Jesus Christ, rather than try to be cool or relate to them in a superficial way.

We can teach youth the Word of God while also making it engaging. I want to share resources for youth ministry leaders, including training and small group facilitation tips.

When leading small groups of students, ask thought-provoking questions and give space for discussion. Our series called How to Facilitate a Small Group can walk you through how to lead small groups.

How to Facilitate a Small Group

Leading small groups is important, but I can’t emphasize enough the importance of self-care for youth ministry leaders. You want to avoid burnout by refueling and staying connected to the source - God. There is a danger for leaders in overgiving and under-receiving.

“If my output exceeds my input, my upkeep will be my downfall.”

Youth Ministry Leaders Videos

Spend time with God so your ministry to youth is an overflow from your relationship with the Lord. Consider the unique context and ministry of the church you are serving. Bring your genuine love for God and His Word to your service in youth ministry.

"Live for God by connecting faith and life."

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In this podcast, I will share resources and offer training on teaching kids about the Lord. These are practical ways to help kids connect faith and life.

[0:00] Intro

[2:10] The goal for kids ministry

[6:10] Proclaim Kids Resources

[7:00] The EPIC teaching method

[9:45] Connecting with Children

[11:45] The Gospel for Children

[15:00] Other Kids Ministry Resources

Bible Verses:

Romans 1:16

In kids ministry, it's important to start with a focus on simplicity and humility. Connect with kids, share the Gospel, and be a faithful steward of resources. Listen to kids and create a safe space for them to feel heard and seen.

Teaching methods for engaging kids in church:

EPIC is a teaching method for engaging and connecting with kids using experiential, participatory, and image-driven approaches. Visual aids enhance kids’ understanding of the concepts you are teaching. The goal is to connect with kids through the teaching process.

EPIC

Connecting with Children is a leader training about listening to kids and learning how to better connect with them so they know that you care. When adults can learn to be better listeners to kids, kids will be better communicators with adults.

Connecting with Children

The Gospel for Children is a series on how to share the Gospel with kids, explaining key elements and ways to present to them. This series offers strategies to help kids understand and grow in their faith.

The Gospel for Children

How to Teach a Memory Verse

The SMILE Technique - Classroom Management

Kids Ministry Leaders VLOG - Encouragement & Training

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Unlocking the Potential of Kids Ministry | Connecting Faith & Life Podcast Ep54

"Live for God by connecting faith and life."

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Is your Kids Ministry creating disciples or providing daycare? It’s an honest question I think we all should be asking ourselves, so we are incorporating the next generation into the body of Christ. Join me in this discussion with Pastor Travis Osborne.

[0:00] Intro

[5:22] The impact of Kids Ministry

[7:12] The role of VBS in the church

[15:00] Final thoughts

Bible Verses:

Ephesians 4:11-13

Colossians 1:13

1 Corinthians 15:3-4

The focus of any ministry, including Kids Ministry, should be in creating disciples. Our job as the church is to equip parents to disciple their own kids and provide support, not just babysit kids, to help them grow in faith. Supporting parents and Kids Ministry requires intentionally incorporating kids and youth in the main church.

I asked Pastor Travis to join me today because I noticed a unique approach to teaching kids on Sunday with parents at VC Family Church. This is especially the case with Vacation Bible School.

Vacation Bible School (VBS) is fun and it’s an extended time to teach God's word to kids. It’s also an outreach to kids who might not come to church on Sundays. Pastor Travis also incorporates a VBS Sunday to reach more people and make it a team effort.

Inviting kids into church service and parents into VBS creates opportunities for intergenerational connection and Gospel sharing. It connects kids and adults through the Gospel message.

For churches looking to make more connections between Kids Ministry and the main service, here are some ideas:

Plan to intentionally seek out opportunities to align the messages taught in Kids Ministry with the Sunday sermons.

Consider providing parents with notes or summaries of what their kids are learning in Kids Ministry.

Engage kids in the main services by having them write down notes from the sermons and sharing them with parents.

Continue your efforts to reach, teach, and equip the body of Christ in the context of family and relationships.

VBS Sunday Service June 30 2024

Colossians 1:13 Memory Verse

1 Corinthians 15:3-4 Memory Verse

"Live for God by connecting faith and life."

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What does God’s Word say about this question: “If you’re a Christian and you sin, then die before you ask for forgiveness, will you go to heaven?”

Bible Verses:

Psalm 139

2 Corinthians 5:8

Romans 7

Philippians 1:21

John 3:16

John 1:12

Colossians 1:13

John 10:28

1 John 2:19

Matthew 7:15

1 John 3:1

Luke 15:11-32

1 John 1:9

Psalm 73

Ephesians 4:30

2 Timothy 2:13

1 John 2:2

Romans 6:1-2

What is the criteria for going to heaven? The truth is, on this side of heaven, we cannot be perfectly sinless. Therefore, salvation, or going to heaven, is based on our faith in Jesus Christ. It is not based on our works, but on the finished work that Christ accomplished on the cross for sinners.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

God's love and grace through Jesus Christ, who died on the cross for our sins is what offers eternal life to those who believe. Believing in Jesus grants us the power to become children of God, with the promise of never losing that status. Being born of God is a work of God, not something that can be given back or taken away. True salvation is a transformation that cannot be undone. It’s not just a profession or a label we give ourselves.

That being said, it is important to confess our sins and ask for forgiveness. Asking for forgiveness restores the closeness and intimacy we have with God.

God will remain faithful even when we sin. As Christians, we will go to heaven if we die before asking for forgiveness, based on Christ's work, not our sinful actions.

"Live for God by connecting faith and life."

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It’s important to share the Gospel message, but it’s more important that we understand what the Gospel is first.

[0:00] Intro

[1:00] What is the Gospel?

[5:30] How to share the Gospel

[12:05] Summing it all up

[14:30] Final thoughts

Bible Verses:

1 Corinthians 15:3-4

John 3:16-19

John 3:36

Romans 1:18-23

Genesis 1:27

Colossians 1:16

1 John 3:4

Romans 3:23

Psalm 51:5

Romans 6:23

1 Peter 3:18

John 1:12

2 Corinthians 5:21

John 3:14

Numbers 21:4-9

The Gospel means good news. The good news can be summed up in 1 Corinthinas 15:3-4, “For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures...”

1 Corinthinas 15:3-4 Memory Verse

The reason for the Gospel, or the good news, is there is some bad news. It’s called sin. Sin is anything we think, say, or do that displeases God or breaks God’s law. We all sin.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. ” John 3:16-19

“Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.” John 3:36

Are You Saved?

Salvation is understanding and trusting in what Jesus Christ has done for us. There are no magic words that make a person saved, so there are no magic words for sharing the Gospel. We do our best to share the Gospel with people, but God does the work of bringing them to faith.

When I share the Gospel, I like to start with God’s existence. If people don’t know there is a God or who He is, how can they realize they are sinners in need of a Savior?

All humans are created in God's image, so we all have dignity, value, and worth. “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” Genesis 1:27

However, that image has been marred by sin. Sin brings death. Because we have sin, we need a Savior that saves us from death and makes us right with God. We cannot solve the problem of sin ourselves because we inherently have sin. It’s not about personal works or achievements, but rather placing our faith in what Christ has done.

Jesus Christ, who is sinless, took our sins on Himself. He died on the cross, was buried, and rose again on the third day to defeat sin and death. We must trust in the finished work Christ did for sinners in order to be saved and

"Live for God by connecting faith and life."

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Today’s podcast is a deep dive into salvation and sharing my own faith journey.

[0:00] Intro

[2:00] How do you know?

[11:30] My faith journey

[22:00] Final thoughts

Bible Verses:

Romans 6:23

Romans 6:11

2 Corinthians 5:17

1 Corinthians 15:1-6

2 Corinthians 5:21

John 1:12

Romans 10:9-10

Acts 16:31

Ephesians 2:8-9

John 17:3

Romans 3:23

Titus 3:5

Salvation is being rescued from sin; sin’s penalty, sin’s power, and one day the very presence of sin.

Sin’s penalty is death and being separated from God forever in a place called hell. “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23

Once we trust Jesus Christ for salvation we are saved and set free from the power of sin. “So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.” Romans 6:11 We are new creations in Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Salvation is not a feeling. You aren’t saved by going to church regularly or by getting baptized. Receiving Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior requires belief and trust in His sacrifice, not good works or personal effort. (1 Corinthians 15:3-4, 2 Corinthians 5:21) In order to receive the gift of salvation, you must believe it is a gift. (John 1:12, Romans 10:9-10) Trust in Christ's work on the cross and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead and you will be saved. (Acts 16:31)

I grew up in the church but didn't understand what it meant to be saved. I couldn’t answer the question, “How do you know you’re saved?” My early understanding of faith was based on works. I had to do good things in order to be saved. It took some growing up and discipleship to understand the truth of the Gospel and trust in Christ's sacrifice. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

I lived a duplicitous life where I was one way at church, one way at home, and another way at school. I thought all of the “good” things I did would outweigh the bad. One day, my cousin Mark shared the Gospel with me and I was saved. Something changed that day and the Holy Spirit started working in my life.

Sounds great, right? However, I still struggled with sin. I struggled with relationships and personal growth despite trusting Christ as my savior.

My faith really started to develop in my early 20s. I started reading the Bible more and listening to preachers on purpose. I got involved with Child Evangelism Fellowship and started to learn how to teach the Bible to kids. The CEF ministry grew my faith. That time of my life helped me learn more about my faith and how to share my faith.

Examine your own faith and ensure you are placing your hope in Christ alone for eternal life. “And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” John 17:3

"Live for God by connecting faith and life."

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A comment from a YouTube viewer inspired me to make this podcast episode. We can all be encouraged that God alone is faithful and we are only faithful through His power, “...if we are faithless, he remains faithful—for he cannot deny himself.” 2 Timothy 2:13

[0:00] Intro

[2:15] God's faithfulness

[4:20] Stewardship

[8:00] What is best for us?

[11:50] Final thoughts

Bible Verses:

2 Timothy 2:13

1 Corinthians 4:1-5

Romans 12:2

Daniel 3

Psalm 73

Confidence in God or Humble Brag? | Daniel 3 | Thought of the Day

I was encouraged by this comment because it reminds me that none of this is about me. It is about sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. If only one person is impacted by the videos from Proclaim Ministries, that is one person that God has reached and that is a success.

It's not my business how many people watch or who God wants to impact through this content. It’s my job to manage God’s resources and use my talents and abilities for His glory. I am grateful for God's faithfulness because I am not God and I cannot do anything without Him.

I encourage you to be faithful in your own lives. Do not conform to the world's standards. Instead, transform your life through the renewing of your mind. Romans 12:2

"Live for God by connecting faith and life."

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Through prayer, we have the privilege of communicating with God. Listen to this podcast episode and get encouragement and tips for prayer in your life.

[0:00] Intro

[1:44] The privilege of prayer

[8:26] When should we pray?

[14:25] God's answer to prayer

[16:00] Final thoughts

Bible Verses:

Matthew 6:5 - 15

John 1:12

1 Thessalonians 5:16 - 23

Philippians 4:6 - 7

Prayer is not just a formal act, but a personal conversation with God that can bring comfort and relief in our times of need. We can bring our burdens to God through prayer. I often find relief in carrying my worries and concerns to Him. Prayer is constant communication with God throughout our daily lives.

Recently, I was convicted about prayer or rather the lack of it in my life. Prayer is a privilege we have as believers. Prayer is communion with God, the Creator of the universe and all that is in it. It is an invitation to a better relationship with Him.

Jesus gave us a pattern for prayer in Matthew chapter 6. Prayer is communication with God, not for pleasing people. Prayer is also not about the particular words we use, but about our hearts. We don’t have to have eloquent prayers or have a degree in theology to pray to God. We can have confidence in our earnest prayers because God knows what we need before we even ask Him.

As children of God, Christians have a special relationship with God. It’s not that God doesn’t hear everyone’s prayers - He does. Through our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as our personal savior, we have intimate access to the Father.

Prayer impacts our lives so much that I believe it’s important to practice the presence of God. Constant prayer fosters our intimate relationship with Him. We should prioritize prayer, seeking God's help in all aspects of our lives and pray throughout each day, recognizing God's presence and guidance. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-2

We have the privilege of carrying everything to God in prayer. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us to pray about everything and seek God's peace. In fact, when we start to worry about anything, that should be our cue to pray.

Bringing our burdens to God doesn’t mean that He will answer our prayers the way we want. God can say "yes," "no," or "wait" to our prayers. Ultimately, God provides the relief and care that He knows we need. It is a relief to know that I can give my concerns to God, the only One who is able to carry the weight of all of my burdens and yours too.

When You Pray series

This is How You Should Pray

Don’t Panic, Pray

Could This Help Overcome Financial Stress?

"Live for God by connecting faith and life."

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