more useful RESOURCES

Some are PDFs so you can just download and go. Others are Word or Excel documents so you can download them, take out what you don't need and adapt what you do. Use them again and again.

Let me know if you've got more ideas, if there's anything else you need or if anything can be improved.

sabbaticals

Some youth leaders have the privilege of being able to take sabbaticals. I was given one after seven years in my current post (about 20 years after starting ministry!).

I'd recommend them, although obviously many churches and ministries can't support them. If you're planning one, here are my learnings.

Sabbatical learnings

Questions to take stock

RESIDENTIALS/CAMPS

Residential/Camp planning timeline

Residential/camp planning timeline (with explanatory notes)

Checklist to pack for residentials/camps

Residential/Camp leaders' instructions

(Updated March 2025)

Residential/Camp FAQs for parents/carers

Editable sample residential week programme

Guidelines for arranging dorms

(New!) Ideas for first night notices on Residentials

Residentials and sessions

Socials

Risk assessment form

Activity permission form

Social event budget fill-in sheet

Social event budget worked example

Social events

DISCUSSION STARTER IDEA

One schools' worker writes:

"I used to ask a big question each week with a few options: maybe an agree/disagree/neutral or answers I thought would be most common. as well as an 'Other' box. Then I'd get young people to vote into the boxes using plastic ball-pool balls. Very low commitment for those just walking by, with the potential to engage some in deeper conversation.

They did sometimes run off with the balls though, so if you do this then you might want to think of a way to stop that / not be too precious about whatever they’re voting with!"

Discussion idea

STEVE THE SCREEN

If you're looking for an interesting countdown before an event, search for 'Steve the Screen'. You can view one of them and buy it here. Or you can take the idea and run with it yourself, if you're the creative sort.

Steve the Screen

STARTING OFF IN A SMALL GROUP

one-minute training videos for leaders

So, one minute isn't very long but it's a great start to train your leaders or encourage your young people to grow in their gifts.

Check them out

One-minute training for leaders

Social media information for parents

Holly Byles, Youth Minister at Holy Trinity Claygate in Surrey, has written parents an excellent overview of social media that teens might be using.

Download it here

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

Social media for parents

So you don't know many Bible verses?

Try the Remember Me app. It's great for you and for the young people you lead. In less than three years, I've learned over 600 verses. Click the picture below to find out more.

Remembering Verses

Online resources for youth

Dan Bright (Youth Pastor at Greyfriars Church, Reading, UK) has put together a really helpful set of links to teaching and wellbeing resources online.

Click to download

Dan's online resources

Cherishing your youth

Team challenges

Free resources for ministry

Resources for planning Christian residentials, camps and houseparties, teaching sessions; role descriptions for volunteers and much more.

Running a question panel

Discipleship resources

Many churches in Europe have been joined by Ukrainian young people. Check out ideas to welcome young people for whom English is not their native language.

Non-native English speakers

Fusion playing cards with questions on them

Small group ideas

Leader training videos

Training your leaders

Bible rollercoaster!

Need more help?

Get in touch

ENJOYING THESE ONLINE RESOURCES?

Get more ideas and support for your youth ministry with my book: "RAISING THE BAR: Nearly Everything You Need to Know about Christian Youth Ministry."

Find out more