Am I Called to This?
Am I Called to This?

“I’m just trying to figure out what God is calling me to do.” 
I’ve heard this statement and variations of it more times than I can count. I’ve said it a few times in my life as well. 

When I was in college and wrestling through God's call on my life one of my youth leaders walked through these questions with me. They brought instant clarity to what i need to do. In the years since, I've walked my own students through these questions dozens of times. Whether you’re seeking to understand God’s call on your life or are trying to help others do the same, here are 5 questions to ask that can help bring clarity to a calling.

Read More
Jeremy BestComment
The Hardest Days are a Privilege
The Hardest Days are a Privilege

On Thursday I pulled into a parking lot I’ve been in hundreds of times before and it felt like I was there for the first time. Parkside Collegiate, where I coach football and rugby, is suffering through the tragic loss of one of their own, and I had been invited to join with some of the students as they held a memorial for their friend in the school parking lot.

Read More
MinistryJeremy Besthardest days, youth ministry, tragedy, student ministry, youth pastor Comment
5 Things Your Volunteers Need From You
5 Things Your Volunteers Need From You

At church, I’m the youth pastor. I make the decisions, execute plans, and run the program. I’ve got a team of volunteers that help me accomplish all of that. They rely on me to give them direction. At football, I’m one of 8 assistant coaches. I don’t make the decisions, execute the plans, or run the program. I’m a volunteer and I take direction from the head coach. Being in that role has taught me tons about leadership. It’s been an important lesson for me to be on the volunteer side of things to appreciate and understand that perspective. After 9 years of being a volunteer football coach 5 things have stood out to me as essentials that leaders need to give volunteers in order for them to thrive.

Read More
MinistryJeremy Bestvolunteers, Youth Ministry, student ministry, what volunteers need, vision, purpose, voice, Youth PastorsComment
The Perfect Program
The Perfect Program

The perfect youth ministry program… doesn’t exist.

There is no one size fits all way of doing youth ministry that can be implemented and succeed everywhere. If you look at the program across town or across the country that’s exploding with growth and simply try to take what they’re doing and replicate it, you’re headed for disappointment. Besides, if you and the church down the street are doing the exact same thing, one of you is unnecessary. 
Design your program around the leadership you have, the discipleship your students need, the infrastructure you have access to, and the culture you’re trying to create. Working in that order will create a program uniquely suited to your students.

Read More
MinistryJeremy Bestyouth ministry, programming, perfect, student ministry, change, strong ministry, youth pastors, evaluateComment
Why Retreats Work
Why Retreats Work

I spent the past two weekends at our annual Sno Camp retreats with over 1100 high school students and leaders. I count it a huge privilege to be a part of the team that provides this experience to students. Year after year we see the spirit move powerfully in the lives of students. I used to be surprised by it, but then I came across a theory that captures exactly why retreats are so powerful.

Read More
MinistryJeremy Bestyouth pastors, Retreats, Student Ministry, Chaos Imperative, Ori Brafman, Sno Camp, Why Retreats Work Comment