• YOUTH WORK HACKS

    Helping you grow a youth ministry that lasts

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    Inspiring you to innovate and grow

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    Encouraging you to cultivate real creativity

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    Supporting you as an authentic minister

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  • YOUTH WORK HACKS

    Exploring youth work theory and philosophy

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Blog

A collection of interviews, ideas, theories, notes, and resources written by youth workers, for youth workers.

YouTube Channel

Brand new YouTube Channel looking at theory, ideas, tips, and more behind the world of youth work.

Training

Training available every month live online, in person in North Wales, and delivered by request around the UK.

Recent posts

A basic glossary of ‘integrated worship’ terms.

In the last few years, ‘mixed’ or ‘integrated’ worship has become more of a priority topic across the church. There is, however, a general lack of clarity around the key terms. To some degree that’s okay! It is an emerging dialogue after all, and that needs some fluidity. At another level, however, using the same […]

Six observations about ‘professional’ youth ministry

1. Professional doesn’t necessarily mean professional Professional usually means a trained and experienced person who operates in an employed, full-time position, in order to pursue and develop a set standards and values. It usually comes with expectations, goals, resources, and an accountability structure. There are very few, broadly agreed upon, standards and values for Christian […]

Church planting vs. Church pruning

There are, I think, two fundamental ways to grow something larger; you plant, or you prune. You separate and divide, like cells; or you cut away pathways that are stopping fresh growth. Basic nurturing ingredients towards growth (water, sunlight, nutrients) are not growth strategies. They’re essential care ingredients. Regardless of your desire for the size […]

Youth work skills competency check-up

As part of my coaching, I routinely (about twice a year) ask my coach-ees to fill in a ‘skills competency check-up form.’ This focuses on a wide range of skills in different youth work, leadership, and management areas. It’s not, by any means, an exhaustive list, and not all these skills would apply to all […]

Mental health is about people, not just concepts.

**This post has been sat in my drafts for a while now. I’ve been back and forth on whether or not to post it. It was supposed to be published the day after World Mental Health Day back in early October. Now it’s Mental Health Month, so I’m revisiting it. It’s been written and rewritten […]

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Youth Ministry MOT


An essential annual checkup on youth ministries

Get in touch for a one day strategic and objective checkup with an outside expert. This is a no pressure, non-judgemental game changer of a day. It contains specifically targeted brain storming sessions, spiritual health monitoring and personal support coaching.

An absolute must for both emerging and established ministries.

Youth Ministry First Aid

Is something not working? This provides a tailored session to help you identify the root of the obstacle, and how to pass it.

Plateaued growth? Hemorrhaging leaders? Glass ceiling? Can’t get young people to engage with Jesus?

Let’s have a look together at your context, your strategy, and your resources to get to the bottom of the issue – and move through it. Get in touch for a friendly chat about how we can help you move forward as a ministry.

Biblical Theology of Youth Work

Delving into the foundational roots of what we do, why we do it and how we can do it better!

Either run as a whole day, half day or evening, this session unpacks the Bible’s key passages in context to help us understand exactly what it is were doing. It will highlight essential theology for youth ministry, and it will open up some exegetical practice to hone our Bible reading techniques.

This is a deep day for those who want some meat to study – but also has a highly practical element to it that will help you with writing your own Bible Study material.

Understanding Youth Culture


Understanding the emerging culture of teenagers in the West and applying communication methods that work.

This is an absolute must for new projects – getting to grips with the specific traits and nuances of this generation. We will draw out specifics, make contrasts, and look at how the online world has informed community among young people.

This session will cover the generational contexts from the last 60 years and how that affects cross-generational teaching/learning styles. Can be done as an evening, whole or half day.