Thursday, August 1, 2013

How would you like FREE communication coaching?

Beginning in September, Youth Speaker's Coach will highlight a new youth speaker every month for our "Youth Speaker Coaching Video of the Month."

If you would like to submit your speaking video (no more than 5 minutes in length) for consideration, just fill out this form. If your speaking video is selected for review, we will embed a copy on our website along with our feedback, comments, encouragements and suggestions.

To submit a message video for consideration CLICK HERE...

FREE Illustration of the Month (August Edition)

This month's FREE illustration comes to you compliments of Pastor Larry Stockstill and a book he wrote in the early 90's, 25 Lines Around. Technically, it is a long quote, but I have used it numerous times as an opening illustration when speaking about evangelism. Here is the quote:


"The 3.5 billion unreached people on earth would form a single file line that would stretch around the equator 25 times! Can you picture 25 lines of Christless people, trampling endlessly toward hell? Let that vision stay with you day and night." - Pastor Larry Stockstill


Typically, when I deliver this illustration as an opener, I invite ten or twenty students on stage to stand in a line. Then, I begin explaining the population of planet earth and how many self-proclaimed Christians there are versus those who don't know Jesus Christ. In detail, I begin to describe how this line of people (illustrated by the students on stage) extends out of the room and around the world over and over.

Take your time when delivering this as a message opener... Don't rush it. You want the students to picture their friends who don't know Christ in the line. Finally, don't be afraid to challenge the students to examine themselves as to whether or not they are in the line themselves.

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

3 Common Mistakes Youth Pastors Make When Speaking to Students


1.  They don't practice.

Spontaneity works great when you are at a party, it is much less effective when you "fly by the seat of your pants" for your message every week. Take the time to prepare well AND rehearse your message at least once before you deliver it. Your students will thank you!

2.  They try to cram in too much content.

Just because you have 73 Bible passage, 7 statistics, and 10 stories doesn't mean they should all be included in one message. Be sure to focus everything around ONE central theme (not two or three) and filter everything through that main theme. Less is more!

3.  They don't pray... Or, they pray too little.

You might be the sharpest looking, most well-spoken youth pastor in your city, however, that doesn't negate your need for God when you communicate to students each week. If you want to be a powerful preacher, you need to be a powerful prayer.

Monday, July 29, 2013

LAST CALL - FREE Cohort Registration closes Wednesday at Midnight

If you are ready to take the next step in your growth as a communicator, register for the Youth Communicator's Cohort (Fall '13). Registration for this year's cohort permanently closes this Wednesday, July 31 at midnight.

Join over 35 of your fellow youth pastors, youth leaders and youth speakers from around the nation for this monthly communication-centered conference call. Cohort members benefit from monthly training on the following topics, plus communication "Master Classes" facilitated by seasoned student ministry veterans like Pastor Richard Crisco, Saddleback HS Pastor Josh Griffin and Student Ministry Expert Josh Mayo:


SEPT 19:  Message outline and structure

OCT 17:  MASTER CLASS with Pastor Richard Crisco

NOV 14:  Blocking, movement, and gestures

DEC 12:  Biblical Exegesis

JAN 16:  MASTER CLASS with Saddleback HS Pastor, Josh Griffin

FEB 13:  Refining your message

MAR 13:  MASTER CLASS with Youth Pastor & Student Ministry expert, Josh Mayo

APR 17:  Improved Illustrations/Storytelling

MAY 15:  Openings & Closings

It's not too late to register for the Cohort that begins in September...

Cohort membership, including personalized communication coaching and training valued at over $899, is a steal at $499. If you register before July 31 at midnight, registration is FREE! 

Sunday, July 28, 2013

Guest Post on Love God, Love Students

If you haven't had the opportunity to check out Josh Griffin's all-new student ministry blog, Love God... Love Students, you need to check it out immediately. It is well-worth the investment of your time and energy.

I was recently featured as a guest blogger on the topic of: 7 Benefits of Developing a Teaching Team for Your Student Ministry.