Youth Speaker's Coach now on WordPress!

The Youth Speaker's Coach blog has been moved over to WordPress!

You can access the new blog home and follow all things YSC BY CLICKING HERE.

COHORT Registration NOW OPEN for 2014/2015

If you want to improve your communication and speaking skills with students, join us for the COHORT beginning in September 2014. Registration is now open!

You can register BY CLICKING HERE!

Cohort members commit to participating in a monthly conference call for encouragement, training, and feedback. Each participant will submit a video of a recent message for the rest of the cohort to view and give feedback on. Monthly training topics include:

Storytelling
Message outline and structure
Biblical exegesis
Blocking, movement, and gestures
Refining your message
Best practices of preparation
Improved illustrations
Vocal & speech techniques of the pros
Openings & Closings
And more...

Finally, Cohort participants get the benefit of being a part of occasional "Master Class" calls facilitated by seasoned youth communicators, preachers, and teachers. Previous Master Class facilitators have included the likes of Josh Griffin, Richard Crisco, and Tommy Oaks (to name a few).

Participant skill levels range from newbie-speaker to seasoned-professionals and everyone in between. The only requirement is that you are currently communicating/preaching/speaking/teaching to students on a somewhat consistent basis.

A few reviews from those who have participated in the Cohort:

"The message evaluation I received was amazing! My communication to students was forever changed!"

"I love getting into discussion and training with so many different perspectives. I see communication in a whole new way."

"My favorite part was hearing from guys across the country about my speaking as well as being able to hear some other great youth communicators."

 "It's like Proverbs 27:17 lived out in the youth speaker universe!"

REGISTER TODAY!

ALL NEW Cohort PRO Registration NOW OPEN [Advanced Speaker's Only]

Registration is now open for Cohort PRO 2014/2015! Applicants must be a previous year's COHORT Alumni OR a "Professional Christian Youth Speaker."

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR COHORT PRO

The 2014/2015 Cohort PRO communication mastermind group will meet monthly via google+ video chat for ADVANCED communication training, encouragement, coaching and feedback.

Due to the advanced nature of the training and technological limitations, the 2014/2015 Cohort PRO is limited to only 7 participants. Once registration closes, the 7 participants chosen for this advanced communication mastermind group will be notified of acceptance.

REGISTER FOR COHORT PRO

Not a Cohort Alumni or Professional Speaker? click here to register for the regular 2014/2015 Cohort

How to Publish a #YOUTHMIN PAPERBACK book on Amazon for FREE!

Have you ever dreamed of publishing your own student ministry book? Not only is this possible through Kindle Digital Publishing [See original Kindle How-to Article HERE], but you can also publish your youth ministry work as a bonafide paperback book on amazon.com (and other online retailers).

Here’s how…

1. Write a youth ministry book manuscript.

You can use a previously digitally published youth ministry manuscript, original student ministry blog article compilation, or write new youth ministry content all together. You have something to say… wisdom to contribute… advice to give… so, say it!

2.  Sign up for a Createspace account. It’s free!

Createspace is an Amazon-owned Print-on-Demand publisher. This means that when someone orders your book on the Amazon.com website, they immediately print a copy and ship it to them. You never have to handle inventory or pre-purchase books to resell them. They have an incredibly simple registration process.

3. Go through the Createspace step-by-step book publishing process.

This includes either purchasing your own ISBN number (if you want to show your own publishing company) or Createspace will assign you one for free. I simply chose to have them assign me one for free.

4. Format your manuscript per the Createspace guidelines.

Depending on the size of the paperback book that you wish to publish, you can download Word templates for each size. Just copy and paste your manuscript into the Createspace template and… WALLAH! You now have a correctly formatted book.

5. Design a cover.

You can either pay to have a front and back cover designed for you, or you can use their cover creator tool and design your own cover for free. I took the professionally-designed cover I already had for the Kindle version of my book and tweaked it to fit the Createspace guidelines.

6. Upload your formatted manuscript PDF and cover image.

Once uploaded, it takes 12-18 hours for Createspace to approve your manuscript and cover. They will not copy-edit your manuscript, they are simply approving the FORMATTING of the content.

7. Createspace with either approve your formatting, or tell you what changes you need to make.

I only had to update my manuscript once; however, it took me three iterations to get the cover image approved according to their guidelines.

8. Order a proof copy.

Once your formatting is approved, you can either view a digital proof of your work (for free), or pay $2.15 (plus shipping) for them to send a paperback proof to you for your final approval. It is worth doing both. It helps to see the final product and hold it in your hands to ensure that everything looks good. It takes less than a week to get your proof in your hands (or you can pay for expedited shipping).

9. Choose distribution channels.

While you are awaiting the arrival of your paperback proof, you can choose to make your paperback available on:

-The Createspace store (they will automatically create your own store for you)

-Amazon.com

-Other online retailers (like Barnes & Noble bookesellers).

-Libraries and academic institutions

-Certified independent book resellers

10. Make final corrections.

After reviewing your proof (and having someone else review it as well), be sure to make final corrections for typos, grammar and formatting. Upload your updated content.

11. Approve final proof.

Once you are happy with your final manuscript, you can approve your final proof. Doing so will make your paperback book instantly available in the CreateSpace store for purchase. Your book should show up on amazon.com within 48 hours.

You can view the Amazon page for How to Become a Youth Speaking Ninja BY CLICKING HERE

After I approved the final proof, Amazon automatically recognized and synced both pages (the existing Kindle page and new Createspace Paperback page) for my book on their website (it took about 4 days for this process to be completed).

MY FINAL COST TO PUBLISH THROUGH CREATESPACE:  $2.15 (+ shipping). It would have been free (had I only chosen a digital proof), but I wanted to hold the proof in my hands and physically see the quality of the product they would be producing. It is just as high of quality as going through a traditional publisher.

Top 14 Teambuilders: #11 - Sherpa Walk

#11 on the list of the Top 14 Teambuilders of 2014 is a trust-building exercise called the Sherpa Walk.

Check it out below...

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SHERPA WALK

Objective

To move a blindfolded group from point “A” to point “B” led by a sighted member of the group who cannot talk OR do the activity in pairs where one partner is blindfolded and the other partner can see, but not talk.

Supplies

-A clean blindfold for each member of the group.

Rules

1. Blind fold all team members.

2. One member of the group is not blindfolded, but cannot talk.

3. All other members of the group can talk, but they cannot see.

4. After group arrives at point “B” allow them to take off blindfolds and walk them back through the course.

Considerations

1. Once all members are blindfolded, tell them that no one will make fun of them or make them look foolish.

2. Explain that one member of the group can see but cannot talk.

3. Tell them that it is up to the group to go from point “A” to point “B”.

4. Instruct the group that you will be walking with them providing spotting as they move along.

Sherpa Walk Questions

1. Did you establish an effective communication system? Describe it. Who created it?

2. Who was the leader, really?

3. Did you trust each other, the leader?

4. How did you take care of each other?

5. Explain – “safety in numbers”.

6. Which initiative was more frustrating?

7. Did you help the group or “blindly” follow?

8. What other communication systems could the group have used?

9. Which basic type of communication was used?

10. How was danger signaled?

Sherpa Walk Exercise

1. How did you feel about dual leadership roles?

2. What attention did your leaders give you?

3. What responsibility did the people at the end feel?

4. Did you experience boredom? If so, how did you respond to it? 

5. How did you feel about being the only sighted one?

6. Were there other means of communicating with the group?

7. Who did you trust for the information to be successful?

TODAY ONLY!!! Access the Cohort Training Archive FOR FREE!

TODAY ONLY on Youth Speaker's Coach, you can access all of our archive training recordings of the communicator's COHORT for FREE, just by clicking on a class below. Act fast, because this offer is good TODAY ONLY (even if you are not a Cohort Member)!

Here are your Members-Only, full-access links:

Exegesis & Hermeneutics (November '12)

Storytelling (December '12)

Tommy Oaks' Master Class (May '13)

Message Outline & Structure (September '13)

Richard Crisco Master Class (Developing your prayer life/Preaching with Power) [October '13]

Gestures & Movement (November '13)

Hermeneutics (December '13)

Refining Your Message (January '14)

Josh Griffin Master Class (Communication Collaboration) [February '14]

BONUS YMCN SESSION:  7 Secrets to Connecting with Students EVERY TIME You Speak

YSC is Proud to Partner with The Academy of Preachers

Youth Speaker's Coach is proud to announce a brand-new partnership with The Academy of Preachers.

See the announcement on their website.

We look forward to partnering together for the equipping of young preachers for the sake of the Kingdom through hosting future preaching festivals, providing preaching mentors and coaching young preachers.

10 Essentials: #8 - Investigate Before You Interview

The Boy Scouts of America say it best... "Be Prepared."

As you prepare to interview for a prospective student ministry position, be sure that you know as much as possible the church and position for which you are applying. Here are a few unique ways you can investigate:

1. Check out the church's website.

Seems like a no-brainer, right? You would be surprised how few youth ministry candidates fail to learn things that are available to the general public via the world wide web.

2. Check out the student ministry's website.

Take it a step further and learn as much as you can about the student ministry calendar. What kind of events do the students participate in on an annual basis? When does the weekly youth group happen? What are the names of the volunteers? If the youth group has a facebook page, read as much as you can to try to learn as much as you can.

3. Talk with the current/former pastor who has led the student ministry.

If you can personally connect with individuals currently involved in leading the student ministry, you can gather all sorts of helpful information in understanding both the culture and history of the church and of the student ministry. However, be cautious as you connect with former leaders... if there was a termination involved they may hold some bitterness.

4. Discover as much as you can about the main aspects of the student ministry:

Small groups
Worship culture
Friendliness/Hospitality of students
Annual Events
Ministry philosophy
Volunteers

Anything that you can't find out during your investigation will become a question that you can ask during your interview in step #9 - Turn the Tables.

PREVIOUS POSTS:

#7 Network Like Nobody Else

#6 Ask Before You Apply

#5 Pray Away Your Pride

#4 Monitor Your Myspace

#3 Figure our Your Philosophy of Ministry

#2 - Determine Your Doctrine

#1 - Refresh Your Resume

10 Essentials to Getting Hired as a Youth Pastor

New Monthly Video Training "Opening" [2 MINUTE COACHING]

If you haven't had a chance to check out the new, monthly video training featured on Youth Speaker's Coach, check out this 2 Minute Training on improving your "Opening." Discover why and how using a pattern interrupt is an easy way to engage students...

5 Factors that Determine Your Honorarium (SEE HOW MUCH YOUR SPEAKING SKILLS ARE WORTH)

How much should I expect to receive as an honorarium when I speak?

There are a number of factors which play into the answer to this question. Here are five things you need to consider when discussing your honorarium:

1. Experience

How long have you been speaking to students? Maybe even more importantly, how long have you been speaking to groups of students outside of your own church/student ministry. Typically, the longer you have been speaking "out of house", the higher the honorarium.

2. Skill-Level

What is your skill-level when communicating to students? Are you more of a beginning-novice, or would you be considered a "professional speaker"? By definition, a "professional" is simply someone who gets paid to do something or provide a service. Even if you spoke one time at a retreat and received a $50 honorarium, technically you would be considered a "professional." However, how would those who have heard you communicate with students classify you? That will provide you the answer to the question of skill-level.

3. Speaking Schedule/Availability

Are you someone who travels to speak to students regularly or just once a year? If you only speak once per year "out of house", you will probably command a smaller honorarium based on simple economics. If you have limited availability, but are in high demand, you will typically command a higher honorarium or speaking fee.

4. Expertise

Do you have a special expertise in a specific area? Maybe you are an expert on creation-science, student leadership, or relationships... If so, you will tend to earn a higher honorarium based on the fact that you are an "expert" in your field.

5. Budget

What is the speaking budget of the host organization or for the event? While you might command $500 per talk normally, if the event planner can't afford you, you're out of luck.

Shouldn't you just speak for free?

This is the age-old question of professional Christian speakers. Many will say, "Just trust God and don't charge anything!" While others insist, "You must be compensated for the perceived value of your time!"

In 1 Timothy 5:17-18, the apostle Paul writes:

17 The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. 18 For Scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,”and “The worker deserves his wages.”

If you are taking the time to prepare, travel, and minister to a group of students (not your own), you should probably be compensated for it. Call it a speaking fee or honorarium, the fact of the matter is you should be paid.

How much should you charge for a speaking fee or expect to receive as an honorarium?

Depending on your answers to the factors mentioned above, your honorarium can range any where from $25 per talk up to $3500 per talk. Talk about a huge variance in fees! Christian youth speakers come in all shapes and sizes. Many are currently full-time or part-time youth pastors and are only speaking on the side (a few times a year). Some are full-time, traveling "professional speakers" or "youth evangelists" who depend on speaking fees and a full speaking calendar to make a living.

Considering the five factors mentioned previously, assume that for each of those categories, there is a range of $100 - $500 per category (depending on where you fall on each scale).

For example, take a look at "Adam." Adam is a full-time student pastor, who is speaking at an average "Weekend Retreat" (assuming he is the main/keynote speaker and is speaking at 3-4 main sessions):

EXPERIENCE
Adam has been in student ministry for 15 years. At $100/5 years of experience, Adam should expect to receive a total of $300 for experience.

SKILL LEVEL
Adam is a fairly accomplished speaker. He is engaging, impactful, and students typically ask to have him back the next year. $400 for Adam's speaking skills.

AVAILABILITY
Adam only speaks "out of house" a few times per year. His schedule is somewhat flexible and he's not that "in-demand" of a speaker. $100 for Adam's availability around his full-time student ministry.

EXPERTISE
Adam is an average youth pastor. General Bible knowledge, but definitely a "expert" with teenagers and youth culture. $200 for Adam's expertise.

BUDGET
The church that is planning the retreat budgeted $1000 for a speaker. Adam will be a perfect fit!

Isn't it greedy to discuss money?
Only if money is your motive for preaching the Gospel to students. It is actually very wise to discuss financial expectations UP FRONT, before you commit to speaking at an event. I use a "SPEAKING REQUEST FORM" to communicate expectations right up front. Honorarium is ALWAYS NEGOTIABLE for both parties.

Should I speak for free?
That's up to you. Speaking for free can do wonders for you as you hone your speaking skills through experience. It can also help you network with other youth groups, youth leaders and event planners who may have a need for your expertise down the road. You never know when God will open a door for you!

Listen in on the Master Class in Communication with Josh Griffin

We were honored to have Saddleback Church's High School Pastor, Josh Griffin, join us for a Master Class in communication on February's COHORT conference call. Josh focused on the topic of Communication Collaboration

LISTEN TO JOSH'S MASTER CLASS HERE...

Here's a FREEBIE resource from Josh Griffin...

If you missed out in the Cohort call yesterday, you missed Josh giving out a Download Youth Ministry FREEBIE. Here it is:

Put this product in your cart:

http://downloadyouthministry.com/shop/11-vs-the-world/ 

And use promo code: ilovematt to get it for FREE!!

COUNTDOWN: Top 14 Team-Builders for 2014 (#12)

#12 on the list of the Top 14 Team-Builders for 2014 is one of the most solid, get-to-know-you, strengths-based activities on the list. It works great with newly-formed short-term mission teams, student leadership groups, or smaller-sized youth groups.

THE PARTY 

Team-building Activity

The Party is a fun, low-risk icebreaker that helps set the tone for positive team 

dynamics. It's also a good activity to use if a group has been working together for some 

time and needs a refresher on what people can contribute and how the group can work 

well together. The simplicity of this activity allows it to be used with a wide range of 

ages, from older to younger teens, and it's fun for teen mentors to use when working with 

younger groups. 

TARGET CONCEPTS: 

Recognizing individual strengths of group members, understanding others, and group 

warm-up. 

DESCRIPTION: 

Students write their strengths on small slips of paper, put them into balloons, and blow 

up the balloons. One by one the balloons are popped to reveal what each person brings to 

the party. As the group learns about the unique talents each person has to offer, the 

information is transferred onto a large white banner so people can see all of their 

strengths together. 

GOALS: 

1. To identify how a new or existing team can work together. 

2. To learn how individual members view themselves as part of the group. 

3. To learn how to recognize strengths in order to get the most from every member of 

the group. 

MATERIALS: 

-Giant Post-It Note, butcher paper, or large banner paper. 

-Markers. 

-Masking tape. 

-Medium-sized balloons, several per person. 

-Pens for each person. 

-Several slips of paper. 

-Toothpicks for popping balloons (or have students sit on them to pop them). 

PREPARATION: 

On the banner paper, draw several balloons. Hang the banner on the wall in a 

location where it can be seen by all. Clear an area in the room where the group can sit in 

a circle with a space in the middle for a pile of balloons. 

ACTIVITY: 

1. Have students to sit in a circle. Pass out pens, paper, and balloons to each person. Set 

up a scenario, something like this: 

"You've all been invited to a party. It's like pot-luck, but instead of bringing food to 

share, you're bringing yourself and the strengths you believe you contribute to this group. 

For example, you may be a creative thinker, or very organized, or able to keep others motivated. On the slips of paper, write down the strengths or talents that you bring to the 

party. Once you've written these down, carefully put them into your balloons, blow them 

up, tie them off, and put them in the circle." 

2. Allow 5-10 minutes for the teens to complete this activity. 

3. When everyone is done, designate one person to pick a balloon from the pile, pop it, and read the slip(s) inside. 

4. After a slip has been read, ask the author to step forward, share a little more, and then write his name and strength in a balloon on the banner paper.

5. This person becomes the next to pop a balloon from the pile. 

DISCUSSION: 

Discuss how the group can use the information they've gained from hearing everyone 

share their strengths. Consider discussion questions such as: 

1. How can what you've learned from others be used in the future to improve the way this group works together? 

2. Are there any people who you think overlooked one of their strengths? Who? What is the strength? 

3. How can you make the most of the strengths and talents of group members and still allow everyone a chance to try new things or use new talents? 

4. Imagine the group was going to assign official jobs for each member. Based on the strengths people shared, what roles do you think people should have? 

5. Is the group missing any strengths? What are they and how can you build them? What if you can't? How can you overcome not having certain strengths or prevent the lack of them from becoming a group weakness? 

WRAP-UP: 

If possible, keep the banner hanging in the room for further meetings. It can remind members of everyone's strengths and guide them when trying to determine who is the best person for a team task. If space doesn't allow, have a teen volunteer to type a summary sheet of the strengths people bring to the party and give everybody copies to keep in their journals or notebooks. 

FREE Illustration of the Month [VALENTINE'S DAY EDITION]

Here is the FREE Illustration of the Month... Just in time for Valentine's Day!

This month's free illustration comes to you courtesy of Tommy Oaks. I first heard Tommy present these "10 Questions to Finding God's Best Person to Marry" at a youth conference over 10 years ago. I have been using them ever since when speaking to students on the topic of dating & relationships.

Enjoy:

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TOMMY OAKS' TOP 10 QUESTIONS

Who is God's Best for Me?

1.    What do I want most of all? (make a list)

2.    Is this person of the opposite sex?

3.    Is this person single?

4.    What does their heart look like?
          What do they talk about?

          What do they spend their money on?

          Do they idolize you?

5.    Are they a Christian and glad of it? (2 Corinthians 6:14)

6.    Do they worship? Are they zealous for God?

7.    Are they a hard worker? Or are they a whiner?

8.    Can they talk with you about the Word of God?

9.    Are they fun to be with? Or are they a life-sucking vampire?

10. What happens when you pray about them? Does God say yes?

HERE IS THE MESSAGE AUDIO of how I present them (like an airport metal detector), in helping students answer the questions, "Who should I date? Who should I marry?"

FREE Communication Training with Josh Griffin in 2 Days!

Youth Speaker's Coach is excited to announce an upcoming Master Class in Communication with Josh Griffin, High School Pastor at Saddleback Church this Thursday, February 13 at 5pm/4pm/3pm/2pm (ET/CT/MT/PT).

About Josh Griffin

Josh is the High School Pastor at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, CA. He's a prolific blogger and has had the #1 blog in youth ministry for several years running. He's written several books and is one of the co-founders of Download Youth Ministry. He's been in the trenches of youth ministry for 20 years. You can view Josh's blog by clicking here...

Join in on the FREE conference call with Josh on Thursday, February 13 at 5pm/4pm/3pm/2pm (ET/CT/MT/PT).

HERE'S HOW TO JOIN IN ON THE CALL:

1. Dial the call-in number on Thursday, February 13 @ 5pm/4pm/3pm/2pm (ET/CT/MT/PT).

           Call-in #:  (530) 881-1212

2. Follow the prompts and enter the following Meeting ID:

           Meeting ID:  699-356-436

3. Take copious notes and be ready to ask Josh your questions!

You can call in with a landline or mobile phone, log-in online (with VOIP) or with the Start Meeting App for your smart phone or tablet. For more information or to download the free conferencing software, CLICK HERE.

The Clues to a Great Story [INFOGRAPHIC]

Based on Andrew Stanton's TED talk, here is an Infographic based on The Clues to a Great Story.

The original infographic can be found here.

10 Essentials: #7 - Network Like Nobody Else

The 7th essential to getting hired as a youth pastor is probably the most significant (second only to prayer) - Network like nobody else.

Think of it this way, you could have the most amazing resume, personal website (with a great preaching video), double the experience of all the other candidates, and an excellent phone interview... It's all pretty meaningless without networking. Nine times out of ten, churches will hire the candidate with whom they have some type of networking connection, as opposed to hiring the candidate who's resume boasts greater experience, education or credentials.

As the old axiom states, "It's not what you know, but rather who you know, that gets you the job."

Here's a quick list of networking tips that are sure to help advance you in the process of finding your next ministry.

1. Start with your current network of ministry contacts.

Get in touch with everyone you know in ministry. You never know who is connected to someone who is at the right church that happens to be looking for a new student pastor. Work your network and let your network work for you.

2. Try expanding your current network.

If you have a relatively small network of ministry contacts, there is no time like the present to begin expanding that network through building new friendships and relationships in ministry. Attend local youth pastors network meetings, connect with other youth pastors at an annual conference, or even find a seasoned-ministry veteran who can mentor you in ministry.

3. Join a coaching network.

This is more of a nationwide approach to networking as opposed to a regional or local approach (like your city's monthly youth pastor lunch). You can pay to be involved in a number of coaching networks (like Jeanne Mayo's Cadre). There are a number of FREE options out there as well - check out Youth Ministry Coaching Network or Youth Communicator's Cohort.

4. Network with those involved in ministry at your top-choice church.

After my wife and I had moved across the country, I made the decision to intentionally reach out to the Senior Pastor of the mega-church where I felt like God wanted me in ministry. Over lunch, I explained that although we were new to the area, we were very familiar with the church through relatives who attended there. In sincerity, I asked how we could best serve the church as volunteers in their biggest area of need (youth, worship, small groups, whatever). Within a few weeks, he put me in contact with the head of their student department (they knew there was a recent vacancy) and I interviewed for the position and was hired.

It never hurts to reach out and build relationships.

What if I'm just graduating from college and don't have any ministry contacts?

You certainly know your professors, campus pastor, as well as all of the friends you made while you were in college. Don't be afraid to leverage your college's Ministry Search List or alumni relationships department.

Above all else, NETWORK, NETWORK, NETWORK!

Youth Speaker's Minute - "Opening" [2 MINUTE VIDEO TRAINING]

Here's a short, 2 MINUTE TRAINING video on Improving the Opening of your Message.

FREE Communication Training with Josh Griffin in 8 Days!

Youth Speaker's Coach is excited to announce an upcoming Master Class in Communication with Josh Griffin, High School Pastor at Saddleback Church on Thursday, February 13 at 5pm/4pm/3pm/2pm (ET/CT/MT/PT).

About Josh Griffin

Josh is the High School Pastor at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, CA. He's a prolific blogger and has had the #1 blog in youth ministry for several years running. He's written several books and is one of the co-founders of Download Youth Ministry. He's been in the trenches of youth ministry for 20 years

Join in on the FREE conference call with Josh on Thursday, February 13 at 5pm/4pm/3pm/2pm (ET/CT/MT/PT).

You can view Josh's blog by clicking here...

Enter your email below to receive instructions for how to jump on the FREE training call with Josh:

Join the training call with Josh Griffin 

#1 Way to Become a Powerful Preacher (It's not what you think) [INCLUDES FREE BONUSES]

Who are the most powerful youth speakers/preachers you have ever heard? What is it that made their delivery more powerful that others you have seen?

Out of all my years of student ministry, there are two youth speakers who rise to the top of the “Powerful Preachers” list - Tommy Oaks and Pastor Richard Crisco. Although these two speakers are both passionate storytellers who know the scriptures well, there is something else altogether that sets them apart from everyone else…

Authority.

Mark describes an interesting experience when Jesus was teaching in the synagogue:

21 They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach. 22 The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law. 23 Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an impure spirit cried out, 24 “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!”

25 “Be quiet!” said Jesus sternly. “Come out of him!” 26 The impure spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek.

27 The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching—and with authority! He even gives orders to impure spirits and they obey him.” 28 News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee.

[Mark 1:21-28, NIV]

The issue with the teachers of the law was not that they didn’t have a knowledge of the Scriptures, but that they apparently taught without authority.

The difference between Jesus’ teaching and that of the scribes is reminiscent of old E.F. Hutton commercial of the late 70’s:

“When E.F. Hutton talks, people listen.” Everyone goes about their business-as-usual when the first businessman talks about the financial advice from his broker; however, when the second business man begins to share the advice of an E.F. Hutton broker, everyone stops what they are doing, leans in and listens intently.

Such are those who communicate with authority.

Look at how those who listened to Jesus that day are described - Astonished and amazed. There was great POWER when Jesus taught the truth of the Scriptures. This authoritative power was beyond just demonic deliverance and healing alone, but authority that resided in Jesus’ teaching of the Word itself.

How do you increase the authority with which you communicate the Word of God?

Draw near to the Father.

Jesus constantly spent time in prayer. Luke 5:16 states, “Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” What statement could be written about your prayer life? There are no shortcuts to intimacy with God. It is through diligent, faithful and consistent meeting with God in the secret place by which we develop greater intimacy, enlarge our faith, and subsequently, increase in authority.

Those who preach with authority speak in such a way that those listening feel as though the message is coming directly from the Throne of God in heaven itself. You can’t help but lean in, listen and absorb the impact of the Word of God.

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Here is some FREE BONUS TRAINING:

You can listen to Tommy Oaks' Communication Master Class BY CLICKING HERE...

You can listen to Richard Crisco's Communication Master Class BY CLICKING HERE...

How to Become a Youth Speaking Ninja NOW AVAILABLE IN PAPERBACK!

You can now order How to Become a Youth Speaking Ninja in paperback. Retail price is only $11.99!

ORDER TODAY, and get the paperback version for only $9.99 - with PROMO CODE: AAT74VYE

This is the front:

This is the back:

Fun Middle School CIY "Upside Down" Dance [VIDEO]

Here is a great dance opener you can do with your Middle School students. It is brought to you courtesy of the folks over at Christ in Youth (CIY) and is featured on their Jr. High Believe "Upside Down" Tour that is going on this spring in cities across the country.

Here's the video:

Believe "Upside Down" Music Video from Christ In Youth on Vimeo.

Here's the How-To Instructional video:

Believe Music Video Instructional from Christ In Youth on Vimeo.

FREE Communication Training with Josh Griffin!

Join the training call with Josh Griffin

Youth Speaker's Coach is excited to announce an upcoming Master Class in Communication with Josh Griffin, High School Pastor at Saddleback Church on Thursday, February 13 at 5pm/4pm/3pm/2pm (ET/CT/MT/PT).

Josh Griffin is the high school pastor at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, CA, and has been in full-time youth ministry for 15 years. He’s the author of 99 Thoughts for Youth Workers, 99 Thoughts for Small Group Leaders, and coauthor of Live Large, Be Different, Shine Bright, with Doug Fields. Josh speaks a little, writes a little, Tweets a bit, and blogs a lot — more than 20,000 youth workers visit his blog each month. He’s also a father of four.

Join in on the FREE conference call with Josh on Thursday, February 13 at 5pm/4pm/3pm/2pm (ET/CT/MT/PT).

You can view Josh's blog by clicking here...

Enter your email below to receive instructions for how to jump on the FREE training call with Josh:

Join the training call with Josh Griffin

COUNTDOWN: Top 14 Team-Builders for 2014 (#13)

If you are looking for a great, face-paced team-builder geared towards students learning each others names, look no further than Team-Builder #13 of the Top 14 Team-Builders for 2014. Here you go:

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WARP SPEED

Supplies Needed:

2 or more Tennis Balls

Time Needed:

Approximately 15 minutes

How to Play:

1. Ask your group to form a circle. You will also form part of the circle with the tennis balls within easy reach.
2. Explain: "I'm going to start by tossing this ball to someone else in the circle and saying their name. If you receive it, say your name, then the name of someone else in the circle not immediately on either side of you and toss it to them. That person will say their name and then the name of another person who has not yet received it and again not immediately on either side of him or her and toss it to them. Throwing continues until the last person tosses the ball back to me. Remember who you tossed to because we will try to recreate the pattern in the next phase. Any questions?"
3. Toss the ball to someone across from you. The cycle continues until the ball comes back to you. Repeat one more time so that everyone is clear who they toss the ball to and from whom they receive it. The ball must follow the same pattern both times.
4. Explain: "We are now going to see how quickly we can send this one ball from start to finish through the system.
5. Time their first attempt. Applaud their attempt, whatever it is (one second per participant or longer is quite normal). And prompt them with "you can do better." Allow for planning, additional attempts and more planning.
6. At some point the group will ask you how fast this can be done or how fast you've seen it done or what the ultimate goal is. Answer for most groups of 20 people or less = less than one second.
7. Continue until the group attains the elusive "warp speed" or ceases to be actively engaged in trying to reach it. Process the activity.
8. You can also try throwing multiple balls simultaneously or try it in reverse order.

Here is a video of a group playing Warp Speed:

Looking for a great dance opening for youth group on Wednesday? Try this... [VIDEO]

Before there was The Harlem Shake, there was this gem...



The Interlude is a great way to get students up and moving in a fun and quick manner. If your students have never participated in the Interlude dance, they don't know what their missing! After you teach them the basic moves, throw the following video up on the screen and dance:

The #1 Reason Students Stop Listening to You When You Speak

Not this again.

Week after week, you get up in front of your students to deliver a message from God's Word, and they tune you out.

You feel your frustration reaching a boiling point. Your head is about to explode.

"Don't they care about Jesus anymore?", you ask yourself.

Before you begin throwing accusations their way, take a few minutes to stop and evaluate your message content and delivery by asking this question:

Am I boring?

Chances are, the answer is YES!

Boredom is the #1 reason students stop listening to you when you are preaching. It may be that you have crafted your content in a boring manner or that your delivery is a snoozefest... or both. Either way, you need to take action immediately and remedy your propensity to be boring.

Here are 5 things you can implement immediately to combat boredom in your messages:

1. Simplify your content.

Too often, youth pastors put way too much content into their messages. There is nothing wrong with being thorough in your Bible study and preparation; however, you will have a major problem holding their attention if you do not cut your content down to 20-25 minutes.

2. Improve your storytelling.

You MUST include stories when you communicate with students. These can be personal stories, Bible stories, current event stories, or even stories about your cat. Be sure that when you TELL the story you are incorporating as many of the five senses as possible. Engage your students by helping them feel like they are smack-dab in the middle of an amazing story.

3. Analyze how you handle Scripture.

Try reading the scripture passages in bite-sized chunks. If you happen to have an unusually long passage to read, break it up. Have the students act it out. Try telling the Bible story from a character's perspective. For example, I recently heard a youth speaker tell the story of Jesus turning water to wine as if he was one of the disciples witnessing the event. The students were on the edge of their seats! One final thought, you don't have to include every verse you studied in preparing for the message, just the main ones that are pertinent to make the point.

4. Use your voice.

Be sure to use vocal inflection when you speak to students. Don't just vary the volume of your voice with loud and soft, try using a fast and slow rate of speech. Put in a few character voices during your stories. Insert a few well-timed pauses. Whatever you do, don't be monotone!

5. Move your body.

The two most damaging things you can do with your body when you speak are:

a) Be a statue (lack of movement is boring).

b) Constantly pace back and forth (most youth pastors who use only an outline do this and it's very distracting and leads to boredom).

When you move as you deliver your message, MOVE WITH PURPOSE!

FREE SAMPLE of How to Become a Youth Speaking Ninja

If you are looking to sharpen your communication skills with students, here is a FREE SAMPLE of the first chapter of How to Become a Youth Speaking Ninja.

Whether you are a newbie youth pastor or a seasoned-veteran communicator, this practical book of tips and tricks has plenty to offer.

Here's what others had to say:

"This book is spot on for anyone God has given a message to deliver... Not just those called to youth ministry." 

                     - Thomas Mitchell, President - Walk With God Ministries

"This book should be required reading for every youth pastor!" 

                     - Dewayne Moree, Founder - Youth Ministry Coaching Network

CLICK HERE to download the FREE SAMPLE.

Or, you can purchase the Kindle book from Amazon here.

10 Essentials: #6 - Ask Before You Apply

The 6th essential in getting hired as a youth pastor is to: Ask before you apply.

It is crucial that you take the time necessary to do your due diligence in discovering as much about the prospective church as possible. Don't be afraid to be selective.

For example, if you are a dyed-in-the-wool charismatic/pentecostal, don't apply for youth pastor jobs at churches that do not share your doctrine of the Holy Spirit. It does a huge dis-service (and is a big waste of time) for you to send a resume for an organization where you would not be a good fit (philosophically, doctrinally, or otherwise).

It's easy to fall in to the habit of applying for every student ministry job that appears on churchstaffing.com; however, it is worth it to be patient and wait for the right kind of opportunities to come around.

Here are a few different areas that might make you a bad "fit" for a specific youth ministry job:

Geographic Location
If you don't want to live in (or don't feel called to) Alaska, don't apply for youth pastor jobs in Alaska.

Job Description
If a particular church is looking for a youth pastor who is high in administrative gifting, don't apply if your ministry is typically characterized by last-minute decisions, and fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants spontaneity.

Doctrine/Philosophy of Ministry
If you are missional in your ministry philosophy and the prospective church is attractional, you will be miserable. Don't apply.

Don't apply for any ministry positions in which you feel like you would need to "change the church" to be happy. As a new youth pastor, while you certainly want to add value and impact in the church, it's not your job to change it (or the Senior Pastor for that matter). If you wouldn't be happy now, you won't be happy later.

#5 Pray Away Your Pride

#4 Monitor Your Myspace

#3 Figure our Your Philosophy of Ministry

#2 - Determine Your Doctrine

#1 - Refresh Your Resume

10 Essentials to Getting Hired as a Youth Pastor

Listen in on January's Cohort Call

Had an amazing conference call last week with our communicator's COHORT on the topic of Refining Your Message.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE CALL.

Be sure to join us on Thursday, January 16, 2014 when Saddleback's High School Pastor, Josh Griffin, shares his communication wisdom in the upcoming Master Class.

CLICK HERE to register for the COHORT for FREE and don't miss out on the call next month with Josh Griffin on Thursday, February 13.

Speaking at a Retreat This Weekend?

This coming weekend, I will have the honor to speak to about one hundred students from Northern Colorado at their Winter Retreat. This retreat is unique because it represents students from 6 different churches and youth groups (in the same community) coming together to be challenged by the Word of God. What a great step toward unity between local churches and answering Jesus' prayer in John 17.

If you are not speaking at a Winter Retreat this season, I hope you have the privilege to do so in the near future. Never had this kind of opportunity before? Pray and ask God to open a door for you. Remember, it's never about you, but always about SERVING THE STUDENTS you are speaking to.

I would love to partner with you and serve your students by speaking at your upcoming event this year (if I am able and available).

To view a sample speaking video or for more information about booking, CLICK HERE...

FREE Illustration of the Month [Dating & Relationships Edition]

February is right around the corner.

This being the case, you may be planing a series on dating and relationships. Here is a list of the Top Christian Pick-Up Lines. This list can be used as an opener to a message or series on relationships. Great comedic timing is key to delivering this list in a humorous fashion. Be sure to run through it enough times during your message preparation to ensure that you have the delivery down. It is sure to get some good laughs from the students.

If you use powerpoint when you speak, you might try creating "someecards" (someecards.com) slides to add to the humor.

Enjoy!

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TOP CHRISTIAN PICK-UP LINES

1.  ”So last night I was reading in the book of Numbers, and then I realized, I don’t have yours.”

2.  ”Hey, I’m Will. God’s will.” (Tip: Your name should actually be Will)

3.  ”You put the “stud” in bible study.”

4. “Now I know why Solomon had 700 wives… He never met you!”

5.  ”I didn’t know angels flew this low.”

6. “I’m no Joseph, maybe you can help me interpreting the dreams I’ve been having about you?”

7. ”Is it hot in here or is that just the Holy Spirit burning inside of you?”

8. ”Is your name Faith? ‘Cause you’re the substance of things I’ve hoped for.”

9. ” How many times do I have to walk around you to make you fall for me?”

10. ” I didn’t believe in predestination until tonight.”

11.  ”Is this the transfiguration? because you are glowing.”

12. ” Your hair is like a flock of goats descending from Gilead.”

13. ” Excuse me, I believe one of your ribs belongs to me.”

14. ” Let me sell you an indulgence because it’s a sin to look as good as you do.”

15. ” Me. You. Song of Songs: the remix.”

16. ” Is it a sin that you stole my heart?”

17. ” Want to practice speaking in tongues with me?”

18. ” What’s your name and number so I can add you to my “prayer” list?”

19. “I just want you to know, I’m praying for you… No, I’m praying “FOR” you.”

20. “Here’s my number… Call me if you need prayer.”

21. “I’m usually not very prophetic, but I can see us together.”

3 Ways to Alter the Opening of Your Message

After coaching countless youth pastors to help them become better communicators, one thing stands out as a common miscue that occurs to newbie and veteran youth speakers alike, THE WEAK OPENING.

Nothing will turn students off faster to your message than a weak open. You have about 20 seconds for them to decide whether or not they will listen to the rest of your message. What a shame to create solid, Biblical content, and then lose the students after the first 7 sentences proceed out of your mouth.

Here are 3 ways you can alter the opening of your message the next time to step up in front of a group of students to speak:

1. Jump right into a story.

Don't begin with the typical introduction, "Hi my name is [blank], welcome tonight (or tonight we are going to talk about blah, blah, blah)..." Instead, open in the middle of a story, "I could smell the stench of the sewage burning in both of my nostrils... (or whatever story opening you can use to draw them into the story you are telling).

2. Begin with a statistic and use students in the room to demonstrate it.

As opposed to opening with, "I'd like to share some startling statistics with you...." Try implementing some student interaction right off of the bat with something like, "I need this half of the room to stand up on their seats... (or whatever your percentage)... those of you standing represent..." You get the picture.

3. Whisper your theme.

Really. Try it. Open your talk by whispering (or talking quietly and slowly) the theme of your message. Students will be forced to lean in and focus to hear what it is you are saying. Imagine the next time you get up in front of a group of students you said (in a hushed voice), "Those who diligently seek the Lord, WILL (pause) find Him... When they seek Him will all of their heart (or whatever your theme sentence is)."

If there is a need for you to introduce yourself (or the message, or whatever), do so AFTER you have completed your opening. Try it. You will find yourself starting on much stronger footing and presenting your message with much greater connection than ever before.