“Raising the Bar is a MUST READ for every youth minister. Dave Thornton leans on his nearly three decades of experience in youth ministry to give a practical and organized look at how to take your group to the next level. Built on a balanced and thoughtful approach for reaching teens, Dave also delivers a treasure trove of practical tips that even the most seasoned youth workers could benefit from. I highly recommend you take the time for this easy, organized, and valuable read.”
Matt Wendal
Youth Pastor with 14 years of experience
US
Youth Lockdown Resources
New!
If you need ideas for online games or activities; if you need to get ahead in terms of what Zoom can do; if you need a starting point with a Zoom risk assessment or ideas for daily or weekly tasks to set your young people, click here for Downloadable Resources.
New!
RAISING THE BAR: NEARLY EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CHRISTIAN YOUTH MINISTRY
Published January 2020.
It's a one-stop manual for Christian youth ministry which has been over 5 years in the writing, 27 years in the making if you include the training he's run, people he's met and blunders that have been made along the way that are all part of the story. Key values for ministry. Loads of how-tos, from writing a Bible talk to leading a small group, helping young people respond to Jesus to working with parents and the wider church - all shared with lots of STORIES involving God's great power and shaving foam.
READ DAVE'S LATEST BLOG
He doesn't know everything, but he's been working with youth in UK churches for a long time and writes about what he's learning. Get in touch. He loves to help.
FREE RESOURCES TO DOWNLOAD
Resources for planning Christian residentials, camps and houseparties, teaching sessions and much more. Can't find what you need? Get in touch!
What’s new with churchyouthministry.com?
There are regularly-updated Youth Online resources here, inspired by Covid-19 Lockdowns. If you're using Zoom to continue meeting together, you'll find those helpful, including two Zoom escape rooms! Buy the book. Read Dave's blog which he updates regularly. Check out other resources that are available. If you can't find what you need to support you in your youth ministry, please get in touch! I'll try and help.