August 25th, 2010 
joshherndon A friend commented on a recent post and I think his questions are worth looking into:
OK. This article has been posted on so many different blogs/websites. I totally, 100% agree with this article and am dumbfounded it’s only being posted now. I’ve been dealing with this, especially for my high school ministry, for a while now. HOWEVER, there’s this side of me totally struggling right now b/c THE CAUSE is so clear and plain as day. We’ve got great speakers and great small group times. But, it seems like the kids aren’t having ANY FUN! And, frankly, I think Jesus liked to have fun. I’m not your “gamey” type of youth pastor, but I do like to have fun and have some mixers/games included in my nightly program. It’s this constant pull. My ministry hasn’t really “grown”, exponentially, either. I haven’t lost any, but I’m not gaining any. And, believe me, I talk the YM talk. We’re all over contact work, sporting events, you name it…but, I’m at this huge lull for my high school program and have NO idea where to take them this fall (programatically).
Fair question: How do you move from concepts to reality? Why does it seem difficult? What’s the balance between purposeful activities and fun stuff?
What do you think– Do you have any encouraging words for our friend?
Posted in
I think its because kids want something more, you know what I mean? Brothers, they want the Gospel. I humbly say, its not about having fun. What you win them with you win them too. If you win them with games your not really winning them. In fact I would say that is doing more damage. We win them with the Gospel of Christ. Christ dying for our sins and rising again. Everything should center around the Cross of Christ. If its not then we must take a step back and thinking about what we are doing. God Bless you guys are your ministries.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5YzI7b92L8
Dude, thanks so much for your encouragement. And I agree– we can’t rely on dodgeball to save souls, only the cross. And that’s more attractive than any pizza party.
Y’all, thank you so much for your encouragement. That video is EXACTLY what I needed to keep me on the path I’ve been going with these kids these past 4 years and where we’ll continue to go. This GIRL
is super fired up about this year! 
I’m praying for you and your ministry!