We are a believer in a youth ministry purposely celebrating rites of passages and creating memories which can be spiritual markers for a teen's faith.  This is why we recommend this book, Mile Markers.  

We so believe in this book that we pursued a short interview with the author, Denise McKinney.  

Introduce yourself with one more interesting nugget which is not in your author bio?

Denise:  My name is Denise McKinney.  I grew up in a large family with my parents, siblings and dozens of foster children.  That childhood shaped my heart for walking alongside adolescents as the real stuff of life intersects with their spiritual longings.  As a youth pastor and writer, I've realized the importance of helping all kinds of adults encourage kids on their pilgrimage to maturity--especially helping parents see how important it is for them to stay engaged in their children's lives through adolescence.  One thing my book bio does not tell you is that I am an unexceptional but aspiring runner and hiker.  I am not a marvelous athlete, but something about running long distances and climbing mountains inspires the spiritual race I'm running and the life mountains I'm climbing.  So far, I've run 2 half marathons and climbed Estes Cone and Long's Peak in Colorado and Laramie Peak in Wyoming with my husband.

Recently Youth Specialties and Group Publishing have come up with their own version of a parent newsletter.  Meanwhile we are in Year 6 of providing this practical resource for you to give to the parents of your teens.  Mom & Pops Stuff is more than just passing on information to parents but it is full of ideas to practically help the parents with their role in the spiritual training of their teen. You can also add your own page for calender details. Giving a newsletter to your parents is a good youth ministry idea.  Why not give the one that is filled with encouraging and practical ideas?  When you sign up for Moms & Pops Stuff, it will come via email around the 23rd of each month to your e-mail inbox.

Click HERE to download Moms & Pops Stuff - New Download (July22, 2010)

Subscribe to Moms & Pops Stuff 

Much has been said and written about the lack of rites of passage for teens these days.  Rites of passages are something that both parents and the church family need to celebrate with teens.   By acknowledging rites of passage we are giving our teens true ways to distinguish themselves as growing adults. Simply, part of what we need to do to grow our teens is to let them know when they have taken a step towards growth.

We have compiled seven life stages which a teen and young adult goes through.  Each life stage has two columns of ideas.  One column is for the youth worker to do something and one column is for the parent.  Also we have room to add more ideas so please submit one of your own at Submit an Idea. 

Download the .pdf document HERE.

We are excited to announce that we have acquired the URL of ChurchFamilyBasedYouthMinistry.org because that is another title for what we believe in.  And because we also have lazy tendencies, we have acquired the URL of www.cfbym.org.  Both will direct you to this website.