“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” – Matthew 22:37

Being a youth pastor is more than just games, pizza nights, and the occasional deep talk over coffee. It’s a calling that demands our whole selves—heart, soul, and yes, mind. If we want to truly shepherd the next generation, we can’t afford to let our minds go dull.

The reality is, youth culture is always shifting. What worked last year might not work now. The questions teens are asking today may not be the ones we wrestled with at their age. If we’re not intentional about growing in wisdom and sharpening our minds, we risk becoming stagnant in a role that demands fresh insight, creativity, and deep biblical understanding.

I’d like to dedicate this blog post to asking the question, how do we stay sharp? What are some ways to cultivate a “learning culture” in your personal life and the ministry God has called you to?

Stay Curious, Stay Sharp

A sharp mind starts with a posture of learning. Jesus calls us to love God with all our minds, which means thinking deeply, asking good questions, and constantly seeking wisdom—both from His Word and from the world He’s placed us in.

So, how do we stay sharp? Here are a few ways that help me:

1. Read Like a Lifelong Student

I have a friend who reads 25-30 books a year! That’s insane. I barely get through 5-8 books a year. But, he is one of the wisest people I know, and I value what he says because it comes from a place of deep insight.

Whether it’s Scripture, theology, leadership books, or cultural insights, reading fuels a sharp mind. I try to always have a book in my bag that challenges me to think deeper about ministry, discipleship, and the teenage brain. Need a place to start? Try classics like Sticky Faith by Kara Powell or Spiritual Leadership by J. Oswald Sanders. One I just finished was, “Raising Spiritual Champions” by George Barna. There are plenty of books to choose from, if you need help I can give you some of my favorites. You’ve got to start somewhere.

2. Learn from Other Leaders

I don’t have all the answers (shocking, I know). That’s why I make it a point to learn from those ahead of me—mentors, seasoned pastors, even youth leaders in different contexts. Podcasts, conferences, and good old-fashioned coffee chats with other ministry leaders have been some of my best learning moments. My good friend, Jeff Wallace once said, “If you are the smartest person in the room, you might be in the wrong room.”

3. Ask Hard Questions (and Be Okay Without Easy Answers)

The best youth pastors I know aren’t the ones with quick, polished responses. They’re the ones who embrace tough questions, wrestle with Scripture, and create safe spaces for students to process their faith. A sharp mind doesn’t mean having all the answers—it means being willing to engage in the deep, sometimes messy work of discipleship. We host an apologetics class once a month. It’s a great way to welcome some of our students hard questions and the opportunity to form a Biblical Worldview. Truth is, if I am pursuing a “learning culture” in my life it will be reflected in my ministry.

Keep Growing, Keep Shepherding

Loving God with our minds is a lifelong pursuit. As youth pastors, we’re not just called to teach—we’re called to learn, to think critically, and to grow in wisdom so that we can lead well. Let’s not limit our level of learning to seminary or undergrad classes.

So, let’s be students of the Word. Let’s be students of culture. Let’s never stop learning how to better shepherd the incredible students God has entrusted to us. Because a sharp mind, fueled by a soft heart, can change the world—one student at a time.

I’d love to know what book you’re reading? How do you sharpening your mind? Give me some advice on how you stay sharp. Comment below.

Anxiety in Ministry: Overcoming the Fear of Getting It Wrong

Ministry is one of the most fulfilling yet demanding callings a person can pursue. I’ve walked the road you’re on—the late nights, the self-doubt, and the weight of wondering if I’m doing enough or making the right decisions. For youth pastors, one of the biggest challenges is the persistent fear of failure. That fear can feel like a heavy backpack, making every step in ministry more exhausting than it needs to be.

I get it. The fear of getting it wrong can feel paralyzing, keeping you from making decisions, planning events, or having those difficult but necessary conversations with your students. But I want to encourage you: you don’t have to carry this alone. Let’s talk about what anxiety in ministry looks like and how we can choose faith over fear, trusting God to guide us every step of the way.

Understanding the Challenge

I’ve noticed that anxiety in ministry often stems from a deep love for our students and a strong desire to do right by them. That care, while beautiful, can also make the weight of every decision feel overwhelming. I’ve experienced anxiety show up in several ways, maybe you have too:

1. Decision-Making Paralysis: Have you ever been so afraid of making the wrong choice that you don’t make any choice at all? I’ve been there.
2. Overextension: Sometimes, in trying to prove ourselves, we take on too much. I’ve done it—thinking I could juggle it all and then crashing hard.
3. Isolation: Anxiety can make you feel ashamed, like you’re the only one struggling, so you pull away from others. It’s a lonely place to be.
4. Diminished Joy: When anxiety takes over, ministry starts feeling like a job rather than the joyful calling it’s meant to be.

This generation is filled with anxiety, and if we’re honest, we often carry it ourselves without even realizing it. We’re so focused on helping our students manage their struggles that we forget to check in with our own hearts. Take a moment now: how are you really doing? Where are fear and anxiety sneaking into your life?

Biblical Foundations for Overcoming Anxiety

When I feel the weight of ministry pressing down, I turn to Scripture. God’s Word is full of reminders that we don’t have to do this alone. Here are a few truths that anchor me:

• God’s Presence: Joshua 1:9 reminds us, “Have I not commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” That promise means you’re never walking into a meeting, a sermon, or a crisis alone.
• Faith Over Fear: Jesus tells us in Matthew 17:20 that even faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains. Trusting Him—even just a little—opens the door for His power to work.
• Strength in Weakness: I love Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 12:9: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is perfected in weakness.” Our struggles aren’t disqualifiers; they’re opportunities for God to shine.

Practical Strategies for Managing Anxiety in Ministry

Faith doesn’t mean ignoring practical steps. Let me share some strategies that have helped me manage anxiety and keep moving forward:

1. Begin with Prayer and Surrender
   • Every morning, I start by naming my fears and giving them to God. I ask Him for wisdom and peace, trusting He will provide. Philippians 4:6-7 says it best: “Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
2. Cultivate a Supportive Community
   • Ministry isn’t meant to be done alone. I’ve learned to lean on mentors, peers, and trusted friends who remind me that I’m not in this by myself. Do you have people like that in your corner? If not, let’s find them together.
3. Take Incremental Steps of Faith
   • One thing I’ve learned is that overcoming anxiety doesn’t require giant leaps—it starts with small, faithful steps. The parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30) shows us that God values our willingness to use what He’s given us, even if it feels small.
4. Prioritize Relationships Over Perfection
   • I’ve realized that students don’t care if my sermon is perfect or my event goes off without a hitch. What they remember is whether I showed up for them and made them feel seen and loved. Focus on building Christ-centered relationships, and the rest will follow.
5. Establish Healthy Rhythms
   • I’ve found that chaos fuels anxiety. Setting routines for spiritual growth, rest, and recreation has been a game-changer. Even Jesus took time to withdraw and pray (Luke 5:16), and if He needed it, so do we.

Redefining Failure as Growth

One of the hardest lessons I’ve learned is to see failure not as an end but as a step toward growth. Here’s how I’ve reframed it:

• Learn from Mistakes: Instead of beating myself up, I try to ask, “What can I learn from this?”
• Trust God’s Sovereignty: Romans 8:28 reminds us that God works all things for good. Even when my plans fall apart, His purposes stand firm.
• Celebrate Successes: Taking time to thank God for victories, no matter how small, helps me remember His faithfulness.

A Message of Encouragement

If you’re reading this and feeling the weight of anxiety, I want you to know you’re not alone. I’ve been there, and so have countless others. Your struggles don’t make you a bad pastor—they show how much you care. Ministry is challenging because it matters. The enemy wants to discourage you, but you are equipped and empowered by God.

Psalm 94:19 has been a lifeline for me: “When I am filled with cares, Your comfort brings me joy.” Lean into God’s presence, trust His guidance, and take the next step in faith. You don’t have to be perfect—you just have to be obedient.

Reflection Questions

1. What specific aspects of ministry trigger anxiety for you, and how can you surrender these to God?
2. Who can you lean on for encouragement and accountability in navigating ministry challenges?
3. What small, faith-filled action can you take this week to move past fear?
4. How can you incorporate healthier habits to minimize the impact of anxiety on your life and ministry?
5. Which biblical truth will you cling to when anxiety begins to take hold?

You don’t have to let anxiety dominate your ministry. By anchoring yourself in faith and relying on God’s guidance, you can overcome fear and experience the joy of serving wholeheartedly. If this is a struggle you’d like to talk about, let’s connect. Schedule a one-on-one coaching session, and we can walk through it together.

3 Pitfalls I’ve Seen Youth Pastors Fall Into. And How You Can Avoid Them.

Ministry is tough—especially youth ministry. We’re constantly balancing a million things, pouring into students, leading events, and staying on top of all the behind-the-scenes work. But with all these pressures, there are a few common pitfalls I’ve seen wreck youth pastors’ ministries. The sad part is, most of these traps could have been avoided if we had just taken a step back and thought ahead. Let me walk you through three of the biggest mistakes I’ve seen—and more importantly, how you can avoid them.

1. Inappropriate Relationships: Keeping Things Above Reproach

I’ve seen this one happen way too often, and it’s always heartbreaking. It starts small—maybe you’re just spending extra time with a student who’s going through a tough time, or you get a bit too close to a volunteer—and before you know it, lines get blurred. Whether it’s emotional boundaries or something more serious, inappropriate relationships can destroy trust, cause major damage to your reputation, and even shut down your ministry.

How to Avoid It:

• Set boundaries early: This is the most important part. From day one, make sure you’re clear about what’s okay and what’s not when it comes to relationships with students and volunteers. Keep communication open but respectful—texting every day about personal stuff is a red flag.

• Find accountability: Have someone you trust who can ask you tough questions about your interactions. Maybe it’s a fellow pastor, a mentor, or a trusted leader in your church. Don’t try to do this alone—accountability is key.

• Avoid one-on-one situations: It sounds simple, but it’s so easy to forget. Don’t spend time alone with students, especially behind closed doors. It’s just not worth the risk, no matter how innocent it feels.

2. Loss of Integrity: When Your Words Don’t Line Up with Your Actions

We’ve all been there. You’re preaching the truth on a Sunday, but then you head home and act in ways that don’t line up with what you just said. It could be gossiping, slacking off, or letting little things slide that you know are wrong. But here’s the thing—students see right through that. If your actions don’t back up what you teach, it’s a quick road to losing respect and trust.

How to Avoid It:

• Practice what you preach: If you’re teaching about honesty, generosity, or purity, make sure you’re living it out. It’s as simple as that. People watch you—especially the teens in your ministry. Lead by example, even in the small, everyday stuff.

• Own your mistakes: None of us are perfect. If you slip up, be honest about it. Apologize to those you may have hurt and show that you’re committed to doing better. This not only helps rebuild trust but shows students that we all need grace.

• Create personal standards: Make sure you have clear convictions that guide your actions. These should be non-negotiable. Whether it’s how you spend your time, how you speak to others, or how you lead your family—stay consistent in your integrity.

3. Laziness: Losing the Fire and Falling into complacency

Let’s be real—sometimes ministry just feels like a grind. You’ve got event after event, constant planning, and you’re always putting out fires. It’s easy to slip into autopilot mode and just do the bare minimum to get through the day. But here’s the thing: laziness doesn’t just mean you’re not doing enough. It means you’re losing sight of the bigger picture. If you’re not careful, you’ll burn out, and your ministry will start to feel like a job instead of a calling.

How to Avoid It:

• Remember your “why”: Stay connected to the reason you’re doing this. Remind yourself that you’re investing in the next generation, helping them grow in their faith, and pointing them toward Jesus. That’s what keeps the fire burning when things get tough.

• Create a routine: Don’t just let the day happen to you. Plan ahead. Set aside time for personal prayer, study, and family connection. When you’re structured, you’ll find it easier to stay focused and energized.

• Never stop learning: Don’t fall into the trap of thinking you’ve got it all figured out. Stay hungry to learn—whether it’s through books, conferences, or talking to other youth pastors. The more you invest in growing yourself, the more your ministry will thrive.

Wrapping It Up:

Ministry is hard, no doubt about it. But we’ve got to be aware of these traps—unhealthy relationships, losing our integrity, and laziness—because they’ll mess things up quicker than we can imagine. The key is to stay connected to the calling, stay accountable, and keep growing both personally and professionally. It’s not always easy, but if we keep our eyes on Jesus and stay faithful to what He’s called us to, we’ll avoid these pitfalls and make a lasting impact in the lives of our students.

There are way more ways to ruin your ministry. These are just three quick ideas I had. Let’s have an honest conversation soon. Sign up for a 1on1 coaching sessions and let’s brainstorm have you can avoid some of these pitfalls.