YMJen
Jen Bradbury on Youth Ministry
  • Home
  • Books
  • About
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Articles
Jen Bradbury
Jan 15 · 5 min read

The story behind CALLED

Two and a half years ago, I transitioned out of a 10-year call that I loved.

The decision to leave was NOT an easy one. It’s one I struggled with a lot… And along the way, I did what I always do: I turned to books for guidance.

I dutifully read...

Read more

#transitions #vocation #youth ministry #Called #books #The Youth Cartel #breastfeeding #maternity leave #Pandemic #death #baptism #church #marriage

Jen Bradbury
Jun 05 · 5 min read

Should you confirm in the spring or the fall?

The other day, I was asked whether confirmation should be held in the spring or fall – a common question for congregations that offer confirmation. There are pros and cons to each practice.

Confirming teens in the spring gives families a sense of...

Read more

#confirmation #transitions #Missions #youth ministry #faith formation

Jen Bradbury
Mar 07 · 5 min read

To those who think youth group is no longer fun

I’ve lost track of the number of times in my career in youth ministry when a high school senior has confronted me because they don’t like the direction our ministry is going. This confrontation always comes after a transition – usually within the...

Read more

#vocation #transitions #church #scripture #youth pastor #graduating seniors #Jesus

Jen Bradbury
Aug 03 · 5 min read

The responsibility for a shared past and future

In the movie, Stepmom, a mom, Jackie (Susan Serandon) is dying of cancer, leaving her young children behind in the care of her ex-husband (Ed Harris) and his new wife, Isabel (Julia Roberts). In a poignant scene near the end of the movie, Jackie...

Read more

#youth ministry #transitions #youth pastor #discipleship #leadership #parents #Leaders #Prayer #grief

Jen Bradbury
Jul 26 · 5 min read

Adult leader’s training: The one thing you shouldn’t skimp on

On the way home from a recent youth ministry trip, I sat next to my colleague, Joe, on the plane. We both knew that in many ways, this trip was the last significant thing I’d do as youth pastor in our congregation. I was transitioning out and Joe...

Read more

#Youth Gathering #transitions #Leaders #staff #youth pastor #Missions #youth ministry

Jen Bradbury
Jul 25 · 5 min read

When the way is clear

Today, I'm linking up with Five Minute Friday. The rules: Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking.

This week's prompt: Way.

Open Door

My congregation’s long-time senior pastor resigned unexpectedly in February, 2017....

Read more

#Five Minute Friday #research #transitions #writing #staff #youth ministry

Jen Bradbury
May 23 · 5 min read

9 questions to ask before a youth pastor audition

If there’s a seasonality to hiring in the church world, it’s now. Churches work hard during the spring and summer months to ensure that they have a full staff in place before the program year begins in the fall.

A common part of the interview...

Read more

#transitions #church #youth ministry management #youth pastor #youth ministry

Jen Bradbury
Oct 05 · 5 min read

Review: Leading Without Power by Mark Oestreicher

Filed in Book Review

A few years ago, I participated in one of The Youth Cartel’s Youth Ministry Coaching Programs, which was a great investment in my leadership development. Among other things, I loved getting to rub shoulders with great youth workers and learning...

Read more

#books #youth ministry #leadership #The Youth Cartel #youth pastor #church #hope #transitions

Jen Bradbury
Jul 07 · 5 min read

What I'm Into (June, 2017 Edition)

What I'm Reading:

Fiction: 

Between our trip to Africa and my mission trip to Haiti, June was a SLOW month for fiction reading. 

Book I couldn't put down: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid. I know, the...

Read more

#What I'm Into #books #research #Arbor Research Group #travel #Missions #writing #Unleashing #Leaders #transitions

Jen Bradbury
Apr 14 · 5 min read

Review: Choosing Real by Bekah Jane Pogue

Filed in Book Review

Choosing Real

Sometimes, life doesn't go as planned. In those moments, it can be tempting to question God's presence and purpose. In Choosing Real: An Invitation to Celebrate When Life Doesn't Go As Planned, author Bekah Jane Pogue uses personal stories and an...

Read more

#grace #hope #transitions #enough #books

« 1 2 »

Tags

youth ministry books church Jesus parenting Missions scripture student leadership Leaders youth pastor babies Pandemic worship Prayer toddlers

Latest Posts

  • The story behind CALLED
  • Should you confirm in the spring or the fall?
  • To those who think youth group is no longer fun
  • The responsibility for a shared past and future
  • Adult leader’s training: The one thing you shouldn’t skimp on
  • When the way is clear
  • 9 questions to ask before a youth pastor audition
  • Review: Leading Without Power by Mark Oestreicher
  • What I'm Into (June, 2017 Edition)
  • Review: Choosing Real by Bekah Jane Pogue

Copyright © 2025 YMJen