youth ministry Archives - Visionary Family Ministries
I Grew Up In a Christian Home, But…

I Grew Up In a Christian Home, But…

In our early years in ministry, we led dozens of youth retreats and mission trips. Often, when we returned from these “spiritual mountain top” experiences, the church would gather for a worship service where students shared testimonies about the trip. So many of the...
Don’t Delegate Your Teen Away!

Don’t Delegate Your Teen Away!

We live in a world of delegation parenting. Do you want your children to learn to play the piano? Sign them up for piano lessons. Do you want them to learn basketball? Find a coach. Do you want them to learn math? Hire a tutor. Do you want them to learn about Jesus?...
Confessions from Rob and Amy

Confessions from Rob and Amy

Sadly, in the early years of my (Rob’s) journey as a parent, my heart was not turned toward my children. Amy and I were married in 1994. During our first 10 years together, I was serving as a youth pastor and we were blessed with four children. Even though I...
Helping Your Teen Keep the Faith Through College

Helping Your Teen Keep the Faith Through College

Are you concerned about the spiritual health of your teenager? Most of our teens will be leaving home soon. Do you have a plan to help them keep the faith through the next chapter of their lives? Will they love the Lord and follow Him when they are adults? Every...
Could Your Home Be a Youth Outreach Center?

Could Your Home Be a Youth Outreach Center?

I believe that one of the essential jobs of the local church is to equip Christian parents to take the lead in spiritually training their children. Passing faith to our kids is not the church’s job – it is ours. But what about all the unsaved kids who don’t have...
A Brief Reflection on Youth Ministry

A Brief Reflection on Youth Ministry

Here is something I have observed in many churches. Perhaps you have seen it too. Children grow up through our children’s ministries and they love it! They move into the cool junior high group and once again, they love it! Then, it is off to high school with all the...
Dealing with “Heart Rebellion”

Dealing with “Heart Rebellion”

Most of the time when we need to discipline our children, we are confronted with both an incorrect action and an incorrect attitude. Sometimes, however, we encounter a right action with a wrong attitude. For example, suppose you tell your son to...

Time for a Challenge

In our home, turning 13 is a big deal. We view it, in some ways, as the transition from childhood to adulthood. In centuries past this was more true than it is today, as we have sadly extended “childhood” under the guise of “adolescence” well...
Exploring Educational Choices for the Christian Family

Exploring Educational Choices for the Christian Family

Public school? Christian School? Home School? How does the Christian parent decide? This seminar from Dr. Rob Rienow will help you ask some of the key questions you need to ask in making this life-changing decision for your family. There is a 3-page PDF that...
Should You Fire Your Youth Pastor?

Should You Fire Your Youth Pastor?

As I share the vision of family discipleship with church leaders here is a frequent response: “So Rob, if the Bible calls parents to disciple their children, does that mean we should fire our youth pastor?” Answer – No, but if you want to move your...