Made in His image, with Ethan Mills
Approximately 15-20% of the global population is neurodivergent. So, what does that mean for how we love and care for the children and youth entrusted to us in our ministry programs? What is their experience with neurodiversity—personally and in their friendship groups? At PY Summer Camp 2025, we intentionally created space for a Q&A-style seminar […]
Making space for doubt, with Sylvia Siu
For the last two years at PYNSW Summer Camp, we have run seminars that explore topics of interest for smaller groups of campers, also giving our leaders the opportunity to design and deliver their own sessions. This helps them build confidence and develop their skills presenting to an unfamiliar audience. In 2025, seminars were held […]
Holding the line, holding fast: Social media, the under-16 ban, and the pastoral opportunity before us
When Australia introduced a ban on under-16s accessing social media in December 2025, reactions were swift and mixed. Some welcomed it as overdue protection. Others worried about enforcement, relevance, or unintended consequences. For those working in children’s and youth ministry, the question was less political and more pastoral: What does this mean for the young […]
Planning your next year of kids and youth ministry: A practical guide for leaders
The following content was prepared for a recent PYNSW Children’s Ministry Connect session. Join us at the next one! Thoughtful planning is one of the most valuable gifts you can give your kids and youth ministry. It not only sets the direction for the year, it strengthens your team, clarifies your purpose, and helps you serve […]
How to go to KYCK: A practical guide for youth leaders
Every year, thousands of teenagers gather in the Blue Mountains for KYCK, four huge weekends of Bible teaching, worship, fun and discipleship. For many youth ministries, it’s one of the biggest moments of the year. Whether you’re taking a group for the first time or looking to refine your KYCK rhythm, here is a practical […]
Recruiting in a busy church context: A practical guide for kids and youth ministry leaders
The following content was prepared for a recent PYNSW Children’s Ministry Connect session. Join us at the next one! Recruiting leaders in children’s and youth ministry is never just about filling rosters. It’s about discipling people, helping them see the joy of serving the next generation, and doing it all with sensitivity, especially in small or […]
How to run better games in kids and youth ministry, with Wendy Marriott
Wendy Marriott has been a youth leader at Riverwood Presbyterian Church for eight years and loves it. At PY Encourage Sydney 2025, Wendy ran a workshop teaching the attendees that running better games starts with something deeper than rules and resources: it starts with inviting everyone to the table. – Games in kids and youth ministry […]
The Balloon Arch at the Front Door
Picture a big, bright balloon arch. You know the kind. It stretches above the entrance of a party or a celebration. When you see one, what do you instinctively know? Something is happening here. Something worth noticing. Something worth stopping for. Youth and kids ministry is the church’s balloon arch. This was the metaphor Dave […]
Discipleship in the family is foundational
Two institutions God has set up to build his people are the family, and the church. Both are important and it is critical that they interconnect. John McClean credits his Christian upbringing for laying a solid faith foundation for him. Growing up in a country town, he experienced consistent discipleship through family Bible reading and […]
Raising kids to love Jesus: Discipleship at home
In an era where public schools, social media, and modern culture are constantly competing for our children’s attention, one father is determined to keep the promises of God front and centre. Benjamin Shuhyta, who is on the cusp of being ordained as a Presbyterian minister, recognises that discipleship is more than just an hour of […]