I got a request recently about sharing my favorite blogs. I’m always a little hesitant to do this actually, because people who aren’t on the list will easily feel rejected or hurt. Still, I also think there’s something to say for honesty about personal preferences. So I’ll be sharing my blog list with you in the hopes that you’ll see it for what it is: just one person’s opinion. Here we go.
What are your favorite youth ministry blogs? Please share your tips in the comments!
Youth ministry blogs
Marathon Youth Ministry: Chris Wesley is the master of short, to the point blog posts. He’s practical and writes from experience and wisdom.
Whyismarko: Mark Oestreicher’s blog is pretty much like the man himself: controversial, inspiring, wise, with the occasional soap-box rant. I do wish he would start using capitals though 
Adam McLane: I keep tweeting and posting his stuff because it’s just really provocative (in a good way) and makes you think. A must read for youth leaders.
Doug Fields: he’s a bit more unfocused than he was when he started his blog, but he’s still writing really great stuff. Youth ministry and marriage, those two keep coming back. He also has great guest posts from Jonathan McKee.
Jonathan McKee: he’s aimed at youth culture and does a great job informing people on what’s hot, like movies, lyrics, artists, etc. Also very interesting for parents to follow, as he often shares his parental advice as well.
More Then Dodgeball: I’m a fan of Josh Griffin’s informative short posts. Lots of great guests posts as well, especially on the weekends.
Being Ministry: Paul Martin hasn’t been that active in blogging lately and that’s a shame, because he’s wise and really makes you think.
Lars Rood: here’s another guy of whom wish he would blog more often. Wisdom, humor with a bit of rebellion thrown in.
Discipleship Family Ministry: Benjer McVeigh does a great job of writing about youth ministry with a personal touch and practical advice.
Love God, Love Students: honest, that’s Matt McGill above all else. He’s honest about his shortcomings, his passions, his convictions. Gotta admire that.
Fuller Youth Institute: they publish great links to research that’s relevant for youth ministry, including their own. I keep learning from them.
The Youth Culture Report: their layout sucks (though apparently, they’ve planned an overhaul), but it’s my number one resource for youth culture.
YouthMin: I love the diversity of topics and voices here and they’re a hundred percent focused on youth ministry.
Youth Ministry 360: Andy’s posts are often brilliant, Chris Wesley posts here regularly as well and there are many other interesting voices.
Seventy8Productions: I really admire Jeremy Smith for being a youth leader and consistently blogging at the same time. He not only blogs for his own site, bit also for ChurchMag and he does a lot of guest posts. Respect!
Youth Ministry Media: infographics, freebies and tech/media oriented posts. Kolby Milton is really open about his goals and results, very interesting and inspiring.
Leadership stuff
Michael Hyatt: no surprise here as he’s ‘big’ in the Christian blogging world, but what amazes me is how consistent he keeps publishing great content. I’m constantly challenged by his site.
Church Leaders: they pull posts from various blogs, including mine. Great resource with lots of different voices and opinions.
Random
Billy Coffey: he’s a writer and a Christian and boy, can he write. His blog posts are stories that inspire and touch. He’s a great example of a modern day storyteller.
ChurchMag: a bit of geeky tech humor with lots of info and resources thrown in (and the occasional post of yours truly…)
Mashable: anyone who wants to stay up to date on tech, gadgets, social media, etc has to follow Mashable. Enough said.
Six minutes: a blog with really great practical advice on public speaking. Since I’m very interested in preaching, I dig this blog.
Relevant Magazine: Great posts and a good pulse for what’s relevant for today’s young adults.
Of course I also follow several blogs on blogging, like ProBlogger and Copyblogger. I used to be a huge Tentblogger fan, but he’s gone a lot broader than blogging and there’s too much that doesn’t interest me now. His older posts are awesome though, especially his series on setting up a WordPress blog.
That’s it. One thing that really bothers me about this list, is that it’s men only. Where are the female youth ministry bloggers? I do love Brooklyn Lindsey’s writings, but she’s been blogging very irregularly.Anyone know of any other good leadership or youth ministry blogs by women??
I’d love to hear about your favorite (youth ministry) blogs, share your tips in the comments!
Wow! Thanks Rachel! Now that my book is finished and my life will (hopefully) become a little simpler, I will be blogging more frequently. I love your thoughts too.
I know how difficult it is to balance writing, blogging, working and simply living and being a parent and spouse. So I completely understand you gave priority to other things, I’m just glad to hear you’ll be blogging more
Thank you for this list. I’ve been wanting to start following some solid youth leaders who are actively involved on the internet, and this list, along with your comments and description of each, is a great starting point.
Thanks Rachel for adding Youth Ministry Media to the list. I have everyone in your list on my rss feed! Great minds think alike!
You’re very welcome
Thanks for the plug and sharing your list. I love learning what others read because I don’t want to be missing anything. Keep up the great posts on your end too.
You’re very welcome Chris! I’m with you in wanting to read what others have to say, there’s so much to learn from different viewpoints and experiences!
HERE ARE A NICE LITTLE COLLECTION OF CAPS FOR YOU, RACHEL. FEEL FREE TO USE THEM WHENEVER YOU READ MY BLOG!
Aw thanks Marko, that’s so attentive of you
Thanks for the love, my friend!
You’re very welcome Jeremy, keep up the good work brother!
Great list, Rachel! Very cool to see you on the Top 25 this year too…
–@terracecrawford
Thanks, I’m really stoked to be on that list to be honest…I’d hoped to make the cut, but I wasn’t sure till I saw my name there!
You officially kicked my butt. I will start blogging more.
Ha! I surely hope so, I love your stuff man!