As we look back on the past year, we're grateful not just for what was written-but for who wrote it and why it mattered.
Over the past year, we published 60+ articles from more than 30 contributors, reflecting a wide range of voices across the youth ministry landscape. Our writers included veteran youth pastors, emerging leaders, network coordinators, national thought leaders, authors, and practitioners serving in real, everyday ministry contexts.
Together, these writers tackled topics youth leaders told us they needed most:
- Soul care, burnout, and longevity
- Prayer and spiritual formation
- Disciple-making and leadership development
- Unity, networking, and collaboration
- Student faith, evangelism, and cultural engagement
- Thriving, not just surviving, in ministry
Out of all that content, these were the Top 10 Most-Read NNYM Blog Posts of 2025, articles that consistently resonated with leaders at different stages of their personal faith, ministry calling, and leadership journey.
If you're wondering what to read next based on where you are right now, this list is a great place to start.
The Top 10 Most-Read NNYM Blog Posts of 2025
#1 30 Ways to Pray for Teens
Prayer remained one of the most consistent themes across our content for the second year in a row, and this article led the way. If you want to pray for students but don't know where to start (or feel stuck repeating the same words), these simple prompts help you pray with clarity, compassion, and confidence for what teens are actually facing.
Read 30 Simple Ways to Pray for Today's Teens
Bonus: Don't miss the daily prompt video playlist
You might also like: It Starts With Prayer: Why We Must Stand In The Gap for America's Youth
#2 Was Jesus Ever Discouraged In Ministry?
by Randy Davis
If you've ever wondered whether discouragement disqualifies you from ministry, this article is for you. Randy thoughtfully explores moments in Jesus' ministry that reveal His humanity and invites leaders to see their own discouragement not as failure, but as part of faithful obedience. One of the most-read encouragement pieces of the year, this article reminds us that faithfulness often includes seasons of honest struggle.
Read Was Jesus Ever Discouraged In Ministry?
You Might Also Like: Holy Discontent: Calling All Dreamers
#3 What Is a Coordinator?
by Doug Clark
Behind-the-scenes leadership matters, and this article gave language to that reality. Based on a real-life video ad for a real-life leadership campaign in India, Doug's metaphor-rich piece brings clarity and affirmation to those serving in connector roles. If your ministry impact often happens behind the scenes, this article beautifully reframes your work as essential, life-giving, and foundational to long-term kingdom growth.
Read What is a Coordinator? The Story of the Tree
You might also like: Networking: Biblical Mandate, Spiritual Necessity, Practical Discipline
#4 Teaching Like Jesus
by Rick Eubanks
One of several teaching-focused pieces this year, this article stood out for its practicality and depth. Rick challenges us to rediscover Jesus' relational, story-driven approach to teaching that leads to transformation, not just information.
Read Teaching Like Jesus: A Masterclass in Meaningful Engagement
You might also like: Leading With Purpose: Building a Thriving Ministry from the Inside Out
#5 Making Disciples Who Make Disciples
by Lee Rogers
Disciple-making remained a core focus across many 2025 articles, and this piece captured the heart of that conversation. Lee offers practical insight for leaders who want to move beyond attendance and toward multiplication, equipping students to live out their faith and disciple others in authentic, sustainable ways.
Read Making Disciples Who Make Disciples
You might also like: Growing Students Who Multiply Their Faith
#6 Busyness Isn't a Badge of Honor
In a year where multiple articles addressed pace, rest, and sustainability, this one struck a nerve. Tony challenges leaders to release unhealthy rhythms and embrace retreat as a spiritual discipline. A must-read for anyone feeling overwhelmed or struggling to slow down without guilt.
Read Busyness Isn't a Badge of Honor: The Call to Retreat and Rest
You might also like: Meeting God Before the Noise Begins
#7 When Ministry Breaks You
Soul care was a defining theme in 2025, and this article became a lifeline for many. Written with honesty and compassion, it speaks directly to leaders who feel depleted or worn down by the weight of ministry. Jon offers empathy, wisdom, and a hopeful path forward, reminding us that burnout doesn't have to be the end of the story.
Read When Ministry Breaks You: Finding Your Way Back from Burnout
You might also like: When Passion Fades: Helping Youth Leaders Avoid Burnout
#8 Pray for Your Students with Purpose
by Ronald Long
Prayer is powerful, but intentional prayer is transformative. Ronald invites leaders to move beyond general prayers and into focused, faith-filled intercession for their students. Whether you're praying alone, with a team, or alongside parents, this article offers a framework that helps align your prayers with God's heart for students' spiritual growth, identity, and calling.
Read Pray for Your Students with Purpose
You might also like: Cue the Concert: A Prayer Symphony for Students and Schools
#9 Meet Gen Alpha
by Seth Baker
As leaders look ahead, understanding the next generation matters. Gen Alpha is already shaping the future, and this article helps leaders prepare. Seth explores the cultural, spiritual, and developmental realities of this emerging generation, offering insight for leaders who want to lead with wisdom, curiosity, and adaptability.
Read Meet Gen Alpha: Shaping the Future of Youth Ministry
You might also like: When Teenagers Ignite the World for Jesus: You Can Strike the Match
#10 Standing Firm in a Fallen World
by Hannah Weiss
How do we help students develop resilient faith in a confusing world? In a student-focused article that resonated deeply with readers, Hannah addresses this question with clarity and compassion, equipping leaders to guide students toward truth without fear, grounded in Scripture, grace, and conviction.
Read Standing Firm in a Fallen World: Guiding Students Toward True Faith
You might also like: It Starts With You: The First Step to a Gospel-Centered Student Ministry
Bonus Article: Because Ministry Was Never Meant to Be Done Alone
#11 Running the Race Together
by Greg Stier and Randy Davis
Just shy of making our Top 10 list, this article earned its place here because it captured a defining value of NNYM in 2025: youth ministry was never meant to be done alone. For leaders feeling alone, or wondering if connection really matters, Greg and Randy make a compelling case that going together is the only way to go far.
Read Running the Race Together: How Networks Help You Go the Distance
You might also like: Better Together: Why Unity is Our Greatest Calling
A Year of Shared Wisdom, and a Community That Keeps Showing Up
From nationally recognized voices like Leonard Sweet to first-hand reflections from local leaders, 2025 reflected the full scope of youth ministry life-its challenges, its calling, and its hope.
Every article shared a common goal: to help youth leaders not just survive, but thrive.
Thank you to every writer who shared their voice, and every leader who showed up, leaned in, and kept serving the next generation. Wherever you are in your journey, we see you-and we're grateful you're here.
XOXO,
NNYM