| Interview With Craig Gross |
From YouthMinistry.com on Tuesday, May 21, 2013 @ 9:56 PM PST
in the "Blog" Category.
Our longtime friend, Craig Gross, founder of XXXchurch.com has a passion for helping men and women break free from the grip of pornography. XXXchurch.com has helped thousands of people develop a deeper level of personal accountability as well as providing some safeguards for the ever-increasing amount of time they are spending online. It's with this backdrop that Craig wrote his newest book, "Open", which is dedicated to helping people develop a lifestyle of honest, real, accountability with one another. Today, we thought we'd let Craig tell us a little more about this fantastic new book.
So, this book is for everyone: male and female, young and old. Why do you think the Christian community, and the world at large, needs this book today?
Today we live in a world where people can sit face to face over a meal, but their heads are buried, looking down at their phones, tweeting about what they are eating or who they are with or taking Instagram photos of both.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Sex sells. Sex tempts. Sex lies. Sex glorifies. Download Best Sex Ever from Author Doug Fields.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
We are connected more than ever, but the surface-ness of those connections often leave us feeling completely disconnected. We share, tweet, and like things online, but not very often do we do those things in real time with real people over real topics that are sometimes heavy. We are not meant to do life alone and the Christian community should encourage people—the rest of the world, really—to try and be open and real and honest with people. Those things are difficult and don't come naturally, so I tried to share some practical ways how to do that in Open and help people see that it not only is it worth it but that it's necessary and doable. Anyone can be open.
You've built a ministry and a name around the concept of sexual purity and the dangers of pornography. Why this book, now? Why expand your message to a broader audience?
We deal with people who have secrets every day, and at the end of the day secrets will kill you. Secrets will tear apart your family and your relationships. This book is not just about porn and it is not just about secrets and the bad things but rather encouraging people to see that we are better together.read more |
| Responding In the Wake of the Oklahoma Tornadoes |
From YouthMinistry.com on Tuesday, May 21, 2013 @ 1:17 PM PST
in the "Blog" Category.
Monday afternoon a massive tornado tore through a southern suburb of Oklahoma City, hitting homes and schools, and leaving death, destruction, and sorrow in its wake. The death toll is going up and down as rescuers and officials try to sort through conflicting reports and possible double-counts of the dead—but they do know that some of the children from that decimated school are among them. Search-and-rescue crews are still searching the rubble for survivors. These sort of natural disasters are ripe for teenagers to question why a loving God would "allow" this to happen. We've offered links here that will help you navigate this disaster with your students—news like this diminishes the distance we feel from those who are hurting, and your teenagers may appreciate the chance to talk about their experience of this tragedy.
http://www.youthministry.com/articles/families/helping-students-navigate-through-tragedy
http://www.youthministry.com/articles/families/responding-tragedy-redemptive-presence
http://www.youthministry.com/articles/families/dealing-death
http://www.youthministry.com/articles/families/how-talk-teens-about-tragedy-and-terror
http://www.morethandodgeball.com/2010/03/05/guest-post-5-ways-to-help-students-deal-with-tragedy-and-pain/ |
| Instagram Will Kill Your Youth Ministry |
From YouthMinistry.com on Tuesday, May 21, 2013 @ 8:25 AM PST
in the "Blog" Category.
Social media has swept across this great nation like wildfire. Facebook is on its way out. If you still use Myspace you're most likely a stalker—or very lonely. Twitter is still rocking along quite steadily and has yet to be completely infiltrated by preteens and stay-at-home moms. Vine represents the latest trend in video social media. And Instagram has firmly captured the market on pics. All of these sites host the massive "no, no" that I would like to delve into for a brief moment, but perhaps Instagram and Twitter host the largest majority of the crimes.
I am, of course, talking about the local male youth pastor taking a "selfie" with one of his female students. Some of you might not think that this is a big deal, but it carries major implications. And quite frankly, it seriously ticks me off. Every time I see this pop up on my timeline I want to throw my iPhone and kick a puppy. Seriously bro, how could you be so dumb? Here are some of the reasons why this is inappropriate.
1. A description of the crime
I'm not talking about posting a group pic of several students or even a group pic of several of your female students and you along side them. I'm talking about the pic that only includes the youth minister and a female student. This crime is only intensified when the two are extremely close. To make matters worse, I often see the youth minister and the female student hugged up on each other. The youth minister further brings criticism against himself if this offense is repeated on a weekly basis. Seriously bro, stop now.
2. It's straight-up creepy
Every time we see that pic pop up on our timeline we all think, "That dude is a creep."
3. Rumors spread quickly
If a crazed teenager grows angry at you, it is not uncommon for them to make up horrific stories about you. You can read real-life stories of this on the Internet. Don't give anyone ammo to use against you.
4. Ministers of the gospel must be above reproach.
First Timothy 3:2 tells us that "an overseer must be above reproach…"
Ephesians 5:3 states, "But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints."
Posting picks of just you and a female student certainly leaves room for speculation. As a minister and a Christian, we must work to remove any room for criticism in the realm of sexual immorality. Don't ride alone with a female student. Don't counsel alone with a female student. And don't post selfies with female students.
Daniel is the Student Pastor at Clearview Baptist Church in Birmingham, AL. You can join the conversation at danielbeckworth.com. |
| TEST Article |
From YouthMinistry.com on Thursday, May 16, 2013 @ 4:43 PM PST
in the "Blog" Category.
test |
| TEST Article |
From YouthMinistry.com on Thursday, May 16, 2013 @ 4:41 PM PST
in the "Blog" Category.
test |
| Test |
From YouthMinistry.com on Tuesday, May 14, 2013 @ 1:35 PM PST
in the "Blog" Category.
This is a test. If this were a real article, it would be full of useful info. This is only a test. |
| PROTECT YOURSELF |
From YouthMinistry.com on Monday, May 13, 2013 @ 4:27 PM PST
in the "Blog" Category.
This week we're excited to have an interview with Craig Gross, founder of the incredible XXXChurch Ministry and creator of the X3 accountability software. He's an author and speaker and a powerful voice to both church leaders and church members worldwide. As youth workers we are all concerned about our student's need to create safe-guards in their lives, but we need to do the same thing! Here are a few simple thoughts...just in case you haven't thought about this stuff in a while:
Protect Your Eyes
A strong faith isn't built on a weak foundation – and pornography chips away at the foundation of your marriage, your spiritual depth and your faith. We challenge students regularly to protect their eyes and run from evil, yet sometimes as speakers and leaders we feel exempt from this basic truth.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Pure Sex: Helping Students Pursue God-Honoring Sexuality
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
No one is above failing, and if you think you are, you've already failed. Got the computer thing figured out? What steps are you taking to protect your eyes concerning movies, television shows, magazines, etc.?
Protect Your Computer
Get your computer, phones and iPads protected – don't just buy a case to protect the screen – make sure you protect what comes on the screen as well. There are tons of great options for your devices, they all have different strengths and weaknesses but use one of them to make sure you're covered. If you don't know where to start, check out K9 filtering tool which is free and. The X3 accountability isn't a filter, but does send a report of your internet surfing to a partner, which is a powerful way to protect your computer, too.
read more |
| PROTECT YOURSELF |
From YouthMinistry.com on Monday, May 13, 2013 @ 4:13 PM PST
in the "Blog" Category.
This week we're excited to have an interview with Craig Gross, founder of the incredible XXXChurch Ministry and creator of the X3 accountability software. He's an author and speaker and a powerful voice to both church leaders and church members worldwide. As youth workers we are all concerned about our student's need to create safe-guards in their lives, but we need to do the same thing! Here are a few simple thoughts...just in case you haven't thought about this stuff in a while:
Protect Your Eyes
A strong faith isn't built on a weak foundation – and pornography chips away at the foundation of your marriage, your spiritual depth and your faith. We challenge students regularly to protect their eyes and run from evil, yet sometimes as speakers and leaders we feel exempt from this basic truth.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Pure Sex: Helping Students Pursue God-Honoring Sexuality
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
No one is above failing, and if you think you are, you've already failed. Got the computer thing figured out? What steps are you taking to protect your eyes concerning movies, television shows, magazines, etc.?
Protect Your Computer
Get your computer, phones and iPads protected – don't just buy a case to protect the screen – make sure you protect what comes on the screen as well. There are tons of great options for your devices, they all have different strengths and weaknesses but use one of them to make sure you're covered. If you don't know where to start, check out K9 filtering tool which is free and. The X3 accountability isn't a filter, but does send a report of your internet surfing to a partner, which is a powerful way to protect your computer, too.
read more |
| PROTECT YOURSELF |
From YouthMinistry.com on Sunday, May 12, 2013 @ 8:34 PM PST
in the "Blog" Category.
This week we're excited to have an interview with Craig Gross, founder of the incredible XXXChurch Ministry and creator of the X3 accountability software. He's an author and speaker and a powerful voice to both church leaders and church members worldwide. As youth workers we are all concerned about our student's need to create safe-guards in their lives, but we need to do the same thing! Here are a few simple thoughts...just in case you haven't thought about this stuff in a while:
Protect Your Eyes
A strong faith isn't built on a weak foundation – and pornography chips away at the foundation of your marriage, your spiritual depth and your faith. We challenge students regularly to protect their eyes and run from evil, yet sometimes as speakers and leaders we feel exempt from this basic truth.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Pure Sex: Helping Students Pursue God-Honoring Sexuality
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
No one is above failing, and if you think you are, you've already failed. Got the computer thing figured out? What steps are you taking to protect your eyes concerning movies, television shows, magazines, etc.?
Protect Your Computer
Get your computer, phones and iPads protected – don't just buy a case to protect the screen – make sure you protect what comes on the screen as well. There are tons of great options for your devices, they all have different strengths and weaknesses but use one of them to make sure you're covered. If you don't know where to start, check out K9 filtering tool which is free and. The X3 accountability isn't a filter, but does send a report of your internet surfing to a partner, which is a powerful way to protect your computer, too.
read more |
| Discussion Starter: Long Ordeal Ends for Kidnap Victims |
From YouthMinistry.com on Friday, May 10, 2013 @ 11:17 AM PST
in the "Blog" Category.
Cleveland—The miraculous rescue of three women missing for about a decade dominated headlines last week. Amanda Berry, Gina DeJesus, and Michelle Knight are now reunited with their families after surviving a nightmare ordeal.
Berry, 27, staged a daring escape Monday from the home of Ariel Castro, 52. Neighbors helped her break through a locked door and call police. Berry emerged with the 6-year-old daughter born to her during the captivity.
Castro, who's now the one imprisoned, is being held on $8 million bond and could face the death penalty. Castro's family expressed shock and sorrow. "He's dead to me," said his daughter Angie Gregg. "There will be no visits; there will be no phone calls. He can never be Daddy again. I have no sympathy for the man."
A law-enforcement source said the three women came to "rely on each other for survival." Relatives say they never gave up hope. "If you don't believe in miracles, I suggest you think again," said Sandra Ruiz, DeJesus' aunt.
The rescue offered renewed hope for other families. Susan Murch, whose 9-year-old daughter disappeared 25 years ago, said, "Hope is a very difficult thing to hold on to. But [this news] picks you up and carries you along for a while so you can regain your strength."
The situation in Cleveland offers an interesting contrast to another surprise return. Brenda Heist, 54, recently re-emerged 11 years after abandoning her family in Pennsylvania. Heist, a stressed-out mom with a failing marriage, apparently took off on a whim. She never contacted her family, who assumed she was dead. Her daughter Morgan, now 20, is furious, saying she hopes her mother "rots in hell." She added, "I don't think she deserves to see me."
Sources: cnn.com, msnbc.com, christianpost.com
Discussion Questions:
What amazes you the most about the situation in Cleveland? In what ways is the story miraculous? How do you think the women were able to survive such a nightmare? What do you expect will be their biggest challenges in the days ahead?
What would you tell the 6-year-old girl about our world? How might the freed women be able to regain their trust in others?
If you were these women's loved ones, would you have been able to stay hopeful? Why or why not? How might the families be able to help the women adjust to their new lives?
When have you had to cling tightly to someone else to survive an ordeal? How did the shared experience affect you and your relationship?
What must it be like for Castro's family to hear what their father allegedly did? Would you automatically cut all ties with a loved one who committed a serious crime? Why or why not? Does God expect us to have sympathy for people who succumb to evil? If so, explain.
Describe the differences between the reaction to the Cleveland story and Heist's return. What might make someone abandon his or her current life, leaving everything behind? If Heist were your mom, would you offer her any forgiveness or sympathy? Why or why not?
Have you ever bolted from a responsibility or problem? If so, did that solve the problem? cause new problems? Explain.
Have you ever felt as if your parents have failed you? What are some ways to reconcile a relationship before resentments build up?
Why is it so tough to welcome back people who've hurt or betrayed us? What role do Christians have in welcoming people who've been away, for any reason?
What's your definition of hope? What does it take to be able to stay optimistic during tough times? What are some ways that God keeps "searching" for us—even when we don't want to be found?
Scripture links: Isaiah 49:14-16; Matthew 18:15-20; Luke 15:1-10; Romans 15:13; 2 Corinthians 1:3-7; and Philemon 1:12-18. |
| Youth Ministry Handoff: A Response |
From YouthMinistry.com on Thursday, May 9, 2013 @ 2:02 AM PST
in the "Blog" Category.
Kurt & Josh continue to offer great topics and content with SYM Today. I was both challenged by the thought-provoking journal questions and encouraged by the practical transition suggestions. This week they have out done themselves by including a Football analogy. So, in keeping with the "football" theme, I wanted to play a little Thursday morning quarterback.
It starts with the General Manager (Christian Education Committee) -
One way we have found to create harmony, is to know and develop together each departments 3 year scope. Knowing what other classes are teaching and what is coming next allows us to teach on the same topic or book of the Bible throughout the many classes. This doesn't always work through "Big Church", but if a series is known early enough we can connect to that topic as well. Leaving space for an "audible" to be called is important. Something that is relevant to now can make a huge impact instead of strictly going by the game plan. For example, taking time to work through the recent Boston Marathon tragedy.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Help Your Students "Thrive", Even in Transition
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The roll of the Cheerleaders is crucial -
Kurt & Josh wrote about this briefly, but I wanted to emphasize the importance of cheering on our students when opportunity presents itself. We are small enough that all our Sunday School classes are at our "Promotion Sunday". This is a great time to celebrate as our students move from one class to the next with certificates, pictures, applause, and smiles. Also, consider using this opportunity to connect with parents of students moving up to your team. Use every chance you can find to celebrate with students during their accomplishments.
read more |
| Youth Ministry Transitions |
From YouthMinistry.com on Wednesday, May 8, 2013 @ 2:02 AM PST
in the "Blog" Category.
This is a season of transitions in our ministry. In just a couple of weeks the 6th-graders will be moving into our junior high ministry, our new freshman will be entering high school, and our just-graduated seniors will be moving up into the college-level program. It's a bittersweet time of excitement for the new, mixed with the loss of incredible students who are no longer formally in your care.
Today we hope to provide you with a few keys to make the transitions smooth in your church. As we learned yesterday, the youth ministry "handoff" can be a time when students fail to make the move up in one of their life's most challenging times. Here are some thoughts to make them go well.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Help Your Grads Start The Next Season With This Graduation Bundle
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Work in harmony with the other areas of ministry.
If you work in junior high ministry, you should be in relationship with the children's ministry leaders. If you're the new college pastor, one of your first steps should be to develop a relationship with the youth workers who care for your high school students. Know their programs, their wins and losses, and reach down to grab students to pull them up.
Prepare your students for what is ahead.
?As recently as this past year we had a few graduating seniors that LOVED our youth ministry but had never been to "big church" before. We love that they loved us, but it was sad that they only really knew youth group and had not become part of the whole church. Some of those conversations became the genesis of the Worship Together Weekends we've talked about so much in the past. (If you don't know what WTW is, click here for more details.)read more |
| Summer Movies Save the Day (Part 1) |
From YouthMinistry.com on Tuesday, May 7, 2013 @ 10:53 AM PST
in the "Blog" Category.
The Heroes and Villains at the Box Office of 2013
An article from David R. Smith at TheSource4YM.com
Look out: there are lots of bad guys threatening Earth at the box office this summer! Aliens, terrorists, zombies, Klingons – and even a few idiots – will all take their turn trying to destroy our world.
Fortunately, we've got some well-known heroes, and a few newbies, that'll save the day.
The Summer Smashes
Let's face it: Hollywood LOVES summer. Each year, the hottest films make their debut during the hottest months. The period from May to August is such a windfall for studios that producers and directors plan their releases several years in advance. Since The Source for Youth Ministry knows that millions of young people will make their way into theaters during this timeframe, we always write a two-part article that previews the movies that are sure to be at the top of kids' watch lists.
This summer's lineup looks to be a strong one. There will be plenty of action movies – many of which threaten the existence of Earth – with epic battles between heroes and villains. As usual, Hollywood is offering a healthy mix of "current" and "classic." Moviegoers will see good guys save the day on the "Final Frontier" as well as in the "Wild West."
We'll cover the blockbusters in order of their release date; Part One will include May and June, while Part Two will be reserved for flicks coming out in July and August. For each of the films, we'll provide a preview along with an official trailer (or two), as well as give the movie's rating (where available). We'll also provide a few tips that'll help your family pick the winners – and avoid the losers – at theaters this summer.
I hope you're ready. The villains seem to be.
May 3 - Iron Man 3 – (Currently Unrated)
As usual, Marvel is the first big studio out of the gate. All three of the films in the Iron Man franchise have enjoyed an early jump on the summer box office; #3 will follow suite. The official trailer reveals that movie goers will experience much of the same high-energy, explosion-heavy action sequences that made the first two flicks such a success…in spite of the fact that Jon Favreau, the director of the first two films, will be replaced by Shane Black (from the renowned Lethal Weapon films).
Fans will probably catch a cool story line, as well. Given that terrorism is such a concern in the real world, Tony Stark (Robert Downey, Jr.) will tackle a fearsome terrorist (The Mandarin) in the make-believe world. In the film, the evil villain played by Ben Kingsley says, "Some people call me a terrorist. I consider myself a teacher. Lesson number one: heroes – there is no such thing." Trailer scenes then paint a pretty grim picture for our metallic superhero.
The film is currently unrated, but will likely be PG-13 once it's released in theaters. The first two had to be rated PG-13 to keep up with the action sequences and Tony Stark's brash, conceited, playboyish character.
But even if Iron Man saves Earth from The Mandarin, our world is slated to fall into peril again…in the same month!
May 17 – Star Trek Into Darkness (Currently Unrated)
Kirk, Spock, Bones, Scotty, and Uhura are all back in the sequel to the highly popular film from 2009. At the helm of this sci-fi thriller is the same beloved – and enigmatic – director of the first film, J. J. Abrams, which may be one of the reasons the film is titled "Into Darkness" rather than "2". The movie's official trailer doesn't give much away, but that's how Abrams likes it. (Remember Super 8 and Lost?)
We do know a few things, however. For starters, audiences will get the chance to further invest into the life and story of young James T. Kirk (played by Chris Pine). We also know that British actor Benedict Cumberbatch will have a role, but what exactly that role will be remains unconfirmed. Finally, true Trekkie fans are ecstatic that Klingons will actually be in this film.
Again, this film is currently unrated, but will probably wind up being PG-13 due to action sequences and images of violence.
That said, there is no doubt what the next film on our list will be rated.
May 24 – The Hangover 3 (R)
I regret to inform you, the Wolfpack is back (again).
The big three, Bradley Cooper (Phil), Ed Helms (Stu), Zach Galifianakis (Alan), have returned to Vegas, and are bringing along their supporting cast members from the first two films, Justin Bartha (Doug), Ken Jeong (Mr. Chow), and Heather Graham (Jade). If their adventure is anything like the first two, it's sure to be littered with overt sexuality, drug and alcohol use, and plenty of course language and dialogue.
(I apologize if I'm a wee bit biased about this upcoming film. It's just that I don't find it necessary to grant any accolades to a bunch of writers, producers, and actors who continually pick the low-hanging fruit in order to make money.)
The movie's official trailer shows that the main characters are still up to the same "bad decisions and mayhem" they were known for in the first two films. The only comforting news at this point is the fact that Part 3 will be the last installment in this franchise. Director Todd Phillips has said that, "The Hangover Part III is Alan's story. He's going through a crisis after the death of his father, [and] the Wolfpack is all he has."
God help him….
When declaring that Part 3 will be the end of the trilogy's mayhem, Phillips also stated, "We're going to surprise a lot of people with the final chapter we have planned." Pardon me if I remain doubtful. After all, I did see the trailers for Part 1 and Part 2.
Regardless, The Hangover 3 will be big. Fans shelled out well over a billion dollars at the worldwide box office for the first two debauchery-laden films. No doubt, many of them will pay to see how the stupidity concludes.
I'm just happy that this hangover is about to wear off.
May 24 – Fast and Furious 6 (PG-13)
One look at this movie's official trailer and it's easy to see why this film franchise has lasted so long: uber cool, high-speed stunts.
Granted, this movie won't get any Oscar nods, but it will definitely attract the cult following it's built up over the last 12 years. Yep, 12 years. Even though this is the 6th installment, the franchise continues to make money and movies because it knows how to attract young fans: speed, stunts, and skirts.
In this film, which seems to have a slightly better story than the others, Dominic "Dom" Toretto (Vin Diesel) and his gang are pulled out of retirement and hiding when special agent Hobbs (Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson) recruits them to take down an unknown team of hijackers that includes a "ghost" from Dom's past.
F&F6 speeds into theaters on May 24th. So will young viewers.
June 7 – After Earth (Currently Unrated)
Anytime Will Smith teams up with his son Jaden Smith, it's a smash hit. This time, they're taking their father-son skills into the future with a film entitled After Earth.
Although there's sure to be plenty of action, the movie's official trailer spends much of the time providing the backdrop, while the movie's official website fills in the blanks. At some point in our future, Earth had to be abandoned by humans due to cataclysmic events that would have ended our species. Survivors formed the United Ranger Corps and tasked it with one responsibility: preserve humanity. Journeying from their new home Nova Prime, Cypher Raige (Will Smith), a celebrated member of the Rangers, crash lands on Earth with his teenage son Kitai and sustains a serious injury in the process. Young Kitai must face his fears, signal the remaining humans, and evacuate himself and his father off of the very hostile planet once known as Earth.
The movie is directed by M. Night Shyamalan, a filmmaker who knows a bit about story…and surprise endings (The Sixth Sense and Signs).
And if you're wondering how Earth became so hostile in the first place, just check out the next movie on our list.
June 7 – The Internship (Currently Unrated)
When the one-two combo of a bad economy and changing technology puts two middle-aged salesmen out of work, they swallow all their pride and venture to Google's headquarters to take an internship they hope will lead to full-time employment. That means this movie, starring Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson, will be like The Social Network meets Wedding Crashers.
The movie's official trailer shows that there will be plenty of laughs in this film, but it also hints that there will be plenty of crude humor that is a staple of Owen's and Vaughn's movies, like Hall Pass, and Couples Retreat respectively.
This buddy movie will appeal to several different kinds of crowds, and it will be interesting to see how industry-leading Google partners with the launch of the movie as it gets closer. Whether or not these two actually win a job at Google, they're just about assured to win the box office that weekend.
June 14 – Man of Steel (Currently Unrated)
Though I absolutely hated Superman Returns (2006), I've been a fan of "Supes" since I was old enough to run around in red underwear with a matching towel strapped to my neck. In fact, I think we should have an annual Christopher Reeve's Day. Maybe you can understand why I'm putting so much hope in this latest recharge of America's oldest superhero.
News of the film began with this teaser trailer that focused on the (ongoing) decision that Clark Kent has in revealing his powers to the world, but the movie's (second) official trailer didn't give away too much more of the plot, continuing its focus on the struggle that Superman has had since his relocation to planet Earth. However, we do know from cast listings that General Zod, the evil Kryptonian military leader, will be a part of this film.
Speaking of cast, this movie has a pretty solid one. Henry Cavill (The Cold Light of Day and The Immortals) plays Clark Kent and Superman while Amy Adams (Trouble with the Curve and Night at the Museum 2) plays his love interest and co-worker, Lois Lane. Russell Crowe and Kevin Costner play Superman's dads, Jor-El and Jonathan Kent, respectively. Zack Synder, the director, is also no stranger to action flicks; he piloted 300 and Watchmen, and is leading Superman's latest story from comic books' pages to theaters' screens.
Interestingly, this movie uses Superman's alternate moniker (Man of Steel) as its title…similar to that of "The Dark Knight" in the recent Batman trilogy. Maybe that's just a new move by DC, the parent company of both…and maybe it has something to do with the fact that this film is being produced by Christopher Nolan, the same guy who directed all three of The Dark Knight movies.
Regardless what it's called, this generation will call it theirs.
June 21 – World War Z (Currently Unrated)
What should the world do when zombies try to overrun the human population on Earth? Simple…just call in Gerry Lane (played by Brad Pitt), a representative of the UN who specializes in zombie prevention and annihilation.
The "zombie genre" is a huge one in our culture, and this movie's official trailer provides plenty of reasons why that's the case: a sense of the unknown, plenty of near misses for the good guys, and of course, widespread death on a global scene. This movie is actually based off of the book World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War written by Max Brooks, and is directed by Marc Forster (Machine Gun Preacher and Quantum of Solace), a guy who knows about action and brutality.
Not only will Brad Pitt fans pour out in droves, but this film is sure to draw out masses of young people too, including college students who've taken actual college classes about zombies.
Prepare yourself. This could be worse than World War 3….
Intermission
OK…Earth is on the brink of disaster at the hands of zombies. Seems like as good a place as any to take an intermission and provide a few tips for choosing the best movies for your family this summer.
With very few exceptions (for instance, The Hangover 3) most of these films will probably be fairly clean. That's pretty good news. However, you'll still want to do your homework before taking your teenagers to the theater this summer, and The Source for Youth Ministry is the perfect place to turn for assistance. We've got several FREE tools that will help you make great decisions about this summer's entertainment; here are two of them:
MOVIE REVIEWS & QUICK Q's page. Over the years, this has become one of our users' favorite resources. Our team will take the time to preview the films highlighted in this 2-part article on its opening weekend and then offer their thoughts on the film's entertainment value, appropriateness for teens, and even some ways to use the movie to springboard into discussions about biblical values. (In some cases – not all – we even have those reviews available on the movie's opening day because we're able to preview the film before its release.) Keep a close eye on this webpage; you'll want to reference it over and over again this summer.
MOVIE CLIP DISCUSSIONS page. This webpage combines clips from Hollywood blockbusters with a relevant Bible passage, small group questions, and even a wrap up that will help you make a spiritual point in the lives of teenagers. This user-friendly page is searchable by movie title as well as topic. You'll definitely be seeing some of these films on our list as they are released so check back often.
In Part Two of this article, we'll look at the blockbusters of July and August, as well as provide a few more tips on how to make the most of your movie-going experiences. Don't miss it!
?
David R. Smith is a 15-year youth ministry veteran who helps youth workers and parents through his writing, training, and speaking. David specializes in sharing the gospel, and equipping others do the same. He co-authored his first book this year, Ministry By Teenagers. David provides free resources to anyone who works with teenagers on his website, DavidRSmith.org. David resides with his wife and son in Tampa, Florida. |
| The Great Gatsby or The Great God? |
From YouthMinistry.com on Tuesday, May 7, 2013 @ 10:50 AM PST
in the "Blog" Category.
By: Lane Palmer at Dare 2 Share
Leo DeCaprio is a law breaker…not in his real life (as far as I know) - but he definitely crosses the legal lines in his latest cinematic venture as Jay Gatsby.
If you don't believe me, then read the great American novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald entitled The Great Gatsby. If you don't have time for that, you can always plunk down a huge chunk-o-change and take in the film adaptation of the classic novel on the big screen.
As you probably know, The Great Gatsby features Titanic stars like Leo DiCaprio and folks who have a spidey sense about things like Tobey McGuire. You'll enjoy a two and a half hour journey back to the roaring 20's packed with flapper dresses, one-of-a-kind cars, and several billion dollars of product placement (Got Prada?).
And you'll also see that Jay Gatsby is a law breaker…
Not that it wasn't easy to dabble in a bit of crime during that period - gangs running rampant, prohibition was in full swing, even the World Series was fixed! For Gatsby, the temptation to bend the rules became infinitely more appealing when status and love became the end game. The possibility of reuniting with the object of his affection allowed him to justify breaking the law to win her back.
To be sure, the Great Gatsby achieved his "greatness" by getting away with more than most people would, but there is one universal law that he ignored that is a 100% guarantee:
Make no mistake, God is not mocked. A person will harvest what they plant. Those who plant only for their own benefit will harvest devastation from their selfishness, but those who plant for the benefit of the Spirit will harvest eternal life from the Spirit(Galatians 6:7-8).
"A person will harvest what they plant" - or to put this surety another way - you will reap what you sow.
It's not "you might reap what you sow," or "chances are that you will harvest what you plant," it is you will…
You will find your life full of loneliness when you plant seeds of hate.
You will reap a harvest of bitterness when you sow unforgiveness.
And like the Great Gatsby, you will harvest destruction when you scatter the kernels of jealousy, greed, cruelty, pride and selfishness.
Why? Because "God is not mocked"! He wove the law of reaping and sowing into the fabric of the universe, and one of the biggest and most common mistakes I've witnessed in the lives of those around me is forgetting that this principle is non-negotiable.
But praise God, even though we harvest what we plant in the soil of our sinful nature, there is another garden in life where the ground is incredibly rich and the harvest is bountiful. Just as sure as the sowing of sin brings destruction, so the investment of our time, talent, and treasures in the Kingdom of God through the power of the Holy Spirit will bring eternal life.
It's not that doing good works and pleasing God earns our entrance to heaven, rather "eternal life" in this passage refers to the way Jesus defines it:
"Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent"(John 17:3).
You see, "eternal life" is not just a quantity thing - it's a quality thing as well! When we emulate and imitate the Great Gatsby by planting the seeds of living for pointless and petty pursuits, we are setting ourselves up for the certain destruction of our relationships, health, happiness, and even our very lives.
But when we yield to the power and presence of the Holy Spirit and live each moment for the Great God, the landscape of our lives will begin to take on the beauty and eternal value of heaven itself.
So what will it be for you, my friend? The Great Gatsby movie may perhaps be a fun way to escape from everyday life for a bit and marvel at the pre-war America that was built on opulence – but…
America in 2013 is in a real spiritual battle for the lives and souls of those who don't know Jesus Christ. Committing yourself to THE Cause of Christ is a great way to sow the seeds of the gospel in the lives of our friends and see a harvest that matters now and for all eternity! |
| The Youth Ministry Handoff |
From YouthMinistry.com on Tuesday, May 7, 2013 @ 2:02 AM PST
in the "Blog" Category.
The quarterback takes the ball, and hands it to the running back. The running back forgot the play for a second, maybe the quarterback goofed and was a split-second late—either way there's a problem with the exchange and before you know it the ball squirts from his hands on to the AstroTurf™. FUMBLE!
Something went wrong and the end of the play usually leaves everybody wondering what it was and how to make sure it never happens again.
The children's ministry is doing their own thing. The college ministry is on their own page, too. Big church is doing something completely different. Oh boy. Here come the kids—there go the seniors. How can we be better at the crucial handoffs between our ministries? Is it possible not to fumble this important part of youth ministry?
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Help Your Seniors Transition With This Graduation Gift Set
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
That's what we're going after this week: lots of practical stuff coming tomorrow, but today let's focus on the big picture.
1) The handoff is critically important.?
Often times students leave in the transition. In junior high they were forced to come to church with the family. In high school they have some options. In college the have total freedom. In each life stage the handoff is a vulnerable time to lose students as they move from one ministry to another.
2) It is difficult to move from a ministry you love to the unknown.
?Students who LOVE their junior high ministry might be intimidated by the bearded upperclassmen in the high school ministry, or maybe a young adult is so comfortable with the college ministry they have a hard time moving up to big church because it is largely unknown to them.read more |
| News Archive:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Next
>>
|
|
