| How the Zeigarnik Effect can help you battle procrastination |
From Youth Leaders Academy on Tuesday, April 23, 2013 @ 1:21 AM PST
in the "Blog" Category.
We all have those tasks on our to do list that we just can set ourselves to do. Sometimes it's because we don't like doing this (for me, making phone calls is a biggie since for some reason I really dislike calling people), sometimes it's because the task is so big we just don't know [...]You just finished reading How the Zeigarnik Effect can help you battle procrastination! Have you subscribed to our free biweekly newsletter yet? |
| A Defining Moment in Youth Group |
From Life on Life on Monday, April 22, 2013 @ 5:27 PM PST
in the "Blog" Category.
I've had some proud moments as a leader over the years. Some defining moments too. Yesterday I shared a moment on twitter that was not only a defining moment for our youth ministry but a proud moment for me. |
| How to Build a Spiritual Home |
From Building Leaders of Tomorrow on Monday, April 22, 2013 @ 8:17 AM PST
in the "Blog" Category.
This past Saturday, I had the privilege to host a Parent/Grandparent Seminar. One of the session topics was "Building a Home". For a guy who once lost all power to the first floor of his house after trying to fix an outlet...building a house is pretty overwhelming...and the thought of building a spiritual home, well [...] |
| The ym360 Trends And Culture Update (April 22, 2013) |
From youthministry360 on Monday, April 22, 2013 @ 7:56 AM PST
in the "Resources" Category.
You've asked us for it, and we listened. Back by popular demand, it's the ym360 Trends & Culture Update, a twice monthly look at studies and articles designed to keep youth ministers, adult volunteers, and parents in the loop on what's happening in youth culture. (Read why we think it's important here.) We Want To Equip You And Those You ServeConsider using this article to equip your community in the following ways:Use the PRINT and/or EMAIL buttons at the top and bottom of the page to share this content with your ministry team and especially your students' parents. (For a real-life example of what this looks like, check out this post from ym360 Contributor Aaron Kirkpatrick.) Repost it on your blog or church websiteSHARE IT with your youth ministry networks. This is a great way to help your peeps!Without further ado, here are some relevant links we think you should know about. Social Media & TechnologyStudy Finds Link Between Media Use And Relationship SatisfactionNearly half of US teens now own an iPhoneSnapchat Message Volume Triples To 150 Million Messages A Day, But Hold On To Your HypeStudy shows teens text and drive numbers on the rise10 Tips For Keeping Tech In Check, Family EditionThe digital world of teens [infographic]A Final Text: Unfinished Text Message Is A Sober Reminder of the Dangers of Texting and Driving Culture & Entertainment"How Post-Christian is U.S. Society?" Fascinating study and infographic. Is Your Youth Ministry Reaching Post-Christian Teenagers?Is pornography changing how teens view sex? (NOTE: This article is a fascinating and important discussion of how pornography is damaging teenagers' (especially boys) perceptions and attitudes toward sex, particularly as it pertains to sexual assault. Be advised: it contains some pretty frank language including descriptions of the kind of pornography teens are seeing online.)Teen Discretionary Spending ClimbingStudy shows unemployment numbers for those under 25 is at 22.9%What movies are your students and/or their friends watching? Click here to check out which movies won the weekend. Stay in touch with what your students and/or their friends are listening to. The Billboard Hot 100 tracks songs across all mediums. By clicking here you can listen to and watch the videos for the most popular songs in the country right now. (NOTE: Use discernment when previewing this content as, sadly, much of it is objectionable.) A Glance At Recent ResearchVehicle Crashes Are Still No. 1 Killer Of U.S. TeensStudy from MTV looks at the changing definition of adulthood according to millennialsTeens' Brains Are More Sensitive to Rewarding Feedback from PeersStudy: Teens Watch More Mobile Video Than Older Peers That's it for this edition of the ym360 Trends & Culture report. Look for another one the week of May 6. [**Note: By nature, some of the articles and subject matter we deal with in Trends & Culture often conflicts with our beliefs and ethics as Christ-followers. Our purpose in linking to this type of material is to simply give you the option of knowing the culture your students are surrounded by. Use discretion to determine which links to click on.] Want more ym360 Trends & Culture? Sign up for a ym360 User Account and receive Trends & Culture Updates in our bi-weekly ym30 Newsletter. |
| 10 reasons why youth leaders should get in shape |
From Dare 2 Share Ministries International on Monday, April 22, 2013 @ 7:55 AM PST
in the "Blog" Category.
In my late teens and early twenties I was in pretty good shape. By the time I was 23 years of age I had been roofing for eight years and did a lot of the "grunt" work of carrying shingles up ladders and tearing off old roofs. I was the go to guy for all things manual labor. In addition I played basketball on weekends and lived a very active lifestyle as a part time middle school youth leader. Then something strange happened...I got into ministry full-time.
Sedentary job + torn ACL + no work out regimen = flabby young preacher. Soon I was the butt (a big one at that) of jokes by my fellow elders and pastors. I remember once being used as a sermon illustration by one of our leaders and decided enough was enough. I was only 28 years old and weighed a muscle-free 223 pounds. I walked with a limp because I never followed through on my torn ACL physical therapy. I would lose my breath just walking up a set of stairs and then I would recover by eating a cake.
Not good.
I remember when I made the conscious decision that enough was enough. Slowly but surely I started making better decisions. I started going to a gym on a semi-regular basis. I mixed in more salads, held back on the Big Macs and drank more water. I cut out sugary drinks (but New York's Mayor Bloomberg didn't even call once to congratulate me!)
The fat started shredding and the muscles started building.
But, way more importantly, I felt better and had tons more energy. I didn't need any more cat naps (or, as I called them, "Fat Naps".) All in all I did my ministry duties better. I could work longer hours and get more done in those hours.
Today I'm in my late forties. While I'm no work out freak I am in way better shape than I was in my late twenties. I've seen the benefits of working out and eating right for the last few decades and am extremely grateful God spurred me to make changes.
So, with this as a backdrop, here are 10 reasons why youth leaders should get in shape physically:
1. Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. Keep it maintained! 1 Corinthians 6:19,20
2. You'll have more energy to keep up with those crazy teenagers!
3. If you work out chances are you'll sleep better. If you sleep better chances are you'll minister better.
4. Satan often tempts us when we are at our weakest physically (Matthew 4:1-3.) Being in shape helps you stay alert!
5. It's hard to preach on "self control" to teenagers if we can't control how many trips we're taking to the buffet.
6. It will help teenagers think twice about talking smack to you
7. It will help you have more energy left over to minister to your family when you come home after an exhausting day.
8. It will improve your concentration and focus in times of prayer, study and meditation on God's Word.
9. You'll feel better about yourself.
10. Chances are you'll live longer to make more of a ministry impact.
I hope this article pumps ("clapping sound") you up enough to kickstart or maintain a healthy lifestyle as a youth leader. |
| Why Counseling Matters!! |
From Deep Thoughts by Gman on Monday, April 22, 2013 @ 6:59 AM PST
in the "Blog" Category.
People seek counseling for a variety of reasons. Christian counseling matters. It helps. Church leaders that refer - get the people the help they need and free up their time.
Why does Counseling matter? Especially Christian counseling.
I. Gives People Hope.
II. Gives people a person who can listen. There is just something about the ministry of presence.
III. Gives Direction.
IV. Give reassurance. Am I doing this right? What direction can I go etc.
V. Peace of mind. Sometimes we need to know we are doing the right thing.
VI. Gives people some patience. Just like in the movie: "What about Bob?" Gives time and direction.
VII. Taking Baby Steps. Just like Rome wasn't built in a day - these issues we deal with won't go away in a day's time either. Taking it one step at a time.
VIII. Brings back Joy. People want joy in their life. Not that there will always be "happiness" but joy and contentment.
IX. Helps with the Unknown. So often we fear that of which we cannot control. Focus on that of which we can. Know the stories, the facts and go from there ...not the "But this will or that she or he said ..." focus on what you can control not what you can't.
X. Helps get the forest out of your own eye, not the speck in your brother's.
We like to place blame, or admit we don't have a "Problem." etc. The only person can fix you is you. I've heard of a lot of church leaders willing to refer to Christian counseling for others, but they themselves not go. (which is a danger sign in my own opinion). Counseling is a good thing and help people to focus on the main thing - that of pointing others to Jesus as well. Christian counseling matters.
Other thoughts or reasons you would give?
http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/ZioO |
| How to Deal with Criticism in Youth Ministry: An Interview with Brian Berry [VIDEO POST] |
From YouthWorkTalk.com on Monday, April 22, 2013 @ 4:47 AM PST
in the "Blog" Category.
Last week I caught up with friend and youth ministry veteran Brian Berry. Brian is the author of a NEW book called Criticism Bites as well as As for me and my Crazy House. In this video interview with Brian we took some time to talk about his new book as well as some great practical [...]You just finished reading How to Deal with Criticism in Youth Ministry: An Interview with Brian Berry [VIDEO POST]! |
| The Hip-Hop Word Count: Analyzing Hip-Hop Music |
From Youth Leaders Academy on Monday, April 22, 2013 @ 1:00 AM PST
in the "Blog" Category.
The 'Hip Hop Word Count' is a project aimed at creating a searchable rap almanac, with the goal to study hip-hop music. I was amazed at the opportunities this offers to really analyze hip-hop music. Let me quote from the project description: "The Hip-Hop Word Count is a searchable ethnographic database built from the lyrics [...]You just finished reading The Hip-Hop Word Count: Analyzing Hip-Hop Music! Have you subscribed to our free biweekly newsletter yet? |
| Fully Alive (Newest Gold Member Resource) |
From Pastor2Youth.com on Sunday, April 21, 2013 @ 10:08 PM PST
in the "Resources" Category.
"Fully Alive: How HIS Life Changes This Life" is the NEWEST Study Available to our Gold Members! If you are not yet a Gold Member, don't miss out on the incredible resources available to all Gold Members, as well as monthly give-aways. Find out all about Gold Membership HERE!!!
"Fully Alive" is a 4-week study which deals with the following topics:
SESSION 1 THE TRUTH OF JESUS An Eye Witness Testimony of the Certainty/Reality of Jesus (I John 1:1)
SESSION 2 MAN'S RESPONSE TO THE TRUTH Restraining, Rejecting, Refusing, Replacing the Truth for a Lie (Romans 1:18-23)
SESSION 3 GOD'S RESPONSE TO MAN'S REJECTION OF THE TRUTH Our Rescuer has come... Rescued by Jesus (Ephesians 2:1-10)
SESSION 4 RESCUED MAN'S RESPONSE TO GOD'S GRACE Receive, Live, Anticipate, Remember, Declare... (Titus 2:11-15)
MAY SPECIAL FOR GOLD MEMBERS: For the Month of May, there will be TWO resource give-aways. Simply become a Gold Member (if you are not already one) and you will automatically be entered to win in a drawing every month. But for May, everyone has twice the chances to win. If you subscribe monthly, you will have TWO entries for the May give-aways, and if you subscribe annually, you will have SIX entries for the May give-aways. So, if you've been waiting to become a Gold Member, now is the time to subscribe! Don't miss out! |
| Getting The Most Out of The ym360 Trends & Culture Update |
From youthministry360 on Sunday, April 21, 2013 @ 6:18 AM PST
in the "Resources" Category.
On Saturday, April 6, 2013 I officially became an Instagram user. That's right. I finally joined Instagram a year and a half after basically everyone else started using it. I waited so long because sepia-toned pictures of food do nothing for me. (I'm looking at you, hipsters.) But last weekend as I was having dinner with a group of my teens, I noticed that they were checking their Instagram feeds constantly. That's when it finally clicked that I had an enormous youth culture blind spot. I do my best to keep my finger on the pulse of youth culture, but in the whirlwind of spinning the million plates that we all have going, I missed a pretty huge trend. And I bet you occasionally miss one too. (If you don't, just wait until you get old and out of touch like me. I'm 29. ?) And if it's hard for us youth workers to keep track of the ever-changing landscape of youth culture, just imagine what it's like for your students' parents and volunteers who don't have time to read the books, scour the blogs, track the memes, and watch the embarrassing amount of YouTube videos that you and I do. It can be overwhelming. The good news is that the guys at ym360 have given us an incredibly powerful ministry resource in their Trends and Culture Updates. It's a useful tool for us youth workers, but it also presents us with an opportunity to equip our parents and volunteers. Here's what I like to do:1. I read the post myself to get the latest info on any trends I've missed.2. I type up a short email to my parents and volunteers (we use ConstantContact for ease of use and quality appearance, but you can use whatever you like). This email highlights articles I think my parents and volunteers would really appreciate or find useful, so they don't have to read every article themselves. At the end of the email, I provide a link to the YM360 post. (For an example of what this looks like, click here. Feel free to use it as a template or even copy it word-for-word in an email of your own.) Chalk this up to preference, but I like using a link-shortening service when I include a visible link. No one wants to click on a link that's three lines long, and there's something to be said for aesthetics. 3. Finally, if you use a service like Constant Contact, you can use their social media sharing options to expand your reach via Facebook and Twitter. A few weeks ago I sent an email out about the recent Facebook app, "Bang with Friends," and then linked to it on Facebook. Three days later, it was still being reposted by friends of friends of friends of mine. That's the power of social media.Providing your students' parents and your adult volunteers with an easy way to access youth culture may be one of the most important things you can do for them. By equipping these adults you enable them to engage teenagers on meaningful topics in relevant ways. (Oh, and if you're interested in sepia toned images of what I eat, and all other kinds of meaningless images, follow me on Instagram: @AaronK13.) |
| This ain't your mama's gospel tract! |
From Dare 2 Share Ministries International on Saturday, April 20, 2013 @ 6:26 AM PST
in the "Blog" Category.
Would you like to equip your teens to begin gospel conversations with their friends using a visually compelling, highly illustrated book? Would you like to give them a tool that is such a conversation starter it enables them to get over their fear of bringing the gospel up? Would you like to have this powerful and effective resource for FREE? Watch this 2 minute video to find out more...
Here's what one youth leader (Andy McGowan of Kenosha, Wisconsin) said about the Life in 6 Words outreach book, "These books are great for getting teens to share their faith. The books are CONCISE enough to keep a teen's attention, COMPLETE enough to fully explain the whole story of the gospel and COOL enough for my teenagers to unashamedly pass them on to their friends."
Go to share6campaign.com to find out how you can get a 100 of these beautifully illustrated evangelistic books for free. |
| Book Review: The Hunger Games |
From Youth Leaders Academy on Saturday, April 20, 2013 @ 1:01 AM PST
in the "Blog" Category.
The Hunger Games are hot right now with the second movie releasing its first previews, but that's now why I am reviewing this series of three books. I've decided to review my way through the NPR's Top 100 in Teen Fiction and this series ranks number 2 (!) on that list. Many of you will [...]You just finished reading Book Review: The Hunger Games! Have you subscribed to our free biweekly newsletter yet? |
| How to T.A.L.K. with Teens about Tragedy and Terror |
From YouthMinistry.com on Friday, April 19, 2013 @ 10:19 AM PST
in the "Blog" Category.
In times of terror and tragedy, how can we talk with teenagers in a way that will help them cope and even thrive? I was encouraged to have some great conversations with my 14-year-old son this week regarding the Boston Marathon Bombing, the Ricin mailings, and the Texas Fertilizer Explosion...not to mention the other "regular" stresses that have impacted his everyday adolescent life. It's not always easy to know how to start these conversations, what content to share, or how vulnerable to be ourselves, but it is possible to create opportunities for effective, deep sharing and reflection.
If it's helpful for you, here are some simple introductory guidelines I've come up with over the years to help older people "T.A.L.K." with students about difficult situations. None of these ideas are particularly new...just a common sense acrostic that I've developed as tragedies and terrors have passed by. These might seem simplistic, at first, but they set up a trustworthy framework for deep conversations.
Take Time—Everyone processes difficulties differently. So take time to invest in teens in ways that build them up and show that you are "there" for them. Don't disappear and isolate your "adult" coversations. Be attentive. Sharing your own feelings/thoughts is okay...but be careful to focus attention on the student(s). Taking time to use teens to codependently seek your own processing is selfish and ultimately harmful. Take time that is intentionally set aside to facilitate discussion or reflection for their sake. [Note: Another important "T" here is to "Trust that God is at Work" in the life of your teen. This takes tremendous pressure off of you to be the fix-it person in terrible times; Note 2: It is also important to be "Truthful" about events. Half-truths or false facts, even for the sake of protecting someone, can have an adverse effect later.]
Ask Questions—Instead of doing all the talking or trying to direct the conversation, simply ask open-ended questions that will help teens articulate what they already know, or what they are already processing. Avoid advice at first (wait until they ask you or seem ready to receive) and avoid talking about yourself. Try hard to ask conversation starters that enable the student to verbalize and discover aloud for themselves. (e.g. "What do you know of what happened today?"; "What do you think causes people to do this?"; "How would you have responded if you had been there?"; "When things like this happen, what becomes the most important priority in your life?"; etc.)
Listen—An adult who actually listens to teenagers is a rare and, therefore, a treasured person in our society. Most adults will hear an answer and then jump in with their own answers or explanations (inevitably discouraging a student from sharing again the next time a question is asked). In other words, don't assume that just because you successfully asked a question that you will automatically successfully listen. To patiently hear and internalize and process what teenagers say (without butting in) is more than most adults have time for. Again, steps 1+2 come into play here. Take Time. Ask questions. And then, do what only a few do: Listen.
Keep Calm—The environment we establish from our posture is influential. If we are panicked, most likely so will be our students. Set the tone of encouragement, reassurance, and relative safety. Normalize a loving environment in the midst of turbulence. Let teens know that you will take time, ask them questions, listen to them, and keep calm. In many ways, this process is similar to what a triage camp does in a time of crisis. Allow your student room to process what they need to process. And in your posture of calm, they will begin to explore with you, in a way relevant and unique to them, what they need to thrive through difficult scenarios. |
| Discussion Starter--Heroism, Kindness Emerge After Bombings |
From YouthMinistry.com on Friday, April 19, 2013 @ 8:45 AM PST
in the "Blog" Category.
Boston—Despite a difficult week, with tragedies in Boston and then Texas, Americans are focusing on generosity, unity, and hope. After Monday's attack at the Boston Marathon finish line, local District Attorney Dan Conley said, "Moments like these, terrible as they are, don't show our weakness; they show our strength."
First responders—medical personnel and bystanders alike—ensured that victims were transported to hospitals quickly. Civilians offered comfort to badly injured victims. Some racers kept running to go donate blood. Local residents offered their homes and food to strangers. Most Americans seemed resolved to not let threats interfere with their daily lives.
On social media, two posts went viral, encouraging faith in humanity amid senseless tragedy. The first was by the late TV host Mr. Rogers, who said, "When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.'"
The second was by comedian Patton Oswalt, who expressed frustration at the "mayhem" but pointed out that good people far outnumber the bad. "You watch the videos of the carnage, and there are people running toward the destruction to help out," he wrote. "Like white blood cells attacking a virus, [the good people] dilute and weaken and eventually wash away the evildoers and, more importantly, the damage they wreak."
The family of a newlywed couple who each lost a leg in the attacks released a statement saying that although the bombings "shook our faith in humanity," all the support they're receiving restores it.
Dr. Joe Stavas, who helped with triage after running the marathon, described the difficult recovery ahead. "I see this like getting through a marathon, and we're on Heartbreak Hill. This will be a long struggle, but I'm sure it will be overcome with more good Samaritans."
Sources: bostonglobe.com, cnn.com, upi.com
Discussion Questions:
How does a week filled with such heavy, negative news leave you feeling? Does such violence destroy or restore your faith in your fellow humans? Explain. What perspective does such a difficult week offer you about your own life and trials?
Why do you suppose such tragedies tend to unite Americans—at least for a while? Why do horrible experiences seem to bring out the best in people? Does that mean we should welcome trials and tribulations despite the pain they inflict? Why or why not?
What type of mindset does it take to be willing to run toward danger instead of away from it? How do you think you'd react in a situation such as the bombings, and why? To what extent should people consider their own safety when other people need assistance?
What type of "helpers" do you turn to when life is a struggle? To what extent do you try to be a helper to individuals who are hurting? What risks and rewards have you experienced from getting involved with strangers' lives?
In your opinion, are people inherently evil and selfish? Explain. Do you agree there are more good people than bad in our world? Why or why not? How might we be able to lessen the effects of evil among us?
In what ways is our earthly life like a marathon? How can you keep running, even when life knocks you down? How can you finish the race strong and win the crown?
Scripture links: Joel 2:25-27; Acts 4: 32-35; Romans 1:28-32; Philippians 4:8-9; 2 Timothy 4:6-8; and 1 John 5:1-5. |
| Flashback Friday (Apr. 19): This Week's Links From The Youth Ministry Blogosphere |
From youthministry360 on Friday, April 19, 2013 @ 7:13 AM PST
in the "Resources" Category.
One of the things we are committed to at ym360 is Networking. Our vision for networking is connecting you to people and organizations doing awesome youth ministry.Flashback Friday is a feature where we give you the run down of some of the awesome posts from the past week across youth ministry blogs. Consider it our way of keeping you connected with what is going on. This week's posts from the ym360 BlogA Right Approach to The Bible in Your Youth Ministry by Andy BlanksYM Essentials: The Boston Marathon Bombings: Dealing With National Tragedies by Andy BlanksYouth Worker BOOST: Lonely by Richard ParkerIs Your Youth Ministry Reaching Post-Christian Teenagers? by Andy Blanks Posts From Other Awesome PeopleWe search the Internet to bring you relevant information to help you be a better youth worker. Here are some links from posts we thought were pretty great.Suggested Bibles as Gifts for Graduating Seniors by Austin McCannWhat do you do now that the gospel is no longer Good News? by Ben KernsNew resource for talking with girls about self-image by Brad GriffinMeasuring Success In Youth Ministry by Christopher WesleySetting the Example for Your Team by Colton HarkerBlind Spots - You Have Them by David GrantLeadership is [often] lonely by Doug FieldsHow to Create a Culture of Service in your Youth Ministry by Leneita FixThat's all the links for this week. As always, have an awesome weekend . . . And THANK YOU for the chance to serve you as part of the ym360 community. |
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