| Are you Communicating the Wrong Message About Worship in your Youth Ministry? |
From YouthWorkTalk.com on Tuesday, April 23, 2013 @ 5:00 AM PST
in the "Blog" Category.
Worship is More Than Music... We all want to create a space where our students can meaningfully connect with God. It's why we expend so much energy on things like transforming summer trips, engaging Bible studies, and relational retreats. It's also why sometimes we send an unintended message to our students... Sometimes, in an effort [...]You just finished reading Are you Communicating the Wrong Message About Worship in your Youth Ministry? ! |
| 20 Ideas to Increase Relational Ministry (Part 1) |
From YouthMinistry.com on Tuesday, April 23, 2013 @ 2:02 AM PST
in the "Blog" Category.
This week we're going to simply knock out 20 ways you can increase the level of relational ministry in your youth group. Quick, random, hits that we hope inspire you to try something new, too!
1. Add a greeting time in youth group. Give them a couple minutes to help new people feel welcome.
2. Spend time with a student every day. It doesn't have to be physical, face-to-face, time—send them a quick text, comment on their Facebook, like an Instagram picture, etc. Just make contact with one or two students every day.
3. Start an Instagram account for your ministry. Post pictures every week of people, not places.
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Get To Know One Another With, "This Book Get's Around"
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4. Give out your personal cell phone number instead of the church office line you completely ignore.
5. Walk slowly through church this week. You might be surprised at who stops to talk to you when you aren't hurried.
6. Let someone else teach so you can work the room.read more |
| 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 [...] |
| 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? |
| 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. |
| Book Review: 20,000 days and counting |
From Youth Leaders Academy on Friday, April 19, 2013 @ 3:05 AM PST
in the "Blog" Category.
"A hundred years from now, what will you have left behind? What will your legacy be?" That is the central question in the book 20,000 Days and Counting, subtitled 'The crash course in mastering your life right now'. It's aptly titled, for a crash course it is. In 18 short chapters the author, Robert D. [...]You just finished reading Book Review: 20,000 days and counting! Have you subscribed to our free biweekly newsletter yet? |
| Would You Be Willing to Be Gay for a Day? |
From Rethinking Youth Ministry on Thursday, April 18, 2013 @ 1:46 PM PST
in the "Blog" Category.
What would it be like for you to experience a day from the perspective of a gay teen? Would you be willing to find out? If you are a gay pastor or youth leader, you already know what it's like. Everyone else: keep reading.This year the Day of Silence falls on Friday April 19. This is annual observance when students choose to remain silent in their schools for one day to show solidarity with LGBTQ teens who are silenced every day by being kept in the closet through intolerance and fear. I participated in this day in seminary years ago and it was a powerful experience that even included a worship service held completely in silence. Of course, the Day of Silence is not without its controversy, particularly for those who feel participating in the event might (God forbid!) send the message to gay teens that they are loved, accepted and affirmed. But wherever you place yourself within that debate, I think that blogger Kimberly Knight is really on to something when she suggests that straight persons try becoming "gay for a day": What do I mean by this? Well, this is a bit of a challenge for my straight friends. Those of you with boyfriends, girlfriends, husbands or wives – for the next 24 hours, imagine that the one you love, the planet around which your heart is in orbit, is someone you can not openly acknowledge in any conversation – anywhere. When you are at work, do not talk about your boyfriend or husband. When you are at lunch, don't mention the Friday night date you are looking forward to. When you are grabbing that mid-morning coffee, don't talk about your weekend plans with the wife....So here it is, a challenge – be gay for a day. Really, really – I invite you to give this a try. For 24 hours beginning on the morning of Friday, April 19 live your every moment as if the people you love are just friends, roommates, strangers.... (Read the full post here.)Participating in what Kimberly is suggesting has nothing to do with whether or not you have problems with a person's sexual orientation. But it has everything to do with whether or not you believe that all people deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. Being willing to spend a day in the other person's shoes is a step away from treating LGBTQ teens as an "issue" and toward treating them as individual children of God. Of course, "being gay for a day" isn't going to let you really see what like is like living in the closet anymore than sleeping on your church parking lot for one night is going to teach your teens what it is like to be homeless. In fact, the power of both of those experiences is in helping the participant to become aware of how little they know of what life is like for the "other" and that so often we are willing to pontificate and share our absolutist opinions and beliefs about something we have no knowledge of first-hand (and in some cases never will). |
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