| Book Review: Thriving youth groups |
From Youth Leaders Academy on Friday, April 5, 2013 @ 2:31 AM PST
in the "Blog" Category.
I love books that are written from in-the-trenches experience in youth ministry and Thriving Youth Groups: Secrets For Growing Your Ministry is exactly such a book. Jeanne Mayo is one of those youth workers where calling her a veteran is putting it mildly and in this book she shares her wisdom on how to create [...]You just finished reading Book Review: Thriving youth groups! Have you subscribed to our free biweekly newsletter yet? |
| My 10 favorite things about the Follow Tour... |
From Dare 2 Share Ministries International on Thursday, April 4, 2013 @ 7:28 AM PST
in the "Blog" Category.
For those of you who've been to the Dare 2 Share "Follow" Tour you'll be able to relate to the 10 items on my list. Feel free to add to it in the comments below. For those of you who didn't go this tour...um, you missed out! Don't miss out on next year's Reverse tour because, by God's grace, it's gonna rock too.
So, without further adieu, here are my 10 favorite things about the Follow Tour:
1. The glasses in the Friday night drama (seeing people differently!)
2. Esteban's "All I see is red" live performance.
3. The boxes and opening on Friday night (this may be my favorite opener in D2S history!)
4. "Trust Jesus maybe"...'nuf said!
5. How teens respond to their youth leaders during the Saturday "Recklessly abandon" session.
6. Zane's opening talk (hilarious and impacting...poor, little mouse!)
7. Everfound's worship sets (great guys, great hearts, great musicians...plus they're Russian!)
8. Unveiling the "Share 6 Campaign" to youth leaders during the YL session.
9. Watching teens text their friends and begin a spiritual conversation.
10. The Red Shoes exchange on Saturday night...BOOM!
Seattle and Chicago here we come. You'll know what these 10 things mean really soon!
For those of you who've already been to #D2SFollow what was your favorite part of the weekend? |
| Easter Pageant Goes Up In Flames |
From Building Leaders of Tomorrow on Thursday, April 4, 2013 @ 5:30 AM PST
in the "Blog" Category.
Call the Fire Department...the stone is rolling away, and it is on fire! You have to see what happens in this Easter play...unbelievable. My favorite part is how the "show must go on!" |
| Responding: A Response |
From YouthMinistry.com on Thursday, April 4, 2013 @ 2:02 AM PST
in the "Blog" Category.
In reading Kurt and Josh's articles this week, I feel as if the theme is how to respond, not just to the things in ministry that can drag us down and wonder where God is in all of this, but also to time, to calling, to self-doubt. I have to admit, I don't handle it nearly as well as these guys (I'm not the eternal optimist…), but here are a few things that have helped me in my ministry roles.
Dream
?I find I am the most negative and beat down when I am looking at the past. What went wrong, who said what, sometimes even what went right. I find hope and passion dreaming about the future. What would I love to see God do in our ministry? What message does he have for our students in the coming months? What fun event do we have on the horizon?
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Download 20 FREE Simple Truth Bible Devotions Now!
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Calendaring out the year can be fun; I get to dream about all the amazing things God has in store. Taking a half hour here and there to not "do" ministry but to sit, pray, and dream on where God can and will take us and brainstorm on how to improve and make God's love real to students…it energizes me.
read more |
| Gum as a statement |
From Youth Leaders Academy on Thursday, April 4, 2013 @ 1:01 AM PST
in the "Blog" Category.
I came across this article in USA Today a while ago and wanted to share it with you. It's an excellent example of how companies are marketing their products towards teens. Who would have thought gum would become a statement of identity, belonging? [Click for Larger] You just finished reading Gum as a statement! Consider [...]You just finished reading Gum as a statement! Have you subscribed to our free biweekly newsletter yet? |
| Promotion Promotion Promotion: Maximizing Your Youth Ministry Exposure |
From YouthWorkTalk.com on Wednesday, April 3, 2013 @ 5:00 AM PST
in the "Blog" Category.
We live in a world that is surrounded by marketing of all sorts… TV shows, sports figures, movies, and plenty more advertisements flood our day-to-day lives. And as somebody who works with students and tries to promote events and retreats, this can be quite challenging! And so, I've "stolen" a few ideas from media around [...]You just finished reading Promotion Promotion Promotion: Maximizing Your Youth Ministry Exposure! |
| Response Time |
From YouthMinistry.com on Wednesday, April 3, 2013 @ 2:02 AM PST
in the "Blog" Category.
Your attitude can make all the difference in the world.
Both of us are optimistic by nature—our typical response in most situations is hope, belief, and excitement. There are times when our attitudes are tested, but we've learned optimism wins almost every time.
There is a time and a place for pessimism, perhaps. Being a realist is a good characteristic of many people. But choosing to respond with a sense of "optimistic wisdom" could change how you deal with students, parents, and your supervisor.
Lurking Student
HOW I WANT TO RESPOND: Argh. I swear this kid stalks me every week at youth group. Doesn't he know I need to visit the new students who came tonight? If I don't get over there and say hi to them they may never come back—and that one kid has a varsity football jacket on! He could be a huge influencer. How fast can I ditch this student and dismiss them, maybe give them an empty promise about connecting at Taco Bell this week sometime…
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
99 Thoughts on Leading Well: Insights for Leaders in Youth Ministry
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
HOW TO RESPOND: This student is special in God's eyes, even if they grate on me every once in a while. I know God wants me to love them and care for them, so I'm not going to merely act like I care—I am going to love them. Give him great eye contact. Really respond to her with thoughtful answers and wisdom.
Angry Parent
HOW I WANT TO RESPOND: It seems like every time I see them they have something to complain about. Their daughter didn't get into the right small group. The discipleship course was too shallow. They don't like the new mural on the youth room wall. (Okay, I agree with that one; Jesus looks more like Prince than the Son of God.) This church sucks; my job sucks. Make this go away!read more |
| Pornography addiction explained |
From Youth Leaders Academy on Wednesday, April 3, 2013 @ 1:01 AM PST
in the "Blog" Category.
I've written about pornography, the demise of guys and arousal addiction before, but this video explains very clearly why porn is so addictive: it releases dopamine, which stimulates the brain to look for more...and that's how a vicious cycle starts. You might want to use this video to start a discussion with your teens about [...]You just finished reading Pornography addiction explained! Have you subscribed to our free biweekly newsletter yet? |
| 99 Things Every Guy Should Know: An Interview with Mike Hammer [VIDEO POST] |
From YouthWorkTalk.com on Tuesday, April 2, 2013 @ 5:00 AM PST
in the "Blog" Category.
Recently I was able to catch up with friend and fellow youth worker, Mike Hammer. He is one of the authors of a great new book for guys titled, 99 Things Every Young Guy Should Know. I have looked through this book and it is highly practical for guys in your ministry. I could tell [...]You just finished reading 99 Things Every Guy Should Know: An Interview with Mike Hammer [VIDEO POST]! |
| Lady Gaga's prayer |
From Youth Leaders Academy on Tuesday, April 2, 2013 @ 4:15 AM PST
in the "Blog" Category.
This YouTube video of Lady Gaga praying is a fascinating study in contrasts. Here is this superstar, dressed in outrageous and sexy costumes and in the voice over she's praying. Earnestly praying. At first, I though of making a Bible study using this video, but I'm not sure I'd actually want students to watch this. [...]You just finished reading Lady Gaga's prayer! Have you subscribed to our free biweekly newsletter yet? |
| Just Believe |
From YouthMinistry.com on Tuesday, April 2, 2013 @ 2:02 AM PST
in the "Blog" Category.
This is the time of year many youth workers get disillusioned with their ministry. Another job opportunity piques interest or the thought of working a simple 9-5 becomes a little intoxicating to think about. The fun of the fall kickoff is in the rear view mirror; the big events have died down while students hunker down for the last couple months of the school year. The grass looks greener everywhere else, and you start to get down on yourself or look for a way out.
Feel familiar? If it does, read on and find some hope to fight the Spring-time itch:
Believe in your calling.?
You are called to do ministry—you are made for this! You stand shoulder to shoulder in the long line of incredible men and women God has used to further his kingdom. Satan is an expert at "kicking us while we're down," and he will also try to kick us during the "down times" of the ministry season.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Download 20 Free Simple Truth Bible Devotions Today!
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I (Kurt) have found that the early spring is often the time of the year that I find myself a little frustrated in ministry; and it's in these times Satan likes to kick me. Reminding myself of my calling and thanking God for allowing me to play a role in his kingdom is the best way to kick back.
Believe in your church.?
You are called to your church—maybe not for the rest of your life, but don't let anyone else know that. Serve like you will be there for the rest of your life. When something happens to make you question that calling (maybe an unsupportive leader or discouraged pastor) make sure you get it all out on the table so it doesn't fester inside and eventually cause damage. Maybe take some time today to reflect on the early days of hope and joy when you first started working with these students and believe again.
read more |
| The Bible Series – Review |
From Building Leaders of Tomorrow on Monday, April 1, 2013 @ 6:00 PM PST
in the "Blog" Category.
The Bible series, aired on the History Channel, wrapped up on Easter. It brought viewers from the Garden of Eden to the promise of a new heaven and new earth, given to the writer of Revelation. It was the most watched cable television event of 2013. Millions were glued to their TV sets, watching the [...] |
| 7 reminders for reaching the lost in a culture that doesn't get Jesus |
From Dare 2 Share Ministries International on Monday, April 1, 2013 @ 3:28 PM PST
in the "Blog" Category.
I love Acts 17. In this chapter the Apostle Paul gives us a glimpse into how to effectively and creatively reach those who have no point of reference for the message of Jesus. The stoic and epicurean philosophers from Athens were interested in the "strange" teachings of Paul so they invited him to their discussion group at the Areopagus, a rock-meets-hill above the city of Athens. On this rock Paul masterfully shared the gospel with men who had no reference point for The Rock of Ages or his amazing message of grace.
Here is the passage from beginning to end. Read it slowly to get a glimpse into how Paul made his plan for evangelism and then carried it out effectively to a crowd full of skeptical and superstitious intellectuals:
"While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols. So he reasoned in the synagogue with both Jews and God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there. A group of Epicurean and Stoic philosophers began to debate with him. Some of them asked, ‘What is this babbler trying to say?' Others remarked, ‘He seems to be advocating foreign gods.' They said this because Paul was preaching the good news about Jesus and the resurrection. Then they took him and brought him to a meeting of the Areopagus, where they said to him, ‘May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting? You are bringing some strange ideas to our ears, and we would like to know what they mean." (All the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there spent their time doing nothing but talking about and listening to the latest ideas.) Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: ‘People of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious. For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: to an unknown god. So you are ignorant of the very thing you worship—and this is what I am going to proclaim to you. The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us. 'For in him we live and move and have our being.' As some of your own poets have said, 'We are his offspring.' Therefore since we are God's offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone—an image made by human design and skill. In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent. For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead.' When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some of them sneered, but others said, ‘We want to hear you again on this subject.' At that, Paul left the Council. Some of the people became followers of Paul and believed. Among them was Dionysius, a member of the Areopagus, also a woman named Damaris, and a number of others." Acts 17:16-34
From this passage we can glean seven essentials for reaching the lost in a culture that doesn't get Jesus:
1. Start with a broken heart.
"While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols."
It was said of Athens that there were so many idols there you had more of a chance meeting a god than a man if you visited. This reality shocked and agitated the Apostle Paul. As he walked around and looked at the countless idols, temples and altars his heart was provoked, angered and broken. He hurt for the people of Greece who had bought such lies from the whispering lips of Satan.
Our hearts too must be broken by the rampant idolatry all around us. The size, shape and density of the idols have changed in the last 2,000 years but an idol doesn't have to be made of marble to be an idol. From the quest for the American dream to a lifestyle defined by hedonism and self-gratification, idolatry in the good old US of A is as bad as the idolatry in the ancient city of Athens.
May this reality break our hearts and stir us to action...like it did the Apostle Paul!
2. Seek to genuinely understand.
Paul did his homework. He kept looking and looking at the idols and altars until he found one which he could use as a salvation segue. He discovered the altar "to an unknown god" and used it as a way to make Jesus known to the Athenians!
We too must look for onramps to the gospel message with the paganized culture around us. Sometimes these come in the disguise of a question about the meaning of life or the problem of evil. Other times they shake out of an everyday conversation or news story. We must be students of this culture so we can find our own salvation segues to the message of Jesus.
3. Identify common ground.
"People of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious."
Paul's opening line was a compliment that gave him and them common ground to communicate. "You're religious? Guess what? So am I!" was the gist of what he was saying. Paul already knew where they differed theologically. It was pretty obvious by their always paganistic and often pornographic polytheism. Instead, Paul was looking for areas of commonality.
In the same way when you're sharing your faith with someone who has no/little point of reference for the real message of Jesus, look for areas of agreement. Build a conversation on this common ground and you'll be much more likely to reach them!
4. Share the whole story.
Paul tells the whole story of the GOSPEL from beginning to end, from creation to consummation. We must do the same. An easy way to do that is to use the GOSPEL acrostic developed by Dare 2 Share. This easy to memorize acrostic will help you tell the whole story of the gospel in a way that paints a clear and understandable picture of the greatest story ever told.
5. Quote the pagan poet.
"As some of your own poets have said, 'We are his offspring.'"
Paul quoted this pagan poet to make a spiritual point. We must do the same. Use the movie clip, play the rock song, quote the Broadway play. Do whatever it takes to take something your audience relates to and use it to make the gospel as clear and relevant as possible.
6. Finish with apologetics.
"He has given proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead."
In a pagan culture apologetics are best used as the closing act not the opening line. Paul tells the story first and then substantiates it with the proof of the resurrection of Jesus from the dead.
Too many times Christians lead with the statistics instead of the story. As a result we may win the argument but often lose the opportunity to genuinely lead someone to Jesus. The story of the gospel (which is full of facts by the way) breaks down barriers and circumvents intellectual strongholds to penetrate deeply into the heart of the hearer. Jesus used stories (aka "Parables") to break down walls and in Acts 17 Paul shared the story of the gospel before he broke out the p word (proof) on his audience.
Biblical apologetics and fact-based proofs of Christianity are great but, in the ballgame of evangelizing a postmodern culture, they should be relief pitchers, not in the starting line up. Paul saved apologetics for the last pitch of the game and his game-ending throw sent the big hitters back to the bench.
7. Expect different reactions.
"When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some of them sneered, but others said, ‘We want to hear you again on this subject.' At that, Paul left the Council. Some of the people became followers of Paul and believed. Among them was Dionysius, a member of the Areopagus, also a woman named Damaris, and a number of others."
Some sneered. Some wanted to know more. Some believed.
These same three reactions to the gospel stand true today. Remember that when you are sharing the gospel and don't be discouraged.
I challenge you to put all seven of these reminders into practice in your personal evangelism efforts. If you need more help to effectively share your faith download the free Dare 2 Share app. Although the Apostle Paul wouldn't need it most Christians may find it helpful! |
| Book Review: Hermeneutics are like Belly Buttons |
From Youth Leaders Academy on Saturday, March 30, 2013
in the "Blog" Category.
It may seem like a funny title, but Hermeneutics are like Belly Buttons is a very serious minded book. Anthony Delgado, a youth pastor from southern California, has written a concise how-to-book on hermeneutics (which is a fancy word for interpreting a Bible passage to distill God's intended meaning) aimed at youth workers and other [...]You just finished reading Book Review: Hermeneutics are like Belly Buttons! Have you subscribed to our free biweekly newsletter yet? |
| Book review: Speak |
From Youth Leaders Academy on Friday, March 29, 2013 @ 1:23 AM PST
in the "Blog" Category.
Speak is a controversial book, it's been banned from several libraries and high school curricula for its supposedly 'pornographic nature'. I have read a lot of young adult fiction lately and Speak is actually one of the novels with the least sexual content, so I don't get this. Aside from that, I'm really not a [...]You just finished reading Book review: Speak! Have you subscribed to our free biweekly newsletter yet? |
| News Archive:
<<
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
Next
>>
|
|
