These two simple words seem to begin more conversations, more arguments, and more dissension than almost any other two in all human languages. Wars have been fought over these words. Churches have split over these words. People of all ages have been captivated by them, devoted to them, and scarred from them.…
Do you want to believe? I mean – really want to believe? That’s the question the latest X-File movie poses. You know – it’s in the title – and of course ‘believing’ in the X-files world covers a multitude of ‘difficult to believe in’ things like alien abduction, crazy government conspiracies, shadowy smoking dudes, and even your run-of-the-mill creepy crawly *sick* monsters of the week.…
Ah, summer! That magical time of year where three things are guaranteed: youth camp has either just finished or is right around the corner. that teen who shaved his head at youth camp has an irate parent who’ll be calling shortly.…
I’m sure many of you have heard the story of David and Goliath. You’re probably familiar with the heroic faith of David, who defeated Israel’s largest enemy. There’s a part of this story that you may not be so familiar with.…
I’ll never forget my first Boy Scout campout. With every patrol responsible for building its own fire, our beloved Rat Patrol was short one key member: Our patrol leader, 13-year old David Henry. Now absentee Dave was a scout’s scout, the first scout to have ever earned his Eagle before his 13th birthday.…
Communication: As my predecessor was preparing to vacate his position, I sat down with my head pastor. In doing so he expressed discontent with certain things that were nonexistent within the youth ministry program at that time. I wondered silently why these issues were never discussed with that youth minister, but my musings never made it aloud.…
One of my biggest challenges in ministry has been keeping a high standard for the spiritual direction and focus of our student ministry small groups. When you have different leaders with various opinions and personalities, getting them all on the same page can be a trying adventure.…
Unsolicited=Criticism Sometimes parents answer questions their teenagers aren’t asking. Often it turns into a one-way conversation where the young person’s mind is off someplace else, but he nods his head at the appropriate time to keep the adult happy. Adults feel as though they’re offering wonderful and wise advice—or at least spending tremendous amounts of energy.…
By the time you read this, my church will know that I am resigning and moving on to another church in another state. While I am excited about the new position, it’s not easy to say goodbye to a church I’ve called home for the last five years.…
A couple of hours ago, I just finished speaking at a national youth leaders’ conference. At the conclusion of my last session, someone privately asked me an interesting question. “How do you build something in youth ministry that will really last, Jeanne,” the guy said quietly.…
