Two years ago, I transitioned to a new ministry position. With the job change came a range of emotions—from excitement and enthusiasm to feeling overwhelmed. One day I would be enjoying the honeymoon, and the next day I would be wondering if God made His first mistake in history by leading me here.…
You cannot get second things by putting them first. You can only get second things by putting first things first. C.S. Lewis When I moved to Nashville almost 10 years ago, my new position came with a curious title, “Associate Minister to Youth and Their Families.”…
His college experience had become exactly opposite of what he’d hoped. Initially, like most high school grads, Landen was excited about meeting new people and entering his next phase of life; but also like many high school grads, feelings of detachment were creeping in.…
OK it’s not like I haven’t ever done anything strange or occasionally acted out in what might be considered quasi-psychotic ways, but the latest leak of the Cruise-ology video shows a side of Tommy that I really didn’t expect. Of course, Oprah couch leaping is one thing, but an 8 minute lecture on how Scientologists are the ‘only ones who can help’ and they can ‘create new realities’ goes waaaaay past nationally televised furniture games.…
Somehow the Mission Impossible music playing in the background seems fitting. Have you caught the buzz circulating on the internet about Tom Cruise’s leaked Scientology rant? Cruise was caught on film rambling on at length about his Scientology beliefs. Just trying to follow the logic in his rant on the merits of Scientology seems like an impossible mission.…
“I don’t get up in front of people, I don’t teach, and I definitely don’t lead small groups.” Ahhh, the words every new youth pastor loves to hear from an Adult Leader! It immediately became obvious that Jason (the Adult Leader who was so eloquently quoted) and I held very different views of youth ministry.…
Did you know that you are preserved for a purpose? What does purpose mean? To intend or plan The object for which something exists or is done. What does being preserved mean? To protect from harm & damage To keep from spoiling To prepare for future use Ps.…
I was fascinated and intrigued by the fact that in 2006, Time magazine’s invention of the year was YouTube. As I read more about the “magic” of YouTube, there were three significant things that peaked my attention. One was that YouTube allowed ordinary people to voice/broadcast their opinion in the midst of a culture where the “experts” dominate.…
It’s not car keys, cash, an endless supply of entertainment, or invites to killer parties. It’s not even hobbies or popularity that makes today’s youth the happiest. According to the latest research, it’s spending time with family! Jonathan starts off his training seminars with trivia based on current youth culture trends.…
Who isn’t busy these days? Okay, maybe some monk in Tibet—but he’s probably just in denial. For most of us, the list of to do’s in ministry seems endless. There are retreats to be planned, students to meet with, Bible Studies to be prepared, and answers to be given as to why the window got broken last Wednesday night, etc.…
