Summer Is a Liar
In a ministry context, summer is a serial liar. I mean, summer is NOT a slower time for youth ministry, and it’s NOT chock-full of margin. We won’t have a more relaxed schedule, and we won’t have time to catch our breath.…
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Unpack the Suitcase!
It’s quarter to midnight. I have to be at church at 5:30 a.m. to make sure last-minute logistics are covered and someone is available to meet the bus drivers when they arrive. Fortunately, this ain’t my first rodeo… A carefully (and perpetually) packed toiletries bag stands watch in my bathroom, with duplicates of everything I use in my daily routine.…
(PODCAST) THE WAYS OF JESUS: If It’s So ‘Easy,’ Why Am I So Worried?
Check out Episode 6 of Season 8: “If It’s So ‘Easy,’ Why Am I So Worried? ” — a continuation of the series “THE WAYS OF JESUS.” Rick and Becky will be exploring themes drawn from his upcoming book titled Editing Jesus.…
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What Does Your “Ministry-Image” Look Like?
I once did a lesson series with our students entitled “LOVE YOU: Learning to Love Who God Made You to Be.” Our study focused in on what a Christ-centered self-image looks like, and how the way we see ourselves affects our relationship to God and others. …
Time Between Graduation & Leaving For College
We have been in the throes of graduations galore. Hats are thrown in the air, celebrations had, and gifts given. Then it’s over, but it’s not. The pomp and circumstance has died away, but students are still in a waiting space for the future to arrive.…
(PODCAST) THE WAYS OF JESUS: The Relational Generosity of Jesus
Check out Episode 5 of Season 8: “The Relational Generosity of Jesus” — a continuation of the series “THE WAYS OF JESUS.” Rick and Becky will be exploring themes drawn from his upcoming book titled Editing Jesus. In this episode we explore one facet of the diamond-like beauty of Jesus—the way He longs to relate to us is deeply magnetic for our souls.…
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Summer Business vs Pastoral Heart
Summer is here! Students are out of school, camp schedules are looming, personal vacations are coveted for a much-needed get away and before you know it the fall kick off will be here very soon. I tend to always feel an awkward ache when I can’t meet with every student or be able to see all our students and their friends during the summer.…
4 Tips for Ministry Dads
I love my job. I’m the “Family Guy” at New Life Christian Church in Northern Virginia. I oversee the children and youth ministries with direct involvement with the youth program. I’m also a father of four beautiful young girls. Growing up as a member of a four-boy family, I never had the experience of growing up with girls.…
(PODCAST) THE WAYS OF JESUS: Mercy, Mercy, Mercy
Check out Episode 4 of Season 8: “Mercy, Mercy, Mercy” — a continuation of the series “THE WAYS OF JESUS.” Rick and Becky will be exploring themes drawn from his upcoming book (releasing June 4) titled Editing Jesus. In this episode we dive into a way of living that seems, well, weak—but in the weakness of this way of living is our greatest strength.…
 THE WAYS OF JESUS: Mercy, Mercy, Mercy){kind=link}
4 Ways to Take Time Off: Do You Need a Break?
I’m taking a week off from youth ministry. It’s not because I’m going on vacation. It’s not because I have too many things in my schedule. It’s not because I no longer love students. I’m just about ready to rip some of their heads off… that’s all.…
