Wondering what to do with your graduating seniors? Plenty has been written on that very subject. It’s even all over social media in virtually any forum related to student ministry. You may not need another article on this. And yet the question is still nagging you, isn’t it?…
The everyday ways people influence one another is astounding. I see what you see – the pain it can cause, as well as the life it can create. I believe there are seven types of people influencing our decisions daily: Family/Parent Friend/Peer Consultant/Advice Strategist/Planner Positional/Boss Guru/Model _______?…
What a unique week of one hot topic in particular: bathroom breaks. Once Upon a Time endorsed a same-gender “true love’s kiss.” The actor who plays Thor endorsed his 3-year old daughter’s desire to have male anatomy (although, ironically, a woman became Thor in the comics).…
Years ago, our youth director shared something that I still think is brilliant. She shared about the pain and fatigue any of us can feel in serving God through church: When someone is hurt by a church organization, it’s a special kind of pain… there’s something deeper and kind of unique about the hurt that comes from realizing the imperfections of an organization that is supposed to be God’s representation on the earth.…
Andy Stanley recently came under fire by suggesting that the secret sauce of youth ministry is in parents getting their kids to attend a large church. At least, that’s the sound byte that’s rapidly spreading around the Internet. (Stanley did apologize and reframed his comments through hindsight) Ironically, my first volunteer youth ministry experience took place in the church in a large, suburban mega-church that effectively reached thousands of local students.…
When was the last time you went on record? Whether you feel you have enough knowledge of a situation or not, people are waiting for you to set the vibe. Lorne Michaels, producer and creator of Saturday Night Live, modeled this in a New York Post article: NY Post: Do you think the show will be around in 10 years?…
It’s been said that you don’t forgive someone for his or her sake – you forgive them for your sake. Sounds great… Wait, what? Is that our best option? Much has been written recently about Coach Monty Williams and the intentional forgiveness he extended to a negligent driver whose actions killed Williams’ wife and injured their children.…
Imagine that one of your volunteers smells a little funny sometimes. He tries hiding it under other scents he’s sprayed on or is chewing, but the odor remains and even makes you a bit spacey being around him. Do you weed him out, or take the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy?…
The reality of bomb testing. The mystery of Donald Trump. The threat of ISIS. The ambiguity of sexuality. Students, families and even random adults in your church have no shortage of hot topics to throw your way. Whether you’re taken aback from a recent zinger or are trying to think ahead of any curve ball zooming your way, you can take the controversy they’ve thrown at you and have a Jesus-centered conversation.…
Confession: I don’t enjoy structure for the sake of structure. Thankfully, others came along and shared how the structure that helps some people grow spiritually doesn’t always work for others. One person explained, “Don’t let anyone impose their habits on you.…
