Basic Student Ministry Tip 27

It's better to have supporters rather than fans. Fans cheer loud, pat us on the back, make us feel great and follow us as long as we live up to their expectations. Supporters will encourage, give strength and weather the storms of life by our side. A supporter's purpose is far greater than personal gratification.

Excerpt from Sustainable Youth Ministry

With more than 30 years of youth ministry experience Mark DeVries has provided a valuable tool to anyone who works in the area of youth ministry.  In his easy-to-read book, Sustainable Youth Ministry, Mark gives encouragement and tools for developing a youth ministry that will last beyond youth pastors and give health to those involved.  The following is an excerpt from chapter 8, Aligning the Heart.

When we have little to no life outside our ministries, we can easily develop unrealistic expectations, thinking that the church should "parent" us, provide a close circle of friends for us, offer worship and teaching stimulating enough that we always "get something out of it." But when we have a life outside work, we approach our imperfect institutions with a peace that can lead to long-term change. When I begin to take myself and my situation too seriously, it helps to remember that, in the animal world, it's the most intelligent creatures that play.

Take time to make new friendships, play and enjoy the life God gives you in and outside the church.

I highly recommend Sustainable Youth Ministry for anyone working or volunteering in youth ministry.

Basic Student Ministry Tip 26

Communicate in love.  Youth leaders often communicate to students and adults sarcastically. Ask a leader or friend that you trust to hold you accountable not only with what you say, but also how you say it. Check out Proverbs 26:18-19.

Top Pick for Music Of The Month

Music pick of the month, DUTTON. Great worship band from Texas. Check them out at www.duttonband.com.

Basic Student Ministry Tip 25

Don't allow your frustration to steal your focus. There will always be issues, people and time lines that will "call" for our attention and lead us away from our priorities. Determine the time and effort you can give to an area of frustration, with the help of an accountability partner, and prayerfully take steps to address the areas you can make a difference in. Don't waste your time and energy trying to "fix" issues that you can't.

Maintaining your ministry focus will minimize your ministry frustration!  

Basic Student Ministry Tip 24

Remind yourself everyday that ministry is a marathon, not a sprint.  Live, minister and work for the long haul.  If you go to fast to soon (or ever) you WILL burn out, it's just a matter of time. When you find yourself in a busy season, make sure to plan some time away at the conclusion of it to refresh, refuel and relax. Take your time and make your ministry matter!

No Bully Zone

I saw a bully today in action today.  I choose to watch and see the effects of the bully rather than engage him and challenge the thoughts behind his actions, which is what I would usually do. 

Steve, the bully, was late for the bus and appeared very irritable.  As the driver opened the door, he looked at the young child in the front seat and told him with a very serious tone, "move it, that's my seat today... NOW!"  The young boy moved without hesitation and Steve took the seat. The bus driver didn't say a word (which is another blog in-it-self) allowing Steve to control the bus and intimidate the students on it.  

As leaders of students, how many of us have bullies that control and "run" areas of our ministry by their actions towards leaders, students and programs.  How often are we given the opportunity to confront them in a Godly way to hopefully teach them but yet choose to ignore it. There is a time for grace, but there is also a time to teach and challenge the bullies. May God give you strength and discernment to know when and what to use to point the bullies to Jesus.

I will be praying for you... and your bullies!

Basic Student Ministry Tip 23

Exercise daily!  We do a great job of taking care of others; we need to take time to care for our bodies and health.  Take time to get out of the office and off your butt.  Go walk, run, or whatever it is that you enjoy that will get you're blood pumping.  Believe it or not X-Box is NOT considered exercise.