tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44413967887838457142024-03-14T00:36:34.634-04:00REAL STUDENT MINISTRYReal life in Student MinistryUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger113125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4441396788783845714.post-15658232963569496362010-08-16T09:11:00.002-04:002010-08-16T09:16:12.436-04:00Basic Student Ministry Tip #45<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Parents care less about the decisions you make when you are apart from their students, they care about the decisions you make when their children are with you! </span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4441396788783845714.post-72027488065949892212010-07-27T06:56:00.007-04:002010-07-27T07:10:22.206-04:00Division or Direction?<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I recently had the question asked: "Why do we 'separate' middle school and high school and isn't this a form of division in the church." Below is my response to the question.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">As a father of a </span></span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">pre</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-teen and a youth pastor for almost 18 years I love having my daughter around peers while she is "away" from her parents. For me it is not about the economic status or maturity level of students, but rather about the environment which she is in. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">We had an all student ministry beach day about a year ago and an incoming 6</span></span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">th</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> grade girl was dropped off by her father. After parking the car and opening the door the car was surrounded by many students who were excited to "welcome" this new student. In the crowd was a couple shirtless, facial hair sporting high school guys greeting her as well. Her father decided that an "all" event would not be the "best event for her to start with" and took her home.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">As a student pastor for many years I was able to instantly able to think of many reasons why he should have left her; relationships, opportunity to build trust, the community that would take place, leader connections for future investments, etc. HOWEVER, as a father, I couldn't think of one. A safe environment that involves building relationships with peers who are in a </span></span><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">similar</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> developmental stage physically, mentally and socially is very important. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I am not opposed to some ministry events and programs being combined if they are VERY intentional about the why and how to ensure that students needs are being met and it's not just a "kill two birds with one event" approach.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Jesus had 12 that were close, and 3 that seemed to be closer. I don't think we have </span></span><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">separate</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> age group ministries for the sake of </span></span><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">separation</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">, but to meet students, and adults where they are. We can't give solid food when they are only ready for milk... and visa </span></span><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">verse</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Student ministry is difficult. I find it more sustainable, relevant, and healthy when we are able to speak to students and parents about the stage of life they are in and encourage them to make healthy choices in the middle of their everyday life that reflect Jesus.</span></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4441396788783845714.post-14604563773952522142010-06-13T23:36:00.003-04:002010-06-13T23:38:52.390-04:00Basic Student Ministry Tip #44<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 12px; white-space: pre-wrap; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">If you didn't show up to your ministry event, would there be panicked or prepared leaders?</span></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4441396788783845714.post-57143843563716014082010-05-17T10:06:00.004-04:002010-05-17T10:25:35.936-04:00Basic Student Ministry Tip #43 - Respond, don't react<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">When you or the ministry are "accused" of saying, doing or believing something that is contrary to that of your church, and problems are on the horizon, try the follow:</span><div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Pray and ask for patience (most of us forget patience and just react)</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Get all the facts, not the "hearsay"</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Seek counsel from an elder or supervisor and ask them to pray</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Speak to the source of the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">accusation</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;">If it is just a breakdown in communication, clearly explain and move on</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">If necessary, ask for forgiveness and share the correction you intend to make. Make the "correction" public, this helps communicate clearly the ministries beliefs and direction</span></li></ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">ALWAYS address issues that could be harmful to ministry or those that question your ability to lead. Continue to seek God's direction, and the wisdom from those surrounding you who have life experience and a strong relationship with Christ.</span></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4441396788783845714.post-37543284488926890762010-04-23T06:47:00.007-04:002010-04-23T07:06:02.355-04:00Basic Student Ministry Tip #42<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial, serif;">Surround yourself not only with people who celebrate and cheer you on, but also those who challenge you.</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4441396788783845714.post-2732740204634479212010-04-01T20:30:00.004-04:002010-04-01T20:35:54.647-04:00Good Theology<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Arial Narrow';font-size:medium;"><p class="text" style="font: normal normal normal 10pt/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">During a recent trip to Portland, Oregon, noted atheist Christopher <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Hitchens</span> laid down some seriously good theology. Most people recognize <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Hitchens</span> as the author of the bestselling book </span></span><span class="citation" style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">God Is Not Great: Why Religion Poisons Everything</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">. Since the book's publication in 2007, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Hitchens</span> has toured the country debating a series of religious leaders, including some well-known evangelical thinkers. In Portland he was interviewed by Unitarian minister Marilyn <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Sewell</span>. The entire transcript of the interview has been posted online. The following exchange took place near the start of the interview:</span></span></p><blockquote class="text" style="font: normal normal normal 10pt/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Sewell</span>: The religion you cite in your book is generally the fundamentalist faith of various kinds. I'm a liberal Christian, and I don't take the stories from the Scripture literally. I don't believe in the doctrine of atonement (that Jesus died for our sins, for example). Do you make any distinction between fundamentalist faith and liberal religion?</span></span></blockquote><blockquote class="text" style="font: normal normal normal 10pt/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Hitchens</span>: I would say that if you don't believe that Jesus of Nazareth was the Christ and Messiah, and that he rose again from the dead and by his sacrifice our sins are forgiven, you're really not in any meaningful sense a Christian.</span></span></blockquote><p class="text" style="font: normal normal normal 10pt/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Sewell</span> wanted no part of that discussion so her next words are, "Let me go someplace else."</span></span></p><p class="text" style="font: normal normal normal 10pt/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">This little snippet demonstrates an important point about religious "God-talk." You can call yourself anything you like, but if you don't believe that Jesus is the Son of God who died on the cross for our sins and then rose from the dead, you are not "in any meaningful sense" a Christian.</span></span></p><p class="text" style="font: normal normal normal 10pt/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Talk about nailing it.</span></span></p><p class="text" style="font: normal normal normal 10pt/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">In one of the delicious ironies of our time, an outspoken atheist grasps the central tenet of Christianity better than many Christians do. What you believe about Jesus Christ really does make a difference.</span></span></p><p class="text" style="font: normal normal normal 10pt/normal Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Excerpt from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">PreachingToday</span>.com</span></p></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4441396788783845714.post-40647088584565031682010-03-03T22:34:00.002-05:002010-03-03T22:46:56.930-05:00Basic Student Ministry Tip #41 - Pride<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Take pride in your ministry, don't be prideful because of it. If you aren't finding fulfillment in what God has called you to do, maybe it's your pride not your position that is causing the frustration.</span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4441396788783845714.post-32217453155329385652010-02-22T23:40:00.003-05:002010-02-22T23:43:59.165-05:00Basic Student Ministry Tip #40 - Scripture and Prayer<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">One scripture reference that is prayerfully considered is better than five verses that I just pull out to fill space. It's not how many, it's how prayerfully!</span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4441396788783845714.post-63140836120191333702010-02-21T21:52:00.002-05:002010-02-21T22:05:31.682-05:00Basic Student Ministry Tip #39 - Love<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; ">If I have the best idea, blog, video, marketing team, facilities, and leaders around me but have not love, I gain and am nothing! 1 Corinthians 13</span></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 16px; "><br /></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; ">Remember that a relational student ministry will always outlast, outpace and outgrow a student ministry that is exclusively built on "cue sheets" and programs. Take time to love your students and the families God has entrusted to you.</span></span></span></div></div></span></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4441396788783845714.post-87766965943158033422010-01-28T21:58:00.005-05:002010-01-28T22:07:39.081-05:00Basic Student Ministry Tip #38 - Prioritize<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Surround yourself with people who can help you discern what is a good investment of your time and those things that will just consume it.</span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4441396788783845714.post-53547939904223489512010-01-18T11:42:00.003-05:002010-01-28T22:02:18.881-05:00Basic Student Ministry Tip #37 - Meetings<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Don't have meetings for the sake of having meetings. Plan your meeting, dare I say it, with an agenda. If your meetings are only "informative" and allows no interaction or input, don't have a meeting... send an email or letter. Those attending our meetings are letting us know that they think what we represent is worth their time and energy, don't convince them otherwise.</span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4441396788783845714.post-19239005639680556952010-01-14T08:38:00.002-05:002010-01-14T08:44:29.665-05:00Why Don't Some Christian Leaders Just Stay Quiet?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px; "><div>This is a link to the 700 Club's Pat Robertson and his one minute seventeen second statement in response to the earthquake in Haiti. To me, this is one more reason for people to hate Christians. I am appalled, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">embarrassed</span>, angered and frustrated by his comments.</div><div><br /></div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQ4dA6kZsEs&feature=player_embedded">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQ4dA6kZsEs&feature=player_embedded</a></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4441396788783845714.post-29234144545743249892009-12-14T09:10:00.004-05:002010-01-28T22:01:56.100-05:00Basic Student Ministry Tip 36 - Direction<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Your commitment to God and the choices you make as a result of that commitment will determine your life and ministry direction.</span></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4441396788783845714.post-40812604725211281422009-12-05T20:32:00.009-05:002010-01-28T22:07:05.187-05:00Christmas SeriesGreat banner & Christmas series: The Reindeer's Back In My Front Yard? Now Santa's on the Roof? http://www.thelement.com/orangeave/<br /><br /><br />The Element<br /><a href="http://www.thElement.com">www.thelement.com</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4441396788783845714.post-3799505826265899812009-12-04T21:35:00.008-05:002009-12-04T21:51:44.589-05:00Basic Student Ministry Tip 35 - The Right Ministry<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F2pg7s4ooeg/SxnKSzjPVEI/AAAAAAAAANQ/S-mq-La3p0I/s1600-h/LIHEAP-Families.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 177px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F2pg7s4ooeg/SxnKSzjPVEI/AAAAAAAAANQ/S-mq-La3p0I/s320/LIHEAP-Families.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411578851686831170" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_F2pg7s4ooeg/SxnJ3XCvPMI/AAAAAAAAANI/UJhRylU3HU4/s1600-h/LIHEAP-Families.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">If the ministry you are a part of takes you away from your family more than 2 nights each week, you need to ask yourself if you are focusing on the right ministry?</span></span></a></span><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:13px;"><br /></span></div></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4441396788783845714.post-8137988613822957162009-12-02T21:21:00.001-05:002009-12-02T21:24:21.320-05:00GREAT VIDEO FOR CHRISTMAS<div>I will be using this in our series, "The <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">reindeer's</span> back in my yard and now Santa's on the roof?" </div><div><br /></div><a href="http://www.skitguys.com/store/detail/463/?utm_source=Skit+Guys+News&utm_campaign=36edfad95b-Living_Nativity12_02_2009&utm_medium=email&mc_cid=36edfad95b&mc_eid=2618f5db99">The Living Nativity « Videos « The Skit Guys</a><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4441396788783845714.post-56443602262451608152009-12-01T22:18:00.005-05:002009-12-01T22:40:39.483-05:00Basic Student Ministry Tip 34 - Simple Manger<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F2pg7s4ooeg/SxXhWivsbyI/AAAAAAAAANA/tgRCLZDey5U/s1600-h/images-1.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 139px; height: 101px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F2pg7s4ooeg/SxXhWivsbyI/AAAAAAAAANA/tgRCLZDey5U/s200/images-1.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410478304755740450" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">If we continue to present Jesus as big, flashy, and cool we might be in danger of overlooking the small, simple, dirty manger this season.</span><br /></div><div><br /></div></span></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4441396788783845714.post-39639908232212245212009-11-30T09:30:00.008-05:002009-11-30T10:06:00.721-05:00I'm Back<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_F2pg7s4ooeg/SxPfFbNEmsI/AAAAAAAAAMw/PELQT14IM0I/s1600/im-back.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 225px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_F2pg7s4ooeg/SxPfFbNEmsI/AAAAAAAAAMw/PELQT14IM0I/s320/im-back.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409912861697022658" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I just finished a two week break from... well, almost everything that didn't have to do with the ministry I am so fortunate to be a part of at www.discoverychurch.org in Orlando, FL. I am now back and excited to be. </span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The reason for the short </span></span><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">sabbatical</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> was to refuel, refresh and refocus. The last six months of camps, consulting and joining the staff at Discovery with </span></span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">thElement</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> Student Ministry I have been doing a great deal of "pouring" and not enough "filling" through reading and listening to teachings that </span></span><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">continually</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> develop and challenge me to grow in my relationship with Christ. I began to fell empty and dry. My hearts desire is that I would allow my heart and life to be filled with the things of God; those things that honor Him, please Him, point to Him... things that make Him famous! </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I love Luke 6:45 where it says that out of the overflow of my heart my mouth speaks. I want to always "speak" love, truth, mercy, grace and all that God is, because I choose to fill myself with those things that are pleasing to God.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">My prayer is that this blog encourages you, gives you a nugget here or there that will redirect you toward the purpose of Christ and not the purpose of people. I pray that our passion would be deeper than our need for affirmation that we continue to run the race pressing on toward the prize set before us as Hebrews instructs instead of looking for the applause and recognition of men. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Thank you to those of you who have continued to send me emails and phone messages to </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">encourage me to continue posting. I am praying for you, your family and ministry today! </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Living for Jesus & loving it!</span></span></span><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4441396788783845714.post-23773084749970046432009-11-16T00:27:00.005-05:002009-11-16T00:44:56.572-05:00Basic Student Ministry Tip 33 - Give<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F2pg7s4ooeg/SwDmziEtzkI/AAAAAAAAAMo/dUPh-JpcYeM/s1600/man_looking_at_watch.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 138px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F2pg7s4ooeg/SwDmziEtzkI/AAAAAAAAAMo/dUPh-JpcYeM/s200/man_looking_at_watch.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404573325838896706" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Many of us see a need and do nothing about it and when we do give it’s more superficial than sacrificial. Give of your time, energy, and strength. People, who really need you, need YOU, not your money. Financial giving is necessary and I believe in it whole-heartedly, but I don't believe we can measure financially the impact we can make on another person through the personal sacrifice of ourselves.</span></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family:'lucida grande';font-size:13px;"><br /></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4441396788783845714.post-49017836393061156212009-11-07T00:56:00.001-05:002009-11-07T00:57:35.008-05:00Something To Think About<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">"We are so accustomed to disguise ourselves to others that in the end we become disguised to ourselves." - Francois de La Rochefoucauld</span></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;">Are you the same person in private that you are in public or do you wear a disguise?</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;"><br /></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4441396788783845714.post-51674658300025556432009-10-31T01:02:00.004-04:002009-11-01T20:32:37.316-05:00Just A Volunteer<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">"The words "Just" and "Volunteer" should NEVER be used in the same sentence. It's because you just volunteer that people get led to Christ every day, and that the people who wonder what God has to offer can find out. So I thank you for "just volunteering" when you don't have to, when an</span></span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> extra hour of sleep is what you really want, yet you drag yourself out of bed to volunteer, Thank you." Trey, College Student</span></span></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4441396788783845714.post-68387551470592733192009-10-26T09:37:00.006-04:002009-10-26T09:45:13.819-04:00Basic Student Ministry Tip 32 - Rest<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">TAKE TIME TO REST: <br />Weariness is worn as a badge of honor, busyness is touted as a sign of importance, and "I am needed 24-7" is a defense mechanism that produces pseudo significance. - D. Salter<br /><br />I am still focusing on REST & REFUEL! So many of you "preach" this, but few put it into practice. Spend time with family, friends and those people who energize you today. Believe it or not, life and ministry will continue if you take a break... you're not THAT important, sorry.</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;font-size:13px;"><br /></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4441396788783845714.post-3325520508364933502009-10-22T14:03:00.016-04:002009-10-28T13:21:33.184-04:00Basic Student Ministry Tip 31 - Refuel<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_F2pg7s4ooeg/SuCt751P6gI/AAAAAAAAAMY/4OxWPZdU_4I/s1600-h/images.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 124px; height: 83px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_F2pg7s4ooeg/SuCt751P6gI/AAAAAAAAAMY/4OxWPZdU_4I/s400/images.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395503598237903362" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">For those who care for the souls of others, you need to find time to refuel your soul. Leaders often discover they are running on low and are trying to grow in their relationship with God from the fumes instead of fuel. If you rely on Sunday to recharge and refuel your spiritual tank, you might want to consider finding another way. Most pastors and church leaders are often pulled in many different directions on Sunday making it a time of intense work rather than refreshing worship. </span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Take time to talk with your pastor or church leaders to gain wisdom and suggestions on how to make sure you have a time of worship. Daily refueling is necessary, so is having a time each week to worship with a group of people who simply love Jesus and desire to grow.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4441396788783845714.post-38239555313807758082009-10-19T21:37:00.007-04:002009-10-19T22:02:04.378-04:00Top Pick for Music Of The Month<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F2pg7s4ooeg/St0X6Tm5sSI/AAAAAAAAAMI/TjB4tg_ZVjc/s1600-h/46912-250.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 250px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F2pg7s4ooeg/St0X6Tm5sSI/AAAAAAAAAMI/TjB4tg_ZVjc/s320/46912-250.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394494219123011874" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Filled with passionate songs birthed in the furnace of worship, prayer and intercession, Desperation Band's first studio album is a powerful experience calling the body of Christ to mercy and justice. Light Up The World is a fresh new sound of worship from the </span><a href="http://www.integritydirect.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10051&storeId=10151&productId=667026&langId=-1&cmCat=-10005"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Desperation Movement</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> through which thousands of students have taken the Desperation Vow to wholeheartedly follow God. In a special partnership with Heartwork Uganda, this album is dedicated to being a source of mission preparation and funding for the building of orphanages in Uganda.</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;font-size:13px;"><br /></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4441396788783845714.post-88750257475120657882009-10-19T09:19:00.006-04:002009-10-19T09:44:33.142-04:00Basic Student Ministry Tip 30<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_F2pg7s4ooeg/StxtHCdJoVI/AAAAAAAAAMA/uB3bWRnXK5k/s1600-h/large_teens+main+wide.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 204px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_F2pg7s4ooeg/StxtHCdJoVI/AAAAAAAAAMA/uB3bWRnXK5k/s320/large_teens+main+wide.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394306421368660306" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Encourage parents to become a part of the youth ministry. By involving parents you:<br /></span></span><div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Allow parents to see students in a positive, Christ-honoring </span></span><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">atmosphere</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> designed with their student in mind.</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Give students an opportunity to see that their parents aren't "losers" and other people actually enjoy being around them.</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Gain support for the ministry from people who have had their driver's </span></span><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">license</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> for more than 8 months.</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Allow parents to see that their student isn't the only one "dressing that way."</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Begin to open doors that allow students and parents to serve together.</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Give unspoken but intentional support to the family unit.</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Develop relationships and gain wisdom from people who spend everyday loving, caring and raising teens. </span></span></li></ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Take the time and make the effort to get parents of students involved, it's worth it!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1