Camping, Canoeing, and Connecting

It is an awesome sight when 15 students are using flashlights to read the words so they can sing to God!  We had an amazing weekend connecting with God and each other.  We started off with this video two weeks before camping:

We really challenged students and leaders to take the media fast seriously, and it really paid off.  The fact is that only half of them did it.  That is still 5 more than I thought would.  God honored our focus from one thing to Him.  We had great devotionals (SOAP) and the discussions were very honest.  We canoed, kayaked, built fires, blazed trails, and really sought God.  One of the best times, and most exhausting, we have had this year.  Greater things yet to come!

What surprised you in your ministry this year?  What would you undo if you could?

The Christian Lingo

Great video just proves how alienating we can be, even though it is completely unintentional.

Stuff Christians Say from worshiphousemedia on GodTube.

What can you relate to?  I definitely laughed and was reminded that visitors could see us this way....not relevant.

Are your youth connected to your church? Part One

I love youth ministry, but I know that the goal of youth ministry is to support the vision of the church and pastor that I serve.  The question is, do your youth feel connected to the body of believers at your church?  Tim Schmoyer and Josh Robertson really tackle this issue in this video:

There is nothing more devastating to me than when a teen feels like if they stopped showing up, that no one would even notice.  I plan on talking about this at our small groups because we are talking about relationships and connecting to God.  I will comment on my findings next week.


Does this relate to you?  How do you handle this at your church?

Most important part of your ministry is....

This will be the shortest blog I have ever written.  What are the two most important parts of your ministry?

Your relationship with God.

Your relationship with your wife/family.

If you are struggling with either of these, which everyone does at some point, get help and talk about it.  Yes, that means share your feelings and hurts.  Make sure you have people that care about you outside of ministry that you can talk to openly and honestly.

You are not alone, even if you feel like you are.  If you have NO ONE to turn to: email me, check out SYMSoulCare or talk to a same-sex friend or your former youth/lead pastor.

You are called to a great work in ministry, but a greater priority in loving God and your wife/family.

Make Haste, Have Fun!

Youth ministry can be so very serious.  And eternity is nothing to laugh at, but life is to be enjoyed.  I love what these guys, in the video below, do during Hurricane Sandy.  Hurry up, have fun!  I would love to have students rush in and have fun considering we have so very little time with them.

In the midst of all things eternal, enjoy your students and let them enjoy their time with you.  Our relationship with God is so much fun, and I hope the students understand that.

Make it memorable!