Willow Creek Confession.

At Willow Creek's most recent Leadership Summit Bill Hybels stood to address the crowd but was everyone ready for his public confession?


Some of the stuff that we have put millions of dollars into thinking it would really help our people grow and develop spiritually, when the data actually came back it wasn’t helping people that much. Other things that we didn’t put that much money into and didn’t put much staff against is stuff our people are crying out for.
We made a mistake. What we should have done when people crossed the line of faith and become Christians, we should have started telling people and teaching people that they have to take responsibility to become ‘self feeders.’ We should have gotten people, taught people, how to read their bible between service, how to do the spiritual practices much more aggressively on their own.


Wow! What a confession. Here stands the leader of one of the most influential churches of our time publicly confessing that his church has made a mistake over 30 years of ministry. By their own admission, this seeker-friendly church has neglected to help their members go deeper in their faith.

Bill, thanks for your confession. That took guts.

It leads me to think further about a question that a group of youth pastors were asked this summer at a conference I attended in Panama City, Florida. Are we building students or student ministries?

Hybels referred to this as 'the wake up call of his life...' and I pray it sparks more conversation and offers more wake up calls to pastors, youth pastors and other ministry leaders around the globe.

I certainly don't have it right all the time. I make mistakes and rethink my ministry nearly daily. Is what I'm doing right? Am I being effective? Are we truly making disciples of Christ?

I read a question on a piece of curriculum a year ago and it has haunted me ever since. The responsibility that this question brings makes be cringe. Here it is . . .

If I go to your youth group for 6 years of my life, one hour a week... thats 312 hours! At the end of that time... what kind of foundation will I have? What will I know about God's Word? WILL I LEAVE CHANGED?

May God help us all as we lead.

Click here to view a video of Bill Hybel's "Wake Up Call" from the Summit.

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Take Off Your Mask!

Today I was going into a banking center when I read a sign on the door that said ...
Please take off your mask and eye coverings before approaching the counter!

We obviously have some people that are serious about Halloween. I mean, its Halloween-Eve but please people, wait to put on your mask until tomorrow. (LoL)

I thought this was incredibly funny.
I imagined all of the different characters they must have seen so far.

Just had to share!

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Teach Me Your Will.



Psalm 143:1-12 -- LORD, hear my prayer. In Your faithfulness listen to my plea,
and in Your righteousness answer me. 2 Do not bring Your servant into judgment, for no one alive is righteous in Your sight. 3 For the enemy has pursued me,
crushing me to the ground, making me live in darkness like those long dead. 4 My spirit is weak within me; my heart is overcome with dismay. 5 I remember the days of old;I meditate on all You have done; I reflect on the work of Your hands. 6 I spread out my hands to You; I am like parched land before You. Selah. 7 Answer me quickly, LORD; my spirit fails. Don't hide Your face from me, or I will be like those
going down to the Pit. 8 Let me experience Your faithful love in the morning,
for I trust in You. Reveal to me the way I should go, because I long for You.
9 Rescue me from my enemies, LORD; I come to You for protection. 10 Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God. May Your gracious Spirit lead me on level ground.
11 Because of Your name, Yahweh, let me live. In Your righteousness deliver me from trouble, 12 and in Your faithful love destroy my enemies. Wipe out all those who attack me, for I am Your servant.


A few months ago I went hiking on the Blue Ridge Parkway with a friend who is an incredible guide. We were headed to a specific campsite he had set up a head of time and we were hiking late at night, with no flashlight. About a mile into the three mile stretch it began to rain. My trail guide blazed ahead while I began to creep. Soon my friend had left me and I began to panic. I called his name constantly but there was no response. I soon quickened my pace but eventually thought I had wandered off the path. My guide soon responded and I was back on track and finished the hike.

Sometimes life gets very tough and we grow tired and weary. The Psalmist David seems to be experiencing a very difficult time in his life. He may seem like he has no direction, he is tired and very thirsty for God’s response. David; however, trusts in the Lord and seeks God’s will for his life.

Do you ever experience this in your life?

The hike I told you about was difficult for me. I was tired and became very frustrated and frightened because I thought I lost my guide and the circumstances (ie: darkness, no flashlight, an unfamiliar trail, rain) seemed overwhelming to me.

God is the best guide we could ever have. He knows what is best for us and will show us the way to go if we trust in Him. The best thing of all is that we will receive God’s unfailing love in what may seem like the most unbearable, uncertain times.

Teach Me Your Will is a devotional piece I have recently written for publication. Additional devotionals may be shared here periodically for the purposes of encouragement. Enjoy!
(c) 2007 by Terrace Crawford. Request permission from the author for reprint or use.

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Do Schools Kill Creativity?

Yesterday I attended a meeting where I was surrounded by innovative pastors and youth pastors from all over the state of Virginia. This network of leaders was quite encouraging and provided an opportunity to share ideas, struggles and created quite the hub for creativity.

At the conclusion of our time together one pastor shared a video with us on creativity. It was an outstanding piece by a great speaker, Sir Ken Robinson. I will share it here.





I thought this piece was very thought provoking and am still processing but I would like to begin a dialogue about this. I think we not only have to think about this in terms of our educational system but also how we approach fostering that creativity in our ministries too. Please drop a comment and offer your thoughts.

About the speaker: Sir Ken Robinson, CBE (born in Liverpool in 1950) is a leading expert on innovation, creativity and human resources. He is the author of the books The Arts in Schools: Principles, Practice and Provision (which discusses the place of the arts in the schools' curricula) and Out of Our Minds: Learning to be Creative (which, according to Arts Professional, "focuses on the widening gulf between academic institution teachings and the feelings, emotions and imagination that drive us as humans").
Filmed at the TED Conference. The Technology, Entertainment and Design Conference, held annually in Monterey, is a conference that now sells out a year in advance — and the content has expanded to include science, business, the arts and the global issues facing our world.

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The Griffon!




On Friday, Dave Daniels and I along with a few friends decided to enjoy a day at Busch Gardens. I decided to tackle the Griffon, the Gardens newest (and most fierce) dive coaster. Little did I know they had added something special for me.

This coaster takes you 205 feet straight up and 90 degrees straight down, that is after you dangle over 'the drop' for what seems like eternity. . .

If that weren't scary enough, on this particular day (and the time I rode it) there was a hornets nest that had been stirred up. Tons of hornets were flying and hovering over this drop! Isn't that crazy? If you don't think so, let me remind you, I'm allergic to hornets. Yea, it was crazy.


Click here for a videos, pictures and more of The Griffon.

Pictured above: Dave Daniels and I along with some friends on Apollo's Chariot. Dave is trying to kiss me? Our friend, Michael, is picking his nose.

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Wildfires in California

Wildfires have forced over 320,000 people to flee their homes. Have you been tracking this story? People are being forced into shelters, schools and stadiums to evacuate. Businesses and organizations are being forced to close down. Youth Specialties is one of many offices who have closed today because of the danger.

I was personally emailed today by a friend who lives in San Diego who has had one friend lose their home already, while others are still in danger of losing theirs.

Please take a moment to pray for all of these folks who are in danger and who are seeking refuge.

Click here for a Google Map tracking the fires.

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Manic Monday Minute

Manic Monday Minute is a serious mind-dump that will probably take you one minute to read. Here are some thoughts going through my head right now...


  • Whew... Sunday was a beast!
  • I'm tired of hearing about Britney Spears. Give the girl a break... and us too. This is worse than Michael Vick.
  • Our church secretary just returned from a cruise. I want to go on one. Badly.
  • Mexican food is good. Maybe too good.
  • I'm envisioning my future. It looks awesome. I love dreaming.
  • Spent time in prayer for our nation this morning. I'm seriously concerned.
  • I'm a little nervous about Halloween.
  • I challenged our students to double our attendance and I would dress up in the costume of their choice.
  • I wasn't thinking. They want me to dress like a baby.
  • Students rock. But they are cruel.
  • Chocolate is good! Especially all those Kit Kats on my desk. How did they get there?
  • Coca-Cola is the bomb-diggity. Man, I'm so addicted. I seriously need help.
  • Busch Gardens was incredible on Friday. Howl-o-Scream was great. More on that later.
  • I miss my family.
  • Christmas is 63 days, 14 hours, 30 minutes away. But who's counting?
  • I'm stoked about a Christmas event for children I'm hosting December 8th.
  • I think I'm addicted to blogging too.
  • Friends are really a gift. Especially the good ones.
  • My AC in my house is out. I hope it gets fixed today.
  • Our church had an awesome prayer walk through the neighborhood yesterday.
  • I'm loving that our church is getting a greater burden for our community!
  • I seriously have SO many books I want to read.
  • My stepfather is wonderful. Thank you God for sending him our way.

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  • Morph Radio


    Many of you know I use to work for a Christian Radio station in South Carolina. The same broadcasting company, owned by the parent organization Columbia International University, has created an online radio station for teenagers. They play very decent music that you students may really like. Check it out for yourself.


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    Terrace Crawford


    TC is a MENTOR to students & youth workers; COMMUNICATOR; pop culture junkie; NETWORKER; blogger; EDITOR at ChurchLeaders.com, and chicken wings CONNOISSEUR.


    Quick Link: Terrace's Travel & Speaking Itinerary

    Quick Link: Booking Form Quick Link: Home Page (Blog)

    About Terrace:


    Terrace Crawford, has been in youth ministry for over 15 years and currently serves as a full time Minister to Students at Crossroads Community Church, Yorktown, VA. At Crossroads Terrace's role not only includes ministry to teens but he also gives oversight to marketing and missions. He is also a part of the preaching team, frequently speaking in the weekend services. Additionally Terrace is currently an editor at ChurchLeaders.com and leads a national Coaching Network, mentoring youth workers who have been in the field 5 years or less.

    As an advocate for mentoring Terrace’s passion to reach, encourage and equip people is fulfilled through the theme he has embraced on his blog: “Life on Life," at TerraceCrawford.com. There he seeks to unite next generation leaders and workers in the common goal of reaching the churched, the unchurched and the dechurched. His daily musings draw hundreds of hits and is featured on
    Alltop.com. Additionally, Crawford serves on the superior editorial team at ChurchLeaders.com, producing the very best content on the web for today's leaders!

    Not content to limit his interactions to the virtual world, Terrace also seeks to mentor and resource youth workers and is currrently serving as a mentor for Life in Student Ministry's National Mentorship program. Additionally, Crawford serves on the board of directors for
    Recovery for the City International, an organization committed to promoting spiritual health and healing to addicts.

    Terrace is a much sought-after-speaker for youth rallies, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, churches and conferences. In addition to intinerant speaking, he has been a contributing writer for Campus Life Magazine (Christianity Today), World Publishing Group and the CIU Connection. Prior to his current role on staff at Crossroads, Terrace was employed with WMHK-FM Radio in Columbia, South Carolina and also held a position as Director of Operations for a youth recreational facility in Camden, South Carolina.

    Commonly referred to as "TC" (one of a 1,000 nicknames he claims), Terrace is an avid blogger, loves to read, meet new people, watching movies and television, and most importantly-eating chicken wings.

    Background:

    Born in a Christian family, Terrace was raised in church but it wasn’t until the age of fifteen that he realized what it meant to have a relationship with God. “Now I tell others how they can have a relationship with God and I enjoy getting to be a part of the experience. I am also an advocate for mentoring because I believe it is that ‘life on life’ experience that will bring about lasting change.”

    Terrace is originally from Lake City, South Carolina (which he refers to as the City-o-Lakes -- even though there is no lake there), is currently single and lives in Yorktown, just minutes from Williamsburg, Virginia.


    (Shawna Lawhorn, Regent University)







    Address all Correspondence to:




    Terrace Crawford




    PO Box 2461




    Yorktown, Virginia 23692

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    Today my Birthday?


    Birthday

    Today was the coolest day. At least it has been so far.

    This morning I attended a special reception at LifeWay Christian Stores in Chesapeake, VA that they threw for church staff. They had lots of giveaways and discounts for everyone. I ended up walking out of there with lots of encouragment, a full belly (from the hearty continental breakfast they served) and about $75.00 worth of merchandise for only $2.62!

    Later my friend Dave took me out for lunch!

    Then in the afternoon I received two encouraging emails from friends and another encouraging word from someone I saw in person.

    Wow, it has certainly been a great day. I have to question, is it December Uno already?

    [ps] Even though it was a cool day, I am still not looking forward to 30.

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    need 2 pray.

    There have been many times in my life where I have been humbled.

    I recall a time where I was speaking with a girl in college about prayer. She was telling me how she has different things she does to keep her prayer life interesting. She said ...
    I have this custom that I do. I tag people's names up around my house. For instance, someone's name is on my mantle. Anothers is on my nightstand, etc. When I come face to face with that person's name I pray for them.

    I thought that was the neatest idea. I immediately said ...
    How about near the toilet? Anyone there? Can you put my name there? She laughed and said, actually your name is in my cupboard. Whenever I got to get a cup out of the cupboard I pray for you.

    I was totally blown away. Here this girl prays for me and had been for a while and I had never prayed for her once. I was so humbled.

    Earlier this afternoon I ran into a good friend. He began talking about prayer and how Jesus had convicted him recently of not spending time in prayer with his wife. He said ...
    We have now committed to pray one night a week together. We pray for our children but we also pray for you.

    Again, humbled. Humbled and need 2 pray.

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    "The Spiritual Rock Star" Joel Osteen

    I saw Joel Osteen last night on Larry King Live. I know many people have many different opinions of Osteen but I wanted to share some concerns I had regarding this man because I am constantly asked what I think of him. I must say, some people have a lot to say when they've never done their homework. I feel I can say something here because I have watched Joel's preaching numerous times and have seen him interviewed now on Larry King.


    Joel Osteen?
    If you don't know who I am referring to, Joel Osteen pastors the largest church in the United States. Over 47,000 people attend the church he pastors, Lakewood Church, in Houston, TX. He is a best-selling author, speaker and has been referred to as the "Spiritual Rock Star."

    I talked with a pastor-friend the other day who had spoke negatively of Osteen for years. He now feels that he has been to harsh. I personally think we can find good in everyone; however, we must share our concerns when there are some. I will share mine here.

    My main concern with Joel Osteen is that I don't feel he preaches the whole counsel of God. Osteen, as I will outline below, preaches primiarly about positive thinking. What he fails to share with his congregation is the whole counsel of God -- that yes, God is a God of love but God is also a God of judgement and that unless a man believes in Jesus Christ, that he was crucified and God raised Him from the dead you are crushed in your sin and will go to a place called hell.

    Here's some of the good...

  • Joel has helped thousands of people to live better lives.
  • His church has done more for the city of Houston than any other organization or church in that area.
  • Osteen has not taken credit for what he has done but has said it was God using him and seems humbled when he is questioned about how he is used to change people’s lives.
  • Joel is a great motivational speaker and author.


    Here’s some of the bad...

  • His theology is flawed in many ways. He has been wishy-washy on whether Jesus is the only way to God. I will highlight a transcript of his previous interview on Larry King Live here:

    KING: Because we've had ministers on who said, your record don't count. You either believe in Christ or you don't. If you believe in Christ, you are, you are going to heaven. And if you don't no matter what you've done in your life, you ain't.
    OSTEEN: Yeah, I don't know. There's probably a balance between. I believe you have to know Christ. But I think that if you know Christ, if you're a believer in God, you're going to have some good works. I think it's a cop-out to say I'm a Christian but I don't ever do anything ...
    KING: What if you're Jewish or Muslim, you don't accept Christ at all?
    OSTEEN: You know, I'm very careful about saying who would and wouldn't go to heaven. I don't know ...
    KING: If you believe you have to believe in Christ? They're wrong, aren't they?
    OSTEEN: Well, I don't know if I believe they're wrong. I believe here's what the Bible teaches and from the Christian faith this is what I believe. But I just think that only God with judge a person's heart. I spent a lot of time in India with my father. I don't know all about their religion. But I know they love God. And I don't know. I've seen their sincerity. So I don't know. I know for me, and what the Bible teaches, I want to have a relationship with Jesus.


    Since this interview Osteen issued a public apology stating that he wants to be clear that he believes in Jesus and even quoted John 14:6, but this only came after he was inundated with calls and letters.


  • Osteen preaches a message of prosperity for all. His message is “It’s God’s will for you to live in prosperity instead of poverty. It’s God’s will for you to pay your bills and not be in debt. It’s God’s will for you to live in health and not in sickness all the days of your life.” These statements line up with the Word of Faith movement. It’s definitely positive thinking, but you have to take Scripture out of context to support this belief. I believe living for Jesus is ‘the way’ to live and its definitely a better way to live… but that doesn’t mean that my life will be easy and there will not be hard times.
  • Joel’s preaching is very positive and encouraging but there is not very much depth. I also repeat, he does not preach the whole counsel of God. Here is another transcript from his first appearance on Larry King:

    KING: I want to get to the seven steps. But when the people call you cotton candy theology. Someone said you're very good but there's no spiritual nourishment. I don't know what that means ...
    OSTEEN: I think, I hear it meaning a lot of different things. One I think a lot of it is that I'm not condemning people. And I don't know, but Larry I talk, I mean every week in our church we're dealing with people that are fighting cancer, that have their lost loved ones. That are going through a divorce. I mean, I talk about those issues, and to me I don't see how it can get any more, you know, real than that. So I don't know what the criticism is.
    KING: How about issues that the church has feelings about? Abortion? Same-sex marriages?
    OSTEEN: Yeah. You know what, Larry? I don't go there. I just ...
    KING: You have thoughts, though.
    OSTEEN: I have thoughts. I just, you know, I don't think that a same-sex marriage is the way God intended it to be. I don't think abortion is the best. I think there are other, you know, a better way to live your life. But I'm not going to condemn those people. I tell them all the time our church is open for everybody.
    KING: You don't call them sinners?
    OSTEEN: I don't.
    KING: Is that a word you don't use?
    OSTEEN: I don't use it. I never thought about it. But I probably don't. But most people already know what they're doing wrong. When I get them to church I want to tell them that you can change. There can be a difference in your life. So I don't go down the road of condemning.


    Osteen is sincere and a man who clearly loves God, his family and church. He has had amazing success and obviously has a platform in which he has the ability to share with the masses. However, Joel Osteen will be held accountable for everything he has or hasn’t shared. I am in no way personally attacking Joel Osteen. We have enough gossip and attacks on our own army of followers of Christ and I will not add to that.

    Click here for a portion of last night's interview.

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  • Drew Carey's Debut on Price is Right


    Price

    I anxiously awaited the season premiere of The Price is Right (which took forever to get here btw!) and it finally came yesterday with Drew Carey making his debut as the new host. I thought I'd share my thoughts on the show today on the blog.

    Nothing about the show changed much. The colors of the set were probably the biggest change I noticed. I don't know that I expected radical change either. I mean, this is TPIR we know and love. Drew took the stage and the audience went nuts. Of course, they always seem to go nuts when Barker took the stage too.

    Drew did a great job considering it was his first time. He seemed fairly comfortable and did a better job than I would have. Actually, it was the contestants who seemed disoriented to me. And the camera men. Some of the contestants didn't know where to go when they were on stage and Drew tried to be patient. Camera men should know not to follow them if they are looking like idiots but thats just me. Guess it made for good TV? One time was particuarly funny. At the first showcase showdown someone had just spun the 'big wheel' and didn't stand on the red dot on the floor and Drew was like "on the spot! stand on the spot!" It was almost like he was saying, "guys, I know you've watched this show before. c'mon!"

    Another funny thing was this lady was playing a game and one of the items she had to bid on was medicine caplets. She was like "uh, whats that again?" and Drew was like "It's for constipation!"

    As promised, Drew signed off reminding us to have our pet spade or neutered. Overall, pretty good job Drew. Once you get comfortable, it'll be slick.

    Click here for a video clip I found on YouTube that is of this guy competing in the Showcase Showdown with Bob Barker and thinks he must be bidding on the entire set. It's funny.

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    Manic Monday Minute

    Manic Monday Minute is a serious mind-dump that will probably take you one minute to read. Here are some thoughts going through my head right now...


  • I'm excited about the week. I don't really know why.
  • Lunch at Chick-fil-a was good today.
  • The toddler standing at the entrance of the play area was fascinated by the door. He just opened and closed it, opened and closed it, opened and close... well, you get the idea. He did this for like 30 minutes. No kiddin.
  • An older boy got sick in the lobby and threw up in front of all the cashiers. He covered the entire floor. Eeww.
  • I'm headed to Busch Gardens this week, again. I'm stoked. Howl-o-scream is 'okay.'
  • Cancer stinks.
  • The senior citizens in our church rock. They are good people.
  • I'm getting old. And I don't want to talk about it.
  • I hope I rock when I'm a senior citizen.
  • I'm only turning 30 this year. Eeww... 30. I'm not excited. Sorry God. I am thankful. Just not excited.
  • I learned that World Aids Day is on my birthday. Google it. Find out what you can do to help. We seriously need to do more.
  • I hope my phone is working now. AT&T had a serious network problem yesterday so they tell me. Nationwide. Weird.
  • I'm excited about our new series Movements.
  • I miss my mentors Hule and David. Wow, what great men. Thank you God.
  • I'm stoked that I going to see Rob Bell again in November! I'm lovin it.
  • Speaking of lovin it, Mike Lewis bought me a drink the other day and stole my Monopoly pieces. I had better not won.
  • Can't wait to see the debut of The Price is Right. It debuted today. I TiVo'd.
  • My five year College reunion is the first weekend of November. Wow, can't believe its been that long already. CIU rocks. Check it out ciu.edu
  • I have too much chocolate in my office for the Harvest Festival. This really needs to be stored elsewhere. I feel like Willy Wonka. Everything is edible. Even me.

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  • Gastric Bypass?


    Ok, here's the thing. I went to the doctor two weeks ago for a routine check-up. Actually, thats a half-truth. I went because I thought I had a hernia.

    So the doctor checks me out and the verdict was. . . "no, no hernia."

    Cool, right?

    So then he says, "You know, I think you are a good candidate for the Gastric Bypass surgery." What?! I was totally taken off-guard by this. I mean, is he getting commission for these?


    What is the Gastric Bypass?" Gastric bypass surgery makes the stomach smaller and allows food to bypass part of the small intestine. You will feel full more quickly than when your stomach was its original size, which reduces the amount of food you eat and thus the calories consumed. Bypassing part of the intestine also results in fewer calories being absorbed. This leads to weight loss.


    Here's the thing... I just need to cut down my portions. It's PC for TC baby (portion control). It's a bit less intense for me than surgery doc. Besides, I know a couple of people who have died from it (um, I'm ready to see Jesus but living is kinda nice too) and people who have this surgery done (I know several that have been very successful. MANY kudos to them. Seriously.) are forced to live on strict diets for the rest of their lives. I; however, have never really been on a strict diet. That could be the problem here...

    Here are the risks noted in an online encyclopedia. . .


  • Gastric bypass surgeries may cause dumping syndrome. This occurs when food moves too quickly through the stomach and intestines. It causes nausea, weakness, sweating, faintness, and possibly diarrhea soon after eating. These symptoms are made worse by eating highly refined, high-calorie foods (like sweets). In some cases you may become so weak that you have to lie down until the symptoms pass.
  • Risks common to all surgeries for weight loss include an infection in the incision, a leak from the stomach into the abdominal cavity or where the intestine is connected (resulting in an infection called peritonitis), and a blood clot in the lung (pulmonary embolism). About one-third of all people having surgery for obesity develop gallstones or a nutritional deficiency condition such as anemia or osteoporosis.
  • 3 in 200 (1.5%) people die after surgery for weight loss.
  • An iron and vitamin B12 deficiency occurs more than 30% of the time. About 50% of those with an iron deficiency develop anemia.
  • The connection between the stomach and the intestines narrows (stomal stenosis) 5% to 15% of the time, leading to nausea and vomiting after eating.
  • Ulcers develop 5% to 15% of the time.
  • The staples may pull loose.
  • Hernia may develop.
  • The bypassed stomach may enlarge, resulting in hiccups and bloating.
    (courtesy, Healthwise)



  • I appreciate the offer doc, but no thanks. I'll try sweatin to the oldies and eat like the french for a while to see if that works for me.

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    Should Youth Groups Play Halo?


    Ouch. Have you read the New York Times article entitled "Thou Shalt Not Kill, Except in a Popular Video Game at Church?"

    Colorado(Photo: Kevin Moloney, NYT)

    This article is very thought provoking. I've chewed on this quite a bit myself for a while already considering our student ministry just opened a recreational room in our church - complete with a Nintendo Wii. I'm still processing. . .

    I thought Tim Schmoyer offered some good thoughts in his latest blog entry.

    Read the New York Times Article here. Read Tim's Blog here.

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    Everything is Spiritual.


    I saw Rob Bell's Everything is Spiritual show on his tour last summer in New York City. It was incredible.



    The DVD is scheduled to be released on November 5th.
    I'm stoked.

    For more on the video, check everythingisspiritual.com

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    The Traditional Contemporary Emergent Community Church.

    I have the privilege of serving as the leader of a youth ministry network in Virginia. I am such a fan of anyone who works with students. We meet monthly as a part of this network and I literally count down the days until we gather. It is such an exciting time to hang with these fellow workers and share together our struggles, ideas and creativity.

    We are scheduled to meet this Thursday and I'm stoked over the topic. Here is the teaser for this gathering:
    This Thursday we gather for a fresh, new topic and some incredible fellowship around the table. Don't miss our discussion as we talk about student ministry in these post-modern times. Many youth pastors are attempting to do cutting edge ministry in a very traditional church setting. Others struggle to bring a balance of traditional hues to their emergent church. Traditional. Contemporary. Post Modern. Who can keep up? What does your ministry look like? Do you find yourself frustrated with creating a ministry atmosphere that you like? Does your student ministry atmosphere gel with your church? What the heck is emergent?

    So, I'm interested to hear what everyone brings to the table. We podcast this thing and thats great because we can share with our friends across the country who may want to take part in our discussion.

    If you have thoughts, please email me before Thursday and I may choose to share them with our network.

    Check it out at www.studentministryroundtable.com.

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    Kicked Out of the Apple Store.

    Today, I was kicked out of the Apple Store at MacArthur Mall. Thanks Stephen Clark!

    Ronnie Herrick, Stephen Clark and I hung out in the Apple Store for a while this afternoon. Stephen decided to bypass the security blockage on a Mac in order to log onto his myspace. Within a moment an Apple Security Guard said "uh... there is a reason we have myspace blocked." Then the guard asked us to leave the store immediately.

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    Dove Video on Self-Image.

    Dove released a new video for their Campaign for Beauty; addressing the distorted perception our culture pushes of what beauty is all about.


    Here’s the video (may not be viewable in RSS readers or email):





    Ypulse has a great response to this on what the industry can do to stop this onslaught.


    (ht to Tim Schmoyer)

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    Travel | Speaking Itinerary

    YEAR 2010

    2010 DATESLOCATION EVENT MORE INFO
    February 08-10, 2010Youth Worker Retreat Columbia,SC
    February 14, 2010Crossroads, SpeakerYorktown,VA
    Feb 24-March 01, 2010Simply Youth Min Conference Chicago, IL
    March 12-13, 2010Planet Wisdom Washington, DC
    March 29, 2010Cornerstone Church, SpeakerNorfolk, VA
    May 02, 2010Crossroads, SpeakerYorktown, VA
    May 07-08, 2010Ministry ConsultingKansas City, MO
    May 21, 2010The Whiteboard Sessions Virginia Beach, VA
    June 13, 2010Crossroads, SpeakerVirginia Beach, VA
    July 4-11, 2010Grace Bible Camp, Youth Speaker Goshen, VA
    August 22, 2010Crossroads, SpeakerYorktown, VA
    August 29,2010Trinity Church, SpeakerCovington, VA
    October 1-3, 2010Langley Air Force, SpeakerChesapeake, VA
    October 10, 2010Crossroads, SpeakerYorktown, VA

    YEAR 2009
    2009 DATESLOCATION EVENT MORE INFO
    January 24, 2009Pop Culture Seminar,SpeakerVirginia Beach, VA
    January 28-29, 2009ReFocus RetreatWilliamsburg, VA
    February 22, 2009Crossroads,SpeakerYorktown, VA
    February 23-25, 2009Youth Worker RetreatColumbia, SC
    April 20, 2009Warwick River Schools,SpeakerNewport News, VA
    April 26, 2009Crossroads,SpeakerYorktown, VA
    May 18-19, 2009Youth Ministry Conference,SpeakerRichmond, VA
    May 29, 2009Summit Christian Schools,SpeakerNewport News, VA
    June 13, 2009Prayer Breakfast,SpeakerNorfolk, VA
    June 14, 2009 Crossroads, Speaker Yorktown,VA
    July 4-11, 2009World Changers,SpeakerPortsmouth, VA
    July 05, 2009Cradock Baptist, Speaker Portsmouth, VA
    July 20-25, 2009Mission: Charleston,Coordinator Charleston, SC
    September 06, 2009Crossroads,SpeakerYorktown, VA
    October 2-4, 2009Men's RetreatGoshen, VA
    October 7-10, 2009Catalyst Conference Atlanta, GA
    October 16-18, 2009Student Ministry RetreatChesapeake, VA
    October 28-29, 2009Story ChicagoChicago, IL
    November 15, 2009Crossroads,SpeakerYorktown, VA

    YEAR 2008
    2008 DATESLOCATION EVENT MORE INFO
    January 15, 2008 Norfolk Christian Schools, Speaker Norfolk, VA
    January 16-19, 2008World Changers Retreat Spartanburg, SC
    March 5, 2008First Norfolk, SpeakerNorfolk, VA
    March 17, 2008Holy Week Services, SpeakerNorfolk, VA
    March 23, 2008Gilead Church, SpeakerLake City, SC
    April 11-12, 2008 Disciple Now, SpeakerVa Beach, VA
    May 22, 2008 WhiteBoard SessionsReston, VA
    June 21-28, 2008 World Changers Norfolk,CoordinatorNorfolk, VA
    June 30-July 4, 2008 LifeWay CampSpartanburg, SC
    July 7-11, 2008 Vacation Bible CampNorfolk, VA
    July 14-19, 2008Mission PhillyPhiladelphia, PA
    July 24,2008 Camp Hope Haven, Speaker VA Beach, VA
    July 26-August 2, 2008Mission OhioLogan, OH
    August 14-17, 2008VacationFlorence,SC
    August 29, 2008Fundraising for MDANorfolk, VA
    September 19-20, 2008S3 Summit,SpeakerLynchburg, VA
    September 25, 2008St Paul's Methodist,SpeakerCambridge, MD
    September 27, 2008Rock Your School Rally,SpeakerVirginia Beach, VA
    October 8-10, 2008 Catalyst Conference Atlanta, GA
    Nov 27-Dec 01, 2008HolidaysVacation South Carolina
    Dec 22-29, 2008HolidaysVacation South Carolina


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