It's hard to believe that yesterday marked the 5 year anniversary of the passing of Mike Yaconelli. That man made a serious impact on the world. I know he made an impact on me. If you've never read his book "Messy Spirituality" you MUST. It was a picture into Mike's life and changed the way I looked at ministry forever. Love you Mike! We still miss you. Speak on!
Labels: Communicating, Youth Pastors
From the Mail Box...
I received an email from a leader (we'll call Allen) who saw this vid that I posted of Perry Noble speaking and asked me these questions:
Dear Allen:
I think this is a very good question. Let me just say, in response to your question, that as a communicator myself I think I have a healthy concern about this topic. I do believe it is important that we be very careful to consider the audience we are reaching as we prepare our messages as well as the language or approach we use in communicating that message. With that said, I can certainly identify with the struggle of being "cutting edge," or "cool" while not compromising the message you are trying to communicate -- and the integrity of the church as you mentioned.
I cannot speak for Perry or any other communicator for that matter but I know that I personally don't use any language on stage that I wouldn't off stage. I know a couple of pastors who are very popular today who occasionally "cuss" on stage. While I personally would not use words that I would consider "cuss words" on stage, I am guilty of using bywords like "flippin" and "freakin"-- so who am I to judge? I think it all comes down to the heart. I don't think we'll ever have blanket permission from God on topics like this ... but we must move forward with our own personal convictions and pray for other communicators and pastors as they lead. Furthermore, let me just say that scriptures like Ephesians 4:29, "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth" and Matthew 12:36, "But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment" scare me -- and these two scriptures alone should make us choose our language carefully and pray before we speak!
I received an email from a leader (we'll call Allen) who saw this vid that I posted of Perry Noble speaking and asked me these questions:
Dear Allen:
I think this is a very good question. Let me just say, in response to your question, that as a communicator myself I think I have a healthy concern about this topic. I do believe it is important that we be very careful to consider the audience we are reaching as we prepare our messages as well as the language or approach we use in communicating that message. With that said, I can certainly identify with the struggle of being "cutting edge," or "cool" while not compromising the message you are trying to communicate -- and the integrity of the church as you mentioned.
I cannot speak for Perry or any other communicator for that matter but I know that I personally don't use any language on stage that I wouldn't off stage. I know a couple of pastors who are very popular today who occasionally "cuss" on stage. While I personally would not use words that I would consider "cuss words" on stage, I am guilty of using bywords like "flippin" and "freakin"-- so who am I to judge? I think it all comes down to the heart. I don't think we'll ever have blanket permission from God on topics like this ... but we must move forward with our own personal convictions and pray for other communicators and pastors as they lead. Furthermore, let me just say that scriptures like Ephesians 4:29, "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth" and Matthew 12:36, "But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment" scare me -- and these two scriptures alone should make us choose our language carefully and pray before we speak!
Labels: Church, Culture, Hot Topics, Leadership, Youth Pastors
My buddy, Tim Schmoyer, host live youth ministry conversations on Friday afternoons @ 2PM (eastern) via Talkshoe. As my schedule allows I join the conversation and always have a great time chit-chatting with some incredible leaders in the field. Last week I joined the convo that was actually led by 16-year old Michael Rothermel, who has quite the talent in the area of photography. You've got to listen to this podcast and hear Michael speak. I was really impressed with his leadership. Michael (and Tim) talked about the use of media in ministry, which is always honey to my ears.//Programming Note:// Tune in tomorrow, Friday, October 31 as I will be filling the special guest seat leading a discussion on
Labels: Church, Creative, Culture, Media, Students Only, Technology, Youth Pastors
San Francisco artist Chris Cobb rearranged all the books in his local bookstore according to color as an art project. Over 20,000 books - 16 volunteers - 10 hours later - done. Love the idea... just don't have that much time.
What if you started your day today with this prayer:
Lord, help me to glorify you today.
and what if... you repeated that simple, short prayer all day long?
Lord, help me to glorify you today.
and what if... you repeated that simple, short prayer all day long?
Labels: Random
Here's a couple of vids of action cam footage from a recent Disciple Now that I participated in. I have the privilege sometimes of not only leading students during events like this but sometimes emcee'ing as well. It was a great weekend!
My boy, ChurchyDave, did the camera work. He rocks.
My boy, ChurchyDave, did the camera work. He rocks.
Labels: News, Personal, Students Only, Videos, Youth Pastors
Have you heard of Twitter Grader? It's like technorati for twitter - providing you a ranking, a tweet cloud and a lot of other useless information... but its neat - so I post.
Here is a string of words I apparently use too frequently in my tweets:
Click here to follow me on twitter.
Labels: Resources, Students Only, Youth Pastors
Its hard to believe that we are literally a week away from determining who our future president will be. After all the debates, ups and downs and campaigning -- the day will soon come. Tonight we are having a special prayer time at our church for the election and for our country. Barack Obama is also in town speaking. Perhaps I can get him to stop by... :-)
Linkalicious:
Labels: Linkalicious, Politics
One of the pastors in my ears these days is Perry Noble, lead pastor of NewSpring Church in Anderson, SC. Perry is known for his straight-talk preaching style and I love it. I listen to every message and have recently been reading his blog (despise his template but LOVE the content). Perry's current message series is called "Beautiful," a series for women but in this video clip Perry brings a word to single guys who need to man-up.
Perry Noble,NewSpring Church
Labels: Hot Topics, Issues, Students Only, Videos, Youth Pastors
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...
Its the Manic Monday Minute.
Anyone else have a "holy hangover" on Mondays? I am ALWAYS tempted to switch my day off to Monday when I pry myself outta bed on Monday mornings.
... or perhaps I should petition for Mondays to start mid-day. You know, around noon? That would work also.
Had a good discussion with local pastors today about politics and social activism.
Someone just sent me a text. That better be Jesus!
I am SO ready for the election to be over. I'm just sick of the coverage - although I find myself following it. I'm weird. I own it.
Been trying out this new search engine service this weekend. I texted "who is terrace crawford?" a few times. It was funny to see the variety of responses I got.
I turned my students onto it but I don't think they were impressed.
Welcome to my new blog readers. This is a Monday tradition FYI.
Went to a wedding this weekend by myself. I don't really recommend that to anyone - although I met some cool people.
Praying for Jennifer Hudson. I'm really burdened for her family and the tragic loss of three of her family members this past weekend.
A friend of mine saw I blogged last week about how I wanted it to be Christmas and posted this vid. Love it. Spirit of the season is here boyyeee!
I just added something to my I WANT THAT! list.
Mailed a TON of resources out to leaders across the country earlier today. I get the biggest kick out of that.
Currently reading this book and having a good time in my discussion group with local youth pastors.
Some of our students refer to it as our Oprah Book Club. HA!
Gas is down to $2.35! It's so exciting to fill-up the tank these days. Is gas cheaper where you are?
Weather here will be nasty the next few days. Grrr.
Follow me on Twitter. Seriously, its non-stop action every day of my life.
Headed to dinner later with ChurchyDave.
We are grabbing some wings! TC love wingy.
Just planned a trip toSouth Carolina for Thanksgiving. I'm stoked.
For the first time in a long time my birthday (december uno) falls the same weekend as Thanksgiving. Well, actually it falls on the Monday following the weekend... but I still consider it the weekend if I'm off work.
Ok, I'm out!
Labels: Manic Monday Minute
If you live on the go like me and find yourself needing a quick answer with no internet service or expert nearby, Cha Cha can help. Cha Cha is a fairly new search engine service that finds answers to your every question. No, there aren't people living in your cell phone... but it certainly feels like it! Cha Cha launched in January out of Carmel, IN and now has over 5,000 freelance "guides" across the country providing answers to your questions in just under 3 minutes! Simply text C-H-A-C-H-A with your question and get an answer. Go ahead, do the Cha Cha. 
Note: ChaCha is a completely free service, although standard text messaging rates apply; however, sources say that come Spring of 2009 the service will only offer 10 free queries per user and charge a fee of $5.00 per month for queries following.Labels: Creative, News, Resources, Students Only, Technology, Youth Pastors
My thoughts and prayers are with Oscar-winning actress and former American Idol Star Jennifer Hudson. On Friday her mother and brother were both slain in their home in Chicago after a reported domestic dispute. The star's sister and nephew have been missing since Friday morning and police are on the hunt for Hudson's brother-in-law, who is the prime suspect. This is such a terrible tragedy and my prayers are with Jennifer and the family.(photo)
Labels: Celebrities, News
Think we should change that twitter bird to a dove?
Follow me on twitter here folks.
Thanks to Brad Ruggles for pointing this out.
Labels: Church, Communicating, Culture, Personal, Resources, Technology, Youth Pastors
In September the Economist Intelligence Unit released a report of a survey they did earlier this year where they asked 164 corporate executives from around the world what techniques they have found are most effective at marketing to the millennial generation (those born between 1982 and 2001). I think its important those of us reaching students look at these figures from time to time to see how things stack up:How to Reach the Millennial Generation
(e.g., extreme sports, music venues, chat rooms, social networking sites)
(e.g., parents, peers)
Kent Shaffer, who also reported this research adds: "if your church wants to reach the millennial generation, create a great church experience that is remarkable (creates word of mouth) and targets the key influencers and social catalysts of your local millennial community. Also, show that you care about the things that they care about by sponsoring local events or participating in causes that they are passionate about. Blog about what you do and use text messaging. And be sure that you keep things fresh and fun with occasional special events, games, etc."
Does the research surprise you? What means have you found most effective?
Labels: Church, Culture, Hot Topics, Issues, Marketing, Media, Resources, Youth Pastors
I had a nightmare last night...
Truth be told: My friend Mike created this vid and sent it to me.
OBAMA OR MCCAIN - MAKE SURE YOU VOTE.
Truth be told: My friend Mike created this vid and sent it to me.
OBAMA OR MCCAIN - MAKE SURE YOU VOTE.
Labels: Creative, Politics, Straight Up Funny, Students Only, Videos, Youth Pastors
One of the greatest gifts God has ever given me was calling me to get my undergraduate degree from Columbia International University. It was there that I met David Olshine, the chairman of the youth ministry division. Olshine was one of two godly men who mentored me while studying there and to date he has been one of the most invaluable friends I've ever had. Periodically he gives me a call to check in and see how things are going and those calls, even though sometimes short and sweet, mean more to me than he'll ever know. Today David is celebrating his Birthday and I wanted to thank him for his investment in my life. Would you do me a favor and help me fill up his email box with Birthday greetings? Just take a moment and say "Happy Birthday David" or maybe a simple "Thanks for investing in youth workers and hope you have a great Birthday!" Guys like this don't get thanked much... and their work for the Kingdom is invaluable!
Additionally, you might like to know of a great service David offers. He has established a coaching organization designed to help resource churches and para-churches. From counseling to consulting, David and his partner in this ministry, David Burke, do it all. You can check out their services here.Labels: Marketing, Personal, Random, Youth Pastors
I know sooo many girls that need to hear this. I've tried to communicate this to them but they haven't heard me. Girls, listen to the message one more time:
Perry Noble, NewSpring Church
Labels: Church, Culture, Hot Topics, Issues, Videos, Youth Pastors
These are without a doubt two of the funniest vids I've ever seen. Oddly enough... BOTH are from the news!
Leprechaun in Mobile, Alabama
Thoughts:
The producer of that news piece should get a raise.
I almost believed this was a fake news cast it was so funny.
You could easily mistake this news cast for something on SNL. In fact, producers at NBC should just air this video and it would make the show better.
Did you notice the sketch of the leprechaun? Hilarious.
My favorite line: "Could be a crack head... that got hold of the wrong stuff!"
Grape Stomping Lady Falls
Thoughts:
I must confess: I laughed at the lady who fell.
That fall had to hurt.
Did you notice the other lady seemed frozen FOREVER before she sprang into action?
Why didn't they go to commercial sooner?
The funniest part of the video was the responses of the news anchors. I was waiting for a "gee whittakers!" Instead, you heard a "youch!"
RSS Subscribers: there are videos in this post.
Thoughts:
Thoughts:
RSS Subscribers: there are videos in this post.
Labels: Straight Up Funny, Students Only, Videos, Youth Pastors
I received a call from a friend in New Orleans, LA yesterday who told me that he was not able to access my site because his internet filter would not allow him to because the site contained pornographic images. He and his wife contacted their provider and protested the block. It's wonderful to have such devoted readers. :=) I also dropped an open letter to the provider to protest the block and received an email back from their wonderful support team letting me know that my site is being investigated for porn before they can remove the block. I thought I would take this opportunity and deliver to you, my faithful readers, my no porn promise:
click to enlarge graphic
Labels: Hot Topics, Marketing, Random
This week marks one year that I've been "blogging." For those who have been reading my stuff via TerraceCrawford.com prior to the inception of this blog and to those I've met along the way this year, thanks for your support and for taking an interest in yours truly. Its a pleasure to have such a cool community here.I'd love to hear your thoughts on the blog, know what your location is, how you found me and more about ... well, YOU. Feel free to leave a comment and any well wishes. No haters allowed. :=)
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...
Its the Manic Monday Minute.
Had a very successful Disciple Now Weekend for our students this weekend.
Partnered with 4 other churches. Love doing events with other churches. That is what the Kingdom of God is all about!
The weekend went great but I didn't get a weekend... so I'm feeling it today.
Had an incredible time on Saturday delivering cookies and brownies to five area Fire Stations. Met a lot of firemen and got to encourage them.
A friend from New Orleans called me today and told me they could not access my site because their internet filter stated there were porn images on it!WHAT?!
No XXX images here folks.
Corn on the cob for lunch was a bad choice. I'm just sayin.
Praying for my grandparents.
I'm ready for Christmas.
A friend of mine from Atlanta called me earlier and told me she grabbed a $25 plane ticket from this airline.
Apparently you sign up for a $40 yearly membership and you get incredible deals like flights as low as $2.
Currently reading this book and enjoying it so far.
Gas is under $3.00! I am still stoked!
Spent a few minutes on this site today. It's not particularly pro-Palin but its neat.
This vid trips me out.
Ben Arment blogged today that Seth Godin's Tribes is available on iTunes for 95 cents!
I'm glad THIS week isn't as busy as LAST week.
Carlos Whittaker twittered today that his mother was blogging. I think I'll petition my mom to start blogging too. :=)
Ready to hit the bed here.
Labels: Manic Monday Minute
One of the things that Catalyst offered was opportunity to meet-up with other bloggers... and thanks to Brad Ruggles we had an organized meet-up.
click on graphic to enlarge
One of my good friends, Zak White, does some amazing magic tricks and blew us away with his mad talent.
click on graphic to enlarge
(Photography by Scott Fillmer)
One of my good friends, Zak White, does some amazing magic tricks and blew us away with his mad talent.
(Photography by Scott Fillmer)
Labels: Blog Shout, Conferences, Photo Gallery
It doesn't seem right for me to be praying for the good of my stock portfolio when little Johnny on the other side of the world won't have anything to eat for dinner tonight.
Lord help us to care. Help us not forget that even though our economy has taken a plunge we still live in the richest nation there is.
Lord help us to care. Help us not forget that even though our economy has taken a plunge we still live in the richest nation there is.
Labels: Culture, Hot Topics, Issues, Random
Follow me on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/terracecrawford
(Twittered)
Labels: Culture, Hot Topics, Straight Up Funny, Technology, Youth Pastors
The incredibly talented Dustin Ahkuoi recently released a parody to One Republic’s “It’s too Late to Apologize.” Move over Weird Al.
"Too Late for Biggie Fries"
(ht to Brad Lomenick)
(ht to Brad Lomenick)
Labels: Creative, Straight Up Funny, Students Only, Videos, Youth Pastors
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...
Its been a long day.
Catching up from being gone all last week at Catalyst.
Some pastors had today off - Columbus day.
Not sure why people actually get that day off, but when you are given a holiday you really don't question it do you?
I had an incredible time in the ATL last week.
Frankly, the time flew by and I wasn't ready to come home.
The Catalyst team did a fantastic job in putting together a world-class conference.
I joined the 12Seconds.tv action recently. Feel free to follow.
A guy on the street corner today asked me for $ for crack.
He then read a combination of scripture from Jeremiah and the book of Revelation and then proceeded to spit on me.
You know the scripture that talks about "God spewing you out of his mouth" (because you are lukewarm)? He actually spewed a piece of candy or something out of his mouth.
It was wild.
I misplaced my phone earlier today.
I was in the dark for at least 4 hours and felt very uncomfortable and vulnerable. How did we ever get so attached to these things? I know it isn't just me...
Had a great conversation on the plane (on Tuesday) with a gentleman about sin. He straight up asked me how he could get right with God? Say a prayer for him.
Gas is under $3.00! I am pumped! (no pun intended)
Can't believe Sarah Palin got boo'ed so much over the weekend at the special events she attended.
Is it really necessary to show up and protest someone just because you disagree with them politically? I don't get it. What happened to respect?
Palin and McCain were in town today. Someone gave me a ticket to attend their rally; however, I had so much work to do that I passed.
I met so many people @ Catalyst that I've been reading for so long. It was incredible.
A friend of mine told me he saw the Billy Graham movie this past weekend and its a must see.
Congrats to my friend Jason Bedell. He was named the new lead pastor of Forefront Church.
Done.
Labels: Manic Monday Minute
I'm on 12Seconds.tv now. If you have never heard of 12Seconds, its a place for video status updates. The days of twitter where you write in 140 characters or less what you are doing may soon be over... although I love me some twitter. The new thang is creating a vid in 12 hot seconds - which, for the record, is not enough time to even clear your throat.
Here is my first one:
RSS Subscribers: There is Video Here.
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...
It's Monday folks! Where did the weekend go?
It is such awesome weather outdoors! I hate that I have so much to do inside. Two students in a local high school have committed suicide within 48 hours of each other. Please pray for the students, faculty and families during this difficult time.
Getting on a plane tomorrow headed for CATALYST!
I can't wait.
I'll be spending time with some ATL friends. Can't wait to catch up with them.
I'll be twittering and blogging during the conference this week.
I posted a huge Catalyst blogger shout last week here. Make sure you add your URL to the list if you are planning to attend.
Our church had a yard sale on Saturday. If you've never done one, its a huge opportunity to meet the neighbors. We've got five new families a part of our church fellowship as a result of our church yard sale.
The Shack is a great read thus far!
I'm meeting weekly with several leaders to discuss this interesting, yet controversial,book.
I'm not so sure about this bailout plan.
Today was the last day to register to vote in most states.
Loving Chris Brown's song "Forever."
We're seeing so many new faces in our ministry. It is awesome!
Someone pranked me by posting some random ads to Craigslist with my cell phone number over the weekend. Made things interesting, no doubt.
I had random people calling at all hours of the night (literally) asking about my Jetta (car) and my Macbook.
Attended an alumni gathering on Saturday evening and got to meet with the new president of my alma mater. He is such an incredible man and the new direction of the University he shared is brilliant.
Just got a phone call from a friend in one of my former churches. Always great to hear from old friends.
Are you going to see the new Billy Graham movie this weekend?
Headed to a meeting.
Crawford out!
Labels: Manic Monday Minute
Billy Graham is Turning 90 in November. This video is a message of how you can help celebrate the Christian icon's big day. I was hoping to meet Dr. Graham at some point but it hasn't happened yet. I did; however, get to work with their organization last year when Franklin did a crusade (although he calls them "festivals," which I agree is more marketable) in our city. I served as the pre-festival events director and through the experience I learned a lot about how their crusades work and met a ton of people.
From what I hear, Billy Graham will be accepting the Lifetime Achievement Award at Catalyst. Unfortunately, he will give his acceptance speech by video. There goes another chance to meet him. :-(
Labels: Catalyst, Celebrities, Culture, Hot Topics, Marketing, Media, News, Personal, Students Only, Television, Videos, Youth Pastors
My good friend,Dave Daniels, asked me to join in as special guest on his Short Takes podcast over at ChurchyMedia. In this installment Dave and I chat about all things Catalyst!
Click here to visit the Catalyst site.
Click here to see a list of the Catalyst Bloggers.
Labels: Blog Shout, Catalyst, Church, Media, News, Resources, Technology, Videos
Squidoo is ready to write a check for $80,000 big ones to charity. There is just one question: Which charity? Their site has seen more than 80,000,000 visitors and they want to give back. They have promised to give $2.00 to the charity YOU personally vote for... and after all is said and done they will have given $80,000 dollars away.
This isn't like those emails that state "AOL plans to give $5.00 away to every person you forward this to." No, this is legit. Visit this page, pick your charity and you're done. There is no catch. One vote per person, feel free to organize mass group voting... but do it by October 15th! I've already placed my vote.
(ht to Anne Jackson, Seth Godin)
This isn't like those emails that state "AOL plans to give $5.00 away to every person you forward this to." No, this is legit. Visit this page, pick your charity and you're done. There is no catch. One vote per person, feel free to organize mass group voting... but do it by October 15th! I've already placed my vote.
(ht to Anne Jackson, Seth Godin)
Labels: Church, Culture, Hot Topics, Issues, Marketing, News, Resources, Students Only, Youth Pastors
