My friend, Ben Arment, is the creator of STORY Chicago, a world-class conference for creatives, and announced the launch of his all-new website for STORY today. I actually got to peruse the site before the launch... as I logged on yesterday, a day shy of the premiere and enjoyed checking things out before the rest of the world. :) Now you can check out the site too [here] -- it's LIVE!
Labels: Church, Conferences, Creative, Leadership, Marketing, Resources, Site Shout
I got to meet Jefferson Bethke at the Simply Youth Ministry Conference in early March. You may know him as the "I hate religion but love Jesus" guy. This spoken word video has had over 20 million views on YouTube. 12 million of those views were within the first 4 days after the video was posted on the internet!
Recently Jefferson was interviewed by Trevin Wax from The Gospel Project on his thoughts on Student Ministry. I really enjoyed listening to his insights on what is most relevant in youth ministry today, what needs to change, and the Gospel. This is definitely worth your time.
Labels: Church, Issues, Leadership, Resources, Videos, Youth Pastors, Youth workers
A Different Approach to Recruiting Volunteers
1 Comments Published by Terrace Crawford on 3/21/12 at 7:45 AM.
Recruiting volunteers is not easy for many youth workers. I'd like to encourage you to try a different way of recruitment next time you need to add volunteer staff. Here's a 3-step approach I tried recently with our student leadership team:
1. Ask your students WHO they would like to see on the team.
2. Write down the names suggested and commit to pray over them.
3. Challenge the students to make the ask!
Follow these 3-simple steps, coach your students as much as you'd like in the process, and then see how God uses your teens to bring new volunteers your way! I only wish I would have let the students lead like this sooner.
Try this approach and comment on this post to let me know how it goes for you.
1. Ask your students WHO they would like to see on the team.
I gathered our student leaders together and asked them to identify one person (or at least one) that they would like to see help out in our ministry. Immediately they voiced the name of a person they highly respect and love. I heard things like "It would be awesome if they were a part of our ministry!" You're already off to a great start when you hear things like this...
2. Write down the names suggested and commit to pray over them.
Tell your students you would like to pray over the names and ask them to pray along with you. Ask God if these specific people should be a part of your student ministry.
3. Challenge the students to make the ask!
It makes all the difference in the world when the "ask" comes from the student. Why not challenge your students to go and ask the person they recommended if they would like to serve in Youth Ministry?
Follow these 3-simple steps, coach your students as much as you'd like in the process, and then see how God uses your teens to bring new volunteers your way! I only wish I would have let the students lead like this sooner.
Try this approach and comment on this post to let me know how it goes for you.
Labels: Church, Creative, Hot Topics, Leadership, Resources, Youth Pastors, Youth workers
10 Trends That Will Reshape Youth Ministry
0 Comments Published by Terrace Crawford on 2/24/12 at 7:59 AM.
There was more talk this week online about the future of Youth Ministry. I really liked Jim Candy's post on 10 Trends that will Reshape Youth Ministry. I'll list a few of his points here, and you can go [here] for the rest.
3. Sunday morning programs will become history
4. Same sex conversations will reach a fever pitch
5. Professional youth ministry positions will become more rare
6. Youth workers will be older
You may also be interested in one of my prior posts: 5 Glimpses into the Future of Youth Ministry.
3. Sunday morning programs will become history
Congregations will become increasingly dissatisfied with the separation between adults and its young people at their weekend services. Worship services will change to accommodate younger people and those congregations that do not, will continue to disappear.
4. Same sex conversations will reach a fever pitch
Homosexuality, and the church's view on that topic, will be a lightning rod for middle and high school kids in considering faith in Jesus. Youth Ministries will increasingly need to lovingly converse with kids and the broader culture about its viewpoint - whatever it may be.
5. Professional youth ministry positions will become more rare
Churches will increasingly after structures so that entire congregations and caring for young people and will rely less on paid staff than in previous decades. This will also be financially driven as more congregations will be forced to have a leaner staff.
6. Youth workers will be older
The stereotype of the youth worker as someone in their early 20s who views youth work as a stepping stone to another pastoral position will continue to fade away.
You may also be interested in one of my prior posts: 5 Glimpses into the Future of Youth Ministry.
Labels: Church, Hot Topics, Leadership, Resources, youth ministry, Youth workers
My friends at YM360 produce great curriculum for Youth Ministry. A few short months ago I heard about a new site they were working on to help youth workers create Disciple Now Weekends and I couldn't wait to see what developed because I knew this would be such a great resource for youth ministry!Here's the scoop: YM360 has teamed up with LeaderTreks to create DNOWONLINE.com, a comprehensive solution for your Disciple Now or Weekend Retreat needs.
DNOWONLINE.com is loaded with so many features -- large group outlines, small group lessons, videos you can use, incredible student resources, online video training for your facilitators and instructions to lead you step-by-step in how to use the site.
The past two weeks I spent some time tooling around the site and I really like what I see! The curriculum is great... the site is user-friendly...there are a number of resources to help pull off just about any retreat weekend I'm planning... and its affordable too! This is a no-brainer ... sign.me.up!
Labels: Church, curriculum, Resources, Site Shout, Youth Pastors, Youth workers
Top 5 Lessons Learned in My First Two Years
2 Comments Published by Terrace Crawford on 12/22/11 at 7:27 PM.
Earlier this week I hosted an online meeting with a few members from my Coaching Network (a network for youth workers who have been in the field 5 years or less). One of the things we discussed during our time together was what we've learned in Youth Ministry in our first 2 years. I thought I would share the Top 5 lessons learned that came up during that conversation.Top 5 Lessons Learned (in Youth Ministry) in First Two Years:
1. Take time for rest and recreation - It's very easy to be overcome with your responsibilities on the job. One of the key lessons you'll learn in your first few years in ministry is to take time for rest and recreation. Make sure you don't cheat yourself of solitude anda sabbath. This is an issue for many ministers, so it might be a good thing to get someone to hold you accountable.
2. Your students aren't 'stupid' kids - Can you remember the first time that you've seen the students you lead as young people that God can use and not just "kids"? One of the things that made our list is learning that our students can be ministers. This is actually why I am such a huge advocate for student-led ministry. When you allow students to lead you see what amazing things God can do through them more clearly.
3. Know your boundaries - Many of the lessons you'll learn in your first few years in youth ministry you'll actually need to recall for years to come. One of the most valuable lessons you'll learn is about the importance of boundaries. Creating and respecting boundaries will not only protect you (and others) but will help keep you in ministry for the long haul. Without question one of the most important boundaries: don't counsel someone of the opposite sex alone.
4. Don't miss out on the opportunity to befriend your Pastor - You might find yourself working in a ministry where your Lead Pastor pursues you... but not everyone can say that. Quite often you might need to befriend your pastor. You would think this wouldn't be an issue in ministry but it is. In fact, one of the biggest reasons youth workers leave their positions is because of the relationship (or lack thereof) with their pastor. Even if you are working for a mega-church and can't really build a relationship with the Senior Leader you can do this with your direct reports. It's refreshing to work in an environment when you have a great relationship with your Lead Pastor. I've worked with some pastors who were distant and others that I found easier to build a relationship with. In both cases I know there were opportunities missed for me to be a great friend (and minister) to my pastor.
5. Remember that God has chosen you - Youth workers often have a hard time in ministry. I can't tell you how many times I have been asked personally "when will you pursue a 'real pastor position'?" This goes to show you how ignorant people are -- seriously. In the thick of ministry you may struggle and wonder if you are too inexperienced, not good enough, and how you'll ever make it another day. Never forget... if God has chosen you that is all that matters. Cling to the truth of God's calling on your life.
I'd love for you to be a part of my next Coaching Network... launching in January. Registration opens next week! Feel free to drop me an email right now if you would like more information. The Youth Worker Coaching Network is sponsored by: Simply Youth Ministry, Bethel Students, and interlinc! If you want to join my team of sponsors, contact me.
What did you learn in your first few years?
Labels: Church, Hot Topics, Issues, Leadership, Youth Pastors, Youth workers
Vote & Give $ To Youth Workers in Need!
1 Comments Published by Terrace Crawford on 12/12/11 at 1:12 PM.
On Saturday I viewed 18 videos from Youth Workers who entered the huge Christmas Giveaway my friend Tim Schmoyer is doing. Tim asked me to serve as one of the judges. I ended up watching all of the videos in the morning (all of them heart-wrenching stories) and spent time praying throughout the day over each story trying to find someway to narrow the field to just 4 people who deserved a shot at receiving the prize package. This was a tall order... as each person (all 18 persons actually) presented a great need that they had this Christmas. 
Now we've turned things over to you to vote on those (4) final stories and pick the youth worker you think should be given the $1,500+. You may vote for up to two youth workers once per day until December 20, 2011 at 11:59PM. The youth worker who receives the most votes will receive all the money just in time for Christmas.
Here's the thing though... the youth worker can receive even MORE money if you either purchase a copy of Tim Schmoyer's latest ebook "Focused Youth Ministry" or buy a watch from IWontWatch.com (as half of the proceeds from these items will go to the fund!). Click on the videos below ... listen to the stories ... and vote with your heart.
Labels: Church, social media, Youth Pastors, Youth workers
Saw this over on Marko's blog. While I haven't watched that many Christmas videos so far this season, I'd be willing to bet this one will be my favorite (hands down!) this Christmas.
Watch... enjoy... and share.
Watch... enjoy... and share.
Labels: christmas, Church, Creative, Marketing, Straight Up Funny, Technology, Videos, Youth Pastors, Youth workers
The Mindset List for the Class of 2015
3 Comments Published by Terrace Crawford on 11/8/11 at 6:49 PM.
- There has always been an Internet ramp onto the information highway.
- Ferris Bueller and Sloane Peterson could be their parents.
- States and Velcro parents have always been requiring that they wear their bike helmets.
- The only significant labor disputes in their lifetimes have been in major league sports.
- There have nearly always been at least two women on the Supreme Court, and women have always commanded U.S. Navy ships.
- They “swipe” cards, not merchandise.
- As they’ve grown up on websites and cell phones, adult experts have constantly fretted about their alleged deficits of empathy and concentration.
- Their school’s “blackboards” have always been getting smarter.
- “Don’t touch that dial!”….what dial?
- American tax forms have always been available in Spanish.
- More Americans have always traveled to Latin America than to Europe.
- Amazon has never been just a river in South America.
- Refer to LBJ, and they might assume you're talking about LeBron James.
- All their lives, Whitney Houston has always been declaring “I Will Always Love You.”
- O.J. Simpson has always been looking for the killers of Nicole Simpson and Ronald Goldman.
RSS Subscribers: there is video [here]
Labels: Church, Communicating, Communicators, Hot Topics, Issues, Resources, Videos, Youth workers
6 Reasons Young Christians Are Leaving Church
0 Comments Published by Terrace Crawford on 11/1/11 at 11:41 AM.
The research identified six themes and uncovered why nearly 59% of young Christians today are disconnected from church after age 15.
Here are the 6 reasons outlined in the study:
1. Churches seem overprotective - Young Christians expressed concern about how the church seems to "ignore the problems of the real world" and is too concerned that movies, music, and video games are harmful." Their experience of this kind of Christianity is fear-based... and must be abandoned.
2. Teens' and twenty-somethings' experience of Christianity is shallow - A second reason cited for leaving the church is the lack of an experience in church. 31% of those surveyed said that "church is boring," while 24% said "faith is not really relevant to my career or interests."
3. Churches come across as antagonistic to science - Young adults feel disconnected from church or faith because of the tension between science and Christianity, according to the study by the Barna group. Three out of ten young adults with some sort of a faith background stated that "churches are out of step with the scientific world," while some even cited "Christianity is anti-science."
4. Young Christians' church experiences related to sexuality are often simplistic and judgemental. According to the findings, young Christians are as sexually active as their non-Christian peers, even though they tend to be more conservative in their opinions about sexuality and 17% of them said "they have made mistakes and feel judged within the church because of them."
5. They wrestle with the exclusive nature of Christianity - Younger Christians have been shaped by a culture that embraces tolerance, open-mindedness and acceptance for all races, sexuality, religions and cultures. Three out of ten surveyed (29%) said that "churches are afraid of the beliefs of other faiths" and they "felt forced to choose between their faith and their friends."
6. The church feels unfriendly to those who doubt - Young adults think the church today does not allow for space to express or embrace doubts. Today's young person wants to be able to ask pressing life questions within their faith community and the current perception is that there is disregard for those who have significant doubts about their faith. Additionally, one out of every six people surveyed said their faith "does not help with depression or other emotional problems they experience."
What are the implications for youth ministry?
RSS Subscribers: there is video [here]
Labels: Church, Hot Topics, Issues, Research, Youth Pastors, Youth workers
Our editorial team at ChurchLeaders worked on a special project together earlier this year. We pulled together the best articles that we've published on the website (including articles for Pastors, Youth Pastors, Children's Pastors, Worship Leaders, Small Group Leaders and Outreach Leaders). The result: The Top 100 articles put together in a nice book!This resource features content from some of the most respected leaders in the church today: Andy Stanley, Bill Hybels, Thom Rainer, Craig Groeschel, Greg Stier, and more!
This book is now available for purchase and to celebrate the release of the book I'm offering 5 FREE COPIES here on my blog!
Here's How to Win:
1. Follow @terracecrawford on twitter.
2. Tweet this: I just entered to WIN a FREE copy of the Top 100 from @terracecrawford here: http://bit.ly/mU03TP
3. Comment on this post: include your twitter name (so we know you did step one & two) and what city & state you are from.
4. At 5PM (EST), this Thursday, October 13th we will choose 5 random winners (1 book for each winner!) from the comments & we will tweet you!
If you don't win, you can always purchase your copy via ChurchLeaders.com or Amazon.com.
Labels: Church, church leaders, contests, Leadership, Resources, Youth Pastors
10 Things I Pray for Today's Teenager
1 Comments Published by Terrace Crawford on 9/22/11 at 4:09 PM.
I've seen the Lord doing some amazing things in the lives of teenagers this year. I know its because of the work of God and the result of prayer. Call me crazy, but I believe this generation of students will have an amazing impact on our world and will pursue God with a greater zeal and passion than the generations before them. I invest more time now in prayer for young people than I ever have. Today I want to share with you 10 things that I pray for today's teenager:
1. Purpose - I believe God has a plan and purpose for every student. I speak this over teenagers and ask God to remind them that no matter what their circumstances are, to give them passion and a deep-seated purpose for living. (Jeremiah 29:11; Psalm 139:13-16; 2 Cor. 5:20; Jeremiah 1:5; John 14:13; Rom 8:28-29)
2. Friendships - I spend more time talking about the friendships young people develop more than other topics because I know the truth that you are (and become) who you hang out with. I pray God will give today's teenager wisdom in choosing their friends and that God will bring people into their lives who will point them to Christ. I also pray that He will use students to encourage and build up each other like never before. (1 Cor 15:33; Heb 10:25; 1 Thess. 5:11; 1 Sam 16:7)
3. Character - Today's teen is bombarded with every temptation known to man and the enemy is seeking to destroy their character. I pray that this generation of students may experience an ongoing transformation by having their minds renewed and that they will be examples to the world in their speech, lives, love, faith and purity. I also ask for more great Christ-like role models for our students, particularly among their own peers. (1 Tim 4:12; Rom 12:1-2; Psalm 24:4)
4. Purity- I pray that God would give our students more of a hunger for righteousness than a sexual appetite and that they would see through the enemies lies. I ask God to strengthen them and give them the drive to flee sexual immorality and help them reserve the gift of sex for marriage. (John 8:32; 1 Peter 1:5; Heb 13:4; 1 Cor 6:18; 1 John 4:4; James 1:12-14)
5. Passion - May God grant this generation of teenagers an anointing of the power by the Holy Spirit to be the greatest witnesses for Christ Jesus than we've ever known. I also pray that their zeal for obedience would supersede any other human desire that they have. (Acts 1:8; Luke 4:18-19; 1 Peter 3:15; Matt 28:19-20; Gal 5:24)
6. Money - The root of all evil is the love of money. I pray that God would give spiritual eyes to today's teen and help them to view money as a great resource for Kingdom purposes. May God grant them contentment in plenty or when poor because of their richness in Christ Jesus. (Phil 4:19; Matt 6:24; Eccl 5:10; Heb 13:5; 1 Tim 6:10)
7. Submission and Honor - I pray that this generation would submit to Christ and to those in authority over them. May he give them grace to love, respect, and honor their parents, teachers, spiritual leaders and governing officials. (Eph 6:2-3; Heb 13:17; Mk 12:17)
8. Spiritual growth - I pray that God nurtures soil of the hearts of young people and grants them a greater sensitivity to their spirit so that they may grow in the knowledge and grace of Jesus Christ. I also pray for more passionate workers for the harvest of youth ministry. (Luke 2:52; Gal 2:20; 2 Cor 5:17; Eph 3:16)
9. Discernment - I pray God would give our teenagers the knowledge of the truth of God and spiritual eyes to see so that the enemy would not be able to deceive them. I pray they may also be able to discern between the teachings of the Living God and false gods or prophets. (1 Tim 3:9; 2 Cor 2:11; Jn 17:17; Eph 6:14)
10. Hope - May God help today's teen take every thought captive for Christ. I pray He would also fill every young person with the hope of the resurrection of Jesus Christ and protect their mind and heart from hopelessness. May God also help them to cling to Christ during discouragement and soak up His strength when offering this same hope to others. (Gal 6:9; Eph 6:13; Phil 4:8; 2 Tim 2:13; Heb 10:23; 1 Peter 5:8-9)
Join me in prayer for today's teenagers and share this with your ministry leaders.
Labels: Church, Hot Topics, Issues, Leadership, Resources, Youth Pastors, Youth workers
There has been a lot of talk over the last couple years about 'extended adolescence.' It's become a bit of a phenomena because adolescence, at least in the U.S., seems to extend to around age 30. This, of course, leaves youth workers wondering about the implications in youth ministry.
I am excited to announce that my friends, Mark Oestreicher and Adam McLane (of the Youth Cartel), have created an event to explore this conversation. It's a one-day symposium that will be held the day after the National Youth Workers Convention in Atlanta in November... and they've invited a few people to speak on this topic (Dr. Jeffrey Arnett, Dr. Robert Epstein and Dr. Kara Powell).The Cartel created a KickStarter page to introduce this event and ask for your support. I've already backed this (put my $ where my mouth is) and ask you to join me.
I'm also excited about The Middle School Campference (another wonderful offering from the Cartel), for middle school workers in October! Be sure to check this amazing 2-day event coming to Evart, MI. Registration is limited, so reserve spots for your team today!!!
Labels: Church, Hot Topics, Issues, Leadership, Resources, Youth Pastors, Youth workers
ChurchLeaders.com Turns One Year Old!
2 Comments Published by Terrace Crawford on 8/18/11 at 4:22 PM.
Just a little over a year ago my phone rang while I was in Philadelphia with some of our students. "Hello," I answered. "Hey! It's Marko." Mark Oestreicher was calling to tell me about a new start-up called "ChurchLeaders.com." This 10-year project in the making was about to go live around the world. He had been asked to serve on sort of an advisory board for the project and he knew they were looking for an editor for the Youth Ministry channel and he thought I was the guy for the job. I can't tell you how humbled I was that he thought of me. Soon after I landed the role with ChurchLeaders and now, one-year later, we're going strong. In fact, we've had over 5.4 million page views on the site. God has done some amazing things through this ministry... and I've been blessed to be a small part of it.
Today ChurchLeaders.com turns one-year old. To celebrate I created the mock front-page you see above. ;) I think I'll have a piece of cake now.
Labels: Church, Creative, News, Resources, Site Shout, Technology
Big News: Doug Fields Joins the YS Team!
1 Comments Published by Terrace Crawford on 6/8/11 at 6:47 AM.
I think this year should be themed "expect the unexpected." God is moving ... and I sure hope I can keep up. More big news out of the Youth Specialties headquarters this morning... Doug Fields has joined the YS team!
Here's a quick video of the announcement:
Here's a little background straight from the press release:
"Fields served as youth pastor at Saddleback Church in Southern California for 18 years. Doug resigned in 2009 to focus on the growing demand of global youth ministry opportunities. He joined his mentor, Jim Burns, at Azusa Pacific University's HomeWord Center for Youth & Family where he teaches youth ministry and hosts his summer Student Leadership Conference for teenagers.Essentially, Fields is returning to his roots at Youth Specialties. In 1986, Doug began a 20-year relationship with YS where he was a primary speaker and one of Youth Specialties' most prolific authors (including the best-selling Purpose Driven Youth Ministry). His early days with YS ignited his passion to launch Simply Youth Ministry from his family garage. SYM grew quickly and larger than Doug's desire to lead, manage and operate. Passionate about his own family and the local church he served, he looked for someone to take over the SYM operations. In 2006 Doug merged Simply Youth Ministry with Group Publishing to better manage what had become a leading brand in youth ministry resources."
When commenting about the decision, Fields said, "I was so happy that Group embraced 'my baby' and helped make it healthier. Now, 5 years later, I'm still very pleased that SYM has a great home! I know they'll continue to flourish even though I'll no longer be leading it." He continued by saying "I'm indebted to the years YS invested in me when I was a young youth worker and the thought of returning to invest in a new generation of youth workers makes me come alive. As I listened to Mark Matlock's plans for the future of YS my excitement only increased. I believe my gifts can compliment Mark's leadership and direction. I am very impressed with Mark's heart, passion, and vision for Youth Specialties. I'm honored that he's excited to work with me and look forward to partnering with him to resource youth workers around the world. Mark is the type leader I want to align with... YS is in great hands!"
Well there you go. Sounds like a HUGE win\win to me.
Labels: Church, Conferences, Resources, Youth Pastors, Youth workers
I saw this creative parody video online that is a great reminder to small group leaders that developing authentic community is messy and requires us to go deeper.
Here are a couple of articles (on the subject) that I have read recently that caught my attention:
- How to Make Sure Your Small Group Ministry Fails (Part One), (Part Two)
- Small Group Advice... For a Laugh (Click here)
Labels: Church, Issues, small groups, Youth Pastors
John Piper Interviews Rick Warren [Video]
0 Comments Published by Terrace Crawford on 5/30/11 at 9:33 AM.
Just watched this fascinating interview between John Piper and Rick Warren about the doctrinal depth of The Purpose Driven Life.
Catch the full interview [here]
Rick Warren is brilliant. I'll never forget hearing him say that he took an extra 7 months to take the manuscript of The Purpose Driven Life to make it more simple, more clear. What a great communicator. He mentioned in the video that he once did a 12-week series on "Sanctification" without ever using the word. Darn you Saddleback... for only allowing your church members to view sermons online. Darn you.
RSS Subscribers: there is video [here]
Catch the full interview [here]
Rick Warren is brilliant. I'll never forget hearing him say that he took an extra 7 months to take the manuscript of The Purpose Driven Life to make it more simple, more clear. What a great communicator. He mentioned in the video that he once did a 12-week series on "Sanctification" without ever using the word. Darn you Saddleback... for only allowing your church members to view sermons online. Darn you.
RSS Subscribers: there is video [here]
Labels: Church, Culture, Issues, Videos, Youth Pastors
Today you'll probably see Francis Chan's latest video all over the internet. In this video Chan talks about the subject of Hell and why we can't afford to get it wrong. His highly anticipated book, Erasing Hell, will release on July 5th... but you can download the introduction to the book [here], courtesy of ChurchLeaders.com.
Labels: Church, Culture, Hot Topics, Issues, Video
The Discrimination of Single Pastors
19 Comments Published by Terrace Crawford on 5/4/11 at 3:22 PM.
Back in March I read an article in the NY Times about a single pastor who struggled to find a job in ministry because he was single (unmarried). The piece stated that Mark Almlie (the single pastor) had responded to over 500 job postings and had no success in landing a position.
Here's the part of the article that I found particularly interesting:
I'll never forget sitting across from a search team a few years ago who was interviewing me for a position where I would be working with teenagers. They asked me a number of questions about my experience and background. Then came some very poignant questions about my personal life. They asked if I was single (unmarried), and then they asked if I was gay. I was floored. "No," I replied. "I'm not gay." I have to admit... that question felt like a punch in the face. Why such a poignant question? Was it because I was single and didn't have a significant other at the time? "Do they ask all single pastors this question?" I thought."Mr. Almlie, 37, has been shocked, he says, at what he calls unfair discrimination, based mainly on irrational fears: that a single pastor cannot counsel a mostly married flock, that he might sow turmoil by flirting with a church member, or that he might be gay. If the job search is hard for single men, it is doubly so for single women who train for the ministry, in part because many evangelical denominations explicitly require a man to lead the congregation."
Just a few short months ago, I sat down with two youth pastors (who happen to be single) at a conference. They wanted to share their hurts with me. During a conversation with me one of the pastors stated that he had a difficult time finding a job in ministry. The other guy beside him (also single, never married) acknowledged that he did too. Then he shared that he had been asked by a search team if he was gay. What? I thought, "you too?" The other guy chimed in and said "I was asked the same thing!" Not only were these pastors being turned down primarily because of their marital status but they were being asked if they were "gay." They were both offended by such questions, and also felt there was an unfair discrimination against them.
The article I mentioned also states:
"Some evangelical churches, in particular, openly exclude single candidates; a recent posting for a pastor by a church on Long Island said it was seeking 'a family man whose family will be involved in the ministry life of the church.' Other churches convey the message through code words, like “seeking a Biblical man” (translation: a husband and a provider)."
The NY Times interviewed R. Albert Mohler Jr., president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky., in response to this and he shared these thoughts: "it is unfair to accuse churches of discrimination because that word implied something “wrongful." "Both the logic of Scripture and the centrality of marriage in society,” he said, justify “the strong inclination of congregations to hire a man who is not only married but faithfully married.”
While I might agree with what Dr. Mohler is saying here in part, there has to be an acknowledgement of the bias that seems to abound from the Church today, which seems to quickly discredit single pastors from getting positions in ministry. Furthermore, even though I understand a search team's concern that their candidate not struggle with their sexuality, asking outright if someone is "gay" because they are single is just wrong.
This entire discussion, for me, makes me consider at least 5 myths that are present when it comes to single church leaders serving in youth ministry roles in the church today:
1. The myth... that married church leaders are exempt from sexual sin--specificially homosexuality.
2. The myth... that single church leaders might be gay.
3. The myth... that single church leaders will have difficulty connecting with teenagers and families.
4. The myth... that church leaders without (free-working) spouses are less effective in ministry.
5. The myth... that single church leaders have some kind of hidden quirk or they'd be married.
Do you agree that there is a bias? Why can't the church lead the way in being an affirming community of all folks, including people that are single? How can we change the way we view single church leaders? Wasn't it Paul who said "it is better to be single?"
Labels: Church, Hot Topics, Youth Pastors
5 Glimpses into the Future of Youth Ministry
2 Comments Published by Terrace Crawford on 1/14/11 at 11:00 AM.
I've been doing some thinking about the future of Youth Ministry.
The landscape is changing so quickly its unbelievable. Teens need more care and attention, while Youth Pastors as we know it are being fired, laid off, or getting pay cuts. It's absolutely c-r-a-z-y.
I've written down 5 things (5 glimpses, if you will) that I think the landscape of Youth Ministry will look like in the near future:
1) Volunteers will rise - With the economy tanking like it has (and apparently will continue to), I think churches are being "forced" to solicit volunteers and let "paid" youth workers go. A new plan has (and will continue to) emerged to train passionate volunteers to reach today's students... and as painful as it is to say that (from a paid youth worker's mouth, I mean)... this is a VERY good thing.
2) Silos will be abandoned - I don't know when it happened but these segregated congregations (or "silos") became the cool thing to do in the late 90's. Some people think they are still cool... but times are changing. The research is proving that integration of students into the church body is healthy. I think we'll begin to see more silos abandoned as the years go by. In fact, I've been talking with new church planters all across the country and they are not only stating that they want a volunteer-based youth ministry but they want students leading (up-front!) and integrated in their congregations.
3) The Church will accept her calling to reach teens - For the last couple years I've been mulling over how I've done youth ministry all wrong for years. I use to think that it was "my" calling to run the youth ministry (that is what I was paid for, right?) but I've since realized "my" calling is to help equip the church in "her" calling to reach today's teenagers. The two are very different. I think the church will embrace this calling as we move into the future.
4) Authentic Faith will emerge - One of the things that made 2010 such an incredible year for me was the fact that I got to walk through the valley with my students at my side. They saw a very real, practical faith (I hope!) lived out. I tried to be very candid with them each step of the way, often sharing my doubts, fears, anger, hurt, and joys. Teenagers want this. Teenagers need this. They want an authentic, raw faith lived out before them so that they can follow. The epiphany for me came when I realized that it wasn't "my" intent to deliver this authentic, raw faith to my students - it was God's plan being carried out.
5) Social justice will be commonplace - We've seen the rise of social justice in ministry today, but no one is more passionate about bringing equality to the people and making sure felt needs are met like teens. I don't intend to take away any meaning when I use the term "commonplace," but I think in the future of youth ministry there will be radical teenagers living out their faith as Jesus did, meeting the needs of society and showing the love of Christ in such practical ways that it will appear to be commonplace.
I wanted to share my thoughts with you, my readers. I have no real research (or crystal ball) to back most of these up. Observations, conversations, careful thought, and prayer were my only guide. Feel free to chime in with your thoughts on subject.
If these prove true, we have A LOT to be hopeful about.
Also, I'm not the only one thinking about this topic. I'm loving my friend Marko's series on this very subject. He surveyed about 15 of his youth ministry friends (including yours truly) about the future of Youth Ministry and now he's sharing the responses on his blog.
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Like this post? You might like this one too: Who Are the Leading Youth Ministry Voices Today?Labels: Church, Hot Topics, Issues, Leadership, Youth Pastors
