What is Your Scorecard for Measuring Success?
8 Comments Published by Terrace Crawford on 4/13/12 at 9:45 AM.
We need a new scorecard for measuring success in Youth Ministry. Quite frankly, in the CHURCH period! I get sick of hearing from youth workers all over the nation who get treated so poorly by their leadership (and even fired) because they aren't producing enough numbers. Numbers aren't always an accurate picture of health, and therefore, should not be the scorecard for measuring success. This is an entirely different blog post waiting to happen, so I digress...
What got me thinking about this topic at all was a quick read from an expert of a job description posted on Tim Steven's blog from Granger Community Church. Check out this line...
So what is your scorecard for measuring success? What do you think about this job description?
By the way, if you are looking for a position or know someone who might be a great fit for this role, as Student Ministries Director, tell them to apply soon.
What got me thinking about this topic at all was a quick read from an expert of a job description posted on Tim Steven's blog from Granger Community Church. Check out this line...
"Many youth pastors measure their success on what they can do. The person in this role will measure success by what they equip others to do."What a wonderful way to measure success. Spot on, Granger. Spot on.
So what is your scorecard for measuring success? What do you think about this job description?
By the way, if you are looking for a position or know someone who might be a great fit for this role, as Student Ministries Director, tell them to apply soon.
Labels: church leaders, Hot Topics, Issues, Leadership, Resources, Youth Pastors, Youth workers
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
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
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
How to Develop a Strategic Plan for Your Ministry
0 Comments Published by Terrace Crawford on 10/7/11 at 11:07 AM.
My good friend, Nate Hogan, has been in youth ministry for years. I just love learning from him. His expertise is in organizational leadership (the guy has a degree in it!) and helping shape the culture of youth ministry. He and I have lots of talks about the future of youth ministry and what our part is in that.
I recently asked Nate write an article for ChurchLeaders explaining how to develop a strategy plan for your youth ministry. If you missed it you can catch an exerpt here on my blog and [go here] for the rest:
When I first became a student ministry pastor I had very little training. I had to build a ministry almost completely from scratch. What was already in place needed rebuilding. Over the past 12 years I have learned some ministry tools to systematically make a strategic plan for ministry. There are a few models for creating a strategic plan. I offer this short version: Prepare, develop guiding statements, look at the landscape, develop a plan, and set a date for review and reform.
Prepare
Assemble a team. There is no substitute for collaboration. In preparing to plan, assemble a team in ministry you trust and can depend on. The trust factor is important because you want people who can tell you what they perceive to be happening in the ministry. What are the current realities? If you develop a plan, how can commitment be generated? How is success going to be determined when your plan goes into action? A team of trusted co-laborers can offer feedback, help assess the environment, and offer suggestions that you alone could not possibly think of on your own. Finally, life in ministry goes far smoother when consensus is built before action is taken.
[Go here] for the rest of the article.
Labels: Culture, Hot Topics, Issues, Leadership, Resources, Youth Pastors, Youth workers
Why You Should Care About Extended Adolescence
2 Comments Published by Terrace Crawford on 9/28/11 at 7:34 AM.
I've done some research and have been having lots of conversations with youth workers on a growing phenomenon known as "Extended Adolescence." One of the people that I love hearing from on this topic (who has done much more research than I) is my friend, Mark Oestreicher (Marko).
Recently Marko's new start-up (the Youth Cartel) announced that he was hosting a symposium on the heels of the National Youth Worker's Convention this year in Atlanta and he's invited a few leading experts to share on this important subject matter.
I asked Marko if he would write a piece for ChurchLeaders and asked him to address a couple of questions. We featured this article just yesterday on the site. If you missed it you can catch an exerpt here on my blog and [go here] for the rest:
Adolescence in America is mutating at an impressive rate. The experience of being a teenager has similarities to whatever your experience and mine were, of course; but there are plenty of dissimilarities. Many of these shifts are things we’re all aware of, if we stop to think about them: increased pressure and stress, constant access to and bombardment of information, instant everything (including an expectation of instant, no-presence-required communication). Each of these interwoven shifts (and others) have an impact on the spiritual lives of teenagers, of course, and we youth workers need to be thoughtful about where we pander or acquiesce, and where we take counter-cultural stands, helping teenagers know and embrace what I like to call a “truthier truth.” (I suppose “truer truth” would be more grammatically correct, but I like the former, so deal with it.)But perhaps the biggest shift in American adolescence is the duration.
Adolescence is now, on average, an almost 20-year trek, lasting all the way through the 20s. Of course, there are 20somethings who are fully living as adults long before they reach the ‘used to be the marker of entering middle age’: 30. But then, there are plenty of young 30somethings still living in an extended adolescence.
There are hundreds of questions we could ask about this, and thousands we could ask about the implications. But I want to zero in on one:
What impact does extended adolescence have on the faith formation of teenagers? Ok, a second question: How should we respond?
[Go here] for the rest of the article.
Labels: churches, Hot Topics, Issues, Resources, Youth Pastors, Youth workers
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
Why You Shouldn't Try To Start a Movement
2 Comments Published by Terrace Crawford on 9/15/11 at 2:32 PM.
A few weeks ago I asked a youth worker out to lunch. We met, had lunch, and talked about our ministries together. In a very short time I noticed a pattern. God seemed to be leading us to teach on some of the very same topics and address some of the same issues in our respective ministries.
Over the last couple of weeks I’ve been working on my upcoming teaching series to help students to take their faith public and began to think about how I wanted to brand the series and roll it out to our students.
Enter the youth worker I had lunch with.
He also had been working on a teaching series to help students take their faith public and just a few days ago branded the series and presented it to his student ministry. Immediately the thing took off. Students overwhelmingly embraced it and it looks like a movement has started.
I was in awe of the response of his students and how God has started using his teaching. It was good. Very good, in fact. So good that I had to come up with something different. It was a tall order though… because I had to work harder to create something bigger and better than he did.
Enter the inward struggle.
I started to really wrestle with this. Why did I have to create something different? Something better? Why can’t I just join the movement instead of creating a new one?
So that is exactly what I did. I tried to overcome my jealously… my drive…my pride… and I picked up the phone and called this youth worker. I told him how great of an idea he had. I told him how awesome it was (and also how obvious it was) that God has started a movement. Then I asked to join him. I asked, “Why can’t we collaborate and do something really big here?” And that’s exactly what we’re doing.
Here are 3 quick things I learned through this:
1. God may have you address some of the same topics with your students as the youth worker down the street. Action item: Have conversations with local youth workers to see if you recognize any themes or patterns.
2. I’m not immune to jealousy, pride, or a competitive spirit when it comes to ministry. My hunch is that you aren’t either. Action item: Ask God to search your heart and point out where you might struggle with these things.
3. God may already be at work around you and you need to recognize it. Action item: Don’t believe the lie that you need to try to start a movement. You might need to join one. You can quote me on that!
Over the last couple of weeks I’ve been working on my upcoming teaching series to help students to take their faith public and began to think about how I wanted to brand the series and roll it out to our students.
Enter the youth worker I had lunch with.
He also had been working on a teaching series to help students take their faith public and just a few days ago branded the series and presented it to his student ministry. Immediately the thing took off. Students overwhelmingly embraced it and it looks like a movement has started.
I was in awe of the response of his students and how God has started using his teaching. It was good. Very good, in fact. So good that I had to come up with something different. It was a tall order though… because I had to work harder to create something bigger and better than he did.
Enter the inward struggle.
I started to really wrestle with this. Why did I have to create something different? Something better? Why can’t I just join the movement instead of creating a new one?
So that is exactly what I did. I tried to overcome my jealously… my drive…my pride… and I picked up the phone and called this youth worker. I told him how great of an idea he had. I told him how awesome it was (and also how obvious it was) that God has started a movement. Then I asked to join him. I asked, “Why can’t we collaborate and do something really big here?” And that’s exactly what we’re doing.
Here are 3 quick things I learned through this:
1. God may have you address some of the same topics with your students as the youth worker down the street. Action item: Have conversations with local youth workers to see if you recognize any themes or patterns.
2. I’m not immune to jealousy, pride, or a competitive spirit when it comes to ministry. My hunch is that you aren’t either. Action item: Ask God to search your heart and point out where you might struggle with these things.
3. God may already be at work around you and you need to recognize it. Action item: Don’t believe the lie that you need to try to start a movement. You might need to join one. You can quote me on that!
Labels: church leaders, churches, Hot Topics, Issues, 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
There are basically two types of volunteers. Those who get the vision and those who don't. I don't know why it has taken me so long to learn this... but its rather simple really. You can actually tell who gets the vision and who doesn't on your team. Here are some striking traits of each:
Granted, there are not always check marks by each of these. I also realize every case varies. You might even totally disagree with this list... but its definitely a fairly accurate picture of traits I've personally noticed in ministry.
It is also important to mention that volunteers aren't always at fault. Sometimes its a lack of direction or an unclear vision that rests solely on the primary leader.
We've been blessed by some incredible volunteers who get the vision... but there have been some along the way who didn't get it. Pretty soon you find out because they aren't a part of the program anymore. They perish.
The scriptures say a little something, something about that... "where there is no vision the people perish." Rings true here. Volunteers need to "get it."
Labels: Hot Topics, Issues, Leadership, Resources, Youth Pastors, Youth workers
I felt led to share this post (from 2009) with my coaching network the other day and I got several emails back from many of them about how timely it was for them. I'd like to share the repost with you and hope it serves up a bit of an encouragement to you also.
I have said those words in my head many times. I'm a complete failure. I've written the resignation letter... and was ready to hand it in. Then... ((gut check)) I begin to be reminded in my spirit of the changed lives I've seen. I'm committed for the long haul.
Alec Baldwin recently told a reporter:
I have said those words in my head many times. I'm a complete failure. I've written the resignation letter... and was ready to hand it in. Then... ((gut check)) I begin to be reminded in my spirit of the changed lives I've seen. I'm committed for the long haul.
Alec Baldwin recently told a reporter:
"I don't have any interest in acting anymore. Movies are part of my past. It's been 30 years. I'm not young, but I have time to do something else.
It's a difficult thing to say, but I believe it: I consider my entire movie career a complete failure. I'll tell you why. The goal of moviemaking is to star in a film where your performance drives the film, and the film is either a soaring critical or commercial success, and I never had that."
Wha? This man is on a huge, award winning sitcom... has starred in numerous movies... and is set to co-host the upcoming Academy Awards with Steve Martin. Many actors would kill for that! But Baldwin is ready to throw in the towel in 2012.
Sometimes we don't realize the impact we make. We allow discouragement to set-in. And we consider our career a complete failure. I pray that today God reminds you, like He does with me, of your importance in the Kingdom. We need you for the long haul.
Sometimes we don't realize the impact we make. We allow discouragement to set-in. And we consider our career a complete failure. I pray that today God reminds you, like He does with me, of your importance in the Kingdom. We need you for the long haul.
Labels: Celebrities, Hot Topics, Issues, Leadership
5 Reasons You Are Not Encouraged by Your Leader
0 Comments Published by Terrace Crawford on 8/16/11 at 2:02 PM.
I can list for you really quickly which leaders I have served that have really encouraged me and those who have been ... not so encouraging. I'm pretty sure we can all create this list. Encouragement is so important because we all need it. Chances are you have had moments where you were starved for encouragement and just didn't get it. I know I have been there. I recall one particular day where I was chatting with a former boss about how things felt like they were falling apart in my world. I was hurting and really needed some encouragement. I'll never forget his response to me: "Well, you won't get any sympathy from me." Wow, I thought... thanks for your ministry. That day I wanted to quit.
Over the years God has taught me about the power of encouragement and I certainly try to be encouraging to people that I serve with, although I'll be the first to admit that I have room to grow! Today I wanted to share with you a post my friend Doug Fields just recently wrote titled: "5 Reasons You're Not Encouraged by Your Leader or Boss." This post caught my attention and I just had to share it because it suggests a few reasons why you may not be getting the encouragement you so need, desire, or deserve.
Here are 3 of the 5 reasons he shared:
1. Leaders are insecure - While we often assume those in charge have a strong sense of self and security, it's not always the case. Many leaders are deeply insecure and their insecurity has been the fuel that has driven them to acquire the position. They've reached high status with low regard for their own.2. Leaders assume people already know their strengths, qualities and skills - Some leaders treat others as if the paycheck is all the encouragement that's needed. If they've still got a job, it can be assumed their doing a good job. Getting paid should be encouragement enough.3. Natural encouragement wasn't modeled - I've had leaders tell me, "I've just never seen effective displays of affirmation." Sad, but true. Many leaders are product of an affirmation-free environment and honestly don't know the power of encouragement, nor have seen encouragement liberally handed-out.
Labels: Hot Topics, Issues, Leadership, Resources, Youth Pastors, Youth workers
Win a Copy of The Orphaned Generation!
10 Comments Published by Terrace Crawford on 7/28/11 at 11:32 AM.
There has been a lot of talk in the last couple years about the shift in youth ministry and how important the discussion of intergenerational ministry is. My friend, Scott Wilcher, has written a very thought-provoking book titled "The Orphaned Generation" that really needs to enter into this discussion. The book covers 3 pressing questions: 1. Why young people are leaving the church? (2) Why do adults seem to struggle to reach out to young people? and (3) What must we do to reach them and keep them? As you read this book Scott will make you wrestle with your current philosophy of youth ministry and will push you to help bring change to the Church's approach of reaching students.You can win 1 of 5 autographed copies of his book right here! Just follow the steps below to enter and I'll pick 5 winners at random on Tuesday, August 2nd at 12:00PM (EST).
Here's How to Win:
1. Follow me: If you have a twitter account follow me - @terracecrawford
2. Tweet this: Win a FREE copy of The Orphaned Generation from @terracecrawford, enter here: http://bit.ly/oElpVQ
3. Comment: with your twitter name (so we know you did step one) and what church\city you are from (just for fun).
At 12PM (EST), Tuesday, August 2nd we will choose 5 random winners from the comments & will tweet you!
Also, its Scott Wilcher's birthday today! So if you're connected to him (or want to be) make sure you wish him well.
Labels: contests, free, Hot Topics, Issues, Resources, Youth Pastors
My friend, Doug Fields, shared a post recently about how to make people you lead or those who work for you feel valued. I could not agree more with his thoughts on the subject.
Doug stated...
Doug stated...
"It's been my belief that most people don't leave ministries, they leave leaders. Typically, they leave leaders who don't express value."
I cannot tell you how important this is. Even though I'd consider myself highly relational, I still try to work hard to express value to those around me. And I'd be lying if I told you that I didn't think I have had leaders leave our ministry because they didn't feel valued.
Doug shared 7 specific ways you can value others in your ministry in his post. I'll share a couple here and you can go check out the full post on his blog for the rest:
1. Genuinely care for more than what they can offer you and\or your organization - Many leaders view people as assets. They relate to people in terms of "what they can do for me." While it may be natural and typical for an employee\employer relationship, it's not beneficial. Value is communicated when you genuinely care for people as human beings and not human doings (and what they can do for you to help you build your kingdom).3. Affirm, affirm, affirm - This should go without saying, and unfortunately, many times it does. I know leaders will say, "He knows he's important to me." Really? When was the last time you told him? It ought to be often! This is such a basic principle that it's almost embarassing to write, but I find it so rare in leaders that it's worth mentioning and repeating.
Labels: Issues, Leadership, Resources, Youth Pastors
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
I feel like I've become a part-time student of social media... and I like it. I do a lot of research (particularly these days) on the subject and because of current projects I'm working on I'll suspect that I'll be blogging more and more on social media.
Recently 2 corporations (Arbitron & Edison Research) decided to collaborate and study how Americans are using Social Media. At Blogworld 2011 Tom Webster ( VP of Edison) released some preliminary data in his talk and I wanted to share with you 8 findings on how Americans use social media that you might find interesting:
1. Social Media's Reach: More than 51% of Americans (ages 12 & up) are on one or more social media platforms today. Over 46 million of those Americans use their social media platforms at least once daily.
2. Demographics: The typical social media user is apparently a 35 year old white (caucasian) woman. Only 43% of men use social media. Other numbers: 64% of caucasians use social media, while only 28% of African American & hispanics combined use it and only 8 percent make up other minorities.
3. Mobile users fueling growth: More than half of social media users are using their smartphones to update their accounts. In fact, 64% of those who use social media use their (smart)phones to update their statuses.
4. Twitter vs. Facebook - 8% of those recently surveyed say they use Twitter, while 51% of users said they had a Facebook. Don't count twitter out... that 8% translates to over 20 million Americans too. Are you on twitter?
5. Location-based services & apps: Only about one third of social media users actually know what location-based services are. You know... Foursquare, GoWalla and the like. The number of users is expected to grow exponentially over the next couple years though!
6. Broadband users: 6 out of 7 American homes have broadband internet access, while 9 out of 10 are online. Wonder how many of those connect (or will connect) through social mediums over the next few years? How are you reaching people who aren't connected through social media?
7. Brands on Social Media: Social Media has really put brands on the map. Because of platforms like Facebook and Twitter, companies have made a ton of money! The question is, how will you leverage it? Recent research shows that 1 in 4 users are following a brand on social media.
8. Facebook is influential: There is research to show that marketing via Facebook (whether business, church, organization) is profitable; however, its not enough. Webster mentioned in his talk that even though Facebook is influential its not enough to persuade the consumer to trust your product or offerings. You must use other social platforms and mediums to connect with your audience.
Labels: Issues, Media, social media
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
#Rapture: Harold Camping's False Alarm
1 Comments Published by Terrace Crawford on 5/25/11 at 7:50 AM.
Harold Camping is an idiot. Actually, the people who follow him may be classified as "idiots."
Then I decided to listen to the last recorded broadcast of Camping's radio show (prior to the "rapture"). You can catch the audio [here]. Around the 2.30 mark he starts to discuss the events that will unfold on May 21 in a rather monotone voice (might I add, after he cuts a lady off who was seeking salvation). That should have been the 2nd clue. I mean, if you KNOW the world is coming to an end wouldn't you display more emotion?
This man, whom most people had not heard of, predicted that the "Rapture" would take place this past Saturday (May 21) at 6:00PM. Over 100 MILLION dollars was donated to his organization (Family Radio) to promote this "Judgement Day" campaign. People sold their homes, cars, pets... all because they were "foolish or senseless" (that's the definition of an idiot by the way) and were led astray. I feel sorry for them. If they would have only read the scriptures for themselves instead of believing this guy.
One gentleman not only sold his home but emptied his entire life savings (a whopping $140,000!) to help promote the campaign. I am disturbed by this... and really feel a burden for someone so deceived. Yet Camping states that he has no plans to reinburse people who donated towards the campaign. This is injustice.
First of all, if you're taking in over $100 Million dollars can't you get a better website? I clicked over to Family Radio the other day and thought I was in the wrong place...
Then I decided to listen to the last recorded broadcast of Camping's radio show (prior to the "rapture"). You can catch the audio [here]. Around the 2.30 mark he starts to discuss the events that will unfold on May 21 in a rather monotone voice (might I add, after he cuts a lady off who was seeking salvation). That should have been the 2nd clue. I mean, if you KNOW the world is coming to an end wouldn't you display more emotion?I also read a number of articles and posts regarding this thing. A couple of them stood out to me... 1) a post by Phil Cooke on what Harold Camping got right (which talks about what we can learn from Camping).... and 2) a post by Ed Stetzer where he flat out calls Harold Camping a false teacher (I agree Ed!).
Now this guy plans to swindle more people out of their money because he claims he was "a little off in his prediction" and has set a new date of Oct 21. Don't believe this for a second. Read the scriptures...
“However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows." (Mark 13:32)
As I reflect on the last few days, the unfortunate thing is that I think I missed opportunities to speak the truth to teenagers about such false teaching. This past weekend I spent more time joking about "the world coming to an end" that I believe I missed many opportunities to clarify what the bible says about Jesus' return and a chance to pray for folks whose world did come to an end (those who lost their lives and possessions in the violent storms around the USA).
Let's seize every moment we have to speak the truth to people. Sure, we had some fun on twitter... and facebook... but I truly believe we might have missed (I know I missed) some opportunities to point people to Christ.
I'm praying for those who are truly seeking the truth... and for those who are now hurting because of this false teaching. I hope you'll join me.
Let's help prepare folks for the real judgement days and be ready to meet Christ. If we don't do this we might as well classify ourselves as "idiots" too.
Labels: Culture, Issues, 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
