4 Ways to Spend Your Downtime This Christmas
53 Comments Published by Terrace Crawford on 12/24/12 at 7:47 PM.
My friend, Josh Griffin, posted this great article a few Christmas seasons ago, but I still refer back to it when this season rolls around. It's all about how to spend your downtime (if you're fortunate enough to unplug!). I'll post a couple of his suggestions here, and you can go [here] for the rest!
"I realize not everyone gets to enjoy the Christmas season at a slower pace – for many youth workers, the Christmas season is a giant snowball that builds and builds, eventually gaining insane speed and crashing into the New Year with a resounding thwack. But for me this year, we’re scaling way back for the holidays. We cancelled the Christmas Extravaganza, small group parties are happening on their own, a special speaker doing the Christmas teaching and the big New Year’s Dance never made it on the final winter calendar. So what to do with all of this new found time, free from the endless barrage of emails, phone calls and events? If your pace does slow down a bit, here are 4 places you may want to spend your Christmas downtime:
"I realize not everyone gets to enjoy the Christmas season at a slower pace – for many youth workers, the Christmas season is a giant snowball that builds and builds, eventually gaining insane speed and crashing into the New Year with a resounding thwack. But for me this year, we’re scaling way back for the holidays. We cancelled the Christmas Extravaganza, small group parties are happening on their own, a special speaker doing the Christmas teaching and the big New Year’s Dance never made it on the final winter calendar. So what to do with all of this new found time, free from the endless barrage of emails, phone calls and events? If your pace does slow down a bit, here are 4 places you may want to spend your Christmas downtime:
Spend time alone Finish the books you’ve started 2 months ago and are still on chapter 2. Get away from the noise. Turn off your phone and escape for a day. Pray. Meditate, reflect, celebrate. Get a waffle cone and people watch.
Spend time with students Gather up the core students for a spontaneous night out. That one kid who comes on Sunday morning – ask a regular kid what his name is again then take him out for coffee. Think about that regular kid who needs a big challenge, the newbie who could use a connection and the hurting kid who could use a hug. Go after the people you haven’t had the time for this Fall."
[Go here] for the rest of the post.
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Labels: christmas, joshua griffin, Leadership, soul care, Youth Pastors, Youth workers
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
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
The 7 Best Practices for Teaching Teens the Bible
12 Comments Published by Terrace Crawford on 4/4/12 at 12:49 PM.
It's arguably THE most important responsibility we have as youth workers... do you know what it is? Teaching teenagers the Bible. If this is a true statement, we must then ask ourselves are we effective teachers? My friend, Andy Blanks, co-founder of YM360 has recently released a book to help you be more effective in your teaching. It's called "The 7 Best Practices for Teaching Teenagers the Bible!" I just recently got my hands on it and read through. I can honestly say, Andy has a wonderful grasp of what discipleship is all about. In fact, I met with him recently and told him how much I would love to learn more from him!
I want to urge you to pick up a copy of this book for a few reasons:
1. It explains what the 7 Best Practices are for Teaching Teenagers the Bible
2. It explains why each practice is important
3. It provides ample strategies and examples so that you can immediately apply what you learn to your teaching.
So what are the 7 Best Practices? Here they are:
Best Practice #1: Engaging with God
Best Practice #2: Prepare well, Teach well
Best Practice #3: Context is Key
Best Practice #4: Embrace Unpredictability
Best Practice #5: Plan for Interaction
Best Practice #6: Teach for Application
Best Practice #7: Know your Role
Andy has done a masterful job of putting together a resource here that makes it easier for you, the youth worker, to become an even more dynamic and effective Bible teacher. Seriously, this is a very inexpensive resource that you MUST read. I'll even treat the first 2 people to comment on this post to a FREE book (just leave me your name & email or twitter name). That's right... I'll pick up the tab for you because I believe in this resource.
Labels: Books, contests, 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
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 Quick Ideas for Connecting with Students
8 Comments Published by Terrace Crawford on 3/14/12 at 7:17 AM.
I'm always encouraging youth workers to build into students and find ways to connect with teens. In the past week I've thought a lot more about how important it is for me to set staff up for success. If I don't properly coach volunteers, and share practical ways to do ministry, I'm inevitably setting them up to fail. With that in mind, I thought I'd jot down a number of quick ideas I had for developing relationships with students and share them with leaders.
Disclaimer: This list was written exclusively for small group leaders, but these tips could really apply to anyone who is looking to connect with teenagers.
2. Mentor them
3. Post regularly (or even periodically) to the wall of your official Student Ministry Facebook page
4. Host a "girls only" or "guys only" (whichever applies to your group) event and get them to invite friends
5. Each lunch with students (at school, on weeekend, etc.) or meet them for coffee or ice cream after school
6. Have dinner with their family
7. Attend their extra-curricular activities (sports, dance, etc.)Students love when you support their interests. This is a great way to show you care... and let's face it, sometimes you might be filling in the gap for their parent by sitting on the sidelines when the parent can't make it to cheer on their child!
8. Send them text messages throughout the week (between Sundays\Wednesdays) to check-in and encourage them
9. Work on a service project together
What other great tips & ideas would you add to this list?
Disclaimer: This list was written exclusively for small group leaders, but these tips could really apply to anyone who is looking to connect with teenagers.
10 Quick Ideas for Connecting with Students (in Your Small Group):
1. Start a Facebook Group for your small group only
Start a Facebook Group and change the privacy settings to make it a closed group ("secret group"), which will allow you to share prayer requests, etc and it will keep things private. Just keep close watch on your group and moderate what is posted.
2. Mentor them
Each student really needs a mentor. Why not spend an hour with a student each week? (or even 30 minutes!) It's really the best investment you could make with teens.
3. Post regularly (or even periodically) to the wall of your official Student Ministry Facebook page
Sharing a brief message on the Student Ministry Facebook wall shows the excitement you have for your group and also may appeal to other students outside your small group that you might not otherwise reach.
4. Host a "girls only" or "guys only" (whichever applies to your group) event and get them to invite friends
Hosting an event for your small group is a great way to build into your students.
5. Each lunch with students (at school, on weeekend, etc.) or meet them for coffee or ice cream after school
There is nothing like getting on their turf! Meeting up with students to grab a bite to eat or treat them goes a long way. (I've heard youth pastors like this too. ;-)
6. Have dinner with their family
This is a wonderful idea -- if you can secure an invite from the family to come over for dinner. You get to see what life is like for the student (at home) and get to build into their parents too!
7. Attend their extra-curricular activities (sports, dance, etc.)Students love when you support their interests. This is a great way to show you care... and let's face it, sometimes you might be filling in the gap for their parent by sitting on the sidelines when the parent can't make it to cheer on their child!
8. Send them text messages throughout the week (between Sundays\Wednesdays) to check-in and encourage them
Students really need to hear from caring adults throughout the week. Sending them a text or tweet during the week is a great way to show you are interested in them. Otherwise, your communication with them sounds like just a plea to get them to your event.
9. Work on a service project together
Working a project together really helps create community within your group and will help you connect with students individually too!
10. Attend student events\programs you might not otherwise attend
Don't be content to limit your interaction with students to the one or two events or programs you are normally a part of. Why not surprise them by showing up to other youth ministry events to participate?
What other great tips & ideas would you add to this list?
Labels: ideas, Leadership, Resources, youth ministry, Youth Pastors, Youth workers
I'm out in Louisville, KY speaking at the National Simply Youth Ministry Conference (LIVE blogging to commence!), but I really wanted to alert you to a FREE, online conference that you need to be watching today. It's called GroundSWELL and the speaker line-up is made up of all students! Gosh, we REALLY need to lean in and listen to this folks! My assistant, Seth Adams, is one of the speakers. You'll get to meet him at the Simply Youth Ministry Conference if you attend. =)
Here's a snapshot of the GroundSWELL conference at GroundSWELL.tv:
[Click here] to connect to GroundSWELL.tv. A rebroadcast of the online conference will be held TODAY at 7:00PM EST.
Here's a snapshot of the GroundSWELL conference at GroundSWELL.tv:
[Click here] to connect to GroundSWELL.tv. A rebroadcast of the online conference will be held TODAY at 7:00PM EST.Labels: Creative, 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
A couple months ago my friend, Greg Stier, joined an online meeting I hosted for a few of my Coaching Network members. We had a great time and sure learned a lot from Greg. I enjoy having notable thought-leaders, like Greg, share with my Coaching Network in online collaborative meetings during our 6 months together. Sometimes they even write articles exclusively for network members.Recently Greg Stier sent me a piece that he wrote for my group, and today I thought I would allow you to read what he shared:
Are you the Coach or the Quarterback?
"Many of us come to youth ministry evangelism from an invitational mindset. We've been all about encouraging our students to invite their friends out to youth group so the unreached can hear an adult tell them about Jesus. In this invitational evangelism model, when the unchurched show up at our weekly meetings or organized outreach activities, many of us see ourselves as the team quarterback who's there to lob the quick touchdown pass and nail the 'conversion' point.What a great message! Thanks Greg, for investing in youth workers!
Now don't get me wrong, I believe it's critically important that we give the gospel each week at our youth group meetings and that we rejoice over every soul who gets introduced to Jesus through our meetings. But I'm convinced that we would see even more fruit from our evangelism efforts if we shifted our perspective away from being the quarterback who's standing at the ready to deliver the touchdown pass, and instead started to see ourselves as the team coach.
The coach's job is to train and equip the individual members of the team with the skills they need to get off the bench and into the game themselves. (Check out Ephesians 4:11-13.) The coach's job is to explain the strategy, refine the skill sets and techniques and motivate the team to bring their best to the game.
Evangelism can't just be an occasional curriculum topic we brush up against once or twice a year, or even a quarterly outreach meeting we organize with all the bells and whistles. It has to be a mindset we're cultivating year round in our students as we coach them week in and week out so they can get off the bench and into the game.
Wouldn't it be awesome if it were our teens who were initiating spiritual conversations and sharing their faith one-on-one with their friends? When another teen comes to them stressed out about grades or hurting because someone backstabbed them, what better way for our teens to step into the distress and talk about the strength and comfort they've found from having a personal relationship with God? Or imagine the impact if they'd bring Jesus into the conversation with their friends who are looking for direction or purpose in life.
But this will only happen if your teenagers see themselves as players in the game. So are you coaching and equipping the teens in your spiritual care to do the work of evangelism? Or are you behaving more like the quarterback than the coach?
You don't have to be gifted or "an expert" in evangelism to coach your team. But you should be leading the way by your own example, seeking to personally share your faith with others and letting your teens in on your efforts, sharing with them about both your successes and failures. The example of your own life, coupled with your intentional efforts to coach your teens regarding the basic gospel-sharing essentials, will get your students owning their faith, sharing it with friends and seeing people reached with the gospel."
Greg is currently on a tour all across the country to help train teens to share their faith with their friends. It's a tour called "Game Day" and you should check it out...
Oh, and I'd love for you to be a part of my next Coaching Network group! I'm only accepting 10 members. I'll be officially opening registration on Monday but if you'd like to try to secure your spot early you can [apply here] now!
Labels: evangelism, Leadership, Resources, 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
groundSWELL Conference (with Teen Speakers!)
0 Comments Published by Terrace Crawford on 11/30/11 at 8:48 AM.
I'm a firm believer in student-led ministry and I believe youth workers need to coach students (and give them opportunity) to speak to their peers... so I'm very excited to share this announcement with you today.
My friends at Leadership Network have created a number of really great online conference experiences since their first Nines event a few years ago. Their most recent offering is called "groundSWELL: the church of tomorrow speaks today" and I'm excited about it -- primarily because ALL of the speakers will be 13-19 years of age (that's right, ALL teenagers!).
This online experience will be held in early 2012 and details are still forthcoming, but you can nominate a teen speaker using [this online form] right now.
I've already taken the liberty of nominating someone I know who would make a great addition to the speaker list. Can't wait to hear from these students!
Labels: Conferences, Creative, Leadership, Youth Pastors, Youth workers
Coaching Network Learns from Greg Stier
0 Comments Published by Terrace Crawford on 10/20/11 at 12:25 PM.
One of the special elements I've intentionally programmed into my Coaching Network is some online meetings where I bring together all the participants to meet with me. For a few of these I'm inviting some special guests to join us. Last week I was stoked to have my friend Greg Stier share with us about reaching teens who don't know Christ and ministry to local school campuses. It was awesome! I just love Greg's passion and so appreciated his time with us.Pictured above you see a few of the guys I'm currently coaching that logged on to the webinar. We also had a few people listening in by phone. Gotta love technology!
Greg Stier is the founder and president of Dare2Share Ministries. You should check out his latest blog post about reaching students in your local schools. Also, on the Dare 2 Share website you'll find a ton of free resources to help equip you & your students!
Hope you can join me for my next Coaching Network, which launches in January 2012!
If you want more information about how you can join my next Coaching Network group just drop me an email with your interest and I'll contact you!
Labels: coaching, coaching network, Leadership, Resources, Youth Pastors
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
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
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
New Podcast: The Youth Ministry Garage
1 Comments Published by Terrace Crawford on 9/15/11 at 7:30 PM.
The Youth Ministry world mourned when the Simply Podcast crew shut things down after 143 episodes. Now, after obtaining sponsors and a new location, among other things the show has been reborn. (Editor's note: Ok... that was a bit dramatic... but its still exciting!)
The "Youth Ministry Garage" debuted today featuring Doug Fields, Josh Griffin, Matt McGill and Katie Edwards... live from Doug Fields' garage. I encourage you to check out the new site and the first episode. I'm including a screen shot of the site and their slick intro video.
Labels: Creative, Leadership, Resources, Site Shout, Technology, 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
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
