Deep Thoughts by Mr. G

Seems some Urban Legends have been circulated instead of just by email, in facebook and other social media places. The real issue is we tell these "Legends" as fact to base our own premises by in support for the faith. Sure, they can be used as parables. The real issue is should we be spreading rumours, gossip, and not verify our sources? (I know I've been guilty of using some false urban legend -earlier in my ministry). Thanks to the internet - these legends can spread quickly, but also we can verify them quickly as well. Example Parable of the Donut I actually had one of my students do 100 push-ups for one of our evening services - to illustrate this pt. People still remember Brad Davis doing them push-ups and one of my Church Leaders yelling to Stop ... I'm hurting him ... and then read this parable. Of course the The Chalk breaking is the one legend that gets circulated as fact and even on youtube. Some more sites and resources Still circulating are things like

Several good ideas about being Kingdom minded and have done this but here is my caution about doing so. 1. Who is ultimately in charge? 2. Who pays for it? 3. What about liability and insurance issues? 4. Timing? (As much as I'd like to work with 1st Christian down the road hearing about your event this week doesn't give me enough time nor effort to promote it. So please send stuff at least 6wks in advance. 5. Methods. Does it fit into what we're doing? What is the purpose? Merely entertain? Fellowship? what? 6. Theology. As much as we'd like to say all churches believe the same and we worship the same God ... there are some I'd rather stay far away from ... ones that say everyone's way is ok and that Jesus is one of many ways to get to heaven. Seriously. 7. Staffing? When working with other youth groups - (see #1) staffing and having enough chaperones is important. 8. Location. Where will the programming be? Will it be too far from the student's home? Are p

Seems Timothy Eldred has a lot to say. His latest article, The Ego Trip of youth ministry, has me concerned. I get the jest of it ...He wants youth ministry to be youth doing ministry. What I take issue with is statements like: "The "A-List" youth pastors of the 90's have moved on to church planting; therefore, worthwhile youth ministry is in hibernation. Maybe you've heard the same nonsense point of view." and this statement: "Youth ministry is not about doing for or ministering to young people. It's about youth doing ministry: to youth, by youth, for youth. It's not complicated; it's the recipe for success." And concluding with this: "If you're looking for God to move like never before in your church, start a youth ministry that produces youth in ministry." Now let's look at each statement. 1. Ummm, maybe the guys in the 90s were feed up with being treated as second class citizens and knew that there was more to jus