The 18 month Myth

Myth Busters ... So how do we get away from this myth in Youth Ministry?





Here’s an article from Group Magazine. It’s at the bottom of the page after 100 Youth Ministry Gems and 10 Things I Wish I’d Known. (Good Stuff). You can click here to read the rest http://www.groupmag.com/articles/details.asp?ID=3795



THE 18 MONTH MYTH



By Rick Lawrence



"Studies indicate that the average youth director lasts only 18 months." So says George Gallup, the granddaddy of Christian pollsters. I’ve heard the same factoid quoted by esteemed youth ministry speakers, authors, academics, and average-Josephine youth leaders hundreds of times. So it’s gotta be true, right?



Here’s the trouble: I’ve attempted to trace this now-infamous truism back to a specific source, and I can’t find one anywhere. Gallup doesn’t cite a particular study. Neither does Barna. It’s a ghost vampire not even Buffy can kill. The 18-Month Myth is now part of youth ministry lore. It’s been used over and over to describe youth ministers as easily scared gypsies who bolt at the first sign of trouble.



Well, I’m here to tell you it’s all a bunch of bunk.



For years I’ve challenged people who reel off this 18-month statistic to cite their sources. I’ve disputed its authenticity for two reasons: (1) The average group reader has five years of paid youth ministry experience and has stayed at the same church—both as a volunteer and paid staffer—for more than six years. (2) At conventions, workshops, and in casual conversations with youth ministers all over the country, I hardly ever meet one who bags it after a year-and-a-half.



So we here at group decided to find out the truth, once and for all. We asked our research staff to complete a scientific survey of North American churches using a representative sampling of denominations. Here’s what we discovered:



*The average paid youth minister has just over four years experience (4.2 years, to be exact).



*The average paid youth minister has been at the same church for almost four years (3.9 years, to be exact).

So you’re not the lone stable person in a sea of here-today, gone-tomorrow gadabouts. And, if you’re a group subscriber, it’s a good bet you’re even more committed to your profession and your church than those nefarious nonsubscribers out there.

Now I feel all squishy inside—the good kind of squishy. I hope you do, too.

Rick Lawrence is editor of group.

A Train Wreck about to happen?

Are we, "A Train Wreck about to happen?"

By that, I mean how do you have accountability in your life?


How is your walk?

What struggles are you having?

Have you learned to Say "No"?

What is one thing you are good at?



I'll start with the above.



1. One of which I'm searching for better ways for accountability because the boundaries I currently have - I can get around.

2. It is a process of which I'm not happy.

3. Maintaining balance.

4. I'd like to think so but saying No is hard.

5. I'd say I'm more of a laidback person and sometimes that is hard to be when confrontation is called for.



Thoughts? How are you?

Generation iY: A Review.

Generation iY is to Youth Ministry hat Chap Clark's book Hurt was several years ago. Highly recommended reading that my friend Neal told me about ...and I went out and purchased right away.

The author, Tim Elmore, gives an intriguing insight to this generation of which I'm a parent of. The author gives insight to how we got here. He gives the different generation comparisons and the struggles of the iY Generation.

Tim Elmore doesn't give a doom and gloom message, but rather on of practical insight and ideas to feeding, caring, and empowering the leaders of this generation.

pg. 108 "James Baldwin once penned: 'Children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they never failed to imitate them.'"

The author cites the lies we told like: "You can be anything you want."  "Everyone needs to go to college"

On pg. 172 the author cites some facts for this Generation:

"Never known the world without the internet"

"Iraq & Afghanistan have always been front page stories."

"Bono and Madonna are aging singers"

The concluding remarks sums up the book: "If you want happiness for a lifetime, help the next generation." pg. 207.

I recommend any parent, youth worker, educator, and church leader to read this book. Helps gives insight and in today's culture. A must for all Youth Ministers.

Ten Things to know when Starting a Youth Ministry.

1. Get it in writing. Get a contract, job description. Know what is expected of you.




2. Get your office organized. The more organized chaos you have the better you have for administrative and relationship building.



3. Get to know your leaders. Know their giftedness, take them to lunch. Spend time together building a team. The more you support the Church Staff and stand united - the better.



4. Get to know the parents. Know what their expectations are. Get feedback on what they want for their child. Spend time building relationships with the parents (Moreso than even the teens)



5. Build your team. Get to know the sponsors. Slowly build your team. Get to what what they have do in the past, and what you are planning for the future.



6. Get to know your students. Especially your student leaders. Mentor, disciple, impact, have a plan and a purpose for every activity and lesson you do.



7. Don't change a Thing. At least not yet. Evaluate. Spend the first couple of months - maybe not even teaching but observing, look at the overall - what works, what doesn't. Be prepared to get your Senior pastor on board when you have to REVAMP, and possibly fire or rather re-assign other volunteers to other ministries. You are in charge - but that takes time to make the program Yours (After much consideration and prayer of course of where God would have you)



8. Have a network. Have some mentors, a network of youthworkers to rant, to bounce things off of, as well as some accountability. Build long lasting friendships outside even the congregation you are serving. Be Kingdom Building, not always Congregational. (There is a difference).



9. Build your resources. Have a library. Learn. Goto Conventions. Adapt, steal, borrow, use what might fit in your context of youth ministry.



10. Take Time for your own Spiritual Journey. Make sure you are feeding your soul. Don't get burnout. Be encouraged.







Other Resources That you might Find helpful:



Your First two Years in Youth Ministry by Doug Fields.

Starting Right - thinking theological about Youth Ministry - Dean, Clark & Rahn.

The Top 12 Resources Youth Workers Want - Jonathon R. McKee

10 Things I wished I had known when I started Youth Ministry - Revellyn Pletcher

Star Trek or Star Wars?

Star Trek or Star Wars ... both have been around during my lifetime. Both have stories to tell of struggles, redemption, good versus evil. So which show would you choose and why? Personally I relate more to Star Trek (Especially the Next Generation - Captain Kirk was just too dorky). I related to Data mostly. Knowing the good I need to do to be good but struggling with what it means to be human.

This was asked at a job interview, recently, in an article. So which one do you relate to?

The Market on End Time Views

Seems everyone nowadays has an opinion of the view of Eschatology or the End Times.

From the 4 views of interpreting Revelation (Preterist, idealist, historicalist, futurist) to the more than five views of the End Times.

I. Pre-millennialism

II. Pre-millennial Dispensationalism

III. A-millennialism

IV. Post-millennialism

V. Pan-millennialism.

The book, The Four Views of the Millennial comes in Handy - edited by Robert C.

Also This Article
gives some brief input into the End Times Views.

Even our Restoration Founders - Barton W. Stone and Alexander Campbell had differing views (Barton - pre-mill. - Campbell - Post) And then there is the post, pre, mid- tribulation camps within several of the views.

I'm more of a pan-millennialist with A-millennium tendencies. (How's that for a mouthful? or rather I'm a Historical-Futurist with Pan-millennial tendencies of A-millennialism of a semi-pelagianism insight though won't label me as such and beat the whole the Old Light Anti-Burgher Seceder Presbyterian of Thomas Campbell.)

Does one have to be right on their Eschatology views to Enter Heaven? (Soteriology) is the discussion of the End times one of those non-essentials where one can agree to disagree. Though I would point out people are right to be wrong. In fact, several would point out that my pan-millennialism would be a copout. And yes, that would be correct. I really don't care. Really ... Why? Because I don't have the arrogance to claim I know better than the Father. not even the Son knows the Day or time.

I do know this though:

I. We need to be Ready.

II. We need to be Faithful.

III. We need to be a witness.

Why? Because in the end, God wins.

What makes me made is people having it all figured out ... and making books and selling them as if they do. And people that have done such, or having it all figured out ... mock or claim other views unbiblical.

I don't think I have it all figured out, but do like what several scholars have written on the subject lately from one of our sister schools in Illnois.

So is an End times View one for you to not have fellowship with another believer because you disagree how the end is going to happen?

Snoopy's Theology Book!

Youth Ministry as a Crutch

Wrote this Summer 2006.

So I got thinking that there are churches that think Youth Ministry as a Crutch. They use, abuse, and misuse the idea of youth ministry. So here are some things that churches do that use Youth Ministry as a Crutch:



1. They see it as a way to Grow the Church.

2. They see youth ministry as glorified babysitting.

3. More programs, more outings = more fun, games and more of YMCA director.

4. They get what they pay for. So let's pay our youth minister poor, give him no Budget but we expect our church's youth group to be like Willow Creek, Saddleback or any other Mega Church (Insert Name here)

5. Isn't youth ministry just a stepping stone so young ministers can be "REAL" Ministers and get their own "Church" (Notice tongue in cheek)

6. Let's Sell. Fundraise and market Jesus. Afterall it will bring people to our church.

7. We don't want those type of kids. (What type is that anyways?) Just look after our kids. (Back to the babysitting mentality)

8. The Senior Minister is the final authority. (Translation: Don't you dare do anything to tick us off or you're fired and we'll talk to the Senior Minister before you because we don't have to come to you ...)

9. Why aren't you at all our kids events, and why did you have to have all these trips during my sons basketball season, and why is it my "Sally" can't be in the Praise Band but that girl with "Pink hair" can?

10. Everyone is your Boss.



Don't you just want to love God and love students rather than using the Crutches and politics of Church agenda.

Reflections from Afar

An old post from 2006 from another blog:

Things do differently:

1. I would definitely Pray more. Spend more time in prayer.



2. Delegate more. The better you can inspire and administer things, the better balance to your own life.



3. Have better resources. PDYM, and My First 2yrs in YM weren't written yet. I wish someone told me these things long ago.



4. Take care of my own soul. So often I so busy trying to save the world, I forget to feed myself.



5. Take more retreats. With my family, youth, and feed students. There is nothing like NWYC, CIY, Marriage conventions.



6. Choose wisely. I think some of the ministries I went to, I didn't choose wisely until recently. Or rather they might not of either ... I was (and still am) a goofball. I think it was a learning experience for all my ministries. I do appreciate those churches and the life lessons they gave me. (I might have to write a blog post of those lessons)



7. Leadership is everything. Be a leader. Influence. And make sure your leaders are behind you.



8. Make the most of every moment. Today for example I hung out with a youth intern @ another church to build a relationship and encourage. Having the parents more involved.



9. Know your strengths and weaknesses. I think knowing thyself is a good thing. Personality tests, and such come in handy.



10. Loving God and loving students more. I think this essential helped me stay on focus and wish I did it more.



Any others you would add?

Don't Buy the Lies ....

So I'm reading Group Magazine's latest issue. Sept/Oct. 2006. And in it is 3 Dirty YM Lies and a Fourth.



Here are the lies:



1. YM is a meat grinder that will destroy you.



I like How Rob Bell puts it in Velvet Elvis, you can be cynical, and bitter or you can choose to reclaim your innocence.



2. "Do it all myself" is the best way. - UMM ever hear of working yourself to an early grave?



3. Close Relationships are the goal of Youth Ministry. Umm isn't the goal about presenting Jesus?



4. The percentage if young people who are Bible Believing Christians has now dropped to 4%. Funny thing is it is based upon sampling polls from Barna and even the Data from that April 2003 Report is different. I think there is more hope.



Here are some more lies (The above 4 were discussed in the issue but I gave them and my opinion)



5. The average Tenure of a Youth Minister is 18months. Where did this come from? I still haven't seen the stats for this. And if it is? in 6years to have 4 churches ... Might invest in U-Haul rather than Youth Ministry."Youth Ministry Tenure



Most of us have heard it quoted that the average length of a youth minister's stay at any one church is a year and a half. GROUP magazine reports, "The 18-Month Myth is now part of youth ministry lore. It's been used over and over to describe youth ministers as easily scared gypsies who bolt at the first sign of trouble. And it's all a bunch of bunk. We here at GROUP asked our research staff to complete a scientific survey of North American churches using a representative sampling of denominations. We discovered that the average paid youth minister has been at the same church for almost four years (3.9 years, to be exact)." From Group.



6. Most High School Christian Teens Desert the Church. Over 66% or more in their freshmen year. Where Does this come from?



7. Bigger is Better. Mega Church Student Ministry is the way to go.

Umm didn't Jesus start with 12 ordinary men who turned the world upside down?



8. If you build it, they will come. Now come on. What you win them with is what you have to keep them with. So gimmicks, games, and prizes ..guess what you have to keep doing.



9. Youth Ministry is easy. Umm, ever do a lock-in, ever deal with teens' issues. It isn't easy but the rewards are worth it.



10. You will get Rich in Youth Ministry. Book deals, meeting Doug Fields, everyone will like you. Ummm hello, McFly .... you are in it due to the calling not some Christian celebrity bit.

Thoughts? Other lies to add?

My Advice For Christian Standard.

I like  the Christian Standard   magazine.

It starts with the whole statement:

CHRISTIAN STANDARD has been resourcing Christian churches since it was founded in 1866. Now it is the principal magazine connecting these congregations in the farflung, nondenominational fellowship whose congregations are usually known as Christian Churches or Churches of Christ.



My prayer is it continues to be a voice for the Restoration Movement and its principles, not so much focused on resourcing,(More so connecting) nor glamour.

So here  some things I see can be improved:

I.  The current Christian Standard can  almost be mistaken for Christianity Today or some other publication and not so much on the Restoration Movement. Be that voice for the RM.

II. There tends to be 2 editors writing. I like their writings and voice, sometimes I wish they write as one voice.

III. It tends to be catered to the 5 - 15% of churches in North America rather than the 85% of churches that are 150 or less in attendance. (In fact it devotes 2 issues to mega churches, and medium size churches ...yet those struggling churches ... seem to be ignored)

IV. The writings seem more to ideals rather than practical in the trenches. (I see they are getting away from this though)

V. I'd like to see more practical tips, advice - not hey - buy our latest VBS, book etc. (We know your stuff from Standard publishing is great  - you don't have to sell it to us. The interviews are Great. This helps, and the News Buzz.)

(My applause does go to them on the them being on the Word of God this year)



Here's where I would improve the Christian Standard:

I. If you are resourcing - do it. Your website has a place for downloads - but there are none. Links are far and inbetween, and with our social media content - share it. No links to Christian Churches, info, colleges etc.

II. Feature other blogs, twitters, facebook pages of the week etc. I think the Church in the news feature is great but can be enhanced.

III. I knew the old Christian Churches today site was good but utilize it. CS has no link to that but has a good one to "Stake." This feature and website is a great tool.

IV. Have some good criticism and features you like ... like articles and links to other publications such as RH, Stone-Campbell Journal - even some from our Acappela brethen.

V. Online feature of not only Sunday School lessons but maybe more interactive. Like how are you using the material practically? There have been some great blog posts by some of our RH movement professors online ...might make a good feature.

VII. Make the Restoration Plea more visible in your website - not just the above statement but links or things about the history of the Christian Churches/ Churches of Christ. I think it is a mistake to not learn from where we come from to where we need to go. Otherwise, resourcing us - means nothing ... than just being another publisher selling goods. (and I know that isn't what CS, or RH wants to be known for)

These are just some thoughts from a minister in the trenches. I like the ministry of the Christian Standard and the Restoration Herald - both voices are needed. I appreciate the highlights of NACC, NMC and other features. Much like anything in ministry - let's see how we can improve and be better with what God has entrusted us with.


So often people tend to be very critical and negative of things .... sometimes it is good to hear people tell you "Keep up the good work."

YM Forum posts!

Blog posts this week are from 2004-2007 from an old blog at http://youthministryforum.blogspot.com - Enjoy!

So you want to be published?

Here is some practical Advice

Apples and Oranges

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gimmicks.


It is so easy to fall into the Trap - oh, whoa is me (Almost an Elijah whining session 1 Kings 19:10) I dislike Entertainment Youth Ministry. What you win them with is what you have to keep them with. I dislike the comparison game. Why? Because I feel it does disservice to the Kingdom.

So why not be ourselves? When students see the cool youth ministry down the road, why not ask them, so what are you doing here? Why not involved.



I think comparing churches (And we do it ourselves and as people ..I mean come on ...how many of us compare ourselves to good ole Doug Fields?) is like comparing apples and oranges. Both are fruit. Both are round. Both are very different. Maybe that is what it is about our churches. Both are trying to be the Church. But both come with different contexts and cultures to consider.


So the next time you find yourself wandering and wondering how I can be more like Church X, why not just wonder how you can just be the church and person God called you to be, and not this imitiation.

Otherwise we'd be too loose with the facts ...See these quotes below.


Came across this quote from YWJ:



"Youth Ministry Is in the Spotlight

There was a great story on youth ministry by Austin American-Statesman religion writer Eileen Flynn. And did you see the front-page story on the Friday, Oct. 6, 2006  issue of The New York Times? The headline said it all: “Fearing the Loss of Teenagers, Evangelicals Turn Up the Fire.”



“Despite their packed megachurches,” said the article, Christian leaders like Teen Mania’s Ron Luce are sounding an alarm that “their teenagers are abandoning the faith in droves.” The National Association of Evangelicals has even warned about “the epidemic of young people leaving the evangelical church.” But Christian Smith (author of last year’s acclaimed Soul Searching book) thinks people who claim that only four percent of teens are “Bible-believing Christians” are being too “apocalyptic” and too loose with the facts. "

Words Can Hurt

Found this quote ....


"Words Can Hurt"



“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” Whoever made up that childhood phrase may have meant well, but they were misguided. Most physical wounds eventually heal. Words, on the other hand, can leave scars that never go away.



Adults forget just how much power their words have with the children in their lives. What may be a meaningless comment to you may be a devastating invalidation to your son or daughter. Remember, once it’s out of your mouth, there’s no retrieving a careless comment, and its impact could last a lifetime.



—Paul S. Williams

Why I Read the Restoration Herald.

Some people might be surprised to learn I read the Restoration Herald. I like it. It is a conservative  monthly publication  of The Christian Restoration Association

Here are some Reasons I read the Restoration Herald.

I. It challenges me. I might disagree with  some things written there, but does allow me to have a different perspective.

II. It is very practical. I appreciate one of the current series: Life and Work of the Minister

III. It gives History. It looks back of some of the saints that have gone before us, and their role in the Restoration Movement.

IV. It is very practical - from the "Here's an Idea you can use" and "Let me illustrate" - it helps makes things practical.

V. It has Bible Study lessons from those in the trenches of ministry. When I come across some of the lessons, I'm like I know that person.

VI. It defends the Word of God. It gives insight on issues that are in our brotherhood, and points out some disagreements.

VII. It allows room for grace and dialogue. I noticed the editor may disagree with several in our brotherhood, but allows there to be a dialogue open, while standing firm on what the Word of God says.

VIII. It is a doctrinal conservative voice. Sometimes I think this is missing in other publications.

IX. It helps highlight some of the things happening in both great and small churches alike.

X. It helps me look at the reasons I am part of the Restoration Movement and to further the cause of Christ.

So what publications do you like?

Ever read the RH?

Issues in Youth Ministry

I wrote this back 5 years ago  for another site and still thinks applies today

Here are some of my thoughts of issues in Youth Ministry that needs to change:



1. The role of the youth minister. He is no longer a buddy buddy to students - let him equip students and families.



2. The role of Family. Family is HUGE!! Get their involvement.



3. The role of God. Sure God is said to be central but let's focus on the triune roles of God.



4. Exposing the lies. Let's give Hope to our Students - none of this Battle cries or all students are abandoning the faith.



5. Pride. Don't depend on the youthworker or the church even to Rescue students ... God is still in control.



6. The role of the church. Get away from programs. Be the Church.



7. Comparisons. Recently I asked a fellow youth minister, how many kids do you have now (I haven't seen him in awhile) His response: 35. I was like WOW ... you must of adopted some. His natural response was to compare and say youth group size - not his Family.



8. Soulcare. Leaders need to tend to their souls to help in turn point people to the one who is healing them.

9. Leadership. Too often good leaders are hard to find.

10. Theology. Theology and methodology is a big issue either helping or hurting the youth ministry as a whole.

What is the future for youth ministry? Only time can tell. My prayer is that youth ministry reflects the Church and Jesus to the World.

Announcements for feb. 20th.

Reading more Books than Blogs.

I love reading. In fact I have a confession to make. I love FREE reading books.

I get my books from several sources:

I. I buy them - usually from Border or Barnes & Noble ... Why? Because our local "Christian" bookstore is clueless at times when it comes to ordering books.

II. I get them FREE - where? Well: Booksneeze.com (Thomas Nelson)  I'm also a Top 20 Viral Blogger for The OOZE. and sometimes publishers send free copies to Church Leaders (Like Zondervan's The Story)

There are also other places like Blogging for books, or knowing authors who are making their books available for free.

Of course I've been featured as an Author
on YS' site.

A leader is a reader. So what are you reading? (And when I do reviews I usually cite where I got the book unless I bought it myself). Guy Kawasaki sent me his book Enchantment FREE to review ... And I'm also reading (Bought from a recommendation from my friend, Neal Alligood) Generaion iY by Tim Elmore. And looking at refining some of my stuff with using computers in ministry (PCs in Ministry is a book I picked up with lots of different info)

The Youth Minister Search Committee Process

Our Search committee has been working hard at several aspects in a search for our next staff member.

I know several churches that begin this - don't have a clue where to begin, or how to go about it.

One of the things we have already done is have a profile of the church, our job description and expectations of the person we hire. We have looked into where we would post our AD, and now am looking at what our Ad looks like and the process as a whole:

Here is what we have so far:

(One of the biggest reasons for our skype interview is two fold:

1. The cost of bringing someone in, and their family

2. The interaction between them and us and in reading body language etc.

We have had several candidates in the past where it seemed like if we just did the skype interview - we probably would of saved money, time and energy - it seemed like they just wanted the Free Vacation.


 Review resumes
o Like candidate – send questionnaire
o Dislike candidate – send a polite, no thank you letter
· Send questionnaire

o Like answers – committee arranges to perform Skype interview or a visit if location allows

o Dislike answers – send a polite, no thank you letter

· Perform interview or site visit

o Like interview or visit – Have candidate complete an application to obtain experience profile, social security number for background check and reference names and contact information and reference letters, at least 3, (application needs to be obtained or developed)

o Dislike interview or visit – send a polite, no thank you letter or a call for a more personal touch

· Complete background check and reference checks

o Like responses/references – arrange to bring for a visit to the church

o Dislike responses/reference – send a polite, no thank you letter or a call for a more personal touch

· Bring for a visit to the church

o The visit will include the candidate staying with members of the church and participating in weekend activities.

· If we like the candidate – develop an offer.

· If we have concerns with the candidate we will provide the feedback to the candidate.
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
So as we continue in this process, any things you see that we can do better?
 
What questions would you have in a questionaire?
 
What questions would you have just for "Interview" questions?
 
As a search committee - we are also preparing to being interviewed as well. The candidate should be prepared to do so and ask for our own references on the church.

The Hole in Our Gospel

Just finished reading this book. All I can say is WOW!!

Richard Stearns, The CEO of World Vision gives the basic question of "what does God expect of us?"

An easy question to ask, the answer though convicts, humbles, and even shows how blessed we are where we live.

We are called to a higher level of discipleship to make a move to share the resources to help others who are hurting.

In a nutshell, this book, challenges you to be Jesus' hands and feet to the world.

I'm still thinking, processing, and going over this book.

Kid's Creed

Saw this on a bookmark ..I know, I know  ...We, as the Restoration Movement, have No Creed but Christ ...but did think this amusing.

KID’S CREED



I WILL PUT GOD FIRST

AT PLAY AND AT SCHOOL

AND ALWAYS DO MY BEST

TO LIVE BY THE GOLDEN RULE.



I WILL NOT LIE OR CHEAT.

I WON’T TREAT OTHERS MEAN.

MY BODY, MIND AND SPEECH

WILL ALWAYS BE KEPT CLEAN.


I WILL DO NOTHING

THAT WOULD HARM

MY BODY OR MY SOUL.

NO OTHER PERSON WILL

MAKE ME LOSE SELF CONTROL.





I WILL MAKE MY PARENTS PROUD.

EACH DAY THE WORLD WILL SEE

ME TRY HARDER TO BECOME

THE BEST KID I CAN BE.





R.K. CECIL

Worship ...

Saw this in our Library.

scout sunday 2011 0001

Feb 13 2011 Announcements

Heritage Classic 2011

 Looking forward to the Heritage Classic 2011 on Feb. 11

More info found Here

Gospel Light's SonSurf Beach Bash VBS 2011

Getting together a Search Committee.

One of the things for our next staff position is getting the committee together.

Here is a general makeup of our current committee

I. A seasoned principal, Father, leader. He is helping to chair the committee.

II. A professional business woman and mother of 2. She, also, teaches in our children's ministry.

III. A married young man. He is a new father, and one of our Teen Youth Sponsors.

IV. A Church leader, former elder, grandpa and has a lot of wisdom and discernment.

V. Myself - the lead minister of the Church.

We have gone over our job description, expectations and have a profile of the church. We're taking small steps to get an AD and how to market. We have even discussed the process and what it looks like. To say I'm excited would be an understatement.  We don't know who God has in store for us ... but if you can pray. It make take some time ...but at least we're starting in the right direction.

When Looking for a New Ministry

I wrote this for a youth ministry blog  several years ago  ... going to post some of my favourite posts in the next few days from that blog ...this is from 2006:


For those of you who are currently looking for a new ministry remember a few things.

1. Interview the Church thoroughly.

2. If a church acts like its a privilege just to grace their pulpit, then walk away.

3. If you feel like your getting the 3rd degree then walk away.

4. If they will not give you a copy of the past 3 years budgets, then don't even go to the interview.

5. If they act a little skiddish when talking about pay, then pay attention to that.

6. Ask them what an acceptable yearly increase should be.

7. Make sure they completely define your role before you walk in the door.

8. Ask if any 1 person runs the church and then watch everyones body language very carefully.

9. Ask every leader who interviews you what they exactly do in the church. This will allow you to see how motivated they really are.

10. If you are frustrated by the overall process of one church, then walk away. Spend a lot of time in prayer and make sure that you only proceed in God's good timing.

Journey Through Acts

Each day in the month of February - we are reading a chapter in the book of Acts. Every day I send out an email, blog post (On the Church blog), facebook, and RSS feed reminder and ask questions on the passage. We are encouraging the whole church to do this. Trying to get people into the Word of God. The blog is found Here


We gave out the following as a reminder as well, along with a paper insert as a Checklist to read through Acts as well. It isn't too late to start reading God's Word.

Books I'm Currently Reading:

Scout.Sunday.announcements.2011.wmv

The Future of the Church

My Friend, Marko, is doing a series of blogs and inputs on the The Future of Youth Ministry
Part 5 is powerful.

This quote from Kenda Dean speaks volumes!

"Kenda Dean


Teenagers know, better than we do, that when we ask them to be Christians, we are asking them to do a very dangerous thing. The only way out is to adopt a “safe” version of Christianity (which might not be Christian at all) that helps them become good, nice people instead of people who love others sacrificially. But as we know, good and nice “Christianity” seldom lasts past high school, since teenagers quickly learn that people can be perfectly good and nice without Jesus anywhere in the picture.


So I think in the future, youth ministry will try to re-weird-ify Christianity, highlighting Jesus’ radical actions and peculiar self-giving love, in an effort to resist the American church’s habit of trying to tame the gospel into a middle class bedtime story. If Christianity is dangerous, then we need to act like it. Teenagers aren’t afraid of risk, but they want to know that Jesus is worth it. Young people are going to demand that we, the church, be who we say we are–people who obviously follow Jesus, which makes us “weird” in a culture based on self-actualization and self-fulfillment–or they’re just not going to bother with us at all."


Personally I think that's the future of the Church. We need to stop taming it to a middle class bedtime story. Make Christianity dangerous, messy, act like Jesus is worth it, why Because He is!!

My Recipe for Canadian Goulash!

I did this recipe (Noticed misspelled name) for a Church cookbook several years ago and thought to share with you. Basically it is macaroni and cheese and hotdogs ...but the explaining of it is so worth it.

Have fun cooking.