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Instagram Will Kill Your Youth Ministry

Daniel Beckworth Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Social media has swept across this great nation like wildfire. Facebook is on its way out. If you still use Myspace you’re most likely a stalker—or very lonely. Twitter is still rocking along quite steadily and has yet to be completely infiltrated by preteens...
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Worship, Culture

Marriage Battle Detracts From Holy Week, Some Say

Steph Martin Thursday, March 28, 2013
Washington, D.C.—This year, Holy Week coincided with a high-visibility legal battle about marriage rights. As Christians prepare to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection on Easter, the Supreme Court heard arguments on Proposition 8 and the Defense of Marriage Act. Some Christians said the timing was a... read more
Leadership

Resolving a Conflict with Staff: A Response

Christopher Wesley Thursday, March 28, 2013
I see the people I work with as more than just coworkers. After being at my current place of employment they feel more like family and friends. Just like family and friends there are times when we laugh together, and other times where you could cut the tension with a knife. Conflict is inevitable,... read more
Leadership

Resolving a Conflict with Staff

Kurt and Josh Wednesday, March 27, 2013
There’s nothing more challenging interpersonally than dealing with a serious conflict with someone on your church staff, or a volunteer in a key position in your ministry. The temptation would be to let time heal it, or hope that the tension would simply go away on its own—but fight those feelings... read more
Leadership

Dealing with a Disappointed Parent

Kurt and Josh Tuesday, March 26, 2013
One of the more common youth ministry challenges is dealing with a disappointed parent. You don’t have to be in youth ministry very long to have this experience; if you haven’t had this joyful experience…you will. And in some ways, it is exciting and encouraging when parents engage in their... read more
Leadership, Programming

Know Your Lesson

Ronald Long Monday, March 25, 2013
I know it’s hard. You spend all week working hard at your job. Then when you come home it’s time with the kids and spouse, then eating supper, paying bills, washing up, and thinking about bed after some time winding down. When is it convenient to study for the lesson? And when you get in there,... read more
Culture

Far Cry 3 [Review]

Scott Firestone Thursday, March 21, 2013
Far Cry 3 is the story of a transformation. At least, that’s what the game wants you to believe. But do you really end up any different than when you went in? And is it a journey worth taking? Editor’s note:This review will contain some spoilers. I’m going to completely ruin the ending, because it... read more
Leadership, Volunteers

So…You Went to a Youth Worker Conference: A Response

Tony Clyde Thursday, March 21, 2013
One of the highlights of my year is participating in the Simply Youth Ministry Conference (SYMC). The training is great. The general sessions are fantastic. The highlight for me is the relational space that spawns spontaneous conversations about life and ministry. Most of us go to a conference to... read more
Leadership

Be Excellent

Youth Ministry ... Wednesday, March 20, 2013
blog by Melissa Rau Excellence. It’s not an arbitrary thing. Many people use this word like Bill and Ted did, much like some people today, especially youth, use the word ‘epic.’ Maybe the bar has been lowered, therefore ‘really good’ is equated with ‘excellent.’  Perhaps I’m getting caught up... read more
Families, Leadership, Missions, Volunteers

So…You Are Going on a Mission Trip This Summer

Kurt and Josh Wednesday, March 20, 2013
One of the key spiritual growth engines in a youth ministry is helping students serve—and one of the great ways to get a concentrated burst in that area is to take your teenagers on a short-term missions trip. We’ve been on at least a trip a year for the past 20 years, and here are a few of the... read more
Families, Culture, Outreach

Marriage and the Church

Shawn Tuesday, March 19, 2013
By Shawn Harrison Yesterday, another high-profile Christian leader came out in support of gay marriage. When Rob Bell was asked during an interview if he was in favor of marriage equality, Bell responded, “Yes, I am for marriage. I am for fidelity. I am for love, whether it's a man and a woman, a... read more