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We're All Born This Way

Rick Lawrence Tuesday, April 16, 2013
The other day I had breakfast with an old friend—we’ve met, off and on, two Saturday mornings a month for 10 years or so. I hadn’t seen him in a few months, so we had some catching up to do. I asked about his family. He paused, glanced down for a moment, then...
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Leadership

A Standing O for Standing Firm

Mark Cornelison Tuesday, October 23, 2012
By Mark Cornelison People applauded. I mean that literally. They clapped, and I even heard a small cheer. This was the context: I was leading a parent meeting, of all things, and they were applauding. I honestly don’t think that’s ever happened to me before. So now you’re probably wondering: “What... read more
Families

The Critical-ity of Critical Thinking

Rick Lawrence Tuesday, October 23, 2012
At my middle-school daughter’s “back to school” night, my wife and I followed a virtual trail of breadcrumbs through a cold gauntlet of lockers into the classroom jungle. In our journey of seven classrooms, we spent 15 minutes with each of her teachers—to get a micro-taste of what Lucy’s day is... read more
Leadership, Discipleship, Culture, Middle School, Small Groups, Programming, Outreach

Don’t Peel Your Apple

Theresa Mazza Tuesday, October 23, 2012
By Theresa Mazza My honeymoon phase in youth ministry was exactly what I imagined it would be. A giddy newlywed, I was absolutely head-over-heels in love with my new life as a youth pastor, and enjoyed an early blissful marriage to my youth group. I felt fulfillment and purpose. And I had no doubt... read more
Families, Leadership, Culture

Life After Death

Brandon Early Tuesday, October 23, 2012
By Brandon and Keri Early We were expecting baby #2, and waiting for the doctor to come in for our 13-week check-up. We giggled about something the nurse had said, and chatted about our plans for the day. We’d heard our baby’s heartbeat at nine weeks, and were anticipating hearing it again. We had... read more
Families, Leadership, Discipleship, Culture

You Look Hungry

Darren Sutton Tuesday, October 23, 2012
I’m fat. Not fluffy. Not big-boned. Not husky. Just plain old fat. I’ll be the last to starve in a famine. I’ll be the first to float in a water evacuation. And my insulation should keep me warm, comfortable, and well-fed should my GPS ever direct my car into a snow bank in the mountains in the... read more
Discipleship, Worship, Culture

A Bunch of Baby Rattlesnakes

Jordan Howerton... Tuesday, October 23, 2012
It's said that baby rattlesnakes are more dangerous than adult rattlesnakes. It would seem that a bigger, faster, stronger snake would be more dangerous than a snake one-fifth of its size. But it’s not true. The reason isn’t because the baby snake has more toxic venom. In fact, the toxicity of a... read more
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Leadership, Culture

3 Ways to Fight Youth Ministry Pride

Kurt and Josh Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. - Proverbs 11:2 Pride is the downfall of many youth workers, and if you’re anything like us, it’s easy to spot in others and tougher to see in ourselves! Here are a few things that seem to help keep arrogance in check. 1 Don’t put your trust... read more
Leadership

If You’re Happy and You Know It... Shoot Higher

Rick Lawrence Monday, October 22, 2012
by Rick Lawrence I was meeting with the two Johns, Dan, and Joel for our regular every-other-Saturday breakfast meeting. I’ve known these four guys since college—one of them was my college roommate; all are brothers in the deepest sense. Through the smoke and fire of life, we’ve spurred each other... read more
Leadership, Worship

Worship Together: A Response

Leneita Fix Thursday, October 18, 2012
I am more than a youth pastor. I am the crazed parent of two current, and one almost, middle schoolers. Not only that, I’ve “parented” my niece who just recently moved out of our home for college. My husband and I were purposed and focused in raising our kids in Christ. We thought we succeeded when... read more
Leadership, Volunteers

Youth Ministry FAQ: Staff Stuff

Kurt and Josh Wednesday, October 17, 2012
From time to time we like to take a pause from the normal articles and answer a few questions from you: The youth ministry nation. Here are a few we received and hopefully some helpful answers. I’ve been volunteering with my youth group for a while and the church just offered to take me on full-... read more