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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, Volunteers

Yes, The Volunteers Are Out There

Youth Ministry ... Friday, February 8, 2013
blog by Jeff Dunn-Rankin   “Hey Jeff,” he said.  “You’ll never guess where I’m going!”   Will sounded eager and excited. But he sounds like that most of the time.   “I’m going to the beach,” he said.  “Isn’t that amazing?”   Not so much, actually. Will’s a... read more
Leadership, Volunteers, Programming

Yes, the Volunteers Are Out There

Youth Ministry ... Friday, February 8, 2013
blog by Jeff Dunn-Rankin “Hey Jeff,” he said. “You’ll never guess where I’m going!” Will sounded eager and excited. But he sounds like that most of the time. “I’m going to the beach,” he said. “Isn’t that amazing?” Not so much, actually. Will’s a surfer dude youth pastor. Where else would he be... read more
Culture

Military Lifts Combat Ban for Women

Steph Martin Friday, February 8, 2013
  Defense Secretary Leon Panetta has announced that female soldiers will now be able to serve in combat roles. About a quarter of a million positions had been off-limits to women. President Obama said the decision will “strengthen our military, enhance our readiness, and be another step... read more
Leadership, Programming

Inside & Outside Thinking: A Response

Mark Eades Thursday, February 7, 2013
Ecclesiastes 3 says, “There is a season for everything.” These verses raise the question, “Should I be thinking about doing something brand new or redo something tried and true?” Here are several ideas to consider. Be yourself. Ever catch yourself thinking, “If I just do what Josh or Kurt do,... read more
Leadership, Programming

Thinking Outside the Box

Kurt and Josh Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Yesterday we made a case for thinking inside the box; basically looking at what has worked in the past season and measuring their effectiveness in repeating them again the following year. As we stated before, there’s plenty of room for that—but where do you come up with fresh ideas for your... read more
Leadership, Programming

Thinking Inside the Box

Kurt and Josh Tuesday, February 5, 2013
New, new, new! For many youth workers a big part of their job description seems to include “Think outside the box on a regular basis”…constantly coming up with new ideas and innovative programs that are bigger and better than last year, last week, and last night. And while there is certainly a... read more
Leadership, Culture, Volunteers, Outreach

7 Steps For Great First Impressions

Justin Douglas Monday, February 4, 2013
During my time in youth ministry I have had the privilege of meeting many students. I know there are many wiser than me at getting to know students and building relationships with students. Yet, I believe there are some things that have guided me and helped me successfully make students feel... read more
Culture

Lewis' Life Offers Tale of Redemption

Steph Martin Friday, February 1, 2013
New Orleans—Among the many sideshows at Super Bowl 47 is the saga of Baltimore Ravens All-Pro Ray Lewis. The middle linebacker, who’s retiring after this season, has received much attention for his checkered past and devout Christian faith. As Lewis faced accusations this week of using performance-... read more
Families, Leadership

The Church Office: A Response

Tony Martinez Thursday, January 31, 2013
This Tuesday I was with our team of pastors in the Rocky Mountains for a day of planning and strategy for our local church. The location and conversations were energizing. I was actually excited to get back to the office and back to work. Then Wednesday happened. Grandpa’s gall bladder had been... read more
Leadership

The Church Office: Part 2 (Kurt)

Kurt and Josh Wednesday, January 30, 2013
I (Kurt) am writing this article a bit early because on the day that you read my “office tips” I will be three hours away from my office camping and riding dirt bikes in the desert with my family and friends. So before reading any further, stop and admit that you are a little jealous that you are... read more