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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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Culture

The Hunger Games

ToddPearage Monday, March 26, 2012
Rated PG-13 for intense violent thematic material and disturbing images- all involving teens Director: Gary Ross (Pleasantville, Seabiscuit) Starring:Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Woody Harrelson Todd’s Rating: Theater Worthy Jay’s Rating: Worth Buying JAY’S WORD: So, when I ask people what... read more
Families, Culture, Middle School

Are the Odds in Your Favor?

Dustin Dick Saturday, March 24, 2012
Panem: An oppressed nation. A starving nation. A divided nation. I have read the first two books and will soon be reading the final one. I have come to realize that books that are made into films are an adaptation and I need to go in there expecting to see something similar, not a copy, another’s... read more
Leadership, Discipleship, Middle School, Programming, College

4 Principles to Planning Dynamic Retreats

Reza Friday, March 23, 2012
Summer is quickly approaching, and many church leaders are busy planning summer trips, camps, and retreats. When I was in young adult ministry we would spend our Spring anticipating the changing season and plan out our Summer and Fall retreat environments. I can't even count how many retreats I've... read more
Culture

The Hunger Games: The Story Behind the Bestseller-Turned-Blockbuster

David R Smith Thursday, March 22, 2012
An article from David R. Smith at TheSource4YM.com In a post-apocalyptic world where teenagers fight to the death on a routine basis, life is reduced to mere survival. This weekend, movie theaters will show Hollywood’s version of this fictional bestseller. (The ticket pre-sales for this film... read more
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Families, Leadership, Discipleship, Middle School, Volunteers

Spiritual Maturity: A Note to Youth Workers [Part 2]

Gregg Farah Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Part 2: Overcome the Challenges [Part 2 of 4] Creating a culture of spiritual growth is hard work. It’s easy to talk about but quite a challenge to do so. It is a bit odd (and sad) that churches aren’t more open to spiritual growth, but any resistance is simply human nature doing what it does... read more
Families, Leadership, Discipleship, Middle School, Volunteers

Spiritual Maturity: A Note to Parents [Part 4 of 4]

Gregg Farah Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Part 4: Best practices I’m a big fan of transparency. When we pretend to be something we’re not, nobody wins. So with complete disclosure, there are no "Best Practices," only strong suggestions based on experience. So what have I learned from my years in ministry and time parenting? Get a... read more
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Leadership, Missions

Fantastic Mission Trip Mistakes You Need to Avoid

Kurt and Josh Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Mission trips are the best! Unless they end up being the worst. We have made more than our fair share of mistakes over the years. Here’s a little list of fantastic mission trip mistakes you need to avoid…that we didn’t: • Drinking the water. Never drink the water. • Getting to the ticket... read more
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Leadership, Discipleship, Missions

Mission Trip Basics

Kurt and Josh Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Missions trips can be some of the most powerful experiences in your students faith journey. But in order for them to have maximum impact, there are some basics that should be considered. Think big … but start small You don’t have to travel to a tribe that has never heard the Gospel before to... read more
Culture, Outreach

Kony and the Devil

Lane Palmer Tuesday, March 13, 2012
by Lane palmer at Dare 2 Share Have you wondered what the Devil would look like if he took human form?  And if he did, what would he be doing? Touring with (ahem) “Lady” Gaga? Fomenting ethnic cleansing? Planting Satanic churches? Or…would he target, capture, and force children to serve him... read more
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Leadership, Discipleship

The Future of Youth Ministry (Kurt)

Kurt and Josh Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Lately, “The Future of Youth Ministry” is a hot topic. It seems like everybody has chimed in with their views of the future. I’m no futurist; I tend to lead my ministry day-to-day not too concerned with all the “what if’s?” that so many in our industry seem borderline obsessed with. But Josh... read more