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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

Discussion Starter—Marathon Marred by Fatal Bombings

Steph Martin Monday, April 15, 2013
Boston—A festive annual event turned deadly Monday when explosions rocked the finish line of the Boston Marathon. The blasts, reportedly bombs, were apparently timed to put the most competitors and spectators at risk. Firefighters found other undetonated devices near the race site, andsecurity was... read more
Families, Leadership, Discipleship, Small Groups

I Hate Church!

jeffreywallace Monday, April 15, 2013
This week I'm hanging out with my students in Orlando, Florida, at Universal Studios for their spring break. Last night, during one of our small group sessions, I had a group of senior high boys and we talked about the importance of living your life from the inside out and having an authentic... read more
Culture

Discussion Starter—NHL Launches Inclusion Initiative

Steph Martin Monday, April 15, 2013
New York—In an effort to promote tolerance and ensure that all players feel welcome, the National Hockey League is partnering with You Can Play, an anti-homophobia advocacy group. They plan to offer training and outreach programs to eliminate discrimination within the sport. “This partnership... read more
Families, Leadership

A Lover, and a Fighter and a Knock a Fella Out!

Matty Thursday, April 11, 2013
Ah, the 90’s! I remember driving my mom’s Mercury Cougar through the “mean streets” of Lincoln Park, blaring the radio with the bass turned up and the windows rolled down while I was on the way to my girlfriend’s house. My favorite jam was, “Whatta Man” by Salt-n-Pepa, and I couldn’t help but... read more
Leadership

Frequently Asked Questions: A Response

Matthew Thursday, April 11, 2013
  While Kurt and Josh deserve their own FAQ pages, I’ve had people reach out to me with similar questions. What I think is at the root of these questions is an anxiety that drives each of us to be looking over the fence to see what the next person is doing. My encouragement this week is to... read more
Leadership, Volunteers

Frequently Asked Questions (Kurt)

Kurt and Josh Wednesday, April 10, 2013
This week we’re taking on the top 3 questions that we get in our ministry, and today I (Kurt) am here with mine. Here are my Top 3 very frequently asked questions: 1. Do I Need A Sweet Youth Facility? Let me say this as clearly as possible: NO. In almost every community there is a church... read more
Families, Leadership, Discipleship, Culture, Middle School, College

The Future Depends On It!

Mike Hammer Tuesday, April 9, 2013
If you’ve been in youth ministry (or church) for even a short length of time, you've probably heard someone say something like, “Our youth are the future of the church,” and/or “Our youth are the church today.” The truth is that both are accurate. Yes, teens are part of the church today, but they... read more
Families

Grieving With Our Friends at Saddleback

Simply Youth Mi... Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Editor’s Note: Here at Group/Simply Youth Ministry, our team has many long and intimate ties to the Saddleback Church community. Today we’re grieving with, and praying for, that family after the sudden loss of Rick and Kay Warren’s son Matthew to suicide. Please pray with us, that God’s mercy and... read more
Leadership, Programming

Frequently Asked Questions (Josh)

Kurt and Josh Tuesday, April 9, 2013
This week we’re going to take on the top 3 questions that we get when people come to visit our youth ministry. You’ll get mine (Josh) today and Kurt’s tomorrow. Here are 3 very frequently asked questions: How can I start a youth ministry internship at my church? We are very blessed to have some... read more
Culture

Discussion Starter: Videotaped Abuse Leads to Coach's Firing

Steph Martin Friday, April 5, 2013
Newark, NJ—After ESPN aired video of him physically and verbally abusing players, Rutgers University head basketball coach Mike Rice was fired this week. Previously, Rice had been suspended and fined in an effort to rehabilitate him. But Athletic Director Tim Pernetti admitted on Wednesday that... read more