"We're better together" has been the slogan for the National Network of Youth Ministries for years.
I have the privilege of serving on an advisory council for NNYM and just returned from our annual gathering in San Diego. The men and women on the ministry council are passionate about Jesus and the youth of our country. Spending time with ministry leaders<
People often ask me what I think about the future of youth ministry. My response usually surprises them. I am VERY excited about the future of youth ministry. As a matter of fact 2013 could be youth ministry’s break out year. This may be the year that…
1. A lack of budget triggers a more mature approach to youth ministry.
Editor's note: Mark Orr, the New England Regional Coordinator for NNYM, lives only a few miles from Newtown, Connecticut, the site of the horrific shooting that took place on December 14. Here is his update and appeal from a visit to Newtown on Tuesday, Dec. 18. Please consider how you can pray and get involved in YOUR own community to make a difference as we reach out to this generation!
I sent this report from Newtown yesterday via an email to our New England youth workers. The Lord really stirred in my heart to write...it's a bit long, but I needed to share my heart with our region (and NNYM youth workers nationwide)...I know that it applies to all of us no matter where we serve.
Editors note: this was first posted on http://www.gregstier.org
This last weekend I had a great and eye-opening experience in Kenosha, Wisconsin. My buddy, Andy McGowan, youth pastor at Immanuel Baptist Church and D2S/Lead THE Cause University alumni, invited me to come to Kenosha to experience what God has been doing in and through the local youth ministry network.
Imagine if you could work together with the schools in your area towards mutually beneficial goals? Well, I am seeing the door opening in our area for partnership with the superintendent!
They're about ready to play the song. I remembering practicing for it as a trumpet player in the high school band. We knew we would repeat the chorus more times than we wanted, but we would not stop until the last graduate was seated.
When was the last time God asked you to do something that seemed totally absurd, even outrageous to you?
Does an example pop into your mind? Then perhaps you will be able to understand how Abram must have felt when God said, “Leave your country, your people, and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you.” With no more clarity than that, Abram packed it up and left the familiar behind in response to what he was sure was God’s voice.
Do you have days when you question the call of God on your life to do youth ministry? Perhaps you are wondering about your purpose and the worth of what you are doing.
Take heart! We have all had days like that, and it would be tragic if you listened to the lies of the heart often prompted by Satan. As a “lifer” in youth ministry, I have seen God’s faithfulness and promise to those of us doing a mission that no one else can do!
The Newsboys are being intentional about evangelism on their "God's Not Dead" tour for 2012. They have asked gifted evangelist and my boss, Bob Lenz, to partner with them by giving a clear Gospel message at each city they vist. In order to keep this from being a tour that simply passes through an area entertaining folks, I will be working with friend and coleaugue Kris Wood to network in each city on the tour.
As a Pastor of Student Ministries I firmly believe that we must stop making youth ministry about us and come to a place where we are brave enough to hand this vital ministry back to its rightful owners: the students. We must empower them to become the kingdom warriors Christ has called them to be. We need to realize that this ministry is not about us in any way. Nor should it be a ministry where we hand feed those we minister to; because quite simply it isn't working and it is wrong thinking.
I've been involved with in Youth Ministry for just about 20 years now. Though there have been many tweaks and occasional shifts away from the norm, the typical youth ministry program has included some form of hang time, game time, worship time and teaching (“talk”) time. These four elements are about a predictable as my desire for breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert!
Over the years I have found myself increasingly convicted that my main role as Pastor of Student and Family ministries is to empower our students to recognize and seize their God ordained position as a part of the “current generation” of the church. It drives me crazy to hear well meaning people state that the youth are the future of the church.
WOMEN OF FAITH has a fantastic new program, called WOMEN OF FAITH GIVES BACK, they’ve implemented in efforts to bless their cities.
With 21,634 first time decisions for Christ just last year, they know that to maximize what God is doing they need to partner with others in their city with the “Same Heart”, in bringing more of Christ to our cities! SO they are joining forces with NNYM in efforts for their ticket sales to be able to bless us financially.
Our first opportunity is for the event in Anaheim, CA, but we must act FAST as our deadline for this offer is Monday, August 16th!
Would you consider sharing this with the ladies to join us at WOMEN OF FAITH which will in turn bless NNYM financially in some pretty significant ways.
HERE ARE TWO WAYS YOU CAN HELP US REACH OUR GOAL!
You know, it's one thing to ask your students to dream big for God. It's another thing when they actually start doing it. Read one youth pastor's story of what God did when he challenged his youth to dream big...and they did.
Can we talk? Can we talk about something really tough to talk about?
How P.C. Are you? How P.C. is your student ministry? Really?
I grew up playing pee wee baseball and pee wee football. I played hockey on a rink made in a park, on a creek, on a river, the street, the gym floor…where ever we could play. Oh, and we kept score. My friends to this day talk about all the fun we had. I played park district baseball. I didn’t play alone, all my neighborhood friends played on separate teams. When I stepped up to the plate and my very good friend was pitching he would throw big curve balls because he knew I couldn't hit them. I wiffed 3 times-- struck out by a very good friend. Did we laugh back then? No. Was it fun for me? No. In the moment was I glad I struck out? Of course not. Nevertheless I ultimately grew. I had to learn how to hit a curve ball. We kept score. We talked about it. We poked at each other about which team was winning more games and so on. Personally, competition was extremely good for me. I learned how to win graciously. I learned how to lose without hanging my head. I learned how to cooperate within a team for a common goal-- winning. I learned some very important things through winning and losing. Frankly, this P.C. ideal about not keeping score- about not hurting kids feelings is just plain screwy! Is it not okay for a youth worker, youth pastor, or anyone to say-- “Be quiet already. I'm not following this way of thinking”?
I have had this problem for a long time now. I think BIG! I dream of a Student Ministry that is BIG. That is huge. That says to every student in every High School that this ministry is for you. That our students, that our leaders, that our team, that our philosophy, that our direction, that our message, is for every Middle Schooler, every High Schooler, every College/Young Adult student in our surrounding area.
I have been at this thing called “youth pastor”, “youth worker” for quite some time now and I can't stop thinking BIG. I can't help it.
Do I care about numbers? Some would say, “Oh yes, this guy cares about numbers.” I say if that is what you think, so be it. Some might say “He only wants to build his own kingdom.” If that is what is said, so be it. Some might feel that I only care about evangelism and reaching students. Alrighty then, and the problem with reaching students is what? I have heard all the stuff for years. Quite frankly, no big deal. I know the truth and as a leader, I must push on with the vision, with the passion, with this big ole heart for students, all students that the Lord has given to me.
During last week's Youth Ministry Execuitve Council (YMEC), God showed up during our discussion on the priority and urgency of evangelism. Read more details in Greg Stier's blog at http://www.gregstier.org/rants/more-altar-calls-or-more-personal-evangelism/.
I have become a lover of all things Walt Disney in the past few years since our family first visited Disney World on a delightful mild week in January.
What truly struck me was Uncle Walt himself. The story of how he inspired people and was able to build a team of people who, together, would make history in the field of animated film as well as amusement parks.
Soul Surfer is holding strong in 2000 theaters (even a few drive-in theaters). Already 3.5 million have seen it in theaters. The spiritual impact is dramatic – already well over 100,000 have visited the evangelistic site soulsurfer.com and more than 11,000 have indicated decisions to receive Christ. Continue...
We are pleased to give you access to the brand new digital YouthWorker Journal on youth evangelism.
The issue features articles on the why and how of evangelism with Fred Lynch, Greg Stier, Chris Hill, Sean McDowell, Jim Candy, Jeff Baxter, John Wilkinson, Bruce Fawcett and others as they explore what it means to reach young people.
There are also updates on how Young Life, Youth for Christ, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Youth Alpha reach kids.
The first weekend of Soul Surfer in the theaters was strong. It was #4 in Box Offices receipts, and drew a rare A+ CinemaScore - the measurement used to rate impact on the viewers. Reports are coming in of great follow-up with spiritual conversations with kids on campus. Also, as of this morning, soulsurfer.com has had 39,000 visitors and 4000 who have indicated decisions to trust Christ.
Students are buzzing about the movie...
Evangelism. For many, this word conjures up images of a street-corner preacher or a madman using a bullhorn and thumping people on the head with a Bible. But are those the only options?
Join Greg Stier, president of Dare 2 Share Ministries, for a lively, interactive webcast about sharing our faith and its role in youth ministry.
You and other youth leaders will explore some of the common fears surrounding evangelism, learn how it can help accelerate spiritual growth in your teenagers, and discover simple steps you can take to make it fit within your current youth ministry.
In January I attended the screening of the movie Soul Surfer and came away with two thoughts: First, this is a very good movie, well produced, students will love it (including those who do not know Christ). My second thought - some how we need to tell the rest of the story of Bethany Hamilton’s faith and give every student the chance to know Christ just as Bethany knows Christ.
Biblical Truth, Brotherly Accountability, and Godly Love.
3 Day Respawn is a ministry which aims to provide Godly fellowship, companionship, and Biblical direction by offering a method of connecting with others through the video games based website, community events, and resources for anyone who plays games or knows someone who does. The ministry is based on a social media (Facebook) style community website which helps christian video game players connect with one another. The result is an experience of fellowship and mutual christian edification which is in stark contrast to the average video game playing experience. Our goal is to make disciples of all nations.
The National Network of Youth Ministries is joining with the Christian players and coaches of the San Diego Padres to host Padres Fellowship Night 2011 next Friday, June 10.
After the game, several Padres players will share about their lives and personal relationships with Jesus Christ. Thousands of fans will hear the good news. Among the Padres expected to participate: Heath Bell, Chase Headley, Nick Hundley. Former Padre great Dave Dravecky will also share about his faith in Jesus.
Several Major League and Minor League teams have similar events around the country.
Please be praying for the results of this special night. You can learn more at www.padresfellowshipnight.com.
We want you to know about The Real Winning Edge television series, which is now airing in syndication nationwide through September 2011. The Real Winning Edge is a program that encourages young people to see beyond their own circumstances and realize they are not alone in their struggles. It is a program that instills confidence in teenagers who are reaching for their own dreams, and delivers a strong message of hope and optimism for the future.
The series features real-life high school and college students who face challenges such as substance abuse or being abandoned by their parents. Each of the young people selected represents a sport or a field in the arts. The series documents how these youth have conquered the odds to achieve success in their field of talent, and also how they battle difficult circumstances and overcome them in their personal lives. This is the first series of its kind - directed to youth, with a faith message - to air on the FOX-owned stations and in national syndication on other network affiliate stations.
There was a short time when Rodgers started to drift away; but he had two mentors to help steer him back in the right direction. Pastor Andrew Burchett was the youth pastor when Rodgers was a teen and Matt Hock was leader of their church youth group called “Young Life.”
I just returned from a special screening for the April movie release of Soul Surfer. I have to write about it because it is a powerful, useful and entertaining media experience. This is not a movie review. But I do want to offer some insight on my movie experience and some (hopefully) useful application.
This screening was hosted by the PR and screen team that worked for the movie. During a post-movie Q & A, she touted this movie as a Hollywood faith-based movie effort. Interesting. Since Sony owns TriStar and has some type of partnership with Integrity music, I guess there is some synergy or relationship that makes sense. Anyway, the movie was done via Hollywood and not via a local church (as with Fireproof, etc).
In my time here at NNYM I have seen a ton of great ministries that target spiritual seekers, but what about those people who are not aware they should be seeking. How are we going to share Biblical truth with youth and young adults who believe our message is outdated and answers irrelevant?
If they won't walk into our churches and they won’t seek out a spiritual voice, we must interrupt their lives...catch them off guard as they live their lives and inject truth that brings hope.
I recently met with Sean Dunn of Groundwire to learn more about
"If it wasn't for partnering with youth workers in Brown County there is no way we would have been able to pull of an event that reached over 600 people."
YW.net Editor's Note: Ever think of sending teenagers from your youth group on a 9-month mission trip?
Imagine having the youth in your group saturate their high school campus with God's Word so that every student gets a copy in one week! That is what The Life Book is doing on campuses across America.
I had an opportunity to meet Carl Blunt, the author and CEO of The Life Book. He was at the Campus Alliance Summit in Kansas City, where denomination and youth organization representatives came together to discuss how to reach every student in every school in America.
Our youth ministry network facilitates churches working together to reach teenagers for Christ. We assume, hopefully correctly, that students are being discipled in their churches and so the emphasis of our network is on evangelism. We believe that there are two big things that church youth ministries need to do together:
Are we losing teens while they are still right in front of us?
According to a study by Ken Ham, founder and president of Answers in Genesis, we’re losing the next generation of believers before...
Instead of focusing on getting students to bring a friend to church, let’s instead focus on getting our students to bring Jesus to their friends. Rather than trying to entertain students to come to an event so we can share Jesus with their friends, let’s create ways to allow our students to share Jesus with their friends wherever they are. Let’s challenge our students not to stay in our churches or programs, but to go out into the world and be the church that God is calling them to be.
How can a youth group make positive change in their community? Rudy Tapote shares some ways that his youth group has demonstrated Christ to the community through their actions.
I met some visitors in church a few weeks ago. I like meeting visitors and making them feel welcome at church.
This couple had been believers for many years and were looking for a new church home. We talked about what they thought about the service and where they lived.
Then I noticed something about the way I was talking. It wasn’t like I had become rude or mean, but something was different. Without realizing it, I got a little weird...
I made a good decision this weekend, but it took me a bit too long to make it. I decided to stop watching a show I used to love.
Several years ago, I went through a real intense growth period in my Christian life. I was learning a lot from the Lord and learning it fast. One of the decisions I made during that time was that I didn’t want to be entertained by things like sexual jokes, adultery, cursing, vulgarity and cruelty. I knew that God had called me to live with purpose and for Him, and I didn’t want anything coming in my way.
Then my friends started telling me how funny a certain television show was.
For the past few months, I have been making presentations to adult volunteers who will be going on summer mission trips with LeaderTreks. I do this every year, but this year I wanted to focus on helping adult volunteers really understand the purpose for student missions. So I created this presentation called 10 Keys to Leading a Great Mission Trip. Ten things may seem like a lot, but all of these things are important.
“And he entered the synagogue and continued speaking out boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading them about the kingdom of God. But when some were becoming hardened and disobedient, speaking evil of the Way before the people, he withdrew from them and took away the disciples, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus. This took place for two years, so that all who lived in Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks.” --Acts 19:8-10
I am convinced that most churches are like the synagogue in this passage than the school of Tyrannus. Why? It’s a place where the preacher gets up and argues persuasively about God’s kingdom (a good thing) and some people come to Christ as a result (an even better thing.)
But the best thing always happens at churches and youth groups which are more like the school of Tyrannus than the synagogue...
Over the years I've met some pretty amazing young people. I want to share with you a little about those who have tattooed my soul over they years. (Their names have been changed for confidentiality.) You know the kind of people I'm talking about: those that leave a permanent mark on you. There are too many to write about in just one sitting, but they are the reasons we do what we do...
Our young people are hungry for God but what are we filling them up with? For many of us, our motives are pure and we are considered a success based on our numerical attendance or the enjoyment that the kids get from our programs or events. But what if what we are actually doing is hindering kids from having a deep, personal and profound relationship with Jesus Christ? What are ways that we hinder our youth?
Many major league and minor league teams have Baseball Chapel programs that organize an annual "Fellowship" or "Faith" event following a regular season game where the Christian players share about their faith in Jesus Christ.
For the past several years, the local networks in San Diego have coordinate the promotion and participation of metro-area churches and Christian organizations.
Padres All-Star Adrian Gonzalez (shown here at an outreach with his wife, Betsy) is one of the Padres team leaders who participates in the Faith Night program.
Perhaps your local network can partner with your local baseball team's chapel program. To learn more, contact Ric Tolhurst in the NNYM office at 858-451-1111 or go to www.baseballchapel.org.
To Save A Life opened last weekend nationwide. The writer/producer/Network coordinator who authored the film reported to us that "a student shared about how he attempted suicide on Friday. He was unsuccessful and then went to the film that night and became a Christian and is excited about helping others."
Read on to find out about the film and how to get involved in using it in your ministry.
Editor's Note: Doug Franklin is the president of LeaderTreks, a ministry dedicated to creating tools and resources to enable youth workers to develop students into leaders. Doug's blog, www.dougfranklinonline.com, has a wealth of insights.
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Youth Ministry is like water; it can be many different things at different places. So what works? Relational ministry with small groups seems to be something that is always in style. Beyond that what works may be different for many of us. I am just asking because it seems to me we are always to talking about a new revolution in ministry based on a book or conference, but never about what really works.
Here is what I think works:
The high school basketball star is at the top of his game. His former friend shoots himself on campus right in front of his eyes. His world collapses from guilt and helplessness. What happens now?
That is the theme for the new movie, "To Save a Life. " It was filmed by Jim Britts, a youth pastor and network coordinator in Oceanside, California. His passion for seeing teenagers reached on campus led him to write and produce this movie coming to theaters in January. Many of the stories in the movie were modeled after issues the network experienced together.
I recently returned from a conference in India where national youth leaders are working together to reach out and disciple the massive numbers of youth in their country.
Sixty percent of India’s 1.2 billion people are under the age of 25. The numbers and diversity of India’s teenagers are almost impossible to comprehend. Nevertheless, there are quality youth workers in India who are stepping up and trusting God to take the gospel to their young people.
I was able to capture a few comments from Christopher Rajender, who is a Youth for Christ regional leader in Hyderabad, India. You will be encouraged by his vision and perspective of how BIG things are possible by working together.
Austin Duncan, the high school pastor of Grace Church in Sun Valley, California, offers his personal apology for being in ministry to teenagers:
I love student ministry because:
1. I love evangelism (Matt 28:19). The wise youth minister is an evangelist at heart and desires to see young men and women give their lives to Christ. The students in our churches pose a tremendous opportunity as a mission, an unreached people group of sorts, in our own church.
The National Network of Youth Ministries was formed by a group of youth workers who desperately wanted to see the Great Commission fulfilled among young people. Jesus’ words in Matthew 28:19, commanding us to go and make disciples of all nations, were the driving force behind the birth of NNYM.
SYATP will no longer be the same for me!
I have participated in nine See You at the Poles. This year's event ,and all that happen in the future, will have a special significance. You see my father passed away on Wednesday evening, September 23.
Fans of the Discovery Channel reality program “Man vs. Wild” are used to seeing the show’s star, Bear Grylls, taking on the elements in some of the toughest places on earth.This fall, there is a rare opportunity to see Grylls in person when he travels to Central Florida to take on some of the toughest questions life has to offer. Bring your youth group to see Bear talk about his adventures in life and about his Christian faith. Join us on Oct. 21 at Northland Church (a free event) to experience this high-energy event.
Baseball is a great game of competition. However at the last game I went to, I saw how powerful it can be when athletes cooperate to share Jesus...
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