archives
Archive for 2010
Stand-Up Jesus
Thursday, August 5th, 2010
As a stand-up comedian, one of the questions I’m constantly asked is, “Who is your favorite comedian?” I have many to choose from, but my answer is somewhat out of the ordinary: Jesus Christ.
The idea of Jesus as a comedian might seem a little unusual, even heretical or disrespectful. But the more I read the Gospels, the more firmly I conclude that Jesus was probably the most effective user of humor and comedy than any communicator who’s ever walked the planet.
I also believe that Jesus was one of the most fun leaders in history. While not necessarily obvious in the….
read more
Posted in Article
The Purpose of Doctrine
Thursday, August 5th, 2010
Lessons from the Master of Humor and Fun
When I was a full-time youth minister, I sought to teach kids to love Jesus, read the Bible as much as they could, and consider how their faiths affected their actions. Like most youth workers, I suppose.
But if someone had asked me eight years ago if I were teaching Christian doctrine, I probably would’ve shaken my head knowingly and—with a deep sigh suggesting all the hard work of guiding youth—answered, “No, we’re not there yet.” (And then I would’ve locked myself in my office and frantically researched the teaching of doctrine.)
Doctrine. It sounds….
read more
Posted in Article
Sort, Keep, and Toss
Thursday, August 5th, 2010
A Road through the Resource Pile
A few years back, a ministry colleague came into my office, took one look around and scoffed, “Maybe we should meet in my office!”
Although I was aware of the mess, I didn’t realize the piles of garbage on my desk and around my office felt chaotic to others. After the meeting, I reentered my office with a new eye.
Most of the piles consisted of youth ministry products that I’d received from one company or another. I believed all of this “stuff” would be helpful to me at some point in the future; what I didn’t….
read more
Posted in Article
Defining A Worship Leader
Thursday, August 5th, 2010
It’s a good thing for us to define the idea of worship leader. On second thought, maybe we just need to rethink it.
I know that the usual definition of this term is someone who leads the musical performance during a church gathering. I’m not refuting that. But I’m wondering if we can get to a deeper meaning than just during services. Here are some thoughts.
Living a Connected Lifestyle
Worship leaders are responsible for living a response lifestyle. If we don’t pray, if we don’t listen and hear, we have nothing to lead others into. In a video about Rich Mullins, Michael….
read more
Tags: Experiential Worship
Posted in Column
Cognitive Dissonance
Wednesday, August 4th, 2010
Candice is a ball of energy who loves life, laughter and fun. Her friends are an eclectic mixture of people: jocks, nerds, Democrats, Republicans, homosexuals, atheists, Buddhists and Christians of all traditions. She’s the middle child in a churchy family. Candice’s older sister is your typical church kid, who—though not yet 20—knows she wants to become a pastor. Candice’s younger sister is a champion of service, volunteering weekly at our church’s English as a Second Language ministry.
Unlike the rest of her family, Candice is not so sure about Christianity. Her fierce independence makes it difficult for her to simply accept….
read more
Tags: Sr. High Ministry
Posted in Column
Removing The Barriers
Wednesday, August 4th, 2010
In your ministry, are the parents advocates or barriers for accomplishing your vision for teens?
It’s a trick question. Both are flawed ways of working with parents. The role of parents is not to align with your vision for their teens. You need each other, but often there are barriers youth pastors unintentionally set up that keep partnership from happening.
I often hear one of these two statements from youth workers:
1. “Most of the parents in my ministry don’t know where their kids are during the day, and they don’t care.”
Parents who’ve checked out of their teens’ lives still have a….
read more
Tags: Parents Ministry
Posted in Column
School Of Hard Knocks
Wednesday, August 4th, 2010
Okay, so you have the big outreach event. Jamal, a 17-year-old hoops star, becomes a Christian. Then he shows up at your Bible study. You ask him to read John 3:16. His fluency compares to a second grader’s.
Frankie, who’s as dependable as the Energizer Bunny, is applying for a job at the local drive thru. He’s pumped. You’d hire him in a heartbeat. You peek at his application. Fabian’s handwriting looks like hieroglyphics.
It’s open-mic night at youth group. The topic is explosive and should ignite discussion like firecrackers. But due to their limited vocabulary, your teenagers communicate with shoulder shrugs….
read more
Tags: Multi Cultural
Posted in Column
Going Green
Wednesday, August 4th, 2010
Turn off the water when you brush your teeth. Ride your bike to school. Take reusable bags to the grocery store. Recycle. Use compact fluorescent light bulbs.
These simple acts are but a few of the ways in which people “go green,” seeking to preserve and improve the environment. But these aren’t just green habits, they’re also holy habits, ways in which Christians show their love for God and neighbor and express their Christian discipleship.
Holiness Habits
Holiness is bringing one’s life in line with God’s will. Often holiness is manifested through habits such as prayer, worship, sacraments, Scripture study, and accountability to….
read more
Gospel According To Crazy Bandz
Wednesday, August 4th, 2010
At the risk of appearing behind the curve on tween trends, I’d like to tell a story.
Recently we welcomed a new batch of sixth graders into our middle school ministry. This is an annual June ritual, one we anticipate and get excited about each year. While we are sad to see eighth graders move up, the energy and enthusiasm the new class brings is a real pick-me-up. Unlike the eighth graders, who are hungry for high school, the newbies want to be there. Watching their eyes is a thrill.
One of our new girls’ names is Hannah. She’s a really sweet….
read more
Tags: Jr. High Ministry
Posted in Column
Holding On To The Giver
Wednesday, August 4th, 2010
In the season between Easter and Advent, I have been living with the stories of Jesus’ appearances after his resurrection. One of the things that strikes me each time I read them is their sheer physical quality.
One reason for that “physicality” is obvious. The gospel writers wanted to demonstrate that Jesus was raised from the dead as a living, breathing, eating, walking and talking presence. Clearly there were some unique elements to this—for instance, he seems to have moved in and out of physical space in non-typical ways. But the predominant story is his physical presence, a presence that has….
read more
Tags: Inner Life
Posted in Column