I had the priviledge of sharing with Atlantic Avenue Church of the United Brethren's youth ministry this past weekend for their Survivor Retreat. Pastor Dustin Staples and his wife Ashley are good friends of mine, and it was great to share ministry together with them. The group was about 30 kids plus adults (probably close to 50 there total), with students ranging from 7th grade to seniors.
The Survior Retreat is based off of the Reality TV show. When we arrived, the students were split into three tribes and competed in various challenges throughout the weekend. It was great to see some of the older kids working so well with the younger students. It makes for a good first retreat experience when you get included in the activities.
I spoke each night in the evenings around a camp fire. Not a little fire, a big roaring fire. I spoke on 1 Peter 2:11 which says, "Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires which war against your soul." We examined the life of Daniel and how he lived as an exile, yet lived differently than the culture. We looked at Jesus' Sermon on the Mount and other teaches to see that Christians should live lives that will be counter cultural. Some examples were to pray for your enemies; turn the other cheek; and caring for the poor, hungry, and naked. And we concluded the retreat by looking at Esther, another Exile, who was placed in the King's palace for such a time as this. The students were challenged to consider all the places where the move and live and how God has placed them there for a purpose.
Now that I'm back home and getting ready for school to begin, I am hopeful that I will be able to post more frequently and thoughtfully in the coming months!
Showing posts with label youth ministry. Show all posts
Showing posts with label youth ministry. Show all posts
Monday, August 31, 2009
Monday, July 28, 2008
Final Thoughts From Jr. High I @ Delanco
It's Monday afternoon, and I have had a little time to process the week that was Jr. High I @ Delanco Camp. Our theme for the week was Set-Apart, and I used 1 Peter 1:13-16 for my text. Overall, I thought the messages went ok. Last year, I build the messages to climax around Wednesday or Thursday. This year, they climaxed on Friday. The basic themes for the nights were; Hope, Grace, Holiness, Loving One Anothere, Daring to Be Different. Looking back, I think I could have done Tuesday and Wednesday (Grace/Holiness) more effectively. Overall, though, I think it went alright.
The camp itself was pretty good. It was a more low-key group of campers this year compared to last year, which obviously changed some of the dynamics. I thought the leadership team did a more consistent job this year than last, which may be from another year of maturity.
There were minor things that could have been better, but they are not worth mentioning because they are, well, minor. I'm looking forward to being there next year.
The camp itself was pretty good. It was a more low-key group of campers this year compared to last year, which obviously changed some of the dynamics. I thought the leadership team did a more consistent job this year than last, which may be from another year of maturity.
There were minor things that could have been better, but they are not worth mentioning because they are, well, minor. I'm looking forward to being there next year.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Midway At Delanco
It's Wednesday morning and I am sitting at at Dunkin Donuts in Medford, NJ...near Delanco Camp where I am speaking this morning. My coffee-like drink is not very good and my computer battery is going to fail soon. I wish Starbucks had free internet so I didn't have to be at Double D.
I am at Delanco Camp, where Andrea grew up attending camp, speaking at Junior High I. This is my second year speaking here. The group of students this year are different from last year. Last year, there were several confident, outgoing students who really set the pace for the week. This year is a more non-descript group and I feel like I am having trouble connecting with them, although people tell me otherwise.
The theme this year is Set-Apart. I have been using 1 Peter 1:13-16 as the basis of my talks on leading a Set-Apart life. It's challenging to communicate to a middle school student the need to be set apart through their faith rather than blending into the crowd. It is so much easier to blend in with what is going on around us. Tonight, I am speaking on holiness, specifically God's call for us to live a life that reflects His Holiness. I am pretty set for tonight. I need to work on Thursday and Friday.
It has been hot at camp this year. (isn't that camp though?) I've been helping to lead worship this year, and I sweat through everything before I even get a chance to speak. It's crazy! It rained some over night, so hopefully it will cool things off some.
My battery is about to die. I will be writing more about camp at the end of the week.
I am at Delanco Camp, where Andrea grew up attending camp, speaking at Junior High I. This is my second year speaking here. The group of students this year are different from last year. Last year, there were several confident, outgoing students who really set the pace for the week. This year is a more non-descript group and I feel like I am having trouble connecting with them, although people tell me otherwise.
The theme this year is Set-Apart. I have been using 1 Peter 1:13-16 as the basis of my talks on leading a Set-Apart life. It's challenging to communicate to a middle school student the need to be set apart through their faith rather than blending into the crowd. It is so much easier to blend in with what is going on around us. Tonight, I am speaking on holiness, specifically God's call for us to live a life that reflects His Holiness. I am pretty set for tonight. I need to work on Thursday and Friday.
It has been hot at camp this year. (isn't that camp though?) I've been helping to lead worship this year, and I sweat through everything before I even get a chance to speak. It's crazy! It rained some over night, so hopefully it will cool things off some.
My battery is about to die. I will be writing more about camp at the end of the week.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Church Uses Gun Giveaway @ Teen Event
This is just beyond my mind...but a church in Oklahoma sponsored a teen event where they were giving away an semi-automatic assualt rifle. You can read the story here. (Be sure to watch the video) The Church's Youth Pastor, Bob Ross, said it was a way to attract kids to attend the event. Ross said that the event was not about guns or shooting, but about finding faith. Mr. Ross says in an interview on a local station that they had given away a gun a previous conferences (which had been going on for 25 years.) Ultimately, the give-away was cancelled because the pastor leading the giveaway was unable to attend.
Being a former youth pastor, and still working with young people, I am not sure how this gets by the board for approval.
Youth Pastor: We are very excited about this year's youth conference. We believe it will be the best one ever. We are so excited that we have come up with a creative way to attract even more students.
Board Member/Trustee/Elder: We would love to have more students experience Christ in their lives....what do you have in mind?
Youth Pastor: Well, Our two ideas we wanted to bring up to you for approval is this...We want to give away either a AR-15 Semiautomatic Assault Rifle or a kilo of cocaine.
Board Member/Trustee/Elder: Wow, you are really thinking outside of the box here on this giveaway. Way outside of the box. But since we live in the heartland, why don't we stick with the Assault Rifle giveaway and not do the cocaine giveaway. It will get us into less trouble.
Youth Pastor: Consider it done.
Wow. That's all I can say. This is a strange story.
Being a former youth pastor, and still working with young people, I am not sure how this gets by the board for approval.
Youth Pastor: We are very excited about this year's youth conference. We believe it will be the best one ever. We are so excited that we have come up with a creative way to attract even more students.
Board Member/Trustee/Elder: We would love to have more students experience Christ in their lives....what do you have in mind?
Youth Pastor: Well, Our two ideas we wanted to bring up to you for approval is this...We want to give away either a AR-15 Semiautomatic Assault Rifle or a kilo of cocaine.
Board Member/Trustee/Elder: Wow, you are really thinking outside of the box here on this giveaway. Way outside of the box. But since we live in the heartland, why don't we stick with the Assault Rifle giveaway and not do the cocaine giveaway. It will get us into less trouble.
Youth Pastor: Consider it done.
Wow. That's all I can say. This is a strange story.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Ministry Long Haul...
I've been wrestling over the last several weeks on where I believe that God is calling me to minister. A year and a half ago, I started seminary and was appointed in the Methodist Church in the Elder track. I want to do seminary...so I am sure I am in the right place there. What I am unsure about is being in the Elder track. That means that the Bishop in my conference can call me to a church to be a pastor. Now, I believe I have the abilities and gifts to lead a church...the question is where does my passion lie...and where is God calling me?
A few weeks ago, I received a call from a church in Texas as they were looking for a youth pastor. My name was given by a friend as someone they believed would be a good fit there. The job description was remarkable. A ton of potential. Warm weather in the winter! The biggest problem was moving away from our family (especially with Abbie).
This got me thinking about what I want to do. While I like the general church ministry...I think, more and more, that I am more geared to the specialized ministry of youth ministry, or young adult ministry, or worship pastor. What this means, right now...I don't know. But it is something I'm going to be wrestling with for awhile. I meet with DCOM (District Committee on Ministry) next month. This question may come up while I am there. We'll have to see how forthcoming I am. So if you're reading this, I would invite you to keep me in your prayers.
A few weeks ago, I received a call from a church in Texas as they were looking for a youth pastor. My name was given by a friend as someone they believed would be a good fit there. The job description was remarkable. A ton of potential. Warm weather in the winter! The biggest problem was moving away from our family (especially with Abbie).
This got me thinking about what I want to do. While I like the general church ministry...I think, more and more, that I am more geared to the specialized ministry of youth ministry, or young adult ministry, or worship pastor. What this means, right now...I don't know. But it is something I'm going to be wrestling with for awhile. I meet with DCOM (District Committee on Ministry) next month. This question may come up while I am there. We'll have to see how forthcoming I am. So if you're reading this, I would invite you to keep me in your prayers.
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
Rally Wrap Up
I'm back from the Pen-Del Conference Youth Rally held in Ocean City, MD this past weekend. I believe this was my 7th Rally to be at since moving to Delaware. It is always an incredible weekend. This year was a little different as I wasn't leading a group, but helping with the leadership of the overall conference. My fancy title was Back Stage Coordinator. This means I made sure all the speakers, students, and bands were ready to go on stage at the right time...and I had a great view!
During my seven times at the Rally- this had to be one of the best overall. All the bands were outstanding. Starfield did a solid job leading worship. Hawk Nelson, LA Symphony, and Flatfoot56 each rocked the crowd. Flatfoot56 is a Celtic Punk band. (It's just like it sounds...a punk band with bagpipes...sweet!) Ayiesha Woods was probably the surprise of the weekend. Her set just plained rocked! Her guitarist was amazing and ended the concert with a crazy solo!
The Rally also featured Taylor Mason- probably one of the funniest comedians I have ever seen. He is simply amazing.
The speakers were Kathleen Baskin-Ball, a pastor from the Dallas area and Justin Lookadoo. They focused on the theme "Whatever" coming from Colossians 3:23. Both did an excellent job of challenging the students in their faith.
The cherry on top of the weekend was the opportunity to hang out with our churches youth group during some of the event. It was different not being with them the whole time, but I savored the opportunity to worship and dance with them during the bands. All in all, a pretty great weekend.
During my seven times at the Rally- this had to be one of the best overall. All the bands were outstanding. Starfield did a solid job leading worship. Hawk Nelson, LA Symphony, and Flatfoot56 each rocked the crowd. Flatfoot56 is a Celtic Punk band. (It's just like it sounds...a punk band with bagpipes...sweet!) Ayiesha Woods was probably the surprise of the weekend. Her set just plained rocked! Her guitarist was amazing and ended the concert with a crazy solo!
The Rally also featured Taylor Mason- probably one of the funniest comedians I have ever seen. He is simply amazing.
The speakers were Kathleen Baskin-Ball, a pastor from the Dallas area and Justin Lookadoo. They focused on the theme "Whatever" coming from Colossians 3:23. Both did an excellent job of challenging the students in their faith.
The cherry on top of the weekend was the opportunity to hang out with our churches youth group during some of the event. It was different not being with them the whole time, but I savored the opportunity to worship and dance with them during the bands. All in all, a pretty great weekend.
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
Why Peyton Manning Would Make A Good Youth Pastor
1. He's an innovative communicator: Have you ever seen Peyton communicate at the line of scrimmage. He barks out commands at the line and uses a lot of body language to communicate to his team so they are all on the same page. Can you imaging Peyton on a Sunday evening Youth meeting...his plan is to preach from the Gospel of Matthew, but then audibling to the Gospel of Luke so the projection team and other support can follow.
2. He's a Great Mentor to Kids: Check out the clip from Saturday Night Live of Peyton Mentoring kids through the United Way. I can see him TPing a house now!
3. Peyton Knows the Strength of Three: I think Peyton would start some accountability in groups of three to correspond with Marvin Harrison, Reggie Wayne, and Dallas Clark. This model would encourage students to be involved in accountability groups.
4. He wears a suit: Peyton would win over the more seasoned members of the church because he shows up to work in a suit. Wallets would open and money would flow into the ministry because of the suit's effect on the seasoned members of the church who believe that Jesus wore a suit.
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