When was the last time you went on record? Whether you feel you have enough knowledge of a situation or not, people are waiting for you to set the vibe. Lorne Michaels, producer and creator of Saturday Night Live, modeled this in a New York Post article: NY Post: Do you think the show will be around in 10 years?…
It’s been said that you don’t forgive someone for his or her sake – you forgive them for your sake. Sounds great… Wait, what? Is that our best option? Much has been written recently about Coach Monty Williams and the intentional forgiveness he extended to a negligent driver whose actions killed Williams’ wife and injured their children.…
Imagine that one of your volunteers smells a little funny sometimes. He tries hiding it under other scents he’s sprayed on or is chewing, but the odor remains and even makes you a bit spacey being around him. Do you weed him out, or take the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy?…
The reality of bomb testing. The mystery of Donald Trump. The threat of ISIS. The ambiguity of sexuality. Students, families and even random adults in your church have no shortage of hot topics to throw your way. Whether you’re taken aback from a recent zinger or are trying to think ahead of any curve ball zooming your way, you can take the controversy they’ve thrown at you and have a Jesus-centered conversation.…
Confession: I don’t enjoy structure for the sake of structure. Thankfully, others came along and shared how the structure that helps some people grow spiritually doesn’t always work for others. One person explained, “Don’t let anyone impose their habits on you.…
Can I encourage you into this next year? It actually involves sharing how I was caught off guard this past month. There I was, sitting in a dark room by myself while weeping hot tears. A couple from our church had stopped by only moments earlier to surprise my family with an end-of-the-year gift.…
Once upon a time, George Lucas was the creator of Star Wars. Some would argue he still is. Unfortunately, most of us know better…sort of like how it is in any kind of church ministry. Depending upon how old you are, you either grew up with Star Wars or inherited it from the generation before you.…
Ministry is so, so busy. Your life likely is, too. The last thing you need is another meeting, right? So why in the world would you want to take part in a local youth ministry network? (Don’t worry – since you’re in ministry, you’re one of my heroes and I’m going to do my best to talk you out of networking…but then I’ll try to talk you into it, because you’re one of my heroes.)…
Be encouraged – God is working in the next generation. Despite negative future-of-the-church chatter or speculative doomsday statistics, Jesus will build His church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Case in point, consider Bethel College in Mishawaka, Indiana.…
It hurts, doesn’t it? A student, family or volunteer leader you’ve poured your life into suddenly disappears out of your ministry… and you have no idea why. Then again, perhaps you do know why – maybe they had a legitimate issue with something you did or found another church more exciting than yours.…
