Authentic Youth Ministry

I was perusing some blogs today on Authenticity. I said in an earlier post that I would continue to discuss this important issue as it pertains to Youth Ministry and a blog caught my eye. The little portion I will share with you comes from Tim Schraeder who is the communications director at Park Community Church. Here is the beginning of his blog:"I just read a great article in Fast Company about the appeal and risks of authenticity and it really...

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A Place for Apologetics in Emerging Culture?

I've been thinking a ton about the place of apologetics within the context of the Emerging Youth Culture. There is much debate about this topic in certain circles. Many who argue against apologetics say that the Emerging culture wants to hear about and encounter experiences, not scientific reasons for faith. This camp would also argue that the Emerging Culture doesn't hold to science as factual, so giving "scientific evidence" or even "factual...

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Conquer the Devil...Like I Did!

Something I've read a lot about, but more importantly have experienced is the need for Authenticity.If you read my past post on Authenticity (HERE) you'll see how important this issue is to me as a person and as a Youth Pastor. The old way of doing "preaching" ministry was to not be open, not be real and not be transparent because (it was believed) your people wouldn't listen to you anymore because you were also a sinner... like them. Most [Youth] Pastors were (and are) trained to look perfect, act perfect and to share stories of TRIUMPH when...

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Why a new Blog?

This new and 2nd blog of mine will deal specifically with Youth Ministry as I see, wrestle and deal with it within my Theology as an Emerging Youth Pastor. Many things need to change within Youth Ministry and I for one hope to be a voice to help the change, rather than a voice of stagnant complacency. We are few, but strong as Emerging Youth Pastors. We are also a growing breed as new manifestos are written. New conferences spoken about and new classes taught at Universities and Colleges alike. People are realizing that the way Youth Ministry...

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Heart Novacaine

I'm thinking a lot about Novocaine today because I just recently got a root canal. This was my fourth root canal...I know stupid for a 24 year old. "It is what it is" a friend of mine is now known as quoting and that's what I have to say about my 4 root canals.I know most of us know what Novocaine is and does, but just to refresh your memory, Novocaine is a a shot that is used to numb a specific spot within the mouth. The place where the dentist...

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The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived

In The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, Scott guides readers in a step-by-step application of the life-changing principles, skills, and methods that Jesus used throughout his earthly life. Although believers may spend a lifetime learning from Jesus’ teachings, it’s easy to overlook the powerful lessons demonstrated in His life. But when these incomparable lessons are learned and put to use, they enable ordinary people to achieve extraordinary success...

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The Power of Sexual Temptation

Hope that title got your attention. Today, as I was getting ready my talk for the Jr. Highers on Sunday, I stumbled across this verse: 2 Samuel 23:39 "Uriah the Hittite: thirty-seven in all." You may be thinking: "yea, so...what's this have to do with sexual temptation?" I answer: EVERYTHING! Here's the big deal. Uriah in this verse is listed among David's Mighty Men. He was one of the guys who stood by David during the time where Saul hunted David down like a dog to be put down. These men risked their lives to hide David, protect David...

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Abundantly Blessed

Let me share with you some amazing things that God has been doing within our lives (mine and Hilary's).God has shown Himself to be generous to be sure. Hilary and I were worried about the change in my insurance at the Church. The change wouldn't have been that drastic, unless we were definitely planing a visit to the hospital...which with a baby coming, we knew it was going to happen. With the insurance change, there would now be a charge of $500 in order to receive care. This got us worried, because going into the month of January, we had some...

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Vintage Church By Mark Driscoll

I know I've been plugging a ton of books recently, but I had to write a blog on this book. I couldn't help myself. I've been following Mark Driscoll now for about a year. I've been reading his books, listening to his sermons and have enjoyed all of it. He can be crass, but his brain is deeply theological as well as practical. He delves into ideas and scriptures and comes out with some great stuff. This book Vintage Church is part of that great...

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Youth Ministry 3.0 (Post 3)

*To fully comprehend what's going on within this post, I suggest you read: Youth Ministry 3.0 (Post 1) and Youth Ministry 3.0 (Post 2) * As I've said in my last two posts: I loved this book, it's clear insight and it's candid view of where we are to go next. I think one of the constant threads that is going around in not only Youth Ministry, but Ministry as a whole is that you can't use other people's programs, ideas and methods and expect what...

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Ordination Papers

I am officially done writing my Ordination Papers for the Christian and Missionary Alliance! It has been two years of reading, writing and filling out paper work. It has finally come down to just the tests. I probably shouldn't say "just the tests" because I am sure they are VERY hard. Yet I am happy it has come down to the final stretch after so much hard work. I thought it would be cool to put my papers up online...so I did. I put all 6 papers in one big word document. It is the size of a very small book (60 pages), so if you want to know...

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Christianity in Crisis!

Let me start this book review by saying: This book took me by surprise. I didn't expect what I got hit with. In fact, the seriousness of the situation that this book presents was truly unknown to me. Hank Hanegraaff in this deep look into the "Faith Movement" opens up a can of worms most Christians ignore, or are unaware of. I think most level headed Evangelicals ignore people like Joel Osteen and his silly "Health and Wealth" gospel, but never...

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Sex and the Bachelor

I had WAY too much caffeine tonight and can't sleep. It's 1:53am and my mind is racing. I'm still stuck on tonight's "The Bachelor" show. **WARNING contains spoilers** I only started watching the show a couple of weeks ago with my wife and her friends. They all get together at our house and watched the show together. I started working at Chili's instead of hanging with my guy friends...I'd get home after work to them watching the show, thus I was hooked into watching (that was my way of admitting I watched the show whilst still remaining...

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