I know it is against the law to give “Insider Investment Tips” but I just can’t restrain myself. I probably should not be so bold as to publish them on the internet but this information is critical and time sensitive. I don’t want you to miss the opportunity of this “Investment of a Lifetime” to make your “Investment in a Life.” I knew I had…
I was only fifteen when I made a decision that changed the course of my life! The decision was simple: I wanted to be like the pastor and leaders at my church. I wanted to be a “Pay it Forward Leader.” “Pay it Forward Leaders” are people who invest in the next generation of leadership. They do so graciously, intentionally…
I had a love-hate relationship with recess in elementary school. I could not wait to get out of the classroom: however, I dreaded the ritual of team-picking on the playground. A couple of self-appointed “cool” guys always declared themselves the Playground Team Captains. The games we played became all about being “Used” to help them win or look good. As…
Once upon a time there was ONE leader who simply wanted to make a difference in the world. He had no illusion that he could do it alone and wanted to build a team. Guided by biblical principles he practiced biblical discipleship as he ministered to men. He frequently experienced failure and frustration discovering not everyone was willing to “count…
How would you define the irreducible minimums of your student ministry? Can you write them into a sentence, paragraph or a list? What would that look like? I suggest every youth leader do this exercise to establish a baseline for their ministry. Recently my wife and I attended a Poetry Recital for our Granddaughter’s third grade class. Each student chose…
I always thought people who had been in ministry for forty years were old, until my wife Betsi and I joined their ranks. Now I have changed my mind. I am formulating a new perspective about us, one that not only appreciates the past but looks to the future. Forty years does not sound nearly as long when you say…
Depending on your geographical location, you have either just celebrated or are about to celebrate High School Graduations. Many of the students you have watched grow up in your ministry are leaving for college. Others may stay in the area with increased work hours but they will probably look at student ministry differently. I want to suggest that once you…
I was only twenty-one years old as I stood reading a copy of the letter from my Executive Director. It was addressed to one of the key supporters of our ministry whom he wanted me to visit. Reading the last line I said to my wife, “I’m not going on this trip. I’m afraid I will not live up to…
“Why do you do this?” I had just finished teaching a Leadership Seminar in Wagga Wagga, (meaning town of many crows) Australia to a group of youth leaders and opened the floor for questions. “What do you mean?” I responded. “This!” His hand gestured widely: “Why do you do this? Why are you here teaching us…doing this?” I paused for…
I just returned from the last Word of Life Island campfire service of the 2012 summer season. Once again I watched as students responded to the Word of God, surrendering their lives for service to Christ. I do not know what was at the core of each decision or who will follow through but I do believe God can use…