One afternoon while Betsi and I were in New Zealand we climbed Mt. Manganui located on the coast of the North Island. As she snapped photos of the scenery, I stood looking across the Pacific Ocean deep in thought. My thoughts took me back to my childhood to a specific incident that was totally unrelated but inextricably connected. I could…
Tag Archives Student Ministry
This past weekend I attended the First Baptist JAX Pastors' Conference, in FLorida, where I taught a breakout seminar. As I listened to men like Dr. Jerry Vine, Dr. Al Mohler, Dr. Jimmy Scroggins and others preach, I thought of how many people must have invested in their lives. Somebody helped them learn how to preach and someone even allowed…
Chasing Elephants: Wrestling With the Gray Areas of Life by Brent Crowe is a book that I and many others asked him to write. The first time I heard Brent deliver this content was at a Student Leadership University Youth Pastor’s Institute. I was impressed by the way he scripturally dealt with some really difficult issues others often avoid. He…
Why do bad things happen to good people? For that matter, why do bad things happen to anyone? Even for us as believers, life if often a mystery. Every time I hear of the death of another child or teen I am compelled to ask…Why? If I ask this question after walking with the Lord for many years then it…
Let’s face it. Summertime student ministry is different and sometimes difficult. The familiar routine of the school year is in chaos, and students either have a ton of free time or are busier than ever. The change of seasons usually results in a change of strategy for the majority of youth groups around the country. There are tons of ideas…
Transitions are important. Often we lose students when their transition from one level to another is uncomfortable or awkward. Even lifetime churchgoers can feel like first-time visitors when it’s time to move up to a new class. Intentional student transitions help to ensure that the transition doesn’t become an exit. Middle School to High School In his chapter in The…
I cannot get the image of Phoebe Prince out of my mind. The first time her photo was flashed on my TV screen my heart was broken for her, her family and all the other “Phoebes” of this world. The tragic end of a life so short, so needlessly snatched at the tender age of 15 reminds us that life…
Women who faithfully serve in Youth Ministry are the heart and soul of reaching and discipling students. They play a vital role and their contribution to the cause of Christ will only be measured in eternity. As a consultant to Local Churches, I have the privilege of working alongside great Student Ministry leaders who are having a global impact. Some…
In Second Timothy 2: 2, Paul not only gives us a great plan for world evangelization; his words also serve as a model for cultivating students of influence. Paul says, The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also (NASB95). From Paul’s…