Sometimes in youth ministry we (youth workers) get frustrated...
* Frustrated that you put all this effort into an event and no one shows...
* Frustrated that the one kid you pour into and try to help, just hasn't had the "light" come on yet...
* Frustrated at the way we do church vs. the way we should do church
* Frustrated that schedules - for kids, families, schools, extra-curriculars, etc...are so busy that choices have to be made.
The last one is what's got me lately...youth are faced with so many schedule choices these days that sometimes it feels like in ministry we're just fighting for attention, or that chance to be noticed "pick me, pick me". Then I realized two things:
1. at some point everyone has to realize "I can't do everything I want, and I need to make a choice."
2. at some point parents have to be parents and make a choice (knowing what is best) for their child.
For example, I know many parents who have said; "as long as you're living under my roof, you will...." (go to church/youth group, do chores, have dinner with the family...)
Then I saw this video - and it got me thinking...
...thinking about when should a parent "make a kid go to a youth ministry event?" As a Youth Leader do I even want kids in my ministry who are not there by their own choosing? If a parent knows an event/ministry will impact & change their child's lives should they sign them up and make them go?
As a Youth Leader I can program an event to death, I can plan for everything that might happen to make it the best possible event for a kid - but at some point - when a kid is there - you just have to let go and realize you've done your part and now it's up to The Spirit to work.
So, parents - what about you? Do you think you should make your kid go on retreats or mission trips, or to youth group each week? Curious to hear your thoughts...
Youth - what do you think?
~C
Monday, September 24, 2012
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Heaven, for real?
"Heaven is for Real"
To be honest, I'd seen this book on the shelf at the store several times and never picked it up. One might think the title alone would entice most Christian's to pick it up, let alone a youth worker. A few weeks ago a young man I was having lunch with asked if I'd read it. From his short review of the book I decided I should get a copy.
I read the book in the span of about two days. As I first got into it I thought it was a good read. I even texted this guy and thanked him for the recommendation. Then I read some more, Colton was the boy this story is about. As I learned more about the tragedy this little boy had been through I had many doubts running through my head. I had on my 'father hat' and kept thinking about my son, I didn't like the book anymore.
The next day I was determined to finish despite the roller coaster these parents were on and the one going on in my head. I'm happy to say as I finished the book I again loved it - truly an amazing story. "Heaven is for Real" is Colton's story, and it reminds us of a child like faith. It moves us to consider the reality of Heaven, no longer just the faith of "yeah, I believe in heaven".
So, if you haven't read this book I'd encourage you check it out. Then I ask, what do you think, is Heaven for Real?
His,
~C
To be honest, I'd seen this book on the shelf at the store several times and never picked it up. One might think the title alone would entice most Christian's to pick it up, let alone a youth worker. A few weeks ago a young man I was having lunch with asked if I'd read it. From his short review of the book I decided I should get a copy.
I read the book in the span of about two days. As I first got into it I thought it was a good read. I even texted this guy and thanked him for the recommendation. Then I read some more, Colton was the boy this story is about. As I learned more about the tragedy this little boy had been through I had many doubts running through my head. I had on my 'father hat' and kept thinking about my son, I didn't like the book anymore.
The next day I was determined to finish despite the roller coaster these parents were on and the one going on in my head. I'm happy to say as I finished the book I again loved it - truly an amazing story. "Heaven is for Real" is Colton's story, and it reminds us of a child like faith. It moves us to consider the reality of Heaven, no longer just the faith of "yeah, I believe in heaven".
So, if you haven't read this book I'd encourage you check it out. Then I ask, what do you think, is Heaven for Real?
His,
~C
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Remembering 9/11
Eleven years ago I was 19, sitting at home on the couch watching what would become known as the worst terrorist attacks on this Nation. I remember it vividly. I remember wanting to go, to do, something - help however I could help...I felt called to action, as I know so many others did too...many were first responders, many enlisted to fight for their nation, many sat - not knowing exactly what to do...and today, many are still answering that call.
I wonder what it looks like for Christian's to feel the same urgency and call to action in our Call as Christians as we American's did 11 years ago today. What would the world look like if as Christian's we were obedient to The Call God has placed in each of us?
I sit here now, 11 years later and now a father...I look at my son and wonder how this world has changed since the attacks. I wonder has the world become a better, a safer, a more loving place to live? What have we as Christian's done to share the Love of Christ with our neighbor? My prayer for my son, and his generation is that we have and will continue to do our part to leave this place in a "better than we found it" condition for them.
I pray for my son to be a leader in his generation, used by God for what He has planned for this child placed in my care. I know there are great things for him and his peers - but I wonder if we're really doing all we can...to answer that call to action we all feel deep inside?
I hope so!
I pray so!
Remembering all of those who on that day answered the call!
God Has Blessed The US,
~C
I wonder what it looks like for Christian's to feel the same urgency and call to action in our Call as Christians as we American's did 11 years ago today. What would the world look like if as Christian's we were obedient to The Call God has placed in each of us?
I sit here now, 11 years later and now a father...I look at my son and wonder how this world has changed since the attacks. I wonder has the world become a better, a safer, a more loving place to live? What have we as Christian's done to share the Love of Christ with our neighbor? My prayer for my son, and his generation is that we have and will continue to do our part to leave this place in a "better than we found it" condition for them.
I pray for my son to be a leader in his generation, used by God for what He has planned for this child placed in my care. I know there are great things for him and his peers - but I wonder if we're really doing all we can...to answer that call to action we all feel deep inside?
I hope so!
I pray so!
Remembering all of those who on that day answered the call!
God Has Blessed The US,
~C
Thursday, July 19, 2012
To dance, or...
Have you ever been asked to dance? Or have you ever asked someone to dance?
What response have you given, or been given?
I know that I've often been asked to dance by Stephanie. In my head I keep telling myself that I can't dance. And I know I can't dance as well as my wife - but I also can't sing as well as her - this usually doesn't stop me from singing (especially in the car by myself).
My point is that there are times in life when you just have to get out there and dance. In life, Christ has called each of us to dance. Some of us are called to tango, others to slow dance (this is the one I'm best at), and yet more are called to the Chicken Dance. The thing is that we're all designed and called to be a part of The Dance.
God has gifted each of us in many ways. Often times though we react in the way many youth do at a middle school dance - we stand along the wall. We pull ourselves from the God given potential and stand on the sidelines of life. Yes, sometimes the dance we've been called to is hard. Sometimes we take the wrong step, or forget what's next...but we're not called to lead - As He has called us to the dance - he will lead us in the dance.
He's calling - "Dance then wherever you may be. I Am The Lord of The Dance said He. I'll Lead you all, wherever you may be and I'll lead you all in the dance said He."
Your Savior is calling - will you join the dance?
Honestly, it's more fun at the dance, so come on dance, or...
His,
~C
What response have you given, or been given?
I know that I've often been asked to dance by Stephanie. In my head I keep telling myself that I can't dance. And I know I can't dance as well as my wife - but I also can't sing as well as her - this usually doesn't stop me from singing (especially in the car by myself).
My point is that there are times in life when you just have to get out there and dance. In life, Christ has called each of us to dance. Some of us are called to tango, others to slow dance (this is the one I'm best at), and yet more are called to the Chicken Dance. The thing is that we're all designed and called to be a part of The Dance.
God has gifted each of us in many ways. Often times though we react in the way many youth do at a middle school dance - we stand along the wall. We pull ourselves from the God given potential and stand on the sidelines of life. Yes, sometimes the dance we've been called to is hard. Sometimes we take the wrong step, or forget what's next...but we're not called to lead - As He has called us to the dance - he will lead us in the dance.
He's calling - "Dance then wherever you may be. I Am The Lord of The Dance said He. I'll Lead you all, wherever you may be and I'll lead you all in the dance said He."
Your Savior is calling - will you join the dance?
Honestly, it's more fun at the dance, so come on dance, or...
His,
~C
Friday, May 18, 2012
1 Year, 2 Months, 21 Days
It's been a bit since I last posted. Someone mentioned to me that I need to get back on the blogging here...so, I guess Welcome Back Me!
As of June 1, 2012 I'll be taking the role of Director of Youth & Young Adult Ministries @ First Presbyterian in Lincoln. I'm sure being back in youth ministry will again give me many reasons to blog. So, I look forward to this new adventure and blogging about it along the way.
See you in a few weeks,
~C
Monday, February 28, 2011
A cure for cancer...well, almost!
Two months ago I signed on to join the staff at Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program. I knew that we only had funding in place to pay my salary for two months...but when you've got a proven method of saving lives - especially lives of youth - you would think funding might come a little bit easier.
Although it's not a cure for cancer, it's just as important. I still feel I'm enough of an 'outsider' from Yellow Ribbon to take a look inward and say this without feeling like I'm patting myself on the back - but the training/curriculum that YR has and uses is some damn good stuff. I'm mean, really good quality. The teams that have come together over the past several years to write, edit, proof, rewrite and produce our training curriculum is five star. This is some great material and there is documentation from third parties that it's working - it's teaching a lifeskill that is saving lives - of all ages.
So, when I look at the 'product' and see the impact it is making, and then think of the impact it could be making if expanded into new venues/markets/schools/faith communities/you name it....I feel a bit sick when it's not getting to the people that need it. Let's be honest, everything in society today costs money...again from the outside looking in - Yellow Ribbon does take money to run (like any business), but YR isn't running a multi-million dollar operation (although think of what we could do if we were.) If over 10 million YR cards can be distributed on a annual budget in the neighborhood of $150-165K...what happens if we double that?
To be honest, in eight weeks of being on staff with Yellow Ribbon, I've seen some amazing things happen - and I have faith that even more is around the corner. But, what I hate to see is people learning about YR after they've already lost someone they love. I know we can't save everyone - but I know we can make a bigger difference. A friend and mentor of mine always said that if something wasn't happening (that is part of God's plan), it's simply because someone isn't bringing their piece of the puzzle to the table. I can't help but wonder who out there has the missing pieces to this life-saving suicide prevention puzzle.
In a sense we have a cure for the 'cancer' that is suicide...we just need the bucks to get it out to those who need it.
In closing a verse that has helped me to stay focused these past two months: "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap the harvest if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9
~C
Although it's not a cure for cancer, it's just as important. I still feel I'm enough of an 'outsider' from Yellow Ribbon to take a look inward and say this without feeling like I'm patting myself on the back - but the training/curriculum that YR has and uses is some damn good stuff. I'm mean, really good quality. The teams that have come together over the past several years to write, edit, proof, rewrite and produce our training curriculum is five star. This is some great material and there is documentation from third parties that it's working - it's teaching a lifeskill that is saving lives - of all ages.
So, when I look at the 'product' and see the impact it is making, and then think of the impact it could be making if expanded into new venues/markets/schools/faith communities/you name it....I feel a bit sick when it's not getting to the people that need it. Let's be honest, everything in society today costs money...again from the outside looking in - Yellow Ribbon does take money to run (like any business), but YR isn't running a multi-million dollar operation (although think of what we could do if we were.) If over 10 million YR cards can be distributed on a annual budget in the neighborhood of $150-165K...what happens if we double that?
To be honest, in eight weeks of being on staff with Yellow Ribbon, I've seen some amazing things happen - and I have faith that even more is around the corner. But, what I hate to see is people learning about YR after they've already lost someone they love. I know we can't save everyone - but I know we can make a bigger difference. A friend and mentor of mine always said that if something wasn't happening (that is part of God's plan), it's simply because someone isn't bringing their piece of the puzzle to the table. I can't help but wonder who out there has the missing pieces to this life-saving suicide prevention puzzle.
In a sense we have a cure for the 'cancer' that is suicide...we just need the bucks to get it out to those who need it.
In closing a verse that has helped me to stay focused these past two months: "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap the harvest if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9
~C
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Who's Blogging...an update
Last fall I wrote a post called "Who Should Blog."
I just thought I should post a quick update to let you know one of the "Who's" is now blogging...I take no credit for this new member of the blogging world, but I wanted to make sure all who wanted to check out this great thinker could do so. Drop on over to "Simply Max" and check it out.
~C
I just thought I should post a quick update to let you know one of the "Who's" is now blogging...I take no credit for this new member of the blogging world, but I wanted to make sure all who wanted to check out this great thinker could do so. Drop on over to "Simply Max" and check it out.
~C
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