Incarnational Ministry – Being the Other Guy
So there they were, two guys on the road to Emmaus – – or as I have always contended – – two guys making a getaway and on the way out of town, Jerusalem. And then they run into this “other guy.” Remember?
The Gospel writer tells us that this other guy was Jesus – – the power of foresight found in the scriptural narrative. But, at no point in the remainder of the story, even in the breaking of the bread, does the “other guy” confess that he is Jesus.
It really would not have been a productive evangelization / catechetical moment if Jesus had revealed himself rather than the disciples discerning the presence of the Lord. KEEP READING
Leave Room For The Holy Spirit
Ten years ago, if you had told fourteen-year-old me that I was going to be a Youth Minister, she would have downright laughed. See, even at fourteen, I was a type-A organized person. I had plans. I was going to attend Rice University, become an author, and live in New York City, thank you very much and no, I don’t need your input.
Somehow, instead, this autumn, I’m entering into my second year of youth ministry as a Youth Minister in the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolis.
In large part, that’s because at some time in my life, I realized that there were two plans going on in my life: my plans and God’s plans. KEEP READING
How to Respond to the Words “Me Too”
Chances are your social media feeds are flooded with two words this week: Me too.
Those two words have taken on a new meaning. And many of us, myself included, are left wondering how to respond.
I humbly offer these three suggestions. If you have more, please share them in the comments below.
WE NEED TO BE HEARTBROKEN
It's heartbreaking for me to see how many of my friends and family members have been a victim of sexual assault. Though I've heard stories from those close to me, it's absolutely eye-opening to see just how big of an impact this depravity has had on our world.
Channeling Your Inner Introvert
You’ve been prepping all summer. Setting up schedules, booking parish facilities, and sending out invites. You’ve been praying for your students, their families, and those you haven’t met yet. Suddenly, it’s mid-September and you’re expecting a room full of teenagers who may or may not want to be at youth ministry. Yes, you have an activity planned, and a prayer, but what about that down time? You know, that time set aside to build trusting relationships with your group? For many, including myself, and probably many of your students, the actual planned activity of the night is the easy part.
But what about that relational ministry? KEEP READING
Another Year, Another Sigh
IT’S ALL GOOD
We want to help
your ministry thrive.
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We want to help your ministry thrive.
Incarnational Ministry – Being the Other Guy
So there they were, two guys on the road to Emmaus – – or as I have always contended – – two guys making a getaway and on the way out of town, Jerusalem. And then they run into this “other guy.” Remember?
The Gospel writer tells us that this other guy was Jesus – – the power of foresight found in the scriptural narrative. But, at no point in the remainder of the story, even in the breaking of the bread, does the “other guy” confess that he is Jesus.
It really would not have been a productive evangelization / catechetical moment if Jesus had revealed himself rather than the disciples discerning the presence of the Lord. KEEP READING
Leave Room For The Holy Spirit
Ten years ago, if you had told fourteen-year-old me that I was going to be a Youth Minister, she would have downright laughed. See, even at fourteen, I was a type-A organized person. I had plans. I was going to attend Rice University, become an author, and live in New York City, thank you very much and no, I don’t need your input.
Somehow, instead, this autumn, I’m entering into my second year of youth ministry as a Youth Minister in the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolis.
In large part, that’s because at some time in my life, I realized that there were two plans going on in my life: my plans and God’s plans. KEEP READING
How to Respond to the Words “Me Too”
Chances are your social media feeds are flooded with two words this week: Me too.
Those two words have taken on a new meaning. And many of us, myself included, are left wondering how to respond.
I humbly offer these three suggestions. If you have more, please share them in the comments below.
WE NEED TO BE HEARTBROKEN
It's heartbreaking for me to see how many of my friends and family members have been a victim of sexual assault. Though I've heard stories from those close to me, it's absolutely eye-opening to see just how big of an impact this depravity has had on our world.
Channeling Your Inner Introvert
You’ve been prepping all summer. Setting up schedules, booking parish facilities, and sending out invites. You’ve been praying for your students, their families, and those you haven’t met yet. Suddenly, it’s mid-September and you’re expecting a room full of teenagers...
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Are you being asked to create a program based on someone else’s idea of what that program should be? Are you not comfortable with how that program is set up, or the message it delivers, or even the day/time you are supposed to be offering it? We know that our teens...
Helping Teens Heal After A Natural Disaster
When you pass through waters, I will be with you; through rivers, you shall not be swept away. When you walk through fire, you shall not be burned, nor will flames consume you. – Isaiah 43:2 Natural disasters have...
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One of the most important decisions you need to make in your ministry is your choice of names. So how do you choose those names?
Are You Too Old For Youth Ministry?
God must have a great sense of humor – why else would He call me into full time Youth Ministry at the age of 58? That was my first thought when I was asked by our Pastor to step into the role of Coordinator of Youth Ministry. So often I have heard youth express...
How to Talk to Teens About The Vegas Shooting
May the Peace of Christ be with you… be with us all! We have entered October in tragedy – the largest mass shooting in the history of the United States. Thousands gathered at a country music festival in Las Vegas, Nevada and became victims of a night of horror. We...
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I had a meeting with one of my key volunteers who is helping lead a big ministry project. I was sharing my expectations of her within the context of her volunteer job description. As I often do, I turned the conversation around. I asked her point blank: “What are your...
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