The YouVersion Bible app just hit 100 million and it made me curious…

So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us.
We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!”
                                                                      2 Corinthians 5:20

I’ve been noodling a lot lately on trying to come up with a realistic, biblical, attractive way to help junior highers (and any teenager for that matter) live out their faith and share it with their friends. At Saddleback, we’ve always had what we call a “friendship evangelism” model of outreach that relies on our students confidently sharing their story and the gospel of Jesus Christ to those around them. As we have begun thinking about re-tooling how we teach students to share the gospel, it’s obvious that there are two prominent approaches:

1) Always be ready, in fact look for, opportunities to talk to people about Jesus. Seek out such divine appointments!
2) Be Salt and Light. Let your good deeds, attitudes, love for others etc. be so obvious that people will be drawn to Christ through that lifestyle.

Very rarely, it seems, are students taught a healthy mix of the two…that these two strategies are both extremely valid on their own, but actually work better in unison. Which is why I think I’m landing on the wonderful picture we are given in scripture of our role as ambassadors….Christ’s representatives.

Ambassadors both “speak up” and “show up”. As representatives of their country, they must know when their role is mostly to do things (show up) that represent their nation well, and when they must say things (speak up) to represent, defend or advance agendas of their country.

What if we figured out a way to help students embrace the idea of truly being ambassadors for Jesus Christ? What if we equipped them to “Show Up” and “Speak Up” and helped them begin to discern when to do which?

I’d love your thoughts, ideas and input. There’s nothing new about the concept of “Christ’s Ambassadors” but maybe it’s time to freshen up an old classic.

picture courtesy of punditandpundatte.com

After reading yesterday’s post your response might have been one of defeat.

The schedule we keep is daunting.  Perhaps you are great at having “boundaries” but your leadership doesn’t have any.  If you are like me the struggle is you can tend to be more driven than called.   Either way it can translate into days off that are actually “on,” living on an IV of caffeine, and racing through life.  One youth pastor friend once told me,  ”I never thought that I could get burnt out doing what I love for whom I love.”

You know, but what are some practical steps you can take to get off this lunatic merry-go-round?

Remember How YOU Love Jesus:

I connect with Christ through music. Some days, I put in my headphones, close my eyes and sing along.  It refreshes me. For me being outside in His creation, talking with Him, soaking in His power is vital.  I have to put aside time for this.  Our  love affair with the Savior must last a lifetime.  What do you do that reminds you, you are connected to the Lord? When is the last time you took the time just for HIM?

The Rule Of 3:

Part of our problem becomes isolationism.  Perhaps we told someone our dirty secret and they told us something like a former pastor told me.  If I just understood that the Sabbath wasn’t a day off it was a lifestyle I would be fine.  ”Jesus never took a day off,  he simply stole away for a moment,”  was what he said.  So I would take the time and sit with God and my mind was everywhere else.  I didn’t change. I just stopped telling people about it. That was the problem. I needed others to keep me focused on Jesus.

Who are 3 people you can be honest with?   Let them check in with you. I suggest this combo: One person who has known you forever, that you trust, one person who does what you do but in another church or ministry and one person who is NOT in ministry but local. This may take some work but find them.  Then listen to their advice.  If they tell you to take a day off then do it.   Truth only sounds trite because it is simple.  Make the effort.

Do something you like to do- but don’t have to do.

Through a series of events I have taken up running this year.  It has become an outlet for stress release.  Nope I don’t have time to do it, but I need it.   I like it, and the way it makes me feel like I accomplished something on days when everything else feels out of control.  What do you enjoy?  Reading, writing, skeet shooting, watching Duck Dynasty?  This is a vital step to coming out of the spiral. Put aside something for a moment and just do something you LIKE to do.

Scheduling is a post all on it’s own, and that we will tackle tomorrow. This is not an exhaustive list,  it is merely some starting steps to come out of this season of life.  Remember you are NOT ALONE.  Many of us have been there and just might be there at this moment in time.

What are you doing to practically conquer your burn out?

Dear Senior Pastor, Yours is a tough job. The responsibility buck stops with you and I get that totally. So the list you’re about to read is said with love, familiarity with both “pairs of shoes” and its nothing new, really. I’m just slipping it across your virtual desk as a reminder.

1) Give loving feedback EARLY on: Don’t wait till staff review time or a board meeting 6 months later to let your youth worker know you weren’t happy with something. How can they improve if the expectations are unknown? Make sure there aren’t any unspoken/invisible rules.

2) Make sure your YP has a thorough job description from the get-go: I’m still surprised how many youth workers, whether paid or volunteer, are working without a job description. Isn’t that a little like giving them a foreign car but not the manual? Some stuff comes easy, but a guide is necessary when its time to fix things that don’t come instinctually.

3) You weren’t always so organized, either: Along the way in your early years, I bet a church secretary or the CE person took you under his/her wing and set you straight about deadlines, etc. Don’t get frustrated; just teach your expectation and create a framework that helps the youth worker succeed. Systems and processes are important in successful youth ministries. Read Mark DeVries’ “Sustainable Youth Ministry” – SOLID stuff!

4) Don’t wait till after the big summer event/trip to tell them they’re moving on: Maybe this is just my personal pet peeve…but I’ve known more churches who waited till a few days after the summer mission trip to let the YP go when the truth turns out they’d been unhappy for a long time. Truthfully? It feels like the YP was a little used so they would go on the trip and the board members didn’t have to. Not cool.

5) Wait 3 days after a retreat/7 days after a trip with any complaints: Just today I saw a post from a youth worker ON their mission trip who was asking for prayer because the church board wanted a meeting the day after he gets back “with problems.” Remember your last mission trip and how long it took you to recover? Your YP needs some time to rest plus a few days to “bask in the afterglow” of the amazing things God did while they were on the trip.

6) Catch them doing good work: For every one complaint or problem you have to bring up, catch your youth worker doing 10 things right. Share it with them…and everyone else while you’re at it.

OK, all for now…but what would you add?

Stephanie

Picture courtesy of ongoingendeavors.com

The philosophical ideas to conquering burnout are easy to talk about.  If we could overcome the “shoulds” in our world we could deal. Taking time for the Lord is not a revolutionary idea.  However, I more often hear excuses that involve our schedules.  I have made them,  “Well, I MUST do that,  and that is expected of me,  and I can’t help it.”.  I lived off sugar and rarely slept.  My health fell apart.  So I needed order.

Here are some practical factors to consider in your schedule:

• The “Have To” Factor:

In your scheduling what have you been told by leadership is yours no matter what?  What are those things you must do that no one else can do?  What are the things that you can do that ONLY you can do that bring the most value to your ministry and give you the most energy?  These go to the top of your list.

• The Delegation Factor

A mentor once told me that someone else may only be able to perform a task 80% as well as I can, however, if it frees me up to do what is most valued then I need to let it go.  Wise words to live by.  What CAN you give away?  I hear your excuses and I stomp them out.  It is not more work.  It actually gives you more time in the long run.  You never know a parent, volunteer, church, or staff member may actually have been waiting  for you to invite them to use their gifts and talents by doing something that was yours.

• The Priority Factor

So you have too many things on your list that your Senior Pastor or direct leadership says you are not allowed to give away?  You can’t move fast enough or accomplish enough?   Ask them what they want at the top of your list.  I regularly sit down with my “boss,” show them what’s on my plate and ask what top 3 things they need me to be working on.  This helps immediately to know how to put all of your “to do’s” in order.

• The Personal Factor

My husband is amazing at having boundaries.  Others of us not so much.  Make sure you are taking time for Bible Study and time with the Lord that is NOT preparing for teaching in any way.  Sometimes to best bring our lives out of chaos we must create some order. Schedule in date nights, family time, and vacations in a manner that is written down and NON negotiable.

As youth people too often we make excuses for our disorganization. Just yesterday an acquaintance said to me, “You know youth pastors, they are just flighty.”  The inclination to  just “fly by the seat of your pants” is one of the deep roots of burnout.   In any sort of “giftings” test I take, administration is at the bottom of my list.  Funny thing is, many people are shocked at this.  Why?  I have learned this behavior.

I don’t know about you, but I have a fairly tough time “shutting off my brain” at any point of the day or evening.  And technology does NOT help this.  You’re probably no different.  So, I have recently been making some changes with my daily rhythms and use of technology that has helped me actually pay attention to the people sitting directly in front of me.  I thought I would throw them out in hopes they might be a benefit to you as well. Here they are:

1. Drive home.  When I drive home from “work” I have decided to do a few things.  First, I don’t have the radio on.  This allows me to breathe a bit and process through my day.  Secondly, I turn my phone off.  This allows me to unwind a bit before I get home.  Lastly, I get to my neighborhood about 5-10 minutes before I’m supposed to be home, park under a tree and sit there.  I pray.  I process.  I unwind.  This allows me to really be at home when I get there.
2. Cell phone.  I recently changed my voicemail to say that I check messages every Friday.  This gives me time and space to respond to people as time allows rather than stressfully trying to get back to everyone.  I spend Friday mornings getting back to messages.
3. Kids.  I have made a decision to not check my cell phone until my kids go to bed.  There are a few exceptions to this rule, like if we are waiting for someone to get back to us as a family or if we are having someone over for dinner than they are running late (or things like that).  When I walk in the door my ringer is off.  I then set my phone down on our kitchen island, face down, and pick it up later.  I’m not perfect at this, but it something I’m trying to do…and when I do, I tend to mentally be with my kids when I’m physically with them.
4. Meetings.  I’ve now made it a rule that when I’m meeting with someone my cell phone goes off.  No buzz.  Ringer is off and I don’t answer it.  If there is an urgent call I’m waiting for I let the person I’m meeting with know that that call may come in before it does.  I also have a little deal with my wife.  She can call me at any time.  If I don’t pick up, I’m in a meeting.  But if she REALLY needs to talk to me she immediately calls back.  At that point I will tell the person I’m meeting with about my deal with my wife and they tend to understand.

The bottom line to all this is I’m trying to actually pay attention to the people who are directly in front of me.  I know, amazing concept.

Since my last post was a shot in the arm for youth workers, I thought it only fair to return the favor for senior pastors. Theirs’ is a tough job and made tougher by the challenges of a small church setting. Many joys and plusses, yes – but the trials are escalated in a smaller setting. The voices of church politics or that four-generation family (“We’ve been attending this church since it was built in 1894!”) are louder in a smaller setting and harder to tune out.

So here’s a list to keep in mind, youth worker, to make your pastor’s job easier:

1) Be aware of the politics: I’m not saying you have to kowtow to the situation but don’t make it all harder by stepping on egg shells or toes every where you go.

2) CC your pastor on all youth ministry email: Unless he/she hates this idea, its a good way to keep them in the loop and you accountable for everything you say and plan. All the pastor has to do is drag it to a folder and read when necessary. Even I do this with my Ministry Architects emails: I cc my supervisor and ministry buddy, Jeff Dunn-Rankin, on everything. Gives me pause about what I write since I know he’ll eventually read it. Plus, he gives me great coaching and feedback.

3) Your youth ministry lima beans are not the only yucky vegetable on the pastor’s plate: Remember that a pastor in a small church is juggling several jobs which are often shared by multiple people in a larger church setting. She/he is often the pastor, chaplain, janitor, admin, media tech, etc. So patience on your part is a virtue. (I hate lima beans!)

4) Never let your SP be surprised by a problem: Your first phone call at even a hint of a problem is to the SP. That way, they’ll be there to support and advise. Its when you wait to inform them of an issue that will get you in the most trouble. Don’t ask me how I know this; let’s just leave it at a lesson well-learned!

5) Give them the grace you need: Remember that they’re human, they don’t know it all, some of this youth stuff is new to them also…and they’re still feeling their way along in your working relationship.

6) Oh, and just like you want space after a trip, retreat, or vacay? They need the same space. Let them have their turn basking in the glow. Give them a week or so on non-crazy issues and at least 48 hours for the nutty stuff.

Senior pastors out there: any you would like to add?

Stephanie

Much to the dismay of thousands (okay, hundreds. Okay, dozens) of viewers, the Simply Youth Ministry show has come to a halt. But fear not…those of you who enjoy the occasional video encouragement will be able to get an “every now and then” dose of youth ministry thoughts right here! My good buddy, AC (@aaroncrumbeyac), will join me in a video blog segment we are calling Let’s Talk About Youth Ministry.

On each installment, we will take a look at The Good, The Bad and the #SMH of a given youth ministry topic. If you’d like to suggest a topic for us to cover just shoot us a quick little email at talkaboutym@gmail.com

On today’s video, we tackle the topic of events and activities.

Picture courtesy of traveldealsnetwork.com

I have a love/hate relationship with summer.  On the one hand it’s an awesome time of relationship building with students. While, on the other hand it is one of the busiest seasons in our ministry. I can handle the craziness because I know it’s just a “season.” However, it is easy in ministry to turn this short stint into a lifestyle.  It begins with allowing phone calls and emails to creep into my day off.

I understand that just saying, “I’m off now,” doesn’t allow our brains to disconnect. Perhaps we take a vacation while sacrificing 1, then 2, then 5 days off.  Obviously, it begins with allowing ourselves both VACATIONS and DAYS OFF.   Beyond just taking the time, how can we make these days restful?

• Talk Ministry But Don’t Talk Details

I love to talk ministry, but logistics, details and daily frustrations are on “moratorium” in conversations on these days.   Take the time to get back to the heart of your calling and take an eagle’s eye view.  Dream.  If you could do anything in ministry and nothing held you back what would it be?

• Enjoy Something

Has it been forever since you called an old friend, visited a favorite ice cream shop or built a sand castle? When is the last time you took time for family and just say back and liked being with them? Take a moment to allow yourself the freedom to remember what you like to do and who you like spending time with that isn’t in your job description.

• Shut Off Technology

Yes, I know everyone says this. Still, I genuinely used to believe the world would stop spinning if a text, email or Facebook query were put on hold.  The voicemail of a couple of good friends of mine actually say,  “If you are leaving a message on X day, that is my day off and I will not be getting back to you until the following day.”   Me?  I know myself, if I have my smart phone all of this is too easily accessible.   So on my days away, my husband holds my phone.  Turn it all off intentionally.

• Avoid the urge to use this as “make up” time.

Sometimes this is inevitable.  The grocery shopping or spring-cleaning might need to happen.   However,  as a rule do not allow off times to be the time you “get caught up” on reading or chores that have been falling to the wayside.  If you genuinely LOVE leadership books and they bring you energy then great.  If not they should not make your beach reading.

On vacations and days off most importantly remember the three “R’s:”  Refresh, Reflect, Relax.  Jesus took time to steal away and be with His father, just for the purpose of talking to Him.  It was something He loved to do,  that filled him up for what was ahead.   If we learn to rest in the arms of Christ,  we can begin to work towards a burn out relapse.   The last week will not give you ALL the answers,  but they should get you started.

What helps you unwind on vacations and days off?

Companies and organizations often do “exit interviews” and they do so for many different reasons.  But the biggest one is that they get really honest answers.  They do this so they can learn, become better at what they do and more faithfully care for their employees.

I think student ministry pastors need to do this too.  Asking graduated seniors the following questions can help you become better at what you do, be more in tune with the actual needs of your students and provide a natural way for you to give a few things for them to think about as they move onto the next stage of education.  But mostly it’s about asking them questions and keeping your ears open.

Here are 10 questions to ask graduated seniors:

1. What is one thing you would NOT want to see changed in our ministry?
2. If you were me, what two things would you do differently in our ministry?
3. What questions are you thinking through right now? (note: this is a good one to ask because it can clue you into which questions you should answer for the next years seniors!)
4. What do you think the biggest need is of the students in our ministry?
5. What aspect of our ministry do you think is the most effective in helping students grow in their faith?  Why that one?  Anything we can do better?
6. What do you think the students at (name school here) want the most out of life?  What is a way that our ministry can meet/address that desire?
7. What was it that helped you best connect in our ministry?
8. Do you feel like you were invested in the way you expect churches to invest in people?  What could we do better?
9. Was there anything in our ministry that made you feel uncomfortable or discouraged?
10. Do you feel like you were encouraged in our ministry?  If so, what did you find to be most encouraging?

This past weekend actor Cory Monteith was found dead in a hotel room. According to authorities, he died of a “mixed drug toxicity” of heroin and alcohol – likely as an overdose from intended use.

Perhaps you’re shaking your head. It can be for any number of reasons:

• Cory is “fameish.” Meaning, he’s excessively famous to those who watched his character Finn Hudson emerge on Glee, but not so famous to the average person who has no connection to that show. Maybe you’re not in the loop on who he is or the impact his death may have among students.
• Cory had confessed to drug addiction in his past, and maybe you’re let down that he gave in.
• Cory’s character was the “every man” character on Glee – his audience went with him on the emotional journey of pressures with popularity, dealing with gay friends, finding a voice, being betrayed and more. You already knew the impact it would have on students the moment you saw the headline.

Prediction: This will be *the* funeral/memorial service to be watching.

I don’t mean that as a joke… people will tune in expecting that the music alone will likely be off the chart. That’s a bit short-sighted if that’s someone’s motive, but then again – maybe it’s out of respect. I hope so.

That in itself raises an interesting tension:

Is it healthy to consciously immortalize someone for his or her talent while unconsciously ignoring the rest?

Again, 31-year old Cory Monteith died from a drug-induced catalyst. He was absolutely talented, but absolutely made the wrong decision.

The other matter is most know “Finn Hudson” more than they do “Cory Monteith.” For that reason, most will tune in to mourn for the fictional person’s character… versus the real-life person’s character. Cory struggled with an addiction. Many people do, and again… that’s not my point either. That alone should create brokenness in us for him and others – not judgment.

I’m simply offering that we’re on the verge of seeing many young people (and possibly many adults as well) elevate Cory into a status that he himself would likely squirm out of. It’s something we often do with any funeral.  The only difference is most funerals involve mourning someone we know. In this instance, most will mourn the fictional character versus the real individual. A Glee convention already became a makeshift memorial service.

I hope we can all speak into how real this will be for students, even if it’s a bit misguided. Glee has been successful for many reasons, among which is their realization that students no longer just claim ideals from non-fiction truth… they also claim ideals from fictional storylines and characters.

I like what Chris Schaffner pointed out on his blog:

Glee struck a chord with young people… it spoke of the things that no one else would speak about and they did it creatively and honestly.  Many in the camp of Christianity wrote off Glee as obviously secular with an agenda but many failed to hear the messages of our youth that were reflected in the show’s storytelling.  Weekly, the show masterfully addressed the deepest longing of our kids and one could hear it only they would listen.

What if our youth ministries, what if our churches, what if our faith communities had the magnetic pull that Glee had for so many?

Join me in praying for the family and friends of Cory Monteith… right now.

And then share your thoughts on how we can minister to students through this.

I am a gadget fanatic.  I have so many tools and toys it is on the verge of too much (for my wife, it’s been too much stuff years ago….meh). Here are 5 gadget under $100 that I think benefit ministry.  this list is not a justification to go shopping with the Church CC, you may be able to borrow some of these items.  If you need to buy start with Amazon to get an idea of the real cost, then go to ebay and see if you can find it NEW or gently used.

1) GPS: My goto GPS is Google maps or Waze on iPhone but with today’s limited data plans it is probably better to have a GPS with the latest maps built in.  I already hear some of you saying, “Get the Garmin GPS app (or something like it) and download North America to your Phone maps!” I do not own any pay-for GPS apps that download maps but I have not heard great things. I love my traditional Garmin GPS, it is a great tool on missions trips and events.  Today you can find some with built in traffic reports and lifetime map updates. The Garmin 40LW is under $100 (sorry, not traffic or lifetime maps).

2) Kindle: I love my Kindle app and I love my Kindle. I bought a Kindle touch, the one before “Paper White” on ebay. While Paper White is really cool, I wanted the text-to-search feature, Amazon took that and the headphone jack away of the Paper White. I think I like reading from a hard copy a little more than reading off a screen but I LOVE having my library with me everywhere I go.

3) Bamboo Duo: Best iPad pen ever in the history of the world (am I over selling?). I am not getting paid to say this. I have one a Bamboo Duo, I paid for it, I use it every day. I like the feel and the weight.  Down side…I do through a replacement head about every 2 months (you can get a 3 pack of replacements for about $9).

4) Rechargeable Speakers: Just had a tailgate party with our students at a Minor League Baseball (MiLB) game. It was great cooking out, throwing a football, and eating with my students but having music in the background makes it better.  I went to target and bought a rechargeable, portable speaker system that I was able to plug my iPhone into, it is wireless too (bluetooth). I do not recommend buying online unless you have seen and tested the unit…you want it to meet your needs!

5) Google Voice: Google Voice (GV) is free and I do not use it to make phone calls. I have my GV phone number floating around to a few people the reason I have an account is their free visual voicemail.  As a Verizon customer I would have to pay $3 for this feature. With GV I just turn it on and it is done. It is not flawless but now I can get voicemail in a meeting, it come to me as a text (or in the app) and I read it.

What is your favorite sub $100 gadget that helps you in ministry?

I’ve been feeling something for a while now.

Maybe you have, too.

It’s something I’ve even “prayed” about… like how Christians say they pray about things, but really just conclude something they hope God’s okay with.

I plan to leave my church.

I’ll stand in front of my congregation and say,

“I’m going to attend elsewhere. Things don’t feel like they used to. There’s another congregation that seems more put-together and exciting. They even somehow seem more ‘biblical’ over there, too. You guys just aren’t feeding me anymore.”

Such a plan only lasts for a nano-second.

(Translation: I’m not actually planning on leaving my church. I’m confessing a temptation I feel every now and then… maybe you have, too.)

I’m supposed to be mature.

I need to think bigger than that. You need to think bigger than that.

We need to think bigger than that.

As a lead pastor, I do get emails from people who do this almost every season. It’s like the changing weather makes people change their church.

Thankfully, there always seems to be a remnant through God’s grace – a core group who understands things at a healthier level. These are the “for better or for worse” servant-leaders who get it and push through spiritual walls for the sake of what God is doing in them and through them.

The problem is on a general, church-wide scale it feels like when people aren’t “feeling it” they’re eventually gone:

• “The worship team doesn’t play the songs I like.”
• “I purposefully didn’t come for weeks as a test. No one from the church called me. Never mind that I’m not in a small group… the point is…”
• “The building campaign should be run this way…. instead of that way.”
• “I showed up for an event and it wasn’t what I expected.”
• “It’s not how it was when I first started attending.”
• “I’m just not feeling fed.”

It’s the last one that grinds me the most… not because I believe I’m a great preacher, but if God’s Word is the foundation of a message the only reason people couldn’t feel “fed” is if they closed their “mouths.” According to Jesus, God’s seed is good – it’s the soil that has the problem. Maybe it’s just easier to blame a preacher or church than personally own that.

Why am I posting this here?

There’s a reason why your senior pastor seems worn down some days… it’s because your senior pastor is worn down some days.

Senior pastors often feel like plate spinners who are trying to keep things healthy so people stay happy. It’s not our job, but it somehow becomes our job. It ultimately makes us want to work somewhere where people demonstrate long-term commitment and patronage… like their favorite ice cream store. (Sadly, that comparison is truer than we’d like to admit.)

Right now, go reaffirm a “for better or for worse” commitment to your church and its senior leadership. While you’re at it, dare others to do the same.

Feed up… before he or she gets fed up.

What are some of the “reasons” you’ve heard someone left a church? Share a comment. (Maybe by confessing some of the insanity we’ll better recognize it before it comes out of us.)

The (unfair) truth of the matter is that some people are just naturally more creative than others. And sometimes those folks who feel like they are lacking in the creativity department decide that instead of learning how to be more creative, it’s better (or easier) to simply admit their creative shortcomings and focus on other important aspects of ministry.

So this post is for those of you who would identify as “creatively challenged”. Here are a few tricks I’ve utilized over the years that have helped me stretch my creative muscles:

* Plan Ahead. Planning and organization IS NOT a road block to creativity as many people think. The reality is that when you plan ahead you leave lots of time on the front end of a project to chew on things, talk to others for input, etc. Many creative folks claim to be much more creative in “crunch time”, which is fine….if you are a creative folk. Otherwise, a litle pre-planning will go a long way.

* Find Your Creative Time. Creativity is hard work, so do it when you are at your mental peak. If you are a morning person, do your creative thinking first thing. If you are a night owl, wait until evening time.

* Be A Looker And A Reader. There’s an old saying: “Stop and smell the roses.” I say, “Stop and smell the roses then figure out how you can use them in an object lesson.” The world is full of all sorts of awesome sights, sounds, smells and textures that we can apply to our ministry settings. Become somebody who looks at the world around them and who reads magazines, billboards, bust stop ads etc. Observant people are usually fairly creative.

* Use T.V., Don’t Let It Use You. While watching TV, keep a notepad handy and jot down anything from the news, sporting event or show that you might want to refer to in an upcoming lesson.

* Hang Around Creative People. There’s strength in numbers. Two heads are better than one. All of us are more creative than one of us. One of the best ways to stretch your creativity is to hang around folks who seem to ooze it.

* Always Ask, “Can this be improved?”. Don’t settle for the status quo. If you plan ahead, you’ll have plenty of time to look over your lesson, event, parent meeting agenda etc. to see where you can make it better.

* Empty Your Mind Before Beginning. After an activity, it’s important to keep good records and files that you can refer to next time around, but try to avoid the temptation to make reaching for last year’s file the first thing you do this year! Sometimes starting with an entirely blank slate is the best way to let creativity flow.

* Have An Honest Ear. Is there somebody in your ministry who will be honest enough to tell you when an idea is a dangerous one, or a stupid one, or a boring one? Having somebody you trust to bounce things off will help keep you from settling for something uncreative as well as protect you when your newfound creative skills could get you in trouble!

* Become 5 Again. I’ve never met an uncreative 5-year old! But something happens as we get older: We become aware that certain ideas shouldn’t be shared. We get penalized for “coloring outside the lines”. We become insecure and afraid of failure. All of these things serve to shut down our natural creativity. Force yourself to set these adult attitudes and concerns aside from time to time just to see what the 5-year old version of yourself comes up with!

Dear  Volunteer,

It bothers me when you tell me, “I’m not a real youth worker.” Are you kidding? You set up and tear down, prepare small group lessons,  and pick up kids and drop them off. You take “vacation” time so that you can trek with us to camp or on a missions trip. You give up Saturdays and evenings all the while telling me that you are doing this for the Lord. Your service humbles me causing me to make sure that I am in ministry for all the right reasons. You give from your own resources, have the ability to be excited when I am tired and organize me when I am frazzled. You are absolutely every bit a youth worker, and central to the success of all that happens here.

So when you hang around and think, “Am I REALLY vital to this situation?” The answer is unabashedly yes.

I know I ask a lot of you. You feel inadequate and ill equipped. Can I tell you a secret? So do I. ALL THE TIME!  No matter how long I am in this, I don’t know all the answers. Many times you know more than I do! You are not too young or too old. I don’t have things in “common” with every student either. Our students need those of us who are willing to come in and allow them to know what Jesus looks like. Since you are his reflection, they need you too. They need to hear the story only YOU can tell.

I am sorry for the times that I don’t tell you that you are not an “option,” but a “necessity.” Not only am I unable to do everything, I’m just not good at it. I am sorry I don’t say thank you every time you walk in. I can be desperate for help, and can so easily take advantage of your presence. Too often I complain about you without leading you well.

Please don’t give up on us yet. The students and I need you, even when we act like we don’t.  Please tell us when you don’t feel “wanted” and tell me when I am too busy to help you.  When you don’t “show up,” it throws everything off. Not only do I have to readjust the leadership role I have given you, but we miss you. The students who act like they “hate” you are the ones that long for you when you aren’t there.

I promise to guide you, to be better at communicating, to bring training, and to remind you of the vision that the Lord has cast for this ministry. Most of all, I promise to care for you and get to know you. I will stop and remember you are my greatest asset.

I have decided I do not like this “title” at all. It simply doesn’t fit. In a day and age where “service” is a requirement to graduate High School or a job incentive, it connotes a deposit,  while you make and investment.

Therefore from this point forward I will call you,

 ”Teammates “

You are the reason a generation of students is being transformed in Christ. Never forget that.

Jesus loves you.  Student’s love you.  I love you.

In Christ-

Your Youth Pastor

Yes, yes, I know. This is way too good to be true… but it is! For today only you can get The Simple Truth Bible for just 5 presidential flash cards.

That’s a mere penny per devotional for the priceless result of helping your students grow closer to Jesus!

Doesn’t get better than that folks. Today is the only day for the $5 Simple Truth Bible deal so be sure to get ‘em while they’re hot! *Order now here*

We love you guys! Keep on keepin on.

- Amber Cassady aka The new girl aka AC

The Scene: Working on the laptop at McDonald’s. A table full of pre-teen guys are trying to eat. The oldest (perhaps a freshman among them) is acting like a social rooster, pecking down the awkwardness of the younger guys, strutting for the girls sitting nearby, nudging the smallest one of out of the booth with his rear end… over and over.

I’ve been praying for several minutes about the best way to respond.

And then…

the others all suddenly had to leave. They hopped on bikes and peddled out. He looked like he was waiting for a ride – it was just him and I. I didn’t move toward him, but stood up while holding my drink and spoke.

Me: (slurp) “So, are you the oldest?”

Him: (a bit startled that I’m talking to him) “Huh? Oh, yeah.” (he smiles… like a security blanket… I’m “bigger than he is.”)

Me: “They look up to you, you know.”

Him: (he pauses, as if to realize it) “Oh, yeah. I guess.”

Me: (a half-step slower this time) “They look up to you.”

Him: (he catches my eye) “Yeah.”

Me: “Use that wisely.”

Him: (another pause) “Yeah…” (another pause) “…yeah.”

I go to get a refill, and return. A couple minutes later he heads out to catch his ride.

As he passes, he says, “Hey, see ya!”

—-

Changing the world? Speaking Life into life? Serving students?

Maybe it happens just like this.

“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.” (Colossians 4:5)

…Just Do One! 

Actually I do care what you call it. Don’t call it “Rally Day;” that’s times-gone-by phraseology. Also skip using the word “meeting” in the title.  ”Parents/youth meeting”-who wants to get excited about that?

I’m really on my soap box this week about the kick-off principle for small churches for the upcoming school year. I’ve spent a lot of time coaching smaller churches this summer (through Ministry Architects) and I know that most small churches have to dial things down a bit in summer programming. VBS is usually the BIG program of the summer and consumes a lot of the focused energy to pull it off. (I’m hearing WONDERFUL VBS reports out there from my small church friends, btw).

So the reason for a Fall Kick-Off? Let the church and community know the #uthmin is back in business for the school year. In fact, make it about both the #uthmin and #kidsmin. Generate excitement! Get people around your church thinking that something’s happening “over there” and they don’t want to miss it.

Ten Tips for a Long-Yardage Kick-Off: 

1) Make it a Family-Thing: You want parents to attend for reasons below. You want kids to attend for different reasons below.

2) Include a Volunteer Sign-Up Fair: Get your volunteer needs for the year together and ask parents to sign up for at least three things.

3) Get Fresh Contact Info and Permission Slips: Use the yearly permission slip type forms. Gather new contact info to print a youth directory.

4) Hand Out 2013/2014 YM/CM calendars: Yes, that means you have to plan ahead. But it also means you’ll start seeing better numbers because parents know about key stuff farther in advance. They don’t like last minute.

5) Intro Next Summer’s Trips: Get parents and youth excited about the trips next summer…so they’ll get more invested in the fundraisers that have to happen beforehand.

7) Share the Teaching Themes Schedule: Parents either want to know (or need to learn that its important to know) what their youth are learning at church. How can they carry on the discussion if its a well-kept secret? (Or planned about 10 minutes before youth begins on a Sunday night?)

8) Have Games for the Children: Entertain the children at the kick-off. Its not just for “fun” sake; you want them to have a picture of why they want to be in the youth group when they get older. Churches are starting to lose kids in 3rd-5th grades.

9) Give Away Stuff: What if you had a drawing from all the families who brought their student’s trip deposits and the winner got their deposit back? Imagine how far ahead you’d be if fams were motivated to get the money in? Also, if you give away door prizes, its another way to get current contact info from “guest families” who might be hanging around checking out your ministries. Then you have info to follow up!

10) Make it Fun: Give it a theme! Decorate! Be sure the food fits the theme. Do some silly fashion show stuff that will attract people to come. Show videos of the past summer’s event. Make it a VBS reunion for all the guests you had. Let them see what your fall programming looks like and give them a reason to want to come back! Your best “go-to” for theme supplies is orientaltrading.com.

Want more details? Here’s the link to a full out Fall Kick-Off Game Plan: http://ymarchitects.com/137/samples

Stephanie

- Just recently re-read one of my favorite books, The Power of Nice. Tons of applicable stuff for youth ministry in this short read! In fact, my own two teenage children will tell you that helping them develop “The Power of Nice” has become one of my primary parenting agendas the past few years.

- You probably didn’t watch the first season of the Netflix original series, House of Cards. But if you like political dramas, this is a show you must catch up on before season two begins. Not sure you have time for a new TV show? House of Cards was just nominated for nine Emmys.

- Have you told your teenagers (especially those who are hurting a little bit more than others) about Teen Christian Ministries Live? Each week there’s a new episode that deals with some fantastic subject matter. Videos are archived, but during the live broadcast their is chat, Questions and Answers, etc. I really like this little ministry!

- I thought this recent post by Marko over at whyismarko.com was fantastic! So much to think about in such a short piece.

- I rarely have trouble sleeping, but tonight is one of those nights….the good news is that with all the amazing content being posted here each day, mine should be the first for Friday!

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Leaders including Rick Lawrence, Editor in Chief of Group Magazine, and Saddleback’s Kurt Johnston among many others share advice on everything from taking care of your family to missions to summer agendas- if it’s relevant to youth ministers, they are talking about it. Don’t miss another day of useful truths in your inbox.

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Happy Friday Homies!

- Amber Cassady aka the new girl aka AC