Student Advisory Team - Ownership and Influence

One of the challenges of student ministry is helping students feel genuine ownership in the ministry.  For far too long student ministries have asked students to sit on the bench and watch while the "grown ups" play the game of ministry.  It's no wonder they feel little to no ownership.

The reality is students have so much to offer.  They are uniquely gifted by God and are in a position to give great guidance to the direction of ministry.  As youth leaders we are called to "equip them for service".  

Wisely and carefully developing a student advisory team is one way to gain perspective and give students real ownership in the ministry.

The student advisory team is a carefully selected medium sized group of students (no more than 16) who provide perspective and advice to ministry leaders.  The SAT doesn't have authority to make decisions but they do have tons of influence.  

4 reasons you must have an SAT...

1. Students have a better sense of what's going on in the hearts and minds of their friends than we do.  Many times we make ministry choices in the dark without being aware of what students think.  It's easy to ASSUME things. (you know what that does)  By having a group of trusted students you can learn so much about the morale of the ministry and the genuine and felt needs of students.
2. It models teachability and humility.  By asking students for advice you're admitting you don't know everything and have a heart to learn and grow.  If their is one thing many students are lacking it's teachability.  And by the way, sometimes it's better caught then taught.
3. It gives students great ownership in the ministry.  When students offer advice and the ministry moves in that direction all of a sudden the ministry belongs to everyone in the decision making process.  The feel like it's their's because it actually is.
4. When asking the SAT for advice you're affirming the work and wisdom of the Holy Spirit in their individual lives.  This can go a long way in encouraging them in their ministry to friends or whatever God is calling them to do.

So, how do you select the right students for your SAT without showing favoritism?  

This is a huge challenge.  There are many ways to do this but here's a method I've used for years.  I believe it battles favoritism but also helps assure the right students are on the team.  It involves student nomination then staff selection.

Student Nomination

The first step is to allow students from each individual class (freshmen, sophomore, junior, senior) to nominate.  We create a nomination sheet that explains the characteristics of a SAT member.  It's so important that you explain to students that this isn't a popularity contest but a careful process to discover students in our ministry that are pursuing God and engaged in the student ministry.  This is also a way for EVERY students to have influence on who is on the advisory team.

After all the sheets are collected we ask someone from our staff team to tally the nominations and provide the staff team with a list.  For example, for the freshman class nominees we would see a list of 4 girls and 4 guys.  This would be the 4 girls and guys who received the most nominations from their class mates.  At this point it doesn't matter which student had the most nominations in fact it's better if the staff team doesn't know.  It's just a list of 4 girls and 4 guys.

Staff Selection

At this point the team will select the 2 of the 4 girls and 2 of the 4 guys they feel will be the best fit on the team.  A lot goes into this decision.  First of all, character is priority.  The wisdom your SAT gives must be spiritual in nature so you want your SAT members to have a growing relationship with Jesus.  You also need to think about diversity.  It's important to have voices from different schools, different family situations and if possible different ethnic background.  Prayerful consideration must be given as you seek the wisdom of God.

In our ministry we have 16 slots on the SAT.  If you have a smaller ministry you may want to go with 8.  Whatever the case, how you choose to select the students balancing having the right students while avoiding favoritism is key.  

Whew, that feels like a lot.  So what are you waiting for?  Begin praying and thinking today about how you can develop your student advisory team.  It's so worth the time and effort.

Next week we'll talk about what you do with your SAT once you have it.  The possibilities are incredible.

Other Posts About Student Leadership

Jumpstarting Student Leadership - The Big Game

Put Me In Coach!

Student Led Worship Gathering - A Student's Perspective

By the way, please chime in.  I'm all ears.

Integrity - Has It Always Been This Way?

The Lance Armstrong interviews have me thinking.

Is lack of integrity in leaders / role models a relatively recent (40 - 50 year old) issue or has there always been lack of integrity?  Perhaps we know more stories of scandal because of modern technology and 24 hour media.

Although I was too young to pay attention it seems the first 70 years of the last century provided people  of influence who had reasonable integrity and the last 50 years have seen and increase in lying and public acceptance of it.

I'm no historian, but it seems things started to shift with the impeachment of Nixon and the debacle that was the Vietnam conflict.  You could add other examples but I remember in the 80's when Jim Bakker was exposed and public opinion began to shift about religious leaders.  Who can forget Jimmy Swaggart?  Later we had Robert Tilton and more recently Ted Haggard and the Catholic pedophile cases.  We all have stories that are less public about religious leaders stepping into scandal.

Here's the question; is this a new issue or do we know more because of the media age?

I remember what happened in the mid 90's when Clinton said under oath "I never had sexual relations with that woman".  Even with unbelievable abuse of power, lack of integrity and the objectifying of women, Clinton seemed to get a pass.  And yes, last year he gave a speech at the Democratic National Convention which received glowing reviews.  Shocking when you think about it.

Sports is no exception.  Ben Johnson, Jose Canseco, Marion Jones, Lance Armstrong and many others have been caught cheating.

With more research we could list hundreds of scandals and breaches of integrity from the last 50 years.

So what say you?  Does the culture of recent history have less integrity or is it simply easier to discover and report?

If our culture has shifted what does that say about us?

Lance, Manti and Me - What About Personal Integrity?

in·teg·ri·ty  

/inˈtegritē/

Noun The quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness. The state of being whole and undivided: "territorial integrity".

Synonyms honesty - probity - entirety - rectitude - wholeness

It's been a rough few days for my sports heroes.  I've been a cycling fan since the late '90's and a Notre Dame fan since the late '80's.

During the Lance Armstrong era I didn't miss a single significant stage in the Tour De France and loved the sport so much I began to race road bikes myself.  I cheered Lance on and loved the fact that he destroyed his competition.  (who can forget the "look" in 2000?)  Although I never respected his personal life you could say I was a huge fan of Lance Armstrong as a cyclist.  There's actually have a huge poster in my office of Lance at the Tour of Georgia.  Watching the Oprah interview last night was sad but not surprising.

This season for Notre Dame has been magical.  I've seen every play at least twice and relished a season initially believed by most would leave Notre Dame with at least 3 losses.  Although the Irish were crushed by the Tide in the national championship game this season will be remembered positively for a long time.  With a top 5 recruiting class and stout defense Notre Dame truly is "back".  Much of the success for Notre Dame this season can be attributed to the play and perceived leadership of Manti Te'o.

The last few days have been interesting, confusing and sad.  From Lance's admission of zero integrity (although not shocking) and the Manti story yet to be completed, these high profile stories paint a gloomy picture of integrity in our culture.  The stories of telling the truth or obeying the rules, even if it hurts, are becoming less and less of a norm and more of a distant memory.

So here's what I've been thinking, instead of taking this time to condemn and throw stones I've decided to take a look at my own heart.  No, I've never taken performance enhancing drugs or created an imaginary friend but I do have my own issues.  My own heart can be challenged and tempted to be untrue.

A little Lance in me.

Being naturally driven with a "do whatever it takes" attitude there can be a tendency to cut corners and push the system to the limit to get things done.  While listening to Lance I even catch myself thinking "everyone was doing it" and "Lance was just leveling the playing field".  These thoughts aren't ok.

You see, God is truth and as his follower I'm called to reflect his grace, beauty and character.  If this "do whatever it takes" attitude pushes past reasonable integrity it's basically saying God isn't big enough and needs me.  Silly isn't it?

A little Manti in me.

Ok, at this point I'm assuming Manti had at least a little awareness of the hoax and played along for publicity or because he was embarrassed.  I hope he's totally innocent and if he is forgive me.

Here's my connection.  It's possible for me to catch myself exaggerating to make myself look a little better than I am.  Sometimes it's not exaggeration but avoidance of someone seeing my weakness.  With pride always at my doorstep the desire to be loved and respected can lead to little breaches in integrity.  I'm sometimes tempted to posture myself in ways that put me in the best possible light.

Listen, Lance screwed up royally and has and will continue to face the consequences.  It's likely that Manti allowed an inspiring story that made him look good get out of hand.  He is and will continue to face the consequences.  But if you love Jesus, instead of condemning perhaps you should feel compassion.  Instead of throwing stones perhaps we should use stories like Lance's and Manti's as an opportunity to look at our own personal integrity.  The church and it's leaders have enough Lance and Manti stories to tell for years to come.

We have no right to condemn until we look into our own hearts and if we look at our own hearts my guess is we won't be as condemning.

Youthworkers, We're Better Together - 3 Themes

"We're better together" has been the slogan for the National Network of Youth Ministries for years.

Their heart is pretty simple, gather youthworkers (adults who love students) together in a local area for prayer, relationship, developing strategy and sharing resources.

The National Network exist to help youthworkers start and deepen local networks.  If you care about kids and want to work together to reach and deepen them, someone from the NNYM staff would love to connect with you or you can check their web site for helpful information.

Getting Started

I have the privilege of serving on an advisory council for NNYM and just returned from our annual gathering in San Diego.  The men and women on the ministry council are passionate about Jesus and the youth of our country.  Spending time with ministry leaders from around the country is always personally encouraging and challenging.  I grow as a leader when around great leadership and for that I'm grateful.

Of course I was challenged personally, but this year there were 3 themes I took away as it relates to student ministry nationally and the necessity for local networks.

We've lost our evangelistic edge

Ok, not everyone has, but it seems the drive to reach out to students on the middle school and high school campus has diminished.  Personally I believe the best way to reach students far from God is to equip and inspire students who are close to God.  As youth workers maybe we need to pull together and dream of how we can work together to see the gospel shared in word and deed.

Prayer is essential.

I heard someone say that prayerlessness is proclamation that we don't need God.  We all know prayer is essential but do we make it priority?  What might God do if we cried out to him on behalf of our students, schools and community?  If youthworkers gathered in your area for no other reason than prayer that would be extraordinary.

Unity is important to Jesus

Jesus prayed for the unity of his people, that we may be one and he and the Father are one.  I'm not sure what that may mean for you in your context but there really is no place for church or ministry competition.  You battle and defeat ministry competition with relationship.  Do you have it?

Recently several churches in our area gathered for worship.  One of my favorite outcomes was the simple fact that students from my church saw me caring for and hanging with youthworkers from other churches.  Who knows, maybe that night was a part of Jesus' prayer being answered.

Let me ask, are you in consistent relationship with other youthworkers in your area?  I know you're busy and have so many parents and students to serve, but if you long to see the gospel go forth and transform the lives of students outside church walls in your area it just makes sense to connect with other adults who love Jesus and kids.  And by the way, other youthworkers need you.  (who knows, you may need them as well)

Maybe there's already a group meeting, if not create one, for the glory of God and the good of students.

Dear Parents... A Note To Cast Vision

Dear Parents of Children,

The heart of the Next Generations ministry at IBC is to “declare God’s greatness to the next generation, his might to all who are to come”. (Psalm 71:8)

This includes all ministries to children, students, families and young adults. Our desire is to see children and youth equipped to not only meet the challenges of today but to become world changers as they grow to maturity. As an older generation we share with them the greatness and might of God so they may pass His story to those who come behind them.

It’s exciting to have a staff team working together to look at the big picture, from preschool to launching young people into young adulthood those involved in next gen ministry are working together to serve you and your children on this journey.

What does this mean for you as parents? First of all, there is actually a spiritual formation plan in place. From birth to 5th grade, the children ministry staff carefully thinks through spiritual formation of children. As a church we are committed to partnering with you, the parent, to provide reinforced support in seeing your child grow in the fear and admonition of the Lord.

What does that mean specifically?

1. We’re committed to partnering with you the parent to teach children the “who” and “what” of Biblical truth.
As children are being prepared for middle school and beyond it’s important they begin to understand the simple and profound truth of who God is. It’s important they have an understanding of the big themes of scripture as well as the simple but life giving truth of the gospel. 

2. We’re committed to teaching in the context of relationship.
Did you know that your son or daughter sees the same adult leader every week consistently? Some of these adult volunteers continue to serve these children through middle school and high school. That happens because relationship is very important and true discipleship and spiritual formation happens most effectively in the context of relationship. 

3. We’re committed to providing principle driven support to parents
Last year parenting at IBC hosted two half-day conferences and three shorter seminars to provide principle based equipping for you the parents. To take a look at our “guiding principles” visit our Parenting at IBC page.         

As a parent, you are strategically placed by God to provide the greatest influence. My guess is most of us didn’t go to “parent school” to learn how to navigate parenthood. Parenting at IBC longs to serve you with core principles and practical tools to help you fulfill God’s calling.

Thank you so much for allowing IBC to partner with you in helping you and your children grow in Christ, connect in community and join the mission. We’re excited not only about what is happening in the lives of children today, but looking forward to seeing them continue to pursue Jesus and serve the world when they’re launched into adulthood.

Herding Cats or Team Unity? - Ministry Team Values

Ahhh, isn't it nice when a team works together in unity?  Even the most difficult challenges become bearable when you're working together.

Unity doesn't happen accidentally, you must work for it.  It's important to have clear expectations of how a team will operate.  If expectations are fuzzy then unity and performance of the team will suffer.

As you know morale and unity are crucial in any team but even more so on a ministry team.  For years my hope has been that students and parents would see our staff team as a family that should be modeled.  The way we support one another, the way we forgive one another, the way we ask for forgiveness and the way we live life together should be a positive model for all who observe.

To help protect unity for out team we've developed 6 value statements.  These words or statements remind of us of what is important to us as a team.  Trust me, having team values doesn't cure everything but it goes a long way in making sure each of us are on the same page.

As you think about common values for your team remember that ownership from the ENTIRE team is crucial.  The team values you create may be the best values ever known to man, but if they're just your values and not your team's values you will struggle to build a unified team that continues to be effective in ministry.

Here are the team values for the student ministry team where I serve.  Obviously these short statements don't fit every setting.  These are values developed by this team for a particular time and situation.  You have to think, pray and discuss your statements for your particular time and situation.  It may also be appropriate to add to or adjust your values every year based on your ethos at that particular time.

Each of our values begins with a statement of belief followed by how we behave towards one another.  Sure there are many more statements that could made but it's important to keep your list as small as possible.

Again, these are statements for how we operate as a team not ministry values, there's a big difference.

Prayer

We recognize that apart from Jesus we can do nothing, therefore God dependent prayer should permeate all we do as a team.

Teachability

As a team we are always seeking to improve our effectiveness as we minister.  We value an environment where we are not only open to kind critique but also seek out advice and wisdom from others.

Authentic Relationship

Trust is forged when time is spent together.  We value time where there is laughter, hard work and meaningful conversation takes us deeper in intimacy with one another.  Our desire is to model authentic community to the students we serve and the rest of the church.

Trust

Because love always protects, and always trust, we will seek to believe the best of one another knowing that we will also fail one another.  We will strive to assume the best.

Loyalty

If loyalty to God and truth is primary, loyalty to each other will come natural.  We value a team were each of us protect the reputation of one another, being careful how we speak of each other and those in authority over us.

Transparency

We value a team that is open and honest about its struggles and failures.  Transparency and honesty leads to trust and loyalty.

As a team we don't memorize this list and quote it once a week but we do pull these out at least two times a year to remind ourselves of what's important to us as a team.  If the list is made and never referred to again you've wasted a lot of hard work in bring your team closer to unity and ministry effectiveness.

As we're reevaluating at the begin of 2013 I would love to hear about your values (or whatever you call them).  And just curious, does your team have a list similar to this?  If so, please share, if not why?

Happy New Year - Make the Most, 2 Thoughts Part 2

Sometimes we need a good excuse to stop, remember and dream.  The new year season gives us a great excuse.

Yesterday's post was about the importance of stopping to remember.

Happy New Years - Make the Most - Remember

Maybe 2012 is a year you would love to forget, but even in the midst of tough seasons those of us who are Jesus followers can get a glimpse of God's goodness.

After taking time to look back it's exciting to look ahead and dream.

Dream -

This is a little different than New Year's resolutions.  Resolutions aren't all bad but it seems planning might be more effective than promising.  As you dream about 2013 maybe you should go ahead and make sure you have time committed to follow through on your dreams.  For me this simply means making sure my dreams somehow make it to my calendar.

Here are some areas you may dream / think about.

What is your plan for personal devotions / worship next year?

It's a good idea to have an area of focus for your time alone with God.  For example, this year I read the Bible all the way through (almost, I'm a little behind).  Next year I'm thinking about focusing on the writings of Paul.  Two years ago I spent the year in the Psalms.  It's helpful for me to have a plan and keeps me more consistent which is a non negotiable for me.

If you're married and have a family, what are your dreams for your wife and kids?

My baby daughter will be graduating from high school this year.  Although my 3 sons no longer live at home they still very much need their dad.  This year Julie and I celebrate our 25th anniversary (I have to bring it).  Here's the bottom line, there's a lot to think and dream about.  What about you?

Is there an area of your life that's been neglected and needs attention?

I'm not sure what this might be for me (I'm spending time tomorrow to think and pray) but it's a question I will definitely be asking.  Sometimes we move so fast we don't stop long enough to ask God about the areas left unattended.

There are so many areas to think through.  Allow God to guide your heart and mind wherever he leads.  Be open to the areas he wants you to focus, you may be surprised as God continues to lead you on this journey.

Don't feel pressure to perform.  God's glory is the goal and he is the one who does his work in us to accomplish what he wants.  We simply get to joyfully be along for the ride.

Ephesians 3:20, 21

20Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

So, enjoy your time!  Let us know what you learn and experience.

Happy New Year - Make the Most, 2 Thoughts

I love New Year's celebration.  From the parties to boldly stuffing my eyeballs with college football.  It truly is one of my favorite holidays.

In the midst of all the festivities it's a great time to carve out an hour or two to remember God's faithfulness over the last 12 months and look forward to the next 12.

So here's my challenge, push the pause button on ESPN and use this time as an excuse to remember and dream.

Remember

Open up your calendar and look at all God has done in you and through you the last year.  Take time to really meditate and remember.  If there are pictures on your phone or Facebook, use them to jog your memory.

Don't be a Varuca.  Many times we can be like spoiled children, we receive God's blessing but take little time to remember and thank Him for his goodness.  It's good to give thanks and remember that every good and perfect gift comes from him.

Maybe 2012 is a year you would like to forget.  Even in the midst of loss and pain we can see flashes of God's goodness.  Remember.

I don't know about you but I have some regrets in 2012.  Perhaps there are attitudes or actions you regret, use this as an opportunity for confession and repentance.  God may use this time of remembrance to apply his mercy and grace in healing ways.

No matter the circumstances it's good to stop, remember and infuse the grace of God in your thoughts.  Be prepared to be surprised when you give time and space to reflect on all that happened in 2012.

Tomorrow we'll discuss dreaming / looking towards 2013.

And hey, Happy New Years!

Home For The Holidays - College Ministry Idea

This is isn't your grandfather's family reunion.

For the third year in a row we had rowdy college students at our home for our "Home for the Holidays" gathering.  It's a simple way to gather with students and see them reconnect with friends and yes, it really feels like the family reunion you would WANT to attend.

We don't do much, build some fires get some food and let them connect.

Our high school seniors are also invited.  We want them to begin the transition to college and see that although they may go away to college they still have a church family in Dallas.

By the way, can I tell you how rewarding and humbling it is to see and hear what God is doing in the lives of student?  Also seeing them connect with former small group leaders is priceless.

So, consider your own version of "Home for the Holidays".  It could end up being your favorite time of the year.

Student Ministries - Coming Together As ONE

Last night was an amazing time for students in our area.

Several churches moved away from issues that divide to focus on what it means to be ONE and have unity in Jesus.  There were Catholics, Baptists, Methodists, Bible Church and others who participated in a time of worship, giving attention to the Word and prayer.

Actually the event wasn't that complex or "cutting edge".  In fact, the simplicity was beautiful.

The worship team was from the host church but the rest of the stage team were youth pastors from visiting churches.  A pastor from the Bible Church spoke about Jesus' prayer for oneness in John 17 then another pastor led the students through a short prayer experience.

This is why the time was amazing.  In a day when many churches are competing and driven by consumerism and getting nickels and noses, the ONE service taught students how important unity is to Jesus.  Sure, each of these local churches have important distinctions, but it was nice to place the differences on the back burner and see Jesus as preeminent and the one who unites.

This service could only happen because the youth workers in our area trust one another.  Youth workers in our area only trust each other because we have relationship with each other.  We have relationship with each other only because we spend time together.

We're all busy, but we understand that being together is much better than operating alone.

Are you connected?  What if God used you to be a uniting force for student ministry in your particular area?

The best way to get started is to check out youthworkers.net

The National Network of Youth Ministries exist to help youth workers like us connect with other youth workers in our area.  You don't have to be alone.

By the way, perhaps last night was an answer to Jesus' prayer, "make them one".  I believe He was praised and pleased.

Jumpstarting Student Leadership - The Big Game

As youth workers, part of our responsibility is to help students discover how God has gifted them and longs to use them for his glory.  If students are never in a ministry role or in a position where they recognize they need God it could be difficult for them to experience the joy of God working in them and through them.

Believe me, when a 17 year old student knows she is going to stand before her peers and teach the Bible, she becomes very needy!  Her time in the Word and her prayer life take on new meaning.  Our job is to remind students over and over again that Jesus provides the grace to serve and impact lives.

There are many approaches to student leadership development.  Most are good and should be considered and utilized from time to time.

An idea that results in great momentum and focus in student ministry is the "big game" approach.

As God gives vision for an event, gathering or trip, consider the possibility that students could be the leadership / servant team for that event.

For example, last month our ministry hosted a student led worship service for middle school and high school students.  Students led in most aspects including...

Developing a theme / topic for the event

Speaking

Worship

Developing a prayer strategy

Creating a fun / welcoming environment

Tech

We began preparation 2 months in advance by meeting with our student advisory team.  After explaining the purpose for the event we discussed the message they would like their friends to hear.  As a team we settled with the idea that "true love and acceptance can only be found in relationship with Jesus".

As students settled into these teams they understood that God was going to use them to bring powerful ministry to their peers.  They planned, they prayed and then they led a great event fueled by God's grace and their excitement.  The student ministry staff didn't have to beg them to come and bring their friends, the students led the charge with an all out social media blitz.

Other "big games" may include leading VBS, a local service project or a mission trip.  This approach creates great morale, momentum and focus for a group of students as they realize they're not just watching ministry they're actually preparing for ministry.  They own it, they promote it and they get to enjoy the beauty and mystery of God using "the weak things" to accomplish his purposes.

Remember, this approach isn't about the event, it's about the process!  This is relational discipleship.

The "big game" gives an excuse to help students discover, develop and utilize their gifts.  As you meet with them and point them to Jesus they begin to lean into him and their faith is strengthened.

I've seen God use students in remarkable ways!  As students lean into Jesus and experience him working in them and through them they become more aware and dependent on the gospel in every day life.

So, if your wanting to get student leadership started in your context consider a "big game" approach. Be prepared to be surprised and amazed at how works in and through your students to bring glory to himself.

Put Me In Coach! 3 Questions To Ask When Considering Student Leadership

Your students are dying to get off the bench and into the game.

Why is church is the only place students are required to simply "sit and listen".  On school campuses students are involved in the school newspaper, sports team, band or color guard.  They're given responsibility and asked to perform at the highest level.

At church?  They're asked to sit, listen, learn and someday IN THE FUTURE make a difference.  They're told they are the church of the future.  Why is that?  What are we afraid of?

Of course it takes a lot of time and energy to prepare students for ministry but the benefits of taking the time and energy to help students discover, develop and utilize their gifts in ministry are extraordinary.

You might want to dream about adding or ramping up student leadership in your student ministry.

Here are 3 questions to consider.

1.  What can students do that you're currently doing?

The quick answer may be EVERYTHING, but you have to start somewhere.

What about coaching a student on how to give announcements at your ministry gathering?  Do you have students who are interested in video?  Maybe you should consider asking them to put announcements on video.  Let them be creative.

Here's the point, if your students have little to no leadership involvement in your ministry think of a couple of areas they can serve and start there.  From a prayer ministry to up front speaking, students can be coached to do incredible ministry.

2.  What can you learn from students?

When is the last time you sat with a few key students and asked them what they love about their student ministry?  If you don't ask them often if may be difficult for them to think that way.

By getting advice from students about their ministry consistently you learn a ton about how ministry is impacting students and you also create a great sense of ownership.  As old people we shouldn't automatically assume we know what's going on in the hearts and minds of our students.  It's a good idea to ask.

3.  Why take the time, energy and risk when you can do it better yourself?

Ok, that's a loaded question.  First and foremost I believe we have a Biblical mandate.  If you're a student ministry pastor or youth director Paul says your responsibility is to "equip God's people for works of service".

That verse is usually reserved for adults, but Paul makes no distinction.  Students are "God's people", therefore as pastors shouldn't we dream of ways we can prepare them to serve the church body and the world?

By the way, my experience is some students are far more gifted and effective than I am in certain areas of ministry (for some of you that's no surprise).  As a youth pastor there is little more satisfying than seeing students excel and be used by God to serve.

So, please, please, please consider how to get students in the game.  By developing a strategy that includes student leadership your ministry morale will increase, your discipleship will deepen and your entire church will benefit.

It's what God has called us to do.

Don't Waste Your Christmas - Via Advent

What are your plans to prepare your heart this advent season?  Please take advantage of this Christmas season to remember, meditate on and savor our newborn King.

The last 2 years I've used Shawn Smalls little book "The Via Advent" to ignite my heart and imagination towards the coming of our Savior.  Reading through this little book has brought to life the characters of the Christmas story in a way I could never imagine.

http://www.shawnsmallstories.com/store/the-via-advent-2/

When included with daily scripture meditations, the short chapters are a great tool for daily time with Jesus.

Order it soon so you don't fall too far behind!

NYWC Random Reflections 2012

We are 10 days or so removed from the convention in Dallas.  In my experience it's important to drive some markers to remember all that God taught and inspired me to do and be as a result of this incredible time.

Sometimes experiences are very personal.  That's my take on the National Youth Workers's Convention, God had some themes especially for me.

As I've had some time and space to reflect here are 3 thoughts that linger.

1.  Being at the convention is almost like coming home

 I love being around hundreds of people who get who I am and what I do.

Youthworkers are the coolest people on the face of the planet.  Simply put, there were 2600 or so people in Dallas who love Jesus and love students.  Just to walk around the convention center and see so many people who work with students is amazing.  And by the way, it feels we (youth workers) are becoming more and more diverse.

With simply an eye test it seems there are just as many women as men.  There are older people (am I one of them?) and younger.  I'm a part of a diverse family of people who long to see the greatness of God declared to the next generation.  That's really encouraging to me.  It's always helpful to know we're not alone.

2.  I'm blessed to have deep friendships with great people.

One of the highlights for me was connecting with youth pastors, ministry leaders and others from around the country.  Over the years God has blessed me with connections with people who are smarter and more passionate than I.

Walking away better equipped and challenged to serve my church and youth ministry more effectively is one of biggest advantages of attending conferences.  Seminars and the big room are great, but for me equipping happens most in the context of a lunch or late night discussions with people I love and respect.

I'm a better pastor, ministry leader, husband and visionary because God has allowed me to experience deep relationships with people around the country.  I'm so thankful for these friends I get to see once or twice a year.

I need / want to pursue the people God has graciously brought in my path.  I am blessed.

3.  I'm thankfully called to student ministry.

Tony Campolo was awarded the lifetime achievement award from YS.  Mark asked why he was intentional about protecting time to speak into the lives of youthworkers when given so many other opportunities to speak to others.  His response was brilliant.

He referred to his role as a sociologist and understanding that the major decisions in life are made between the ages of 13 and 23.  This is when their future is shaped.

As a 45 year old youth worker I wonder about my future calling.  For now it's clear God wants me to invest significant time in the next generation.  For now I know I'm called to the next generation, it's in the fiber of who I am.

Thank you Tony for reminding us why what we do as youth workers is so important and strategic.

As I get older and more experienced I long to see life and ministry with a sense of WONDER and TEACHABILITY.  Thank you Youth Specialties for caring about the next generation and those who serve.

Pre - Convention Pep Talk

This afternoon I'm heading to downtown Dallas for the National Youth Worker's Convention.  I'm super excited to see old friends, hang out with my staff and learn from people who are smart and gifted.

It's going to be a super time but it's be a dangerous time for me.  Isn't that true of many opportunities?  The greater the potential the greater the danger. 

You see, I struggle like crazy with pride and arrogance.  It's easy for me to either feel a little better than others or super inferior.  If I'm not careful I can slip into the mode of comparing myself with everyone around.  I know!  It's horrible, but God's grace is good!

So, as I go into the weekend here are 4 ways I'm trying to maximize my time and walk away Sunday evening 

better equipped, more passionate for students and more in love with Jesus.

Think about my neediness...

I'm a needy man.  There's so much I need to learn and experience in order to grow.  As I navigate through the weekend my hands should be out asking for help and encouragement.  Thoughts like "been there done that" aren't very conducive to continued learning and growth.  It's exciting to think about what God is going to teach me about ministry, but also about my heart.  I'm praying for a soft / teachable heart.

Care and connect with others in need...

Student ministry can be difficult.  There will be youth workers at this convention who are struggling in their family, personal and ministry life.  There will be youth workers who feel they are about to be "let go".  There will be people who are stuck in their relationship with Jesus.  There will be youth workers who need freedom from deep sinful patterns.  As I embrace my neediness I hope I can be sensitive to others, listening more than speaking, encouraging more than seeking encouragement.

Write what I learn...

As God speaks to me over the next few days I'm committed to writing down what I'm hearing.  As you know, we all walk away from conventions feeling overwhelmed.  It's like a trying to take a sip from a fire hose.  Sometimes it helps to sort through all you're hearing by writing to make sure it gets deep into your heart and mind.

Have fun...

That's a given.  With my student ministry team there and friends coming in from all over the country I'm looking forward to all the connections.  Is there anything better than being with thousands of people who love Jesus and love students?  Youth workers definitely know how to bring on the fun.

BTW, I hope you're going to be here in Dallas.  If so, come with great hope and expectation.  Pray that God will have his way in your heart and the hearts of all who attend.

It's going to be an unbelievable weekend!