Rites of Passage for Youth in the Vineyard

Rites of Passage for Youth in the Vineyard

This weekend marks our church’s annual men’s retreat. I am especially excited about this year because my oldest son is coming to his first retreat (they are allowed to come at 15-16 years old). I wouldn’t say that our church is very good at rites of...
Ministry or sin management?

Ministry or sin management?

Are we doing ministry or sin management? As a minister, that can be a jarring question and can quite frankly leave you in a quandary – “what’s the difference between the two?” At one point in our youth ministry we had several un-churched students attending. These...
I Hate Lock-Ins

I Hate Lock-Ins

I hate lock-ins. I loathe lock-ins. I fear them, even months away. In addition to disrupting the rhythm of my job, family life, and sleep cycles, they’re just not fun. Well, they’re not fun for me. Students have a blast. But, around midnight I begin to dream about my...
Creation, Evolution, Both, or Neither?

Creation, Evolution, Both, or Neither?

The first sentence in the Bible mentions the origin of the universe.  The fifth word in English is “created,” translated from the Hebrew word “בּרא” pronounced “baw-raw.” Another way to describe the meaning of “baw-raw” is with the words “shape” or “fashion.” The...
Redefining Excellence

Redefining Excellence

Several years ago, our youth group partnered with a local church in a tornado-ravaged town to help them clean up a neighborhood that had been particularly devastated by the storms. Arriving onsite, we saw neighborhoods in shambles that were virtually untouched nearly...
Loving Difficult-to-Love Teens

Loving Difficult-to-Love Teens

My favorite thing about working with students is . . . well . . . working with students. I love teenagers. I love their honesty, passion, and angst. I think they are fun, and I can’t imagine a life without youth ministry being part of my story. I know I’m not unique....