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Events to Kill by

image of a man with multiple guns pointed at his head

As a youth pastor, I like to believe that my ministry is more relational. I like to talk to students and hear what is happening in their lives. Not many adults really listen to students. Most are too busy telling them what to do. As a parent I can understand how that happens. You spend so much of your time trying to keep your kids safe and it is hard to really listen to them. We try to ask about their day, but get a shockingly truncated summary. Me: How was your day? C: Good. Me: … [Read more...]

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Just got an email letting me know my credentials were renewed. Every year I have to fill out a form and agree to the fundamental beliefs of the Assemblies of God and make sure I have paid the district 75% of my tithe. It is kind of interesting since I know I don’t “need” a license to do ministry, I can even get approved to do weddings without a license. I go through this because in my mind it is the right thing to do. In any case, I’m happy that my license was renewed even if I might be a tiny bit disenchanted with the process.

Posted last month
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Mood: Happy … I guess? Yeah, Happy.
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God Bless Us as We Bless Others

Presents

Last week I shared about a family I have come to know that is in need. I put a donation button on my site and asked for help. I didn't know if anyone would give but I've been blessed to see how people responded. That night my heart was heavy. I couldn't sleep. I kept thinking about this family, and then all the other families in need. I know we made a difference for this family. But my heart was crushed at all of the families out there who need more from those who can help. I kept getting … [Read more...]

Filed Under: All, Jesus Freak, Youth Pastor Tagged With: ,
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God Bless Us Everyone

God Bless Us Every One

I imagine most people have watched some form of a Christmas Carol in their life. My favorite version is the Muppet's Christmas Carol. It is an annual holiday tradition. We had watched the old VHS tape till it started getting off track and fuzzy so a couple years ago we picked up the movie on DVD. On the off chance that you have never heard of the Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, here is a short synopsis. *****Spoiler Alert***** Not sure I'm actually required to do that, over 100 … [Read more...]

Filed Under: All, Jesus Freak, Youth Pastor Tagged With: ,
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I am participating in a new series, God Says …, over at Make a Difference to One. In my first post I address the lie that I am unloved and show that God says I am loved. Click through for the article.

Aug
08
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God Says … I am Loved
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Camp Preachin

camp fire

Youth camp has to be more than just fun, games, and pranks. We do 3 sessions each day to devote time to God. Quite Time and Small Group The first session is just after breakfast. We have our students broken up into small groups and have them get into their groups and have personal quite time and group devotions. Each day the leader speaking in the evening service put together this session for the students. For example, during my session I had them read Acts 6 and 7 during their personal quite … [Read more...]

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I’m trying to get a new Middle School group started on Thursday nights. I’ve got one family on board with 4 kids and their friends, but when they can’t make it, like tonight, then no one shows up. I was pretty disappointed when I heard they weren’t coming, but I showed up anyways. Sure enough, no one. Then 3 neighborhood kids, right in the age group I’m reaching out to, walked up to start playing basketball on our outdoor court. My wife was leaving with the kids, but I had driven separately, so I went to hand out and play a little ball with them. I know, not like ti was this huge group, but I gotta say, I’m very happy I had to opportunity to meet them since they literally live a few houses down the road. God is good.

Aug
04
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Mood: Impressed with God
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Camp Pranks

balloon prank

Camp would be camp without pranks. Most of the time they are stupid and juvenile. I can't complain too much I guess, the students are juveniles after all. This year we had plenty of dumb pranks, but a few were really good. Most of those were from the staff though. Lame Pranks As I said, there were many lame pranks. I had some left over bacon put in my bed, a stolen trophy (the golden plunger of power) places under my pillow, and the cabin was messed up with bedding pulled half way out or … [Read more...]

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Last night we concluded the series “The Truth About Sex.” This was a video series from BlueFish.tv led by Doug Fields. I don’t use the leaders manual so much. Instead I used an illustration with glow sticks, asking the students to keep them un-broken. Most of the students didn’t make it through the video. Then I gave them brand new ones to illustrate God giving us new life instead of repairing our broken life. Cool part, a young woman was there that hasn’t been to church in a couple of years. She responded during my “altar call.” More later.

Aug
04
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Mood: Excited
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Camp Games

Cow sticking his tongue out, hoping it doesn't get used as a Frisbee.

Well, it was this time of year again, when youth pastors eschew sleep in nice comfy beds, or sleep in general, in favor of taking a group of students to sticky, hot cabins. Actually I can't complain too much about the sleeping arrangements. While I got less sleep than any of the guys (I think some girls got less than me) I did get more sleep this year than any previous camp. The dorms had huge attic exhaust fans, which really helped with the heat. One night I even considered zipping my … [Read more...]

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