Sacred Outfitter

Blog 7: Intergenerational Discipleship

noreply@blogger.com (Sacred Outfitter) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:54:00 +0000

Continuing our Intergenerational Ministry conversation and blogging...

Click here for more blogs on IM and the Book project.

Jesus clearly modeled and taught us what to be and what to do. He spent three years on earth preaching about Himself to the crowds, performing miracles with individuals, but most of his time was spent investing his life up close with a group of twelve rag-tag men. No matter the size of church, denomination, geography or demographic of your ministry to the next generation, the commission has been given. Youth workers need to be discipling a few selected adult leaders and a few students each year that will reproduce themselves in others.

Notice the words “few” and “reproduce.” It is important in an intergenerational mindset that we move away from the masses with all of our time and move to the few to multiply. In the long run, this will have greater impact. Imagine if you invested your life in one key student over the course of the next year. Of course you might choose to invest in more than one, as well as your volunteer leaders or other adults who want to invest in intergenerational ministry to the next generation. But for the sake of this illustration, let’s pretend you just chose one. Discipling them to be thoroughly grounded in the Christian faith and in turn they were capable of investing themselves in another while you approached another peson. If you did this for the next twenty years, do you know how many students you would have discipled while they are doing the same? Are you ready? The number would be over one-million, disciples for Christ. Is this hard to believe? Take a look at the graph to the right.

Imagine in just twenty years you have had a hand in reaching and discipling one-million people? That would be quite a legacy. This graph of numbers assumes that the youth worker only disciples one person each year. You and I both know that we have more leverage than that. Most youth workers have the capacity to invest their lives in three, four or five students and three, four or five volunteer leaders. Imagine the numbers when investing in six, eight or ten year after year? They are mind blowing.

Questions to Contemplate:

I would love your feedback on these questions: Do you see discipleship as important in your ministry? If so, what is your strategy for discipling students and leaders? As a leader of leaders, how are you reproducing this idea in others? What are you hoping to accomplish? Do you think it is hard or easy to disciple? What prevents us from doing so? Why is it so hard to reproduce in discipleship?

Post your thoughts!

Lavishing Grace...

noreply@blogger.com (Sacred Outfitter) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 20:59:00 +0000

Every now and then, God gives me another picture of what it is like to be a child of His. Yesterday, our youngest daughter Lara got her hand caught in the cookie jar (or her hands and legs in some lipstick). She found one of mom's tubes and it found itself all over her body, clothes and on some carpeting. This morning I was with some of our young adult guys beginning to study the book of Ephesians. There is an amazing line in verse 7 and 8 that reads, "God's grace that he lavished on us." I love that word "lavished". He gave us his grace in great amounts. How much more grace do I need to extend my 2 year old daughter? How much more grace do I get extended from God's heart? Lots and Lots. I am thankful for his saving and expansive grace.

Following Jesus...

noreply@blogger.com (Sacred Outfitter) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:30:00 +0000

It was fun to hear that my book was in the top ten most books sold at the National Youth Workers Convention (NYWC) this year with one more convention to go in Atlanta. As a result, there is a sale going on right now. This is a great time to pick up a copy or two for your teens and twenty-somethings. Use it in ministry in small groups, discussion, teaching, curriculum etc. I would love your feedback after you have read it. What did you think? What can you apply to life and ministry?

Click here for Following Jesus... Book on Sale!

Youth Specialties News

noreply@blogger.com (Sacred Outfitter) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 23:49:00 +0000

On October 19th, Zondervan Publishing, who owns Youth Specialties (YS) made a leadership change announcement. Long time YS president and leadership member Mark Oestreicher was released from employment for future strategic reasons. This comes in a string of events with Zondervan's purchase of YS a few years ago including reworking and revamping the conferences (NYWC) to be more youth worker friendly and impactful.

First, a huge thank you goes out to Marko for his faithful years of service to youth workers. I am sure it will continue. Second, this is another example of change happening in leadership. New vision. New ideas. New methods. New implemintation is inevitable in any organization, church or ministry. It is happening at Youth Specialties. I am curious to see how they navigate the changes. Third, I have an interest in this news because my first book Following Jesus into College and Beyond was published by YS/Zondervan. And, my second book coming out December 2010 on "Intergenerational Ministry" (jump in the conversation) is being published with YS/Zondervan. So my eyes and ears are open to Zondervan news.

Read more on Youth Specialty changes here.

What do you think of this YS news?

Quote: William Booth

noreply@blogger.com (Sacred Outfitter) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 14:35:00 +0000

"God loves with a great love the man whose heart is bursting with passion for the IMPOSSIBLE."

William Booth, preacher, founder of the Salvation Army
1829-1912

Where are you stepping out in faith to do the "impossible"?

Preaching Follow-Up...

noreply@blogger.com (Sacred Outfitter) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:58:00 +0000

If you missed it, I preached a sermon on Our Not So Invisible Struggle at Foothills Bible Church on Halloween/Short-term Missions weekend (Oct.31/Nov.1). Here were my main points and you can listen below to Ephesians 6:10-20. Thank you to the elders of FBC for this amazing opportunity to preach again. I was honored.

1. All of Life is War - From cradle to grave, life is a war. Your soul, your mind, your family, your friends, your career are places of conflict. Our war is not against people ultimately, but the Devil.

2. The War is Against Evil Powers - Paul says, "we do not fight against flesh and blood." This seems to be normative for the Christian life – Devil is at war with God and we belong to God – therefore he is against God’s children.

3. You Do Not Want to Fall in a War - Paul says three times to do everything to stand – not fall down. Verse 11 – “take your stand”. Verse 13 – “stand your ground”. Verse 14 – “Stand Firm”. You are in big trouble when you fall in war. Don’t fall down with Pride. This is what got the Devil in trouble to begin with.

4. God has Given us what we need to Stand - We have been given Spiritual Armor. Jude tells us, “God is able to keep us from falling.” He does this by fitting us for spiritual combat. God says, come into my dressing room, so I can fit you with my spiritual arsenal.

5. Pray and Be Alert - Paul says how important prayer is in life. Paul has been on a series of short-term mission trips that ended with new churches, but now he is coming to the end of this life. His relationship with God is on his heart. Prayer is on his mind. Prayer is a submission and dependence on God and not our own power - "Finally, be strong in the Lord and His mighty power!"

Click here for the sermon: Our Not So Invisible Struggle

What do you think of Ephesians 6:10-20 and this battle we are in?

Colorado Winter Wonderland

noreply@blogger.com (Sacred Outfitter) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:09:00 +0000

Levi and Lillian...

Lara and Mocha...

Preaching...

noreply@blogger.com (Sacred Outfitter) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 16:47:00 +0000

+ + =

Question: What do Holloween, Short-Term Missions and Ephesians 6:10-20 have in common? Answer: "Our Not so Invisible Struggle". This coming weekend (Oct.31/Nov.1) I get the honor (Thank you FBC elders!) of preaching during Foothills Bible Church's Short-Term Missions Emphasis Weekend. It happens to be Holloween weekend also. Please pray for my preparation time with the Lord this week and for protection for my family, as well as the whole FBC family. This topic is very misunderstood, but very real. I am looking forward to the challenge of presenting Ephesians 6:10-20 for the glory of the One-True God! May we walk away from this worship service changed to be more like Jesus. Hope to see you this coming weekend at Foothills!

Quote: John Mott

noreply@blogger.com (Sacred Outfitter) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 20:59:00 +0000

"The men that will change [the world] are the men that will spend the most time alone with God. It takes time for the fires to burn. It takes time for God to draw near and for us to know that He is there. It takes time to assimilate His Truth. You ask me, How much time? I do not know. I know it means time enough to forget time."

John Mott, YMCA Leader, World Student Christian Federation Leader

1865-1955

What do you think of prayer and time alone with God?

We are Tiny; He is Trinity

noreply@blogger.com (Sacred Outfitter) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 21:17:00 +0000

Scientists have discovered a huge (that is the biggest understatement of my life) ring around the planet Saturn. It would take 1 Billion (with a 'B') earths to fill it. The ring starts 3.7 Million miles (with an 'M') away from Saturn. This is a supersized (onion) ring! Did I say it was HUGE!? Read more on this discover here. I am reminded again how small I am and how huge God is. The size of this ring does not even come close to the Omnipotence of God! BUT...HE is in complete control of the whole universe and that includes you and me. He cares about the details of our lives because he is a personal God in Father, Son and Holy Spirit. He put Saturn (and the rest of the universe) on display for his Glory! AMAZING! He is worthy of our praise today. What do you think of this discovery?

Blog 6: Intergenerational Ministry Chapters

noreply@blogger.com (Sacred Outfitter) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 21:33:00 +0000

Hey friends who are following the Intergenerational Ministry Conversation, I am narrowing my chapters down for the book I am writing with Zondervan. You have already begun to see what I am pondering (Click here if not), but what do you think of the following themes or chapters for the book.

Themes & Chapters:

1. Theology - This is the critical and central place to start.

2. Adolescence - Specific phase of development between child and adult.

3. Culture - general, but also youth.

4. Family - importance of mom and dad.

5. Leadership - youth workers and church leaders in charge.

6. Partnership - with other staff, ministries and volunteers in the church.

7. Mentors - other caring, Jesus-following adults.

8. Outreach - reaching adolescents outside the church walls.

I do not believe we need a new model for "Youth Ministry", but a new mindset for ministry that is all about intergenerational connections. Hopefully these themes and chapters will get us there.

Am I leaving anything out?

Would you combine anything together?

What would be the best reading order?

Your input will frame the future of this critical book.

Please leave your comments. Thanks!

Family Face Fun

noreply@blogger.com (Sacred Outfitter) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:52:00 +0000

The many faces of our youngest daughter Lara...

the cutest 2-year-old on the planet!

Sacred Outfitter in Words...

noreply@blogger.com (Sacred Outfitter) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 13:20:00 +0000

I discovered a new (but probably old) webpage called Wordle where you can produce the following picture with any set of words. I plugged in my blog address and this is what it came up with. I am grateful that God is the biggest! Check it out! Thanks Craig E. for posting this to your blog! Have fun experimenting.

Quote: Charles Spurgeon

noreply@blogger.com (Sacred Outfitter) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 20:52:00 +0000

"Soar back through all of your experiences. Think of how the Lord has led you in the wilderness and has fed and clothed you every day. How God has borne with your ill manners, and put up with all your murmurings and all your longings after the 'sensual pleasures of Egypt!' Think of how the Lord's grace has been sufficient for you in all your troubles."

Charles Spurgeon

Author, London Preacher

1834-1892

Where has God's grace been sufficient for you?

World Cup Here We Come...USA ARE IN!

noreply@blogger.com (Sacred Outfitter) — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 04:11:00 +0000

After a hard fought match tonight against Honduras, the USA Men's Soccer Team secured their spot in the World Cup 2010 in South Africa! We won tonight 3-2!Congrats Team!

For all the highlights go here to USSoccer.com

Not Open Sundays!

noreply@blogger.com (Sacred Outfitter) — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 17:44:00 +0000

Thanks Tony M. for posting this video to your blog. I had to do the same...

Our family really likes Chick-fil-A.

Blog 5: Trinity Teaching

noreply@blogger.com (Sacred Outfitter) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 21:24:00 +0000

It has been awhile since I blogged about the book I am writing on "Intergenerational Youth Ministry". Let me pick up the action here. You can read the other posts here. One of the critical pieces missing in local church youth ministry is teaching on the doctrine of the Trinity. This might seem like a strange idea to talk about in a book on "Intergenerational Youth Ministry", but I believe it is a critical building block if we are going to be faithful with ministry to the next generation. Please post your comments at the end.

----------------------

The directions are clear. There are no excuses. The end of the Gospel of Matthew tells us what our ministries should focus on. We are to “make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:18-20)

Any questions?

So, why is it so hard for us to get our ministries around making Trinity following disciples? In short, it is because this is not glitzy with bright lights, stages, laser shows, big screens, multi-media, worship bands and big-named preachers. The Trinity is where real life happens away from the retreat, festival and concert. There was a season of my ministry to youth where I thought if I could just get them to like me and like my programs, I would be doing effective ministry. This was making disciples, so I thought. This translated into getting a cool band up and running, a cool youth room painted, set of cool volunteer team and to create cool topical talks (Okay, cool is the word of the 80s). Along the way, I gained more perspective and matured some. I learned that good is not always right. I learned that when it all boils down and “the show” is over, making Trinity following disciples is what it is all about.

There is so much about the Father, Son and Holy Spirit that we need to be teaching and nailing down with students before they graduate from high school or keep helping them experience when they are young adults.

First, we need to teach them about the real God, not the fake gods of this world. God is Holy. He is the only Supreme Being in all existence, places and time. This means he is eternal and drives an Omni. Remember those cars? He is Omnipotent, Omnipresent, and Omniscient. He is all powerful, everywhere all the time and all knowing. Understanding and believing in our hearts that this is True and not some imaginary reality television show has gigantic ramifications for teenagers and twenty-somethings in our churches. Just camp here for a while helping them understand who they are and who they are not according to who God is. He is amazing!

Second, God is love, light, Spirit, Truth, Creator and other attributes. His characteristics define Him. Like the sides of a diamond radiate its complexity and beauty, so the many sides of God show who he is. As a result, God is worthy to be praised and worshipped. In a world where teenagers and young adults are bombarded with images and false teachings which cause them to worship materialism, money, power, sex, and themselves, we need to teach them that God is really real. He deserves our only worship.

Third, the God of Christianity is one God. We are a monotheistic people. Our God exists everywhere, all the time. God declares that before Him there was no god formed and there will never be another god. The One True God states that he is the first and last because there are no other gods but Him. Our god is a real honest God sharing the Truth that He is and will always be the only God of the Universe. The temptation for all of us, especially the next generation is to follow after other “gods” that are really no gods at all. As a result, adolsecents begin to create a god in their own image worshipping themselves. This pride kicked Lucifer out of heaven and the presence of God for all of eternity. May we protect and teach them that there is only one God to follow after wholeheartedly.

Fourth, youth workers, parents and other caring adults need to “show and tell” the next generation that God exists simultaneously in three persons as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Each is co-equal, co-powerful, and co-eternal with the other. Each person is not the other. Without either there is no God; all comprise the one God. This is the Christian doctrine of the Trinity and it is under attack today just like it always has been. Even our third president and founding father of our nation, Thomas Jefferson was critical of what he called, “incomprehensible jargon of the Trinitarian arithmetic.” He wondered why we needed to talk about God in this confusing way.[1] Other writers have called into question historic and orthodox doctrines of the Christian faith. We can’t allow the Trinity to be up for grabs. The next generation needs to experience that the Father is revealed in Jesus Christ through the Spirit in everyday eating, drinking and breathing life.

Fifth, although the word, “Trinity” is not in the Bible, teenagers need to be shown where “Father, Son and Holy Spirit” appear pointing back to the other as fully God. I have already referred to some, but there are so many other verses like 2 Corinthians 13:14 that point to all three of the Godhead in one or two verses, "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all." By the way, this next generation also needs to understand that just because the Bible does not contain a word does not mean that the concept does not exist. The Bible clearly teaches “monotheism”, but this word is not in the Bible either. It is not a valid criticism or logical to conclude this.

Finally, for those that care deeply that all adolescents come to know the One True God in Three, we need to teach those in our care how to communicate with the Tri-God. Students might think that they do not need to study the Bible or do anything because God is in complete control anyway. He is sovereign right? Walking in obedience with the “Father, Son and Holy Spirit” is a life long intentional pursuit of staying in connection. Even in prayer many students wrestle with the idea that God already knows my prayers, so why pray. The words of the argument might go the same way they did for C.S. Lewis in the 1940’s, “Don’t bother about the idea of God ‘has known for millions of years exactly what you are about to pray.’ That isn’t what it’s like. God is hearing you now, just as simply as a mother hears a child. The difference His timelessness makes is that this now (which slips away from you even as you say the word now) is for Him infinite.”[2] We humans get confused sometimes. We forget that we are humans and not God. He is outside of time and space and fully understands the past, present and future. This is why students need to approach Him in prayer to set the record straight in our hearts day-by-day. He is God. I am not God.

Understanding, Teaching and Living for the Trinity is critical to reaching and discipling the next generation.

Post your Comments and Thoughts...

[1] Theology, Alister E. McGrath (Blackwell Publishing, 2004), 87.

[2] A Mind Awake: An Anthology of C.S. Lewis (Harcourt Inc., 1968), 79.

Wisdom and Patience

noreply@blogger.com (Sacred Outfitter) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 14:45:00 +0000

Nothing more needs to be said...

Book on Sale!

noreply@blogger.com (Sacred Outfitter) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 13:11:00 +0000

Hey Friends,

My book, Following Jesus into College and Beyond is on sale at Youth Specialties in 5 and 10 packs as well as from the Case (56 copies) for youth ministries, parent groups and small groups. Stop by and pick up your pack today! Spread the word to your youth ministry and church friends!

Thanks! Go here for details!

Heart Surgery

noreply@blogger.com (Sacred Outfitter) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:10:00 +0000

Yesterday, Lara, my almost 2 year old (Sunday is the big birthday!) and I had a daddy-daughter morning. We picked up dog food for Mocha at the pet store, looked at all the fish, cats, dogs and birds, stopped by Starbucks and got an oil change for our mini-van. While we were waiting for the van to be finished in walks a Denver Police officer. I noticed his patrol car was getting an oil change. I asked him if this is where he brought his car for oil changes and he said when he is on this side of town likes to bring it here. We had a good conversation and than the owner of the store came into the waiting area. He told the Police officer (while getting the popcorn up to speed) that his front light was burned out and his license plate light was out as well. The attendant told him he would fix it because he didn't want the Police officer to be pulled over. We laughed. The next thing the Police officer said caught me. "It would be hard to pull someone over for a head light violation if mine is out, wouldn't it?" They laughed again, but the truth ran deep for me. I walked away thinking, praying and asking God for wisdom. I want to make sure my "light" is shining bright for Jesus before I correct someone else, before I come alongside someone else, before I mentor someone else, before I...

It reminded me of some Scripture: "I know your deeds, that you are neither cold or hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm - neither hot nor cold - I am about to spit you out of my mouth" (Revelation 3:15-16). This is God speaking and it is extreme, but a good reminder of God's expectations for us. Be intentional. Be passionate. Be bright!

God help me be squeaky clean before you always. May I take the house out of my own eye before trying to take the toothpick out of another's eye. May I get as close to you as possible in humility...

Let your light shine!

Quote: John Wesley

noreply@blogger.com (Sacred Outfitter) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 20:57:00 +0000

"Give me one hundred preachers who fear nothing but sin and desire nothing but God, and they alone will shake the gates of Hell and set up the kingdom of Heaven upon Earth."

John Wesley, Founder of Methodist Movement

1703-1791

Reality or no Reality...

noreply@blogger.com (Sacred Outfitter) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 14:54:00 +0000

In my research about the next generation, I came across some news from the University of Texas State. They received a research grant to develop in partnership with others a "Second Life" college campus in computer land. If all goes well, this would be the first of it's kind, where college students could stay in bed drinking their coffee, but get out of bed in the virtual world and head off to classes where interaction, dialog and learning would take place in a computer reality. You would theoretically be able to get an real undergrad degree never leaving your bedroom. Here is what they are planning with this "Real World."

"This latest launch will include the design of 9 academic campuses and 6 health and science campuses. The combined sites will occupy over 50 Second Life regions and will be available to students 24 hours of the day. All teaching processes and design processes will be documented for future use by similar educational institutions." Read more here.

What do you think of this? In a culture maintained by coming generations are we promoting less and less face-to-face contact and dialog? Will this fuel more issues and problems? Will adolescent's postpone their "growing up" into adulthood? Will adolescents take on a "fake identity" (and begin to believe it!) and never discover who God has created them to be? Will the next generation confuse what is really real with a fake world? Yes, it might be cool, trendy, and connect with all the "gamers" out there, but is it right and healthy?

I would love your thoughts...

Quotes: CS Lewis

noreply@blogger.com (Sacred Outfitter) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 15:14:00 +0000

"A man can no more diminish God's Glory by refusing to worship Him than a lunatic can put out the sun by scribbling 'darkness' on the wall of his cell."

C.S. Lewis, Author, Professor
1898-1963

Blog 4: Adolescent and Family Pressure

noreply@blogger.com (Sacred Outfitter) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 12:43:00 +0000

Here is another blog on intergenerational ministry to keep the ball rolling in dialog...I would love your feedback to this and previous blogs. Click here for more blogs on intergenerational ministry...

I don’t need to convince most of you that adolescents (ages 11 to 25ish) today are in a difficult spot. Over ten years ago professor and author, David Elkind wrote these words, “There is little or no place for adolescents in American society today – not in our homes, not in our schools, and not in society at large. We have, in effect, all but eliminated this age period as a distinct stage in the life cycle” (All Grown Up and No Place to Go, 1998). Yes, we have had some good moments in the history of ministry to adolescents inside and outside the church, but overall things are getting worse for adolescents. They are in a pressure cooker to grow up to fast! They are either called or treated like “grown up children” or “little adults” by all sorts of adults in their lives. Youth and young adults today are not given a chance to “grow up” in a natural environment at a natural pace. Society is forcing them to mature beyond their development. This has contributed to stress. I think Elkind’s words still resonate today only at increased pace.

Youth professional, Kendra Creasy Dean also affirms this idea when she writes, “The tension in youth ministry between protecting youth and empowering them still exists. The most promising models seem to be those that combine the protection of adolescents from premature adulthood with the empowerment of adolescents for ministry in their own right” (The Godbearing Life: The Art of Soul Tending for Youth Ministry, 1998). Most youth workers are in youth work to come alongside and help adolescents grow up in Jesus, but the culture and developmental pressures on youth have changed and escalated in the last decade. It is a new and difficult day, which requires a new mindset for ministry to adolescents.

The families that these adolescents belong to are also in the hospital. With the breakdown of the biological family structure, the family unit is vulnerable. There are a variety of family structures and systems today, such as, two-working-parent families, single-parent families, adoptive-families, foster-families, remarried-families and so on. In addition to the definition of family shifting away from a Biblical one, adolescents are under more stress today than any time in history. In research for my book, Following Jesus into College and Beyond (Zondervan, 2009), I sent out hundreds of questionnaires to high school and college-aged students across the nation asking them a variety of questions including what brings stress in your life. Some of the answers included the following: making money, getting a job, finding housing, school, relationships, disappointing my parents, not sleeping, sports success, acceptance, picking the right friends, staying friends, sinning against God, trying to keep up with everything, wondering what will happen after high school, using my time wisely, being bored, and myself.

Today, the pressures and stress on adolescents is growing. Ironically, when you look at the average teenager, you see happiness, and moments of joy and relaxation, even an indifferent attitude, but under the surface is fear, loneliness, and hurt that few adults see or fully embrace and understand. For an adolescent, their daily stress is as great as a parent’s job. Today, adolescents live in their own underground world being forced into the adult world because of school, jobs and home (Hurt: Inside the World of Todays Teenagers, 2004). The pressure for them to become an adult fast is pressing down hard.

In the book, Passing on The Faith, the authors tell us, “Americans are convinced that today’s adolescents face a crisis – not in their economic or physical well-being but in their values and morals” (Passing on Faith, 1994). It was written over ten years ago that many families today are not orienting their teenagers toward a life of faith, service and responsible living. (Kids These Days: What Americans Really Think About the Next Generation, 1997). I believe this is still true today. There are pockets of wonderful family connections across our world. All is not lost, but is what we are doing in local church youth ministry right? Is operating on an island, separate from the church really working? Are we really helping students on the journey to becoming mature Jesus-following adults who long to meditate and obey the Word of God or are we making good, safe, hard-working, patriotic and moral youth? There is a drastic difference between the two. Youth workers in partnership with the whole church can turn the tide before it becomes a hurricane on our shores.

Questions to Contemplate:

What do you think? Are you experiencing adolescents growing up too fast in your own family or ministry? How is the breakdown of the family affecting your youth ministry and church ministry? How is your ministry context “turning the tide” for effective ministry to adolescents? How are you “making disciples,” not just “moral youth”? I would love to hear your perspective and stories…

Quote: Hudson Taylor

noreply@blogger.com (Sacred Outfitter) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 02:06:00 +0000

"At the timberline where the storms strike with the most fury, the sturdiest trees are found."
Hudson Taylor, Missionary
1832-1905