OK, the countdown begins. For the next 12 days I will list my favorite Christmas songs. A year ago, I was introduced to this video, and I have never laughed harder. I feel like laughing, so...enjoy!!
Thursday, December 04, 2008
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Planning Your Programs
Despite all the negative talk about programs (in youth ministry circles), I think they are still important. "It's about relationships, not programs!" say some youth ministry gurus.
But, if you just hang out all the time with no direction or purpose, where will that get you?
Here are some things I try to keep in mind as I plan different programs/events for our youth ministry:
PURPOSE: Each program should have a purpose. And, yes, fun can be a purpose! Some people think relationships should happen without the help of programs. I agree, but don't think that's always the case. You might have some shy teenagers who will not call anyone else in the youth group under normal circumstances, but will make great buddies when they play video games together! Relationships, Worship, Outreach, and Equipping are my "Purpose" categories.
ABSENCE: I have noticed this powerful tool only recently. Sometimes, I will purposefully plan ZERO ACTIVITIES for a week or two, and the teens never fail to ask, "What are we doing this week?" Sometimes, they are grateful for the break, and sometimes they show disappointment. This is the perfect opportunity for me to tell them to plan something themselves, call a friend, gather at someone's house! If your group is constantly busy, they may not realize what they are missing.
DIVERSITY: Sometimes we get stuck in a programming rut. It's so easy just to recycle the programs that worked really well in the past. That paintballing trip may be fun, but you also might be alienating someone who hates getting shot by little balls of paint while running through the woods. Be careful to keep in mind your girls, athletic kids, intellectuals, extreme sports enthusiasts, gamers, and the apathetic kids who just like to "hang out" when planning your events.
COST: Keep a good balance between low-dough or free events and high dollar ones. Remember that parents are already spending a ton to entertain their teens during the summer. Be their friend and go easy on that pocketbook! Make it easy for the less fortunate kids to go to the events that you plan. Do it quietly, and don't embarass them or their families.
MOMENTUM: If you sense a good thing, don't let it die! For example, if your teens are bringing their friends, plan more events to facilitate those relationships. If families are pulling together because of your ministry, keep doing family activities. Learn to spot when things are working, and when to phase out a program for a while.
TIMING: When I arrived in Nebraska, I found out that a MAJOR part of senior year is for parents to have an open house (party) to honor their graduates. This also means that seniors (and other teens in your group) will be busy attending these parties. My first year, I tried to plan stuff during May, but I quickly learned to tone it down during this month and honor this tradition.
GOD'S WILL: Uh-oh...confession time. I'm not always the best at waiting to see what God wants me to do. Sometimes, I charge ahead without waiting for Him. Make sure that your activities and programs are God-honoring, and always brought before Him in prayer.
But, if you just hang out all the time with no direction or purpose, where will that get you?
Here are some things I try to keep in mind as I plan different programs/events for our youth ministry:
PURPOSE: Each program should have a purpose. And, yes, fun can be a purpose! Some people think relationships should happen without the help of programs. I agree, but don't think that's always the case. You might have some shy teenagers who will not call anyone else in the youth group under normal circumstances, but will make great buddies when they play video games together! Relationships, Worship, Outreach, and Equipping are my "Purpose" categories.
ABSENCE: I have noticed this powerful tool only recently. Sometimes, I will purposefully plan ZERO ACTIVITIES for a week or two, and the teens never fail to ask, "What are we doing this week?" Sometimes, they are grateful for the break, and sometimes they show disappointment. This is the perfect opportunity for me to tell them to plan something themselves, call a friend, gather at someone's house! If your group is constantly busy, they may not realize what they are missing.
DIVERSITY: Sometimes we get stuck in a programming rut. It's so easy just to recycle the programs that worked really well in the past. That paintballing trip may be fun, but you also might be alienating someone who hates getting shot by little balls of paint while running through the woods. Be careful to keep in mind your girls, athletic kids, intellectuals, extreme sports enthusiasts, gamers, and the apathetic kids who just like to "hang out" when planning your events.
COST: Keep a good balance between low-dough or free events and high dollar ones. Remember that parents are already spending a ton to entertain their teens during the summer. Be their friend and go easy on that pocketbook! Make it easy for the less fortunate kids to go to the events that you plan. Do it quietly, and don't embarass them or their families.
MOMENTUM: If you sense a good thing, don't let it die! For example, if your teens are bringing their friends, plan more events to facilitate those relationships. If families are pulling together because of your ministry, keep doing family activities. Learn to spot when things are working, and when to phase out a program for a while.
TIMING: When I arrived in Nebraska, I found out that a MAJOR part of senior year is for parents to have an open house (party) to honor their graduates. This also means that seniors (and other teens in your group) will be busy attending these parties. My first year, I tried to plan stuff during May, but I quickly learned to tone it down during this month and honor this tradition.
GOD'S WILL: Uh-oh...confession time. I'm not always the best at waiting to see what God wants me to do. Sometimes, I charge ahead without waiting for Him. Make sure that your activities and programs are God-honoring, and always brought before Him in prayer.
Friday, November 14, 2008
This Looks Great
Here is a trailer to the upcoming Will Smith movie "Seven Pounds." I'm there!!!
By they way, they stole this idea from my novel!! :)
By they way, they stole this idea from my novel!! :)
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
DONE!
Yes, our annual youth rally called "Akastasia" is over. All of a sudden, we had about 180 guests from Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, and South Dakota.
I love youth rallies.
It always starts off with everyone being a little awkward. They haven't seen each other in a month or more...some since summer camp. As the weekend progresses, you can see people loosen up, and maybe even establish new friendships.
This year was tough. Garrison's hospital stay put me WAY behind schedule on the planning. Several last minute decisions and phone calls had to be made. Our tradition of ice skating on Saturday did not happen this year. Several of our Christian colleges could not afford to support us financially.
But God LOVES showing up when we're worried about the way things will turn out!
A couple at our church offered to help pay for the t-shirts. I told them their offer could not have come at a better time since other financing did not work out. When the bill came in, I emailed them with the total and told them any amount would be appreciated. They paid the whole bill.
I also worried about our entertainment and game times. Soul Concern from York did an awesome job filling in almost last minute. And as far as games, teens would rather just hang out sometimes than be forced to play games.
Robert Cox did a PHENOMENAL job of speaking, as usual. He knows what struggles people are facing, and challenges them to face those struggles with God's help. His church families have such great stories.
And to top it off, one of our teens, Lucas Anderson, was baptized. He accepted God's grace, and committed himself to living a radical life for Jesus Christ. Then, after the teens had gone to their host homes, a lady from Kansas was baptized, too!
Several people sought me out to tell me what a wonderful rally it was. All I could do was shrug my shoulders, smile, and say, "It wasn't me. God was here and made this rally more than I ever planned or hoped for!"
I love youth rallies.
It always starts off with everyone being a little awkward. They haven't seen each other in a month or more...some since summer camp. As the weekend progresses, you can see people loosen up, and maybe even establish new friendships.
This year was tough. Garrison's hospital stay put me WAY behind schedule on the planning. Several last minute decisions and phone calls had to be made. Our tradition of ice skating on Saturday did not happen this year. Several of our Christian colleges could not afford to support us financially.
But God LOVES showing up when we're worried about the way things will turn out!
A couple at our church offered to help pay for the t-shirts. I told them their offer could not have come at a better time since other financing did not work out. When the bill came in, I emailed them with the total and told them any amount would be appreciated. They paid the whole bill.
I also worried about our entertainment and game times. Soul Concern from York did an awesome job filling in almost last minute. And as far as games, teens would rather just hang out sometimes than be forced to play games.
Robert Cox did a PHENOMENAL job of speaking, as usual. He knows what struggles people are facing, and challenges them to face those struggles with God's help. His church families have such great stories.
And to top it off, one of our teens, Lucas Anderson, was baptized. He accepted God's grace, and committed himself to living a radical life for Jesus Christ. Then, after the teens had gone to their host homes, a lady from Kansas was baptized, too!
Several people sought me out to tell me what a wonderful rally it was. All I could do was shrug my shoulders, smile, and say, "It wasn't me. God was here and made this rally more than I ever planned or hoped for!"
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