There seems to be about twenty minutes between Spring Break and final exams on college campuses. Students return from Spring Break adventures with one thing on their minds—SUMMER! Unfortunately, students have tests, research papers, work, maintaining scholarships, and so many other things that must be considered prior to summer’s arrival. College pastors often return from Spring Break mission trips ready for the change of rhythm that comes with summer as well. A focus on these three post-Spring Break tasks can help keep you and your … [Read more...]
3 Takeaways About New Research on Young Adults Leaving the Church
If you work with young adults, I’m sure you’ve heard the stats about them dropping out of church. You’ve hopefully wrestled with the current realities and also helped to forge a positive path forward that seeks to create a ministry environment that welcomes young adults into our churches, seeking to reach both the never-reached and the prodigal. Lifeway Research recently released the findings of some new research centered on young adults and their views about Christianity and the church. This is a follow-up study to some initial … [Read more...]
How to Help Young Adults Navigate the Treacherous Waters of Grief
Loss is a part of life, and so is grief. Most young adults will find themselves with the loss of relationships, job opportunities, test grades, and other age-related issues. However, some young adults will have tragic losses, such as the death of a parent, potential mate, or friend. Sometimes, these losses are expected and anticipated. At other times, these losses can be completely unexpected—from a car wreck to someone committing suicide. When loss comes our way, we don’t know how to walk with someone through it gracefully. Grief … [Read more...]
How Can I Be More Consistent in Bible-Reading?
We’ve all been there. A new year starts with high hopes and renewed commitment to be more faithfully consistent in reading the Bible devotionally. The first few weeks go pretty well. However, by the end of January, you’ve already missed a few days. As you move further into February, discouragement increases. By March, it’s quite possible you’ve given up altogether. Defeated and exasperated, you resign yourself to a walk with God devoid of faithful devotions. Discipline and consistency must be for super-Christians, right? No matter how … [Read more...]
College Student: Don’t Waste Your Summer
Summer is quickly approaching. College students all over the U.S. are dreaming about what they’ll do, where they’ll do it, and how much it will cost them—or how much they can make. I can remember thinking many of the same things as an undergrad. How can I make some money? Where can I go that I’ve never been? Is there a road trip calling my name? What adventure can I set out on? All these questions are completely understandable. What I wish someone would have said to me during those years is, don’t waste your summer! There’s no … [Read more...]
Where Are You Planted?
Jeremiah 17:5 says, “Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength.” Then Jeremiah 17:7 says, “Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD” (ESV). He then gives pictures to describe each person. The one who trusts in man is “like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see any good come. He shall dwell in the parched places of the wilderness, in an uninhabited land” (v. 6). Then the one who trusts in the Lord is like, “a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not … [Read more...]
The Allure of the Deep End
As a young man growing up in Southern Appalachia, I never had the opportunity for much swimming. I learned some basics during a beach trip one year, but even with that modest lesson, I wasn’t a very good swimmer. I didn’t practice the sport or improve on the mere basics that had been taught to me. However, I distinctly remember being invited to a pool party in high school. Everyone else dove right in, swam, played, and goofed around directly in the deep end. I really didn't want to stay in the shallow end treading water, so I’m sure … [Read more...]
Hope in the Waiting
If I was to make a list of my least favorite things to do, it would include things like emptying the dishwasher, saying goodbye, and sweating (while in full hair and makeup. I don’t mind workout sweating). At the top of my least favorite things to do list, though, would be this: waiting. I’ve never been known for patience, which I guess is something the Lord gets a chuckle out of, because I have waited a lot in my life. I don’t think I’m special, though. No one loves to wait. Yet somehow, it seems like there is rarely a time of life … [Read more...]
Into the Wilderness
Each Spring we host our annual summer missions Dinner Theatre fundraiser. Dinner Theatre was the idea of students decades ago who wanted to leverage their talents and love for the arts to help raise money for students to serve on summer missions. So, in time-honored tradition, Dinner Theatre will open this weekend for the 38th year in a row with a production of “Into the Woods.” This tale follows some of our beloved fairytale characters and how their lives intersect in their pursuit to change the outcome of their lives. Typically, … [Read more...]
3 Factors That Should Inform Every College Decision
I can remember all the excitement I was feeling nearly twenty years ago as I neared high school graduation. I remember the hope of soon being independent, going to a new place, and starting a new season. I also remember all the angst of what was still unknown. What would it be like? Was I ready for this much responsibility? But, as I look back, there’s one conversation I desperately wish someone would’ve had with me. For those of us who work with college students in the local church, now is the time that we’re beginning to plan and … [Read more...]
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