From the time we were kids—and were convinced that there was something under our bed when the lights were turned out—we’ve dealt with fear as a part of life. The older we get, the things that we fear simply change. In a sense, our fears seem to grow up just as we do. We find ourselves wondering: Will I find a job after I graduate college? Will I spend the rest of my life single? Does anyone really know who I am? As I have conversations with young adults, I continue to hear those questions of worry and fear. I’ve noticed that these … [Read more...]
Don’t Forget to Ask! 7 Ways to Pray for Young Adults
“Now this is the confidence we have before Him: Whenever we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears whatever we ask, we know that we have what we have asked Him for.” I John 5:14-15 There is a key word in this scripture from I John that I simply can’t stop thinking about. That word “confidence” just keeps jumping out at me and stirring in my heart. As young adult ministry leaders, we should (and often do) find the latest and best resources available for small groups and Bible study. We strive … [Read more...]
The “To Do List” of a Young Adult Small Group Leader
If you’ve led some type of young adult small group for any period of time, you know there are “things to do” each week. Eventually, these things become second nature as you learn and grow as a group leader. And, the longer you lead, the more you recognize the importance of these habits. So, what does a new small group leader need to know? Here are eight things to consider: Have a plan for the next group gathering. Always be thinking ahead about where the group is going as you pursue together what it means to be fully devoted … [Read more...]
3 Ways To Help Young Adults Manage Time Wisely
Time. No matter where you live, the language you speak, or your occupation, we all have a set number of hours every day to use at our discretion. And that’s where the problem arises: The discretion for how we utilize our time is in our hands. I continually hear friends, acquaintances, and complete strangers indicate that they “never have enough time.” To be honest, I've said those exact words myself recently. With all of life's responsibilities, people are stressed out, exhausted, and constantly on the go, trying to make use of … [Read more...]
3 Ways to Celebrate Heroes in Ministry
Everyone loves a hero. There’s just something that stirs within us when a hero shows up to save the day. As I recently sat with strangers in a sold out theatre, I observed (and participated in) the spontaneous applause when the hero did something that proved he was fighting for something bigger than himself – when he was fighting for something that mattered. For those of us who lead collegiate and young adult ministries, there are heroes in our midst every single time we gather. We could never do what we do without the … [Read more...]
On The Edge
We’ve all seen the kids standing on the side of the playground watching all of the other kids race from play set to play set. They watch what is going on with great interest. They try to convince themselves to go out and join in on the fun, but they simply don’t have the courage to take the first step. If someone would come over and walk them to the playground—that would make a significant difference. As young adult ministry leaders, most of us can say we've all had those young adults that have been on the edge of our ministry, but … [Read more...]
Front Row Seats
I love baseball. I love visiting new baseball stadiums. And there is nothing like having a good seat to watch a game! On a recent family vacation to San Diego, we took in a Padres vs. Dodgers game in a baseball park I've never visited before. We landed great seats—front row seats in the upper section on the first base line. The view was incredible! We could hear the sounds from the field. There were very few distractions to take our focus off of the game being played. It was so much fun to watch. As young adult ministry leaders, … [Read more...]
No Better Time Than Now!
I’m convinced that when a young adult asks me to pray for something for them, they REALLY DO want me to follow through with ACTUALLY praying with and for them. At that moment! And what a powerful opportunity it is for us to show that we really do trust the Lord when we stop and pray when they've been honest with us as they face the questions of life. Recently, I was having a conversation with a young adult and he was sharing with me some of the struggles of finances, jobs, and questions in his life. He asked me to pray for him in … [Read more...]
Who You Gonna Ask?
It’s summertime! It's time for vacations, weekend trips, and family reunions. But wait…you lead a young adult small group or Sunday School class. What are you supposed to do with that responsibility while you're gone for a weekend or two this summer? Let me make a suggestion. There are some young adults within your group that are completely capable of stepping up to the plate for you and can lead while you are away. They are simply waiting for you to ask. They may not know that they are waiting – but they are! One of the best … [Read more...]
3 Reminders for Parents of College Freshmen
I've now entered a new season of my life – and it came much quicker than I ever thought it would. This week, our daughter (the oldest of our two kids) graduates from high school. There are lots of celebrations for our family over the course of the next few days. Extended family is coming in. We’re having a party. Lots of pictures are going to be taken. It’s a fun celebration. However, my wife and I have now entered into a season of having a young adult in our family. Our daughter is off to college in a … [Read more...]
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