Another school year has come and gone. If you’re a student, you’ve either finished exams week or about to begin it. You’re anticipating the break the summer promises to bring: vacations, recreation, sleep. Or, at least a slower pace. But, what about the slowing of spiritual momentum? For some, this school year proved to be a time of deep discipleship and growth. Others may find themselves in a maddening rut of spiritual defeat. The summer presents both with an opportunity. It’s an opportunity to continue spiritual momentum, while … [Read more...]
Embrace the Urgency
There are some things that call for an urgent response. When the water pipe bursts in your kitchen and water is spewing all over the place, the best response is an urgent dash to shut the water off. If you happen upon a vehicle accident with injuries, the best response is an urgent phone call to 911. When I read the book of Acts and observe the early church’s response to Jesus’ promise that He is coming back, there's an urgency among the followers of Christ. They're intent on making sure others know the message and hope of the … [Read more...]
3 Scandalous Sides to Young Adult Ministry
This past weekend I read a scandalous story. It’s a story of cheating, being taken advantage of, and losing everything. It's also one of the most wonderful stories ever told. My daily Bible reading took me to the Old Testament prophet Hosea. His story includes marrying a girl named Gomer who was promiscuous in almost every way imaginable. But Hosea loved Gomer, even when Gomer didn’t return that love. Hosea bought her back even though she was technically already his. He gave it all. She was unfaithful. He was faithful. Even in … [Read more...]
It’s Important to Have That Someone
Last week I was sitting at a local coffee shop answering emails and catching up on work responsibilities. It was mid-morning and there were several conversations going on around me. I never intentionally listen other conversations, but sometimes the talking is so loud it leaves no doubt about the topic of conversation. A real estate deal was being brokered a few tables over from me. Another guy was trying to sell a new client on why his company should be chosen to do his marketing. There were also two students discussing a project … [Read more...]
Leading Together: Connecting Campus-Based and Church-Based Collegiate Ministers
At times leading a young adult ministry can be lonely and at times too many leaders make moving forward impossible. What if we could find the right balance for our individual contexts that allow ministry to flourish and more disciples to be made? Common goals are needed as well as a vision for accomplishing something great before people will follow a leader and especially before leaders can work together. Over my years in college ministry I have had students step down from volunteer leadership positions, be asked to step away from … [Read more...]
Is 2017 Your Church’s Year to Reach the College Campus?
It’s that time again! We are at the beginning of a new year and waiting out before us is a whole stretch of unknown opportunities and challenges. I don’t know about you, but I’m still at the point where I’m just trying to remember to use a seven instead of a six when writing the date on things so the thought of embarking on some God-sized challenge can be more than a little daunting. But, if you’ve ever had the thought that this might be the year God is calling you to launch out into something new, the benefits and joy of following … [Read more...]
4 Ways to Make “New” a Part of Your Young Adult Ministry
New: (adjective) not existing before; made, introduced, or discovered recently or now for the first time. It’s a new year! We are a couple of days into 2017 and already we’re trying some new things out. Some of us have ideas of new things we want to accomplish for this year. Others have picked up a new hobby for some added enjoyment to life. There are new intentions to eat better, exercise more, and keep in contact with those that we may not see too often. As ministry leaders, we have the opportunity to think about new ways to … [Read more...]
3 Reasons Why Your Ministry Might Not Be Going Anywhere
I don't know about you, but I want to be part of leading a ministry that's on the move. I want to be part of leading a ministry that's being used by God to change the world around me. So, what do you do when it seems like your ministry isn't going anywhere? What do you do when your ministry hits a plateau? For many of us, we probably pull out our notes from the last conference we went to or maybe we pick up a book on church growth. Before you do that though, I want to suggest you first ask yourself 3 questions that might help you … [Read more...]
Friday Links
Here are some articles/blogs from this past week that you may have missed, but may be helpful to you as you work with young adults in your church and community. "10 Discipleship Questions to Consider Now for 2017" by Chuck Lawless The intentionality behind our personal walk with Christ is imperative. Dr. Lawless poses some very practical and important questions for us to consider as we pursue Christ in the coming year. "CoHousing: The New American Family" by Liuan Huska Huska examines the trend of “cohousing” that is … [Read more...]
4 Reasons Why You Need to Check Out Disciples Path: The Journey
I’m always on the lookout for resources that can help young adults understand what it means to be a disciple of Jesus and how that affects every aspect of their life. When young adults begin to embrace that following Christ is not just a part of their life, but it is their life, you’ll see a young adult that has been completely transformed for the gospel. Recently, LifeWay released a new resource called Disciples Path: The Journey. I’m convinced that young adult ministries would benefit significantly by leading their small groups … [Read more...]
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