Have you ever wondered how your dentist really learned how to fill a cavity? Or how about the guy that roofed your house last summer? How did he learn how to perfectly align the shingles so that your roof would not leak? Likely, these practitioners learned by watching someone. Sure, they took some classes, watched a video, and maybe took some tests, but the real learning came from watching a real-life practitioner do the job. They watched them do it perfectly. And they watched them mess up and start over again. It was on-the-job … [Read more...]
How To Help Young Adults Make Good Decisions
Decisions. During the course of a single day, we make decisions from the time we open our eyes in the morning until the time we go to sleep. We make all kinds of decisions--as insignificant as what color socks to wear to healthy lifestyle decisions like choosing between a chocolate cupcake or a banana to more significant decisions that affect the course of life such choosing to take the job or stay where you are. Some significant decisions are made during our young adult years that will substantially shape the direction and course … [Read more...]
3 Lessons Learned From Eavesdropping
I have a confession to make: I was eavesdropping on one of my recent flights. But let me explain… I situated myself in my aisle seat for a short hour and a half flight. I was prepared. I had some work tucked away in my backpack. I had some conversation with the businessman seated next to me. I also had a package of my favorite airline cookies to snack on. That’s when I heard three people break out into a loud laughter who were having a fun conversation. In the row behind me and across the aisle was a twenty-something with … [Read more...]
Why You Should Grow Where You’re Planted
I’ll admit it. I hate cleaning gutters. Standing on ladders? Walking around on a roof? Scooping up handfuls of goop? No thanks! But there always comes a time when I know it’s time to pull out the ladder, walk around the roof, and shovel out the goop. It’s when I can see upstart plants growing out of the gutters. See, the trees around our house don’t just drop leaves in the gutters. They also deposit their seeds, and the gutter goop is a perfect environment for those seeds to sprout. So between cleanings, I sometimes see wanna-be … [Read more...]
When “I Don’t Know” Is A Good Start
When I was younger I had a fear of being asked a question and not knowing the answer. It was a genuine fear that covered a wide range of life aspects--from not knowing the correct pronunciation of a word to not being able to answer deep theological questions. I felt like I always needed a prepared answer for every question. Honestly, it was pretty ridiculous and prideful. And if we're completely honest, I'd venture to say that most of us fear not having an answer for questions we might be asked. This fear keeps many people from … [Read more...]
Why Faith Is A Must During College
Ever heard the following statement? “Experimenting is normal. It’s just what college kids do.” I don’t know about you, but I fell for that ploy hook-line-and-sinker. I dared not question that the “rules” of my faith did not have to follow me into college. And why would I? I was given that subtle but very understood "go ahead" to party, experiment, and party some more. It was bliss (or so I thought). I mean, who would question that rite of passage? I attended a football game recently at a very well renowned … [Read more...]
4 Ways To Connect With Transient Young Adults
Transient is not a bad word. On any given Sunday in a young adult/collegiate ministry setting in our churches, we are likely to have a completely different crowd each week. Young adults work. They go on spontaneous trips. Family lives in different cities. Young adults are transient. They don’t stay in one place for very long – not because they don’t want to – it’s simply the pace of their lives in our modern-day culture. If we aren't aware of the transient pace of young adults and college students, it could greatly frustrate … [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. But it’s one of the most wonderful stories ever told. My daily Bible reading took me to the Old Testament prophet Hosea and his story of 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 today’s … [Read more...]
Why Churches Need To Get In The Game
Every college town in North America is gearing up for the most exciting time of the year. It’s time for the fall semester--it’s game time! Students are on their way back to their campuses by the thousands. According to the National Center of Education Statistics, there were 21.8 million college students who attended colleges and universities in the Fall of 2013. From all indications, that number will continue to grow as the Millennials and Generation Z find their way to campus. Colleges and universities are reporting record numbers … [Read more...]
3 Essentials for Connecting With Young Adults
He was your server at your favorite restaurant after church on Sunday. She was sitting next to you on your bus commute this morning. They get together as a group at your local coffee shop. They fill your local college campus from August until May every year. Who are they? They are young adults (a.k.a…Millennials or 20-somethings or college kids or young professionals or the list goes on). In our communities from the rural towns of Alabama to the major metropolitan cities of Seattle and Nashville, young adults are all … [Read more...]
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