Thoughts on ministry, leadership, and real life
As these last few lessons have taken me weeks to write instead of days, it is living proof that time is your friend but also your enemy. I haven't written because the time has been invested in our students and leaders as we prepared for and experienced Challenge Conference 2022 in Kansas City, MO. What... Continue Reading →
“It is in community that your competence is appreciated, but not elevated, and your character is revealed and refined”
"Parents are absolutely essential to discipleship and youth ministry. They are a doorway to effective ministry and discipleship...if that door is open. If it isn't open, it's a different story. Parents set the tone for feelings toward church and experience of church for their kid."
“I believe if we are willing to slow down and hear both sides to the story, specifically in conflict or tension, there will be less bitterness, more forgiveness, and healthier relationships as a result.”
Vulnerability builds bridges. Well, appropriate vulnerability does at least. There is something about the weaknesses and honesty of other people that breaks down walls. Seeing someone else struggle helps you see them more as a human, helps you see their emotion, helps build your empathy and compassion toward them. I've learned over the years that... Continue Reading →
Sometimes youth ministries get a bad reputation because “it’s all fun and games” and not enough Jesus. And I get that. Honestly, the critique is well-deserved in some contexts. There was a time when, to many, they were willing to do some crazy things to get kids in the doors. But then not much, or... Continue Reading →
There is a lot that has been said about humility. C.S. Lewis I believe said it this way: "Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it is thinking of yourself less." He means that it is not self-degrading, but choosing to serve others. Humility is intentionally choosing to lower yourself into a posture that helps... Continue Reading →
"I believe longevity is essential to long-term impact. It is over time that relationships form. It is over time that trust is cultivated. It is over time that you get to know, deeply know, parents and leaders and students and schools and the community."
There is a vast difference between sheltering and stewardship. At times, sheltering can find its deep root in fear. Stewardship finds its deep root in discipleship. How does this apply in technology and social media? That's what this post is all about!
"It's not an easy road...navigating this digital media world. But you didn't sign up for easy as a parent. You signed up for disciple-making. That is good, hard, godly, redemptive work."
Youth Pastor Ben 