gdp's Comments

Youth Min Blog : A Reader's Question

Sun, 11 Oct 2009 02:10:54 +0000

A couple of things come to mind but first of all, I have to say that I'm always humbled by people who juggle family, jobs and ministry. You guys are amazing!! Here are a couple of things I would suggest... Do you have other volunteers working with you? If you have a team or can recruit one, it'll be easier to stay on top of ministry stuff. Divide up the responsibilities so that you're not trying to do everything yourself. Also, are there any other healthy youth ministries in your community? Could you partner with another youth pastor on some things? The great thing about doing that is that your students get to hang out with another group and you're able to do more activities/events without doing all the work. The most important thing (and, by far, the most difficult thing) is to create boundaries so that you don't burn out. It's easy to let youth ministry become a 24/7 thing but you can't keep that up forever. You won't be effective in ministry if you're totally exhausted, frustrated and overwhelmed. That's a lesson I learned the hard way. I'll be praying for you. Keep us posted!!

Youth Min Blog : My Top 5 For Junior High!

Sat, 5 Sep 2009 02:04:00 +0000

Amen to that!

Youth Min Blog : No More Boring Slideshows!

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 02:58:09 +0000

when you embed them I think you're stuck with the animoto logo. But when you download them to your computer it's not there so if you want to upload it to your site that way or throw it on a DVD you're good to go :)

Youth Min Blog : Twitter as a Youth Ministry Tool

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 12:08:09 +0000

Aw man. You stole mine! :) ... I agree that twitter is a great resource for YM. Being in an area with very few youth workers can be kind of isolating at times. Twitter gives me a chance to bounce ideas off other youthworkers, share struggles and find encouragement. I'll add prayer to the list too. It's awesome to be able to share a need for prayer and have so many people praying so quickly. Good stuff! To anyone who reads this post and joins twitter, post your twitter names so we can all follow you!!

Youth Min Blog : Principles of Good Training

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 13:55:44 +0000

wow. I LOVE the artwork illustration. Canvas, frame, etc. What a great visual to help us figure out what training should look like. Thanks Chris!

Youth Min Blog : Volunteer Training Topics

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 19:10:05 +0000

How about 'knowing when to refer' ... dealing with students who are struggling and may need more help than you can give. Mandatory reporting is sometimes a part of that too.

Youth Min Blog : Volunteer Training Topics

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 16:26:21 +0000

I just started using this book to train small group leaders >> http://www.youthspecialties.com/shop/product_info... So far all the leaders are loving it!! :)

Youth Min Blog : Volunteer Training Topics

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 16:22:56 +0000

Great thought Brandon!! Just like the lead youthworker shouldn't be the only one connecting with students, they shouldn't be the only one connecting with parents either :)

Youth Min Blog : Volunteer Training Topics

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 16:21:20 +0000

Amen to that!!!

Youth Min Blog : Make Time

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 01:39:51 +0000

I see that here too and it bums me out! I wish I could get people to understand what they're missing!

Youth Min Blog : Make Time

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 01:39:21 +0000

So true Doug! The other important thing I'm learning is that I can't let other people dictate my priorities. Some people in the church may not think it's necessary for me to take time away from the office to hang with other youthworkers - but I can't let that stop me from making it a priority.

Youth Min Blog : What Was I Really Teaching?

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 23:53:25 +0000

This message, is matchless)))

Youth Min Blog : Our Church, Not Big Church

Tue, 9 Jun 2009 16:53:14 +0000

I'm actually thinking about stealing it too Deek! :)

Youth Min Blog : Dear Youth Pastor

Mon, 25 May 2009 14:38:09 +0000

Wow Jonathan, thank you so much for this post!! In my position I oversee both the children and youth programs so I have had the privilege of seeing how intertwined the two really are. It's been awesome to know of needs that specific high school students can fill (running a camera for interviews, helping lead songs with the PreK group, etc). I know I'm in a unique situation and I'm grateful for it (even though it stretches me a little thin sometimes). I hope your letter will inspire youth pastors to connect and work closely with the children's ministry leaders in their church. There are so many great opportunities to be discovered!! Thanks again :)

Youth Min Blog : Not To Be Served, But To Serve - Part 2

Wed, 20 May 2009 18:41:58 +0000

I haven't read that book! May need to add it to the summer reading list :)

Youth Min Blog : Not To Be Served, But To Serve - Part 2

Wed, 20 May 2009 11:54:41 +0000

Awesome stuff Kelly!!

Youth Min Blog : What Was I Really Teaching?

Mon, 18 May 2009 15:24:58 +0000

I should have included this in the post: What I use to get things rolling is a discussion based on "Finding Your Holy Discontent" and "Feeding Your Holy Discontent" ... both can be found here: http://www.myholydiscontent.org/index.cfm/pageID/... I don't use them exactly as is but it's a good place to start! :)

Youth Min Blog : What Was I Really Teaching?

Mon, 18 May 2009 15:19:12 +0000

Feel free!! :)

Youth Min Blog : 3 Tips To Make It Through Change Alive

Fri, 15 May 2009 13:57:09 +0000

Great stuff Chris!! I especially love the checkpoints along the way. That's so important!! It really helps fight off discouragement. The other thing I've found is that navigating change takes patience. If we change something and it doesn't instantly go the way I expected it to, I assume that it was a misstep. But that's not always true. Sometimes I just need to give it some time to be successful.

Youth Min Blog : Recognize The Ripple Effect

Fri, 15 May 2009 04:01:46 +0000

So true! Thanks Kevin :)