Moved Blogs WP to Blogger

If you are reaching this blog, I have moved to Blogger http://morethanthisworld.com

WordPress did not offer enough freedom to do what I wanted to do.

See you at MoreThanThisWorld

Now that YOUR kid is in your youth ministry…

I have seen over the past few days, youth leaders posting that their own kids are now entering their youth ministry. Admittedly it can be a scary thing. It brings out a whole new outlook on practice what you teach. Your kid will now be right there to remind you of what you spoke about last week when you are not living it out.

Some things to keep in mind regarding your childs health, well-being, and transition into your youth ministry.

• Always double-check with your child BEFORE you share a personal story that involves them. It may help to drive the point home, but if you don’t ask permission, YOUR drive home might be a long one.
• Child before student. Remember they should feel more important than any other kid in the group. The last thing you want to hear them say when you are old is, “My Dad/Mom was so loving and spent so much time with other peoples kids…I wish he had loved me like that.”
• Let them have some of the behind the scenes benefits of being your kid. Enough said.
• Download with them after youth nights. Your son/daughter can be one of your most honest and helpful critics, giving you insights on what works, and what doesn’t. Get their input.
• Let them have their own experience with their friends. Don’t play the parent role. I know that can be difficult, but they need to be free to succeed and fail on their own.
• If you have small groups in your church, have another leader lead your child’s group. Give them the opportunity to have other Godly adult influences in their lives. A small group should be a safe harbor for them to talk…even if it’s about you!!!

Having your own children in your youth group can be a HUGE blessing, or a nightmare…it’s up to you as the parent and the leader.

Related post from Jim Burns and Cathy Fields

Tags: my kid, my youth group, pastors kids, youth ministry

FREE Online Training 5/19/10

You are invited to join us for a great day of learning and sharing on May 19, 2010 as Leadership Network presents “SAGE”.

In the tradition of THE NINES and AHA!, SAGE will be a totally on-line event… that means no travel arrangements, no days away from the office, and no hassle. And, you can attend for FREE! YOU MUST REGISTER TO ATTEND!

Leadership Network has gathered a group of some of the most experienced, well-seasoned church leaders and asked them all the same question, “If you had it to do all over again, what would you have done differently?” Their answers will help all of us learn some valuable lessons about what to do and what not to do in our own ministry.

Event: SAGE! New Voices. Fresh Ideas.

Date: Wednesday, May 19, 2010 from 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM (ET) Thats 9am West Coasters!

Location: http://sage.leadnet.org

Program Book Purchase/Download:  http://www.payloadz.com/go/sip?id=1247051

Speakers: http://sage.leadnet.org/speakers.htm

Hope to see you online!

What is your FAVORITE movie of ALL Time?

What is your all time favorite movie? A movie you could probably recite, and every time you flip the channel, and see it’s on, you HAVE to stop and watch…even if for just a little bit.

Comment below! Let’s see who else has your movie taste.

Chew On This…

Here is one of the questions that the students wrestled with tonight. The room was split, and all gave some good reasons as to their choices. So I wanted to see what you thought. Which is worse?

Do You Get Nervous?

I still get nervous before I speak! It’s been four years, and I can’t eat hours before, and I always feel like I have to use the bathroom before I speak. (I don’t usually, but I feel like I do) Here is what gets me through the nervousness and into the zone.  Moments before I speak, I take a moment and pray. I ask God to use me, that the words be His, not mine. It always seems to help.

Do you get nervous, and what do you do about it?