morethandodgeball.com

Frog or Duck? Crowd Game

Got a few questions about a recent game we did called Frog or Duck? It was a simple and fun game we did as part of the opening of our youth services a few weeks back (read the full Weekend in Review here). Parker just posted the graphics/sound/video if you want to try to game out in your ministry, too!

JG

simplyinsider.com

What It Is All About?

I, Jon Batch, am apart of the SYMC team and have been helping with the conference for several reasons allow me to explain.

DISCOUNTED REGISTRATIONS are still AVAILABLE

1. I really get pumped pup and renewed when I am with people (friends really) who are alongside me in the youth ministry trenches and they get me.
2. I really enjoy extra learning and time developing my youth ministry mind and faith in God
3. I spend a lot of time in my student ministry creating and fostering a safe place mentality, a place where any student can come to and feel safe to be at, and I want that for each youth worker who comes to the simply youth ministry conference. Each person who walks the halls or browses the book store or sits in the main session and needs a renewal.

DISCOUNTED REGISTRATIONS are still AVAILABLE

My prayer is that this conference helps you feel inspired, challenged, loved, equipped, supported and a part of the family. Then you can return to the trenches and help students and their families to Christ.

Jon Batch Director of Student Ministries Dearborn Hills UMC jbatch@dhumc.com twitter: @jonbatch

morethangossip.com

Girls that don?t give up!

I love this video!! The story behind it is that the New York Giants coach watched it and later showed it to his team to teach them determination and commitment!

That spirit of commitment is in every girl…our job is to help them discover what in life is worth fighting for and to never give up!!

juniorhighministry.com

I missed ?The Most Watched TV Show? in US History

I’m writing this late on Sunday night… or maybe it’s early Sunday morning. The Super Bowl is over now, and I have no idea who won. I wasn’t at a party, and didn’t see any of the new commercials that everyone will be talking about. Nope, I wasn’t on a spiritual fast-from-media … I was on an airplane crossing the ocean.

I actually love Super Bowl Parties. Not only for the party itself – but also because I can be “in the know” about what got served up on TV. It’s a good conversation starter with students, too.

But here’s another advantage of workong with middle schoolers! They won’t care that I missed the game – even the ones who were glued to the screen the whole time. In fact, some of them may be glad I didn’t see it! Because it gives THEM an opportunity to “fill me in” on what I missed.

I find that junior highers love to give me their perspective on anything I don’t know about. Especially since I’m always teaching them things – they love the chance to “teach me back”. So don’t worry if you haven’t read the Hunger Games, or heard Selena’s most recent song…Or seen the funniest Super Bowl commercials. Just ask a student to give you their expert opinion. It’ll make them feel valued, it’ll remind them that you care — and it’ll save you time by knowing which commercials to look up on YouTube and which ones to skip.

youthmissionsinsider.com

Short-Term Missions A Waste?

Our good friend (and founder) Thom Schultz has an interesting take on one of the ongoing debates in youth missions – Are they really worth it?

Short-Term Missions A Waste?

What do you think? Did Thom get it right?

smallchurchyouthministry.com

#4 Top Twelve Ideas for a GREAT YM Year

#4 – Let Ephesians 4:29 be the measuring stick for our posts, tweets, emails, etc.

I’m up early. The reason? I was really disturbed by the number of negative comments made by people in ministry about yesterday’s half-time show. I am hurt and discouraged.

Don’t get me wrong; I’ve never been a purchaser of Madonna’s CDs. But the comments about her age, relevancy, past-her-prime…were hurtful. To whom, you may wonder?

To the Youth Watching With Us: If the same negative comments on Facebook and Twitter were made out loud to the students gathered around us watching the half-time show, then our students will think its OK to be mean because “well, she’s not one of us.”

To Madonna: She and so many others are watching us for the love we show. They know our motto is “Love Jesus – Love each other.” I don’t think yesterday was collectively our best example of that.

To Me: I am the same age as Madonna. The many comments about her age from ministry people made me wonder: Are you also saying I’m too old, too? Am I irrelevant? Have I crossed an unseen finished youth ministry line where my gifts are no longer valid, needed, necessary? Let me know because I’ll learn to knit or start playing Bingo if that’s the case.

Don’t worry; I know I’m among the chief of sinners in having a quick tongue. I’m examining myself, too. One thing I do know: no one is built up when we criticize and post with negativity.

Is this [...]

simplyurbanministry.com

You need VISION

q Jeremiah 1:4 ?The Word of God came to me saying, before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born, I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.?

q God had a vision a plan for you. Do you have one for the assignment He has given you?

q Vision: The picture of God?s potential, purpose, and possibilities for your life.

q Show me a person without vision, and I will show you a person who is at a standstill in life.

q Proverbs 29:18 ?Where there is no vision the people perish.?

q Life Point: The key element to getting out of my present state is the vision that I have for myself.

q Jeremiah 29:11 ?For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope,

q True vision goes beyond what I can accomplish on my own.

q True vision adds value to others.

q True vision attracts vision.

q True vision must have God in it.

q Acts 2:17 ?And it shall come to pass in the last days says God, I will pour out of my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and daughters shall prophesy and your young men shall see visions and your old men shall dream dreams.?

1. Not knowing who you are. If you don?t know who you [...]

holysoup.com

Dumb Questions Heard in Church