Jesus

I always looking for real world examples to back scripture.

Revelation 21 – “Behold, I make all things new”

Now I know in the history of Christendom this will be seen as a pretty communion wafer thin example, but nonetheless I like it.

Do you remember back in the 80′s? The band INXS? Well remember the song, “Never Tear Us Apart”? You know the one with the over the top orchestra and that “cheesy is good” vibe that permeated that decade…

Here’s your reminder.

The band Record Club (put together by Beck) has redone the song. I love how you can find beauty in making things new. The Lord continues to make things new in us. And I like anything that remotely reminds me of the newness that He’s working in me (2 Cor 5:17).  So what is God creating new in you?

Ever feel unappreciated, abused, worn out or alone in youth ministry? The National Youth Workers Convention is like a stadium sized group therapy. It’s a great resource to any of you in youth ministry (paid or volunteer).

check out: http://www.nywc.com/

What’s your life… in a six word story?

Smith Magazine has “Six-Word Memoir” series and is asking:

“Everyone has a story. Can you tell yours in six words?”

Here’s mine:

I’m asking, seeking. knocking these days.

What’s your six-word story?

I’m going to say this upfront. I haven’t seen the new Christian movie “To Save a Life.” And I’m probably not going to. I’m biased, and jaded towards Christian media. But for those of you who have seen it, I’d love to have your reviews here.

My only request: be honest. Don’t handicap your review because it’s a Christian film. Be honest.

Here’s a video response to Billy Graham Association’s “I Believe.com” campaign. It’s all over the net and Facebook (and being pushed by Christianity.com). They’re calling for us to “take a stand!”

Really? Do we need to take yet another stand?

Up for another round up of great Christian signs?

Here are 5 keys to making a great Christian sign:

1) Try to be clever, but make sure to reference death or sin

[HT: Brian Buchanan]

2) It doesn’t matter if you make any sense as long as you mention Jesus

3) Try to be culturally relevant, but you error, make sure you end up being pervy and creepy

[HT: SaintSimeon]

4) Try to make sure you miss the point entirely

[HT: Lifesigns]

5) If all else fails, ruin your attempted wit by misspelling key words

[HT: CrummyChurchSigns]

[HT: YS]

I think that Craig is on to something here.

Think of this. How much of your youth ministry is “fun and games” and how much of it is discipling teenagers in their faith? Are we just entertaining in the hopes of slipping the Gospel in? Is this the “bait and switch” Gospel? Or simply put… is your youth ministry contributing to the stupidity of teenagers?

I noticed this a few years back. We’d promo a trip by saying it was a snowboarding weekend, but fail to mention that our real [subversive] purpose was to share Christ. Once I realized how we were packaging our faith (90% fun and 10% Jesus) I repented and changed my ways. Do we still have fun? Absolutely. But am I clear about the focus of what we do? You bettcha.

Ministry for us has changed to something more about pursuing life change and less about events and entertainment. Is it an easy switch? No. Are we still refining the process with? Uh huh. Is it a necessary one? Yes it completely is.

What are your thoughts?