Youth Ministry’s Golden Opportunity. . .
Over the course of the last couple of weeks I’ve continued to engage in what John Stott called “dual listening.” It’s that task of the parent, youth worker, preacher, teacher, and anyone else who cares about ministering to and leading…
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In This World You Will Have Trouble. . . And We Do. . .
My head is spinning. This morning, my father went to be with Jesus. I am a bit numb. Two days ago, a life-long college friend died from the Covid-19 virus. Yesterday, an early-in-my-ministry mentor passed away. Add to that the…
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A Prayer For Healthcare Workers on the Frontlines. . .
Thinking tonight about our hospital and healthcare workers. I know many and have watched some up close over the past couple of weeks. They are having to navigate so many challenges. God bless them. Here is a prayer I wrote…
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Crisis And Providence. . . A Time For Growth. . .
“What is the Lord doing?” That might be the most-asked question followers of Jesus have been voicing over the last couple of weeks. It’s a good question to ask for several reasons. For one, it recognizes that God is, in…
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I Think This Will Sooth Your Soul Today. . .
I woke up this morning to a text message from my buddy Rich Van Pelt. It was a link to a YouTube video (embedded below). I went there to watch and listen. . . and was greatly blessed. Rich had…
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Youth Workers: Embrace The Pandemic For Viral Ministry To Parents. . .
In times like these, we are given the gift of coming to terms with what really matters. I know that’s happening for me. My habitual daily diversions and idols are getting exposed. . . and that’s a good thing. And…
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Wise Words To Share With Kids On Fear. . . From Paul Tripp. . .
Our friend Paul Tripp has ministered to me and so many other youth workers and parents over the years. . . always pointing us to Gospel-truth. . . especially in those moments when we are prone to go elsewhere. My…
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Thoughts About The Coming Days and Weeks. . .
With many of our regular diversions shut down, the temptation will be to spend the next few weeks running to our other diversions. . . specifically, the triple screens (smartphones, tv, computers) and social media. . . thereby only increasing…
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A Little Letter To Parents On Youth Sports. . .
The sun is going down later. Spring is springing. Athletic fields are filled with kids gearing up for participation in a variety of spring sports. Sadly, when the games begin, some of the most discouraging activity will be taking place…
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Kids, Smartphones, and Pornography. . .
“At what age should I allow my son to have his own smartphone?” Without a doubt, that’s the question I get asked by parents of pre-teen boys and girls more than any other. The question is asked because wise parents…
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The TikTok Skull-Breaker Challenge. . . What Parents Need To Know. . .
The advent of social media and video-sharing platforms have given kids a new playground on which to engage in risky and impulsive behaviors. Because of where they’re at in the developmental process, kids are prone to act in the now…
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Teen Hearing Loss. . . A Helpful Infographic. . .
A few weeks ago I raised a growing concern about our children and teens regarding the dangers of hearing loss. I actually contemplated whether youth ministry is at times complicit in undermining the health of our kids when we pump…
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