Brand New From CPYU! . . . .
Technology is amazing. The older I get, the more amazing it is. Technology can also be really, really good. I find it to be good when it improves our lives and gives us deeper tastes of what it means to…
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True or False? I Don’t Know. . . And That’s What’s Scary! . . .
During a conversation with a youth ministry friend the other day, we were lamenting the growing level of shallowness in our youth ministry and church world. The conversation – not surprisingly – included some dialogue about Thomas Bergler’s upcoming new…
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“I’ve Got A Kid. . . . “
There were three harrowing phone calls the other day that began with someone in ministry saying, “I’ve got a kid. . . ” In each case, what followed were descriptions of horrifying brokenness and hurt. Call #1- “I’ve got a…
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Jimmy Fallon And A Spot-On Cultural Critique. . .
Over the course of the last couple of years I’ve become increasingly convinced that the worst enemy we face here in the U.S. is an enemy that lies within. In fact, that enemy is ourselves and the allegiances we have…
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The Chardon School Shooting. . . And “We’ve Got Nothing God”. . . .
These are the times when we want to have and to give answers. A 17-year-old boy goes on a shooting rampage in his Ohio high school. We ask “why???” His act leaves three dead and others wounded. Again, we ask…
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Thomas Bergler Is A Royal Pain In The Butt. . .
During my first three years in youth ministry. . . fresh out of college. . . I would attend church board meetings in order to report on our ministry and get approval for my plans. One of the old guys…
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Jesus Stole My Daddy. . . .
My dad would often tell a story that not only involved me, but served me as a constant reminder of what’s really important in life. The story goes like this: I was four or five years old and the son…
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“If Your Spouse Isn’t Doing It For You, Just Leave! . . .”
We believe that, don’t we? We’ve bought into it, we embrace it, and we live it out. Commitments and vows mean very little any more. If I’m not feeling it, it must not be. And if it isn’t, then I’m…
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Be Careful Little Heart. . . Valentine’s Day and Social Media. . .
This is a day to be happy and in love, isn’t it? At least that’s what we’re told by the good folks at Hallmark Cards and Whitman Chocolates. . . and the local florist. I was wondering though, how many…
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The Music Story of the Weekend. . . And Not Who You Think. . .
Sure, everything else in the world of the news media came to a screeching halt due to a high profile entertainment death on Saturday. This will consume the airwaves for quite some time, I’m sure. The news coverage reminds us…
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JFK, Position, Power, Persuasion. . . and Our Youth Ministry Responsibilities. . .
I’ve hesitated writing today’s blog entry for two reasons. First, I’m still trying to process what I saw and heard last night in the Rock Center interview with Mimi Alford. Second, the whole story seems to verge on being “soap-opera-ish”.…
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“I’m Eating A #Donut. . . And Other Ridiculous Stuff You Don’t Need To Know. . . “
I spotted this thought-provoking photo on Facebook this morning. It made me laugh. It’s a tutorial on the differences between a variety of social media platforms. It’s clever. It’s somewhat accurate. It’s also quite telling. Some questions. . . 1.…
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