Every Monday I'm going to post one of Jonathan Edwards resolutions. He penned these while still a very young man and used them to guide his life. What am I using to guide me, my family, my ministry???
19. Resolved, Never to do any thing, which I should be afraid to do, if I expected it would not be above an hour before I should hear the last trump.
What are you afraid to do? Fear paralyzes. I find that often the fear of making the wrong decision has greater consequences then actually making the wrong decision. What if we knew when the end was?
This is a lot like #7 however I'd add this...
How would the way you share the glory of Jesus change if you knew the exact time he would return?
Do you think that the reason we don't know when Christ will return is because he cares more about relationships then religion?
Does the above question shape the way you do evangelism?
It has been some time since I've read a book geared specifically to youth ministry. I have to confess the last few I did read left me with a sugar coating but not much substance. They either tout 400 "New" ways to minister to students or end up just deconstructing youth ministry into something that isn't recognizable. It serves to remind me that if all we do is deconstruct we'll be left with nothing but a pile or rubble.
It was with this mind set that I picked up Huston Heflin's book "Youth Pastor." The cover has what looks to have an iPhone on it which immediately pushed it into the realm of hip-ness and some red flags went up in my mind.
Ever since I was young I was told not to judge a book by it's cover and this book is no different. Heflin does an excellent job of acknowledging the short comings of youth ministry while weaving a rich theology through out his book. He speaks from experience while each chapter is littered with not only scripture but also footnotes and in text citations. Huston goes to such lengths to cite his work that if one is not used to reading academic literature then it can be a little distracting. That point alone should raise some eyebrows because it is not at all the norm in this genera.
Huston sees the role of a youth minister divided up into five sections. Then in each section he provided two extremes of those roles. For example every youth pastor has to have some approach to education (this is unit 1. ) So the two sides of the pendulum are the "Evangelistic Missionary" and the "Disciplining Teacher." One is focused on going out boldly proclaiming the Gospel while the other is focused on building up to maturity. What Heflin aims to do is to say that we have preferences on one side or the other but in no way are we only that type. He makes the strong point that only Jesus was both the perfect evangelistic missionary and disciplining teacher. Only in Christ do we find all things to all men.
Each chapter has a host of follow up questions to apply the contents to your specific ministry. For me it's provided some challenge to see blind spots in my ministry. Here are some notes I took while spending time in this book. (I'm sorry that wasn't supposed to rhyme.)
Youth Pastor: The Theology and Practice of Youth Ministry (Houston Heflin)
- Highlight Loc. 124-27 | Added on Friday, April 30, 2010, 12:58 PM
However, it is hardly feasible for any one person to become all things to all people all the time. Contextualization is key. When youth workers consider their identity in a specific context, they may get a clearer picture of their mission and a renewed enthusiasm for their work. Then they will bask in the blessings of the gospel (1 Corinthians 9:23) and, by God's power, accomplish the audacious hope of youth ministry.
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Youth Pastor: The Theology and Practice of Youth Ministry (Houston Heflin)
- Highlight Loc. 153-55 | Added on Friday, April 30, 2010, 01:03 PM
The fundamental difference between these two approaches is the difference between teaching to make disciples (conversion) and teaching to mature disciples (nurture). The former helps those who are lost find salvation (justification), while
the latter helps those who have been justified become more like Christ (sanctification).
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Youth Pastor: The Theology and Practice of Youth Ministry (Houston Heflin)
- Highlight Loc. 171-72 | Added on Friday, April 30, 2010, 04:51 PM
"ministry to youth is a form of cross cultural evangelism. [Youth] have a unique system of processing theology, a unique set of developmental needs, and a peculiar code of behavior" (Jackson 2000, 40).
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Youth Pastor: The Theology and Practice of Youth Ministry (Houston Heflin)
- Highlight Loc. 179-81 | Added on Friday, April 30, 2010, 04:52 PM
The first requirement for effective mission work is to understand Scripture. It is by the light of God's Word that we see God, know ourselves, and understand the world around us. More importantly, the Bible communicates the message of a God who pursues us with sacrificial love. As missionaries we carry that message to the world.
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Youth Pastor: The Theology and Practice of Youth Ministry (Houston Heflin)
- Highlight Loc. 993-95 | Added on Saturday, May 15, 2010, 03:09 PM
To spend time solely with youth may send a message to the rest of the congregation that the youth pastor is the hired hand, or worse, surrogate parent, whose job is to take care of the teens in the church. Multiple adults, who have been recruited and equipped to serve with youth in ministry, are needed to build up the youth in the body of Christ. A youth minister who invests in adults by teaching them to minister to teens, will multiply his ministry.
All this to say I really enjoyed this book. It challenged me and helped me grow. Which if I was an author would be the best complement I think I could receive.
"If a person is going to do anything worthwhile, there will be times when he must risk everything by his leap in the dark. In the spiritual realm, Jesus Christ demands that you risk everything you hold on to or believe through common sense, and leap by faith into what He says is as solidly consistent as common sense. Once you obey, you will immediately find that what He says is as solidly consistent as common sense. "
"The audacious hope of youth ministry is that imperfect disciples of Jesus can somehow inspire youth and their families to live like Christ."
Youth Pastor: The Theology and Practice of Youth Ministry (Houston Heflin)
Finished up reading this last night on my kindle. It's a great book for both rookies and veteran youth ministers to read. Look for a full review in the near future.
Every Monday I'm going to post one of Jonathan Edwards resolutions. He penned these while still a very young man and used them to guide his life. What am I using to guide me, my family, my ministry???
18. Resolved, To live so, at all times, as I think is best in my most devout frames, and when I have the clearest notions of the things of the gospel, and another world.
How does the Gospel shape you?
How does religion shape you?
Is there a difference? Should there be? Is this simply semantics?
The Gospel and Religion are wildly different yet we use those words interchangeably. View the image below which is your tendency?(thanks to TheResurgence) For the complete table click here.
I love religion because it puts me and my abilities on display it's measuring stick with clear markings. The Gospel is harder. It's a relationship. It gets messy, the lines get blurred, and it's tremendously harder to say who's in and who's out.
Just wanted to hold up a wonderful example of a faithful marriage. My grandparents this past week celebrated 65 years of marriage. What a great example they have set for my wife and I.
19052010Much of the material I see on “Christian Parenting” is really just repackaged moralism. When reading or watching materials on Christian parenting you should ask yourself, “could this teaching be given if Jesus never came in the flesh, never died on a cross and never rose from the dead?” Sadly, I could say MOST of the teaching I have heard on “Christian Parenting” could be given if Jesus never came, therefore it is not really Christian at all but another form of legalism thinly disguised. Below is a good example of a man earnestly trying to apply the reality of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus to his parenting. His gray hairs tell me he knows more about it than I do so I listened closely!
I’d like to personally extend an invitation to the New Wine USA conference which will be held at St. Andrew’s, June 24-27. New Wine is a 4-day conference that encourages people of all ages to see Jesus at work in their lives and communities. Students who will be in grades 6-12 next Fall have their own venue where we will be welcoming former youth minister and now pastor, Dave Kulp. Dave is a funny, dynamic, and challenging speaker. I’m sure your students will be motivated to take their faith and step out into what the Lord has in store for them. Our worship leader for New Wine will be Sparrow Records recording artist, Vicky Beeching. Each session begins with all of the New Wine community together for worship and then we will break off to the youth venue.
The weekend will be packed with laughter, teaching, and fun. Every year proves to be better than the last, and this year looks to be no different. We end the conference on Sunday with a big cookout on the beach at Isle of Palms, complete with food and kayaks. The only thing that we are missing for a great New Wine conference is you. I realize that money is often tight, and I want to echo Steve’s words last Sunday that money should not be an obstacle. If you or just your student would like to attend please either sign up online at www.NewWineUSA.org or contact the St. Andrew’s front desk, pay whatever you can afford, and we will cover the rest.
New Wine is always the highlight of summer. If you are looking for a way to grow in your faith and kick summer off with a blast, New Wine is where you need to be.
Every Monday I'm going to post one of Jonathan Edwards resolutions. He penned these while still a very young man and used them to guide his life. What am I using to guide me, my family, my ministry???
17. Resolved, That I will live so, as I shall wish I had done when I come to die.
Edwards thought much about death and the end especially in his early years. He was concerned that his life should mean something. How do you feel about your life so far?
Hind sight is always 20/20 what do you want your life to be known for at the end?
What will be your legacy?
Remember Edward penned these as a teenager and his life merits him as one of the greatest theological minds of his day and ours. It's never to early or to late to think about such things.
I've lived in city, I've lived in the burbs, I've lived on an Island, and in a resort town everywhere I go I hear it every summer from teenagers (and at times myself) ... "I'm so bored..."
Five years ago today Lisa and I stood before God, our families, and our friends to commit to each other and our creator. Marriage is by far the hardest thing I've ever done yet it is also the very best thing that has ever happened to me.
I had a conversation recently with a student who had just shared his faith with another student at school. He was taken back because one of the remarks that this student had was how convenient God is. I admit I had to laugh because I've never thought about God in that context. He is convenient. He has done the work on our behalf. He has carried us to the Father, He has come after us when we wonder away, He's there 24/7, He doesn't sleep, go on vacation, or have a voice mail. Jesus always picks up. The best part is that to come to him, the creator and upholder of the universe, you simply ask. Convenient.
If you heard Heaven rejoicing the other day it was because this young man came place is faith in Christ. Jesus wins again.
When I was young, the
smallest trick of light,
Could catch my eye,
Then life was new and every new day,
I thought that I could fly.
I believed in what I hoped for,
And I hoped in things unseen,
I had wings and dreams could soar,
I just don't feel like flying anymore.
When the stars threw down their spears,
Watered Heaven with their tears,
Before words were spoken,
Before eternity.
Dear Father, I need you,
Your strength my heart to mend.
I want to fly higher,
Every new day again.
When I was small, the
furthest I could reach,
Was not so high,
Then I thought the world
was so much smaller,
Feeling I could fly.
Through distant deeps and skies,
Behind infinity,
Below the face of Heaven,
He stoops to create me.
Dear Father, I need you,
Your strength my heart to mend.
I want to fly higher,
Every new day again.
Man versus himself.
Man versus machine.
Man versus the world.
Mankind versus me.
The struggles go on,
The wisdom I lack,
The burdens keep piling
Up on my back.
So hard to breathe,
To take the next step.
The mountain is high,
I wait in the depths.
Yearning for grace,
And hoping for peace.
Dear God...
Increase.
Healing hands of God have
mercy on our unclean souls
once again.
Jesus Christ, light of the
world burning bright within
our hearts forever.
Freedom means love without condition,
Without a beginning or an end.
Here's my heart, let it
be forever Your's,
Only You can make every
new day seem so new.
It was just posted over at Steve's blog so the cat's out of the bag. Mark your calendars for July 28th at 7:00pm John Mark McMillan will be holding a benefit concert to support missions.
Every Monday I'm going to post one of Jonathan Edwards resolutions. He penned these while still a very young man and used them to guide his life. What am I using to guide me, my family, my ministry??? 16. Resolved, Never to speak evil of any one, so that it shall tend to his dishonour, more or less, upon no account except for some real good.
Gossip, slander, the tearing down of others to make us look good. Have you done it? Have you ever slit a persons throat? Read Matthew 5:21-30
The tongue is a powerful weapon how do you use it? James 5
Last night was the evening where the students in this years Confirmation Class stood up and gave a testimony to what God had done in their lives in front of a full house . The evening was emotionally, and spiritually powerful. We heard stories of how Jesus overcame fear, anger, and hurt. Stories about divorce, disability, and doubt. Great stories of how despite circumstances they know Jesus loves them and has taken their sin and given them his righteousness. We heard about the power of community as these young Christians walk out their faith. For me one of the most striking themes from the night was how almost all the students had parents who had been encouraging them along the way even if they resisted. One student dropped out of the process last year because he couldn't honestly say that he believed. This year he returned and trumpeted God's patience and great love. Here are a few pics I was able to snap from my phone as the 43 students one by one stood up and told of Jesus great love.
We have a great process where students own the vows their parents made over them at their baptism. At the end of this is a night where students stand up, before a packed house, and give a testimony of what Jesus has done in their lives. Tomorrow night at 6pm at St. Andrews is this years Testimony Night. If you're local we would love for you to join us. It's a powerful evening...
Here's a little taste...
Hi my name is Josh. I’m in the 8th grade at Cario Middle School. I grew up in a normal christian family, but until this year that’s all I was. A normal christian with a normal faith. As far as I was concerned, as long as I was going to church on Sundays as much as I could, and youth group when I could, I was doing the right thing. Then confirmation came up, and it was if my faith was put under a magnifying glass. I saw things more clearly, and certainly different. I understood the Bible better. I learned the right way to pray. And most importantly realized that going to church and youth group were all fine and dandy, but God had and has much more in store for me.
When Confirmation started i was really hungry to know God more. I started reading the Bible more and praying more and every week was like a snowball rolling down a hill. And then came the retreat. It was a spectacular opportunity to meet with God and everyone did that and more at some point. At the retreat I really learned how to open my eyes to let God in. And since then, whether I’m at soccer, school, or at church, I have seen God’s fingerprints daily. And everyday as I try to live up God through me, I hope I am making more traces of God for others. Every fingerprint and trace of God encourages and strengthens me to add to the 5th Gospel. My Gospel.
I accept God as my Savior, and my Creator. I’ve made a large spot for him in my life, and as long as it’s up to me he’ll be there ruling my life with “Holy Boldness” as Allen Shufford says. I give thanks for Allen and my brother Ben for being such great role models and inspiring me to run towards God and never slow down. And now after this long journey of confirmation I know that even if I fall. No matter how hard or far, God will be there to pick me up and nudge me towards him once more.
And finally as I proclaim my faith to y'all, I am reminded to keep running, and as an encouraging friend Daron Taylor told me once, to “Keep Living The Alien Life” with God, and my Alien brothers and sisters right with me.
Edward Mote was a pastor and hymn writer. Born in London on 21 January 1797, his parents managed a pub and often left Edward to his own devices playing in the street[1]. He was trained as a cabinet maker and worked in London for many years[2]. Later he entered the ministry was pastor at Rehoboth BaptistChurch in Horsham, West Sussex for 26 years[3].
He was well liked by the congregation in Horsham and they offered him the church building as a gift. Mote replied "I do not want the chapel, I only want the pulpit; and when I cease to preach Christ, then turn me out of that." Wiki
"My Hope is Built on Nothing Less"
by Edward Mote, 1797-1874
1. My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus' blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus' name.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.
2. When darkness veils my saviors face,
I rest on His unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale
My anchor holds within the veil.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.
3. His oath, His covenant, and blood
Support me in the whelming flood;
When every earthly prop gives way,
He then is all my Hope and Stay.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.
4. When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh, may I then in Him be found,
Clothed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne!
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.
*This was one of the more powerful songs we used last Sunday at Impact during a time where students could quietly interact with their savior through prayer.
The men's ministry at church does two hike weekends a year. They sound amazing. One just got back this past weekend. The stories are great of how God meets people on the trail. One morning, I'm told, a 5 ft. diamondback rattle snake crawled into camp... and was promptly killed, skinned, and fried for breakfast.
On a side note one thing I've been processing is how men are defined by what they consume instead of what they create. This in my mind is men defining themselves by what they create (breakfast) not by what 5th Ave. or corporate Christian marketing says they should wear, drink, or smell like.
Every Monday I'm going to post one of Jonathan Edwards resolutions. He penned these while still a very young man and used them to guide his life. What am I using to guide me, my family, my ministry???
15. Resolved, Never to suffer the least motions of anger towards irrational beings.
I've almost punched our wifi router, thrown cellphones out windows, and actual chucked a CD out of a moving car all because I was angry. Did it fix the problem? nope.
When we let anger get the best of us what happens?
Who's in control at that point?
Edwards would ask at what point does our sinful flesh take over?
Sorry for the confusion if you check the blog this weekend. I'm in the process of switching domain names. (What address you type into the browser to get to my blog.) I think I've got everything worked out as of now. So you can still go to www.davesdeal.blogspot.com and it will forward you to the new address....
Why Jesus Creates Sex
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Pastor Mark gave this talk on "Why Jesus Creates Sex" at our recent
Resurgence College Conference at the end of 2011.
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From the mouth of a dear and hilarious friend
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Okay, so this guy’s probably not as much of a genius as DaVinci, but his
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