NOOMA DVDs at the PRC

I'm sure you've all heard about the Nooma, which is "a series of short films that explore our world from a perspective of Jesus.  Nooma is an invitation to search, question, and join the discussion."  (Words from the back cover of the DVD!)

The Nooma DVDs seem to fly in and out of the center.  It might be our hottest resource in the youth area right now.  Subscribers have used them with Youth, but also with Adults, as discussion starters.

Check them out!  (Feel free to call ahead to see if the one you want is available, or to reserve for a future date!)

Find out more at Flannel.org. 

Are you reading the book?

In my last post, I challenged us to read a book together (Jesus Centered Youth Ministry by Rick Lawrence) and discuss our findings and musings in this blog. Have you found the book? ordered the book? reading the book? I hope you can make the time... we'll begin the discussion later this week and will start with the idea that Rick Lawrence puts forth in Part One of the book from Charles Spurgeon... making a beeline to Christ (pg. 20) Enjoy the Fall weather that is upon us! Peace and Joy,

Tim Bistline

Making time to be Together... we're better for it!

It is a great privilege to be a guest on this blog, and to share my ups and downs as a youth pastor; what I've learned along the way and what has impacted my life and ministry over the years. I would have to say the greatest resource that I have encountered over the last 20 years is my relationships with other pastors, mentors, peers and students that have changed me for the better. I learned early on that being a "lone ranger" in ministry, especially youth ministry, is a dangerous temptation; one that we all must battle and face head on. But, it has been those moments when I was knee-deep in work and programs and cool youth stuff that I was challenged to "step back" away from myself, and invest time and energy into another... and I'm not talking about the students we passionately pour our lives into on a regular basis.

We need each other and we need to take time out of our so called "busy" ministry schedules to be with one another; to listen, to pray, to challenge, to share, and yes, sometimes even get new ideas. I have noticed in the history of this blog that NO ONE has commented or responded to postings. I am sure you have your reasons, but being too busy does not cut it in today's youth ministry landscape; you and I can not make it on our own. We were not created to walk alone... May I suggest that over the next several months, for as long as I am asked to guest blog here in this corner of cyber-space, that you and I and others like us join together to read one of the best youth ministry resource books out there on the market?

TODAY, treat yourself to purchasing the book, Jesus-Centered Youth Ministry (ISBN: 978-0-7644-3504-1) by Rick Lawrence, Executive Editor of Group Magazine. This book will enlighten you, challenge you to lead students differently, give you insight into where your ministry with students should be heading, and save you time from all the busyness of programs and events. Plus, it will give us something to talk about here! I will be blogging about this book for several posts; I invite you to join in on the conversation. If you can't afford a copy of the book, let me know and we'll take care of that hurdle for you... We are stronger Together!

Welcome Tim Bistline, Guest Blogger

We are thrilled to introduce Tim Bistline to you, as a guest blogger.  Tim has a ton of experience in youth ministry!!  We know that you'll find Tim's thoughts to be helpful and thought-provoking!  I asked Tim a few questions as a way to introduce him to you:

How long have you been doing youth ministry?

I started working with teenagers in 1989.  I was focused on the national youth ministry of the Churches of God, General Conference denomination, based in Finley Ohio. 

What attracted you to it first of all?

We were doing a week-long, youth-focused seminar with speakers and bands and breakout groups.  It was the largeness of the event, seeing teenagers get excited about their faith.  I wanted to bring some relevancy to what we doing.

What’s your current role?

Pastor of Impact Ministries at St. Mark’s UMC in Mt. Joy.  Right now it’s overseeing youth ministry and youth adult ministry (18-30) and ministry to the community.  It's a non-ordained role. 

(What a great name, Pastor of Impact Ministries!)

What do you love about youth ministry?

The energy and the openness that teenagers bring to life and faith.  I like dealing with their doubts and their fears.  I like helping them navigate culture -- and having their faith to inform their culture.  I’m passionate about helping kids have a biblical worldview.

What’s the hardest part about youth ministry in today’s world?

I’ve done it so long now, that the hardest part is busy lives and busy schedules.  If people don’t have enough to do, they’ll make time for church.  Busyness is a huge factor.   There are many distractions in a teenager's life: school, sports, internet, cell phones, jobs, parents expectations.   Now, it’s a marketing nightmare.  You have to market your ministry differently and in more ways for them to decide whether to value it or not.  In a typical week, I might send out the same information five times, but I send it out in multiple ways. 

When you’re not involved in ministry, what you doing?

Spending time with family and raising my kids, being active in their lives.  We’re passionate about Lancaster City, so we do a lot in the city.  I like watching movies, reading books, listening to a lot of different kinds of music and coaching soccer on an intramural level with little kids. 

My wife Sharon and I have been married 22 years.  We have two teenage daughters at McCaskey high school.  Both are looking at a career in teaching.  And we raise seeing eye-puppies.  It’s my daugher’s gig but we do it as a family. 

 Prior to serving at St. Mark's UMC in Mt. Joy, Tim was involved in the youth ministry programs at First United Methodist Church and First Presbyterian Church in Lancaster City, Highland Presbyterian Church in Manheim Township and Hempfield United Methodist Church.

I had a chance to work with Tim at Highland way back when (early 1990s!) and was impressed with his leadership even then.  Tim and my husband Dale, who is currently the Director of Youth Ministry First Presbyterian, Lancaster, have been buddies for a long time. 

Welcome, Tim!  Blog away. 

Thanks, Marilou!

Thanks, Marilou, for starting and attending to this blog!  Marilou is on leave from the PRC for four months, and will return in February.  We look forward to her return and will miss her honest and from-the-heart words.

I'll be blogging a bit and inviting others to blog, too! 

Tracey Marx