Youth Network

NEW RESOURCE FOR YOUTH MINISTRY

2012-02-11T11:20:00.000-05:00

We have a NEW Youth Ministry Resource here at the Parish Resource Center.

Learning Bridges: Quick and Easy Activities for Change, No. 1
by Jim Still-Pepper

Here's a promo blurb on this book: Learning Bridges is a practical and fun resource that helps youth leaders create deep and meaningful conversations with their youth through the use of interactive activities. The activities are designed to strengthen bonds, make time spent together more valuable, help kids open up, and create unique, teachable moments. Nine key elements are presented that help get the conversation rolling.

Jane's take: There are open-ended questions and challenges which require people to interact and form relationships with each other. They have a biblical base to them. Some are for individuals; some are for groups. Help get beyond the ordinary and the commonplace and get to a deeper level quicker. For use with youth or adults.

Check it out, here at the PRC in our Youth Ministry library of resources, under the "Discussion Starters" section.

Question for Tim: What happens when they graduate?

2012-02-11T11:06:00.001-05:00

Hi Tim,

I've heard that one of the big trends now is exploring what happens in the "gap." Once the students have graduated from high school, how does a church make a place for them? And what about the gap that develops between those that go to college and those that don't go to college? What special things do you do at holidays when college kids are back at home?

What do you think? Any thoughts or advice for those struggling with these questions?

Thanks!
Tracey

the break up... the break down

2011-09-29T20:28:00.002-04:00

It is difficult to know what to do at times when your youth group is smaller and you are committed to growing students deeper in their devotion to Jesus. In answer to the question that has been posted about groups and how to break them up, I have some solutions... some have worked and others have been tested.

First, I am working from the perspective that the following are true for your ministry... and two myths need to be broken. I really hope in some strange way, this answers the questions. Hold on! And I apologize for the length of this entry up front, but please keep reading.

First the perspective!

the breakdown: All your leaders have gone through some type of criminal background check/child abuse check. If this is not true, do you know the times we are living in and what is holding you back from keeping your leaders and students safe? Also, you are committed to reaching students through small group discussion with middle school and high school groups meeting separately. The "large group of all the students together all the time for every thing" mentality did not work when I was in youth group in 1980. Why would we believe it works today! This isn't how we educate our kids in school and it's not effective for our students in a ministry setting.

Second, the myths.

the breakup:

Myth #1: "Small groups shouldn't be too small. If we don't have 10 kids for a group we should keep all the kids together." In my experience this myth is created by adults who are scared to meet with students. Some of my best youth group moments have been with mentoring two or three guys in a group. If you have two kids to a group with one leader. This is a great way to begin small group discussion. If you want the small group discussion to be more meaningful, break your kids into same-sex groups by grade (middle school students in their groups; high school students in their groups). In our ministry, we have 6th grade girls in one group, 7/8 grade girls in another group, middle school guys in a group, etc.

Myth #2: "Because we have such a small youth group, we can get by with one or two leaders who rotate in a schedule." I think you need one leader for every 5 students who you have, and if you have wide age ranges to cover, find committed leaders for each age group. I think sometime we get non-committed leaders because we don't require enough from them; we don't want to trouble them and so we set our vision and expectations too low. I thank my leaders all the time for their time in changing kids lives and making a "kingdom" impact on them. If you "pitch" your need with positive conviction and a powerful vision, people will want to join you in your efforts to change lives. I actually believe that you may need more volunteers than what you currently have no matter how big of small your ministry is...

Bonus myth: "I don't have any student leaders who can lead the lesson. They can lead the game time but I really don't have any "spiritual giants" in my ministry." Generally, I think we are afraid to let students lead because we don't want them to spew any incorrect theology or information to other students. Or, they may get kids too excited and out of control which will bother the "Willing Workers" class that meets next door. If you have a wide range of ages, what about taking a risk and letting a senior lead a few freshman in a discussion... with an adult consultant somewhere close by if not right there. Or, what about an 8th grader leading a middle school group? What about letting two 6th graders leading a 5th grade class? When did we lose confidence in our students? When did we stop being the risk takers that all of Christendom believes every youth worker is any way? I say, let the students lead and you mentor and coach them in a small group meeting time before the Sunday lesson time.

Too long to share an experience I had this summer at another church out of the state... suffice it to say that they made a bold decision to invest in a few student leaders and their youth ministry exploded in growth and spiritual awakening. And, as scary as it sounds, not many adults were hanging around. 400 students and 3 youth pastors; the rest were student leaders.

the breakdown? learn to "break up" your group into the body of Christ and watch what the Holy Spirit does in your midst. Take some risks this year and find peace!

Question for Tim about Mixed Age Groups

2011-09-17T10:31:00.000-04:00

Hi Tim! Jane and I have collaborated on a question for you:

What advice do you have for those youth workers who have a mixed age group? 7th to 12th or even 6th to 12th!!

We receive many requests here at the PRC about small groups of wide age span. For instance -- 1 sixth grader, 2 eighth graders, a freshman and a senior. What do I do? How do I make things relevant? How do I minister to them?

Any ideas? Words of encouragement?

Welcome Jane!

2011-09-17T10:26:00.000-04:00

Welcome back to Jane Kintzi! Jane returns to the Parish Resource Center as a consultant and we are delighted. Jane served as a consultant here at the PRC from 1993 to 2007, and tended our Youth Ministry area. Jane joins our online blogging discussion!

the beginning of a new school year!

2011-09-03T09:35:00.003-04:00

The question has been asked about my experiences with hot to transition or welcome the incoming students in an effective and impactful way. To be honest, this is one of the areas of student ministry that I have struggled with over the years, especially as it relates to the size of your student ministry. I have worked in healthy growing churches where our student ministry was thriving... the challenge was always to make a smaller group of students fit into and feel accepted by the larger crowd; a tough challenge in any organization. I have worked in smaller churches which struggled to draw a crowd of any sizable amount and the lack of enthusiasm for the incoming students was palpable. What to do as we approach another new school year and another season to welcome the new incoming class into our ministries?

Of one thing I am sure of... and Doug Fields has always been right on target with this nugget of truth. Find adults and older students to be in relationship/friendship with your new "class" who absolutely "love Jesus and like students"! Our kids deserve adults in their lives who like them for who they are and are not always feeling the need to change them over to mature Christian leaders from the very first moment in the very first meeting. You know when your team of adult leaders are connecting with students... they are talking with and laughing with the students rather than standing around at the edge of the room talking with each other. If adults volunteers show up to your meetings and talk with each other and only talk with the kids when it is time for the "lesson" you need to find some new adult leaders!

On the program side of things, I have always designated a "special Sunday" where we welcome the new students and their parents to the ministry. I have tried to put a fresh spin on the classic idea of "promotion Sunday". Usually, I designate the time slot when the youth group usually meets and we take the kids for the morning and help them get to know their new friends at church through a variety of mixer games and teachable moments involving our scripture focus that drives our ministry. (Do you have a scripture passage that your student ministry claims as its guiding force? Do you have a mission, vision and value statements which drive the direction of your ministry? More on that later!) I usually spend the morning with parents sharing the "nuts and bolts" of the ministry and I try to cast vision so that they will "buy into" the direction we are going and they will want to jump in and help! Usually late that same Sunday, we have a big event for Middle school students and High school students, separately. In the off chance that people are really busy on the "kick-off" Sunday, then we spend the afternoon together... usually outside and some cool park, etc. playing games, eating food, and learning to make new friends. I want the whole day/time together to be a celebration of community and what God is doing in our lives!

It hasn't always gone smoothly but I hope over the years kids have felt welcomed and loved. That is all I really want out of the first couple months as new kids assimilate into our ministry... they will learn to love God, feel that love and be accepted by others on the journey. I would love to hear what you all do to welcome the incoming students into your ministry... let me know! Great ideas in youth ministry are always "borrowed" and tweaked! Celebrate the new beginning of another new school year. Peace

Be thorough... It matters!

2011-08-22T14:08:00.002-04:00

In my last post which was a comment answering a question from a reader, I made a few spelling errors which I noticed later after the fact... I am sorry! You see, I am not the worlds best speller and often details escape me. But if I have learned anything of value in the bunches of years I've been doing ministry it's this... pay attention to the details. High quality (professionalism) plus intentionality plus details equals trust!

Let me say it another way... when we as youth leaders throw things together at the last minute and publish information that has mistakes and smudges; when we miss deadlines and under-deliver on promises we make in public, our credibility and trustworthiness go down the drain along with our ministries. What I shared with you last time was a bit of sloppy, off-the-cuff, and not very well-thought out, but very sincere and truthful information. I believe in this stuff, but sometimes I do a really lousy job of saying it clearly and effectively. I am sorry! I am all for giving each other grace... I am truly grateful, thankful and humbled by grace. But, in our ministry context, how are people perceiving us and our ability to lead? Is this making any sense to anyone? My mentor in youth ministry (DW) was the master of intentional, creative, and clear communication. If the mailing (we did not have the Internet/digital forms of communication in those days) looked sloppy, or words were misspelled, or information did not make sense, we recycled and started over. At least we recycled! We did not try to save money or time... he knew that our credibility and trustworthiness was at stake.

As you prepare for a busy Fall, and you are getting ready for the Fall, right? Pay attention to the details and don't let anything slide until it looks and sounds and feels right... make it clear, make it creative and make it correct! And for those of you with the "pastor/teacher" gifts... make it concise! Be thorough... it really does matter, and our reputations are at stake. Thanks for putting up with all my "typos" and for the grace to be counted as one of the "called" to student ministry!

Question for Tim about the New School Year

2011-08-19T15:08:00.000-04:00

Hey Tim,

Do you have any advice for transitioning new students into the youth group? As a new year begins are there some things you would suggest as "Must Do"s, to draw new students in as the community reconfigures itself?

Tim Bistline on Self-care in Youth Ministry

2011-08-19T14:26:00.000-04:00

I have been around for awhile in youth ministry... that either makes me steadfast and wise, or stupid and immature! Feel free to comment on that!

Sabbath rest has been an invaluable spiritual discipline in the last 10 years of ministry. It was something I had to learn the hard way; I almost sacrificed my marriage on the altar of ministry, but that is another blog for another time. I think it is critical to ask for/demand a "day off" in your ministry; a day to not do anything related to ministry for others. Take a day and get a project around the house done, or exercise, or read a fun book, or watch a great movie for the 10th time... a day to clear your head and soul... a day to let God's Spirit pour into you.

There is also time to take out of your ministry schedule to network with other youth leaders for the sake of building friendship, mentorship and accountability. I have several youth pastors that I stay connected with for the purpose of friendship; plus they completely understand what I am going through in ministry and the toll it sometimes takes on my family!

Finally, I would challenge you to take some personal time (not counted vacation time) when you return home from a retreat, mission trip, etc. When a big event is coming, there is "prep hours" to consider, hours while on the trip (remember that there are 24 hours in a day and you are in charge even when other are asleep), and there are the hours cleaning up from the event or hours cleaning and returning the rental vans. Add all those hours up and what do you get? Personal time, not vacation hours, etc. You have served others and your church leadership owes it to you to give you some sabbath rest. Need an advocate? I am happy to meet with any Senior pastor or leadership team who might needs some persuading.

Get some "rest" before the Fall schedule begins, and watch what God will do in and through you! Even God rested on the Sabbath... Peace

Tim Bistline

Helping Kids Consider Military Service

2011-08-12T13:54:00.000-04:00

Behind the Camouflage, a workshop for pastors and youth counselors on the moral and spiritual questions that surround a decision to enlist in the military will be held at Franklin & Marshall College on October 22, 2011, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

The conveners of the workshop are: Rev. Bill Worley, U.S. Marine Chaplain and Pastor of First Reformed United Church of Christ in Lancaster
Titus Peachey, Director of Peace Education for Mennonite Central Committee U.S. Rev. Susan Minasian, Office of the Chaplain and Religious and Spiritual Life at Franklin and Marshall College.

The workshop will include a screening of the film, “Soldiers of Conscience,” a panel of respondents and open discussion.

Registration information will be available in late August.
Questions: Contact Titus Peachey: tmp@mcc.org PH: 717 859-1151

Question for Tim about Sabbath Rest

2011-08-12T11:34:00.001-04:00

Tim Bistline has agreed to answering some questions about youth ministry. So I'll present this one to you, Tim, to answer at your leisure.

In your last post, you talked about the importance of finding Sabbath Rest. I love that phrase! What are some ways that youth pastors and other youth workers can find Sabbath Rest throughout the week? You've been around for a while -- what works and what doesn't?

(Editorial License: Tim and I are about the same age, so I can say things like "You've been around for awhile!" : ))

A Fond Farewell to Marilou

2011-08-12T11:29:00.000-04:00

The PRC here in Lancaster bids a fond farewell to Marilou Adams, who began this blog and who oversaw our youth ministry department for several years. Marilou's husband has accepted a call from a church in Wisconsin -- one of the few Mennonite churches in Wisconsin. We will miss her and we thank her for her work in Youth Ministry.

the things you do as a youth pastor

2011-08-07T20:15:00.002-04:00

This may have been the most challenging week of my many years in ministry... our Senior Pastor is on vacation, and our Worship Pastor has been away. Due to the number of years and experiences I have had over the years in ministry, I was put in charge to "hold down the fort"! Monday we ministered to a family who needed a church family; the patriarch of the family died unexpectedly and they were without a church family. All week, I prepared for a Thursday funeral for a family I barely knew. Wednesday night, our church offices were broken into and all our computers were stolen... I have a laptop and by God's grace I had the machine with me. I preached 3 services today and officiated at an Eagle Scout ceremony for one of our youth. I guess I need to reexamine my job description. More importantly, I need to remember that when God "called" me to serve Him and I said "yes" He gave me unique gifts for me to use and share. He wants me... us to use our gifts for His glory. And sometimes, that means using your gifts outside the arena of student ministries. Don't allow people to limit your gifts and "call" to ministry. God will use you and wants to use all of your gifts to lift up the "body of Christ". Now that you've worked on the sabbath, make sure you find some sabbath rest this week. Sty tuned for more frequent posts and feel free to comment with questions or suggestions on blog ideas. Peace!

hold on loosely...

2011-04-13T15:50:00.002-04:00

It is with a heavy heart that I share today... the weather is very gloomy but that is not the reason for my sadness. Many of you may not know that my youngest daughter has been raising "Seeing Eye" puppies for the blind since she was 10. We have had 3 dogs in our care over the years; they do everything we do and go everywhere we go except out to eat and to the grocery store (those venues are saved for the advanced part of the training.) For the past 15 months, our family has been raising a Golden Retriever named Artie. For all you pet lovers, you know how attached we get to our animals. Well, today Artie left us to go back to his home in New Jersey to the "Seeing Eye" campus where he will undergo a series of medical exams and then begin his final 4 month training sessions with professional trainers. If Artie successfully completes his training and passes his medical tests, he will graduate at a ceremony in which we will be invited to observe but can not touch or call out to him. Needless to say, today has been a very tough day on all of us. But, I've noticed a quiet strength building in my now 15 year old daughter that I had not noticed before. Today, as we lifted Artie into the vehicle to take him away from us I watched a look of satisfaction come over my daughter's face that I had not seen in awhile. A look that said, "I've done my best; I've given my all...". As the Holy Spirit tends to move, my daily devotional was around the parable of the talents (Matthew 25).

The master entrusts his servants with gifts that do not belong to them but to him. The servants each pick a different path to take care of the gift. And then the master returns to collect... those who are deemed faithful by the master use their abilities and skills to multiply the gift; one servant buries the gift in the ground out of fear of the master. The master gives praise to the servants who multiply the gift; a sense of satisfaction comes over the master's face... can you see it? Take some time this week to study this parable; there is not enough space here to unpack the details.

Your students and your ministry to them are gifts from God; your church building and the resources that are provided by your church leadership are gifts from God. Nothing truly belongs to you or the "youth ministry". Everything belongs to God and his desire is for us to not hold on to tightly to what is rightfully his. He wants to see if we will be faithful with his "gifts" to us; what will we do with the "gifts" God has given to us? What will God find when he returns to collect his "gifts"?

We cared for Artie and loved Artie and made him part of our family with the knowledge that he did not belong to us; he was not ours to keep. It is our prayer that Artie makes it through the training so that he can help a vision impaired person live in freedom and joy. It's not easy to let go, or hold on loosely. But, the joy that comes from the satisfaction of knowing "we gave our best" is the best gift you or I will ever receive. Sorry for the long post... more on Artie later! Multiply the "gifts" and hold on loosely! Peace

in search of a good book?

2011-04-07T21:29:00.002-04:00

Here are the titles of some books that I am currently reading, in case you needed some inspiration... Jesus-centered Youth Ministry by Rick Lawrence, The Relentless Tenderness of Jesus by Brennan Manning, The Forgotten Way of Jesus by Francis Leeman, Onward: How Starbucks fought for its life without losing its soul (what can I say? I love coffee, and I love Starbucks), and the gospel of Luke.

John Maxwell says, "good leaders are learners; good leaders are readers."

what's your story so far?

2011-04-07T21:18:00.002-04:00

Busyness dominates our culture, and it challenges and strains our ministry culture as well. Families and students going here and there; volunteers and ministry leaders bouncing around from one meeting and program to the next... it's Lent after all and we have things to do! Here's a question for you... How are you doing as you try to center your student ministry on Jesus? How are you doing with centering your life around Jesus? After all, it is Lent and the time is now to slow down and focus inward on our life with Jesus. How is it going? What stories can you share? What struggles are you experiencing as you shift your focus on Jesus? Feel free to comment... I would appreciate hearing your stories! May God give you the ability to live in "slow motion" for a day to experience His movements in your life. Peace

the "deconstruction" of our Jesus...

2011-03-24T08:48:00.003-04:00

It's been awhile since I posted... I have been trying to separate myself from my laptop for Lent and it has been a journey thus far. Hope you are finding time to reconnect with our Savior in meaningful ways in this Lenten season, and I hope you are wrestling through and reading the book, Jesus Centered Youth Ministry by Rick Lawrence; a challenging read for those of us intrenched in mainline youth ministry positions. Take a look at this quote from Part One, Chapter 4... (pg. 46) "Put another way, too much of our Christian music—actually, too much of our Christian teaching, curriculum, marketing, t-shirt slogans, and even our conventional ways of praying—implies that god is the person behind the crackly voice coming through the drive-through squawk box. we tell the person behind the box what we want while we scan the happiness menu, and then we drive up to the window and this guy we’ve never really met (and don’t really intend to meet) hands us our bag of happiness. Maybe that sounds over the top—it would to me, if i hadn’t been staring at the results of the National Study of Youth and Religion and talking to teenagers and youth pastors about this for the last two years. whatever we’re doing to help kids get to know the real Jesus, they’re somehow not getting it—actually, they’re not getting him."

Is this true for you in your youth ministry at your church? Are your students getting the "real, deconstructed" Jesus of the Gospels, or are we still presenting Jesus as that bearded, white robed, blue eyed, pale skin person calmly knocking at the door with a meek and mild expression on His face as though He would like to enter but does not want to intrude or scare anyone? My question got lost in my "soapbox" episode just now, but I think you get it! Let's make a vow to one another... to get our students into the Gospels and into the story of Jesus, and let them see for themselves the real Jesus; no biases, no denominational slant, no personal input from us to fill in the silence. Let's learn to ask better questions so that our students get to meet the real, dangerous, unpredictable, wild, compassionate, focused, bringer of Good News Jesus during this Lenten season. As I was inspired yesterday from a Catholic priest friend... may we come to understand the kind of love that God has for us that He would give His Son for us; that His Son would pour out every last drop of blood for you and me, to wash away our sins, and to give us a new standard by which to live our lives. Today, may you meet the "real" Jesus!

are you connected?

2011-03-04T09:19:00.002-05:00

I was thinking the other day about how lonely ministry is, or can be... and I wanted to know from some of you if you are spending any of your time in connection with other youth workers/youth leaders/youth pastors on a regular basis. Youth ministry is a tough "calling" and many of us fall into the trap of "going alone" for the journey. Why do we do this? For some of us, we are control freaks and things have to go our way; we do not need anyone else's opinion or ideas about what we know will already work. For some of us, we believe we are too busy with our ministry to students that we do not have the time to connect with another youth worker in our area for prayer or networking. After all, we are volunteering our time and our time is precious. What about those of us who are afraid of the unknown... we fear the other youth group in our area because of its size, its purpose, or its denominational/non-denominational affiliation. Many of us just want someone else to make the "first move" to invite us to a network meeting; then, we'll be fine.

My fear is that we are not connected because of our "busyness" and no one wants to take the time to get a youth workers network going in the community. In many communities, there probably is not a strong network of youth workers who meet monthly for prayer, encouragement, support and tips and tools to a better youth ministry. I wish it were different, and I am praying that it is different where you do ministry. I pray that if you are not connected to a network, God will give you the courage to find one or start one! Our ministry to students may be struggling because we are struggling. Make time to connect... connect with Jesus in some quiet time; connect with family and friends who provide encouragement; connect with another youth worker who shares your passion for students. Connection will be the life-giving air you're searching for today! Peace

as things really are...

2011-02-24T20:18:00.003-05:00

In this post, I thought I would also share some of my insights, challenges, and mistakes on my journey as a youth pastor for nearly 20 years now. I remember long ago sitting before a committee of Pastors seeking ordination, and them looking at me with confusion and disappointment in their eyes after I shared that my "call" to ministry was to teenagers and I didn't see any other "calling" out on the horizon. Their follow-up question to me in the interview was, "what I thought I would be doing when I turned 40 and needed to grow up out of youth ministry?" My answer, "I hope to never grow up!" I struck out that day in my ordination interview, but I have never looked back on my "calling" to teens and their families. I pray that for you as well; that you will never look back and regret the decision to be involved with teenagers in a pastoral leadership role, whether paid or volunteer. You are making an impact... I know it! You may not see it for years to come, but you are; hang in there!

In Rick Lawrence's book, Jesus Centered Youth Ministry, he makes an observation about his own leadership when he reads a story about a group of Laotian refugees who experience the power of Jesus through words. "In Mark galli’s excellent book Jesus Mean and Wild, he describes a similar startling encounter with an unmasked Jesus. galli was pastor of a California church when a group of Laotian refugees asked if they could become members. galli offered to lead them through a study of Mark’s gospel as a foundational exercise before they made their commitment. the Laotians had little knowledge of scripture or of Jesus. when galli got to the passage where Jesus calms the storm, he asked the refugees to talk about the “storms” in their lives—their problems, worries, and struggles. the people looked confused and puzzled. galli filled the awkward silence by asking, “so what are your storms?” Finally, one of the Laotian men asked, “do you mean that Jesus actually calmed the wind and sea in the middle of a storm?” galli thought the man was merely expressing his skepticism, and since he wasn’t intending to spend the group’s remaining time wrestling with the plausibility of Jesus’ miracles, he said: “Yes, but we should not get hung up on the details of the miracle. we should remember that Jesus can calm the storms in our lives.” after another uncomfortable stretch of silence, another man spoke up: “well, if Jesus calmed the wind and the waves, he must be a very powerful man!” the Laotians buzzed with excitement about this while galli looked on as a virtual outsider. while these newbie Christian refugees entered into something like worship, galli realized he’d so taken Jesus for granted that he’d missed him altogether." (pg. 13)

Have we stopped relating to Jesus as he really was and is? And have we taken that out of the equation as we lead students? Maybe it is time to let our students wrestle with and realize the true Jesus by throwing away the "curriculum" for a time or two and sit with a gospel story involving Jesus. Start with the story of Jesus walking on the water in Mark; don't rush the discussion or observations... it may take a week or two. The curriculum will be there when you are done. See what happens to your students... to you... to their spirits? Can we learn to see things of our faith and of our Savior as they really are? Peace

letting the ball drop...

2011-02-18T16:41:00.002-05:00

Sorry to all of you who were reading the blog/checking the blog faithfully and then stopped because I dropped the ball... life gets crazy and I really didn't think anyone was checking this blog so I put it on the preverbal "to do" pile which consumes the floor space of my office. My youth ministry mentor, way back in the day, used our floor space as the filing cabinet for upcoming events and communication pieces. I learned from the best. So.... I'm back to continue our focus on the book I challenged us to read together and now my own leadership team is reading; Jesus Centered Youth Ministry by Rick Lawrence. Even if you are not reading the book, please join in on the conversation and if you have some time, please leave a comment! But, please come on back to the blog and I/we will keep the thing very current. Look for a new post, at least once a week!

I trust your ministries are going well and that your spring planning is well under way and your summer pre-plans are just about finished. I am putting the final touches on our summer mission trip to New Orleans. Let's learn to lean on one another. Enjoy the weekend!

Peace,

Tim Bistline

WWJD... has that really changed anything?

2010-11-16T21:13:00.004-05:00

We're reading a book together... in cyberspace, and we're having a conversation via the world wide web, and I hope you will lend your voice to the conversation. I rarely read "forwards" or "introductions" to books; I go right for chapter 1. But, in Rick Lawrence's book, Jesus Centered Youth Ministry, he draws a line in the sand about our perceptions of Jesus right away in the "introduction" chapter. As he watched the WWJD movement come and go, with not much impact on behaviors and actions, He began to ponder this question, "What does "follow Jesus" mean anyway?" I know that as a youth pastor, I have asked this question over and over and over to students and leaders and parents. The blank stares coupled with the stuttering and stammering I've heard and seen over the years should have been a warning sign that something in my ministry was not connecting; we were not connecting with Jesus.

Rick shares an experiment that he tried... reading as quickly through the Gospel of Matthew as possible, looking for patterns in what Jesus said and did. He shares a summary of 15 observations he wrote about that evening while sitting in front of his computer. Find them on page 12 and share your thoughts here... please reference the number of the observation. I will go first: #4 caught my attention right away... "Jesus hated it when people hid themselves behind religious rule keeping, and he told his followers to plunge themselves into the mainstream culture like a lamp in a dark room or salt added to a recipe." I'm guilty of working for the people to keep the peace and stay in the lines rather than working for God and sending my students into the world to be light, and challenging them to live at risk for Jesus!

2010-11-05T14:46:00.002-04:00

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THIS EVENT:
Make College Count Seminar: Preparing for the College Transition
Derek Melleby, Director of the College Transition Initiative, a ministry of the Center for Parent/Youth Understanding (CPYU), will lead this event on April 3, 2011. This seminar is designed for college bound high school students and their parents and will address the transition from high school to college. Bring your entire youth Group for a reduced price.
Learn more at www.parishresourcecenter.com/lancaster

NOOMA DVDs at the PRC

2010-10-25T09:38:00.000-04:00

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?

2010-10-19T11:49:00.002-04:00

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!

2010-10-12T08:40:00.004-04:00

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

2010-10-08T12:23:00.008-04:00

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!

2010-10-04T11:55:00.001-04:00

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

Military Enlistment

2010-09-28T16:21:00.000-04:00

I'm passing this along. I know this man personally; he is a man of deep integrity and spirituality.

from Titus Peachey
Mennonite Central Committee Peace desk

I wanted to alert you to a resource for youth pastors and mentors regarding military recruitment and enlistment. Titled, "Behind the Camouflage: A Primer on Military Enlistment for Youth Pastors, Mentors and Counselors," this resource discusses both the practical and moral/spiritual questions related to a young person's decision about military enlistment.

This resource is not currently published as a printed resource. You can download a copy at co.mcc.org/us/co/.

While bearing the marks of a pacifist perspective, it is written for an ecumenical audience. As a counselor on the GI Rights Hotline, I (Titus) speak frequently with young soldiers and their families. The military experience often stirs questions about allegiance and morality whether or not the service member comes from a pacifist faith tradition. My hope is that this document will help pastors, counselors and youth mentors discuss these issues with youth who might be considering military enlistment.

If you want to contact Titus directly, you can do so at tmp@mcc.org.

Media

2010-09-18T10:54:00.000-04:00

The promised resource has arrived and is ready for you to check out.
Download: Teaching Teenagers to Filter Their Media Choices is at the PRC. This 3-week unit is written by Walt Mueller of CPYU. From the cover: ...will help you teach your students how to think critically and biblically about everything they see and hear in their media world...

This is an important topic for us to address and an important skill for kids to develop. I hope you'll use this, and it will prove helpful.

workshop

2010-09-15T10:28:00.000-04:00

Well, you missed it. Tim Bistline was here at the PRC last night, and he was terrific. He's got a wide range of experience (small church, large church, urban, suburban) and spoke to the group in ways that were informative and inspiring. He gave us some good information and his enthusiasm encouraged me. I was so glad I was there.

Some advice from Tim:
Be a good listener.
Ask good questions.
Don't over-react.

He talked about 2 things which I have been harping on (I did not coach him):
1) youth workers NEED to have a network or support group for their own mental, emotional and spiritual health. Youth work in a congregation can be lonely work. It can be exhausting work. You must make time to meet with others (not your parent/congregational volunteers) in youth ministry.
2) you "need to plan more than a month out." direct quote from Tim
Haven't I been nagging you about this?

The evening was just what we needed, inspiring us to continue to follow God's call to work with kids.

Adolescent Development

2010-09-07T19:51:00.000-04:00

I just unearthed some short articles about adolescent development--physical, intellectual, emotional, social and spiritual. Five 2- or 3-page articles, easy to read. It would be well worth your while to do that just to remind yourself what kids are capable of and what you can expect. Having realistic expectations about behavior could save you some heartache and anger. This knowledge could also help you in planning lessons/topics/units for the year. Here is one for you to read: The Wild World of Adolescent Emotional Development."
(I slipped these articles in the vertical files in the Religious Ed section--Age Group Characteristics--just in case you come looking for them.)
Email me to take a look at the others--all by Walt Mueller: Smart Kids, Stupid Parents? Understanding Adolescent Intellectual Development; Look at 'em Grow!: Understanding Adolescent Physical Development; From Parents to Peers: The Pull of Adolescent Social Development; "God, Are You There?" Understanding Adolescent Spiritual Development.
Speaking of which...I would be glad to sit with you and plan a unit or semester or an entire year or your whole 4 year program. We've got lots of good stuff here, and long-term planning wouldn't be a problem.

New Resource

2010-08-31T19:40:00.000-04:00

I think I'm going to use this space to promote some resources that we have here at the PRC on topics that I think we ought to be addressing with our youth. I just finished a short, 3-week unit on sexuality with my junior high kids in my home congregation. I told the kids that the reason I was really all worked up about teaching on this topic is because I believe that this discussion should be taking place in their faith community. I think sexuality and relationships are theological topics. I think the kids need to hear Christian adults in their own communities talk about these things. I think the kids need to know that these Christian adults who love them and care for them and are close to them are willing and eager to talk to them about anything.

There are other topics that I think are important for us to address.
Here's one of them:
media

And to help you do that, I've ordered a CPYU (Center for Parent/Youth Understanding--Walt Mueller) publication. It's a 3-week unit on teaching your kids to evaluate media--movies, music, ads, computer programs. It doesn't tell your kids what to think; it teaches them how to think.
It's called Download: Teaching Teenagers to Filter Their Media Choices. It uses a DVD and a student workbook that CPYU has had out for a number of years, How to Use Your Head to Guard Your Heart: a 3(D) Guide.

I really just ordered the DVD 10 minutes ago. It ought to be here within a week. Come in and ask for it. I think we need to help our kids think theologically about their world--and media of all sorts are a big part of their world.

More Topics-We-Ought-To-Be-Addressing-(According to Marilou) in future blogs.

3 things

2010-08-12T13:51:00.000-04:00

1) Blatant advertisement
Carol Howard Merritt is coming Saturday, January 29. Her topic is Reaching the Google Generation. See more on our website.

2) I just read yet another article about the waning of the specific youth ministries model within congregations. Is your congregation talking about this? This article was written by Kara Powell of Fuller Seminary. Moving Away from the Kid Table.

3) Read Walt Mueller's entire article in the Aug. 8 edition of CPYU's on-line publication. But here's the outline:
He suggests that youth leaders:
--tend to your own theological and spiritual vitality.
--rethink your theology of conversion.
--cultivate the life of the mind.
--focus on integration of faith into all of life.
--fight materialism and injustice.

Suggestions Needed

2010-07-23T12:36:00.000-04:00

Hey--
We're collecting website suggestions.
Email me with the website (1 or 2) that you like the most and regularly use.

mariloulanc@prctr.org

Workshop Opportunity

2010-07-22T12:53:00.000-04:00

Rediscovering the shape of youth ministry...
Recovering the soul of the youth worker...
A conversation about youth ministry for the 21st century

Tim Bistline, pastor at St.Mark's UMC in Mount Joy, will lead this discussion on the mission, vision and values of youth ministry. Participants will learn how to prevent loneliness, burnout or 'doing it all for the sake of ministry.'

Tuesday evening, September 14, 2010 7-9 pm
PRC subscribers are free.
Non-subscribers pay $10.
Please register by Sept. 7.

Kids as leaders

2010-07-20T17:44:00.000-04:00

I just read 2 articles written by different people and really on different topics, but after reading them both, I had the same question in my head: how do we really use our kids in our congregations?

One writer likened our congregations to coaches who train basketball teams but never play games. We teach our kids for years, tell them Bible stories, do activities which we hope reinforce Biblical principles, mentor, drill, but then don't give them authentic opportunities to really do something with all that training.

This author thinks that one reason our older youth find more and more reasons not to attend services and meetings and events is that they are not given real leadership responsibilities.

Now I know there are problems when we ask a teen to serve on the Missions Committee: he doesn't show up for meetings, she doesn't follow through on assignments, he sits there and doesn't contribute and frankly looks bored/scared/ticked off, she's only there 'cause I twisted her arm to be the token Youth...

But can we still think about this and correlating questions?
Have we talked to the kids about spiritual gifts? maybe given them a spiritual gifts survey ?
Are they really useful in the positions we've shuffled them into or are they merely token representatives?
Do we only give them Youth Sunday to orchestrate worship but no other time?
Do we give them real jobs within the youth group structure to fashion their own worship and events?
Are the upperclassmen mentoring the younger kids?

How does this work in your congregation?
Have you been successful in developing teen leaders?

Interesting information to pass on to your kids and parents

2010-06-14T14:25:00.000-04:00

I read these articles on the CPYU on-line publication, but you can go to each site directly and read the articles.
I thought this may be information you might want to pass on to parents. You also might want to talk directly to your kids about the sleep article.

NPR Teen drinking
summary: parental home rules about drinking do affect teen behavior

CNN Health
summary: sleep deprivation in high schoolers results in depression in a significant number of kids

Talk to me

2010-06-08T18:48:00.000-04:00

I love magazines. Short, to the point. Easy to pick up and put down.
Just got a new one at the PRC: Immerse.
It's published by Barefoot Ministries, Nazarene Publishing House. I thought it was a result of some merger, but I can't find that information anywhere in the magazine.

Come in and look it over.

Would you call or email me and tell me what you use with your high school group for Sunday School? Do you use denominational stuff? Do you make up your own?
phone--299-1113
email--mariloulanc@prctr.org

CPYU workshop

2010-01-26T19:12:00.000-05:00

I advertized the CPYU one-day youth worker training seminar on Sat. 13 March in Gap.

Anyone going?

Please contact me if you are. I can not go, but I'd like to hear your reflections after that weekend.

You can call me at the PRC 299-1113
or email me there mariloulanc@prctr.org
or even drop me a note (what a novel concept)
633 Community Way 17603

Job

2010-01-12T19:02:00.000-05:00

Our administrative office received this recently:

Trinity UCC, Hallam, is looking for a dynamic, passionate, creative leader to join our church family as Christian Education Coordinator. This is a newly created position - approximately 10 hours per week. Responsibilities will include program development and coordination of our Sunday School programs as well as our youth group program. Please send resume to Trinity UCC, 200 East Market Street, Hallam, PA 17406 or email to trinity@trinityhallam.com. For more information call 757-3169.

Might this be interesting to someone out there?

here's a workshop worth going to

2009-12-01T20:36:00.000-05:00

just came to my mailbox:

Center for Parent /Youth Understanding is offering a workship in Gap. (They are based in E-town, and have I mentioned lately how much I really, really like them?)

The notice came automatically through my email, but I think if you go to their website, there will be more information.

The workshop is entitled Hope and Healing for Broken Kids.

All day--8:45 to 5.

Sat. 15 March

$30 such a deal

A Good Word

2009-11-10T18:47:00.000-05:00

This was part of a longer article. See the reference below.
I've been thinking about this a lot in the last few months. So this paragraph really stuck out to me when I read it. I mentioned before that I think units on self-esteem/self-image ought to be in your overall plan for your youth curriculum.

Self-Image
Remind them of their uniqueness—that they are special in God's eyes. It's worthwhile to remind your kids that God loves them for who they are, not for what they do. A healthy self-image goes a long way in protecting kids from the negative effects of peer pressure. Teach your kids that each person is a special creation of God. As such, each has the freedom to become all whom God has created him to be. A person who understands that she is loved by God will not be as motivated to conform to peer pressure—and is much more likely to be a positive influence on others.
Jim Burns
The Power of Positive Peer Influence
YM on-line magazine Nov 10, 2009

Yet another conference

2009-11-03T18:42:00.000-05:00

this one from Princeton:
a youth ministry forum next April
speakers include: Shane Claiborne, Kenda Creasy Dean,
Peter Gomes
look at their website (they didn't list an address on this ad) or phone
609-497-7914

more convention/conference news

2009-10-22T15:37:00.000-04:00

Who out there can afford to go to these things?
Do you already get these notices?

Impact 2010 (again, sponsored by Metro Maryland Youth for Christ)
High School conference March 26-28
held in Ocean City, MD
From the limited information on the big, glossy brochure, it looks as though this is one for you and the kids--not just adult leaders.
call 877-896-3802
or http://www.impact.mmyfc.org/

Group sponsored conference for adult youth workers
Chicago Feb 26-Mar 1, 2010
go to youthministry.com/symc
jr high and high school, college and young adult, family and CE

2009-10-17T10:48:00.000-04:00

Got an ad for a big middle school conference.
It's Nov. 20-22 and close by--Ocean City, MD
ALIVE conference Metro Maryland Youth for Christ
877-896-3802
www.alive.mmyfc.org

New Resources

2009-09-29T19:32:00.000-04:00

We got the new NOOMA-#24 Whirlwind.

I also bought a copy of
Thinking Theologically about Body Image.
I really think that youth groups ought to do a unit about self-esteem pretty often. Knowing who you are and feeling confident and self-assured helps kids make good decisions. Think about what really knowing that God loves you and has created you can do for your self-perception. Can we help kids with that?

2009-09-26T11:17:00.000-04:00

I've talked to you before about the 30 hour famine event which World Vision promotes. They have suggested dates (Feb. or April 2010), but have you thought about having it around the CROP walk?
I have information about this event. Give me a call or email. Or....contact World Vision pretty soon. CROP walk is mid-October.

CPYU (Center for Parent/Youth Understanding) just published a newsletter in conjunction with Group. I have a copy. Come in and read through it.

Christianity Today in Leadership (are they 2 separate magazines?) published an article:
Is the Era of Age Segmentation Over?
You might want to read this. It might affect your job.
They are just asking the question, but the writer has some compelling arguements for doing more intergenerational groupings in a congregation.
I have a copy of this article, too.

I ALSO have a copy of this:
a research report from Nat'l Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia U
The Importance of Family Dinners.
The basic drift is that kids who eat dinner with their families frequently have fewer problems with alcohol, tobacco and marijuana. Seems pretty simple. The report is short and easy to read. You might want to pass this on to parents.

Teen Depression

2009-08-27T11:48:00.000-04:00

PRC hosts Congregational Health Ministries every month. This is a noon meeting with lunch--registration is required, and I think there's a $10 fee for the food.
October's offering may be of interest to you:
Teenage Depression:
Prevention and Intervention
Katie Mount from the Samaritan Center is presenting.
Wed, October 21
noon until 1:30
reg deadline Oct 14
call Ruth Stoll 697-6560
or ris15@verizon.net

Addition

2009-08-25T21:00:00.000-04:00

about the event at Highland this Friday:
you can buy tickets at the door if you decide to go at the last minute

2ND POST--WOW

2009-08-24T11:45:00.000-04:00

More information to share:

locally and this week!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Highland Presbyterian on Oregon Pk. in Lancaster is hosting an event this Friday, August 28 6 pm at their building. Taylor Mason, a comedian and ventriloquist, will be performing as will Drive Thru Parking, a contemporary Christian rock band. Tickets are $7 and $5 and can be purchased at www.itickets.com. Highland would like lots of other congregations to feel welcome. This event is for the entire family. Questions? contact Matt Wilcox at Highland 569-2651

Youth CUE
This is the first brochure I've ever gotten from them. Don't know a thing about the organization. I'm just passing along information. This organization is for youth choirs. The flyer they sent has all sorts of trips planned and camp for 2010.
You can come in and look at my brochure or call 210-320-3525 or look on-line www.youthcue.org to get your own.

I would encourage you to schedule some quiet time, a time away, a time of rest. You all (paid workers and volunteer) work hard and your work is emotionally demanding. It can wear you down.
Two places locally that provide retreats are
Oasis Ministries
717-737-8222
www.oasismin.org
419 Deerfield Rd.
Camp Hill, PA 17011

and Kairos: School of Spiritual Formation
717-669-2957
Kairos@on-the-journey.org
offices in Lancaster, retreats in Wernersville

Please do look into blocking out some time this Fall to rest and renew.

First post: introduction and purpose

2009-08-19T13:28:00.000-04:00

to all Youth leaders, both professional and volunteer
paid and not
tired and enthusiastic
parent and sweet-young-thing-----

We here at the Parish Resource Center have created this blog basically to relay information. We think this is one more way to fulfill our mission: to strengthen you in your ministry in your own congregation; to train, equip and coach you for leadership and service.

We are just starting this. It's an experiment. We hope this blog will change and grow in ways that will be helpful to you.

We'd like you to make this a regular stop in your on-line work. Just check this site out every several days for new information, for ideas and comments from peers. After we get the hang of this, we envision this as a place where you can contribute as well, where you can network with your colleagues, where we can all exchange information, where we can support one another.

We'll just see where this takes us.

new information to share:
(We get lots of ads and notices from lots of youth organizations. I know that many of you get these mailings, too. But I want to pass this information along, just in case.)

30 hour famine sponsored by World Vision This is a program designed to make congregations aware of hunger and help alleviate it. WV has a ton of materials to help you set up this event. The dates they've chosen (and there would be something really cool about knowing that other faith communities around the world are all doing this on the same weekend) are Feb 26-27 and April 23-24 (you don't have to do it then, though). I have the packet here at the PRC or you can phone 1-800-7FAMINE or go on-line: www.famine2010.org.

NOOMA got one of the new ones--#23 Corner and #24 is on backorder so as soon as the bookstore gets it, I'll get it on the shelf.

CPYU Center for Parent/Youth Understanding I hope you all know about this organization and use their resources. Walt Mueller is the president--maybe you are familiar with his name. They are based right here in E-town. PRC has a bunch of their books. We've been given permission to download their on-line magazine. Check them out.

I think that's enough for the first post.
The plan is to add to the site at least weekly, maybe more often.
Peace to you all.