Preaching is a form of communication where it is difficult for the preacher to utilize any feedback given from the congregation. With a single sermon there are as many opinions as there are listeners-sometimes more! With my own sermons, I realize that not every one is going to be a home run. But often, when I think one is terrible, someone will inevitably tell me how they experienced renewed faith though it. In seminary I Read More …
I have strict rule in the living room–no playing with balls. This rule comes primarily from a single concern. I think one day the kids will be throwing those hard little balls that they get from a gum ball type machine and will break the TV. Therefore, the living room is a ball free environment. Well, the other day I was walking up our stairs and I heard the following conversation from two of my Read More …
Going on trips is a necessary part of any youth ministry. After my first couple years of taking youth to Christian Family Night at Magic Mountain, I learned that something freeing seems to happen on these trips–youth talk waiting in lines. At theme parks young people open up in ways that they just don’t do when sitting in an office. This applies to being in your office as well. I’ve found that if a youth Read More …