It’s Not a Day Off
Have you ever taken extended time to just “be” with God? What if you did?
June 19, 2015
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Have you ever taken extended time to just “be” with God? What if you did?
Carrying around a heavy heart is exhausting. Have you been there? Have you noticed that when we’re tired we make not-so-great decisions? We are more critical, and we can begin to blame others for what is really our own stuff? It isn’t moral failure or failing ministry; it’s exhaustion.
Our first Red Carpet Night was a classy night of wearing those dresses you only get to wear once and ties that belong to dad. It was also a night of honoring leaders, celebrating seniors, empowering underclassmen, and worship.
Each year a new set of students graduate from high school and from high school ministry. How you help them leave is as important as how you integrated them in as 9th graders. Prep and challenge them, celebrate them and then… stalk them.
Let’s be honest: not many of us have degrees in counseling, but over and over again we walk with students that need to be heard, healed, or saved, and it all begins with, “can we talk?” Here’s my 10 Starbucks counseling basics. They are not all inclusive, and I’m sure you have others… but it’s a start.
Do you have peeps? No, not the candy, although slightly stale yellow peeps are pretty amazing, but friends. Not friends under 18, not the intern, not assistants, not your spouse (although I would hope you are friends with your spouse) but I’m talking about real, honest, “not in your ministry” friends that do life with you.
This icebreaker is a great way to have some fun, help students get to know each other, and fill some time. All you need is some music and you’re ready. (Note: There is dancing involved!)
Students share signs around the circle without the person in the middle catching them. My students play this game throughout retreats, mission trips, and open nights at church. It’s one of those games that you’re surprised they play over and over again!
A game where holding hands in church is the key to taking the prize. For this no-prep game, you need is a coin and a small object (whatever is handy).
Students often ask how to hear God’s voice yet miss that God’s Word is his voice to us. For many, reading Scripture is just not a part of their daily routine because they feel they do not have time. Give them the time to listen and respond to God’s voice through his word.
There are those that prepare and those that don’t. Those that have messages written for the next six months and those that aren’t sure what they are covering tonight. Maybe a better question than “are you ready for Christmas” would be, “are you ready for whatever God may have for you this season?” Is your heart prepared to hear his voice?
What creates longevity in volunteer youth leaders? Why do they stay at it when the average youth pastor only lasts a few years statistically? When looking at successful teams of long time volunteers, a few reasons rise to the top.