Download Emily's Presentation 3 Key Insights from Emily Be open about this topic, including appropriate details of your own life. Invite adults to appropriately share their struggles with youth. A.L.G.E.E. is one helpful approach when dealing with someone in a mental health crisis. Be familiar with resources both local and online such as Kids Help Phone, Canadian Mental Health Association and speakers like Brett Ullman and Brene
Tip: Attend CBOQ Now on January 14 and review afterwards. This month's CBOQ Now meeting is on "Redefining the Church". This pandemic has moved us to consider what Jesus's church can continue to become in these coming weeks, months and years. Join the meeting online by registering here. After January 14, there will be follow-up questions and considerations to deepen the insights shared.
tip: Register for the Today's Teens Conference today (it's free this year!) Today's Teens Conference is the largest and longest current-running youth ministry conference in Ontario. This year, because of the pandemic restrictions and with the generous support of various sponsors, it is FREE this year. Not only does it include access to the conference content via the Castle app (with Crossroads), it will include bonus content leading up and
“Gather a collection of thanksgiving year-end prayers (video, written, etc) and showcase them.” None of us could foresee the way things transpired in 2020. Yet even with all the disruptions, chaos and confusion, God has revealed in so many ways the ways he continues to bless us with and carry us through challenging times. One way to show our gratefulness is to offer collective prayers of thanksgiving (in-person or online). Here are some ways to do that. IN-PERSON Each person has a piece of paper
Most years, the Christmas season feels busy and sometimes rushed—even in the church. Many of us juggle different celebrations, gatherings and other obligations. This year, however, it’s changed and a lot of us are feeling a different anxiety or longing for missed traditions. In Luke 2, we read these words: “Mary treasured up all these things” (v19, 51). In fact, we see those words twice! The first time after the
The season of Advent is upon us. In the last few days, you may have been inundated with ads for Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping deals. To help swing our collective focus away from consumerism and towards charity, tomorrow is Giving Tuesday. For Jesus’ church, it goes without saying that every Tuesday (or any day of the week really) is Giving Tuesday. Jesus reminds us we are to serve, not be served. We are called to give rather than receive (which
Note: There were unforeseen disruptions in the setup and during the recording. Our apologies for those who were not able to join online. 3 Key Insights from Adrian and Louise For many in other parts of the world, COVID-19 isn't in the top 3 of their current crises. Our Canadian churches have much to learn from the Global South. Partnerships between Canadian Baptist churches and field
Christmas is (at the time of publication) 46 days away. It seems soon, and perhaps overwhelming when, with our current pandemic, many of the ways we celebrate Christmas will change. Changing how we celebrate doesn’t lessen the significance or the message of Jesus’ birth, however. I (Alvin) hope your church (at least within your youth ministry and among some of the church leaders) has already started those conversations about what Christmas celebrations will look like this year. If you haven’t,
Many youth continue to look for ways to make a difference with their life. As the church that is invested in the lives of these young people, we desire to see them deepen their faith and develop the gifts and skills God’s entrusted to them. We care about their faith development. One key question is: what could be a next step for them? In what area do they need help to stretch and grow as disciples of Christ? There are many ways your church can help facilitate next steps. It could be partnering youth (individually
“Identify your high school grads and their plans.” High school graduation is an exciting time in a person’s life. It’s the closure of one chapter and the anticipation of the next one to come. As the pastor, acknowledging this rite of passage is crucial. At least know who’s graduating this year in your church. You may not be able to connect with them regularly, but at least knowing who they are is a great start. What specific
