I (Jon Matthews, youth pastor at Kingsway) had a really encouraging phone call with one of our students who is in University now (3rd year). As we were talking and she was sharing how she now has a church in town she goes to weekly, arranging her work schedule so every week she can have Sunday mornings free. And that she is part of discipleship group with another Para-church organization.
It goes without saying that 2020 has held unexpected events. So much has happened since March. We are asked to approach Thanksgiving with hearts of gratefulness, but as it approaches being grateful will be easier for some than for others. There are many in our communities (local or regional), and maybe in our churches, who are feeling great anxiety, tension and stress as a result of COVID-19. However, the question remains for each of us individually, “Do I come to God with unreserved thanksgiving?” In Psalm 27, David reminds us of
Do you have students about to graduate high school this June? What are their next steps? Here are some considerations and options in helping them make their next move. If they’re heading to school in another city, plan a visit to their prospective campus. If you as the youth leader can’t accompany them, encourage the students to visit campus with their parents/guardians. If you have students heading to Ontario universities
Imaginative Hope is the cumulation of thoughts from 50 youth workers across Canada which identify 7 obstacles, 5 opportunities, and 3 action steps for the Church to engage with in order to reach the next generation. Below are resources to help facilitate your church's discovery in realizing this Imaginative Hope. If you would like some additional support, contact Alvin by email (alau@baptist.ca) or phone/text (416-620-2946). Download
This fall, CBOQ Kids created a new resource called the "Grandtastic Adventure". The intention with this resource kit is to provide different ways for grandparents to connect and support their grandchildren spiritually. You can hear more from Tanya at cboqkids.ca/grandtastic about why and how this resource can be a great help. From a youth ministry perspective, many of these resources are very applicable. Grandparents can be that alternative voice when
“It is finished.” These are the final words spoken by Jesus  on the cross before he died for all humanity. They seem conclusive, definitive and, perhaps at that moment, words of defeat?. But on this side of history, we know what comes next. We know who and what is defeated. And we know that Jesus is victorious. New life begins. Jesus claimed that he would be the firstfruit of the
As the pandemic continues, many of our youth are engulfed in gaming both as players and spectators. Esports (which is a competition using video games usually with spectators) has grown into its own industry. According to Business Insider, it will likely surpass $1B in revenue this year. As one person who’s immersed in the esports world, I see this as a digital mission field. Some youth leaders are more familiar with esports; some may already be involved in it. Here are some suggested
Jon (Kingsway): Today we had to say goodbye to the other two teams that were here with us this past week. Compass from Orangeville and Flamborough from outside Hamilton. One upside was that we had the facilities all to ourselves, the other is that we definitely got some larger pieces of avocado for lunch! Our work today was focused on completing a concrete ramp to allow
This past weekend, a group from Mississauga Chinese Baptist Church and Kanata Baptist Church visited Six Nations. Led by Joe Elkerton, this group of six explored First Nations culture through their tour at the Woodlands Cultural Centre, with friends at Ohsweken Baptist Church and in group discussions. Here are some soundbites from three participants: I've come away from this weekend with a new respect and interest in Aboriginal culture. I
TIP 3: Celebrate the people going through different graduations. This is the season when many children and youth celebrate milestones (although differently, like last year). This includes: Grade school to high school High school to post-secondary (whether school, apprenticeship or work) Post-secondary studies to new careers (or for further studies) (others you may know about) As you identify these individuals, consider: Reaching out to each graduate individually, whether it’s a
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