An avalanche came this weekend. Sure, there was a lot of snow. More importantly, the message of Jesus was clearly presented and available for all to consider. Our speaker, Shawn Naylor, talked through our 4 sessions: the projected identity, what's behind the scenes, when it all falls apart and the raw self. He challenged to almost 500 jr. high students and youth leaders to consider who Jesus calls them to
CBOQ Youth hosted and sponsored training events and conferences: Youth Pastors Retreat Calling all CBOQ youth pastors and leaders to join together for three days of fellowship, networking and learning. CBOQ Assembly CBOQ is a family of churches, transformed by Christ, revealing God’s kingdom. Part of being that family means gathering together at our annual family reunion, a time for Canadian Baptists from across
We all go through cycles and season. Some can be tremendously busy. Others allow for a slower pace. At CBOQ Youth, our high season is January to March. That’s where we work the longest hours and put in the most intense energies. In the summer, our pacing typically slows down. It allows for us to shift gears. As I (Alvin) approach the summer season, a couple of reminders strike me.
In CBOQ Youth's calendar, Christmas is usually down time (compared to our other youth ministry colleagues in churches who have a lot to take care of before December 25). Given that our high season is just around the corner, our office will slow down with Matt and Alvin taking some time off and Angie scaling back her office hours. As you head into the heart of this Advent season (with
In the next nine weeks, I'll be involved in 3 retreats, 1 leadership conference, organizing 1 Compassion Experience and a Raptors outreach event (plus we'll throw in 3 church consultations). This is our high season at CBOQ Youth. In the midst of the organized chaos, God gave me a reminder from a devotion shared by Gloria Stafford at our last Avalanche planning meeting based on Ephesians 3:14-21. The one phrase
As we head into the final month before the summer, many youth ministries are looking to finish their ministry season well. Here are some great ways to wrap up: Celebrate achievements: Whether through an online forum or in your final youth meeting, celebrate all the ways God has blessed these students. Perhaps have them write down specific highlights and either post them on aboard for the church to see or
As soon-to-be high school graduates are looking at options after June, it can become a daunting task. Some are excited; others are filled with anxiety. As youth leaders, helping them to navigate this time is crucial in their faith journey. While each individual's situation is unique, there are some common elements to consider. What kind of vocation is God calling that person towards? What kind of pathway is God directing
“Only a few weeks left.” Your grade 12 grads are anticipating the end of their high school career. They’re also figuring out what the next chapter of their lives looks like whether they’re going to university or college, or pursuing jobs. How do you help them with this transition? Here are some ways your church can be a support for this crucial life-stage change. Have someone walk with the students
You’ve got a few more weeks of youth group left before the summer season comes. For some of you, the summer brings rest and a break. Others of you switch into another gear. Either way, it’s important to plan long before September comes. Do you know what you’ll be doing next year? You may be asking, “Why am I already planning next year?” A few reasons: It gives you and
CBOQ has an almost 20-year relationship with Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment in hosting our Centre Court outreach event with the Toronto Raptors. We are in high standing with MLSE, but it didn't happen over night. Here are some lessons we've learned. Be professional. This may seem redundant, but I've seen some youth leaders who approach corporations as one of their buddies. Whether or not you know your contact, if you're working in a business environment, then
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