Last September we launched Maximizing Ministry. Our intention was to host a monthly gathering to look at some key youth ministry issues. While we still want to provide those kinds of opportunities, we realized our ability to maintain monthly Max Min gatherings is not sustainable. Instead, as we move forward, we will host these discussion gatherings as key topics arise. We invite you to share your topics of interest for
It’s vital, as the pastor, to have an understanding of what’s happening in other ministries. It’s not to say you have to manage or organize these. At the very least, if someone asks you what’s happening in those ministries, you can share with confidence and redirect as needed. With these resources, you can discuss with your children and youth leaders if/how they might use them. Perhaps they have a rationale not to use it; that’s fine. They
In the past couple weeks, many churches have started using technology (especially streaming and video conferencing) to meet and connect with one another. As this form of connection becomes more familiar to us, here are some tips, ideas and considerations moving forward. DIFFERENT TOOLS FOR DIFFERENT AUDIENCES No one tool will work for everyone, and different tools serve different purposes. Many churches are streaming their services through Facebook Live or YouTube Live. Zoom is the choice for many who need a group discussion setting. Instagram chats,
For the last couple of decades, the church has been asking: How do we minister to young adults? Many people have ideas, but few are sustainable. Scott Pontier and Mark DeVries offers some insights in their book Reimagining Young Adult Ministry. (https://www.amazon.ca/Reimagining-Young-Adult-Ministry-Guidebook/dp/0998806404) Pontier and DeVries guide a conversation focused on what young adults are looking for and how the church can meet them where they are. The authors draw on
Back to work I was so happy to be a part of our team today. In the afternoon, we took a break from working and walked around the community of Villa Altagracia. We are the first people ever from the Lighthouse to work and walk around in that community. The people were so warm and welcoming to us. I can't wait to go back again and work tomorrow! -Brianna Today was a
Now's the Time So often, the Christian faith is portrayed as future-oriented. "One day we'll get there." "One day, Jesus will return." All of that is true. But Jesus reminds us not to forsake the present. Last Saturday, over 1400 youth leaders, students and volunteers gathered at the Meeting House to be inspired and challenged. Time and time again, they were reminded to consider what God is doing right now, and
The following is an excerpt from our book Faith Formation 2.0. There’s an old and wise saying: “It takes a village to raise a child.” This is just as true in a child’s faith development. Ultimately, we recognize it is God who desires children to develop profound, life-changing faith in Jesus. No one person is responsible for the entire faith development of a child. After all, the Apostle Paul reminds
The other day, I (Alvin) read an article in New York Magazine called “Meet the Adults Who Love to Color”. The premise of the article was that many adults are re-exploring the art of colouring, and in some ways, re-living moments from their childhood. It got me thinking about youth ministry. Youth ministry can be characterized as chaotic, intensive, deep, social or impulsive. Some envision high-ropes courses, while others think
Sometimes, in the midst of leading a ministry, seldom do we get a chance to take a step back to see what's happening at that moment ... unless we intentionally do so. Whether we like it or not, things change and things evolve. But if we don't take that step back every so often, the changes/evolutions happen right under our nose. Last year, we launched the ministry audit. While it
Ask a church their definition of "youth ministry", you'll probably get a variety of responses. Many define it as a program where youth are the target audience. Others emphasize mentoring and relationships with youth. Recently, some are expanding it to be family ministries i.e. ministering to parents and their families. Over the last few months, I've (Alvin) recognized there is a distinction between youth ministry and a church's reponse to
