Beyond Guilt

WARNING: The video below is amazing but also challenging. However, I'm not big on guilt trips. I think when God pierces our hearts it is an opportunity to repent, not just to feel guilty. Repentance is a good thing...it means to turn around...to change the way we think or act. It is letting go of self and allowing God to shape us. Repentance is the opportunity to walk with God...to see the world as he sees it...to partner with him in his mission of redemption. Repentance is a big part of the gospel! The good news is that we have a second chance at life. We get a new start and a new way to live! May God help us go beyond guilt and lead us to repentance! 

Politics (and Adoption)

People get pretty heated about politics so I do not usually say too much about them. I do think politics are important and I do think people should vote. However, I do not believe politicians or government will ever solve the real problems in this world. Governments cannot transform hearts. Politicians cannot redeem our communities. It seems people believe that if "their candidate" or party wins everything will be right in our country. I think that is overly optimistic. On the flip side, people believe if the other party wins then we are all doomed. I think that is overly pessimistic. Maybe are passions are misguided.

What if all the passion we had about politics was directed somewhere else?

What if we used our energy differently? What if we did something?

What if being pro-life was more than just a political slogan? What would happen if we were really pro-life? What would change if we all cared for orphans? What would happen if we actually lived out James 1:27?

What if we stopped talking about the poor and entitlements and instead actually served the poor (Matthew 25)?

What would change if we lived the gospel and didn't just preach it? What would happen if we followed the example of Christ and didn't just call ourselves Christian?

What if we stopped getting angry at other people and got angry at our own sin?

People do get heated about politics...and sometimes rightly so. But why are we not "heated" about the thousands of children without families? Why are we not "heated" about kids sold into slavery? I don't think we should stop caring about politics, but I do think we should care about other things more. And if I sound preachy, please know that I am preaching to myself as well. (Plus, I'm a preacher so I can't really help it.)

I pray God would break my heart for the things that break his heart. I pray I would share his desires and passions. I'm not always there, but I'm getting better. I realize that many people are already doing the very things I mentioned. I know many people who are loving orphans, serving the poor, and living the gospel. I am very grateful for these individuals. God's kingdom work is being done, we just need to join the movement.

Youth Training

Fellow youth pastors...I need your help! I am working with the conference on developing a certification school for youth workers. This training would be similar to the training of local license pastors. 

Full-time youth ministers could certainly attend this training, however, the main goal is to help small-ish churches in equipping their youth workers who are typically part-time or volunteer. This certification would also give these youth workers some clout and respect as well. Below is a tentative description of the program. We are very early in the game. In fact, nothing is in stone and no one has even agreed to be a part of the program. I just want to get some initial thoughts from friends. Thanks for your help!

Is there anything missing in the curriculum? 

What books would you suggest as reading material before class sessions?

How does the daily schedule look? Would you add or subtract anything from it? 

If we proceed with this program, would you be interested in helping?

About the Program

The youth ministry certification school would serve to equip youth workers and provide value to the youth worker’s resume. In addition, the school will hopefully provide an affordable way for churches to assist and support their youth workers. The program is especially designed for lead youth workers who are either volunteers or part-time. The ten courses give a foundation for youth ministry education. Individuals would meet on 5 Saturdays within a 6 month period. Each day the student will cover two courses. There will also be reading assignments before and after the on-site classes. Upon completion of the ten courses, a certificate will be issued to the student.

About the Curriculum

• A Foundation of Youth Ministry: Planning, Purpose, Resources, and Goals
• Culture and Youth Ministry: Understanding Teenagers
• The Family and Youth Ministry: Partnering with Parents
• Building a Team: Recruiting and Keeping Volunteers
• Wesleyan Theology
• Speaking to Teenagers: Preaching 101
• Counseling Youth: Helping Hurting Kids
• The Other Side of Youth Ministry: Administration, Safe Sanctuary, Conflict Resolution, Working With Your Pastor, and Fundraising.
• Leadership Training
• Soul Care: The Personal and Spiritual Life of a Healthy Youth Worker

Schedule

9:30am-12:00pm--Course 1

12:00pm-1:00pm—Lunch/Break

1:00pm—3:30pm—Course 2

3:30pm-4:00pm—Devotion and Communion

Haiti Mission Trip

“Pure and lasting religion in the sight of God our Father 

means that we must care for orphans and widows in their troubles…” –James 1:27

When? June 15-21 2013

Where? Haiti

Who? 9^th-12^th grade students

What? This Caribbean country is known for its vast poverty and devastating earthquake in 2010. However, it is also a place with amazing people who are currently in midst of a national revival. Our team will have the opportunity to participate in this beautiful revival through leading church services, construction projects, and ministering at orphanages.

Why?

Be a Blessing

·         Fulfill the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20)

·          Invest in the lives of others (Philippians 2:1-4)

·         Care for people in need (Matthew 10:42, Matthew 25, James 1:27)

·         Use the gifts God has given you for his purposes (1 Peter 4:10)

Be Blessed

·         Deepen your walk with Christ

·         Build lifelong relationships with your team members

·         Experience a new culture and the worldwide body of Christ

·         See God’s grace and power in a new way

Teens and Social Media

Some interesting statistics on teenagers and social media.

3 Reasons I'm Excited about Youth Ministry...and a Funny Video

As another school year begins, here are 3 reasons why I am excited about our youth ministry!!! (The three exclamation points show my excitement)

1. Our youth ministry has really grown the past couple of years and so has our number of volunteers. We also have awesome facilities now. Thus, beginning this year we will now be able to offer some separate ministries for middle school and high school students. Our Sunday night small groups will have separate times for each age group and a curriculum that is specific for them. In addition, we will have separate trips in the winter and separate mission trips in the summer. I cannot wait to get started!

2. We are really pushing for our youth to attend Sunday morning services with their families. We are going to try something new in terms of Sunday School in order to really emphasize the importance of being a part of the larger church. This thought process is the result of recent research coming from books like "Almost Christian" and "Sticky Faith." Our concern is that many of our students are only attached to the youth group and not the church as a whole...we want to try and change that.

3. I love our Wednesday night services. We have youth from various ages and backgrounds together in fellowship and worship. More importantly, the students are beginning to run most of the service besides the message. We have a youth-led praise band, youth working the computer and sound board, and youth reading the announcements and scripture readings. Sometimes this means things aren't perfect, but I love to see them taking ownership and I hope that we continue to improve in this area. 

I'm in my 11th year of working with students and still love every minute of it. Although, sleeping on the floor is not as much fun. 

Oh, and here is the funny video. I don't think I fit any of the youth pastor stereotypes except for the facial hair one. Enjoy!

Football Predictions

College football is back and here are some of my predictions. What do you think?
 Let the trash talking begin!

ACC Champion--Florida State

Big East Champion--Rutgers

Big Ten Champion--Wisconsin

Big 12 Champion--Oklahoma

Pac 12 Champion--Oregon

SEC Champion--Alabama -yes, I'm a homer...leave me alone! :)

Heisman Finalists--Matt Barkley (USC), Denard Robinson (Michigan), Tyler Wilson (Arkansas), Landry Jones (Oklahoma),

Sleepers--Geno Smith (West Virginia), EJ Manuel (Florida State), Marcus Lattimore (South Carolina)

Sticky Faith

STICKY FAITH

Everyday Ideas to Build Lasting Faith in Your Kids

Presented by First United Methodist Church Crestview

Reverend Brandon Dasinger (Associate Pastor and Student Minister)

When: This Sunday (2pm-3:30pm)

Cost: Nothing! ...and free child care is available.

Who: This seminar is for parents (and grandparents) of kids of all ages. No matter the age of your kids, it's never too early or too late to build sticky faith.

Why: As a student ministry our desire is to minister to students AND their families. We know it is not easy being a parent and we want to do everything we can to help.

Where: Crossroads Center (youth room)

Summary: Research shows that almost half of graduating high school seniors struggle deeply with their faith. Many drop out of church completely. However, the news is not all bad. Research also shows some things that we can do as parents to encourage our children's spiritual growth so that it will stick with them in adulthood. 

Please feel free to share this event with others. No registration required...just show up! 

Here is a video that gives some more info...