Articles
Recent Articles
You Are Abba’s Delight
by Barry Holbrook Posted in ArticlesYouth Worker DevelopmentBy Barry Holbrook My God is a God of intimacy. He is the Lover of my soul. He is the bridegroom eagerly awaiting His bride. His passion for me surpasses my passion for Him. In His wild and inexplicable love for me is where I find peace and joy. Is He aware of my sin—more than aware, He foreknew it—yet He still passionately embraces me! He chose me—while I was wallowing in my hopelessness. Relax and think about your love affair with this God of passion.
Caleb’s Promise: A Father’s Day Tribute
by Jeremy Del Rio Posted in ArticlesYouth Worker DevelopmentBy Jeremy Del Rio “If you knew me, you would know my Father also." – Jesus (John8:19, NIV) The scene was gory and tragic, every father’s worst nightmare. The mini-van carrying Matt Stevens’ two oldest sons had flipped on a gravel strewn country road and ten-year-old Caleb was thrown underneath the wreckage. Big brother Josh, himself just eleven, comforted “Cub” by encouraging him to hold on until dad arrived.
One Plus Zero Equals One
Posted in ArticlesYouth Worker DevelopmentBy Andrew Seely I think it's about time we as a church take a good hard look at what it means to be a single person within a Christian community. This largely comes from some conversations I've had with other single Christians and from my own personal struggles.
Why I Will Never Kiss Retreats Goodbye
Posted in ArticlesBy Jason Raitz Let me cut right to the chase, I can’t imagine not incorporating retreats into our student ministry. How else can I say it? I will never kiss retreats good-bye. I have been a youth pastor for 11 years and in that time, retreats have provided more Ebenezer moments for our ministry than any other activity, program or event we hosted. Retreats that we have done have provided life-changing moments that have given students an opportunity to draw closer to God and to draw closer to each other.
Rising
Posted in ArticlesBy Andrew Seely Now that we’re a couple weeks away from Easter, here are some thoughts as I reflect on Easter and how it is expressed in congregations. First off, Easter to me is a part of the Christian calendar that completely sums up the entirety of what it means to…Read More
Connecting With Unchurched Students
Posted in ArticlesBy Todd Szymczak Recently our senior high ministry held an event that was targeting unchurched students. We hosted a concert of local high school bands to benefit Hurricane Katrina victims. Several bands from around our area were invited to play, and they brought their “fans”. Students who were part of our…Read More
The Gospel According To Thomas
Posted in ArticlesBy Bryan Watson “Lord, I believe; help Thou mine unbelief.” – a desperate father Thomas. The Apostle Thomas. Doubting Thomas. I don’t think that there’s anyone else in the Bible who’s gotten such an undeserved bum rap from the Church through the ages. For my own self, I find it easier to identify with Thomas and Peter than with James or John. Men whose foibles and flaws are displayed for all of history to witness, for all of us to see and analyze through the ages. For all of us to pass judgment on.
Beyond Passion: Living A Crucified Life
Posted in ArticlesBy Jeremy DelRio Two years ago, the evangelical world eagerly awaited the release of what was being lauded as "the greatest evangelistic tool of our time." The anticipation built as a brilliant marketing campaign invited pastors and church leaders to pre-screen Mel Gibson's Passion of the Christmovie, and its trailer spread virally online. The supposed anti-Semitism controversy notwithstanding, evangelicals and Catholics worldwide pre-purchased tickets for opening night. I was one of those awash in buzz for the film, and our youth group was one of thousands that attended screenings opening weekend.
