How to: Build a Successful & Safe Special Needs Ministry (Orange 2011)

Many children are born with special needs, which include a number of issues. One of the most obvious is the growing number of children with various forms of autism. Many churches, however, are still struggling with providing effective ministry for these children. I know that is something our church has talked about for some time, … Continue reading How to: Build a Successful & Safe Special Needs Ministry (Orange 2011)

How to: Mobilize Kids & Youth to Lead (Orange 2011)

Many of us in ministry know the typical way things go. Parents expect to drop their kids off at their respective ministry and go on their way. Going deeper, many churches take this approach. They view the ministers as the only ones in charge of the ministry. While many have tried to change this, which … Continue reading How to: Mobilize Kids & Youth to Lead (Orange 2011)

Orange Bound 2011

Here I am. Another year and another Orange Conference. I say that like I have been many times, but this is really only my second time attending. This will also mark the first time I am going as a blogger, which is really exciting. If you were not able to go this year, be sure to … Continue reading Orange Bound 2011

Thoughts on TIME’s Top 100 of 2011

It is no secret that TIME Magazine puts out a list of the Top 100 People every year, based on influence. The 2011 list consists of several people you would expect, but of course, it contains many that might shock you. Among the Top 100 are Rob Bell, who has endured much controversy as of late, and Geoffrey … Continue reading Thoughts on TIME’s Top 100 of 2011

Baptism from April 3, 2011

Yesterday, I was able to baptize another student in our youth group. He's an awesome kid, and I'm really looking forward to what God is going to do through him. This is just another time when I am reminded of how awesome my job is. Thank you God for this blessing!! For some reason, WordPress.com … Continue reading Baptism from April 3, 2011

Trying Something New – Time Out

I've been a reader/follower of Tim Schmoyer's "Life in Student Ministry" blog for quite a while. As a reader, I've often thought Monday's "Time Out" devotional thoughts were great. In fact, they have helped me get focused on many occasions. The other day, they made a request for more writers, and I thought to myself … Continue reading Trying Something New – Time Out

What are Your Hardest Times in Youth Ministry?

When I think back to the past several years in youth ministry (almost 10 years, if you count the years as a volunteer when I started college), there have been many times when I thought, "This is the hardest time." However, it seems that another always comes along. What does this mean? I think people … Continue reading What are Your Hardest Times in Youth Ministry?

Celil Refik Kaya

Celil Refik Kaya, a friend of our lead minister's daughter performed at RCC on March 6, 2011. He played several songs, and this is one of them. He is an amazing classically trained guitar player from the country of Turkey, and there is a really good chance you will see and hear a lot more … Continue reading Celil Refik Kaya

What to Attend and Blog at the Orange Conference 2011?

Hey all you student/youth ministers out there. As a reminder, I'll be attending the Orange Conference from April 26-29, 2011. Because I'll be blogging even more this year, I want to make sure I attend the breakout workshops that you want to hear about. Check out the link below with all the breakouts, and leave … Continue reading What to Attend and Blog at the Orange Conference 2011?

Plans for Orange Conference 2011

If you haven't realized it yet, I'm going to be heading down to Atlanta again for the Orange Conference this year. I just booked my flight, so it is official! My first time was last year, and this year, they have asked me to return and blog for them. I am pretty excited about this … Continue reading Plans for Orange Conference 2011