2 MOMENTUM CONFERENCE 2010 | momentum2010.ag.org
JAY MOONEY
NATIONAL YOUTH DIRECTOR
STEVE PULIS
NATIONAL STUDENT OUTREACH DIRECTOR
ROD WHITLOCK
NATIONAL STUDENT DISCIPLESHIP DIRECTOR
CHET CAUDILL
NATIONAL STUDENT MISSIONS DIRECTOR
LEADERS SHARPENING LEADERS 3
GENERAL
SCHEDULE
Thursday
Friday
1:00 pm – Registration 4:00 pm - Super Sessions 5:00 pm - Dinner* 7:00 pm - Momentum Breakouts 8:00 pm - Momentum Session - Worship, Pocket Full of Rocks. Speaker, Jay Mooney (Grapevine Ballroom C/D) Exhibits open 1-4 pm, 6.30-8 pm, 9.30-10.30 pm
MOMENTUM 2010 EDITORIAL TEAM
9:00 am - Momentum Session - Worship, Pocket Full of Rocks. Speaker, Doug Fields (Grapevine Ballroom C/D) 10:30 am - Momentum Breakouts 11:30 am - Momentum Breakouts 12:30 pm - Lunch* 2:30 pm - Super Session 3:30 pm - Momentum Breakouts 4:30 pm - Momentum Breakouts 5:30 pm - Dinner* 8:00 pm - Momentum Session - Worship, Pocket Full of Rocks. Speaker, Jeffery Portmann (Grapevine Ballroom C/D) 10:00 pm Late night w/KJ-52
Student Discipleship Director Rod Whitlock
Exhibits open 8-9 am, 10.30-12.30 pm, 2-5.30 pm, 7-8 pm, 9.30-10.30 pm.
Saturday
8:00 am - Breakfast and Momentum Session Worship, Sarah Reeves. Speaker, Dr George Wood (Grapevine Ballroom A/B) 10:00 am - Super Sessions 11:00 am - Closing Session (Grapevine Ballroom C/D) 11:30 am - Hotel Check-Out Exhibits open 10-11 am *Indicates meals are on your own.
4 MOMENTUM CONFERENCE 2010 | momentum2010.ag.org
Editor Amber Weigand-Buckley Copy Editor Heather Van Allen Design Josh Carter Web Management Chris Gerringer Cover Photo Courtesy of: iStock Photo Other Photos Courtesy of: BEC Records, Desert Cry Ministries, Integrity Records, Myrrh Records and Stock.Xchge . All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION® 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved. Momentum ©2010 by The General Council of the Assemblies of God (Gospel Publishing House), 1445 N. Boonville Avenue, Springfield, MO 65802, (417)862-2781. Springfield, Mo. Printed in the USA. Sign up for Momentum Mondays and more at momentum.ag.org. Find Momentum on Facebook.
youth.ag.org
THURSDAY 4 PM
SCOTTY GIBBONS – STUDENT MINISTRIES DIRECTOR, REALIFE, JAMES RIVER ASSEMBLY. GIVING AN EFFECTIVE ALTAR CALL: LEADING PEOPLE IN RESPONDING TO TRUTH The goal of every preacher is for the hearers to respond appropriately to the truth being presented. Unfortunately, in many cases, there’s plenty of seed-scattering and very little harvestgathering. A lack of response can be discouraging to any speaker. This session will offer principles that will help you experience the results that both God and you desire to see in your ministry. Grapevine C/D
FRIDAY 2.30 PM
DAN HUNTER – BIG TEAM, LITTLE YOU Ministry is not a one man show. Learn how to build, develop and lead inspired, vision-focused teams to success. Grapevine C/D
CARRIE ABBOTT – PRESIDENT, THE LEGACY INSTITUTE. HEY CHURCH LEADERS, STOP TEACHING ABSTINENCE! Abstinence is a necessary and valuable message in every healthy society. But, as the church, we have the distinct privilege of living and teaching something even more powerful, profound and effective. Nationally known speaker and relationship expert CHET CAUDILL – STUDENT MISSIONS Carrie Abbott will highlight the more complete DIRECTOR, NATIONAL YOUTH MINISTRIES. picture, which is the Relationship Model for Sexual CONFESSIONS OF A MISSIONSAHOLIC: LIFE Integrity. Carrie will unlock the key to reaching the AND MINISTRY TRANSFORMATION next generation with God’s message of sexuality, Missions is more than just a task we’ve been which results in real life change for your students. assigned or a trip to plan; it is in the DNA of every You won’t want to miss this groundbreaking true believer in Christ. Imparting and cultivating a approach to the biblical relationship worldview heart for missions in students is a key component called Relationships With Integrity. to their spiritual growth. And it has the potential to Grapevine A change the face (and effectiveness) of your youth ministry. JOEL HUNTER - LEAD PASTOR OF Grapevine A NORTHWOOD CHURCH (SPRING, TX) DIRECTOR OF DISCOVERY & DEVELOPMENT FRED STOEKER – AUTHOR & SPEAKER, FOR AG CHURCH MULTIPLICATION NETWORK LIVING TRUE MINISTRIES. MATURITY METRICS: ARE WE REALLY SHAPING DESTINY WITH PURITY EFFECTIVE AT BUILDING PEOPLE? Sharing the nine common myths about dating and The US church today has a consumer mentality sexuality, Stoeker will explore how youth leaders that is not allowing for disciples to be reproduced. may not only impact the destiny of the individual, This session will take a look at how we can build but also the entire destiny of a family tree, for leaders in the midst of a society that does not generations to come. What is understand the biblical form of making disciples. actually possible when it comes to sexual purity? Grapevine B Everything. Grapevine B STEVE PULIS – STUDENT OUTREACH DIRECTOR, NATIONAL YOUTH MINISTRIES. DR. GARLAND OWENSBY – PROFESSOR OF KNOWING HOW TO LOSE YOUR JOB WILL HELP YOUTH AND STUDENT MINISTRIES, SAGU. YOU KEEP IT HELPING STUDENTS WHO HURT This session discusses how to avoid the guarWhat’s your style when it comes to helping anteed ways you can lose your job, and grow students who are hurting? Also, find out how to the vital ministry connections with your pastor, address issues of addiction and self-injury. volunteers, parents and students. Ft Worth 5/6 Ft Worth 5/6
SATURDAY 10 AM
JOHNNIE WILSON – YOUTH PASTOR. MAKING YOUR MESSAGE MATTER Everything in your ministry communicates the message of who you are and what your purpose is. We must constantly work to make our communication as effective and efficient as possible. This session will examine how to communicate the right messages. Grapevine C/D CARRIE ABBOTT – PRESIDENT, THE LEGACY INSTITUTE HEY CHURCH LEADERS, STOP TEACHING ABSTINENCE! Grapevine B ROD WHITLOCK – STUDENT DISCIPLESHIP DIRECTOR, NATIONAL YOUTH MINISTRIES. DIAGNOSING YOUR YOUTH MINISTRY This highly interactive session will involve the steps to diagnosing the problems in your youth ministry, developing a healthy growth strategy and then deploying church and volunteer leaders, parents and students to implement your plan. Grapevine 4/5 BRIAN PINGEL – TRANSITIONS The goal of every youth ministry is to help launch emerging adults into a life long journey of faith. This session will use current research and strategies to help leaders incorporate teens into the life of the church in order to effectively launch their students into the next phase of life with their relationship with Christ. Ft Worth 5/6
LEADERS SHARPENING LEADERS 5
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DAVE WALLACE – URBAN EVANGELISM: EVANGELISM, YOUTH SERVICE, CAMPUS CLUBS IN AN URBAN SETTING. Each week P.O.L. youth leaders spread across their city sharing the gospel with youth at school, at parks and on some of the toughest streets of Oakland, California. Love compels them to often go where no one has gone before. These “pastors to the street” are on a weekly manhunt for youth 12-20 years of age. Whether reached on the streets or at school, students gather for a dynamic youth service. Learn firsthand about encountering and reaching urban teens from tough neighborhoods. Ft Worth 2
THURSDAY 7 PM JAROY CARPENTER – GET’EM PUMPED: INTERACTIVE TEAM BUILDING This session gives many specific interactive team building activities and games, teaching teamwork and structure that can be used in camps, retreats, youth events, school clubs and assemblies. Grapevine 1/2 DOUG EVERAARD – LEADING LEADERS IN STUDENT MINISTRY Focusing on five areas of a leader’s life and how those areas translate to those you lead: Know yourself, See the Houses in the Forest, Get out of the way, Never stop learning and growing, and leading is about following. Grapevine 4/5 JOSH MAYO – HOW TO BE AWESOMER Implement creative dynamics into your youth service—technical, service programming, lights, stories, cheap/free resources, plus much more. Grapevine 6 ALLEN GRIFFIN – MAKING IT COUNT: ANOINTED PREACHING WITH CREATIVITY AND PASSION We have all struggled at times to write a “homerun” sermon. How do many great leaders and pastors come up with terrific messages that impact people the world over? How do we effectively communicate the gospel with all the obstacles of culture, time and budget? This session, with ideas and solutions from many different great preachers, pastors, communicators and motivational speakers, will give you a well-rounded and multi-faceted understanding of effective communication for the 21st Century. Ft Worth 5/6 PAUL ABNER – THE PARENT FACTOR The greatest untapped resource in setting students up for relational success comes through their parents. Ft Worth 1
DANIEL DAY – THE STOKED SEMINAR Youth pastor and author of the new book STOKED, Daniel Day will give strategies for helping students remain passionate for God throughout their college experience. Ft Worth 3/4 JENNIFER PASQUALE – SEXUALITY IN AMERICAN YOUTH: REACHING OUT TO TEENS IN IDENTITY CRISIS Learn how to understand a subculture and give them acceptance while leading them to biblical guidance and harboring an atmosphere for Christ to do the life change. This session will help leaders establish intentional ministry initiatives that are culturally relevant, people inclusive and Christ-centered. Ft Worth 7 BRIAN NEUGENT – RELATING TO YOUR SENIOR PASTOR This discussion deals with how to form and maintain a healthy relationship with your senior pastor. Austin 1-3 JAIME KEMP WRESTLING WITH A CALL TO MISSIONS Discover your role as a youth leader in global missions, whether that means staying in America, committing a year or two to missions as an MA or even a becoming a career missionary. Austin 4-6
FRIDAY 10.30 AM JON CATRON – HEALTHY STAFF RELATIONSHIPS Many times, youth leaders have unhealthy staff relationships that can cause you to be less effective in reaching students. This session will help you discover how to support the team and yet still fulfill what God has called us to do. Grapevine B RACHEL CHIMA – BATH & BODY WORKS Straight Talk for Girls: Sexual Purity. How to talk with girls regarding this important topic. Grapevine 1/2
TOBY SCHNECKLOTH – MIDDLE SCHOOL MINISTRY NOW OR NEVER Ministry to young teenagers is often one of the most challenging and overlooked parts of youth ministry. But with the right training and approach, it could be the most exciting and effective ministry. With an ever increasing culture that is contrary to Christianity, ministry to these young students is truly now, or never. Grapevine 4/5 CHRIS MCGOUGH – EFFECTIVELY ASSESSING DISCIPLESHIP GROWTH This workshop will cause leaders to think differently about how growth is measured as a result of discipleship efforts. An introduction to the difference between top-line assessment and bottom-line assessment will be made in order to help attendees adopt a new paradigm of measuring discipleship that isn’t based on counting things (like how many chapters read in the Bible, how many minutes prayed, how much money given, etc.) rather on how they have become more like Christ through the process. Attendees will gain hands-on instruction as they work through assessment materials in small groups. Grapevine 6 RUSTY RAILEY – THE POWER OF WORDS FROM A YOUTH LEADER In youth ministry a lot of time is spent on youth program development but hardly any time is spent on word development. What two powerful truths do all youth workers need to keep in mind regarding words? Discover the types of words we should use with our students. Ft Worth 5/6 KURT CULLISON – SIMPLICITY Ever feel overwhelmed with life, church calendar, ministry obligations or family schedule? In this breakout, you’ll learn three keys to reaching for and acquiring “simplicity,” without compromising value and excellence. Ft Worth 1 SAM LOPEZ – URBAN YOUTH MINISTRY In this session we will discuss how to develop a lasting and effective youth ministry despite the lack of finances, resources and youth workers in the face of the current urban environment, the hopeless mindset and misplaced family priorities. We will discuss practical ways to and maintain a youth ministry that will win young people for Christ, and produce lasting fruit in their lives, ultimately making an impact in the environment around you. This session is not only for urban youth ministries but all those who face these challenges. Ft Worth 2
LEADERS SHARPENING LEADERS 7
BREAKOUT
ADAM DEVIZA – A-Z PRODUCTION It’s the little things that matter when it comes to production. You must make sure the small stuff happens correctly in order to create an effective big picture presentation. Learn how to take your production to the next level. Ft Worth 7
SESSIONS RODNEY WARDELL POTENTIAL STUDENT MINISTRY DREAM KILLERS Every student pastor kicks off their ministry with big goals and God-sized dreams. However, too many youth pastors and their families either become casualties of bad ministry experiences. In this session, we’ll cover seven areas of potential dangers that could create devastation for a youth pastors life and ministry if they are left unchecked. Ft Worth 3/4 JASON REASONER – PARTNERING WITH PARENTS This session focuses on understanding your role and the role of parents. You will learn how to make parents your allies in youth ministry, and how to handle disagreement and confrotation. Ft Worth 7 BRAD FOX – BUILDING TEAMS TO SUCCEED LeBron went to Miami to win it all. That should be our goal, too, in building our teams. Building a volunteer youth staff can be a ton of work. When putting a team together you want to do it with purpose and balance. Finding the right people and putting them in a role that will help the team succeed is a must. Austin 1-3 JOSEPH KELLOGG – FUEL FOR THE DRIVEN LEADER This session highlights four keys principles for success in long-term student ministry. I’ll explain the word fuel—Focus, Unity, Evaluation and Longevity. Discover ow these principles will help you see long-term success in student ministry. Austin 4-6
FRIDAY 11.30 AM MARTY BURROUGHS – THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT How to preach this important message so that students can understand the meaning and mission of the Holy Spirit. Grapevine B MICHAEL FERNANDEZ – CREATIVE ELEMENTS IN PREACHING This workshop will offer practical, creative suggestions that can enhance the delivery and retention of biblical messages. Special emphasis will be placed on creating teaching moments using multi-media, dramas, object lessons and purposeful audience interaction. Grapevine 1/2
JASON DORSEY – CAMPUS DRIVEN YOUTH MINISTRY Reaching students means getting into their world. If the campus is at the center of the student’s world, it should be at the center of our ministry. Campus missions can drive our vision. and give us a purpose that keeps us from being inward focused. Grapevine 4/5 CHRIS SMITH – CREATING A YOUTH EXPERIENCE TO REACH UN-CHURCHED STUDENTS. This session will feature practical ways to create a service and an environment to reach un-churched students while maintaining a healthy youth ministry. Grapevine 6 WAYLON SEARS – CHANGING THE WAY YOU THINK ABOUT PRAYER Focusing on building a strong prayer life and ministry in the lives of your leadership and students. Ft Worth 5/6 SARAH REEVES – THE EFFECTIVE LEAD WORSHIPPER This teaching is an intense breakdown of worship. Why we worship. How we worship. The understanding of the freedom and power of worship. Reeves focuses on how who we are off-stage reflects on who we are on stage. This teaching will hopefully bring worship leaders to life and challenge them in their gifts and calling to lead. Ft Worth 1
JESSE WATSON – BIG Planning, organizing and delivering on BIG events to help grow your ministry. Austin 1-3 MATT WILKE – CREATIVE COMPASSION You and your students desire to share Jesus in practical ways in your community and around the world. In this session on Creative Compassion, you’ll hear true stories from the field where students and leaders have thought out of the box and found ways to connect Jesus with those in need. Austin 4-6
FRIDAY 3.30 PM CHRIS SMITH – BALANCING A HEALTHY YOUTH MINISTRY AND HEALTHY PERSONAL/FAMILY LIFE As a youth pastor/youth leader, it can be hard to have a healthy balance between ministry and personal/family life. In this session, we look at practical ways to prioritize these areas of our life and accomplish a healthy balance in both. Grapevine 1/2 BRUCE RIDDLE – ACQUIRE THE KEYS TO YOUR HIGH SCHOOL Imagine the influence your youth ministry could have, if only you had access to the hundreds of students in your city’s high school. In this session, learn how you can become a welcome guest on campus by building relationships with faculty and volunteering to serve your school. Grapevine 4/5
HOW TO USE MUSIC AND MEDIA IN YOUTH MINISTRY
JEREMY MOORE – SWORDPLAY: CONNECTING STUDENTS WITH THE WORD This breakout session, presented by the visionary behind the 1 Month Challenge, will give youth leaders the tools to teach students the importance of staying grounded in their Bibles and the impact it can have on their lives. Challenging students to read and carry their Bibles opens the door for witnessing opportunities they wouldn’t normally have. The 1 Month Challenge will also be broken down in this session. Grapevine 6
Your students spend a whopping seven hours EVERYDAY using entertainment media. The question is not “if” but “how” you can effectively use music and media in winning, building and sending teens. Everyone attending will receive free resources (DVDs, Bible Studies) and good ideas from this session. Ft Worth 3/4
WAYNE NORTHUP – HOW TO GET A LAUGH & A LIFE-CHANGE In today’s fast paced, world of communication how in the world can you hold a students attention for 30-45 minutes at a time. Come find out the skills needed to connect but see life-change. Ft Worth 5/6
DAVID GUAJARDO – EMPOWERING YOUR STUDENTS FOR MINISTRY The basis for this class is found in Romans 12:6-8. We need to realize that all gifts and abilities come from God, and understand that not everyone has the same gift. Each person has been created with one or more gifts that should be used to help and encourage others. Ft Worth 2 ALLEN WEED – WHATYAGONNADOWITHWHATYAGOT?
8 MOMENTUM CONFERENCE 2010 | momentum2010.ag.org
BREAKOUT SESSIONS JAIME KEMP – HOW YOUR YOUTH MINISTRY CAN STAY CONNECTED TO MISSIONS Practical ways for students/youth ministries to engage with missionaries that will encourage Speed the Light giving, produce life-long missions givers and nurture a heart for missions. Austin 4-6 KIM SHARP – ACTIVATION!!! I have yet to meet a seeker-sensitive teenager! Have you? They are looking for the REAL, the ALIVE, the LIFE CHANGING and….THE SUPERNATURAL. Let’s power this thing up with what WORKS! The Bible shows that when a REAL move of the Holy Spirit is in action, people will try to buy it, imitate it and scrutinize it, but the masses come to EXPERIENCE it. Are we offering the GENUINE EXPERIENCE of the Holy Spirit? It’s one thing to have something “belong” to you, but you cannot enjoy it until you activate it. Ft Worth 1 DAVE WALLACE – DISCIPLESHIP IN URBAN SETTING: Fellowship Groups, Visitation and Leadership Camp in an Urban Setting This workshop will give insight into an effective discipleship structure that one urban youth ministry uses to help its students grow as Christfollowers. Ft Worth 2 RODNEY GOODLETT – HELPING PARENTS SUCCEED One of our core values in youth ministry, as a youth pastor should be helping parents succeed. If parents succeed in raising Godly teens then the youth ministry will succeed. We have learned that it isn’t our job just to pastor students. Get insight on how we pastor parents of teens. Ft Worth 3/4 JEREMY MOUNT – THRIVING IN A MULTI-ETHNIC CHURCH Learn the secrets to celebrating diversity not just tolerating it. Ft Worth 7 SHAWN REINE – LEADING LEADERS Mentoring, training, developing and working with student leaders and a team of adult volunteers. Doing ministry with them and not just for them is key—and it does not stop when students graduate. Austin 1-3
FRIDAY 4.30 PM TITUS LEE – CONNECTING WITH DISCONNECTED TEENS Youth leaders can learn the secret that draws the souls of “teen hard cases,”and the rest of their youth group; to Christ. Learn how to establish meaningful connections with spiritually and emotionally detached teens. This session is great for leaders who find themselves unable to get beyond the “walls” of resistance in their teens. Grapevine 2/3 AL FORCE – 120 MINUTES THAT MAKES OR BREAKS YOUR MINISTRY This is “THE” defining moment in ministry. We are going to look at the flow of a service from when students arrive until they leave and learn how to leverage every moment to reach students. Your service set up and execution will make or break a Wednesday night. Grapevine 4/5 JENNIFER PASQUALE – WHEN SEXUAL ASSAULT INVADES SEXUAL PURITY This workshop will deal with relationship abuse in teens. One out of three girls, and one out of six guys will be the victim of dating violence and/or sexual assault before the age of 18. This session will help leaders and youth define healthy boundaries, understand the complexities of victim responses and identify steps for abuser accountability. Grapevine 6 WAYLON SEARS – DISCIPLES MAKING DISCIPLES How to build strong discipleship cultures and raise up the next generation of leaders in your youth ministry. Ft Worth 5/6 CHRIS MCGOUGH – STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP AND TEMPERAMENTS Many times leaders try to lead all people according to their own personality type and the results can be frustrating. By understanding
how each personality type operates a leader can determine how to best lead each in order for all to flourish in ministry. Many times the leader can be strategic in how he or she leads each person in order to maximize the potential within everyone working in youth ministry. This workshop will examine the four personality types through the lens of leadership and how to be an effective leader to each, as they are all encountered in youth ministry. The attendee will also learn about the strengths and weakness of his/her own personality type and how each can affect their own leadership abilities within youth ministry. Ft Worth 1 JESSE WATSON – AFTERHOURS Using weekly strategic after service events to build relationships and grow your ministry. Ft Worth 2 MICHAEL FERNANDEZ – GET YOUR ACT TOGETHER (ADMINISTRATIVE SIDE OF MINISTRY) This workshop will deal with developing a team of volunteers, personal organizational strategies, balancing the ministry budget and how to handle inter-office relationships. This will be a broad view of how to handle the basic structure of a beginning youth ministry. Ft Worth 3/4 JOSH MAYO – DRY BONES God wants to breathe life into you and your ministry. An encouraging, refreshing and motivational message for leaders. Ft Worth 7 PETE CAMPBELL – CREATIVITY IN YOUR YOUTH SERVICE In our culture today, students are bombarded with many different art forms that make an impression in their hearts and minds. Learn how to build this area of ministry and paint pictures that will inspire and create monuments in the lives of your students. Austin 1-3 AMBER WEIGAND-BUCKLEY – WHEN TALK DOESN’T TRANSLATE: WRITING FOR YOUTH MINISTRY Blogging, e-newsletters, Web sites, Facebook and possibly a book in the works—a youth leader just can’t seem to escape the need to integrate writing into ministry. This workshop is designed to maximize your ministry’s written points of communication with your students by brushing up your skills with the basics. Also, get tips to dig up research/creative content fast, find stories in the insignificant and put a fresh face on tired-out topics. Austin 4-6
LEADERS SHARPENING LEADERS 9
BREAKOUT—TOBY SCHNECKLOTH— MIDDLE SCHOOL MINISTRY NOW OR NEVER
see p.7 for details>
By Jennifer McClure
A
caterpillar undergoes a miraculous transformation while hidden away in its cocoon to emerge as a beautiful butterfly after only a few weeks’ time. Adolescent human beings, however, don’t have the luxury of hiding away in a cocoon—though some do manage to spend nearly an entire day in bed—and the process typically is measured in years not mere weeks. Thankfully, the transitional period eventually comes to an end, and sometimes unexpectedly, adulthood begins. Once “transformed” into an adult, we do have the privilege and responsibility of
coming alongside those traversing through that most awkward phase of life. And when leading a group of these journeyers, keeping awkwardness to a minimum is a must. LOVE IS A VERB “Faith, hope and love—and the greatest of these is love” (1 Corinthians 13:13, NLT). Love is a must when coming alongside middle school students. Love covers all awkwardness, all annoyances and all emerging issues of B.O.—well, perhaps it’d be better to say it helps us see past those common middle school traits to see students’ needs, passions and potential. Some students lack confidence, unsure of
10 MOMENTUM CONFERENCE 2010 | momentum2010.ag.org
who they are. Conversely, some are overly confident, but they all need to know you love and care about them. Acceptance is each one’s heart’s desire, and without love, it can’t be had. SHOW AND TELL If you’re telling them God loves them, it won’t mean much if they don’t hear and see that from you. Spend time with students in smaller groups or one-on-one outside of organized youth activities. Use those times to build friendships and disciple them. When you can, attend their games. As a volunteer youth leader, loving the students is easy; finding the time outside of church to show
that to them, however, is often the biggest challenge. Through leaders models of love, acceptance and friendship, students should follow suit toward each other. If they don’t, address it. Sometimes a Bible study or class lesson on love and acceptance will suffice, but it can be beneficial to take key student leaders aside and let them know you’re counting on them to befriend both visitors and regulars who are on the fringe. Love leads to a connectedness that creates a non-threatening, welcoming environment. With a friendly atmosphere in place, students will be more confident to be themselves and will begin to grow into the young adults God designed them to become. THE LEARNING CURVE The youth room should be a fun place, but it is also a place of learning. As such, be aware of educational discrepancies, specifically those regarding reading comprehension and biblical literacy. Having students read Scripture passages out loud can be a good way to involve them in the lesson, but it can also embarrass the less-confident readers. If these instances become commonplace, it will be increasingly difficult for them to view the youth room as a refuge and may deter them from regularly attendance. Literacy levels vary from student to student, especially in a group ranging from 11 to 14 years old. Pastors and teachers must
choose their words wisely and define potentially unfamiliar words to better ensure comprehension of the message. Biblical literacy hopefully is higher for the students who have been raised in church, but since the crowd at any given youth meeting is generally a mix of churched and unchurched students, help them find their way to Proverbs 3:5-6. If you open your Bible at its center, you’ll probably open to Psalms. Proverbs is the next book. If you reach Isaiah or Song of Solomon, you’ve gone too far. Attention spans are short; energy levels, high, literacy levels, varied. Keep it short, shoot straight, give them catchy points or illustrations to hold onto. Recap those points as you wrap it up. CONSISTENCY AMONG LEADERSHIP For middle school students, their school and group of friends have recently changed. School structure itself has changed as they no longer have one primary teacher for the whole year, but instead change classrooms and teachers throughout the day. They have more extracurricular opportunities and more responsibilities. Add the precursors of physical maturing to all the academic changes, and in some cases throw in a divorce or a move. The last thing students need is unreliable leadership at church. Leaders must be committed to the class. They need to be consistently present at youth meetings and activities and committed to remainng in the class for a school year at minimum. Youth leaders should be prime
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examples of consistency and dependability. OWNERSHIP As pre-teens near the transition to high school, middle school becomes a time to gain more responsibilities. Entrust your eighth graders with certain responsibilities, such as taking role or helping plan youth activities or icebreaker games. If looking to spruce up your youth room or classroom, invite the students’ input. Encourage their involvement with painting or picking out decorations. Have designated students who are responsible for ensuring visitors are greeted, befriended and invited to any upcoming activities. When coming alongside those on the path to adulthood, it’ll be quickly apparent that every student is at a different point along the journey. Tailor your ministry to your students. Get to know their strengths and weaknesses. Give them a place where they can be comfortable without putting up a front and can be confident in who they are. Guide them without complicating biblical truths. Feed off of their energy, have fun and watch them grow into godly young men and women. Love them and pray for them. At the end of the day, that’s all you can do. —JENNIFER McCLURE is technical editor of the Pentecostal Evangel. She and husband Shawn taught, led music and organized activities for the middle school ministry at their church in Springfield, Missouri.
TWEET IT
On Middle School Ministry: “[Middle school] students love the newer independence they are discovering but want someone to love them enough to help them establish perimeters for their lives. Love them, listen to them and have them follow the godly example you set. Also, remember they are still pretty dependent on their parents who have to provide funding for activities and give them rides because they are not working or driving yet. So, the parents also need to feel connected to your ministry with effective communication.” —Heather Poe, supervisor for 6.8 Youth Ministries at Realife, James River campus Twitter your middle school ministry advice to #nywc2010
LEADERS SHARPENING LEADERS 11
By Chet Caudill
SUPER SESSION—CHET CAUDILL— CONFESSIONS OF A MISSIONSAHOLIC
see p.5 for details>
12 MOMENTUM CONFERENCE 2010 | momentum2010.ag.org
R
onald Allen once said, “Missionary zeal does not grow out of intellectual beliefs, nor out of theological arguments, but out of love.” Missionary heroes of the past, such as J.W. Tucker, Jim Elliott and David Livingstone, were consumed with a passion to complete the mission that had been assigned to them. They loved the work of God and the people God had called them to reach. For some missionaries, this love cost them their lives and they died as martyrs. For others, this love gave them determination to persevere in spite of incredible challenges. If we are not careful, our efforts through Speed the Light (STL) and Ambassadors in Mission (AIM) can become an obligation or duty. Speed the Light can be reduced to a fundraiser or a program, and AIM can be dismissed as irrelevant. However, both of these ministries can be strong assets to develop missional students. A student who learns the discipline and joy of giving will likely continue to give generously and sacrificially throughout life. A student who is exposed to human suffering and the need around the world will inevitably want to respond with action. It is probable that a student whose heart has been moved
and is wrestling with the reality of personal responsibility in response to Christ’s cause, will embrace God’s outward purpose for their lives. In modern culture, it is tempting to become inwardly focused and self-centered. Advertisements and commercials remind us of our own need (or want). Even our attempts at discipleship can take on the vibe of a self-help seminar if we are not careful. A steady diet of missions stories, missions sermons, missions pictures and missions opportunities can serve to curb the inward focus. Students will begin to think in terms of “what can I do for God” instead of just “what can God do for me?” As teenagers, the Goldschmidts gave close to $5,000 to Speed the Light. Eventually, they became youth pastors and their youth group gave over $30,000 to STL three years in a row. Now, they are on the receiving end of STL, serving as a young missionary couple in Scotland. The Goldschmidts would tell you that the call to missions began as they were challenged to give to STL. Dave put it this way, “It was easy to say ‘yes’ with my life because I had said ‘yes’ years earlier with my money.” The principles of generosity were instilled and the concept of selfless service was
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produced. This is more than just a theory, however. Jesus himself was consumed with His Father’s agenda. He said, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent me.” The very thing that brought sustenance, strength and satisfaction to Christ was accomplishing His mission. Because of this, salvation was won and the price for our sins was paid. His love for the Father and His love for people empowered Him to defer His own comfort level. What is the premise of your effort to instill a heart for missions in your students? Obligation or duty are inadequate reasons. STL and AIM are opportunities for teens to join the cause of Christ, compelled by His love for humanity. Sometimes we reason exclusively that STL and AIM need students. In actuality, students need STL and AIM. They need to see that God loves people, and that we have been called to do the same. Let’s lead and pursue this cause with passion and resolve! —CHET CAUDILL is the student missions and Speed the Light director for national Youth Ministries.
*FIVE STUDENTS WHO WERE COMPELLED BY LOVE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR SPEED THE LIGHT:
•Christina had been saving $900 to get her car painted. She felt God challenge her to give it to STL and she obeyed. Overflow is more than a book to read; it’s an experience you •Lauren is just 13, but she raised a total of can live out every day! Whether you’re a student, a youth $1,700 for STL by swimming. leader or a youth pastor, God wants you to experience the joy •KD collected cans, cleaned yards, of an overflowing life. He wants you to give out without running worked in fields and sold everything she could to raise $1,000 for STL. out. He wants to work so powerfully in and through you that •Amy gave her summer’s earnings from the effects are felt around the world. Using real-life stories from babysitting to STL—$360! She felt that was what the Lord wanted her to give. the youth group of one of America’s fastest growing churches, •David is from a small town, but he didn’t let that stop him from doing something Overflow will help you answer the question: what would you to help missionaries reach the lost. He got give to change the world? Paper. 175 pages. people to sponsor him and he joined a —SCOTTY GIBBONS is youth pastor at James River Assembly of STL bike ride. He rode 225 miles in three days and raised over $2,000. God, Ozark, Missouri.
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STAYING IN THE BLACK YOUTH MINISTRY FINANCE By Shannon Zabroski
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ROVISION FOLLOWS VISION—NOT THE OTHER WAY AROUND. In my first year of youth ministry, I recall making several pleas for funds because I “needed” them. I’m not denying the existence of necessary spending, but what I learned was this: You can only pull out the “needy” card a few times before people stop listening. Pastor Rich Clay suggests we should “develop a strategic ministry plan and then prioritize all your spending according to that plan.” What is your vision? Who is your target? That is what you need to talk about. If you’re excited about it, then people will be, too. People like to give to strength, vision and potential impact—not weakness, begging or frustration. CREATIVITY DOESN’T ALWAYS REQUIRE CAPITAL. Having worked in both small and large church environments, I can honestly say the availability of funds can potentially decrease one’s creativity. Unfortunately, it is easier to just write a check than look for creative (read: inexpensive) solutions to execute a ministry plan. Some of the most effective ministry I’ve ever seen happened when pastors and leaders put in the time to be creative to avoid spending a bundle.
PUT THE FUN IN FUNDRAISING. My working principle for fundraising is “the least amount of work with the maximum amount of gain.” I’ve watched youth ministries do large fundraisers where the amount of work invested was barely worth the return in funds raised and manhours spent. Instead, here is an example of the kind of fundraising I prefer to do: One year I purchased several boxes of M&M Minis and then told the church on a Sunday morning that “M&M now stands for mission money.” I had youth stationed at every exit handing them out for free. I encouraged everyone to bring the containers back full of quarters or full of dollar bills. People liked the idea (and the free chocolate) so much that they brought them back stuffed with $20s and $50s. There was no manual labor, no advertising and a very small initial investment, yet we raised over $1,000 in one weekend. BE CHEAP. Most first generation millionaires will tell you they didn’t get rich by spending more than they make. In fact, they saved money and then learned to invest it. Being a good steward of the resources entrusted to you is paramount. It not only saves the church money, but it speaks volumes about your leadership character and your future ministry path.
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CREATE A YEARLY PROFIT-MAKING EVENT. Pastor Rich states, “We got away from doing this in our churches, but that one event can not only help subsidize the cost of your ministry year—it can sometimes fund it completely.” Imagine your senior pastor’s face when you submit a budget that doesn’t require any church monies. ASK FOR HELP. This might seem obvious, but odds are you are trained to do proper exegetical work on Scripture and not to assemble financial spreadsheets. One of the best things I ever did was ask a successful businessman in the church to help me put together an effective ministry budget. My last word is one of caution: Don’t forget what Peter told the crippled man in Acts 3 at the gate called “beautiful.” We are messengers of the gospel of Jesus Christ—something of which the world can’t offer at ANY price. Whether you have a budget rich in silver and gold or one with only a few shekels, you will never be lacking in what you truly need.
—SHANNON ZABROSKI is director of Family Life Ministries at Christian Life Center in Dayton, Ohio.
SUPER SESSION—JOEL HUNTER— MATURITY METRICS
see p.5 for details>
THE CALL IS NOW By Christy Rowden with Joel Hunter
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oel Hunter’s path to full-time ministry began when an incredible encounter with God during youth camp set the course for his life. He believes, though, that too often people overcomplicate their call by waiting for a big moment or divine message. If you ask Joel how he knew he was called into ministry, he’ll simply answer, “Because this is what I want to do.” The Bible says God will give us the desires of our heart, but that doesn’t mean He’ll always give us what we want. In reality, as we walk with God daily, He births our desires. At Central Bible College (Springfield, Missouri), Joel earned his bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies and Pastoral Ministries, gained practical tools for successful real-life ministry, met some of his best friends and made dozens of important personal connections. He also had the opportunity to speak at youth events across the country. His greatest memory, though, happened on the basketball court where he helped the CBC Spartans to two National Championships. Whether in the classroom, on the court or in the church, Joel knew God was guiding his steps. In 2004, at the age of 24, he planted Northwood Assembly of God along with six other people. He said, “We weren’t smart enough to think that we were too young. We didn’t have a clue, and that was to our benefit.” By doing so, they’ve
created an atmosphere where people can belong even before they believe. Over the past six years, Northwood has experienced incredible growth both numerically and spiritually. In addition, they are currently involved in five different campuses/ churches. Their main focus is to get a church healthy and to help it reproduce. He’s constantly asking if they’re growing leaders; they have a “who’s next?” mentality. From day one at Northwood, Joel demonstrated his conviction to empower individuals for leadership—including youth. For example, a gifted 17-year-old girl, previously overlooked because of her age, was put in charge of the worship department. Even the band behind her was made up of students ages 15 to 17. As the church grows, this trend continues. Today, the preschool director and many creative team members are teenagers. In addition to pastoring, Joel serves as the director of discovery and development for the Church Multiplication Network of the Assemblies of God. In that capacity, he travels across the country helping students and other potential leaders explore the possibility of church planting or being part of a church plant team. Maybe God is calling one of your students to plant a church or into some other form of fulltime ministry. That call begins today.
JOEL’S TIPS TO EMPOWER YOUTH IN MINISTRY: 1. Be intentional. A college education is vital, but ministry doesn’t just begin when your teen graduates. 2. Get involved. Ministry isn’t about a position; it’s about serving. Encourage students to start an on-campus club, work in children’s church, sing on the worship team or work at a homeless shelter. Just find a place to serve. 3. Don’t wait. “[A student’s] actions and experiences today are the ingredients for what God wants to do in his or her life tomorrow.” It is never too early to start. THESE AG SCHOOLS OFFER PROGRAMS IN CHURCH PLANTING: • Central Bible College (Springfield, Missouri) • Latin American Bible Institute (San Antonio, Texas) • North Central University (Minneapolis, Minnesota) • Southwestern AG University (Waxahachie, Texas) • Valley Forge Christian College (Phoenixville, Pennsylvania) —CHRISTY ROWDEN is the administrative coordina-
tor for the Alliance for AG Higher Education. Reprinted from OCCOLLEGE, the ONCOURSE print and Web supplement that helps students prepare for life after high school. Request the AG College Guide in bulk for your students at <colleges.ag.org>.
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By Mary Glenn
SUPER SESSION—DR. GARLAND OWENSBY— HELPING STUDENTS WHO HURT
see p.5 for details>
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climate must exist before anyone, especially students will he closer it got to noon, the harder my heart pounded. I feel enough trust to discuss the real issues in their lives. waited in the parking lot and watched as groups of men My visit to Alcoholics Anonymous changed my view on and women entered the building. This assignment for class life and how I choose to interact with others. At the close was more difficult than I had anticipated. After a deep of the meeting, we met in a circle, held hands and recited breath and “Lord, help me,” I walked through the large “The Lord’s Prayer.” As double doors where the I gathered my things to meeting was held. My leave, a woman who has anxiety quickly faded as been sober for over 25 the group leader warmly Following are nine ways that we years stopped to talk with greeted me and introcan create a safe place* for me about her struggle duced others in the room. our students: with alcohol. She said, “I For one hour, I heard could go to 100 different stories from a diverse 1. PROVIDE A SUPPORTIVE NONJUDGMENTAL SPACE. Afraid of people if I ever needed group of people: men, rejection or of being misunderstood, students often struggle alone. help.” It is my prayer that women, old and young We must learn to provide a safe place for them to discuss real as followers of Christ, and with one thing in comissues without fear of rejection. as youth leaders, we will mon—their addiction to 2. BE GENUINE. The ability to be real in relationships is so create the kind of warm, alcohol. One by one, they important in youth ministry. When we are attentive, respectful supportive and loving and, above all, human, teenagers will feel comfortable to share the went around the room climate so that students struggles they face. and introduced them3. SHOW EMPATHY. When we make a sincere attempt to underwill feel comfortable to selves. “Hi, my name is stand and identify with the pain that a teenager is facing, we can discuss the real issues in (first name), and I’m an help in the healing process. their lives and find help, alcoholic.” Each shared 4. ALWAYS ERROR ON THE SIDE OF GRACE. God knows the hope and healing. intimate details of their bigger picture. He’s the judge of all of us. We all face battles of
lives: problems they had some kind. It doesn’t do any good to heap condemnation on a stu*Editor’s Note: faced, battles they had dent who’s trying to work through their own issues. God created Clergy must maintain the overcome and, at times, us and knows all of our shortcomings, yet He still loves us. confidentiality of pastoral failed. In a room full of 5. COMMUNICATE ACCEPTANCE AND SHOW LOVE. Students communication. However, strangers, I instantly felt need to be loved just because. They need to know that they can it is appropriate to disat ease. be themselves. Learn to establish a warm, accepting, understandclose when there is clear ing relationship with your students. I could not help but and substantial risk of im6. BE A FRIEND. Friends are a much needed resource. make a connection with minent serious harm being 7. SHARE FROM YOUR LIFE. You may not be able to relate how the church relates exactly, but you have experienced your own personal struggles. inflicted upon the student to others in the body of As you share, you help put the students’ problems into perspective or on another person. Christ, or rather how we and give hope for overcoming them. Most states dictate that should. James 5:16 says, 8. CARE ENOUGH TO CONFRONT. Love enough to give honest clergy or any person who “Make this your common feedback, but be sure to speak the truth in love. has contact with children practice: Confess your 9. INSTILL HOPE AND LEAD THEM TO RESOURCES THAT WILL in a professional capacity sins to each other and HELP. It has been said you can live 40 days without food, 4 days are mandated reporters pray for each other so without water, 4 minutes without air, but you can’t live seconds and are obligated by law that you can live together without hope. Be an encourager. Let them know that you will walk to report suspected cases whole and healed” (MSG). with them during the difficult time that they are facing. of child abuse and neglect. We work so hard Check with your local for people to see our social services department good side. This is never for more information. truer than when we walk through the doors of the church. We don’t want others to see our shortcomings, our idiosyncrasies or our junk. The truth is we all —MARY GLENN is a US Missionary Associate and serves as struggle with something. As followers of Christ, we don’t need to the National Campus Clubs Coordinator for Youth Alive. She deny the fact that we have struggles. Rather, we can acknowledge has a masters degree in counseling from the Assemblies of our shortcomings, confess to each other, decide to turn our lives God Theological Seminary (Springfield, Missouri). over to God and move forward. A warm, supportive and genuine
LEADERS SHARPENING LEADERS 17
By David Michael Carrillo with Katie McDemott
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hen we examine the Gospels, we discover that Jesus interacted with adults and teens with special needs more than any other group. We understand why Jesus felt such compassion for the marginalized in His startling explanation for why the blind man was born blind: “so that the work of God might be displayed in his life” (John 9:3). It is good to remember that students of all abilities are called to a relationship with Jesus Christ. All are capable of growing in holiness. If we trust in this truth while interacting with teens with special needs, everyone gains a unique opportunity to discover the works of God. This is especially true for the teen with attention deficit disorder (ADD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Sadly, problem teens are too quickly judged behavior-wise and easily rejected by peers and adults alike. ADHD occurs in 5-10 percent of school-aged children, boys more than girls. The cause of the condition is unknown, but is considered neurologically-based. It is marked by multiple and severe symptoms of inattention, impulsiveness and hyperactivity. As a result, the teen with ADHD has difficulty forming friendships and proper relationships with adults. As a youth leader, you can facilitate the most important relationship this teen will ever know—his or her relationship with Jesus Christ.
Here are a few suggestions: 1.) REACH OUT TO PARENTS. Parents know the techniques that best motivate their teenager. Ask parents what forms of praise or reward systems are most effective. Is the teen medicated? If so, ask the parents what behaviors the teen displays when coming off the medication. This period is often when the teenager is most distracted or hyperactive. If possible, have the parents complete a brief teen information survey to document key concerns and useful techniques. 2.) PROVIDE CLEAR, SIMPLE DIRECTIONS. Teenagers with ADHD often need to get instructions more than once. Consider assigning a “buddy” to teens with ADHD. An assistant youth counselor or even another teenager can shadow an ADHD teen and provide additional support as needed to keep him on task. 3.) PLAN FOR SAFETY. Teenagers with ADHD have a hard time with attention and are extremely impulsive. They are, therefore, notorious for overlooking basic rules that keep youth groups safe. Make sure the ADHD teen knows the safety rules in advance. If possible, enlist their help with developing the rules. Use a buddy system as needed in risky situations (i.e., boarding buses for field trips). 4.) PROVIDE ALTERNATIVE ACTIVITIES OR SENSORY INPUT. Hyperactive teenagers can benefit from sensory input to channel their energy constructively. For example, a
squeezie such as a soft rubber ball or sponge can work. Parents know what sensory tools have a calming effect on their teenager. In some cases, teenagers with ADHD may need to be provided with an alternate activity connected to a youth service if they are having trouble focusing within a group. 5.) SEEK OUT THEIR GIFTS AND OFFER GENUINE PRAISE REGULARLY. The teenager with ADHD often has incredible gifts that are revealed while they are at play or in the midst of doing something “distracting.” Watch carefully for these gifts. Encourage them to use these gifts as much as possible in your youth program. Offer praise generously. Teenagers with ADHD thrive on praise and often need more of it to counter feelings of low selfesteem. 6.) REMEMBER THE POWER OF PRAYER. Call upon the Holy Spirit to guide you in your interactions with teenagers with ADHD. Find creative ways for them to participate in prayer. Put your trust in the Lord to lead the ADHD teenager to Him, and watch the wonderful works of God unfold in your youth programs. —DAVID MICHAEL CARRILLO openly shares his heart about the painful childhood and adult years dealing with ADHD in the presentation of Fearfully & Wonderfully Made: Living with ADHD through stories and songs.” For more about his testimony and ministry visit <gentlewindmusic.com>.
LEADERS SHARPENING LEADERS 19
SUPER SESSION—CARRIE ABBOTT— HEY CHURCH, STOP TEACHING ABSTINENCE
see p.5 for details>
By Carrie Abbott
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taught abstinence for many years, trained speakers nationally and developed curriculum. Recently, I even had the opportunity to produce a technical module for Federal abstinence grantees. Abstinence is a necessary and valuable message in every healthy society. But, as the church, we have the distinct privilege of living and teaching something even more powerful, profound and effective. What I’m referring to is the relationship model for sexual integrity. Let me put this in context. Physical sexual activity before marriage is incredibly tempting. The complexity of male and female fertility along with
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the natural drive to become one with someone of the opposite sex is the most powerful design feature in the human person. And the ability to procreate another human being of equal value is the most significant behavioral outcome. Saving physical sexual expression for marriage, which is the only relationship with the full measure of provision and protection for everyone, is the appropriate message to affirm and communicate alongside a student’s parents. However, this message must be placed in the context of the bigger questions teens are asking: Who am I? Am I OK? What is my purpose?
These questions are part of the teen’s identity search, and they are directly connected to his or her sexual decisionmaking. Our culture, including the church, has defined sex primarily as a physical act. This focus has greatly limited the power, purpose and potential of the biblical blueprint for sexual integrity. Here are a couple of examples of how to approach sexuality in different ways that helps teens answer big life questions: 1. SEX MEANS BEING MALE OR FEMALE. In Genesis 1:26, God creates human beings, and in verse 27, He differentiates the sexes, in part to reveal a glimpse
ever told them there was a bad guy?). When we understand God designed them intentionally this way, we are less apt to stop boys from being, well...boys. Boys should get to run, jump, get dirty and learn to be warriors. This is a simple example of profound truth. Men in our culture should not feel they need to apologize for being male. Instead, they should gain the respect they deserve to accomplish what God has designed them to do. This powerful message resonates with all young men. 2. THE HUMAN PERSON HAS FIVE ASPECTS: physical, intellectual, social, emotional and spiritual. A person who
socially, he will be a gentleman—strong and protective. (Chivalry is not dead when young men see the power of it.) A young man should also integrate his male nature through his emotions, which thankfully does not mean acting like a girl. Finally, his spiritual expression will be uniquely manly as well. When did you understand you were a man or a woman? Would understanding this sooner impact your choices? I contend it would. For most men, answering the man question is key to their behavior. Teaching the relationship model for sexual integrity begins with teaching students to honor
“Our culture, including the church, has defined sex primarily as a physical act. This focus has greatly limited the power, purpose and potential of the biblical blueprint for sexual integrity.” of His own nature. Sex is the core nature we are born with that is written throughout our entire human frame encompassing our fertility, brain wiring and our body design. The male body is distinctly and intentionally male, just as the female body is uniquely feminine in its design. Sex is not what we do, it is who we are. If God made you male, it was intentional, spelled out in every cell of your body, and not a choice, act or feeling. When you understand your design, value it and live in agreement with it, you are successful, whole and powerful. For instance, testosterone in little boys causes them to take risks, climb trees, spit and find sticks to fight the bad guy (Who
is healthy and whole expresses his or her sexuality through all five aspects. When a man or woman understands the power of design and expresses it through all five aspects, that person is living with sexual integrity. They are whole and integrated with their sexuality. Sexual integrity is living in agreement with God’s intentional design. For example, a young man has a male nature that can be seen and expressed physically through many different outlets, including sports. Intellectually, he can also use his mind to express the power of his intellect and utilize his unique “male brain wiring.” He will act masculine in his social skills, and when he is appropriately male
their design and “be” who God intended them to be. It addresses the identity questions that are so strategic to successful decision making. When the discussion of sexuality is broadened and students understand how unique they are, how “fearfully and wonderfullly” they are designed and how many ways they can walk out their nature through the five aspects, the “no” to physical sexual expression until marriage doesn’t seem so difficult. —CARRIE ABBOTT, president of Legacy Institute, is a nationally known speaker and relationship expert. Listen to a discussion with Carrie on the Momentum podcast at <momentum.ag.org> “Leaders Library.”
ONCOURSE UNBOXED: SAME SEX CRUSH SPRING 2010 PRINT FEATURE—”NO MORE MASKS” (P.18) The teenage years are difficult at best. However experimentation and sexual curiosity are commonplace. Society’s views have changed drastically over the last 20 years. This is noticeable in many areas of our culture, but is very evident in TV shows and movies, many of which have at least one gay character. This would seem to imply that it just a regular part of life, another option for a person to explore. •What are your thoughts on this? Does the media’s portrayal of homosexuals influence your view? Why or why not? •If allowing someone to explore their sexual identity is being so openly accepted in today’s society, what should our reaction be as Christians? •Why would it be important for someone who is struggling with sexual identity, even as a Christian, continue to attend church and be open to talk about their struggles with a Christian counselor? Excerpted from OC Unboxed: Same Sex Crush. These small group discussion starters and more are available at <momentum.ag.org>, ‘Leaders Library.’
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BREAKOUT SESSION—JEREMY MOORE— CONNECTING STUDENTS WITH THE WORD
see p.8 for details>
By Kyle Scheele
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he challenge: For one month, encourage your students to carry their Bible everywhere they go—school, church, work, the movies. Everywhere. For 16-year-old Nathan De La Garza, this challenge should have been no problem. He’s on fire for God. He’s proud of his faith. And, he already carries his Bible around like an extension of his body. “Even before Pastor Jeremy issued the 1 Month challenge, I had been carrying my Bible to school every day. I’d keep it in my backpack with my books, taking it out to read whenever I could. Once the challenge started, though, I stepped up my game. I started carrying it by my side everywhere I went,” Nathan says. Everywhere, including the principal’s office. “I was sitting in class one day, and we had finished our assignments. The teacher says we were free to talk until the end of class, so I pulled out my Bible and started reading quietly,” Nathan says. “Pretty soon one of my classmates noticed and started asking me about it. I started answering his questions, just trying to share the gospel.” Apparently that wasn’t the kind of talking the teacher had anticipated.
Leading the Challenge After 1 Month… Then What?
HERE ARE 10 THINGS YOU CAN DO TO ENCOURAGE YOUR STUDENTS TO TAKE THE CHALLENGE 365 DAYS OF THE YEAR:
“She looked at me and says ‘Naaate…’ She asked me to stop, and I looked at her like she was crazy. I wasn’t being disruptive or anything. I wasn’t talking any louder than anyone else,” Nathan says. The teacher, though, saw things differently. Before he knew it, Nathan was sitting in the principal’s office. She asked Him if he knew why he was in trouble. “Does it have something to do with this book, perhaps?” she asked, pointing at his Bible. “It shouldn’t,” he answered. “She told me my Bible reading was disrupting class, and I needed to keep it to lunch and after school. I told her I couldn’t make that promise,” Nathan says. “I was respectful, but I know my rights. If other kids can talk about their crazy partying, why can’t I talk about God’s Word?” Nathan’s encounter with the principal ended without punishment. But the story didn’t, and doesn’t, end there. “I don’t know how the story got out, but pretty soon the newspaper was calling my house.” Soon people were telling Nathan’s story in the newspaper, on television and online. Youth groups around the country were inspired
1. Tell them to keep carrying their Bible with them. Why stop now? 2. Have them commit to being a Campus Missionary. Campus Missionaries are students in grades 6-12 who accept a personal responsibility to reach their friends, and their world, for Christ every day. Young people will grow in five key habits and become more effective disciples of Christ. Sounds like a good fit for any student who accepted the 1 Month Challenge, right?! Read more at <yausa.com/campusmissionary>. 3. Support them as they start or join a campus club/prayer group. Youth Alive Clubs allow young people to bring their individual talents, passions and abilities together with other believers to demonstrate and share the love of Christ as a group. They can find out how to get started and download resources for at <yausa.com/campusclubs>. 4. Have a youth-group wide official “wear a Christian T-shirt to school” day. 5. Encourage students to sign up to get ONCOURSE magazines in bulk to hand out to their friends (They can join the mailing list at
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to hold their own 1 Month challenges. “I started getting emails from all over,” says Nathan’s youth pastor Jeremy, “people telling stories of how God worked in their group.” Back at school, Nathan says that the attention opened up doors for him. “Kids are coming up to me now.” he says. “They’re like ‘Hey, I saw you on TV last night. What was that about?’ It gives me a chance to tell them about my faith.” Nathan wasn’t the only one to come out of the 1 Month with a story to tell, either. “At the end of the challenge, we had a celebration service where people stood up and told their stories. It was really cool to see what God did.” Despite the coverage, though, Nathan says the attention hasn’t gone to his head. “It’s made me think about my witness more, because I know people are watching.”
For more on 1 Month visit <yausa.com/1month>. Join the 1 Month Conversation on Facebook. —KYLE SCHEELE is a husband, father and graphic designer who somehow finds time to write.
<oncourse.ag.org>). 6. Encourage them to use their assignments to shine the light of their faith: i.e. write a poem, homework assignment on Christianity. 7. Emphasize a Scripture of the week. Have designed notecards ready that that they can hang in their locker. 8. Join students for lunch and encourage them to sit with students who are eating alone in the school cafeteria. 9. Emphasize the importance of being an example to their peers: being on time to class, turning assignments in on time and respecting others by treating them with love and courtesy. 10. Encourage them to support other students with tutoring and mentoring opportunities.
—KENT HULBERT is the campus missions coordinator for Youth Alive.
I N T O T H E WILDERNESS
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t age eighteen I attended a worship gathering at the base of Mt. Carmel in Israel, where many congregations from throughout the northern regions of the nation had gathered. I was a new believer in Yeshua (Jesus) at the time. As I walked on the outskirts of the meeting I felt like a spiritual outcast due to my recent life struggles. Suddenly, a voice called out to me. “Jordan!” I turned to find a Japanese man staring back at me. “Yeah?” I replied. “Why don’t you have a seat?” the man asked. “Our pastor sent us to ask you if you wanted to come and join the internship program on Mt. Carmel.” “Thanks, but no thanks,” I answered. “I’m planning on going to a ministry program in Cyprus. But I don’t think I’m even going to do that now.” “Well, why don’t you come up for a few days anyway?” the man inquired. “Alright, I’ll come” I replied. I arrived on top of Mt. Carmel later that day. That night around 10:00, I borrowed a guitar from a new acquaintance and went into the cave designated for prayer. After spending time in worship and repentance, a holy presence forced me to my knees, and then down onto my face before the Lord. With my forehead to the floor, I cried out, “Lord, I am Your servant. Give me Your fire.” When at last I was able to stand, I noticed a notebook near me in the cave. Inside the notebook I read the words, “Do you really want my fire?” I was shocked, to say the very least. As I read the notebook, I saw the requirement for a vessel to carry the fire of God: “Holiness unto the Lord. ” I spent the following year interning with
By CCM artist Jordan Elias & Joel Hunter the ministry in Israel. This was my “wilderness season.” During the internship program, my fellow interns and I (about 11 of us) attended several Bible classes each week. When we weren’t in class, we worked on the ministry campus grounds and facilities. At one point an American teacher challenged the interns to pray a prayer: “Lord, show me my heart as you see it.” I prayed that prayer every waking moment for three weeks. One evening I interceded in prayer from 10:00 at night until 5:00 in the morning. I heard nothing. It was as though every prayer I prayed bounced off the ceiling and hit me in the face. But the next morning, during Shabbat (Hebrew for Sabbath), I went back into the cave and vehemently cried out to God. Suddenly, I sensed the same presence I had previously encountered. Instantly, I fell on my face and wept. God had shown me my heart. I heard the call: “Repent, and return to the Lord.” Over the next year God continued to break me. He taught me to weep over my sin and to intercede, both for the lost and the so-called found. I learned the Word of God. I learned to fear God and not man. I understood that before power is purity and holiness. I learned to be separated to God, consecrated unto Him. I discovered that consecration isn’t just a season in life but it is a calling and a lifestyle as a child of God. And I learned that, as a child of God, I must be Spiritled. The call of every child of God is to be a fire in the darkness. When I returned to the states, I felt like an anonymous nomad. But I was filled with the fire of God. God gave me an age-old message to preach to this generation. That message has
burned in my bones from the day I heard it until now. And this message is for this present dead and dying generation: “Repent, for the kingdom of God is at hand.” —JORDAN ELIAS’ album Desert Cry, which draws inspirations from Jordan’s Israel experience is available now at <jordanelias.com>. There are several Israel experience trip options that have been strategically created by the AG Center for Holy Lands Studies so that high school and college students can visit the land where their faith began and gain a clearer understanding of the Bible and its message for today : •Spiritual Birthright Journey—This study tour is designed for youth of specific ages and offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience for those discovering Israel for the first time. We are working on a ground-breaking partnership with the Israeli Ministry of Tourism to scholarship our AG youth at 25 percent. •Jesus Trail—This one-of-a-kind “spring break” hiking trip takes students along the trail Jesus would have walked from Nazareth to Capernaum, concluding in the city of Jerusalem. Youth will receive a special, hands-on experience with the land. •Bible Lands Study Trip—This three-week study trip offers students an in-depth, educational study within the lands of the Bible. Scholarships will be available to qualifying students taking this course for college credit. •Summer Institute—This five-week study course is specifically designed for college students desiring to study in the lands of the Bible. Among other classes, it will include an intensive Hebrew track. For more information on any of the above tours along with information on the Center, please visit <holylandsstudies.ag.org>. —MARC TURNAGE is the director for the Center for Holy Lands Studies. Check out his blog at <theshardandthescroll.com>.
LEADERS SHARPENING LEADERS 23
BREAKOUT SESSION—BRUCE RIDDLE— AQUIRING THE KEYS TO YOUR HIGH SCHOOL
see p.8 for details>
T
HESE VETERANS OFFER VALUABLE ADVICE TO THOSE IN YOUTH MINISTRY: SAMUEL BAEZ, Church of the Revelation, Bronx, New York; JIM AND LINDA KEERS, Eagles Nest Ministries Center, Blackduck, Minnesota; JEANNE MAYO, AG Tabernacle, Decatur, Georgia; BRUCE RIDDLE, Christ’s Place, Lincoln, Nebraska; LIZ TRAN, Youth Pastor turned US Missionary; BETTY ZALDIVAR, Living Word Church, Orlando, Florida.
4. Get your students involved in outreach. Jeanne says, “Focus on strategic outreach about once every six to eight weeks. Start promoting probably three weeks out.”
1. Do not be a lone ranger. “You cannot try to do
youth culture is looking for in a youth group, bar none, is
everything yourself or you will burn out quickly. Recruit
a warm, inviting atmosphere.”
5. Light a missions fire in your students. “Take your
a team to gather around you so you can share the vision
3. Wait for the right leadership before starting new
youth group on a missions trip at least once a year,” Liz
and help it spread and grow,” Bruce says.
programs. “I made the mistake of trying to implement
advises. Get your students involved in Speed the Light
2. Put a system in place. Jeanne explains, “If you desire
a lot of new programs with the students before I had
<speedthelight.org>, a ministry that helps purchase
growth, you must have a small group format or some-
adequate leadership for them,” Liz admits. “I ended up
vehicles and equipment for missionaries. (To find out
thing that retains those kids and builds friendship with
getting ministries going when I had the energy and I
about trips available through Ambassadors in Mission
the visitors so when they come in, they are engrafted.
was all excited, but then when I started getting tired and
(AIM), the AG short-term missions program for students,
The surveys tell you that the number one thing today’s
worn out, the ministries were still there.”
go to <aim.ag.org>.)
24 MOMENTUM CONFERENCE 2010 | momentum2010.ag.org
By Amber Weigand-Buckley 6. Recognize your students’ gifts and help them be-
because the kids in my group had so many promises
Unboxed small group discussion starters, Momentum
come leaders. “I am having my first generation of 18- to
broken,” Liz says.
podcast, conference connection and more.
19-year-olds who want to be leaders. I am trying to train
14. Love the kids more than you love yourself. Linda
22. Plan to regularly attend youth workers confer-
them and give them responsibilities,” Samuel states. In
believes, “It is easier to build up young boys and girls
ences. “You will get lots of new ideas and come back
the beginning, he did not have any leaders. Now he has
than to repair men and women. You have this time to
refreshed,” Liz says.
four students who have stepped up, and the younger
invest in their lives. We need to take it seriously.”
23. Respect your pastor. “When our new pastor came
students see them as role models. Programs such as
15. Show your family they are a priority. “My kids knew
in, he inherited us,” Samuel says. “It was up to us to lift
Bible Quiz <biblequiz.ag.org> or Fine Arts <finearts.
that Jesus was first priority for me and Sam, and that
him up, respect his views and work with him. Any prob-
ag.org> are available to help your students discover
Sam and I were each other’s second priority. [Our sons]
lems that come up always stay between him and me.”
their ministry gifts and become great leaders.
came third, but they knew they were way above the
24. Be teachable and humble. Liz reminds youth pas-
7. Look at your youth service through the eyes of a
ministry. [My sons] always won,” Jeanne says.
tors, “If you are going to have a good relationship with
student. “Many times we want teenagers to invite their
16. Do not ignore the command to have a Sabbath day
your senior pastor, having a teachable, humble spirit is
friends to our youth group, but they are embarrassed of
off. Liz who started in youth ministry as a single adult
essential.”
the youth service,” Jeanne says. “We are singing songs
says, “If you are a single person, people will take advan-
25. Communicate with your senior pastor and associ-
about being washed in the blood of the Lamb—that is,
tage of the fact you do not have family commitments.
ates. “I know seniors and associates are extremely busy,
blood from an animal. I am not trying to water down my
You need to learn to say no and have boundaries.”
but communicating vision, ministry goals, struggles,
charismatic message, but we need to look at the words
17. Pray your guts out. “Get a team to support your
and simply spending time with each other is important,”
we choose as we present it. Occasionally, I rewrite
kids in intercession,” John advises. “Find all those sweet
Betty says.
phrases in worship choruses.”
little ladies in the church who just pour their hearts out
26. Think long-term. Bruce says, “Over the years there
8. Get to know the kids before you make any changes.
to God, get close to them because prayer support is all
is enough lack of continuity in students’ lives, that, if at
“For long-term success when you are coming into an
about warfare and that is the strategy.”
all possible, in God’s will, they should end with the same
“How hard is it to sit around a campfire and cook hot dogs? We cannot go in and present the gospel until they trust us. Why should they listen to us if we are not listening to them?” established youth group, it is essential to get to know
18. Seek out mentoring opportunities. “If you see a
youth pastor they started with. They need something
the kids first before you come in with a lot of changes
student that has potential as a leader, talk to and en-
consistent, someone they can count on to be there for
and rules,” Samuel reveals.
courage him. Just listen to him, hear what is in his heart,
those incredibly formative years.”
9. Choose your battles. “I am a person of conviction and
empower and be an advocate for him,” Betty says.
27. Leaving? Set a time and honor the commitment. Liz
principle. I do not sweat the ‘gray issues’ or the small
19. If you do not have a mentoring relationship, read a
reflects, “I know for me it was three years. When the end
stuff. I choose what I go to war over,” remarks Jeanne.
lot. “Because I was the first single female youth pastor
of that time was approaching, I started praying. I told
10. Work on building trust and relationships with your
in my district, I did not have a true mentor relation-
the pastor when I interviewed that I had a call to mis-
kids. John says, “A lot of people think that kids do not
ship with someone who knew exactly what I was going
sions.” When she felt God was releasing her to go, Liz
want adult involvement, but what I have learned more
through,” Liz explains. “It was up to me to really push to
started talking about her missions call with her students.
than anything is that they do. So ask, ‘How hard is it to
achieve spiritual growth.”
“I did not talk about it before that time because I did
sit around a campfire and cook hot dogs?’ We cannot go
20. Make friends with your district youth director. Liz
not want them to feel like I was here and already talking
in and present the gospel until they trust us. Why should
agrees that her relationship with her DYD helped her
about leaving them.”
they listen to us if we are not listening to them?”
adjust as the first woman youth pastor in her district. “I
28. Learn to grow leaders so the ministry will stay in
11. Determine when you need to be a coach and when
think our DYD set such an incredible tone that the youth
tact, even if you move on. “When I left Rockford I had a
you need to be a companion. Jeanne describes coach-
pastors were really great to me. When we started plan-
group of 1,000 kids in that 13 years. But I had told them
ing as happening when a youth minister serves as cheer-
ning camps, he asked me to speak in one of the morning
I had been preparing for my exit the day I entered,”
leader, spiritual director and pastor. The companion is
chapels because he wanted the girls at camp to see a
Jeanne admits. “Because of that, you are going to be
a friend or buddy. “It is important to understand that
woman in youth ministry. Having that support made the
great. And they were.” Jeanne attributes the smooth
there are times when you need to decide what you need
difference.”
transition to having the small-group leaders, who were
to be to your kids,” says Jeanne.
21. Plug into resources like Momentum <momentum.
the real youth pastors, in place for the kids.
12. Do not be too idealistic. “Having a youth group is
ag.org> and Youth Source. “Youth Source is a network
not like having a Chia pet,” Bruce says. “You do not just
of a thousand plus youth pastors who receive the CDs
add a little water, in a day or so it starts to grow and ev-
and the newsletters encouraging them in their personal
erything is how you dreamed it would be. This is where
lives and their youth ministry life,” Jeanne says. Momen-
young youth pastors get weary, disenchanted and feel
tum is a leadership development ministry and brand
like they have tapped themselves out.”
for building Spirit-fired youth leaders. The Momentum
13. Keep your promises. “I never talked about an event
ministry support and resource includes Momentum
that I was not sure was really going to happen, just
Monday e-newsletter; library links, including ONCOURSE
—AMBER WEIGAND-BUCKLEY is the editor for ONCOURSE magazine and has served on the staff over 13 years. ONCOURSE recently won Award of Merit for Youth Publication from the Evangelical Press Association. To get on the ONCOURSE mailing list go to <oncourse.ag.org>. Article originally appeared in Enrichment Journal. for the complete article visit follow the ‘Leaders’ link at <oncourse.ag.org>.
LEADERS SHARPENING LEADERS 25
26 MOMENTUM CONFERENCE 2010 | momentum2010.ag.org
BREAKOUT SESSION—MICHAEL FERNANDEZ— CREATIVE ELEMENTS IN PREACHING
see p.8 for details>
CREATIVITY STRETCHES FOR LEADERS
By Heather Van Allen & Joel Hunter s a popular blogger with thousands of • Branch out from your creative sweet spot. In daily followers, a worship leader of 15 other words, try your hand at something outyears and acclaimed recording artist, side of what you think your main gift is. If you’re Carlos Whittaker <carloswhittaker.com> musically-inclined, try making a three-minute short has lots of practice being creative. Now film. If your talent lies in audio-visual applications, he shares his experience by coaching others in try to learn the piano. Maybe writing has always taping into the creativity that God, the ultimate come naturally to you, so pick up a camera and see Creator, has planted in each of us, helping them if you have an eye for photography for a change. to bring it out into their ministries or other ven• Step out of your boundaries for a month, and tures in life. see if stretching your mind and learning something As a youth leader, you may find yourself looking new can somehow be implemented in your youth into a crowd of 12- to 18-year-olds, wondering, ministry. You may realize that God has planted a like the prophet Ezekiel, how in the world to variety of gifts within you—you just didn’t know it. breathe new life into your valley of dry bones. EXPLORE—the world around you. “[It’s] a simple You may want to start with Ezekiel 37—which is step that I do in my exploration routine,” Carlos what Carlos would do if he were coaching you says. “I set two daily alarms on my iPhone and personally—then use the following steps to begin when they ring, my phone says ‘explore.’ No matstretching out your creative muscles. ter where I am at 12:30 and at 4:30, I explore and INNOVATE. Innovation isn’t about doing somewill gather an idea from that moment. The other thing cool but actually about doing something day I was looking at my [Starbucks] cup when new. And you don’t necessarily have to look my little alarm went off, and I saw the logo and ahead. Your students have only been alive a thought, OK, that’s probably the most recognizdecade-and-a-half or so. You can revamp some- able thing on a Starbucks cup. What’s something thing from a few generations back, and it will be else I can find? I turned the cup to its side and saw new to your students. the little scribbles where they mark your drink. Try these tips to practice innovating: That’s actually just as recognizable a symbol of • Take a different route to work one week. This Starbucks as the logo. If someone were to just see idea seems simple, but you’ll probably notice that handwriting on the side of a cup, they would that you’ll see restaurants and other things you know that’s a Starbucks cup. I took a picture of have never seen before, and by the time you get that and I put it into my [Evernotes] idea bucket.” to work your mind will be fresher because you’re Form an exploring habit, as Carlos does, and log not in the same rote routine. ideas as you go. Then you will find yourself • When you go to Starbucks, order something showing up with a long list of ideas to filter different than your usual. through, instead of spending time in meetings
A
trying to think of new ideas. DISTURB AND DISRUPT. For youth leaders, competing with all of the options vying for your students’ attention, may mean disturbing and disrupting in order to realign them with Christ and help them to see Him through fresh eyes, wanting to follow Him. The old stand-bys of pizza parties, lockouts and concerts might not cut it quite as well these days. Here are some ways to disturb and disrupt: • Start simple, and change the order of the service. Similar to sharpening up your mind by taking a different route to work, you may sharpen your students’ minds and help them better receive the message by changing up the service or the youth group meeting. • Go huge, and disturb and disrupt an entire program. A ministry can be like an old couch that most people have in their houses. Because you own that old couch, you love it, you’re sentimental about it and you think it is the most beautiful thing in the world. “Whenever anybody walks into your house they think, That is a really ugly couch. They don’t want to sit on it, and they’ll go find another chair. You can recover that couch a hundred times, but it might be time to get a new couch, says Carlos. “If a ministry is not working—it’s sagging and broken—it may be time to start with a completely fresh and new ministry.” —HEATHER VAN ALLEN is a contributing writer and copyeditor for ONCOURSE magazine.
LEADERS SHARPENING LEADERS 27
28 MOMENTUM CONFERENCE 2010 | momentum2010.ag.org
RUNNING ON EMPTY
S
By Michael Farren, Pocket Full of Rocks
o I admit it—I am an emotional guy. It’s just how I’m made. I love movies and songs that move me. Ask anyone who knows me and they’ll tell you that I’m a sucker for a great power ballad. And the most recent movie that made me cry? “Up”—a stinking animated film! I try to hide it, but in the end I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Emotions help you know that you’re alive. But of course, emotions can get a little trickier when you consider their role in our spiritual lives. I am blessed to be able to serve the body of Christ as a worship leader. And I will be quick to tell you that my favorite services are the ones where God’s presence is so thick that everyone involved can’t help but be floored by what He’s doing. It’s easy to feel like something amazing has happened when we leave with goose bumps on our arms and tears in our eyes. But what about the opposite scenario—the dry times? What
about the services and even whole seasons when it seems that God is a million miles away? That is when we must move past our emotions, when we must choose to walk in the reality of who God is and what He is doing in us and around us. Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God.” Interestingly enough, it doesn’t say, “Be still and feel that I am God.” It simply says “know.” No matter what it feels like, He loves us. No matter how complicated or confusing a situation is, He is in control. And no matter what others around us may do, He will never leave us or forsake us. Sometimes, we simply must turn our emotions to “off” and simply “know” again just how good He is—all the time. —POCKET FULL OF ROCKS will be leading worship Monday and Tuesday for Momentum 2010. Check out the info on their new album More Than Noise and worship resources at <pocketfullofrocks.com>.
LEADERS SHARPENING LEADERS 29
STOKING THE FIRE READ: JOHN 4:1-26
“Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.” —JOHN 4:23-24
30 MOMENTUM CONFERENCE 2010 | momentum2010.ag.org
W
hat is up everybody? This is your boy KJ to the 5 to the 2 and this is the Firestarter Bible Study. Today we are in John 4. We are going from verse one all the way to verse 26. This entire chapter that we’re going through is a chapter of Jesus dealing with the woman at the well. In fact, she was called the Samaritan woman and that means nothing to us here in 2010. But realistically it means a lot to that time. You have to understand, Jews at that time had very little interactions with Samaritans. It was a very big racial problem there. On top of all of that...a Jewish religious teacher did not ever interact with women. So Jesus crosses all these barriers just to deal with this lady. Essentially what happens is she starts to get into a slight debate with Him about where you are supposed to worship. He essentially breaks it down to her, and anyone else that would come along at that point. He says true worshipers will worship “in spirit and in truth.” What am I talking about? Well, it’s real simple. A lot of us think that living a life of worship means we’re giving worth to God. In other words, we’re honoring God. We basically think that means singing a couple of slow songs in church. We get hung up on the location, just like this lady did. She recalled that the Jews say you should worship in Jerusalem; we say that you should do it here. The whole point was that she missed the point, and Jesus puts his finger on the problem. He talks about the fact that this particular woman had already been with five different husbands and was with somebody then who wasn’t her husband. In other words, she had an understanding about God and the relationship but her life was off. And on top of that she was more con-
cerned about what it meant to worship God than really worshiping and living a life that honors God. Jesus basically breaks it down. He says, “True worshipers will worship in spirit and in truth.” I say all this in the idea that I want to show you something that I have. It’s my favorite watch and I wear it all the time. And I want to tell you a little truth about this watch. I have no idea what time it is. In fact, I have never even bothered to program the time on this watch. I just wear it because it looks cool. And so essentially, I got a front like I got this watch that works but I missed the whole point of having this watch, except for the fact that it looks cool. I say all this with idea because when it comes to our relationship with God, we get focused on location. In other words, we will say something to the effect of “Don’t cuss in church because that’s wrong” or “I can’t do this in church because I’m in church.” So, we really think that living a life that honors God is about location but it’s not. We missed the point, kind of like she did. We also kind of get ignorant about the areas in our lives where God is trying to deal with us. We know about God and we know kind of about who He is but we really miss the point of what it means to have a relationship with Him. This is what Jesus was talking about when he said, “True worshipers worship in spirit and in truth.” You can kind of front like you got it going on but realistically there are areas that God wants to change in our lives, areas that we’ve got to get right to get connected. Having a correct relationship with God isn’t necessarily the same as having a correct relationship with your church. Now church is a part of your relationship, no question about that, but it’s not the [relationship] end all be all. You
don’t just go to church to be with God, it should be an extension of what’s already going on in your life. Go out and be a fire starter today.
You can snag audio and video updates from KJ-52 at <youth.ag.org/ discipleship> or subscribe to the podcast at <KJ-52podcast.com>.
—KJ-52, multi-Dove award winning hip-hop artist as well as an AG minister, will be joining Momentum 2010 for a late night concert on Friday. See p. 3 for details.
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TEACHING YOUR CHILDREN THE TRUTH
(Book).
This six-session highly interactive DVD series inspires and motivates. It features Barry St. Clair and a variety of parents expressing their struggles and successes in parenting their kids, along with time for small group discussion. The 55-minute videos enhance the message of the Parent Fuel book for parents in your church, small group, school or neighborhood.
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ABOUT SEX The Parent’s Kit includes: Instructor Guide, DVD (2-hour presentation of Dr. Dobbins addressing the importance of each chapter and how to discuss it), Parent Notebook and Teaching Your Children the Truth About Sex
PARENT FUEL
LEADERS SHARPENING LEADERS 33
34 MOMENTUM CONFERENCE 2010 | momentum2010.ag.org
LEADERS SHARPENING LEADERS 35
36 MOMENTUM CONFERENCE 2010 | momentum2010.ag.org