You're not my problem any more.
Once you're over the age of 25 the regulations say that you're almost dead to me.
Sounds harsh?
Technically, if you're between the ages of 12 and 25, you're in my ministerial hitting zone (in reality it is more like 8-25). You are a youth.
But i wonder how the transition should work when those who you have been ministering become young adults?
Is the responsible thing to wean them off you and onto the Minister of the Word? When they have a crisis, do you tell them to call someone else and not you?
Ideally, if you're ministry is growing and you've stuck around long term, you will eventually encounter this problem.
You either stay focused on the current batch of youngsters or gravitate up with the twenty-somethings. Is there a healthy middle ground or would you eventually spread yourself too thin?
DISCLAIMER: ALL RAMBLINGS ARE MY OWN. THEY IN NO WAY REPRESENT THE VIEWS OF ANY CHURCH OR ORGANISATION THAT I HAVE WORKED FOR OR AM CURRENTLY ASSOCIATED WITH...
Sunday, October 10, 2010
The power of the guest
As a youth pastor I get to speak to teenagers a fair amount and, occasionally, I’ll get the chance to talk to kids that aren’t my usual crowd.
I’m no gospel-spreading-travelling-gypsy like Tom, but I do the occasional lunchtime group, chapel service or camp (like i did last weekend).
And with anonymity comes power. You can swoop in and deliver a granule of truth that may have otherwise gone unspoken.
With unfamiliarity comes power. The kids get the chance to hear a different voice up the front, with alternate stories, jokes and points of view.
This is why I have invited people to speak before.
Sometimes you need a hired gun to convey a message of correction. Not a bloke to throw a bomb in the pews, but a clear message of life adjustment.
Sometimes the kids just need a rest from your voice or you require a rest from speaking.
But additional power lays in the lap of the guest. You are treated well. Really well.
I've been on camps where, as speaker, my air mattress got a hole in it and i was brought a new one (with inflation happening by willing youngsters). I've also had separate accommodation and been guest judge in multiple competitions.
The guest has much power. But with much power, comes much responsibility...
I’m no gospel-spreading-travelling-gypsy like Tom, but I do the occasional lunchtime group, chapel service or camp (like i did last weekend).
And with anonymity comes power. You can swoop in and deliver a granule of truth that may have otherwise gone unspoken.
With unfamiliarity comes power. The kids get the chance to hear a different voice up the front, with alternate stories, jokes and points of view.
This is why I have invited people to speak before.
Sometimes you need a hired gun to convey a message of correction. Not a bloke to throw a bomb in the pews, but a clear message of life adjustment.
Sometimes the kids just need a rest from your voice or you require a rest from speaking.
But additional power lays in the lap of the guest. You are treated well. Really well.
I've been on camps where, as speaker, my air mattress got a hole in it and i was brought a new one (with inflation happening by willing youngsters). I've also had separate accommodation and been guest judge in multiple competitions.
The guest has much power. But with much power, comes much responsibility...
Friday, October 8, 2010
Changing the curtains
You will notice my new blog design. In truth, I'm not 100% sold, but at least i don't immediately look at my blog and want to fall asleep.
Further tweaks may happen, but the same Rambles will still filter out into the Internet.
Further tweaks may happen, but the same Rambles will still filter out into the Internet.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Why i don't fear numbers
A question that arises whenever you bump into another youth minister is the query "So... How many do you get on a Friday night?"
Sure, there are other (much better) markers of success, but, this is the checkpoint that can make you puff out your chest or quietly whimper in the corner.
For me, numbers aren't scary.
No, it is not because I'm the youth minister of a church with a mega youth group or converting more people than the Apostle Paul on a good day.
Simply, numbers matter.
I crunched last terms numbers for our youth ministry and i used my usual numbers maker. 50/80/80 (I thought i blogged on this, but i can't track it down).
50% growth (although this would be viewed more annually), 80% attendance (kids are there the majority of weeks) and 80% retention (a kid who is new will stick around).
All in all, this term was was better than last. Our average number of kids rose by almost a quarter, from the 18 new kids we had 5 return (which sends a message about our welcoming... this terms task) and the number of kids who were there most weeks doubled.
Unsurprisingly, numbers are track-able. They will be an indicator if you are staying on task. You can spot trends and adapt to the stats (like the welcoming example above).
Numbers may also indicate the health of the group. Healthy things grow. That's how they work. They may grow in depth of understanding, service, commitment, love but also in sheer number.
Finally, and most importantly, numbers represent people. People matter greatly to God, so they should matter to us.
If God took time out to number His people, why should we shy away from it?
Sure, there are other (much better) markers of success, but, this is the checkpoint that can make you puff out your chest or quietly whimper in the corner.
For me, numbers aren't scary.
No, it is not because I'm the youth minister of a church with a mega youth group or converting more people than the Apostle Paul on a good day.
Simply, numbers matter.
I crunched last terms numbers for our youth ministry and i used my usual numbers maker. 50/80/80 (I thought i blogged on this, but i can't track it down).
50% growth (although this would be viewed more annually), 80% attendance (kids are there the majority of weeks) and 80% retention (a kid who is new will stick around).
All in all, this term was was better than last. Our average number of kids rose by almost a quarter, from the 18 new kids we had 5 return (which sends a message about our welcoming... this terms task) and the number of kids who were there most weeks doubled.
Unsurprisingly, numbers are track-able. They will be an indicator if you are staying on task. You can spot trends and adapt to the stats (like the welcoming example above).
Numbers may also indicate the health of the group. Healthy things grow. That's how they work. They may grow in depth of understanding, service, commitment, love but also in sheer number.
Finally, and most importantly, numbers represent people. People matter greatly to God, so they should matter to us.
If God took time out to number His people, why should we shy away from it?
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Dots and triangles in the diary
Being school holidays and sitting on the couch whilst on a day off, I'm going through my diary for the term ahead.
My diary is important since i need to keep a decent track of the hours i work. I do this by dots and triangles.
To make up my 25 hours i need to work 9 three-hour blocks of time (going over since others are expected to put in a few hours around church, but have a full-time job). Each day is split into morning (9-12), day (12-3), arvo (3-6) and evening (6-9). Each morning or evening i work is represented by a dot in the corner of the page and a dot sits at the top of a date if I'm around during the day.
I think that i stole this from John Piper (thanks John!), but the system works effectively for me.
I know ahead of time how many segments are nonnegotiable. Fridays, Sundays, scripture, meetings, ect...
With this in mind i can then decide if anything else will fit into my allotted hours and can quickly see how many nights i will be out a week.
My diary is important since i need to keep a decent track of the hours i work. I do this by dots and triangles.
To make up my 25 hours i need to work 9 three-hour blocks of time (going over since others are expected to put in a few hours around church, but have a full-time job). Each day is split into morning (9-12), day (12-3), arvo (3-6) and evening (6-9). Each morning or evening i work is represented by a dot in the corner of the page and a dot sits at the top of a date if I'm around during the day.
I think that i stole this from John Piper (thanks John!), but the system works effectively for me.
I know ahead of time how many segments are nonnegotiable. Fridays, Sundays, scripture, meetings, ect...
With this in mind i can then decide if anything else will fit into my allotted hours and can quickly see how many nights i will be out a week.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Rewatchable
Tomorrow i head to camp for a week.
How will you pass the time until my return next month? My suggestion?
Watch the singing dog-man again and again and again and again and....
Then again, you could re-live this clasice moment of Christian music....
How will you pass the time until my return next month? My suggestion?
Watch the singing dog-man again and again and again and again and....
Then again, you could re-live this clasice moment of Christian music....
Friday, September 24, 2010
Wielding the big stick
I don't normally do "big stick."
It makes me feel awkward and i want to avoid setting a trend where I'll constantly rouse at my kids or leaders.
But... Last Friday i went BIG STICK.
What is "big stick" you ask?
I told the senior high teens that I'd been seeing some stuff that needed to be changed. I was on the verge of being quiet blunt. There was no doubt about what my message was. I brought out the "big stick."
Regardless of how much i may not like it, at times, it is a part of my job.
If i see a harmful or foolish actions, it is my role as a leader to pull them into line.
Was i a jerk? I don't think so. I think i gave the message in a firm, but still caring manner.
But, even if the teens left the room thinking i was a jerk, i would rather be a jerk who speaks the truth and tells them a better direction to go than a bloke who sits idly by and says nothing.
It makes me feel awkward and i want to avoid setting a trend where I'll constantly rouse at my kids or leaders.
But... Last Friday i went BIG STICK.
What is "big stick" you ask?
I told the senior high teens that I'd been seeing some stuff that needed to be changed. I was on the verge of being quiet blunt. There was no doubt about what my message was. I brought out the "big stick."
Regardless of how much i may not like it, at times, it is a part of my job.
If i see a harmful or foolish actions, it is my role as a leader to pull them into line.
Was i a jerk? I don't think so. I think i gave the message in a firm, but still caring manner.
But, even if the teens left the room thinking i was a jerk, i would rather be a jerk who speaks the truth and tells them a better direction to go than a bloke who sits idly by and says nothing.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Failure perspective
I was reading this blog post today and the fourth point jumped out at me (I'm not thinking about quiting ministry btw).
Get perspective from people who don't particularly care if your ministry fails.
In my mind, the obvious person for this would be people who isn't attached to your church or even a person outside of the faith.
Those who have outside eyes can add perspectives to which you are blind, neglecting or ignoring. They can impart wisdom that puts your personal welfare before the welfare of the cherished ministry.
For some, this is the wisdom that they need to hear.
If the ministry is seasonally weakened, but you or your relationships are strengthened, then it's often sound advice.
Get perspective from people who don't particularly care if your ministry fails.
In my mind, the obvious person for this would be people who isn't attached to your church or even a person outside of the faith.
Those who have outside eyes can add perspectives to which you are blind, neglecting or ignoring. They can impart wisdom that puts your personal welfare before the welfare of the cherished ministry.
For some, this is the wisdom that they need to hear.
If the ministry is seasonally weakened, but you or your relationships are strengthened, then it's often sound advice.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
How's the REAL ministry going?
I want to begin our staff meeting today by asking the title of this post.
On the wall of my office is my philosophy of ministry and in the corner of that are four words. GOD MARRIAGE FAMILY CHURCH.
This is the order of whom a I'm to loyally minister to and for. God before my wife. My wife before the rest of my family. My family before the church.
If, as ministry team, we are to support and encourage one another to do effective ministry, i think it would be natural to find out how their most critical ministry is unfolding. And importantly, if things are out of whack, we can put in place boundaries and structures so the home isn't neglected.
On the wall of my office is my philosophy of ministry and in the corner of that are four words. GOD MARRIAGE FAMILY CHURCH.
This is the order of whom a I'm to loyally minister to and for. God before my wife. My wife before the rest of my family. My family before the church.
If, as ministry team, we are to support and encourage one another to do effective ministry, i think it would be natural to find out how their most critical ministry is unfolding. And importantly, if things are out of whack, we can put in place boundaries and structures so the home isn't neglected.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Deep faithed treasurers
Lately I've been thinking about how churches budget and spend money.
My conclusion?
I think the person with the deepest faith should be the treasurer. The person most in touch with the character of God and the plans He has for the local church should hold the purse-strings.
The budget for a church should be dictated by what God is doing, not the bottom line of the financial sheets. This needs faith to determine, sell to others and implement. It may be counter-intuitive, but perhaps the finance committee should be viewed as a space for those of rich faith, not merely capable accountants.
If the treasurer can set a vision before the people of what God is doing, then the congregation can jump on board and commit to raise the funds to make that happen.
I'm not sure how matching last years budget or keeping up with CPI is showing or stepping out in faith.
Maybe it has to do with those who entrust to set the budget?
My conclusion?
I think the person with the deepest faith should be the treasurer. The person most in touch with the character of God and the plans He has for the local church should hold the purse-strings.
The budget for a church should be dictated by what God is doing, not the bottom line of the financial sheets. This needs faith to determine, sell to others and implement. It may be counter-intuitive, but perhaps the finance committee should be viewed as a space for those of rich faith, not merely capable accountants.
If the treasurer can set a vision before the people of what God is doing, then the congregation can jump on board and commit to raise the funds to make that happen.
I'm not sure how matching last years budget or keeping up with CPI is showing or stepping out in faith.
Maybe it has to do with those who entrust to set the budget?
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Standing on the inside
Last Sunday i did something i don't normally do. In truth, the courage to do it only struck me a few hours earlier and i debated if i would actually go thought with it... but...
I invited people to respond to the sermon by standing.
Sure, it wasn't ground-breakingly ingenious, but it did have an element of risk.
Would people be more concerned with the awkwardness of rising, or giving their whole lives to God (the response to the message)? Even though i invited everyone to close their eyes, would standing an obstacle for those in the congregation?
Upon reflection, i think it was worth the gamble.
Since to the method of responding was unfamiliar to the service, it may have been a slight distraction, but a few arose and later that night a few people told me they were "standing on the inside."
Instead of avoiding the potential awkwardness, perhaps churches need to invite people to step out beyond their comfort zone. Making this something less and less unfamiliar.
I invited people to respond to the sermon by standing.
Sure, it wasn't ground-breakingly ingenious, but it did have an element of risk.
Would people be more concerned with the awkwardness of rising, or giving their whole lives to God (the response to the message)? Even though i invited everyone to close their eyes, would standing an obstacle for those in the congregation?
Upon reflection, i think it was worth the gamble.
Since to the method of responding was unfamiliar to the service, it may have been a slight distraction, but a few arose and later that night a few people told me they were "standing on the inside."
Instead of avoiding the potential awkwardness, perhaps churches need to invite people to step out beyond their comfort zone. Making this something less and less unfamiliar.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Why the heck are you here?
Since my last post was inclined towards meetings, i was reminded of something which i think is a great starting point for any meeting.
Simply go around the group and find out what they want resolved/brought up during the meeting.
Or... Why the heck did they turn up?
At times i think meetings just drift aimlessly, with some important points going unmentioned or pushed into the "last point of general business" and not adequately dealt with.
Perhaps we'd have better meetings, get more done and felt more engaged if we kicked of the meetings with the question that really matters.
Simply go around the group and find out what they want resolved/brought up during the meeting.
Or... Why the heck did they turn up?
At times i think meetings just drift aimlessly, with some important points going unmentioned or pushed into the "last point of general business" and not adequately dealt with.
Perhaps we'd have better meetings, get more done and felt more engaged if we kicked of the meetings with the question that really matters.
Bumper people
The older i get, the less i sometimes want 18-21 year olds to get deeply entrenched in the church-politics world.
I want to empower young people to use their skills, talents and creativity to do great things for God. Just avoid the stench of crappy committees.
At times, committees stifle enthusiasm. Or excellent ideas. Or ambitious, half baked ideas.
So i think the church should instigate buffer people for young adults.
People who will help them navigate around the, at times, complex world of church and assist in shielding them from unwarranted criticism or negativity.
It sounds like a great ministry to prevent young adult burnout or disenchantment.
I want to empower young people to use their skills, talents and creativity to do great things for God. Just avoid the stench of crappy committees.
At times, committees stifle enthusiasm. Or excellent ideas. Or ambitious, half baked ideas.
So i think the church should instigate buffer people for young adults.
People who will help them navigate around the, at times, complex world of church and assist in shielding them from unwarranted criticism or negativity.
It sounds like a great ministry to prevent young adult burnout or disenchantment.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Mis-contexted
Last Friday night i answered a question revolving around context and spoke about the two most misquoted verses in all of the bible.
Context matters. Without awareness of what is beside a passage, any point can be twisted.
Psalm 14:1 is a good example of the importance of context? Here the bible, technically, says "there is no God." But in context, the meaning falls into place.
The two most common offenders, normally, written on mountaintop-sunset-beach-waterfall clad posters?
Jeremiah 29:11.
This verse is often equated with the grand plans that God has for His followers. But in context, the "plans God had," was 70 years in exile. Not exactly a holiday!
This exile would ultimately be used to turn the people back to God. Here is the positive, not a motivational poster inspiration.
Romans 8:28.
The worst, out-of-context, offender.
This verse could say that those who love God will be healthy, happy, wealthy, popular, famous and successful. Nothing bad will happen.
Read with the next verse, verse 28 makes sense.
Whilst admittedly wordy, the point is that all situations (good or bad) will be for our benefit if they make us more like Jesus (the "to be conformed to the likeness of His Son" bit).
The way that i have learnt more about God and about following Him is the only way any of this could be of any good and how Romans 8:28, ultimately, makes sense.
Context matters. Without awareness of what is beside a passage, any point can be twisted.
Psalm 14:1 is a good example of the importance of context? Here the bible, technically, says "there is no God." But in context, the meaning falls into place.
The two most common offenders, normally, written on mountaintop-sunset-beach-waterfall clad posters?
Jeremiah 29:11.
This verse is often equated with the grand plans that God has for His followers. But in context, the "plans God had," was 70 years in exile. Not exactly a holiday!
This exile would ultimately be used to turn the people back to God. Here is the positive, not a motivational poster inspiration.
Romans 8:28.
The worst, out-of-context, offender.
This verse could say that those who love God will be healthy, happy, wealthy, popular, famous and successful. Nothing bad will happen.
Read with the next verse, verse 28 makes sense.
Whilst admittedly wordy, the point is that all situations (good or bad) will be for our benefit if they make us more like Jesus (the "to be conformed to the likeness of His Son" bit).
The way that i have learnt more about God and about following Him is the only way any of this could be of any good and how Romans 8:28, ultimately, makes sense.
HSC survival pack
Yesterday Ange and i packed 150 HSC Survival Packs. It goes without saying that it was less then enjoyable.
Today i gave out 120 HSC Survival Packs to the year 12's at Ravenswood High. That was much more fun.
The contents of the packs?
A Bottle of water, for when their brain feels dries up.
The contents of the packs?
A Bottle of water, for when their brain feels dries up.
Tiny Teddies, because sometimes you just want to bite the head off someone who’s smiling.
A Chupa Chup, because sometimes exam questions suck.
Wizz Fizz, because every now and then you just need a sugar hit.
A Furrie Friend, because everybody needs a friend like chocolate.
A Light Bulb, for when they need a bright idea.
Some Freeze Dried Peas, to remind the students that they have available to them peas of God, which passes all understanding.
Some Pretzels, to remind the students to pray and not neglect God (based upon the shape of the pretzel), and that we’re (the church and the school) all praying for you.
A Chupa Chup, because sometimes exam questions suck.
Wizz Fizz, because every now and then you just need a sugar hit.
A Furrie Friend, because everybody needs a friend like chocolate.
A Light Bulb, for when they need a bright idea.
Some Freeze Dried Peas, to remind the students that they have available to them peas of God, which passes all understanding.
Some Pretzels, to remind the students to pray and not neglect God (based upon the shape of the pretzel), and that we’re (the church and the school) all praying for you.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Growing the church
Ways to grow your church...
1. Biologically - Create your own children's ministry... have kids.
2. Transfer Growth - Draw in those who already believe, but have began going to your church.
3. Evangelism - Convert those from outside the body of believers.
4. Reconnection - Tie in those who are loosely attached to the church or their faith.
5. Spiritually - Connect those present into effective ministries, greater commitment to loving God and serving one another.
1. Biologically - Create your own children's ministry... have kids.
2. Transfer Growth - Draw in those who already believe, but have began going to your church.
3. Evangelism - Convert those from outside the body of believers.
4. Reconnection - Tie in those who are loosely attached to the church or their faith.
5. Spiritually - Connect those present into effective ministries, greater commitment to loving God and serving one another.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Bang for your buck
I thought I'd already blogged about this, but i can't find it anywhere and it's been bouncing around my head.
The question oscillating in my mind?
What do you actually get when someone is paid for ministry?
Tis post is nothing against laity. They do MASSIVE things for God. The church couldn't survive without them. They are indispensable.
But... I think a ministry, and a church, gains...
DEDICATION - Someone has non-competitive head space to give the ministry. Not the scraps after they have worked ten hours a day or done three University assignments.
IDENTITY - The ministry has a face attached to it. A go-to person. Someone to answer the questions.
ACCOUNTABILITY - If things go wrong. This person will be held to account. It is their head on the chopping block.
CHAMPION THE CAUSE - Hopefully, this person will be able to cast a vision and direction (because they will have adequate time) that will raise the expectation of the church and engage them to get on board.
ORGANISATION - Paperwork gets done. Quickly. Follow up is smoother. Resources can be found and trailed. Rosters are sorted.
LEG WORK - Someone will have the time to do the odd jobs, the setting up and the mid-week collecting of ideas and resources.
REFLECTION - A person will have time to adequately sit down, think through what happened and make needed tweaks.
WORTH - I think that the church who puts their money where their mouth is (or want to be) gives those who are being ministered to a sense of importance and value.
EMPOWERMENT - Ideally, this will not be a one-person show, but those who are already exercising this ministry, will feel more support, be better equipped and a sense that the ministry runs smoother.
QUALITY - With the freedom of not having to juggle a job and ministry, the amount of preparation time should go up. Hopefully, this would equate to a better program.
The question oscillating in my mind?
What do you actually get when someone is paid for ministry?
Tis post is nothing against laity. They do MASSIVE things for God. The church couldn't survive without them. They are indispensable.
But... I think a ministry, and a church, gains...
DEDICATION - Someone has non-competitive head space to give the ministry. Not the scraps after they have worked ten hours a day or done three University assignments.
IDENTITY - The ministry has a face attached to it. A go-to person. Someone to answer the questions.
ACCOUNTABILITY - If things go wrong. This person will be held to account. It is their head on the chopping block.
CHAMPION THE CAUSE - Hopefully, this person will be able to cast a vision and direction (because they will have adequate time) that will raise the expectation of the church and engage them to get on board.
ORGANISATION - Paperwork gets done. Quickly. Follow up is smoother. Resources can be found and trailed. Rosters are sorted.
LEG WORK - Someone will have the time to do the odd jobs, the setting up and the mid-week collecting of ideas and resources.
REFLECTION - A person will have time to adequately sit down, think through what happened and make needed tweaks.
WORTH - I think that the church who puts their money where their mouth is (or want to be) gives those who are being ministered to a sense of importance and value.
EMPOWERMENT - Ideally, this will not be a one-person show, but those who are already exercising this ministry, will feel more support, be better equipped and a sense that the ministry runs smoother.
QUALITY - With the freedom of not having to juggle a job and ministry, the amount of preparation time should go up. Hopefully, this would equate to a better program.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Miscarriage lessons
On the back of my Father's Day post... some things i have learnt from my wife and i going through an early-term miscarriage.
First, miscarriages suck. Big time. And it is a pain that you go through is in near isolation. No-one knows you're pregnant, and no-one is aware when you lose the baby.
Second, miscarriages are common. Really common. Nearly-every-woman-i-have-spoken-to-about-it common. And the pain of loss remains. For years.
Third, I would love there to be a ministry for these couples. I just don't know how it would work, but something should be done.
Finally, jokes about having kids are NOT COOL! I used to do them. Often. Way too often. I have now stopped. The reason? You have NO IDEA how painful they could be because you have no idea now hard it is to conceive or if they have recently (or not so) lost a baby. Don't risk it. Just don't.
First, miscarriages suck. Big time. And it is a pain that you go through is in near isolation. No-one knows you're pregnant, and no-one is aware when you lose the baby.
Second, miscarriages are common. Really common. Nearly-every-woman-i-have-spoken-to-about-it common. And the pain of loss remains. For years.
Third, I would love there to be a ministry for these couples. I just don't know how it would work, but something should be done.
Finally, jokes about having kids are NOT COOL! I used to do them. Often. Way too often. I have now stopped. The reason? You have NO IDEA how painful they could be because you have no idea now hard it is to conceive or if they have recently (or not so) lost a baby. Don't risk it. Just don't.
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