The Gray Area @ericthegray-blog - Tumblr Blog

I'm back...for now.

This summer I decided to take a break from social media. It really hit me when I would be playing with my children or talking with my wife and feel the need to constantly check my phone.

So on June 1st I deleted my Instagram & Twitter account. I deleted all social media apps on my phone except Facebook messenger to be able to communicate with counselors for summer camp.

This may have been one of the best, most productive and enjoyable summers I've had since before social media. Here's why...

My attention was undivided to those who deserved it most. When I was with my family, I was with my family. I didn't feel the constant need to check my phone. When I was hanging out with students, I was focused on them. When a conversation got quiet, I didn't pull out my phone. I tried to stay engaged in conversation.

My phone wasn't the first and last thing I checked each day.

I was able to devote some extra time to Bible study.

I learned what's most important should be kept most important.

And that youth ministry continues to function just fine without Facebook, Twitter & Instagram. People still learn about events and activities.

Social media was an addiction to me. I learned this about day 4 of the break when I felt very anxious. I kept checking my phone, unlocking it only to remember there wasn't anything to check, and then putting it back in my pocket. I figured out that day that I was addicted and that I was in the middle of social media detox. You may think that's silly, but it was true.

So now that the summer is over, I've decided to come back to social media. But with some rules.

I decided not to reactivate my personal Instagram account.

The only social media app on my phone is Twitter. And I'm being very stingy about who I follow. If you post inspirational things that are worth reading, I will follow you. If you only tweet about dumb things, I won't follow you. Even if you're in my youth group. Sorry.

I do have the Facebook app on my iPad right now, but I haven't decided if it's going to stay. We will see by how disciplined I am with it.

When I am with my family, I won't check social media. I just don't want to do it. I'm sure there will be times I forget my rules. And I will have to make those things right with them. But that's a rule I'm trying to put into place for myself.

I loved the social media break. And I'm sure I will do it again.

Maybe you could use one.

Here's how you can tell if you need a break from social media.

- Do you check your phone while having a face-to-face conversation with someone?

- Do you check social media when you wake up and when you go to bed?

- Do you post on social media every day?

- Are there days where you check social media but don't read your Bible?

If you answered yes to any of those questions, you need a social media break. For how long? I'm not sure. Two months was a good break for me.

It was difficult at first, but it became so enjoyable.

So if you don't see me on social media for a while, it's probably because I decided to take a break again. And hopefully you'll understand why.

Blessings!

- Eric

Week 7 of our adoption process

First of all, sorry for the inconsistency in writing. This blog can be summed up in the phrase "good intentions". I always have good intentions of blogging more, but as you'll read in just a minute, things have been a little bit crazy.

So let me catch you up to speed...

Tuesday night is our last class. And I'm pretty pumped about it.

Last week we got to talk with a panel regarding adoption stuff. One of those was a lady who had adopted several children already. Her knowledge and information was invaluable. She also works with APAC (the organization we are adopting through).

Over the last several weeks we've learned a ton of information. Most of it has dealt with helping children manage emotions and behaviors, deal with losses in their life, overcome difficult circumstances, and turn losses into gains. We studied the grief process, and were reminded that each time a child is moved into a new home, they experience another loss and start the grief process all over.

It's been an interesting journey.

One of the reasons I haven't had the focus to blog is due to the amount of work we've had to complete each week. We've been required to read anywhere from 60-100 pages and answer questions. Plus there's been a load of paperwork, some writing assignments, and some other things we have to complete like CPR/First Aid and a medical exam.

So each night after we put our girls to bed, Haley and I sit down and work on our booklets and any other projects that need to be completed that week.

Oh yeah...did I mention it's summertime?! We had class & assignments last week...while I was at camp. To say things have been busy would be a huge understatement.

But we are at the last week of our assignments. We are almost done.

I've enjoyed this journey. It's taught me to be a better parent. Haley and I have been able to spend a lot of time together (even if it was reading). And it's made our hearts grow even more towards a child that will become part of our family.

Thanks for reading. Hopefully I won't wait 4 weeks till the next post.

#adoption journey

Five Signs You're Pursuing God

On Thursday during our Small Group Bible Study, we had the opportunity to discuss creating & maintaining Christ-centered dating relationships. It was a great discussion. During our discussion, we talked about how our relationship with God should be the foundation of our lives and of every other relationship, especially a dating relationship. We all agreed that our relationship with God should be the one relationship that we pursue the most.

In doing some other reading this week, I came across an article by Walt Mueller from CPYU.org (Center for Parent-Youth Understanding) in which he referenced a book by Paul Tripp entitled, “Age of Opportunity: A Biblical Guide to Parenting Teens”. In Tripp’s book, he lists five signs that a young person is pursuing God. I thought they were worth sharing with you. So here they are…

1. “There will be an independent life of personal worship and devotion.” Yes…it’s the age-old answer “study and pray”. A teen who is pursuing God will desire private time reading God’s word and praying to Him on a regular basis.

2. “There will be a desire for corporate worship and instruction.” We will want to come to church. We will be eager to spend time worshipping God with our church family. Church won’t feel like an obligation, but rather a great opportunity and privilege to be in God’s presence.

3. “There will be the pursuit of fellowship with the Body of Christ.” Walt Mueller says, “We will want to spend time with others who love God.” Being together with fellow Christians will be something we truly enjoy. We will value any opportunity to spend time with our church family, regardless of what the activity or event entails.

4. “The teenager who has a heart for God will be relaxed and open to discussion about spiritual things.” We will desire to share our needs and concerns with God and with our church family. We will be open to receiving instruction and teaching from those who are more wise and experienced than us.

5. “We will approach decision-making from a biblical perspective.” Our heart’s desire will be to please God and to do what is right. We will constantly ask ourselves, “What does God want me to do, think, or say?” We will seek his guidance through prayer and Bible study before making major decisions. We will do our best to see things from a greater perspective.

These are five signs of a young person who is pursuing God.

They don’t just apply to teens, they apply to adults as well.

How many of them describe your heart right now?

After reading these, do you feel like you are pursuing God?

(References & quotes from this article were taken from http://www.cpyu.org/2014/05/29/pursuing-god-do-i/)

Why I'm Deleting my Facebook, Twitter & Instagram

The summer is almost here! As a youth minister, I’m like Olaf…I just love the idea of summer!

Students are out of school. Activities are in abundance. There’s a lot of excitement around our youth ministry. Our youth group gets to spend a lot of time together. We’ll stay up way too late, eat way too much fast food, and travel an insane amount of miles.

Each summer I set goals and challenges for myself. I’ve decided that this summer I need to take a break from social media. I’ve become a little addicted to it. I’m wasting too much time. I need to focus my attention on my family, on Bible study and prayer, and on other people.

There’s one more reason why I decided to delete my Facebook, Twitter & Instagram for the summer. Because I get tired of my timeline being bombarded by people posting pictures from their recent beach trip or pool day. No offense…but I don’t want to see you in your swim suit. So rather than rant and rave over it, I’m just going to delete it.

As a youth minister, I’m a little nervous about deleting three platforms of communication. But then again, when I first started in youth ministry, all I had was print and word of mouth. And people still got necessary information and students still came to events.

I’ll still send weekly emails and text message updates to parents. All trip details will be posted at www.crosscreekyouthministry.com. And I’m sure others will take pictures during trips and post them online.

I hope you have a good summer. I might be back in 3 months.

Week 3 of our adoption journey...

Last night we completed our third of seven classes for our adoption journey.

Can I just say I'm really enjoying these classes?

We have a ton of homework to do each week. Anywhere from 80-100 pages of material to read, a ton of paperwork to complete, and writing a life story.

Plus we have a ton of stuff to do to get our house ready. Like getting a bedroom ready for a child we've never met, fixing the shoe molding in the bathroom, buying some furniture, painting, etc. In fact, if you want to take care of some of these honey-do's, you are more than welcome :) We can make it a party.

Here are a few things I've enjoyed the most, in no particular order.

The reading material has been excellent. A little redundant, but very informative. And it not only applies to adoption, but it applies to parenting, ministry, and church life. Everyone has a story. Everyone has or will experience losses. And the curriculum is preparing us to help a child who has experienced some major losses in his/her life.

I'm enjoying going on this journey with my wife. She and I have several assignments to work on together. We talk about it all the time. We read together. We work on the notebook together. She has a heart of gold. She loves children. And she helps me be a better Christian, husband, father, and minister.

It's been great to meet some new people during this journey. From our instructor to those who are in class with us. They each have a desire to help provide a home for children, and that's to be commended. It's been a learning experience.

Each day I'm reminded that there are so many children who have experienced huge losses in their life and have many needs that need to be met. I pray that God continues to use us, our family, and our home to meet the needs of a child.

Thanks for reading.

-- Eric

#Adoption Journey

Leaders, Serve.

The disciples knew crazy things were coming because of what Jesus had been talking about. So James & John decided it was time to stake their position of authority. So they asked for Jesus to make them #2 in charge behind him when he became King of Israel.

Problem #1: Jesus never said he would sit on a literal throne.

Problem #2: Power-grabbing isn’t true leadership.

So Jesus taught them a fundamental truth about leadership: Great leaders serve others.

“…but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. for even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:43-45).

Great leaders serve others. Great leaders put others first. It sounds ironic, but it’s true.

Let’s talk about our youth group for a minute.

We have plenty of leaders. Youth groups always have leaders. The question is, are our leaders great because they serve others?

First, there’s a few things we need to understand about leadership.

Not everyone is a leader. Some people are followers.

Not all leaders are loud. Loud people are generally the ones that others recognize as leaders, but they aren’t the only leaders.

Not all leaders lead people in the right direction. Bad leaders can pull others down with them.

I want to give you three things that good leaders do.

First, good leaders set the example. That’s the precedent that Jesus set. He came to serve, not to be served. And he told us to do the same. So a good leader serves others. You can’t ask someone to do something that you either don’t or won’t do. So if you want to be a good leader, set the example. Participate in class & worship, and attend youth group events.

Second, good leaders encourage others. There’s enough negative voices in the world. We don’t need any in the youth group. We need leaders who will encourage others. When someone makes a good point in class, encourage them. Introduce yourself to people who come for the first time. Let them know you’re glad they came. If you know of someone who is going through a hard time, tell them you’re praying for them. High schoolers, encourage our middle schoolers to be involved. Offer them a ride. Let your words speak life into the lives of others.

Third, good leaders embrace others for who they are. Good leaders recognize that God uniquely created us. We aren’t all the same. We have different interests, personalities, and quirks. We all have strengths and weaknesses. Good leaders embrace our differences, yet recognize the love of God that binds us all together. Our youth group should be filled with people who wouldn’t normally spend time together, except for the fact that we love God and we love others. It’s the bond of Christ that ties us together. Good leaders recognize that and embrace the unique qualities that each of us have.

Great leaders serve.

Are you leading the youth group in a way that glorifies God and lifts others up?

Are you leading someone to love Jesus more? When people watch your life, does it make them want to know Jesus? Can others see Christ in you?

Leaders, serve. — Eric

It's Resurrection Sunday!

It's Resurrection Sunday! It's the day Jesus rose from the dead. It's the day hope walked out of the tomb. It's the day death was defeated. It's the day sin was conquered. It's the day Satan was crushed. It's more than Easter. It's more than candy, new stuff, and a random Bunny. It's about life. It's about Jesus. So celebrate! Rejoice! Praise God! Hope is here. Jesus is alive. It's Resurrection Sunday.

My Heart Is Full Of Joy Tonight...

I'm laying in bed after a busy Saturday at the Orlando Lads to Leaders Convention. The Saturday of L2L may be the busiest day ever. It might have even worn out Jack Bauer.

This weekend has been good, to say the least.

Partly because my puppet team won first place. A huge shoutout to those teens and their hard work!

But tonight I get to lay in bed as one of the proudest dads of all time.

I grew up going to Lads to Leaders. Some of my earliest memories are of the Opryland Hotel in Nashville. This program has helped shape who I am today. And our youth ministry largely revolves around this program, especially in the spring.

Today, my 4 year old daughter, Kenley, stood in front of a room full of ladies and girls and led "Jesus Loves Me". I am so proud of her courage and willingness to serve God.

She was also recognized for knowing all of the New Testament books of the Bible, as well as receiving a gold medal for the Good Samaritan award. And she submitted a painting for Art Says It.

I love that my children have the opportunity to grow up in this program because I know the benefits that it has brought to my life and ministry.

So tonight I will sleep with a heart full of joy because I'm proud of both of my children. Because I love my wife who spends so much time teaching and encouraging them. Because I'm proud of our students. I'm thankful for so many Creekwood parents and adults who have poured countless hours into our children's lives. Because God is good.

Oh yeah...and because tomorrow is Resurrection Sunday. Because tomorrow represents the greatest day of hope in the history of mankind. Because Jesus rose from the dead. Because Satan was defeated. Because Jesus is alive.

-- Eric

#Lads to Leaders #proudfather #ResurrectionSunday

Visit Original Link

4.15.14 — Series on The AIM Project and how we’ve used them

BEGINNING OF SHOW:

“Welcome to I’m a YM, a podcast by youth ministers, for youth ministers”

This podcast is a part of The AIM Network (adventuresinministry.com)

Introduce us

Big announcement -- new website launching on Thursday at 11am CST, everything that is AIM will be found on one website (Network, Project, and some really exciting stuff coming soon)

Big apology -- bad links on Eric’s old blog

Big bucket list moment -- Andrew went to see the Cubs at Wrigley field, tell us about it; Eric went to Pelicans-Thunder game

THE TOPIC: THE AIM PROJECT

History of The AIM Project

Our goal for the AIM Project

12 teaching series

11 devotionals

1 retreat package

2 camp themes

1 games package with about 10 games in it

New content added weekly

Today we want to talk about some series on The AIM Project and how we’ve used them. Give you some ideas on some fun stuff to do with these series, ideas to make them more impactful with your group.

Eric’s series:

That Awkward Moment

Top 5 Psalms

Andrew’s Series:

1. Little gods

2. “Let Your Colors Show” Spring Retreat

CLOSE THE SHOW:

Thanks for listening today. The AIM website is down right now, but on Thursday you will be able to access today’s show notes.

Just for our listeners, send us an email to [email protected] and we will send you a link to download Eric’s new series, “Top 5 Psalms”, and Andrew’s new Spring Retreat Packet, “Let Your Colors Show”.

Follow AIM on Twitter (@theAIMstuff) & Facebook

Find us on Twitter (@eric_the_gray & @anglue18) & Facebook

Join us next time, Tuesday April 29th at 1pm, when we will talk about “Ministering with and to parents”.

You are doing a great work in youth ministry.

#The AIM Project #I'm A YM Podcast

God's Not Dead

On Friday, I went to see the “God’s Not Dead” movie with some of our students. I really enjoyed the movie, and thought I would blog about my thoughts on the movie. Be aware, possible spoilers below.

What I Liked…

I liked the overall theme of the movie. I liked the acting. I liked the filmography. It looked really professional. I liked the struggles they showed from a few of the characters, and their journey to God. I liked the fact that they showed people who face persecution, especially Muslims who convert to Christianity. I liked the flow of Josh’s argument. I really liked his powerpoint presentations (sorry…I notice the weirdest details). I liked getting to hear Newsboys, because I’ve seen them perform the “God’s Not Dead” song live before.

What I Didn’t Like…

I didn’t like Dean Cain’s character. They didn’t fully explain his character. I didn’t like “Pastor Dave” or “Rev Dave”, as he’s referred to a few times, because he’s the guy that always has the perfect response (and that drives me nuts because I’m not that guy…). I didn’t like that they didn’t tie together for you why his car wouldn’t crank (at least no one ever verbalized it…I was expecting the visiting preacher to). I didn’t like the deathbed “Sinner’s Prayer” because I do not believe it’s a Biblical teaching. Jesus taught that a sinner is saved by the grace of God through repentance and baptism (Luke 13:3; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3-4).

Overall, I thought it was a good movie. It really reflected the challenges that many Christian college students face at state universities. It showed that there is much evidence that supports the existence of God. It showed that young people can make a difference. It showed that the Gospel can change even the hardest of hearts. It showed that we should love everyone, even atheists, because it is our love that will show them Jesus.

I’m glad several of our students got to see this movie, and I hope that many more will go.

It may not be totally accurate on every Biblical teaching, but it’s a Christian-based movie that can impact a lot of people. It’s definitely a movie that can be an open door for a lot of conversations about God with people who may otherwise never talk about Him.

I would encourage you to go see it. To take the challenge at the end of the movie. To stand up for our God who is very much alive.

1 The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. 2 Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. 3 They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them. 4 Yet their voice[b] goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. (Psalm 19:1-4)

God’s not dead.

— Eric

What Was Once Light...

Satan is working to destroy our world today.

If you don't believe that statement, I would strongly encourage you to look at the world around you.

Quick story...

Recently I changed the URL of this blog. Some of my teens gave me the nickname which is now my Twitter and Instagram handle, "Eric the Gray". So I decided to make my blog URL match.

If you've followed my blog over the past couple months, you know that Andrew Jenkins and I now have a podcast that records every other Tuesday. I've taken the audio and show notes and published them on my blog for others to see. I put a link on AIMthenetwork.com, which is the sponsor of our podcast. Except I forgot to update the link on the AIM site.

We received a text today from someone who tried to listen to the first 2 episodes of the I'm a YM podcast. When they followed the link to what they thought was my blog, the old URL took them to a pornography website.

That makes my stomach sick. My old blog URL, where I blogged about my family, youth ministry, and spiritual growth, is now Satan's playground where he will continue to destroy the lives of so many people.

What was once a source of light is now a source of darkness.

I apologize for anyone who followed those links on the AIM website and viewed any inappropriate material. I fixed the links this morning as soon as I found out.

But it reminds me that God's people are at war every day with the enemy, Satan. His only mission is to destroy our souls.

But we have the light of the world on our side. We have the One who conquered death and the Devil fighting for us.

I pray that we, God's people, can continue to shine the light in this dark world. That we can continue to show the goodness of God.

And maybe this blog can help do that.

Thanks for reading.

-- Eric

Congratulations to @cutie6402 (Anna Lunsford) who was baptized into Christ on Monday night! We are so proud of you and praise God for your commitment to Christ! #LetItRain

#letitrain

Five Reasons You Should Break Up

For many of our students, this weekend is prom/banquet weekend. And it's got me thinking about teens and dating.

I'm going to keep it brief. I promise.

But I've been thinking a lot about when a relationship should end between teens. So I thought I'd give you five reasons why a teenage couple should break up.

1. You don't spend any time with your friends anymore. You only hang out with your b/f or g/f.

2. Everyone in your life that cares about you most (parents, family, close friends) tell you that the two of you should break up. It's usually a good sign that it's time to end because they have your best interests at heart. Usually.

3. The relationship has turned sexual and physical. It's time to end it immediately. It's very hard for things to go back to the way they were before. Unfortunately it's at this point that many teens feel "stuck" because they've given up so much of themselves. But that's not true.

4. You want to date someone else. This may not be popular, but the beautiful thing about being a teenager is you can date whoever you want to. In fact, you need to learn what type of person you are looking for in a spouse. Be careful that you don't damage or ruin your reputation. But if a relationship isn't good, then it's time to end and move on.

5. You aren't as close to God as you used to be. Either your b/f or g/f caused you to weaken in your faith, or you need some time apart to get your relationship with God back where it needs to be so you can make sure your relationship with a g/f or b/f is healthy.

Be safe. Be smart. Be a Christian.

I'm going to enjoy the rest of the Final Four games tonight.

#Dating #Relationships

The Next Step

On Wednesday, March 26th, our students did something pretty special. They accepted a challenge. A challenge to confess their sins. Many of them wrote down a sin or something they are struggling with on a card and we hung them on our prayer wall (pictured below).

Over the last week and a half, our students have been praying for one another. Each time they come into the room, they read a card and pray for that person.

As I hung the cards on the prayer wall, I read each one. It overwhelmed my heart. There were so many needs and struggles written on those cards. So many broken hearts. So much healing for God to bring.

So my post today is really two-fold. I want to address two different groups quickly.

The first is to adults. There’s something very important that you need to understand. Teenagers have real struggles. Big things that they are battling. And they need your prayers. Often times adults can downplay the struggles of teenagers. We (adults) can make them out to be not that big of a deal. I’m here to tell you they are a big deal. They are real struggles. Big stuff that our teens are dealing with. And they need our help. But before we can help, they need us to understand that they struggle with real things just like you and I do. Maybe not how to pay the bills or how to raise children. But things like self-esteem, self-worth, addictive behaviors, judging, gossiping, language. Stuff many of us (adults) struggle with every day. So please realize that their struggles are real. And they need our prayers and encouragement.

The second group I want to address is our students. First, thank you for opening your heart and taking the challenge to confess. God knows what’s on your heart. He knows what you are struggling with, and He is working to heal you from that sin. You took a big step by allowing Him to break your heart over this struggle and confess it. I wish I had the right words to express how proud I am of each student who took the challenge. Your boldness is an example to me, and many other adults.

I just want to remind you of a verse in Galatians 6:2. “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Please understand this: God never intended for you to carry this burden alone. You took a big step in confessing your sin to God and allowing others to pray for you. But God never intended for the process to stop there. You need to seek the help of your brothers and sisters in Christ. And they need to know how to specifically help you. They need to know exactly what it is that you’re struggling with.

So I want to continue the confession challenge. I want to encourage you to take the next step.

Find one or two people either in the youth group, your family, or a church leader, and confess specifically your sin to them. Ask them to hold you accountable. Ask them to pray for you. Ask them to check on you and encourage you. It’s not enough to anonymously confess. It’s a start. But let’s keep going.

Allow your brothers and sisters to help carry your burden. It’s God’s plan. That’s one reason He left us the church.

So what burden can we carry for you today? Because we need you to help carry ours. — Eric

Powerful video about who the church should be trying to reach, and what each church is known for.

#Church For

Visit Original Link

EPISODE 3: SPEAKING TO TEENS W/ DAVID SHANNON

April 1, 2014

We, YMs, work with teens on a weekly, even daily basis. We teach teens multiple times a week. Yet there's not many YMs who are keynote speakers at major events we go to. David is great at speaking to teenagers, so today we want to interview him on his techniques, lesson prep & delivery, and advice for YMs.

QUESTIONS FOR DAVID:

Is your lesson prep different when you speak to teens than when you speak to adults? If so, how?

David: Doesn’t change a lot, but when studying core principles of the text, he may call/text some younger guys and ask, “What is it that your generation wrestles with?” so he can make application that meets the audience where they are.

David: When speaking to teens, he actually finds himself studying a little bit harder and/or a little bit longer. Study down deep into the text, and then speak coming up out of the text.

David: The way to simply a difficult text is to study it a little bit longer.

How is your delivery different when you speak to teens?

David: Wants teens to know that he genuinely loves them and respects them. Believes they are one of the greatest resources in the church.

David: He doesn’t believe in “dumbing down” Christianity to teens because God doesn’t do that.

Walk us through your lesson prep process. Are you an outline guy? Random notes on a piece of paper? Manuscript? What’s your process?

David: I am an outline guy, for the most part.

David: Reads things before and after the text to put it in proper context. Then figure out what the main points from the text are.

David: Tries to be fair to the text and understand it before even beginning to write a lesson. Once the lesson is discovered, how does this lesson apply to my audience?

David: What are the key words, key teachings, what’s the key application to all of this?

David: Writes the introduction after the lesson is written.

Do you give each lesson a practice run? If so, what difference have you found that to make?

David: Gives each lesson out loud before he preaches/teaches it to his audience. Once the lesson is completely written, he gives himself 2 hours to go over it (slow and methodically). Helps him realize which parts don’t flow. Also helps in memorizing his lesson. Helps make smoother transitions.

David: Introductions are very important. They are an advertisement for your lesson. They tell the audience whether or not your lesson is worth listening to.

David: Half of public speaking is rich, deep, powerful content from the Word of God. The other half is delivery. People deserve a speaker/teacher who will give 100%.

Are there any websites or resources you use for illustrations?

David: In the past, he filed illustrations from newspapers, etc. Now he keeps illustrations in folders on his computer.

David: Anything he reads, he saves it under 2 or 3 different names in the illustration folder.

David: News websites, sports websites, normal material that you read.

David: Send an email to some good friends to help find illustrations on that point or text.

Speaking as a parent, what is the most important quality a YM can have?

David: Godliness. Real and right relationship with God. A great youth minister will want the children to become more godly. Not bigger numbers, but greater faith.

Share with us ONE THING that you think will change the way we speak to teens.

David: “Teach us to number our days, that we would have a heart of wisdom” (Psalms ). Realize that you have such few opportunities to share with them everything they need to learn over the 6-7 years you have them in your youth ministry. Have the attitude that each time they come into your class, you want them to really learn something from God. Your job is to try to convince them to believe it and live it. Our prayer should be that this lesson could change lives.

FINAL QUESTION: What advice would you give to YMs in regards to public teaching and speaking?

David: Youth ministry is at its best that when the YM realizes that there is nothing more important than you will ever do than your teaching. Regardless of everything else you are asked to do. Put your time into studying the Word of God. Be prepared to teach.

** If you would like to hear David Shannon speak more about speaking, check out preachbetter.com**

#I'm A YM Podcast

I built a planter box for Haley this weekend with my new table saw. And I still have all 10 fingers! #success

#success

Trending Blogs

Recently Viewed Blogs

The Gray Area