John Watts Jnr

This is my journey.

[johnwattsjnr-blog]

10 ways to paralyze was good stuff bro. Simple/profound. Keep up the good work my man

Thanks man, really appreciate that! Haven't really posted in a while, might start posting more regularly! Thanks for the encouragement & keep up the good work you're doing too

[johnwattsjnr-blog]

4 commandments of Preaching

1. Know thy content

Internalize your message. Know it, know it and know it. If it helps, practice in front of a mirror. I've heard you don't know what your message is unless you can summarize it in a sentence. Even better a short phrase. 

2. Love thy audience

The greatest preachers love people more than they love preaching, because often you preach more with your life than you do from the pulpit.

3. Thy must create tension

You can create tension through telling a great story, making a compelling statement or uncovering a need in the people you are talking to. Simple truth is, unless you create tension people won't be hungry for your resolution.

Don't ever assume people are hungry for what you have to share. Uncover the need for your message and people will be on the edge of their seats in expectation, fail to uncover the need for your message and they could well be asleep.

4. Thy must answer the questions 'Why' and 'What now?'

When you are preaching, people's will generally ask 2 questions (in their heads) Why does this matter? and so What now? If you can provide the answer to the question 'Why' you will provide inspiration and meaning behind what you want them to do. If you can provide the answer to the question 'What now?' you will propel immediate life-change.

What preaching commandments would you add to the list?

[johnwattsjnr-blog]

How the film 'Bad Grandpa' teaches about effective preaching

Bad Grandpa is a hilarious film. The genius of the film is that in every scenario, the Grandpa gets up to some serious mischief! What keeps your interest and attention throughout the film is seeing how much trouble he can get himself into and then watching how he gets himself out of it. 

In other words - By making an ambiguous statement which the listeners question (getting yourself into trouble), you gain their interest as they want clarity on what you mean.

More interestingly, your listeners will want to see how you can regain their equilibrium and 'get yourself out of trouble'. 

I make it a habit throughout my messages to make unclear statements that the listeners are unsure about, in order to keep their attention and then leave them feeling an 'aha' moment when you give clarity to the statement, they finally get it & you've gotten yourself 'out of trouble'. 

How do you go about keeping your audience interested, intrigued and attentive when preaching?

[johnwattsjnr-blog]

10 ways to paralyse & plateau your youth ministry

Make sure you as a leader do everything.

Fail to hold leaders accountable to what is expected of them.

Don’t ever share encouraging stories about your young people and ministry with church leadership and parents.

Keep your young people from having a voice & participating in the planning process.

Prepare poorly and wing your preach. (learnt from personal experience)

Always do what you’ve always done and expect different results.

Teach one thing, yet set the opposite example.

Plan week-to-week over developing a plan to build for the long-term.

Try to be exactly like another youth pastor/ministry.

What would you add to the list? leave it in the comments below!

[johnwattsjnr-blog]

Awesome morning with our youth (& some of my best mates) speaking powerful messages! #heroes #theboys

[johnwattsjnr-blog]

Afterparty @ #newerayouth If you weren't there, you should have been!

[johnwattsjnr-blog]

"Jesus didn't come to make bad people good, but to make dead people alive."

[johnwattsjnr-blog]

£486.60 raised at Asda Torquay

[johnwattsjnr-blog]

This Friday we are launching NEW ERA, a new and fresh youth group based in Torbay. 

WHAT WILL HAPPEN: We are presenting 'The Cube'. come and see if you can beat the cube... we also have live music, a photobooth, food, a 15 minute speaker and then an hour long after-party with a local DJ!

WHO ARE WE: We are new Era. Every other Friday night we provide an event for young people to have fun, meet new people and encounter God in an incredible way. With interesting games, exciting music, unique people and a life changing message, there's no where else to be!

WHEN: Friday 28th June, 2013. 7.30 - 9.00 PM (After Party til 10 pm)

WHERE: Collaton St.Mary School, Blagdon Road, Collaton St.Mary, Paignton, TQ3 3YA

For more info: www.facebook.com/neweratorbay @newerayouth

[johnwattsjnr-blog]

Weekly photo with Matt Squibb #Squibbposes

[johnwattsjnr-blog]

The RN13 letter is being produced! Which means it's not long now #rn13 #newerayouth

[johnwattsjnr-blog]

Everyone loves @Brodysbreakfast

[johnwattsjnr-blog]

Happy birthday @hanneywatts

[johnwattsjnr-blog]

Seafront

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#torquay #harbour

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Family at the dentist photo! #dentist

[johnwattsjnr-blog]

Nothing worthwhile or meaningful in your life has ever been convenient.. Spending time with God may not always be convenient, but it is meaningful, and most certainly worthwhile.