Using service projects as a way to unify youth (and other links)

Nick Arnold — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 06:27:52 +0000

Here are some links from around the ‘net from this past week! Lots of great stuff.

A service project designed to cross denominational lines. (link is dead) A great article about using a service project as a way to unite students from different churches and denominations. What is it about service projects that unite people? Common goal? More focus on the mission?
Save money by doing mission “trips” at home. This church decided to serve their community and save money by doing a mission trip at home.
Youth ministry should be ministry BY youth, not just TO youth. We serve students with the hope that they “get it” and begin to serve others.
The key ingredients to youth ministry. Josh Herndon emphasizes the importance of listening, parents, relationships, experimenting, and valuing students in the early stages of starting a youth ministry. “As a Shepherd of your flock, it’s your responsibility to cherish the students you have and not envy the ones you don’t.
Busyness versus effectiveness in youth ministry. Jeremy Zach tackles the myth that busyness equals effectiveness, arguing that busyness can often lead to ineffectiveness.
The importance of longevity in youth ministry. Too many youth workers aren’t in it for the long haul.
How do you integrate students into the larger church body?
Reaching out to the Gay-Lesbian-Bi-Transgender community in your town. I was privileged to attend Andrew Marin’s seminar last year at the National Youth Worker’s Convention in Sacramento. His heart for the gay community is amazing; you should check out his new blog. His ministry is a great resource for anyone who has students struggling with sexual identity or if your local high schools have a GLBT club, such as the Gay-Straight Alliance.
Congratulations to Tim and Dana Schmoyer on their first child, Hannah!

Ministry Allies » time management

Using service projects as a way to unify youth (and other links)