Sunday, December 20, 2009

Christian Book Reviews

I review for Thomas Nelson Book Review Bloggers

Youth Ministry Lite

Here I am late again, straggling behind due to the Christmas rush. I greatly apologize. Here we go........I want to start with the illustration, "Sin is like a black hole, it sucks you in." Make sure that you are open with your teens about sin and have them list out common sins that people their age struggle with, as well as the consequences that come from deciding to sin. Another very important aspect to stress to them is that the devil trips us up on little things and that's why we must study the bible to know what God expects of us and how to prepare themselves so they do not fall into a life marked by sin. This is one of those topics that makes for a great discussion. You need to get them talking as you guide the conversation.
Next I want to to discuss Christmas and how we honor God on this day. Christmas has become so commercialized and the focus is not on the birth of Christ as it should be. Read the story of Jesus' birth and give the kids ideas of how they can make sure to set aside time on Christmas day to honor Christ. One would be to serve along side their family at a shelter or maybe to simply go to their bedroom, alone and spend 15 minutes praying and reading the bible.
I am cutting it short on this one but promise to get back on schedule. I pray that you and your family have a blessed and wonderful Christmas this year.

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Youth Ministry Lite

Welcome Back guys. I have more work than I can make time for and my blog has suffered, I apologize. This weeks edition is going to be short because I have attached the first edition of my newsletter for you guys to sample. If you are interested in ordering, simply contact me via this blog as a comment or the email on the newsletter.
I do want to share the website planetwisdom.com created by Mark Matlock. The site is geared towards teens, parents, and youth leaders. Teens can send in questions to have answered by Mark himself, read the daily devotion, and their is a store as well. Us adults can read various articles and much more.
I am almost finished reading "Venti Jesus Please" by Greg Stier, founder of Ddare2Share Ministries. It is a conversation held by three teens on faith in Jesus and I have never heard it explained better than what it is in this book. It is a short read and would be a great read for your teens as well as yourself. If you have the budget, purchase a copy for each student, read as a group, and discuss the material. Questions and doubts will come up in the conversation and will be clearly answered. Have a great week!