This is a great video, and a wonderful reminder of just how much (artificiality) goes into the “beautiful” images we see every day. This could be very useful illustration for a talk on beauty, image, hypocrisy, idols, and many other topics. Or just something to post to your Facebook page for the teens to find.
Another great source for this style of video is the “True Beauty” campaign that Dove had a couple years back. You can some of those videos here and here.
Youth Specialties made this video about training youth leaders, or how not to. It pokes fun at some of the negative stereotypes about youth ministers… it is also hilarious.
“C’mon, you’re throwing like a bunch of Senior Pastors!”
I have a little box in my office. It sits in the corner, mostly unnoticed. I only open it every few months or so, but it has been one of the keys to staying encouraged throughout the years. In this box I keep an assortment of notes, cards, and other little scraps of paper that I’ve collected over the years. These are small reminders, tiny altars, that remind me of what God is up to in me, through me, and around me. Continue reading →
My student ministry runs on Google Docs. Lesson plans, teaching schedules, sign-ups, leader teams, address books, and so many more things are all done with the help of this great cloud-based suite of Office products. It has become an invaluable part of how we manage the ministry, and it’s super simple to get set up. Continue reading →
I have been reading a lot about youth group growth lately. After 5 years at my current church, we’ve grown into the youth group I set out to create when I began. I am not naive enough to think we will ever “arrive” at the perfect group/model/method, but all the things that I knew would be important for a growing youth group (well trained leaders, sense of community, traditions, parent support and involvement, culture of servanthood, etc.) are present in our group, and we are certainly enjoying the success. But now the question is, “What’s next?” What is it that will drive us for the next year, or two, or five?
Anyway, back to what I’ve been reading. Continue reading →
Benjer McVeigh: I have a file in my office of the same stuff. I often forget about it ...
Rachel Blom: I have an encouragement file just like yours. On days I wonder why I'm...
Rusty Tuttle: Awesome video my Brother, I believe it is well saidand I understand th...
Andy: Well said. Love what you said about "naming it." I remember struggling...
Luke: Hey Andy,
Thanks for chiming in. I've been thinking about what you s...
![bad-fund-raising[4]](http://luketrouten.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/bad-fund-raising4-52x52.jpg "bad-fund-raising[4]")
