by David Hanson | Mar 28, 2012 | The Youth Ministry Blog
The Countdown Continues! If you missed the first, check out 10 Things that Annoy a Youth Pastor
- Sticky Faith by Fuller Youth Institute – Great perspective on seeing faith that lasts the test of time.
- whyismarko by Mark Oestreicher – Witty and genuine blog on youth ministry.
- YouthMinistry360 by Andy Blanks – A factory of youth ministry articles and resources.
- Download Youth Ministry – Great resources & killer blog!
- YouthMin.org – Great insights by a group of youth geniuses.
- adammclane.com – Youth Ministry, technology, & entertainment
- Youth Specialties – Mark Matlock and company have so much to offer.
- Simply Youth Ministry – A hotspot for youth curriculum and resources.
- The Youth Ministry Blog – Free user generated content. Join the fun!
There is no way I deserve to be on the list with some of these powerhouse youth ministry websites. I also know I left off other great youth ministry websites, so let me know what other youth websites that you visit and read on a consistent basis!
David Hanson is a Texas native, born and raised in Amarillo. He is a graduate of Texas Tech University and received his Master of Divinity from Baylor’s Truett Seminary. He and his wife Ashley recently started the journey of parenthood with their daughter Ava. David has been working in youth ministry for over six years and has a desire to see students know, love, and worship Jesus. David is passionate about Red Raider Football, and beating everyone in table tennis (ping pong).
by David Hanson | Mar 27, 2012 | The Youth Ministry Blog
Don’t act you haven’t wanted to make this list:
- Going to meetings instead of hanging with students.
- Meandering through an inbox for hours.
- Students walking out during the message or worship for the restroom.
- Cliques within a student ministry.
- People who think Youth Pastors just play with students all day.
- Not knowing if a student on their phone is using YouVersion or playing Temple Run.
- Students who have read every Hunger Games and Twilight book, but make no time for the Word of God.
- Parents who think Youth Pastors are responsible for their students spiritual development.
- Not having enough mentors for students who want to be discipled!
- Students who live short of their potential.
What did I forget? Leave a comment and help me out!
David Hanson is a Texas native, born and raised in Amarillo. He is a graduate of Texas Tech University and received his Master of Divinity from Baylor’s Truett Seminary. He and his wife Ashley recently started the journey of parenthood with their daughter Ava. David has been working in youth ministry for over six years and has a desire to see students know, love, and worship Jesus. David is passionate about Red Raider Football, and beating everyone in table tennis (ping pong).
by David Hanson | Mar 15, 2012 | The Youth Ministry Blog
In an effort to keep the church pure and undefiled, should believers reject popular culture that does not at its heart reflect the message of the gospel? Should the church open its doors to everyone and utilize resources that are not Christ-centric in an effort to expand its influence, which may incur unforeseen expenses? Or, is there a middle way or un-trodden path that Christ leads us down where faith and culture are intertwined in such a way that the message of Christ is allowed to permeate a creation crying out for redemption? Believing that it is the latter question that reflects the call of the church, I will tell you why I believe there is a place for video games in the church…sometimes.
As part of our Spring Break week of fun, we had a Game Day on Wednesday where we had four XBox’s hooked up to big screens. It wasn’t only about XBox, however, as we had some mad games of Phase 10, Life, and Uno going on. But the question at hand is that of video games in church. When we breach this topic, we must keep in mind that most male students, grades 6-12, either play or desire to play games like Modern Warfare 3 on a regular basis. Correct me if I am wrong, but First Person Shooter games are an element of pop culture that I don’t see disappearing anytime soon. So as a youth ministry do we embrace this element of culture and allow them to play these games in our churches weekly hoping that it might foster community and fellowship? Do we identify that many of these games are simulating murder and forbid anything that even resembles violence? Or, do allow some games but not others to be played in the church? This is a fine line to walk.
So here’s my straight-to-the-point answers: Should video games be allowed in church? Yes. On a weekly basis? No. On Sunday morning and Wednesday night, the last thing I want is another distraction that may prevent students from understanding why we are meeting and opening themselves us for an interaction with the Holy Spirit. Does this mean we never play them? No. On this ONE occasion we had students bring their systems and we gave ground rules for sportsmanship and sharing, preempted by a time of prayer. We must understand what our students enjoy doing, but must also teach them about moderation, as many students end up in front of their systems for hours on end! I believe there is a healthy balance and that we must seek out ways to connect with students and point them to truths beyond the game. If meaningful conversations never happen, then video games like Modern Warfare 3 are a terrible idea. But we must seek to meet our culture and society where they are and point them to ultimate truth. This is what Richard H. Niebuhr describes as “Christ Transformer of Culture” in his book Christ and Culture. Niebhur offers, “Christ is seen as the converter of man in his culture and society, not apart from these, for there is no nature without culture and no turning of men from self and idols to God save in society.”
David Hanson is a Texas native, born and raised in Amarillo. He is a graduate of Texas Tech University and received his Master of Divinity from Baylor’s Truett Seminary. He and his wife Ashley recently started the journey of parenthood with their daughter Ava. David has been working in youth ministry for over six years and has a desire to see students know, love, and worship Jesus. David is passionate about Red Raider Football, and beating everyone in table tennis (ping pong).
by David Hanson | Mar 13, 2012 | The Youth Ministry Blog
This year, instead of planning a trip that only a few students could attend, we decided to provide a hang-out time each day of Spring Break for those who would be staying in town. Day one was amazing! We had a Field Day where we played Flag Football, Kickball, Knock-Out, and more. This was a great opportunity for fellowship as students from different grades had the opportunity to hang out! We are planning a different event each day from 1-5 and our agenda is fellowship!
How do you intentionally provide space for fellowship in a way that is inclusive and free?! Also, how can Student Pastors give special attention to those who don’t get to attend retreats, ski trips or mission trips during Spring Break?
I apologize for any misspelled words as I am typing with one hand! I jammed my pinky on a deep fade route! Not a problem with Game Day tomorrow. No pinky jam in Phase 10 or KerPlunk!
by David Hanson | Mar 10, 2012 | The Youth Ministry Blog
Many youth pastors would argue that they have the HARDEST job in the church. Not only do we get to walk alongside teens in an attempt to point them toward their creator, but we must also walk alongside parents. And not only do we have to train student how to share and live out the gospel, but we must also train and equip adult leaders that desire to walk alongside teenagers in a Small Group Leader or Mentor role. Combine these duties, and it becomes almost impossible for a one or two man team to accomplish.
This is why I recommend finding a Small Group Coordinator that has a desire to train trainers. In my context, we have a Small Group Coordinator that desires to disciple students through loving on and equipping leaders. And I know what you are thinking… You’re thinking, David, I have the smallest budget in the world and absolutely no space to pay for another staff member! But who said you were looking for another staffer? What would it look like to find a volunteer who has a heart for ministry, and whose sole purpose is to focus on raising up and equipping leaders? This is exactly what our Small Group Coordinator looks like. She freely offers her time to study youth materials, equip Small Group Leaders, and attend a different group each week.
In the past, it made since to me to be the point person for our Small Groups and plug any and all volunteers into the Small Group Leader role. However, having an invested Coordinator has been one of the BIGGEST blessings to our Small Groups. Who in your context might fit this role? What would it look like to relinquish total control of your Small Groups?
It might just free you up to truly be present with your students…but you don’t have to take my word for it. Just look at how NFL teams use Offensive and Defensive Coordinators. Sometimes you have to give up control in order to take it!
