What Happens When You Leave
After a short 6 month stint in the Peace Corps, I’d easily estimate I heard the word “sustainability” over a thousand times. Sustainability is the buzzword in the international development community, and for good reason. The focus of aid has shifted from “giving” to “teaching.” For example, we underwent three months of training, covering cultural […]
Take My Voice
Have you ever completely lost your voice before? If you’re active in ministry you know that your voice is one of the most important tools that you have at your disposal to share the Gospel. How else are you supposed to give a testimony, lead an activity, or organize a group of people, even if it’s […]
Compound Interest & the Volunteer ROI
Compound interest is a powerful thing. Many Americans place their hopes for retirement in this reality. I shared this powerful concept with some teens in a disciple group recently and the connections that can be made to spiritual discipline are profound. Becoming rich, whether physically or spiritually, takes dedication, consistency, and lots of time. It […]
Need a Boost? 3 Proverbs to Ponder
As I sat down to write, I immediately drew a blank. What should I write about? What do I have to share? What is it that might help someone else? Why would anyone want to read this? What do I have to say that hasn’t already been said? As I continued to ask myself these […]
Busy? Read this. Too busy? Read it twice.
A lot of times when we are too busy to stop and listen to what God is trying to tell us, He sends someone more willing to listen to Him to deliver His message to us. These past few weeks have been a blur for me. From the classes I take as a college student, to […]
The Efficient Minister: Meetings & Email
This post is part 2 in the Efficient Minister Series. Check out Part 1 as it features an overview on why time matters particiularly for ministry leaders. Meetings Some say ‘meetings are a necessary evil.’ While I cannot speak to the totality of that statement, most meetings I attend are not necessary. Communication is necessary, […]
For When You Don’t Feel Like It
The world promises you comfort, but you were not made for comfort. You were made for greatness. — Pope Benedict XVI I have a confession to make. Rarely, do I feel like doing ministry. I don’t feel bad in telling you this. I told some of my youth this the other day during small group. […]
The Attack on Ministry
There are certain times in our life when things just don’t seem to be going quite right. We all have those times when we are hit with a trial or get overwhelmed with the circumstances of our lives. Sometimes this makes us question the direction we are moving, other times it gives us conviction that […]
10 Things I’ve Learned in Ministry
After working as a rookie youth minister for over a year now, I see how this past year has brought so many blessings and opportunities. It’s been a year of growth and has changed me for the better. Here’s the top ten things that youth ministry has taught me so far.
Go From Busy… to Beloved
‘Busy’ was the response I got when I asked a ministry friend how things were going. It wasn’t a cry for help, but a battle cry. We are in the trenches of ministry and love to show off our scars. Being busy for Jesus is what makes you valuable right? There are different seasons in […]