8 Reasons We Don't Share Our Faith

30 Questions Poll:

Poll: Which questions, in your opinion, do you feel you need the answers to the most (Top 5 in order), based on questions you and your friends have?

1. Who is God, and what is He like?
2. What is the Trinity?
3. Who is Jesus, and what is His message?
4. Why did Jesus die on the cross?
5. How do I know Jesus really rose from the dead?
6. Who is the Holy Spirit, and what does He do?
7. How do I get plugged in to the power of the Holy Spirit?
8. Is the Bible really God’s word, and does it really relate to my life?
9. What is truth, and can I know it with certainty?
10. What is sin, and how does it impact my life and my relationships with others?
11. Why does God allow evil in the world?
12. What is a Christian, and how does a person become one?
13. If Jesus is the only way to heaven, are all other religions wrong?
14. What about people who have never heard about the Gospel?
15. What is the Great Commission, and how does it relate to me?
16. Is there a real heaven and hell, and what are they like?
17. Is there a judgment day, and what difference should it make in my life?
18. Can I really be forgiven for all my sins, even the really bad ones?
19. Will God ever leave me or forsake me?
20. Who are Satan and his demons?
21. How do I engage in spiritual warfare?
22. What is the Church, and why should I be involved?
23. What are spiritual gifts, and how do I discover mine?
24. How should the return of Christ impact my life?
25. What is prayer, and how do I do it?
26. Why should I study my Bible, and how do I do it?
27. How do I defend my faith?
28. Who am I, where did I come from, and what is my purpose?
29. Did God create everything, and why does it matter?
30. How can I worship God in everything I do?

Based off the D2S 30 Core Truth Questions

4-Day School Week Gaining Steam as Cost-Cutting Measure
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Associated Press

TAMPA, Fla. — With the nation's school districts strapped for cash, more are considering a schedule that delights students and makes working parents cringe: Class only four days a week.

By extending school hours and eliminating a day of classes each week, education officials say they could save busloads of money on transportation and utilities.

While there's still debate about how much districts will save, proponents say the shortened week can improve attendance and teacher retention. As for academics, studies have shown the four-day schedule does not hinder student achievement, and may even help improve test scores.

Some districts have even reported fewer disciplinary referrals and more classroom participation.

"It's hard to get to the why, of course, because so many things affect student achievement," said Andrea D. Beesley of Mid-continent Research for Education and Learning in Denver.

State laws govern how many days students must attend class each year. In places where four-day weeks are allowed, districts are required to hold an equivalent number of instructional hours. That typically means adding just over an hour of class each day.

For the complete story check out: Fox News

TeamKID: Truly Transforming

Before

After

Great Time Today at the HC Breakfast Club with 212+ Students

Our New Hall Sign

Connecting

17 Doz. Donuts

Devotional and Prayer Time

"It's Not Fair" Music Video from the the 2009 NYMC

"I've Seen It All" Music Video from the 2009 NYMC

2009 National Youth Ministry Conference Twitter Roll

Be sure to stay connected and pray for new friends and Affinity Group members through Twitter and Blog Posts! Check it out at #nymc!

Josh and Jake's Segway Ride

Sack Chair Diving with Josh and Jake

Remember... Day Four of the NYMC

What is the most humbling appeal you will make to God for this year?
Think big... Pray big! Eph 3:20-21.

Doug Fields preaching on the "Phases of Ministry and Personal Life"

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower. 2He removes every branch in me that does not produce fruit, and he cleanses every branch that does produce fruit so that it might produce more fruit. John 15:1

1. Forced Fruit
2. Fake Fruit
3. Fresh Fruit

Now to the one who can do infinitely more than all we can ask or imagine according to the power that is working among us— to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever! Amen. Eph 3:20-21.

Friends Chris and Jake

Remember... Night Three of the NYMC 2009

A Solid Night of Worship and Content

The Skit Guys just changed the course of history with the re-enactment of the fall of Adam and Eve. Wild and Crazy Guys!

Doug delivered a simple, but challenging message surrounding the question of "What do you want kids to remember about your ministry when they are older?" Oh... how often we for get. We are much like a gold fish which have a 3 second span of memory. Reminds me of Jr.High ministry. Are you passing on the fundamentals of the faith? He used the change in our pockets to help us "Remember..."

Penny: Remember... Your PAST can be forgiven in Christ.
Nickel: Remember... God's Spirit in us NOW in Christ.
Dime: Remember... God has reserved an eternal DETERMINED DESTINY for those who believe and trust in Jesus.
Quarter: Remember... QUALITY GROWTH continues in those who follow Jesus.

What would our ministry look like if we would only remember the foundations of our faith? Remember to Remember what you want kids to Remember!

Doug Fields made kids play Red Rover, Red Rover in the dark and a student got a concussion was the results!

Derek Webb singing and playing amazing harmonics on his guitar to "Nobody Loves Me." Download his newest CD for FREE Now!

Back to the Hotel Hotel!

Remember... Night Two of the NYMC 2009

Night 2 kicked off with many Fun Games and an American Idol Sing-Off to the sounds of Journey hosted by Secreast wanna-be Josh Griffin. John is the big American Idol winner!

The Skit Guys Rocked the house like usual with their gut-busting antics.

Kay Warren challenged Youth Workers from abroad with the question, "Do you pray for a surrendered, disturbed, and ruined life in your walk with Chirst?" The kingdom of "You" and "Me" says NO to Him and His Kingdom. She asked, "What will it take for you to really surrender?" It is time to say NO to me and Yes to Him in a bold and daring way!

Do we really trust God enough to answer with reckless abandon? Is there anything in our lives that we are willing to die for to follow the call of Jesus? Kay went on with the most challenging point of all by stating that, "If you are not willing to die for your faith, then don't call yourself a disciple. To be ruined is to follow Jesus at all cost!" We have the opportunity to make an invisible God visible! Will we continue to sit on the sidelines in our comfortable churches? Wow!!! What powerful challenges and thoughts to unpack!

"It's not fair" music video by Jakester premiered! Great Video! Can't wait to share it with others!

Caedmans Call rocked the house with serious percussion and
melodic harmony. Awesome sound!

The 100th SYM Live Podcast. Great gig and digs! Watch it live on Ustream.com/SimplyYouthMinistry

Remember... Night One of the NYMC

We are the "Grateful Ones"--Tim Timmons leading worship!
As usual Tim's passion for the Lord helped usher us into the presence of God through song!

"I wish these next two guys were a product of my Youth Ministry"--Doug Fields

Alex and Brett Harris, teenage authors of the book "Do Hard Things" and of the Web-site Rebelution were the Keynotes for the evening. They made the points that "students can understand big things about God and that students understand they can do big things for God." They also remarked that "willing students are doing great things for the cause of Christ. Challenge them to Do Hard Things."

Who can we as Youth Pastors encourage in our groups to create a Rebelution?

Braddigan Concert gave voice to the voiceless in their unique style and poetic message.

Friday Night Announcements

Early Registration at the NYMC

Registration at the #nymc started early. Lines are forming and people are connecting or maybe just looking for someone to buy the coffee. Sac Chairs are a hit already. People are scrambling for their spot and favorite color. Take one home if you need some amazing furniture for your youth room.

Come visit me at the Internet Cafe if you get a chance. Right across from the Dare 2 Share booth. Go meet Jason, Brian, Phil, and John at D2S.

2009 National Youth Ministry Conference
Columbus, OH

Connecting with some of the most innovative YP's in Kingdom work at the most practical conference in Youth Ministry! It has already been amazing to hear how God is working in the lives of students throughout the United States. I am praising Him tonight for the relationships built here today and the wonderful transforming power of Jesus Christ.

Continue to follow this blog as I will be keeping you informed with ideas, discussions, and quotes from speakers, affinity group leaders, and participants. You can also follow me on Twitter for up to the minute tweets. Don't forget you can also get real time results at #NYMC.

Your Life Story: Tragically Wasted or Gloriously Spent
by Alex and Brett Harris

3 Marks of a Tragically Wasted Life
A lukewarm attitude of complacency.
A lazy habit of procrastination.
A paralyzed lifestyle of timidity.

3 Marks of a Gloriously Spent Life
A hot-hearted desire to be useful.
A relentless passion for the good use of time.
A constant readiness to risk for the Gospel.

Is your life defined by complacency? What do you need to do to live the glorious life God is calling to to live? What drives your passion to full-fill God's desire for you?

The Rebelution

Another Type of Bail Out

Call this my soapbox or rant, but I am ticked. Negotiations are going on right now about awarding students with B's if they just attend class. What? Talking about dumbing things down! What would aspire a student to learn anything if they receive the acceptable "B" for just attending class?

As a nation, we seem to reward people for doing nothing. Entitlement!!! "It's my right to be successful no matter what I do or how I do it! I deserve the best for nothing!" No body fails... people, companies, etc. "Let's bail them out...it must be the system!"

This is totally contrary to what I am trying to teach my son. I continue to tell him that he needs to make strong commitments to hard work, and that the world owes him nothing. By God's grace he will be blessed. Intrinsic motivation and a desire to please God should drive his passion to succeed... not the one foot tall trophy that everyone receives for just showing up to practice. No wonder we are living in an apathetic generation where the minimum is accepted.

The world keeps telling him that he should be rewarded and successful for just being. No wonder a true commitment to Christ seems almost obsolete. "I will follow Christ as long as I don't have to work at it or if it doesn't require much or cost me anything. I will serve Christ when it is convenient for me." We live in the generation where we will serve a "Cause," not because it is what Christ expects us to do, or because we are suppose to be the hands and feet of Christ; but, because "it make us feel good." We will get instant gratification, acceptance, and even rewards." The motives are all wrong!

Check out what 60 Minutes has to say about how the job market is affected by the current generational trends.



Many have rejected the 60 Minute Team on this report, however, I can tell you that I see this everyday. And with current trends, I only see our nation and churches becoming powerless because the minimum is accepted and commitment is not expected. Innovation will only decrease in time and there will be fewer workers to pull off the ideas that "the thinkers" imagine. We need to be on our knees crying out to God for this sin of apathy and our enabling.

Sometimes It Isn't Easy
Jim Burns

Love one another with brotherly affection; out do one another in showing honor.—Romans 12:10 RSV

No one ever said that living the Christian life would be easy. The following words help give us perspective.

IT IS NOT EASY
To apologize
To start over
To take advice
To be unselfish
To admit error
To face a sneer
To be charitable
To keep trying
To be considerate
To avoid mistakes
To endure success
To profit by mistakes
To forgive and forget
To think and then act
To keep out of a rut
To make the best of little
To subdue an unruly temper
To shoulder a deserved blame

BUT IT ALWAYS PAYS OFF

www.homeword.com

Dare 2 Share's INVINCIBLE

Free Youth Ministry Resources

What Does Your Heart Sound Like?
Stethoscope

Does your heart sing praises to the Lord for His saving grace and beat compassionately for those who need to hear the Truth of the Gospel of Jesus? What is the condition of your heart? Do you need a transplant?

Praying for Christians everywhere to share the Truth of the Gospel to those who desperately need hope and eternal life in Christ Jesus.