Finding Jesus in Barnes & Noble

Recently, I was moved by a student at a Barnes & Noble in Indianapolis, IN. My family and I were browsing the store, sitting in comfortable chairs to view our “books of choice,” and drinking a Venti coffee from the Starbucks located in the store, when a loud voice echoed throughout the bookcases and display tables… I just have to find him! I need to touch him! I have to see his face. Jesus, where are you? Jesus, I need to see your face? Jesus! Jesus!

A teen boy with special needs escaped three other teens, and his parents and was moving quickly throughout the shelving while yelling, “I need to find him!” By the time they caught him and was able to calm him down, he had already located two employees and drug them to the “Religious and Spirituality” section of the bookstore in hopes that they could help him find Jesus in a picture book. He desired to see the image of Christ and to touch His face.

My 9 year old son looked to me and said, “As funny as that seemed, that was pretty cool. More people should want to see Jesus.” After swallowing deeply and trying to hold back my emotions, “I told Schyler that he was wise beyond his years” and that “many are looking for Jesus, we just fail to show them where to find Him and what He looks like. ”

As I meet people throughout our community, I find that many people are searching for something to fill the void in their hearts and lives, yet they don’t know where to find that unexplainable missing piece of the puzzle. As believers, we know where to find the missing piece; however, we often fail to share the answer with them due to fear and narcissism.

We fail to see that people are hopeless and have no purpose without Christ. We fail to recognize that non-believers need to experience the merciful grace of God and understand the affection and tenderness of the Father. We fail to express to those that are lost that God looks upon the fallen, and seeks to rescue them from the deep and eternal wounds of sin.

We have forgotten that “because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions.” We have forgotten that it is “by grace you have been saved.” (Eph. 2:4-5) We have forgotten that were once obedient to Satan, children of wrath by nature and choice, godless and unclean, separated from God, strangers to the promise, and destined for Hell. We have forgotten that we too were searching for the hope that only Jesus can provide.

What will it take for us to see THE CAUSE for what it really is? What needs to happen for us to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with those who are lost and seeking? Are we prepared to take the time to “Go Wide” by showing someone how they might experience life as it was crated to be? Do we even know how and have the courage to effectively share the GOSPEL message? Are we prepared to take the time to “Go Deep” and walk through the journey with someone and help disciple them? Do we even desire to see Him…to touch Him…to Go into the world and preach the Gospel, so that others might do the same in eternity?

I don’t know if the teen boy found the picture he wanted, but the one that was shared with him by the clerk calmed him down and gave him a sense of peace. If the image of Christ in a book can subside anxiety, give hope, and create a peace in one’s life in a Barnes & Noble Bookstore, how much more can the God of life, hope, and purpose give to someone who’s destitute? Let’s do as God desires and commands… Share THE CAUSE!

My Most Difficult Responsibility

Nelson Searcy just posted "FDR on Sermon Preparation…" on his blog where he quoted an article on Franklin Delano Roosevelt, who was once asked how long it would take to prepare an address on a particular theme. “That depends on how long you want me to speak,’ the President answered.

“If you want an hour on the issue, I can be ready in two days. If you want thirty minutes, it will take me a week. If you want five minutes, it may take a month to prepare.”

FDR knew that arriving at the essence of a message is one of the most demanding exercises of all and takes more time to refine shorter addresses. I find this the most challenging aspect of my ministry. With my present responsibilities, I choose, prepare, and write curriculum that spans from Nursery-College. There are weeks where I prepare up to 6 talks per week. A new volunteer base has alleviated some of that responsibility; however, I prep a minimum of four talks a week.

FDR states that, “…Arriving at the essence is one of the most demanding exercises of all.” Agreed! I find it very difficult to be the creative speaker that I know that I can be and that God desires, because of the limited hours to focus on a particular message and to develop it in the way that I know it could connect and engage my listeners. I desire the hours in a week to refine my talks to the point where each child, student, and adult would be "caused" to learn and "persuaded" to act upon the God given message.

I teach and preach for transformation; however, I leave many speaking engagements thinking... "it could have been so much better, so much more refined, so much more creative and engaging if only I had the time deemed necessary for that message." Sometimes the creative juices aren't as creative as I would hope. I would love to spend 20 hours on a message like Andy Stanley and many other great communicators I know and listen to; however, that is just not possible at this period and juncture.

I wrestle with this week after week understanding that God uses me despite my feelings of inadequacy after speaking sometimes to hundreds. Part of this feeling sprouts from possessing an "A-type" personality; however, I really do not have adequate time to prepare. But, I also realize that my most difficult responsibility allows me to see God move in some way that I know that it is not me, but Him. I understand that if He can use a donkey to carry His message, He can use me despite my feelings of unpreparedness. At least, no one has fallen out of a window sill like the incident with the Apostle Paul!

If you feel you do not get the time you need to prepare a message, know you are not alone and continue to strive for ample time and quality in what you have been allotted. Know that I am praying for you as I request you to pray for me. And, even though we feel limited, God will continue to use us if we are willing to withstand the pressure and time restraints. Preaching On!

Nelson has a training session called “Planning a One Year Preaching Calendar” that is also very helpful if you struggle with the organization of your message schedule. It can help you plan your themes for the year with purpose.

FDR on Sermon Preparation… by Nelson Searcy

Glee Comes to Student Ministry

from Mariner's Church

Glee | Mariners Church Easter from Old Number 9 on Vimeo.

Hilarious video by Mariners Church who features my friend Allison Hibbard! Go Allison! Found on Josh’s blog and DC Curry's Blog!

Finally... Something in my Size!!!

SEATTLE, April 1, 2010 –Starbucks announced today the introduction of two new beverage sizes in stores in the U. S. and Canada this Fall. The announcement follows a year of research and direct customer feedback through MyStarbucksIdea.com requesting even more choice in beverage size.

“Whether customers are looking for a large or small size, the Plenta and the Micra satisfy all U.S. and Canada customers’ needs for more and less coffee,” said Hugh Mungis, Starbucks VP of Volume. “Our size selection is now plentiful.”

Plenta™ (128 fl oz) and Micra™ (2 fl oz) cups arrive in Starbucks stores this Fall. Derived from Italian word for plentiful or small, the Plenta™ delivers coffee lovers record amounts of the world’s finest coffee beverages while the Micra™ delivers a quick and satisfying morsel of goodness.

Read more...

Jesus Is Lord

by Jim Burns

Let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36)

In the Gospels there is a graphic story of Jesus standing before Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor. At one point in the story Pilate offers to release a prisoner to the Jews. He offers either Jesus or Barabbas (who was a troublemaker and murderer). The crowd asks for Barabbas to be freed. Pilate doesn't know what to do. He asks the crowd, "What shall I do with the man Jesus?" They cry, "Crucify him!"

The question Pilate asked, "What will you do with Jesus?" is still the important question of the day. When people today are confronted with Christ, they basically have four options. Which option have you chosen?

1. Reject Him. Turn your back on Jesus and live your life without Him.

2. Ignore Him. Choose to be an Easter and Christmas Christian. Acknowledge His deity but keep Him out of the practical daily activities of your life.

3. Appease Him. There are the people who go through the motions of Christianity but still keep the lordship of Christ at a distance.

4. Obey Him. If you obey Him you are choosing to make Him Lord of your life. You are no longer in control, He is. You choose to obey His will and His Word.

What will you do with the claims of Christ in your life? If you fall into one of the categories besides obedience, then perhaps it's time to make Him the Lord of your life. If you believe He is Christ the Savior, then your only true option is to make Him Christ the Lord also!

What does Acts 2:36 tell us about what God made Jesus to be?

Assuming that Jesus is Lord (and He is), what will you do with Jesus Christ? Of the four possible options above which option have you chosen?
If you believe that Jesus is your savior then the next step is to make Him your Lord and give him control of your life.

Homeword.com

1 By Youth--Indianapolis

May 1st, 2010

How you’ll serve

You will become co-creators of a miraculous transformation of a whole neighborhood! The impact of your service will be a part of an effort that includes a full square mile community transformation through God's love.

• Landscape E. 10th Street United Methodist Church, School and Gardens

• Outdoor Cleanup of St. Philip Neri Catholic Parish and School

• Alley cleanup throughout entire neighborhood

• Planting flowers throughout the public spaces of a whole neighborhood

• Remove the invasive honeysuckle from a city park

• Clearing trees/shurbs over grown plant life in the public right of way

• Cleaning up graffiti

• Light construction to help repair homes

• Paint houses

• Create a neighborhood wide art project through murals

• Plant Peace Gardens to feed the hungry throughout the neighborhood

• Provide service to residents of a nursing home and retirement community

Schedule //

• 7:00 a.m. Participants check in (Indiana State Fairgrounds)

• 8:00 a.m. Kickoff Rally!

• 8:30 a.m. Depart for projects (St. Clair Place)

• 12:00 p.m. Lunch and Devotions at project sites

• 4:30 p.m. Block Party Celebration

• 6:00 p.m. Depart for home

Youth Serving //

• Register by April 4th...

• The $29 per person registration fee includes a kickoff rally to start the day, supplies and project materials, lunch, devotional materials for mid-day break, service project selection and organization, and a neighborhood Block Party Celebration to finish the day!

• All that's needed is to come and serve!

IMPACT Series: Can I Get a Witness?
Beginning March 28th

Witnessola


Telling the story of Jesus begins by being available and having a willingness to share, which means being available and obedient to follow where God leads us to share. Telling the story of Jesus isn’t just for a select few, Christians are commanded to share the Gospel message to anyone and everyone. We are to tell the story of Jesus as we go about our normal day.

Telling the story of Jesus simply requires that we accept people for who they are and where they are in life and being willing to share with them about Jesus. Why? People without Christ are without purpose and hope.

We must understand the urgency of sharing Christ. People who do not know Christ are lost in their sin and are dead without Jesus. Also, those without Christ need to know about God’s grace, and as a follower of Christ, you have firsthand knowledge about that grace.

During this series, it is my prayer that you may gain confidence by praying for others and learning to share the basics of the gospel?

Romans 3:23--We are all sinners.
Romans 6:23--There is a penalty to be paid and that penalty is death.
Romans 5:8--That penalty has been paid by Jesus Christ... where He took our place on the cross to pay for our sin.
Romans 10:9-10; 13--To be saved, we must call upon Jesus, confess Him as Savior, and believe in Him alone as Lord. This action requires us to repent from our sin, trust in Him for salvation, and submit to Him.

Are you ready? Join us on Sunday, March 28th.

God... Are You There?

It seems to me that I am having more and more conversations with Christians today who are feeling abandoned by God. The Bible is very clear that He will never leave us, nor forsake or abandon us. In the midst of controversy and trials, we often feel like we are alone. Jim Liebelt recently blogged about this very subject.

Jim stated, "You’re not alone. In fact, most Christians experience this feeling somewhere along the line. But the reality is that God is always present and His love for you never changes. He loves you just the way you are. You are unique. According to Scripture, you are God's workmanship (Ephesians 2:10). God's love for you is unconditional, unchanging and unending. If you are willing, God will actually use these dark moments to help refine and build your faith."

Read more at... Jim Liebelt at Homeword

Derwin Gray, The Evangelism Linebacker

Johnnie and Chachie's

Killer Youth Ministry Tips

Killer Youth Ministry Tips from Igniter Media on Vimeo.

FIGHT THE YOUTH MINISTRY STEREOTYPE

Rappin' Jake, A.K.A. Spanky D, pulls off another monster video hit at SYMC 2010. Jake ROCKS!

SYMC 2010 Has Arrived!!!

SYMC 2010 has finally arrived and it is going to be an amazing time to connect and reflect with some of the most creative and passionate people in Youth Ministry. Follow me on Twitter, Facebook, or SYMC Connect throughout the conference to catch the latest updates and happenings! If you are attending the conference, look me up, buy me some Starbucks, and let's talk about how we can effectively share the GOSPEL of Jesus Christ with students in our communities.

Agape Instructional Indoor Soccer League (K-5th)

Thursday's Feb. 11 thru March 18
Registration starts at 6:00pm
6:15-7:30 Instruction and game
$25 child includes a T-Shirt $20 for 2 or more in a family

Claim Your Campus

Claim Your Campus "Frozen" from Claim Your Campus on Vimeo.

…where prayer unites students, churches, and communities

What would happen if students across the country were praying every day on every campus? The goal of Claim Your Campus (CYC) is to have students praying on every campus every day of the week. This happens through uniting students and ministries in your community to pray.

Think of the profound difference on the local school and community, as well as our nation. Check out Claim Your Campus to register your school and see how you can get involved!

Star Wars Sneakers

from FOXNews.com by foxnewsonline@foxnews.com

Adidas has paired with Lucasfilm to produce the brand-new Star Wars Collection. Each shoe in the line is inspired by a character or vehicle from the legendary film.

According to Fox News, you can get the character shoes now, but you'll have to wait if you're after the X Wing ... the vehicle pack comes out in March.

Want more? You can also find shirts, hoodies and other apparel within the line. Visit starwars.com or shopadidas.com.

Whether you're a 'Star Wars' fan, a pop culture aficionado or a sneaker freak, click through to check out these hot shoes.
'Star Wars' Sneakers!

from FOXNews.com by foxnewsonline@foxnews.com...2/5/2010

2010 On-Line Mission Trip

Are you packed and ready to go? Beginning this Sunday, for two solid weeks, you have an opportunity to relentlessly share the Gospel of Jesus Christ on your Social Network of choice. I know... you can do this anytime! However, you are joining 3000+ other students and student ministers in the effort to unashamedly share the hope that one can have in a relationship with the one true God through His son Jesus Christ. So, "hop on the bus" and join me and many others in this amazing opportunity to be On-Mission, On-Line.

JR Winterfest 2010 Retreat

This last weekend, some volunteers (Matt and Heather Rollins and Jennifer Smith) and I, took 3rd-6th graders to Camp Illiana for the Jr Winterfest 2010 Retreat, where the kids experienced worship, teaching, recreational activities, and a great camp experience. A good time was had by all! Thanks to all who participated and volunteered and to those who created the experience by planning, hosting, serving, and pointing Children to Jesus Christ.

CIY Believe (Jr. High)

2010 Messiah Tour @ Anderson U

April 16-17

Cost: $50+Food and Souvenirs

($25 and Registration due Feb. 21st/remaining $25 due by April 4th)

World Vision Disaster Relief Efforts

Text Haiti followed by the amount you want to donate to 56512 and then reply YES to confirm to support World Vision Disaster Relief Efforts.

Doug Fields on SYMC 2010

To Save A Life

To Save A Life is showing at Honey Creek West 8 Theater beginning January 22nd.

Student IMPACT will be viewing this relevant and thought provoking movie on Sunday, January 24th at 3:50pm. Plan to meet at Agape by 3:20pm. Because of the content, it is rated PG-13; therefore, 6-7th Grade Students need parental permission.

I have 20 FREE tickets for IMPACT Students/Volunteers. First come first serve! Please invite friends. I need to know a count by Wednesday, Jan. 13th. Any other attenders/parents will have to the pay regular price of $7.75 at the door.
To Save A Life is a must see!

JUST EAT IT!!!

This video stars my friend Joshua Hoxworth and my son Schyler. Joshua did a great job producing this first music video and school project. How funny! Hope you enjoy!

Lord of the Rings Lock-In

Fri. Jan. 1 8pm- Sat. Jan. 2 8am

8:00pm-8:15pm Introduction of Characters (Students Dressed in Character)
8:15pm-8:30pm Scenes from Middle Earth (Acting Out Favorite Scenes)
8:30pm-8:40pm Lord of the Ring’s Trivia (Awards)
8:40pm-11:40pm The Fellowship of the Ring (3hrs)
11:40pm-12:10am Ring Search (Game)
12:10am-3:10am The Two Towers (3hrs)
3:10am-3:30am Sauron’s Revenge (Game)
3:30am-6:50am The Return of the Kings (3hrs 20min)
6:50am-7:20am Lord of the Beans (30min)
7:00am Breakfast
7:20am Clean Up
8:00am Parent Pick Up/Home to Sleep

Bring your favorite snack and cola to share. Pizza, veggie tray, fruit tray, and breakfast supplied!

The Charlie Brown Christmas Movie

No Christmas is complete without Charlie Brown. Happy Holidays!

Ode to Joy

I love the Muppets!!!

Hillsong United - Hosanna

12 Days of Christmas
Straight No Chaser

An amazing video to help each viewer/reader begin to celebrate Christmas!
I have posted this video before; however, this version of the 12 Days of Christmas never gets old!

Crossroads Missions: Appalachia Kentucky

August 1-7th,2010

Crossroads Mission

A Reason to Celebrate Him

Louie is the founder of the Passion Movement for college students, and is the pastor of Passion City Church here in Atlanta, GA. This sermon snippet focuses on the beautiful reality that God holds everything--including us--together. Literally.

Laminin...All the more reason to worship our Lord during this Holiday Season. This season, worship Him, for He is the reason to celebrate Christmas!

IMPACT: Greenwood Shopping Mall Invasion

Sat., Dec. 5th (8:30am-?)
Join us for a day at the Greenwood Park Mall for a great day of shopping and fun!
Bring $$$ for 3meals, shopping, a coat and gloves, your shopping list, and invite a friend.
Sign up by Sun., Nov.29th

You'll have a great day of shopping with stores like American Eagle, Ann Taylor Loft, Hollister, Fossil, The Disney Store, Build-a-Bear Workshop, Sephora, Victoria's Secret and Waldenbooks, plus over 120 specialty shops. Greenwood Park Mall has something for everyone! Still looking for that special gift? Stop by one of our anchor stores like Dick's Sporting Goods, JCPenney, Macy's, Sears or Von Maur for a great selection of quality merchandise. Ready for a break? Try a pretzel from Auntie Anne's Pretzels or maybe a gourmet cookie from Blondie's. We will visit your favorite fast food restaurants located in our Food Court for lunch.

ACC Student Ministry Open Source Discussion

Following are a list of 5 Open Source discussion questions that will be posed to our IMPACT Students on Sunday evening.

Open Source is a collaborative tool to help foster creative group discussions for a common purpose of benefiting a program or movement. The Open Source format is also designed to help discover creative solutions to real issues/problems... In our case, to stimulate student leadership involvement in the planning and programming process of our student ministry.

A "Discussion Starter" will pose the question and take specific notes of the conversation at each individual discussion circle. Participants are not limited to the specific question posed at that circle, but are encouraged to allow creativity to freely flow.

Participants will rotate in and out of each group discussion at will until they have participated in all five circles of discussions. At the completion of the individual discussion circles, the Discussion Starter will share notes with the entire group where specific plans, strategies, and targets will be established.

Open Source Discussion Circles:

Circle 1. What is a youth group and what does it look like? (Think Big; Dream Big!!!) Is it important to you and your spiritual walk? Why or why not?

Circle 2. What are we not doing that we should start doing to resemble your view of youth group? What are we doing that has gotten stale that we should stop doing?

Circle 3. With the gifts and talents God has given to you, where should you be serving in youth group? What new ministry could or should you start? What will it take for you to begin? What resources are needed?

Circle 4. If you could choose the next message series for IMPACT, what would it be? Why?

Circle 5. What specifically needs to happen for us to see new friends at youth group each week?

"The Root of the Vine"

Expand and enrich your Christian faith by reading "The Root of the Vine".

Dana Simons was raised in the Jewish faith and shares practical "how-to" information to help you reconnect to the rich heritage of your Christian faith. She also serves with our student ministry at Agape Christian Church.

You will love the book and Dana's passionate heart as she unfolds how Jesus was a Torah observant Jew and how many of us today do not know the rich traditions of our faith found in the Jewish holidays, Jewish worship and Jewish prayer.

Learn how to pray, worship and celebrate as Jesus did!
For more details or to purchase click "The Root of the Vine."

Wacky Pic of the Evening!!!

The possibilities of creativity and wackyness are endless when you turn a few students loose with a cell phone cam. Last evening the students had a great time snapping pics of one another during an IMPACT activity where they played Cell Phone Scavenger Hunt.

It was a great time with many laughs... esp. when we viewed a few in Powerpoint. The first group to e-mail all the assigned pics back to me received CD's.

Fun... thanks Youth Specialties and Tim Schmoyer for the idea!

Text Message Alerts

Students, Parents, and Volunteers: If you have a cell phone and would like to receive IMPACT Updates and Notifications, please Sign up by clicking the link below!

Sign up for our TXT message alerts!

Thanks for your time and your interest in the happenings of ACC Student IMPACT!

Ten Ways To Kill Vision In Your Church

from Perry Noble

#1 – Pray really small prayers…seriously, don’t ask God for ANYTHING big. He DID put an interstate highway through a sea, demolished the walls of Jericho and brought the dead back to life…but I’m sure He doesn’t do things like that anymore! :-)

#2 – Celebrate the past WAY more than you anticipate the future, thus becoming a museum and not a movement!

#3 – Allow those who have never actually done anything for Jesus dictate to you what they believe you can and can’t do for Him!

#4 – Listen and repond to every critic.

#5 – Wait until everything makes perfect sense before you make a decision.

#6 – Spend more time on blogs than you do in your Bible.

#7 – Become more agenda driven than GOSPEL driven!

#8 – Actually believe that EVERYONE must be 100% happy with every detail.

#9 – Vote!

#10 – Become angry/jealous over what God is doing at other places and become hyper focused on all of their problems, thus overlooking your own!

Bennie Weenies

To Save A Life

Jake is devastated at what Roger has done. And something in him changes. In seeking answers in his own life, one question plagues him the most… Could I have saved him? He is now deeply compelled to reach out to the students who are on the fringe of acceptability by the school’s upper crust. But he finds reaching out to the undesirable threatens his world. He may lose his own friends, his scholarship, his dreams and even his reputation to do it.

I am looking forward to attending a pre-screening at Evansville at my friend Ben Taylor's Church. If you are a leader of teens, and would like to attend, let me know or contact Ben.

Pastoring Men
What Works, What Doesn’t, and Why It Matters Now More than Ever

No man fails on purpose, but most men are under a lot of pressure. When a man fails it sets powerful forces of bondage and brokenness in motion. It can take several generations to break the cycle.

As America staggers beneath the load of a 100 major problems like divorce, fatherlessness, poverty, pornography, adultery, abortion, disrespect for authority, ethical failures, and truancy—where have the men gone? What has happened to our men?

At the root of virtually every problem is the failure of a man, ironically a man who got up this morning wishing that his life would make a difference. A man for whom Christ died.

This is an excerpt from the Moody Published book Pastoring Men by Patrick Morley. For more information on this book and how to disciple men, please visit http://www.maninthemirror.org/

Hillsong United "LIVE": We're All In This Together

NCM Fathom is partnering with the popular Australian musical group, Hillsong United, for a special in-theatre event for only one night. Hillsong United was originally a youth movement ministry that began in the Hillsong Church out of Australia.

They now have emerged as a very popular international musical group with a very diverse, youthful following across the world. They support social justice movement, with huge emphasis on their music (Christian Contemporary) paving the path for support around poverty, natural disaster relief, equality, human rights and health issues affecting the world.

The event will include a Live introduction from Australia, followed by pre-captured content about their worldwide journey over the past several years and will conclude with Live value added content including acoustic songs by the band and dialogue with the youth ministry in Australia.

Cost is $15 at Showplace 12 in Terre Haute, IN.

Doug Fields: Pursuing New Opportunities

Doug Fields announced his departure from Saddleback Church yesterday – you can read about it in the letter he wrote to our church family. Here’s an excerpt:

What am I going to do? Well, there’s not another specific job” that I’m departing to, but I am leaving staff to pursue some incredible opportunities to express my writing and teaching gifts. What I’m really doing is what I’ve taught you to do-listen for God’s whisper and obey it! Several people have said, You’re crazy to leave a secure Saddleback Church job during this unstable market.” Humanly speaking, they’re right… following God doesn’t always make sense, but I know I need to do the right thing: listen and obey.

Post by Josh Griffin

See You At the Pole 2009

Plan to attend See You at the Pole 2009 at your school. Your Administrators, Teachers, Staff, Class and Friends are depending on you to lift them up in prayer. Don't let them down!

Michael Jackson Remix

Michael Jackson remix @ Yahoo! Video

Checkout this amazing Remix of the top hits of Michael Jackson. These guys are the bomb! Awesome harmony. Enjoy!

The 2010 Online Missions Trip

January 31 to February 13, 2010

Begin planning now for the Online Missions Trip. This 2-week campaign is designed to empower us, students and leaders alike, to use social media to share Christ with our friends who don’t yet know Him.

During these two weeks you will be engaging in spiritual conversations with unsaved friends about your faith in Christ online by making posts and talking with friends on Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, YouTube, World of Warcraft and other such social hangouts online. You are encouraged to upload videos, post photos, create links, update your status to share what God’s doing in your life, writing notes, sending messages, develop blogs, create intentional events to invite friends to, and anything else that will result in a conversation about your relationship with Christ.

Last year, 3,000 youth leaders and teenagers from every continent except Antarctica intentionally used social media online to share Christ with unsaved friends. Plan to join this evangelistic effort today by marking your calendars, developing a creative plan, and joining the Online Missions Trip on Facebook for encouragement and ideas. Also, checkout On-line Missions Trip at studentministry.org.

Kids Need More Than Sports For Positive Growth

If you want your children to flourish, get them involved in extracurricular activities other than sports, new research suggests. Children in fifth, sixth and seventh grades who took part in both sports and after-school activities such as Boys & Girls Clubs, 4-H or Scouts had the highest scores for "positive development" and the lowest scores for risky and problem behavior, according to a study from Tufts University, published recently in Developmental Psychology.

"Positive development" includes measures of competence, confidence, character, connection and caring, the study authors explained. The new study found that those students who only took part in sports had lower scores on characteristics of "positive development" and higher scores on bullying, substance use and depression than students who also took part in youth development activities.

Source: U.S. News & World Report

Homeword Culture Update

God's Chisel

The Skit Guys, Tommy and Eddie drive the Gospel message home using Ephesians 2:10 in this creatively crafted skit. May the message take root in our your life as you view it with an open mind and heart. May God's Spirit (The Chisel) transform us into the beings He created us to be!

Gospel Journey Maui Promo

We will be offering the Gospel Journey Maui Study as a "Connection" Group Elective for adults at Agape Christian Church in the near future. Stay tuned to the Discipleship Posts on http://www.agapechristianchurch.com. If you have questions about the content or discussion, feel free to talk to any IMPACT Student.

Mobilizing Teenagers to Share the Gospel with Every Teenager They Know

Free Youth Ministry Resources
The Purpose of doing what I do!

Hebrews Meets Star Wars

I saw this on Chris Davis' Youth Ministry Geek Blog. Someone took the beginning of the book of Hebrews and made it into an opening scroll from a Star Wars movie. Wish I was teaching out of Hebrews this week! I would definitely find a spot to share the amazing creativity. Enjoy the intro from "Long, Long Ago!"

10 (Mythical) Reason Not to Go to Church with (Real) Responses
from "The Mancode"

Reason #1: Everybody in church is a hypocrite.

(No, everybody in church isn't a hypocrite, and your own negativity doesn't make it a reality.)

Reason #2: The church doesn't meet my needs.
(Lots of people in the church are trying hard to meet your needs. Are you looking past these folks or for them?)

Reason #3: Church takes up too much time.
(Sure church takes time. But so does watching the Golf Channel, the NFL, NASCAR, and American Idol. And which is more important?)

Reason #4: They're always asking for money.
(No, they're not always asking for money. And besides, if every guy gave what he should give, the church wouldn't need to ask for money.)

Reason #5: I don't like the preacher.
(The preacher is trying to get through to you. How hard are you trying to let him get through?)

Reason #6: I had a bad experience in the church.
(No place is perfect. You've had bad experiences everywhere: at work, at home, at school, and just about every place in between. But you probably didn't quit work or drop out of school at the first sign of trouble, and if you did give up, the common denominator is you.)

Reason #7: The music is too loud.
(Really?)

Reason #8: The music isn't loud enough.
(If so, why are you still sitting in the last pew?)

Reason #9: The Sunday School classes are boring.
(Your church obviously needs a few more good teachers. By the way, when was the last time you taught?)

Reason #10: Someone sat in my pew last week.
(Your pew? Maybe the trespasser thought is was God's pew.)

http://www.themancode.net/

G-Force Children's Ministry

Boxcar Drive-In Theater

Fri. Aug. 28th at 6:30pm!!!

1st-5th Grade Children...

Wheel on in to the Agape Christian Church Drive-IN Theater with your very own creatively designed box-car for an exciting evening of contests, popcorn, and a movie hosted by the

ACC IMPACT Students!

Awards will be given to those with the most creative designs

from recycleable materials.

Have fun preparing and... Bring a Friend!!!

Kids Say the Funniest Things

My son told me that I should set up a "Pastor Play Date" at Saddleback to talk ministry with Rick Warren so he could go and tour Legoland in Cali. I never thought of ministry meetings as Pastor Play Dates, but I will from now on. I tweeted Pastor Rick the comment today. He love it and thought Schyler was hilarious.

I think this one topped the "Active Reflexes" comment when referring to struggles with Acid Reflux.

What is the funniest one liner you can remember from your child/children?

Praying for Taiwan

Join me in praying for those suffering from the typhoon in Taiwan and for the churches planted there. May the church be able to minister in the name of Jesus to those left struggling and homeless.

Blue Parakeet
Rethinking How You Read the Bible

If you love the Bible and want to be stretched as a believer with a new approach to reading God's Word, take a look at Scot Mcknight's Blue Parakeet. I have been challenged and a new desire/hunger has emerged to see things in a different perspective.

G-Force: The Movie

G-FORCE: Movie Trailer - For more funny videos, click here

Went to the movie with my son Schyler and friend Joshua to see G-Force. Fun movie with some amazing special effects. Totally cool since G-Force is the name of the ACC Children's Ministry. And hey... the popcorn was good too!

Is this the future of Wedding Ceremonies?

It looks as if the future of wedding ceremonies holds dynamic entrances. If this is true, I think I'll struggle with standing at the altar while everyone else makes their moves down the aisle. It's time to break out the cardboard and work on the "Man in the Mirror" moves to join in on the action! Or, on second thought... I'll just try to keep a straight face and try and control and explosive belly laugh! Fun Stuff!

Thanks TerraceCrawford.com for the heads up!

Fast Food Friday... Superheroes Welcome!

Come join us at Subway on August 7th at 11:30am! Great fun and Good food!

Can a sermon be SCRIPTURE ONLY with no commentary?
Chazz almost did it!!!

from small town...BIG impact. by charles@newhopewired.tv (chazzdaddy)

Delilah: The Samson Version
Tim Hawkins

IMPACT at CIY 2009

Our Judeo-Christian Nation

There are no additional comments necessary! Finally!

ACC Children's Ministry
Boomerang Express VBS

June 8-11th
6:30-8:45pm

Children (3yrs-6th Grade) will participate in dynamic Worship, play in some high-energy activities, create cool crafts, taste some "Outback" Snacks, and experience Jesus in an exciting adventure.

For info call (812)299-5450
e-mail:shansmithj316@yahoo.com

If the 10 Commandments Were Text Messaged by God
from ChurchCrunch - The Intersection of Technology and the Church by John Saddington

What if God had text messaged the 10 Commandments? It might look like this:

no1 b4 me. srsly.
dnt wrshp pix/idols
no omg’s
no wrk on w/end (sat 4 now; sun l8r)
pos ok - ur m&d r cool
dnt kill ppl
:-X only w/ m8
dnt steal
dnt lie re: bf
dnt ogle ur bf’s m8. or ox. or dnkey. myob.
M, pls rite on tabs & giv 2 ppl.

ttyl, JHWH.

ps. wwjd?

[HT: McSweeney,

The Answer to Bad Attitudes...
Freddy Mays Attitude Ajuster

Great Job Phillip and Freddy!!! Looks like Lake Houston could sell a bundle of adjuster to desperate parents as long as they have an extra room in the house and a fridge to boot!!!

Awkward Questions About Jesus

Children's Ministry is always filled with awkward moments and questions. This video reminded me when all the girls in G-2 cried because I told them that "All Dogs Don't Go To Heaven!" They were crushed, and I felt terrible. It was even worse when I had to correct "Grandma's False Theology" about "Mr. Bunny" and "Mr. Ed the Horse".

Muslim Demographics

According to statistics, Islam will overwhelm Christendom unless Christians recognize the demographic realities, begin reproducing again, and share the gospel with Muslims. I thought this was an interesting video that should force us to our knees and stir our hearts to reach a lost generation.