Parenting Blog

I've launched a new blog on parenting. Check it out: The Duties of Christian Parents. Hope you can find some things on there to help you out.

Two Short Books You Can Read Tonight Before You Go to Bed That Will Bless Your Ministry

In the 19th century J.C. Ryle wrote "Holiness," which is believed to be the most important book on the Christian Life ever written. I have yet to tackle the read but I have read parts of it and it is definitely on my short list. As great as I'm sure this book is, there are two other books that I think are extremely helpful for youth ministry. "Thoughts for Young Men" and "The Duties of Parents" are awesome short reads that are very practical.

If you are looking for material that is ready to use for small group material or material that is ready for you to read, dissect, then teach - then I would get these two books ASAP. I know they are available at www.cvbbs.com for a great price. However I have found them online as well at: http://www.gracegems.org/Ryle/books.htm.

Check these books out now! You'll be glad you did.

On another note I'm starting a new blog called "The Duties of Christian Parents." It will be based upon the inspiriation that have received from Ryle's "The Duties of Parents." Check it out at www.theduitesofchristianparents.blogspot.com.

Semper Reforma!

I don't know about you, but just when I think I got it all figured out and ministry is rolling right along - WHAMO! things need to be changed AGAIN!

My last post involved building a ministry plan (which I still strongly believe in) but what I've come to realize over the years is that if I'm not willing to tweak the plan, grow the plan, work the plan then ministry will dry up. Now my ministry has not dried up but it did come to a point to where major tweaking had to be done - and it seemingly was happening against my will.

Semper Reforma (always reforming)! As ministers of the gospel, as those called to carry out ministry in the kingdom of God and in His Church we must be open to change and to always reforming what we think is "the best show in town." If you and I are not willing to honestly look at our programing, retreats, discipleship plan at least once a year and ask "how can I make it better," or "what's missing," then our model of discipleship will become staginant and ineffective.

So, semper reforma this Fall! What needs to be improved?

Do You Have A Ministry Plan?

So it has been too long since I have blogged but I want the two of you who have told me that you have read my blog before and it has encouraged you that I have not forgotten about you. Okay on to the topic...

Do you have a ministry plan? Whether you are a seasoned student ministry veteran, staff, or volunteer, it can never be over-estimated the importance of a ministry plan. So do you have one for leading your small group, directing your entire student ministry, teaching Sunday School (I hate, sorry dislike, what Sunday School implies). You know the ole adage: Have a plan, stick to the plan, work the plan. It is very true in student ministry.

So what is your plan? If you don't have one, email me and I will send you an example of one that you can begin to work off of. Trust me your senior pastor or immediate supervisor will think you are a genius for going putting one of these together. It is too much to put on this blog so email me if you want it: wilsonashirley@gmail.com.