The Barnabas Connection

I am blessed to be a part of an organization called The Barnabas Connection. The Barnabas Connection is a ministry that exists to encourage and connect youth workers in the Presbyterian Church in America. The Barnabas Connection conference will be in Atlanta in the Spring of 2010. A new website will be launched on November 1st so stay tuned for more info!

www.barnabasconnection.org

Metaphors of Grace: A Teaching Idea

I don't know about you but I'm always looking for things to teach on or better ways to teach on the same things.

While at the Gospel Coalition in Chicago this spring I heard Tim Keller mention the phrase, "metaphors of the gospel," or something like that.  

Well I came up with my only little phrase, "Metaphors of Grace."  Basically this idea alludes to the different words or better yet the word pictures that Paul uses to describe the gospel.

Rather than giving them all to you I will encourage you to visit Romans 3:21-26 and immerse yourself there for about a week.  What are the words that are present or implied that describe the gospel?  Where did Paul get these words?  What were these words used for in the original culture that he was writing to?

This will be an amazing means of grace for you. Enjoy!

Pastors Conference

This conference is not directly about student ministry but I will be attending because of the pastoral nature of the conference as it will relate to student ministry.  Also, some pastors/authors that I highly respect and that I have found to be a valuable resource to student ministry will be speaking at the conference.  Check it out.

My New Favorite Book on Predestination

I'm digging this book because of the way in which it approaches the issue both topically and expositionally.  It is easy to teach predestination from a topical and theological point but the most effective way is to put a figure on the very Word of God straight from the text.

I have a seminary professor who was once an Arminian Baptist Preacher and God "converted" him to Calvinism through his very on preaching and study of Ephesians chapter 1.

I highly recommend using this book for teaching and to pass along with to others struggling with the doctrine.  After all, if they don't believe the Bible and can see it for themselves straight from Scripture, then that is another issue all-together now isn't it?

Enjoy!

Some Thoughts on Developing a Philosophy of Ministry

There are three main areas to keep in mind as you develop a POM:

1) Vision/Mission Statement - should work in conjunction with the church's overall statement. To often youth ministries try to become a church within the church (not intentional), but by coming up with some grandiose POM that does not work along side with the overall vision and discipleship process of the church body. Here is a revolutionary idea - develop and craft your vision to work along side with and in conjunction with your church's vision/mission statement.

2) Values/Principles - what are the most important things in ministering to youth. One of the greatest lack in the church today is ministry that is not guided by principle. So you must decide what are the core values, the key principles that you want to guide your ministry. Maybe start with the means of grace?

3) Vehicles/Programs - how you are going to accomplish 2 and 3? What will be the programs that will drive you in the direction of your vision and core principles. This would be everything from your regular weekly programs all the way down to coffee with a student.

Please visit www.hpcym.org to see more about what we do. Hope that helps. Send me an email if you have any questions.