Diocese of Gary YM Forum - Recently Updated Pages

St. James the Less (Life Ministry)

jkern313 — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 07:59:02 CST

It's About Life
Second Annual Fall Retreat November 22-23, 2008 (Starting at 5pm and ending with 9am mass)
St. James the Less Hall

Create Cool Videos for Your Ministry

jkern313 — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 10:59:55 CDT

Every youth minister I have talked to has wanted to do more video then they had the capacity for. Good quality video production takes money, talent, resources and technology. Most of us don’t have the equipment that it takes to produce video in Hollywood quality, and even fewer of us have the eye for good editing. True, it is much easier to do today than it was ten years ago, but the video club is still pretty exculsive.

It is that fact that has opened the door for Internet applications like Animoto. It requires no video skills, or technical knowledge to create a high quality promotional or illustration video with Animoto. All you need is pictures, and music. I think we all have those two things. The greatest part is that this Internet Technology (like so many of them these days) is FREE. Just upload your pictures, upload your music and Animoto does the rest. Your Hollywood quality video sideshow will be ready to download in under ten minutes. A lot of the effects and transitions that Animoto uses are very difficult and complicated when working manually with an editor, but Animoto does it all for you.What really blew my mind is that this technology is designed to analyze the tone and rhythm of your music and the subject matter in your pictures so that the editing will match. It’s not just a randomized slideshow creator, this is serious technology.
You can use your video slideshow to promote an upcoming event, report about a missions trip, give announcements, motivate, or even, illustrate your message. It requires a simple registration (everything does these days) and you’ll be creating videos in minutes.

The Moonmen Are Back!

jkern313 — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 14:34:56 CDT

What to Expect from MTV’s 2008 Video Music Awards
David R. Smith

There’s only one place where live broadcasts of girl-on-girl lip locks and rampant use of the bleep button interrupt celebrities who literally fight one another, make sexual gestures, and tell dirty jokes while “thanking God” in the process: The MTV Video Music Awards.

What’s a VMA?
The MTV Video Music Awards show, known as the VMAs, is one of the most hyped nights in all of entertainment. This coming Sunday night, September 7, at 9:00pm EST, the who’s who of Hollywood and Music City will gather in Los Angeles to celebrate and judge the musical accomplishments of the past year.

The VMAs go back – way back! – all the way back to when MTV actually aired music videos instead of their extremely questionable and pop culture-defining, reality TV shows. In 1984, MTV launched the VMAs as an alternative to the Grammys, and over the last 24 years, it has come into its own as a highly anticipated awards show with winners receiving the coveted “Moonman” award, the iconic symbol of the influential network.

The Good, The Bad, and The Really, Really Ugly
To put it mildly, the show has had a contentious past. On several occasions, including last year, fights have broken out between celebrities. Reckless mid-show antics by rock stars have been known to land the celebs in jail. And comments by the hosts, presenters, and winners must be carefully censored for content, which usually results in tons of bleeps heard during the show’s airing.

I guess NASCAR fans and VMA viewers have one thing in common: they’re both looking for the next wreck.

But it’s these incidents, onstage, behind the scenes, and sometimes in the crowd, that make up some of the most “memorable moments” in the show’s history. For instance, very few people can remember who won the top prize of “Video of the Year” in 2003, but almost everybody recalls watching the kiss seen round the world between Britney Spears and Madonna.

The 25th Anniversary
MTV makes no bones about trying to outdo themselves every year. But, what must this year’s show, the 25th Anniversary of the awards ceremony, encompass if it is to draw more than the 7 million viewers from last year?

Here’s their game plan: First, secure a cool venue. The show will return to LA this year and take over the Paramount Pictures Studio. Secondly, hire a host that will be talked about for weeks to come. This year, MTV has invited the sexy and controversial British comedian Russell Brand to host the affair. It won’t be the first time Brand has worked for MTV, but it just may be the first time Brand works for MTV without being fired. Thirdly, invite the hottest musical artists in for live concerts, and turn ‘em loose. This year, Lil Wayne, the Jonas Brothers, Kid Rock, Pink, Rihanna, Paramore, and others will take the stage. Fourthly, offer every viewer a back stage pass into the goings on behind the scenes. (Now we can finally see what Kid Rock does to warm up for a show.) Finally, let fans…for the first time ever…help pick the nominees and the winners.

And the Nominees Are…
This year’s VMAs are broken down into several different categories of music videos. They include:

Best Rock Video
Linkin Park – Shadow of the Day
Slipknot – Psychosocial
Paramore - crushcrushcrush
Foo Fighters – The Pretender
Fall Out Boy – Beat It

Video of the Year
Jonas Brothers – Burning Up
Chris Brown - Forever
Pussycat Dolls – When I Grow Up
Britney Spears – Piece of Me
The Ting Tings – Shut Up and Let Me Go

Best Dancing In A Video
Christ Brown – Forever
Danity Kane – Damaged
Madonna – Four Minutes
Ne-Yo – Closer
Pussycat Dolls – When I Grow Up

Best Hip Hop Video
Mary J. Blige – Just Fine
Lupe Fiasco – Superstar
Flo-Rida – Low
Lil Wayne – Lollipop
Kanye West – Homecoming

Best Pop Video
Danity Kane – Damaged
Jonas Brothers – Burning Up
Panic at the Disco – Nine in the Afternoon
Britney Spears – Piece of Me
Tokio Hotel – Ready, Set, Go!

Best Male Video
Flo-Rida – Low
Chris Brown – With You
Lil Wayne – Lollipop
T.I. – No Matter What
Usher – Love In This Club

Best Female Video
Mariah Carey – Touch My Body
Katy Perry – I Kissed A Girl
Rihanna – Take A Bow
Jordin Sparks – No Air
Britney Spears – Piece of Me

Best New Artist
Miley Cyrus – 7 Things
Katy Perry – I Kissed A Girl
Jordin Sparks – No Air
Taylor Swift – Teardrops On My Guitar
Tokio Hotel – Ready, Set , Go!

Should You Watch?
Without a doubt…YES!

There are a couple of reasons why TheSource4YM.com strongly suggests you watch the VMAs. For starters, it’s a crash course in youth culture. Rather than watching hours and hours of MTV’s programming throughout the year to get a feel for the quality of entertainment available to teens, you can see all you need to see in one evening. Secondly, many of your students will watch the show. As unfortunate as this is, at least you will have a strong point of entry into their post-awards show conversation.

Network executives definitely want to leave an impression on viewers with the VMAs’ 25th Anniversary. That impression is guaranteed to affect millions of teenagers, so tune in to see what lines MTV crosses as they try to up the ante one more time. Just prepare to be offended.

Then, check back with us on Monday, September 8th, for Jonathan’s annual review of the event and the potential effects it will have on kids and our ministry to them. Here are Jonathan’s past recaps of the 2006 MTV VMA’s & Teen Choice Awards, the 2007 MYV VMA’s & Teen Choice Awards, and the 2008 MTV Movie Awards. You may need to be sitting down.

Source & Summit 2008

panderson — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 08:00:15 CDT

Source & Summit 2009
April 24-26, 2009 at Andrean High School

Source & Summit 2009 is a great way to jumpstart the fire in your heart with love for Our Lord! We are all searching for "something" in our lives. Pope John Paul II said, a. “It is Jesus that you seek when you dream of happiness. He is waiting for you when nothing else you find satisfies you...it is Jesus who stirs in you the desire to do something great with your lives.”
The Source & Summit Retreat is filled with rockin' praise music, energetic speakers, and the big guy Himself, Jesus Christ present with us in the Blessed Sacrament! He is watching over the whole weekend. The key is to open your hearts to let Him in and grow in a relationship with Him. Give it a shot! Source & Summit will not disappoint!

Now, for the nitty-gritty details...Source & Summit is a dynamic weekend that teaches young people grades 7 through college age to follow Christ, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, by placing Him at the center of their lives. Through a Eucharistic-centered retreat, the focus of the weekend will be entering into a deeper personal relationship with God as the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and with Mary, the Mother of God. During the retreat young people will spend time in prayer, adoration, singing, listening to lively talks and sharing with other youth in small groups.

For more information, contact PJ Anderson at (219) 365-5678 ext. 263 or email him at panderson@stjohnparish.org. You can also check out our Teens For Christ website at www.stjohnparish.org/teens.

work august 1 an 2

jkern313 — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 12:35:17 CDT

There is no abstract available for this page revision.

St. Teresa of Avila

jkern313 — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 18:05:48 CDT

There is no abstract available for this page revision.

Parish Events

jkern313 — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 18:05:26 CDT

Add your parish event to this page.
To add an event, click on the "Add page" link to the left. You can add the page with your parish name. From there you can update your page with new events or messages, or create sub pages of information.

Share with us your successes and failures. Update us on dates, times attendance and more.

Our Lady of Consolation
Sacred Heart LaPorte
St. Andrew
St. James the Less
St. John Bosco
St. John the Baptist
St. Teresa of Avila

Diocese of Gary YM Forum

jkern313 — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 17:55:55 CDT

Welcome to the Diocese of Gary Youth Ministry Forum!

New Links Page added. Click here to access and add your links!

This forum is a networking tool that is designed to share events, resources, comments or feedback with all of the Youth Ministers in the Diocese of Gary.

You can:

Monitor topics and get e-mail updates
Add pages and topics to the Navigation
View Diocesan Events and Comment on them
Share some of your resources by adding to the Youth Ministry Resources Page
Post an event you are having
Share feedback, ideas and more....

How to Edit Pages
You can edit the content of pages by clicking the EasyEdit button at the top of the page. You can format the content, add images, movies and more.

How to Add Pages
Pages can be added by clicking on the category to the left, and then clicking Add Page.

If you need help on please feel free to e-mail the admin by clicking here

St. John the Baptist

jkern313 — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 16:49:15 CDT

There is no abstract available for this page revision.

Our Lady of Consolation

jkern313 — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 15:59:11 CDT

Private Splash Party with St. Mary's Church in Crown Point! Saturday, Aug 9th from 5PM to 8:30PM. Tickets are $7.00 and are available by calling Carole Sluce 769-2295 or 614-8619. Bring your friends and meet your friends from CYX. Our Lady of Consolation has a hospitality table set up for all the teens. Bring a snack to share or just help yourself!

Our Lady of Consolation is holding a Blood Drive from 2pm - 6pm on Tuesday, August 19th! in the Parish Hall. You must be at least 17 years of age, 110 lbs. and in good health. Call 769-2295 (Carole) or 769-1755(Jacquie) to schedule a blood donation appointment!

St. John Bosco

Jamie-Ann — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 22:11:11 CDT

There is no abstract available for this page revision.

Youth Leaders Only

jkern313 — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 09:23:17 CDT

Resource: Article - Fix My Kid
We talk a lot about Youth Leaders Only (and yes, it's the best way to get music/media for your ministry). But each YLO book has youth ministry-focused articles around a theme. The Summer box focuses on Parents & Family. Go here and check out the article called "Fix My Kid" (I think we've all been there). And if you're missing out by not being a YLO member, go here and join.

Links to YM Resourses

jkern313 — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 06:58:01 CDT

Feel free to add links to this page of youth ministry resources that you have found.

MTV 2008 Movie Awards

jkern313 — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 11:43:23 CDT

Youth Culture Window: No Limits: A Glimpse of Pop Culture through the Lens of the MTV Movie Awards

by Jonathan McKee

I love movies... and I love good TV. But the MTV Movie Awards always leaves a bitter taste in my mouth.

First, understand how powerful an influence MTV has on our kids. It's amazing if you think about it. MTV pre-dates cell phones, iPods, Xbox and the internet. MTV filled homes across the world while MySpace creator Tom was still in diapers. Jordon Sparks and Chris Brown had yet to sing together... actually, they weren't even born when MTV already "owned" a young generation. That generation has already grown up and is raising kids of their own. These kids now watch the same channel their parents watched, just with less videos, more reality shows, and much more sexual references per hour.

As we rolled into the new millennium, when everyone had an email address, a cell phone number and a Starbucks addiction, MTV was still named the top choice for advertisers who wanted to reach teenagers.

Now, in 2008, MTV still "owns," although now they probably share the crown with Nick, American Idol, Facebook and iTunes. But on this past Sunday night, all eyes were on MTV for their annual MTV Movie Awards hosted by Michael Myers and featuring every celeb imaginable, from Will Smith to Juno's Ellen Page.

I've gotta be honest with you. I'm biased. I don't like MTV. As a parent, I struggle with a channel that gladly peddles smut to our kids to make a buck. Think about it for a second. If a man walked up to our kids in a grocery store and starting talking about the content that MTV doesn't hesitate sharing every day... most parents would be either calling security or smacking the individual. But what do we do? We reward this individual and give him free reign over our children. It's mind blowing.

So last night I sat down to try to stomach another year of what MTV had to offer. As a movie fan I normally would enjoy Michael Myers, Will Smith and Jack Black...but not this night. Not on this channel.

After the "gold carpet" pre-show with "role models" like Diddy, Paris Hilton, and the Pussy Cat Dolls, the show started with a creative introduction from Michael Myers that had a few chuckling moments.

The show went downhill from there. I'll highlight the good and bad for you quickly, share some of the trends I noticed this year, and finally make two suggestions of how we can respond as parents and youth workers.

The Good Part of the Show:

I always enjoy seeing Chris Brown dance-a very talented young man.
It was fun to hear Coldplay's new song performed live.
And I was truly excited this year when all the nominees for their annual "Best Kiss" award were actually a kiss between a guy and a girl!

Well, that wraps up the good. Here's the bad.

The Bad Part of the Show:

Every year the show seems to award a bunch of movies that parents wouldn't really want their kids watching. Considering that MTV is the " top-rated network in the 12-24 demographic," it's discouraging that racy R-rated movies like Knocked Up, Superbad and Sex in the City were in the lineup.
The show featured a moment that is probably the most blatant televised promotion for smoking weed that I've ever seen. Seth Rogan and James Franco lit up a big fatty joint and smoked it live right in front of thousands of cheering fans.
This show is a gateway drug to other MTV shows. They consistently plugged other trashy MTV shows like The Real World and Tila Tequila where the commercial featured a lengthy shot of two girls passionately kissing. They also plugged new shows like House Bunny, where a playboy bunny moves into a sorority... oh... why even bother explaining. Sigh.
Almost every commercial break cut to a piece of Usher's "Let's Make Love in This Club" video.
Michael Myers, as funny as he is, never ceased to cross the line. Somehow, he seemed to twist every little introduction into something sexual. "Our next presenters did a movie together called The Foot Fist Way and surprisingly, it's not a celebrity sex tape." Other times he played creatively quirky characters including his sketch as an ex-porn star who now caters for movies. She (Myers) told us to be careful what we "put in our mouths."
At first I was excited because they brought Dana Carvey in as a guest to do a live "Wayne's World" sketch with Mike Myers. I was amazed with what they got away with on TV, joking about "pubes," porn film titles, and a whole little bit about proclaimed bi-sexual Tila Tequila reaching down the front of people's pants and being satisfied with whatever she finds down there (complete with hand gestures). It was embarrassingly graphic.
As a whole, the show was a giant infomercial. At times, it was hard to decipher between the show and advertisements. I wasn't alone in this observation.
MTV's commercials always bother me, but at the same time, I think MTV tips their hand with their advertisements. It's very clear what kind of audience they expect with their advertisements for new "unrated" movies and racy reality shows.

This Year's Trends
Every year I notice certain trends in pop culture programming. The 2008 MTV Movie Awards revealed plenty. But three trends seemed to float to the top...

CLICK HERE FOR THE THREE POP CULTURE TRENDS JONATHAN OBSERVED AND THE REST OF THIS ARTICLE

Or click below for Jonathan's Two Cents on last year's...
MTV 2007 Video Music Awards
MTV 2007 Movie Awards

TOP 10 THINGS ADULTS SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOUTH

jkern313 — Mon, 19 May 2008 11:38:21 CDT

From:
RETHINKING YOUTH MINISTRY

1) Teens are people, too. Resist calling them "kids" (unless you mean it as a term of endearment) or speaking about them as if they aren't in the room.
2) Teens need time. Particularly during discussions, teens need a little time to think about what they want to say. Resist the temptation to jump in with "the right answer" and don't feel you have to fill in every moment of silence with talking.
3) Teens like adults. Despite what you may remember from your younger days, teens do enjoy the companionship of adults. They just aren't always sure that we like them so the can seem stand-offish at times. In fact, many are at a point in their lives when they are trying to put a little independent distance between themselves and their parents, so they are seeking other caring adults to serve as mentors and role models.
4) Teens have a lot to teach us. In many ways, "The Breakfast Club" got it right. Young people are unique individuals with unique talents, gifts, attitudes, and perspectives. It would be a mistake to lump them all together as one homogenous group.
5) Teens' body clocks are different from ours. Most teens need 8-10 hours of sleep a night and get much less. Additionally, most teens are not at their peak until late morning and many are "night owls."
6)Teens are passionate. The first part of the teenage brain to fully develop is the emotions center. This means that teens can have high-highs and low-lows all in one day, they really connect with the hurt of others, and can be very passionate about the things they believe in.
7) Teens want to "own" their experiences. We have a temptation as adults, when teens talk about their struggles, to say things like "Oh, I went through the same thing at your age," or "I had the same problems and I survived it," or "Here's how I handled that problem." In many ways, the experiences of teens today are quite different from when we were young. Their struggles are real and they want them taken seriously, not dismissed with "I survived that and you will, too." The best approach often with young people isn't to offer advice, but just to listen. 8) Teens are fun to be around. You might think hanging with adolescents would make you feel old, but it's just the opposite. They often offer a perspective on life and the world that is refreshingly honest, hopeful, and new. And that sense of hope and possibility can be contagious.
9) Teens can be a great source of frustration. Ok, Ok. Teens are great, but let's be realistic about this, too. They can be incredibly frustrating to work with. . .unless you are willing to be flexible, can take a little good natured ribbing and criticism (Have I mentioned the girl at church who always tells me when my tie doesn't match my suit?), and remember that they still have a lot of growing up to do. Which leads to the final item on this list...
10) Teen are not adults. No matter how much they might look or act like adults, teens are still children, in the best sense of the word. For every moment of maturity, they have other moments where they grumble about taking out the trash, neglect their responsibilities, fight with their best friends and then make up an hour later, and choose goofing off over doing their work. Don't expect them to act like adults. Expect them to act that young people who are still growing, adjusting, stumbling, and trying to figure it all out.

Christian Leadership: Through the Lens of "Hoosiers"

yyakev — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 10:25:09 CDT

Youth Ministry Leaders, Mark Your Calendars!
Christian Leadership: Through the Lens of “Hoosiers”
Bus departs NWI: 6pm, Fri. Oct. 3
Seminar: Sat., Oct. 4
Return to NWI: appr. 8pm, Sat. Oct. 4

A seminar on Christian Leadership, as viewed through the lens of what ESPN called the greatest sports movie of all time, Hoosiers! The movie was shot entirely on location in Indiana, is chock full of powerful lessons in Christian Leadership that parallel the teachings of Christ, and we’re going to the famous Hoosiers Gym in Knightstown, just 30 miles east of Indianapolis to learn more about how to become a more effective Christian leader!

Package price TBA will include R/T Bus Transportation to and from Knightstown, Saturday meals, and seminar and facility fees. Participants will make room arrangements on their own at a reduced rate block at a nearby hotel.

∙ Seminar takes place in the actual gym used in the movie ∙ Mark Erdosy, Marian College, serves as co-facilitator ∙ Open to any adults working alongside youth: youth ministry leaders, catechists, teachers, parents, etc. ∙ Bring your gym shoes: we’ll pray, play, and learn in the name of Jesus Christ!

A presentation of the Diocese of Gary OYYA!

Safe Sex

jkern313 — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 09:46:04 CDT

Great message to send to your High School Youth!

TOPIC: Setting proper sexual boundaries

MAIN SCRIPTURE: "Daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you: Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires." (Song of Solomon 8:4)

OTHER SCRIPTURES: Psalm 119:9; John 10:10; 1 Corinthians 6:18-20; Ephesians 5:1-20; Hebrews 13:4

WHAT JESUS MIGHT SAY TO YOU:

I see the sexual messages society repeatedly tries to pound into your head. Society wants you to think that sex is simply a physical act, that there's nothing wrong with premarital sex. Don't believe it.

I'll get straight to the point: Premarital sex is sin. I'm not trying to make life miserable for you, but your heart isn't ready to handle the intimacy of a sexual relationship. Awakening your heart before the time is right will have devastating effects--including in your life with the person you eventually marry. Trust me.

So let's construct some boundaries together before you pass the point of no return:

Invite me into your relationships. I didn't come so you would have an unsatisfying life; I came so you might have an abundant life. And besides, I'm present in all your relationships--don't you think it's about time you acknowledge me in them? Make me an active part in your conversation, and you'll discover a spiritual dimension of your relationship that few couples enjoy.
Don't ask how far you can go. When you do that, you're looking for ways to get around me. Instead stay far enough from the boundary that you won't have to ask that question. (Of course, asking me for a little insight doesn't hurt.)
Take time to get to know the other person. Usually when a premarital relationship becomes sexual, the two people stop exploring each other's hearts.
Do things in groups. This will go a long way toward preventing you from placing yourself in compromising positions.
Ask your friends to help you stay pure. They're an important line of defense.

You have a lifetime of enjoyable sex ahead of you. Don't put it in jeopardy by prematurely exploring it. And remember: If you've already explored, I love you just the same as I always have--just ask for my forgiveness and start your life and relationships anew.

Love, Jesus

SUMMARY CHALLENGE: Jesus wants you to enjoy a lifetime of sex--but he doesn't want you to lessen the joy by having sex before you're married.

Taken from "Conversations with Jesus" copyright 2006, Youth Specialties/Zondervan. Used by permission. Order the book here.
https://shop.youthspecialties.com/store/product.php?productid=319

Diocese Youth Ministry Websites

jkern313 — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 14:41:12 CDT

Do you have a website for your youth ministry?
Want to share it with others?
Click the EasyEdit Button above and add your website to the list below.

Who are you in an emergency?

jkern313 — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 09:47:43 CDT

By Rick Lawrence

'Editor's Note: This is a Youth Ministry Minute column written by Rick Lawrence several years ago that features the insights and advice of Rob Tucker, a veteran youth pastor who was intensely involved in helping his kids through the horrors of a school shooting. His experience could be invaluable to you as your own kids confront the news of the worst school shootings in history, at Virginia Tech University. We've adapted and updated the column.

In the emotional chaos that followed the shootings, youth worker Rob Tucker was thrust into the most demanding and critical "marker moment" of his ministry. Within hours he was talking to kids who were sitting so close to Sheets that the sound of the guns was still ringing in their ears.

Several years ago, 14-year-old Jimmy Sheets pulled a .44-caliber Magnum handgun in his Red Lion, Pennsylvania, school cafeteria and shot his well-liked principal in the chest. Then he pulled out a .22-caliber handgun and shot himself in the head. The 300-plus kids in the cafeteria raced outside to safety. But for many of them, school will never be safe again.
The shock of what this quiet, well-behaved eighth-grader did was overshadowed only by the desperate grief of a community searching for answers. Friends, family, and teachers all said what people always do after a school shooting—they never saw it coming. Red Lion Borough Police Chief Walt Hughes said, "We don't know why today. And we don't know why, period. I think it's safe to say that something was building inside of him that he couldn't control."
In the emotional chaos that followed the shootings, youth worker Rob Tucker was thrust into the most demanding and critical "marker moment" of his ministry. Within hours he was talking to kids who were sitting so close to Sheets that the sound of the guns was still ringing in their ears.
A little more than a week after the shootings, Rob contacted me—mostly, he just wanted me to know his story. He wondered if other youth leaders could benefit from what he was learning about responding to kids reeling from a crisis. I told him what he had to say was important for every youth minister who's ever said, "I can't imagine that happening here."
What follows is what Rob wrote about responding to kids in crisis, just two weeks after the shootings:

Respond quickly and proactively. Don't allow the crisis to control your ministry's direction. Rather, ask yourself how your ministry can help direct the response to the crisis. God's redemptive plan for any tragedy is carried out through his people. Ask him to use your ministry and church for healing, reconciliation, or whatever is needed.
Encourage your students to tell, retell, and tell again their story. The relief that comes from being heard is hard to measure. Many students just want you to hear what they've been through. They're not looking for knee-jerk reactions to complicated situations or quick fixes for their problems. They want you to really hear them. Remedies can come later with God's help.
Don't forget to reach out to parents. Many parents were just as shaken up as their kids. Put yourself in their shoes. Empathize with their fears. Help them with their pain. If they're not well, it will take much longer for their children to find help.
Offer whatever you have to the community. Give your time, your building, your expertise, and any other valuable resource that can help in the situation. Keep offering, even when your help is declined. It's crucial your community understands your true intentions—your church exists to meet the real needs of real people. Open a door between your community and your ministry.
Change your program to meet your students' needs. If you truly have a "relational ministry," you'll dump what you've planned to respond to what kids really need. It might mean replanning your weekend services or, in my case, a junior high retreat weekend. This isn't about your agenda—it's about meeting kids where they're at.
Ask your youth staffers, parents, and other youth leaders about ways you can improve your response. Refuse to assume your actions have hit the mark—find out by asking.
Invite God to deepen your dependence on him. A tragedy clarifies your vision—I saw quickly how desperate I am for God's help. And it clarified my perspective on what's really important in youth ministry. A crisis puts God squarely at the center of everything—where he should be even when things are going smoothly.

How do you tell kids, "Put away your cell phones?"

jkern313 — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 14:36:04 CDT

In our current THE SOURCE podcast (Episode #13) I promised I'd blog about it. It's something youth leaders all deal with: Every kid in our youth room has a cell phone in their pocket!

How do I communicate to kids to stop texting during worship?
Can I say "no cell phones" on our trips?
What if parents WANT their kids to have cell phones with them?

These are great questions. And, as we said in the podcast, we WANT YOU to help us answer. Here's the situation:

In the HELP ME section of our most recent podcast, youth worker Matt from Longview, TX asked us:

Our small youth group (25-30) has taken to text-messaging on their cell phones. I'm not against cell phone use, but it has become a distraction. Have you got any ideas for boundaries/limits to cell phone use during youth group activities? Secondly, have you got any clever ideas on how to address the youth with these boundaries? Do you know of successful ways of dealing with this issue? -Matt Longview, TX, USA

In the podcast David and I shared some funny "cell phone" experiences and provided our 2 cents on the matter. The most difficult situation to figure out was what to do on trips. After all, many parents want their kids to have their cell phones so they can be reached (have you read about the epidemic of "helicopter parents?"). David suggested that we don’t circumvent parents’ authority on the matter, and allow cell phones. Just tell kids to not use cell phones EXCEPT to communicate with their parents..

This, of course, brought a skeptical laugh out of me. So I asked David, "How the heck do you monitor that?"

It's not an easy answer. And there probably isn't ONE answers. So... we want to hear from you.

How do you control cell phone use at youth group?
Do you allow cell phones on trips?
Should we put the foot down and say, "no cell phones" on trips?
If we allow cell phones on trips, how can we control use?

Share your 2 cents by commenting
on Jonathan's Blog Here!