What Kind of Adults are We Producing?

As a church, what kind of adults are we sending out into the world? A new study released by Barna suggests that we are sending out immoral adults. The study shows that Busters (20 to 30 somethings) are typically less moral than older adults. The statistics are also shocking for those Busters that are born-again. What's the deal? Read about it and respond.

We're Not Producing Grown-ups

Dr. Albert Mohler recently wrote in his blog that many young adults are not really acting like adults should act. He highlights an article by Michael Bywater. Youth pastors should be doing all that we can to raise up godly young men and young women who are ready to face the world and its responsibilities on their own. Read about it and let me know what you think.

Is MySpace Dying?

A new article suggests that MySpace may be dying. I think this is good news for those who prefer the virtual world to real life interaction. However, just because MySpace may not be #1, that does not mean that students will not turn somewhere else. Check out the article.

No More Sugar Coating in Youth Ministry? It's About Time!

Time Magazine in their current issue suggests that youth pastors are starting to preach real substance instead of sugar coated fluff. Well, it's about time that youth pastors stop robbing their students and abusing God's Word. Dr. Albert Mohler writes about it in his blog.

Emotional Fluff

One thing that truly irks me in youth ministry is emotional fluff. I can count many times when students have made a decision or commitment based on an emotional experience. I am certainly not opposed to emotion. I think we should have tremendous grief over our sin and great joy because of what God has done in our lives. However, I feel as if many students are vowing to change their lives as a result of some fake or manipulated emotion rather than the penetration of the Holy Spirit on their hearts. My prayer is that they would be convicted of their sin because of the Spirit's work in their life, and as a result they will make a real effort to change their lives to conform to God's Word.

What say you?

What Worship Wars?

I recently attended an annual meeting of Baptists in my area. During the meeting, we sang songs at different points in praise to God. We sang traditional hymns and we sang contemporary praise and worship. What's the big deal? Why can't people praise God any time that they sing? I submit that if you cannot praise God with traditional hymns, you truly do not know how to worship. At the same time, if you cannot praise God with contemporary praise and worship, you do not know how to worship. God never endorsed a particular style of worship. Let's focus more on worshipping God rather than worshipping instruments or musical notes. I love both styles because if done correctly, they bring glory and honor to the One, True, Living God!

Jesus Camp

Is this really what we want our students to look like? Check out this video.

Getting Teens Involved in the Church

Many youth ministers agree that there is no substitute for the corporate worship experience. They also agree that students should be involved in the overall church, not just the student ministry. This article addresses that issue:

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2006/010/20.74.html

The Urban Myth of College Drop-outs 2

Here is an article that addresses the "Urban Myth of College Drop-outs":

http://mondaymorninginsight.com/index.php/site/comments/88_of_evangelical_children_leave_the_church_after_high_school/

The Influence of Athletic Stars

Recently a player from the Tennessee Titans stomped on the face of a player from the Dallas Cowboys (who was not wearing a helmet) for no apparent reason. The player has been given a five game suspension without pay for his actions. The coach of the Titans, Jeff Fisher, clearly disapproved of the players actions and agreed that he should be punished.

With episodes like this one and the plethora of others, should we be concerned that these guys are affecting our students. Players like Terrell Owens, Kobe Bryant, and Barry Bonds are arrogant to say the least. What kind of influence do you think these athletes have on our young people, particularly our young men?