Youth Ministry Health Check

a Biblical thought...
The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole family. (Acts 16:34)

a Book thought...
Jesus taught that servanthood isn't about giving it a shot for two years and then losing interest. Servanthood is the primary calling on our lives. (p122)
a Dave thought...
More, the youth dept from The Australia Eastern Territory has produced an excellent tool for leaders to measure and help assist in building a healthy youth ministry...

This youth ministry health check is for your benefit as a leader, to help you to assess your youth ministry emphasis on the Salvation Army's mission to Save, Grow and Serve. It is not expected that you would use this as your only tool of evaluation. We recommend using this as a starting point to create conversation amongst your team and to follow up with your coach or tutor.
Simply fill out the questions below and you will immediately receive an email that scores your youth ministry based on 'Save, Grow and Serve'.

http://salvos.org.au/more/leaders/youth-ministry-health-check/

Just a thought.

Territorial Heritage Commission

a Biblical thought...
Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. "We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God." (Acts 14:22)

a Book thought...
When people get out of the spectator stands and put on a serving uniform, it's usually because God has touched their hearts and they want to make a difference in the Kingdom. (p114)

a Dave thought...
I was recently invited to be a part of the Territorial Heritage Commission. I accepted and last night attended my first meeting. The group was very welcoming and seemed encouraged that someone of my age would be willing to be part of this group. The Commission exists to preserve the history of The Salvation Army but also looks for creative ways to share the stories and artifacts of the past to help inform the future. I personally find our history fascinating and it was love of the early army stories that was the impetus to write 'INSANE - the stories of crazy salvos who changed the world.'

Last night over dinner I learnt from Historian George Ellis that in the early 1900's there was originally 5 corps in Richmond, as Commissioner Hay believed everyone in Melbourne should be able to walk to a local corps. Hay would also decide on whether the corps would get a wooden or brick facility based on the amount of people that could walk to the corps, as he believed that a higher population in the immediate local community could finance the more elaborate facility. It is stories like these of risk takers and other optimistic builders of Gods Kingdom that the Army had huge impact in its early days. I am one who also wants to see a new generation of optimistic, risk-taking kingdom builders change the world and pray that God will still use the avenue of The Salvation Army to do it.

Just a thought.

5 Kinds of Christians

a Biblical thought...
The disciples, each according to his ability, decided to provide help for the brothers living in Judea. This they did, sending their gift to the elders by Barnabas and Saul. (Acts 11:29-30)

a Book thought...
When you choose to serve out of sheer obedience to God, you discover that He knows more about you than you know about yourself. (p98)

a Dave thought...
To understand the range and differences among Christians, Christianity Today International recently partnered with Zondervan Publishers to commission Knowledge Networks to conduct attitudinal and behavioral research of Christians. In September 2006, more than 1,000 self-identified Christians 18 years of age and older were surveyed on their religious beliefs and practices. The results reveal a number of significant differences. In fact, portraits of five distinct segments emerged from the study. We have named them Active, Professing, Liturgical, Private, and Cultural Christians.

Active Christians 19%
Believe salvation comes through Jesus Christ
Committed churchgoers
Bible readers
Accept leadership positions
Invest in personal faith development through the church
Feel obligated to share faith; 79% do so.


Professing Christians 20%
Believe salvation comes through Jesus Christ
Focus on personal relationship with God and Jesus
Similar beliefs to Active Christians, different actions
Less involved in church, both attending and serving
Less commitment to Bible reading or sharing faith



Liturgical Christians 16%
Predominantly Catholic and Lutheran
Regular churchgoers
High level of spiritual activity, mostly expressed by serving in church and/or community
Recognize authority of the church



Private Christians 24%
Largest and youngest segment
Believe in God and doing good things
Own a Bible, but don't read it
Spiritual interest, but not within church context
Only about a third attend church at all
Almost none are church leaders



Cultural Christians 21%
Little outward religious behavior or attitudes
God aware, but little personal involvement with God
Do not view Jesus as essential to salvation
Affirm many ways to God
Favor universality theology

Just a thought.

Bear Grylls

a Biblical thought...
Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, "Tabitha, get up." She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up.

a Book thought...
Every local congregation should have a unique flavour based on the sometimes quirky mix of gifts, passions, and life experiences of its members. (p91)
a Dave thought...
Man vs. Wild star Bear Grylls stopped by a Florida prison this week to tell inmates about the one survival tool he can't live without: his faith.
During a visit Thursday to the Tomoka Correctional Institution in Daytona Beach, the British adventurer, who has eaten animal eyeballs and camel intestines and confronted some of the world's most poisonous snakes on his popular Discovery Channel show, said his relationship with Christ is what gives him strength.
"I risk a lot to do this stuff, but I've been given a really privileged platform where people know the show. I want to do something good with that," he told roughly 160 inmates gathered for a chapel service. "And that's really why I'm here. I want to say this [faith], deep down, is what strengthens me. It helps me in the difficult places. [And] it's not exclusive."
The talk is one of two appearances he made this week as a spokesman for the Alpha course, a Christian discipleship program developed at the charismatic Holy Trinity Brompton church in London. Grylls also spoke Wednesday night during the annual conference of the ministry's U.S. branch.
Grylls said attending an Alpha course several years ago with his wife, Shara, gave him a chance to ask some big questions about God and His plan for humanity. "Alpha was a really good excuse to ask these questions," he said. "It was kind of low-pressure and easy and it was fun."
As a child, he said he never questioned the existence of God. "I had a really natural faith in God," he said. "I knew God existed. I never asked. I just knew. I felt loved, and it was there. But I lost it."
He met Christians as he grew older, but they seemed judgmental and boring. "I thought, I don't want that," he said. "And I walked right away from it."
He thought his life was OK until his teen years when some close friends suddenly abandoned him. "It's so easy to be brave when everything's OK," he said. "That's another big lesson I've learned. Real bravery is about when it's not going OK."
Sitting alone, he wondered where was the God he knew as a kid, and he began to pray. "I want that same faith and that same friendship and that same relationship and that same freedom again," he said. "If You're there, will You be that friend to me again? Amen."
"And then that was the end of the prayer. Little did I know, actually, that is the prayer. Everything else, really, is academic. That's the prayer: Be my best friend."

Grylls said his faith journey remains a rocky road, "full of struggles and doubts and challenges." But he said he clings to two Scriptures: Psalm 73:23, "You hold me by my right hand," and Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (NKJV).
"We make everything so complicated and so theological and so smart and so together and so confusing," he said. "Actually, all that matters is, I'm holding you by your right hand, and I can do everything with Christ. And that's, for me, is what holds me a lot on mountains when things are going wrong. ... It's what holds me when I'm struggling with my faith and doubts."
An Alpha course will soon launch in the Tomoka prison, and Grylls asked inmates who participate to e-mail him their stories.
"Because that's what motivates me," he said. "It's amazing when I hear the stories. It happens all the time-amazing stories of lives turned around, people finding that simple, simple faith that says, ‘I'm home and I'm held and I'm forgiven.' I've seen the toughest people in the world have their lives turned around."
Does he ever bargain with God when he's caught in a sticky situation? one inmate asked. "I'm a heavy bargainer," he said. "That's all right. The great thing is we have a God who doesn't tire of that. The more He gives, the more He likes to give, so keep asking."

Just a thought.

Allison Cardwell

a Biblical thought...
All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel. (Acts 6:15)

a Book thought...
I never tire of seeing God orchestrate creative ministry plans through people who humbly make their skills available.(p82)



a Dave thought...
In August Kylie and I were the guest leaders at the Northern Vic Youth Camp. During the weekend one of the youth that we got to meet was Allison. Sadly that was to be Allison’s last camp as she died tragically last Monday night while driving on her L plates. As we were friends on Facebook it has been amazing to read the tributes, watch the videos and get a glimpse of the impact Allison has had on so many. At just 16 Allison was a part of the youth group at Wangaratta Salvos and was also interested in going to INSANE in January 2010. The funeral was held yesterday and I’m sure many tears were shed for this beautiful young lady that loved both God and life with everything she had.

Just a thought.

Noah

a Biblical thought...
By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus' name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see. (Acts 3:16)

a Book thought...
Connecting our spiritual gift with an area of passion is the key to ultimate effectiveness and fulfilment in serving. (p82)
a Dave thought...
Noah was part of his fourth and final YP anniversary at Box Hill yesterday. He has come along way in four years as it was in 2006 at the age of four when I was using bribes amid episodes of tears just to get him to go on stage as part of the Primary production. Well yesterday morning he was the main character playing Noah in “Noah the musical.” It is amazing to see how much your children grow up and develop confidence in only a few years. As Noah recited lines and even sang a solo I as so proud of the way he has matured and even enjoyed the experience. To Jude Wynne, Kat Mellody, Emma Lewis & Dave George well done on such a great weekend. The time and effort that goes into discipling and encouraging the children often goes unnoticed, but to all of us parents we will forever be grateful for these are weekends we will always remember. Thanks heaps!

Just a thought.

Driven

a Biblical thought...
They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. (Acts 2:42)

a Book thought...
I’ve learned that you can’t possibly build a God-honouring church with a congregation full of consumers. (p63)
a Dave thought...
It is only 41 sleeps to go until my second attempt at an Ironman. Not many seem to understand why I wan’t to go back and attempt the 3.8km swim, 180km bike and 42km run but for some reason I do. My first attempt at the event was successful as I did it under the allotted 17 hour cut off time in 15 hour and 8 minutes but I’m determined to beat this time. I often wonder why I am driven, sometimes it is good to be like this but other times I wish I could just sit back and wait for things to happen like some others. The good part of being an ESTJ is that I like to achieve and often get things done. The negative side is that I’m often so task focused that I force many events and activities in my life and those around me. I often ask God when I should just sit back and pray and wait for Him to move rather than go with my agenda. Of course God’s agenda is what I need to focus on and sometimes that involves waiting which is not an ESTJs natural inclination.

Just a thought.

Ministry Age

a Biblical thought...
They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. (Acts 1:14)

a Book thought...
We serve because we have been served and because we follow a leader who models servanthood. (p57)
a Dave thought...
If we are going to transition the church to the next generation, both existing and emerging leaders will need to understand and appreciate each other's values. This quiz, developed in conjunction with the editors of Leadership, is a helpful start.
This tool is intended to foster dialogue between older and younger leaders about their divergent views and contribute to greater understanding between the generations. No test can fully reveal the nuances that exist within an entire generation, and you may agree with more than one answer for a question. Mark the answer that best fits your approach to leadership.

www.christianitytoday.com/le/buildingleaders/ministrystaff/determineyourministryage.html?start=1

If you would like to take the test there are 25 questions and it only takes 5 minutes and will then place you in one of three categories…

Ages 25 - 41 Younger Leaders

Ages 42 - 58 Pragmatic Leaders

Ages 59 - 75 Traditional Leaders

If you do the test please feel free to share your ‘Ministry Age’ in the comments section below, and just for the record I scored 37.

Just a thought.

CALL+RESPONSE Now Showing

a Biblical thought...
Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." (John 20:29)

a Book thought...
Following Jesus into radical servanthood is the sure pathway to fullness of life. (p44)
a Dave thought...
This rockumentary opened up to the public yesterday so is now showing in Australian Cinemas,

as it is only in a limited number of cinemas (Chadstone, Melbourne) and for a short time so you will need to get organised to make sure you see this incredible & impacting movie.
http://www.callandresponse.com.au/cinemas.php

CALL+RESPONSE is a first of its kind feature documentary film that reveals the world’s 27 million dirtiest secrets: there are more slaves today than ever before in human history. CALL+RESPONSE goes deep undercover where slavery is thriving from the child brothels of Cambodia to the slave brick kilns of rural India to reveal that in 2007, Slave Traders made more money than Google, Nike and Starbucks combined.
Luminaries on the issue such as Cornel West, Madeleine Albright, Daryl Hannah, Julia Ormond, Ashley Judd, Nicholas Kristof, and many other prominent political and cultural figures offer first hand account of this 21st century trade. Performances from Grammy-winning and critically acclaimed artists including Moby, Natasha Bedingfield, Cold War Kids, Matisyahu, Imogen Heap, Talib Kweli, Five For Fighting, Switchfoot, members of Nickel Creek and Tom Petty’s Heartbreakers, Rocco Deluca move this chilling information into inspiration for stopping it.
Music is part of the movement against human slavery. Dr. Cornel West connects the music of the American slave fields to the popular music we listen to today, and offers this connection as a rallying cry for the modern abolitionist movement currently brewing.

Just a thought.

Prayer

a Biblical thought...
Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place." (John 18:36)

a Book thought...
Jesus chose to advance his work primarily on the shoulders of ordinary people who live in the real world of family and business and community. (p31)
a Dave thought...
Yesterday I was reminded several times about the importance of prayer. Although I obviously believe that prayer is essential in a believers life, sometimes it takes God to remind me through different events to get the message. The first reminder was when I caught up with a mentor, Graham Gourd in the morning, as we were discussing church life and what things are really important he kept coming back to prayer. He reminded me of the book "Fresh wind, fresh fire" by Jim Cymbala. I began to then search for a copy of this book and when I go into the office read some of the pages again. It would have been ten years ago since I read this amazing book and God spoke to me again through these powerful thoughts about how prayer can change your life and your church.

After those two reminders I thought God had got his message through but just to make sure I was also reminded at MSB rehearsal last night. Bandmaster Ken Waterworth shared about how he was challenged through the words of Commissioner Vic Poke last week in Tassie about doing your best for God. The result is there will now be a weekly prayer meeting at 6.30pm before each rehearsal for the bandsman that are able to attend. So prayer is something I certainly was reminded about yesterday and I want to make sure that I pray about everything as it is through prayer that we truly discover God's agenda.

Just a thought.

GTD

a Biblical thought...
If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. (John 15:7-8)

a Book thought...
I guarantee, it's far more exhilarating to be a participant than a spectator. Why watch others change the world when you can join them? (p19)

a Dave thought...

I was challenged reading Paul Gardner's Blog http://paulgardner.info/leadership/6-reasons-pastors-should-gtd/ to check out GTD, here is a summary...

Sophisticated without being confining, the subtle effectiveness of Getting Things Done lies in its radically common sense notion that with a complete and current inventory of all your commitments, organized and reviewed in a systematic way, you can focus clearly, view your world from optimal angles and make trusted choices about what to do (and not do) at any moment. GTD embodies an easy, step-by-step and highly efficient method for achieving this relaxed, productive state. It includes:

Capturing anything and everything that has your attention
Defining actionable things discretely into outcomes and concrete next steps
Organizing reminders and information in the most streamlined way, in appropriate categories, based on how and when you need to access them
Keeping current and "on your game" with appropriately frequent reviews of the six horizons of your commitments (purpose, vision, goals, areas of focus, projects, and actions)

Implementing GTD alleviates the feeling of overwhelm, instills confidence, and releases a flood of creative energy. It provides structure without constraint, managing details with maximum flexibility. The system rigorously adheres to the core principles of productivity, while allowing tremendous freedom in the "how." The only "right" way to do GTD is getting meaningful things done with truly the least amount of invested attention and energy. Coaching thousands of people, where they work, about their work, has informed the GTD method with the best practices of how to work (and live), in that most efficient and productive way.

Just a thought.

Packing

a Biblical thought...
I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (John 14:6)

a Book thought...
The desire to be a world-changer is planted in the heart of every human being, and that desire comes directly from the heart of God. (p13)

a Dave thought...
Last night Kylie and I began the task of packing as we are on the move to South Barwon in the new year. This will be fourth move we have made since being married, and our second quarters. But as Ky and I are both officers kids we grew up on the move, changing homes every 2-5 years. I actually like change but others find it stressful. As we began the pack up last night it was amazing to find boxes from our last move that we had hardly opened and makes you realise just how much stuff we hang on to and lug around that we just don't need. Anyway a compulsory clean up will be good for our family but I was also thinking it would be great if we could also do the same with our minds. If every few years we could just clean out the junk, the old thoughts, or bad memories, or unhealthy attitudes that we have picked up along the way I'm sure we would all be better people and the world would be a better place.

Just a thought.

Round the Bay

a Biblical thought...
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." (John 13:34-35)

a Book thought...
In Brengle's writings he is a doctor, skilled and experienced. With his ear to his own heart, his hand on the pulse of human experience, and his arm about the drooping shoulders of sinning humanity, he wrote his prescriptions. (p225)
a Dave thought...
Yesterday I rode 200km on the bike as part of the "Round the Bay in a Day" event. It was a lot of fun as I joined over 10,000 others riding, chatting and hurting. Although it is difficult for those that are opposed to exercise to understand, for me it is one of my favourite parts of the day. It is a time when I feel relaxed, I talk to God, and feel reinvigorated about life. I often feel that I maybe unusual in this regard, but since have found many other believers who also see physical exercise as part of their worship to God. Ryan Hall the American Olympian is one such athlete he blogs regularly about running and God. On September 8 he wrote...

I have always said that the Bible is the best sports psychology book of all time. When I was working through the issue of winning and losing I stumbled on 1 Corinthians 9:24, which says, “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win.” For Paul winning meant accomplishing all God intended him to accomplish and entering into heaven. Having been inspired by Paul, I, too have changed my definition of winning so that I have won if I fulfilled all that I was suppose to fulfill and loved God and my neighbor while doing that.

I realize that everyone’s definition of winning won’t be the same and that is fine. What I want to encourage everyone to do, especially youth, is to spend some time and really think about what it means for you to win and how you can accomplish this regardless of how your body performs or how your competitors perform. Running is a beautiful thing when every run can be a success. I try and run in such a way that I win everyday. I want to see everyone win every time they race as well. http://blog.mastertheshift.com/Ryan-Hall/

Just a thought.

The Youth have Spoken

a Biblical thought...
Then Jesus cried out, "When a man believes in me, he does not believe in me only, but in the one who sent me. When he looks at me, he sees the one who sent me. I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness. (John 12:44-46)

a Book thought...
Brengle was not of that school which declares all sickness and infirmity to be closely related to sin, and hence outside of God’s purpose and will. (p210)

a Dave thought...
Over the past two decades, The Salvation Army in Canada and Bermuda has experienced a significant decline in church membership and Sunday attendance. Of particular concern has been the loss of many young people. In 2007, the territory began a research project with the hope of gaining a better understanding of the rates and causes of young adult attrition. James Pedlar, a young Salvationist pursuing a doctorate in systematic theology at the University of Toronto, was tasked by The Salvation Army to oversee this project.

When it comes to youth retention, what are the significant issues?
It was challenging to summarize the hundreds of hours of conversations that took place over the past two years, but five themes did emerge that cover the major issues raised. These are: authentic discipleship; unity in mission and diversity of expression; distrust of Salvation Army structure; a variety of views on soldiership and membership; and the desire for changes to officership.

What hope can the Army find in this report?
The strongest reason for the Army to be hopeful for the future is that the idea of The Salvation Army still has a universal appeal. I did not meet one young adult who objected to the mission of the Army. Even young people who have left the Army are still excited about the heritage of the Army, the strong emphasis on mission, and the combination of evangelicalism and a commitment to social justice.

Youth are calling for the Army to be truer to its founding vision and roots. Their feedback is a call to reform and renewal. http://salvationist.ca/2009/10/the-youth-have-spoken/

Just a thought.

Men's Breakfast

a Biblical thought...
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (John 10:10)

a Book thought...
Brengle did as much good across the table with friends as he did in meetings. (p199)
a Dave thought...
This morning I conducted the Men's Breakfast at Carrum Downs. It was a great time as we looked at some scriptures from Paul and enjoyed bacon and eggs. I presented the idea of focussing on what God has in mind, and that no matter what comes our way we must persist. I used the analogy of the Ironman Event held last week in Kona and that as these athletes do a 3.8km swim, 180km on the bike and then a 42km run they show determination but also have lived disciplined lives. With our spiritual lives what are we preparing for and how hard are we training? As when the tough times come it will be our everyday training that will help us get through. As Hebrews 12 states "let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith."

Just a thought.

5

a Biblical thought...
But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. (John 8:6-8)

a Book thought...
Don't be in haste for promotion; don't hanker after an easy job. Promotion may come and find you unprepared for it, and the easy job will leave you spiritually soft instead of strong and athletic. Hard work makes strong muscles and healthy bodies, and spiritual hardships develop spiritual athletes. (p191)
a Dave thought...

I came upon the book '5' last week written by Dan Zadra. It looks fantastic if you are in to goal setting and making things happen. The book has also won awards, have a read below...

The next five years can be the most exciting and satisfying years of your life—or just another five years. Let the 5 book be your guide. Graduating from college? Considering a new career? Inspiring your sales or service teams? Setting goals for retirement? Here’s your inspiration. The 5 book is your "playbook for life." It features thought-provoking quotations and real-life examples to serve as both a spark and a road map for what’s exciting in your life.

“We’re thrilled and honored to be recognized a winner,” commented Kobi Yamada, President & CEO. “Our 5 book was created with great intention to provoke personal thought about all areas of your life. Written as more of a guide book, 5 takes you on a journey of self-discovery, asking important questions and offering quotes and stories for personal inspiration.”
Dan Zadra, Compendium founder and 5 author agrees. “The purpose of this book is to stir your creative juices and to inspire you to really get in touch with your dreams.”
http://www.live-inspired.com/

Just a thought.

Emotional Intelligence

a Biblical thought...
Jesus answered, "My teaching is not my own. It comes from him who sent me. If anyone chooses to do God's will, he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own. He who speaks on his own does so to gain honor for himself, but he who works for the honor of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him. (John 7:16-18)

a Book thought...
I do a great deal of listening. Prayer is not meant to be a monologue, but a dialogue. (p185)
a Dave thought...
Yesterday I came across some papers where the Emotional Intelligence (EQ) of an individual was being assessed. This prompted me to read up on what is all about. Also if you want to do a free online test go to http://http//www.queendom.com/tests/access_page/index.htm?idRegTest=1121

For decades, a lot of emphasis has been put on certain aspects of intelligence such as logical reasoning, math skills, spatial skills, understanding analogies, verbal skills etc. Researchers were puzzled by the fact that while IQ could predict to a significant degree academic performance and, to some degree, professional and personal success, there was something missing in the equation. Some of those with fabulous IQ scores were doing poorly in life; one could say that they were wasting their potential by thinking, behaving and communicating in a way that hindered their chances to succeed.

One of the major missing parts in the success equation is emotional intelligence, a concept made popular by the groundbreaking book by Daniel Goleman, which is based on years of research by numerous scientists such as Peter Salovey, John Meyer, Howard Gardner, Robert Sternberg and Jack Block, just to name a few. For various reasons and thanks to a wide range of abilities, people with high emotional intelligence tend to be more successful in life than those with lower EQ even if their classical IQ is average.

Just a thought.

Unseen struggles in Youth Ministry

a Biblical thought...
Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty. (John 6:35)

a Book thought...
God is educating us, and some of His lessons are hard, but by His grace I shall apply myself to them and learn them. (p177)

a Dave thought... by Doug Fields
After church today, one of my students smiled and said, “Hey Doug, I’ve been clean for a year now.” Knowing how important a one year anniversary is to a drug addict, I said, “That’s great! I’m so proud of you Stephen. That’s really big…way to go.” He said, “Thanks…now all I’ve got to do is stop smoking pot.” Huh? Was he kidding me? As I pursued my confusion I found out that Stephen stopped using Crystal Meth one year ago but has yet to stop using Marijuana. This is a kid who never misses church, he’s a great kid and he’s always serving. He’s one of the last to leave the church because he’s picking up trash, stacking chairs, and helping us clean the room. I’m always excited to see him because he’s one of the few students who makes positive comments about my message.

The reality is, life hurts! And teenage life seems to be dramatized and amplified and kids need an audience and an ear. Every student in your youth group is a day away or one decision removed from the pain that’s hiding around the corner ready to invade their life. That’s why youth ministry is so important! Because of the Stephens’ in our lives. It’s also because of the “church kids” who seem to have it all together but are too fearful to admit their pain or to look inside their heart to see what’s hurting. Don’t be fooled, they hurt too.

Most students may not have addictions like Stephen, but their hurt is real. This is why churches must find caring adults like you to come alongside teenagers to listen, love, and journey with them. Bottom line: kids need adults. They need a neutral adult who has the ears to hear the joy of quitting pot, the tender eyes to notice when braces come off, and the mouths to share words of encouragement. These are qualities of a life changer.

If you’re considering becoming a youth worker…thank you…you are needed.
If you’re about to give up because you don’t think you are needed…don’t…you are.
If you’re a youth ministry veteran…thank you for staying with the journey.

Just a thought.

Open Source Activists

a Biblical thought...
Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, 14but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." (John 4:13)

a Book thought...
Always, whether in the front or rear of the march, whether as Cadet or Commissioner, he was to all available, within reach, ready to serve, anxious to bless. (p167)
a Dave thought... by J.R. Kerr
Over the last few decades, a generation of significant pastors and leaders has encouraged us to raise the bar of leadership within the church. They have drawn heavily from corporate and secular models, and they have elevated the values of excellence and efficiency. But my generation has grown skeptical of these values and the leadership principles that produced them. They are increasingly seen as too corporate, too controlling, and the source of too much consumerism within the church.

My generation is hungry for something more than the 15 principles for building a better team or the 21 reasons why you should be a servant leader. They are not content filling a role on a task force for church growth. They are hungry for more. They want a voice. They want influence. They are a generation that isn't content receiving a vision; they want to be part of shaping and creating the vision. My generation believes in open source influence.

A ministry friend relayed a story that captures the generational shift we are experiencing. He was out to lunch with a volunteer leader from his church to discuss the next layer of the vision for the ministry. After listening for a while, the supporter said to my friend, "You know I am a huge fan of your ministry and I will always support you, but we only hear about your ideas and dreams. We have ideas and dreams too. We have thoughts about how to carry the kingdom of God forward. When do our visions, dreams, and ambitions for ministry get heard?"

My friend retold the story with tears in his eyes, but I felt sick to my stomach. I realized that I have been that kind of leader. I have been the pastor who creates just enough space for people to feel part of the team, but not enough to actually give them authority to shape the direction and look of our ministries. That is the difference between leading via task force and leading via open source. Task forces see people as a way to implement leaders' ministry ideas. Open source sees people as the source of ministry ideas. One model requires leaders to control; the other model requires leaders to empower.

Just a thought.

Reaching Postmodern Generations

a Biblical thought...
But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God. (John 3:21)

a Book thought...
When Brengle was asked if children who kneel at the penitent-form understand what they are doing he responded: "I am pursuaded that the children often see the way more clearly than their teachers. They see God by faith, find Him not with their heads but their hearts." (p155)
a Dave thought...
The Corps Program Department at THQ has just launched their new web site this week. Rebecca Walker has been the main writer and instigator of this new resource and you can see firsthand the great work she has done by going to
http://www.salvationarmy.org.au/corpsresources Here is an excerpt of one of the articles written by Rebecca...

As discussed in the Connecting Forward Conference, instead of waiting for people to come to us, the church should go out and engage them in the contexts where they already spend time. Given the reaction of the postmodern generation against formality and structures, it will be easier to engage them in their recreational spaces rather than attempting to attract them through specialised church programmes [7]. This will be where real relationships can be built, and people will be comfortable to discuss spirituality. Evangelism to these subcultures needs to be treated like intercultural mission, because it is intercultural mission. We need to send missionaries to live amongst the people and to culturally contextualise the gospel for that subculture. Churches should be planted within the subculture, rather than bringing people out of their subculture into the church’s middle-class culture. Bringing people out of their subculture will prevent their future effectiveness in sharing the gospel with their friends.
This approach sits well with the rich history of the Salvation Army as a Missional force for Christ. As John Stanley Jones said, “the ordinary churches and chapels are entirely outside of the range of the outcast. As a rule, [the outcast] will not go to look for religion; it must come and seek him” [8].

Just a thought.

The Southern Gospel Choir

a Biblical thought...
There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together and saying, "It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon." Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread. (Luke 24:34-35)

a Book thought...
I am increasingly convinced that in every meeting where there are children present something should be said that is suitable to them, and the invitation to come to Jesus should include them. (p153)
a Dave thought...
Last night as part of the 125th celebrations I played with the MSB in a concert at the Derwent Entertainment Centre with the Launceston timbrels and the Southern Gospel Choir. It was a fantastic night with the choir showing the amazing appeal Gospel music has today. Their performances included O Happy Day, Steal Away and the funky version of The Hallelujah Chorus. The group is directed by Andrew Legg and connected with the Tasmanian Conservatorium of music. http://www.southerngospelchoir.com.au/
The DC Major Graeme McClimont made note of the fact that there was a 98 year old Salvationist present who has been a soldier for 81 years and suggested she probably had never been to a more entertaining concert by the Salvos. Perhaps he was right.

Just a thought.

Tassie Youth

a Biblical thought...
He withdrew about a stone's throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done." (Luke 22:41-42)

a Book thought...
In his riper years he came to depend less and less upon set statements of theology, believing that every thoughtful Christian became his own theologian. (p143)
a Dave thought...
Last night at the Derwent Entertainment Centre over 80 youth gathered from around Tasmania to celebrate the 125th anniversary of The Salvation Army in this state. It was a great night with a live band featuring the vocal skills of DYS Captain Simon Damen along with many other creative and entertaining moments. Master Chef was one of these, as two youth had a competition to see who could create the best hamburger, while "Ten years younger in Ten minutes" was also a hit.
Commissioners Jim & Carolyn shared the story of their journey and gave great wisdom as they reminded us all that rain falls on the just and unjust, that you need to stay close to Jesus no matter what comes your way.

Just a thought.

New Appointment

a Biblical thought...
Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. "I tell you the truth," he said, "this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on." (Luke 21:1-4)

a Book thought...
The penitent-form was the immediate goal, the focal spot, toward which Brengle's every point in his meeting technique turned. (p135)
a Dave thought...
Yesterday Kylie and myself received farewell orders. Our new appointment is Corps Officers of South Barwon, effective January 13. The new TY's are the very capable Captains Rachel & Rowan Castle who currently serve in chaplaincy and DY in South Australia. We believe the timing is good for both the territory and our family, so we are looking forward to the return to corps ministry. Kylie and I were soldiers at Stawell for the first two years of our marriage in 93 & 94 so the Western Victoria Division brings some great memories for us. Our seven year-old Noah has had hundreds of questions so last night we made the short drive down the highway to Geelong and got to see his new school, home, and the hall. Being 10 minutes from the Surf Coast is very appealing for some of our family. As Kylie and I are both officer children the thought of moving is obviously not new to us but for Noah it obviously quite a deal. Anyway things went well as we toured around our new suburb and when dropped into the hall we even got to hear a great rendition of 'Morning Star' by the South Barwon band. Now for the packing...

Just a thought.

Rebranding the Great Commission

a Biblical thought...
Every day he was teaching at the temple. But the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the leaders among the people were trying to kill him. Yet they could not find any way to do it, because all the people hung on his words. (Luke 19:47-48)

a Book thought...
On the platform I carefully cultivated the conversational style because I soon saw that it was the most effective in speaking to all classes of people. (p123)
a Dave thought... by Greg Stier
It's time to rebrand The Great Commission for a postmodern generation. I propose we call it THE Cause. Why? Because people are into causes today, especially young people (if you don't believe me you need to sign up for Facebook...after your first hundred or so cause invitations you'll change your mind.) And the ultimate cause is the timeless command of Jesus in Matthew 28:19 to "Go and make disciples of all nations...." Here Jesus is calling his young followers to invade and persuade, to make disciples who make disciples, until every nation has heard the good news.

This is THE Cause of causes. While there are some good causes out there that we can be involved with, some goofy causes that we should avoid, there is one cause that we must all embrace. It is THE Cause that Jesus left us with before He ascended into heaven. We are to spend the majority of our time, talent and treasure making disciples who make disciples.

Just a thought.

The Death of the Charismatic Leader

a Biblical thought...
"I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." (Luke 18:14)

a Book thought...
My light was lit to shine where the darkness is, not where all is light and radiance. (p112)
a Dave thought... by Jim Collins

Almost by definition, an enduring great company has to be built not to depend on an individual leader, because individuals die or retire or move on. What's more, when a company's identity can't be separated from the identity of its leader, it can't be known for what it stand for. Which means it sacrifices the potency of being guided by its core purpose.
So the charismatic-leader model has to die. What do you replace it with? The task that the CEO is uniquely positioned to do: designing the mechanisms that reinforce and give life to the company's core purpose and stimulate the company to change.
Building mechanisms is one of the CEO's most powerful but least understood and most rarely employed tools. Along with figuring out what the company stands for and pushing it to understand what it's really good at, building mechanisms is the CEO's role—the leader as architect.
The old role is still seductive, though. Past models have glorified the individual leader, especially when he or she was an entrepreneur. And charismatic-style CEOs understandably find it hard to let go of the buzz that comes from having an intense, direct personal influence. But a charismatic leader is not an asset; it's a liability companies have to recover from. A company's long-term health requires a leader who can infuse the company with its own sense of purpose, instead of his or hers, and who can translate that purpose into action through mechanisms, not force of personality.
However hard the transition to architect might be, there are three issues, affecting every CEO, that encourage it—and eventually may even force it. One: time for creativity. Two: time span. And three: scale.
First, let's discuss creativity. As personally energizing as it is to have an effect on an employee and to touch his or her life, it's so energy absorbing that you're never left with enough time or spirit for real creative reflection or real creative work. Which is what mechanism building should be. The absence of that time is one great source of burnout.
The second concern is time span. Clearly, building a mechanism will have a much longer-lasting effect than leading by virtue of your presence. A mechanism doesn't depend upon you. If a truck hits you tomorrow, the mechanism will still be there.
The last concern, scale, is the most crucial. You can't build something really big just on charisma alone. At some point the scale is too great; you can't reach that many people. If you want something to really grow over time, you've got to build mechanisms that can touch everybody every day. What you get in the end is more reach, more power, the ability to affect more people. It's a leverage game.

This is a fabulous article from Jim Collin's website and although I agree we will always have some charismatic leaders in our movement I believe one of the strengths of The Salvation Army is the fact that we have an appointment system which generally every few years ensures that a personality does not become bigger than the role itself.

Just a thought.

Age-Segmentation Fails

a Biblical thought...
One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan.
Jesus asked, "Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?" Then he said to him, "Rise and go; your faith has made you well." (Luke 17:15-19)

a Book thought...
Every step, indeed, along his whole diversified path had contributed to his development, deepened his understanding, widened his knowledge, expanded his sympathies. (p105)
a Dave thought... by Kara Powell
Rainer Research estimates that 70 percent of young people leave the church by age 22. Barna Group argues that the figure increases to 80 percent by age 30. But there is a strong link between kids staying in church and their involvement in intergenerational relationships and worship.

The Church adopted the age-segmentation model when we realized in the 1940s that we were not offering teens enough focused attention. So what did we do? We started offering them too much. All of a sudden churches had adult pastors and youth pastors, adult worship teams and youth worship teams, adult mission trips and youth mission trips. And there's a place for that. But we've ended up segregating—and I use that word intentionally—our kids from the rest of the church. Now we tend to think that we can outsource the care of our kids to designated experts, the youth and children's workers.

It is like what we do when there were too many of us to fit in one room or around one table at family gatherings. We adopted the two table system. The adult table had pleasant conversation, while the kids' table usually degenerated into a Jelly snorting contest. Theoretically we were having the same meal; but we were having two very, very different experiences. That's what we've done in churches today.

One of the real advantages of being a smaller church is that there is a lot more potential for intergenerational relationships and longer lasting faith. It's a general rule that the bigger the church the more segmented the age groups and generations are from each other. So I look at a church of a hundred and think, Man, what potential there is to have meaningful relationships.

I remember what a privilege it was to be invited to the adult table. Adults underestimate how much kids want to be with us. Kids are far more interested in talking to caring, trustworthy adults than we think they are.

Just a thought.

Start Freedom

a Biblical thought...
Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else's property, who will give you property of your own? (Luke 16:10-12)

a Book thought...
Oh, for more teachers among us! Leaders who know how to read hearts and apply truth to the needs of the people as a good physician reads his patients and applies remedies to their ills. (p94)


a Dave thought...
Start Freedom is a campaign for young people initiated by Stop the Traffik. It is a global campaign for schools and young people who will become aware of the issues surrounding human trafficking and realise the power to make a difference. The aim is to bring an end to child trafficking in the cocoa industry, empower the world's young people to keep those at risk safe.
Support Business Travellers to report trafficking wherever in the world they see it and equip communities taking action against trafficking in their neighbourhood. There is also a push to build a movement of people who will ACT - Active Communities against Trafficking in the Sex Industry. STOP THE TRAFFIK is engaging, empowering, and equipping local communities to take action against trafficking in their area. You can also be a part of the Chocolate Campaign - tackling child trafficking in the cocoa industry.

Just a thought.

Mnozil Brass

a Biblical thought...
For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." (Luke 14:11)

a Book thought...
Sleep became only a necessary evil: he found it impossible to get to bed before midnight, and imperative that he get up no later than 4:30am. (p92)


a Dave thought...
Last night I went to the most amazingly entertaining concert I have been to my entire life. It was part of the Melbourne International Brass Festival and the act was Mnozil Brass. This seven piece Austrian group are not only phenomenal players but also fabulous singers, brilliant comedians and actors. For them to hold the attention of over 500 people for two hours without a spoken word was nothing short of incredible. I was reminded once again that if our music groups are going to connect with people, we need to work so hard on the whole entertainment package. Sure we want to share the gospel but if we can’t hold the attention of those who are listening we may never get a chance. http://www.mnozilbrass.at/

Just a thought.

Revolution Hawaii

a Biblical thought...
Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Luke 12:33-34)

a Book thought...
I do want these people blessed…and when I say blessed I don’t mean made a little better, but convicted, condemned and crucified and then resurrected in Christ to a new and holy life that doesn’t feed on noise and bluster and parade, but that lives on hidden manna, bread that the world knows not of. (p86)
a Dave thought...
It has been a real pleasure to have Rob Noland with us this week as our guest for our Territorial Youth Brengle Institute. Many of us are jealous of his ministry in Hawaii, amidst his passion for surfing as well as being a father of five! Rob is an inspiring communicator and such a genuine guy. The delegates not only loved his sessions but also the way he was always around for a chat. If you are looking for a gap year I’m sure Rev Hi is one worth considering, with Rob heading it up its sure to be challenging, stretching but also fun.

Revolution Hawaii is looking for courageous men and women between the ages of 18 and 29 with warrior hearts and a passion for the lost. These elite few must be willing to sacrifice a year of their life in order to train and serve as urban guerilla missionaries on the front lines of some of the worst battlefields in the Western Territory. Located on the island of Oahu, Revolution Hawaii will deploy these brave soldiers with the mission of loving and serving the poor and needy while at the same time equipping them to be life long warriors for Jesus. This incarnational, hands on ministry is short on talk and heavy on action. Accepted applicants will receive a complete mission experience serving both in an urban setting as well as extreme summer deployments to 3rd world countries. It is guaranteed to be a year that will change lifetimes! www.revolutionhawaii.com

Just a thought.

Separation of Children & Youth not the answer

a Biblical thought...
So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. (Luke 11:9-10)

a Book thought...
Pray much for me, that I may be used to quicken the spiritual life of the whole Army. I want to be so definite and so burning that God will be manifested wherever I go. (p77)
a Dave thought... by Angie Ward
In the early 1950s, American social institutions were inundated with the children from the baby boom. Seeing the unique needs of this new generation, schools, governments, and churches responded with ever more age-specific education. The result was the now familiar separation of children, youth, and adult ministries in most churches.
This type of ministry structure was revolutionary at the time, but now many churches are promoting a counter-revolution: a shift from stratified, age-segregated ministry to intentional integration of children in the overall life of the congregation.
These ministries are radical not in their unusual methods or dramatic implementation, but in the foundational ways they are challenging the status quo regarding the purpose, philosophy, and programming of children's ministry. And in the process, they are transforming their worship communities.

In some US churches elementary-age children are expected to worship with the adults. Parents are offered a variety of resources, ranging from "pew bags" with crayons and activities to help keep little ones quiet, to a CD and brochure about what children can expect and what to look for during the service, and how to prepare for worship as a family. Meanwhile, the church's leaders continue to champion the value of intergenerational worship, both to families and other church members. The weekly bulletin explains the importance of the intergenerational worship experience. Services often include a children's sermon. Wilson regularly communicates his excitement about the presence of kids in the service, and he tells young parents not to worry if their child is fidgeting, because it doesn't bother him. "Teaching our kids to worship is one of the most important things parents have to do."

Just a thought.

movies@church

a Biblical thought...
"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." (Luke 10:41-42)

a Book thought...
My lifetime has been a preparation for preaching. But, more particularly, I prepare my sermons for others by preparing my own heart. (p114)

a Dave thought...
I recently had the pleasure of meeting with Rod Hopping from Heritage Film Distribution. He is a fine Christian man and has developed a company with the tag line "Movies change people, people change the world." One of his initiatives which I believe is simple but brilliant is Movies at Church. https://astounded.tv/moviesatchurch.asp

movies@church is a program that will give you the opportunity to show new release films before they are made available on DVD. We will be bringing you a new film every quarter - that’s a minimum of four movies each year! Some of these films will be so exclusive that they will have never been seen in Australia before - straight from the producer to your screens at church before we make them available to the public. Until now this opportunity has only been available to cinemas around Australia.

movies@church is a simple step by step program which allows you to show the film in a public setting and covers all of the relevant Australian Copyright Laws. The great thing about movies@church is that there is no financial risk involved! Every screening of a movie outside of a home environment requires a Public Screening Licence (PSL). We issue you with the necessary license to hold your screening and supply you with a range of resources to help get the word out about your screening event. The great aspect of movies@church is that you only pay for the amount of people who come to watch the movie. After the event you send us a simple report indicating how many people attended your screening. We then send you an invoice to cover the license fee for your event. The cost per head varies between films although as a rule it is between $2 - $5 per head plus gst.

Just a thought.