NextGenKent

Without challenge there will be no growth. Without expectation there will be no challenge. Why is it that we think if we expect "too much" out of people they will turn away? Didn't Jesus issue commands and ultimatums? Why should His Church not remind His people of these things? I was challenged by a statement from someone in Sunday School that people "like" the way things are going. This "liking-ness" caused me to ponder the "state of the union" and internalize a "declaration of dependence" for the name of Christ. I repeat, Without challenge there will be no growth. Without expectation there will be no challenge. I do not want to bow down to "likingness" as the test for spiritual growth. What I see in fruitfulness is sporadic unquestionable commitment .An abandonment to the statements of Christ across the board. This is reflected in the hard work of hospitality we lack in our home-model of being the body of Christ. W...

I read an article recently that put into words some of the things I have been thinking about regarding youth pastors, more specifically, should churches hire "youth pastors" any more. April Diaz's comments were on track with several things I have been contemplating after growing up in church (18 years of embeded ministry) and being involved in youth ministry (volunteer+part-time+full-time ministry) for around 30 years. You can read the article here: http://fulleryouthinstitute.org/articles/redefining-the-youth-worker Here are some highlights from that article: Hiring a "Student Integration Pastor" Changing the title from Youth Pastor of Director of Youth Ministries isn't enough, but one that reflects the "Philosophical Shifts" the church is seeking to make. Integrating teenagers into the life of the church is an "all-church" mentality, project, and overall big idea. Creating a third culture = a “new way” of not doing ministry ...