Finding identity, belonging, and purpose in a competitive world
Competition is present on the field, in the classroom, and in the workplace. It is deeply formative—impacting the identity, belonging, and purpose of young people.
4 ways to partner with parents (even when you aren’t one)
One finding that really struck our team in particular was the importance of partnering with parents, because they are the primary spiritual influence in their kids’ lives. That means one of the best ways I can invest in students is by coming alongside their parents.
Discipleship
How to recover from handling Scripture poorly in your ministry
I keep my favorite Bible on the bottom shelf of our living room coffee table. Most mornings, in between exercising, checking email, and getting our family ready for the day, I sit in our living room for at least a few minutes and center myself in prayer and Scripture. Time in God’s Word is a priority for me.
Which is why it’s surprising that I’ve often handled Scripture so poorly in youth ministry.
Reading Scripture with immigrant youth: Let the children come to me
Moving to a new country or just across town is filled with hope and fear, ups and downs, excitement and anxiety. There are both new things to learn and pain for the things that will no longer exist.
Yet we know we are not alone in this experience, for human migration is as old as Creation. Remember Adam and Eve leaving the garden? Or Abraham? Moses and the people of Israel? Even Jesus himself was a refugee! Although factors vary, we read throughout Scripture about movement and displacement due to famine, slavery, and in some cases death.
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Finding abundance through reclaiming our immigrant stories
Jun 22, 2018 -
Neighboring well as an ethnic-specific church
Jun 01, 2018 -
When church is family: 4 ways to fuel warmth with young people
May 18, 2018 -
4 healing steps for leaders of color serving in white spaces
Apr 13, 2018 -
Guiding values for multicultural youth ministry
Mar 29, 2018
How to explore questions about science and faith in your ministry
Taking that first foray into the realm of science and faith can be difficult. But it is increasingly necessary if we are to facilitate lifelong faith in our youth.
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Talking about hypocrisy in the church
Jul 24, 2018 -
Processing the tragedy of school shootings
Feb 15, 2018 -
“I don’t believe in anything anymore”: How to respond when young people doubt God
Aug 04, 2017 -
Why doubt needs to have a place in your youth ministry this year
Aug 18, 2016 -
Bono and Eugene Peterson: An Exclusive Interview
Apr 26, 2016
Three reasons you shouldnt call your teenager a tech addict And five things you can do instead
You don’t need us to tell you that mobile devices are pervasive in our culture, specifically among teenagers. Roughly 3 out of 4 teenagers own a smartphone today in the US, granting unprecedented access to and constant contact with their peers and indeed the entire world.
Last week Common Sense Media released a comprehensive research brief on technology addiction among kids and teenagers. Addiction has been a buzzword swirling around young people and digital media for a while.
We’re as concerned as anyone about this at FYI.
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Phantom Community: Whats the Power of Talk in a Digital Age?
Jan 21, 2016 -
How can I help my family recover from a post-holiday digital tech hangover?
Jan 07, 2016 -
Should I Buy My Teen an Apple Watch for Christmas? 4 Questions to Consider
Dec 17, 2015 -
How do I help my 13-year-old with social media- without losing my mind?
Dec 10, 2015 -
Why technology is the one area of our family thats not fair
Dec 01, 2015
Finding identity, belonging, and purpose in a competitive world
Competition is present on the field, in the classroom, and in the workplace. It is deeply formative—impacting the identity, belonging, and purpose of young people.
