Category: Youth Ministry

I read an article today that I never in a million years imagined I would ever read!  It addressed the subject of gender formation as a response to the recent announcement of Target stores to remove gender classification from their children’s areas. The news of the Target announcement was also something I would never have…

The Timmy Brothers – Water Makers from Paul Riccio on Vimeo.A short look at the Timmy Brothers, Brooklyn–based makers of bespoke drinking water. Bill and Terry Timmy are introducing handcrafted water to the world with an almost pathological attention to craftsmanship and a thirst for helping people become less thirsty.The Timmy Brothers. They make water.

On Sunday I had the privilege of preaching in a friends church while he was on vacation. As I prepared for it, I tossed aside the idea of reworking a sermon I had already preached at our cathedral and instead took on an emotionally challenging Psalm.  I felt led to speak very vulnerably in it.…

John Piper has a blog post up that I think is worth reading.  In it he challenges teens to be free and ultimately to redefine what it means to be a teen.  He starts: I am writing for the liberation of teenagers. I write to challenge teenagers to “live as people who are free” (1…

It’s almost always awkward attending church when visiting our families.  My wife’s parents still attend the church of her childhood, the church we were married in. My mom is still active in the church I grew up in as well.  Both are part of denominations that are going the progressive route, though at different paces.…

I meant to post this more than 6 months ago…What the heart loves, the will chooses, and the mind justifies. According to Dr. Ashley Null, this is a key part of the theology of Thomas Cranmer.  Dr. Null is an expert on Cranmer who also teaches church history. If this phrase is true, and it…

Years ago I wanted to take a group of teens to Russia where my church was starting a seminary.  I thought it would be really cool if we could help renovate the buildings they had bought for the seminary.  My pastor emphatically said no.  I was shocked.  He then explained that we can send a…

It was the most amazing day! My little girl, now 24 years old, no longer bears our last name.  I walked her down the aisle and gave her hand to a wonderful man of God.  They exchanged vows and now my little girl is the new Mrs James Sral. It is stunning to think about.…

The continuation of advice for that first youth ministry position.  Of course this stuff is timeless, meaning it is very relevant all along one’s ministry. Establish good habits and patterns early. The first impressions we make on people will last longer than we care to admit. Habits and patterns we develop early are more likely…