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…

Her world is about to change! A year ago my daughter graduated from college, came home for two weeks and headed off to an internship in Virginia doing youth ministry.  Now, she is about to be married and a few weeks after that start her first job as a Youth Director at a relatively large…

Our Youth Commission is comprised of cheerful servants who demonstrate spiritual maturity and leadership gifts and desire to develop skills while serving our Lord. This leadership group serves on youth events as well as at Diocesan Convention each year. Their role in events includes leading small groups, sharing testimonies, leading activities, and providing behind the…

In Judges 2:10 we read “And there arose another generation after them who did not know the LORD or the work that he had done for Israel.” We see a pattern in the Old Testament that mirrors the dilemma the church faces today.  When the next generation does not know the Lord, they become rebellious…

In the last issue of the diocesan newspaper, there was an excellent little article buried towards the back.  It really resonated with me.  Bp Allison is a rather brilliant man. I post it here for the sake of Anglican readers.

Rooted hopes to take another step closer to the ultimate youth ministry conference experience with our 2015 gathering in Chicago on October 22-24. Rooted is a ministry driven by practicing youth ministers. Consequently, we know the struggles and needs of the everyday youth minister, fighting the good fight in the trenches. Here is what we…

I was listening to a webinar the other day on writing and the speaker said something that struck me as doubly useful, meaning it’s helpful in more than one way.  He suggested writers (specifically bloggers) should approach a world view rather than a topic.  I immediately got excited by this idea even though he hardly…