Youthmandan's Blog

A Church Philosophy

youthmandan — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 17:37:24 +0000

I recently read a church mission statement that I loved it said “Make disciples, love others.” I almost asked myself who came up with that and then I slapped myself and said JESUS. I realize that we have a million Pastors, Theologians, and College Professors out there writing about the topic of church. For example questions like What is a church? What’s it’s purpose? What should a biblical church look like? It’s obvious we never get a set answer to any of these, otherwise top selling books like “Purpose Driven Church” would’nt have made it to the top. In this brief blog I’d like to put out two simple views on Spiritual Development in the church and a Philosophy on how to do church.

How do we grow Spiritually? First I just want to say I think we as a church we have a tendency to put Spiritual growth in a box . Why because as a pastor the number one thing that pops into my head when I hear Spiritual Growth is reading my Bible or praying. This isn’t wrong or even far from true but is it what defines spirituality. The more I read the more spiritual I am right? Wrong. The more I love then the more I may be like Christ. Here’s

How we do church? We do church in many different ways, but I read a passage in Luke 14:7-14 that put a whole new spin on church. Plainly put instead of worrying if the people with the money fill the pews lets try inviting those who need it. Jesus said this over and over “take care of those who need care”.

and when it come to religion read James 1:26-27 We will never have it altogether. We’ll never fully figure it how.

Stick with Scripture People….

I Fit in Him

youthmandan — Fri, 08 May 2009 21:18:22 +0000

I decided to post a poem from a Sr. high student in San Pedro Ca. He’s a member of our youth ministry. Its powerful enjoy

I Fit In With Him
by Shane Webster

i dont fit in with the nerds
because im not smart enough

i dont fit in with the stupid people
because im too smart

i dont fit in with the “normal” people
because im too weird

i dont fit in with the “weirdos”
because im too weird

will i ever fit in with anyone
will i ever find my place

i dont fit in with the jocks
because im not athletic enough

i dont fit in with the fat kids
cause im too athletic

i dont fit in with the outcast
because im too outcasted

i dont fit in with the “in” crowd
because im too “out”

will i ever fit in with anyone
will i ever find my place

maybe i could fit in if i changed enough
but i dont want to change

maybe i can fit in if a tried hard enough
but what would be the point

then i relize
i fit in with Him

He Loves me
no matter how smart i am

He Loves me
no matter how weird i am

He Loves me
no matter how athletic i am

He Loves me
no matter how “in” or “out” i am

He Loves me
and i dont even have to change

He loves me
for who i am

He loves me
no matter what i do

so whats the point in changing
if He Loves me no matter what

i will never change
as long as i am OK in His eyes

i will always be OK in His eyes
because He Loves me no matter what

so to all those who want me to change
i say to them whats the point

Bible Study Method For Teaching- Dan Britton

youthmandan — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 22:39:35 +0000

I. Read Passage that is being studied.

a. Re-read about 3-4 times.

b. Don’t hesitate to read it in other versions as well.

II. Read surrounding passages to gain context.

a. Chapters before and after.

b. Read more for extra background.

III. Printout passage to observe. (Double spaced)

a. Read through making verse by verse observations.

b. Write out any

i. Questions

ii. Illustrations

iii. Personal application

iv. Cultural application

IV. Go to sources outside the bible.

a. Study bible

b. Commentaries

c. Word studies

d. Sermons on the passage

e. Curriculum that might apply

V. Type an outline

a. Fill in the blanks with observations and study notes that parallel.

Call and Vision in Ministry

youthmandan — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 17:53:59 +0000

My initial call into ministry started in 1999. I was planning on attending LB State to study music but felt a strong pull by the Lord to use my past as a testimony to youth. Next thing I knew I was attending Biola University striving for a BA in Christian Education. I saw a clear calling to use my musical talent and speaking skills to ministry to youth. I was then placed in a Urban Church in San Pedro Ca. and have been there for 8 years.

One of the ways I’ve realized God affirmed my education is by the practical ways I’ve been able to apply what I’ve learned to my context. To be honest there isn’t a lot that excites me, but when studying how to help teens know Christ I’m motivated to serve.

My call relates to my vision in many ways but specifically in the empowerment of youth to lead and share their faith. I’ve been called to a ministry where everyone has potential to be ambassadors for Christ. I‘ve truly seen myself as a bridge to that potential in each individual.

I see God taking me to a new level in the next 6-8 months. I’ve recently felt new passions that I think God will define in me as I seek his will for them. He finally led me to the truth that I need to learn his will not look for it like it’s lost. It is clearly said in Psalm 143:10 “Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.”

Discipling Urban Youth

youthmandan — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 18:09:13 +0000

Discipleship of Urban Youth

–urban area is an area with an increased density of humans and structures in comparison to the areas surrounding it. Differences in an urban community from a suburban community: Spiritual: Spiritual needs of the Teen in an urban area are the same but the style they receive it is different. Emotional: Dealing with an extremely broken culture in an urban area that isn’t necessarily resourced to help. Everyone has baggage but in an urban community it’s amplified because of the generational repetition. Physical: Population, Crowded schools and neighborhoods Cultural: which we’ll talk more about in a minute. The one thing that doesn’t change is Jesus Christ and the need for a savior. Hebrews 13:8

1. Discipleship of Urban Youth involves knowing the students culture. There will be diversity, (obviously true in every church) in race, economic or ethnicity. A multiethnic movement is happening in every environment in the Country. Urban America is where it was born.

2. Discipleship of Urban Youth involves knowing the students skills or gifts. Tap into the things they do: Use the giftedness in them.Its Helps them be part of the church and gives them ownership. In some ways Peer leadership works better then adult leadership.

3. Discipleship of Urban Youth involves knowing Urban teen trends. Find out what there listening to, watching, smoking, sexing. Anywhere you minister you need to know what Satan is using to fight the Word of Truth.Understanding trends will help you communicate the gospel to them.

Challenges in discipling urban youth…

(a) No understanding of the bible or the practice of Christian faith.

(b) No understanding of outside world or any other culture but their own.

(d) Broken homes.

(i) Families with multiple parents,

(ii) Addiction of parents.

(iii) Values in the family rarely exist.

Approaching Substance Abuse in Youth Ministry

youthmandan — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 22:10:04 +0000

Approaching Substance Abuse in Ministry
Approaching substance abuse in ministry is a hard task but can be achieved. These personal rules apply to any ministry context. First of all “Don’t hesitate to teach about it.” You’ll be surprised when you tell your students that the topic is going to be drugs and alcohol and everyone actually shows up to hear. They want to talk about it. Why? They want topics that they are familiar with, and believe me they are very familiar with the trend of using drugs or alcohol. By teaching I don’t mean preaching at them telling them they are sinner and it’s wrong. They know it’s wrong so it’s more appropriate to teach that God calls us to be obedient to him. I Peter 1:14(NLT) says “Obey God because you are his children.” That same passage talks about not conforming to the evil desires we once had similar to what Paul means by saying,
“present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of you mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:1-2 NKJV).

This is also a great way to teach them about substance abuse. Conforming to the world leads to corrupting behavior, and loss of self control. In I Peter 2:11 we are reminded to look at the eternal perspective in all things on this earth, and to “abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul.” I also tell them to run from the temptation they are faced with. II Timothy 2:22a (NLT), “Run from anything that stimulates youthful lust…”
Secondly, don’t hesitate to calls kids on it. When you know you know, and in some cases it may be obvious. It’s important never to neglect our role as leaders therefore we must guide others towards repentance from sin and addictions.
Galatians 6:1(NLT) Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself.

Don’t hesitate to get parents involved. “Any parent actively involved in a child’s life will be able to notice evidence of drug and or alcohol abuse” (Arterburn, 1998, p.21) Parents need to be encouraged to continue activities that will help prevent the use of drugs or alcohol. Simple things like eating dinner with the family regularly, being concerned about a students school work, verbally addressing feelings that using drugs are morally wrong, not drinking or using themselves, and attending church regularly as a family. The 2006 CASA survey reported the following information about parental involvement. The reality of a growing adolescent drug problem should serve as a wake-up call to every all parents who are tempted to say, “It will never happen to us.” Every one of our children will be faced with a decision about drugs and alcohol. Parents play the most significant role in helping children make those decisions. Parents, who set a good example, talk openly about drugs, and who live and teach biblical theologies of substance abuse are more likely to raise children who won’t become statistics.
Don’t hesitate to give them a second, third, fourth and or fifth chance. Forgiveness needs to be a high value in our church ministries. Youth especially, need to know they can make mistakes suffer the consequences yet be forgiven. Matthew 18:21-22 says, Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?” “No!” Jesus replied, “seventy times seven!
The tendency when dealing with a problem like this is to assume that we know the situation and have an answer that will work. We may have answers but an addiction can’t be dealt with overnight. I follow a three fold method of approaching these specific needs.
The initial step is to get a clear assessment of their current situation. Evaluate the student and find out what is going on within their life that could be leading to this activity. Keep in mind this step can’t be forced. This is the relational introduction and can start with basic questions, and listening skills. Don’t come on to strong, give the student time to see that you are genuine. This time will allow you to identify some of the keys problems that need intervention. The next step is to address the issue. This step is the hardest and usually most uncomfortable, but can’t be avoided. If you are sure that they are using remember “don’t hesitate to confront them.” Muellar said, “Delay only allows a bad situation to get worse.” This is where we come to them in love, and encourage them to change. Never stop telling them that you care and are ready to support them. Don’t force a change because we are only directors not enforcers, they have to identify the need in themselves in order to want to change.
A young person who is involved in the use and abuse of drugs is in critical need of help, and while there must be no wasted time in getting help to the youth, the pastor, teacher, youth worker, or parent will not succeed by preaching to the young person nor by urging him or her to get a grip on yourself. (Mcdowell, 1996, 407)

The final step is to apply a plan for recovery and future prevention. We want to help them figure out clear steps towards change and then keep them accountable. Keep in mind we are monitors during this step. We strive on seeing fruit and this is where we see it. It isn’ t wrong to refer them to a professional drug and alcohol facilities if the situation calls for it. Just remember it is essential to involve the parents in the recovery plan.

Help Teens…

youthmandan — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 23:52:59 +0000

Have you ever grounded your teen, but didn’t really know the reason why? Have you ever asked your child how their day was yet all they said was “fine” which left you uneasy? Trust me, your not the only one, but let’s face it teens today aren’t the same as they used to be (well you used to be)!” They can gain access to a rated R lifestyle within seconds, and you’re asking yourself “why is my teen acting the way their acting?” There’s no better way to know your child then by knowing your child’s culture. This course is built not to teach parents how to raise there teen but to help them see what their teen is being raised in. Teens have there own culture and it isn’t always understood by a parent, but can be seen just a little clearer.

Adolescence is a time of overwhelming change, questions, and a search for answers. Teens are unaware what direction to go yet are presented with an abundance of options. The thoughts and feelings they experience influence what behaviors they develop as teens. Their behavior isn’t just based on trends but on how they see themselves and how others see them developing. HELP TEENS