In this video, I share three ways you can hone your speaking and teaching to help improve your students’ learning.

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I was happy to receive a new book to review from Alan Rudnick called The Work of the Associate Pastor (Work of the Church) from Judson Press.  It’s a small book that provides an overview of the profession and calling of associate pastors. The book details what it takes to be an associate pastor, the nature of the work of an associate pastor, and the context of ministry.  Alan helps readers out of his own experience, but also shows awareness of a wide range of associate roles, including those from diverse Christian denominations.

Alan talks about the identity crisis that often accompanies being an associate:

As associates, they are called to serve the congregation like any other pastor, but they do so in a role of number two (and sometimes number three or four) pastor.  That functional hierarchy can generate an internal struggle as associates strive to discern and develop their position within the church or community.  After all, aren’t pastors, whether associate or senior or solo, called to the same gospel work as servant leaders of God’s people? (15)

Each chapter includes helpful questions at the end for various types of readers. There are some case studies included as well, though it’s not always clear what the reader is to do with some of them.  The book doesn’t delve into a critique or discussion of professional clergy; its purpose is to help support those in associate roles.  I know of people who serve in associate ministry roles their entire working life, and happily so.

The strongest part of the book, and the reason for purchasing a copy, is PART THREE where Alan discusses the challenges and opportunities of the associate pastor.  He talks about what makes it risky and what makes it rewarding. In this section, he writes with great conviction and provides wisdom for those considering being an associate … or quit being one due to discouragement.

The book isn’t large and it’s not trying to be something other than a helpful practical guide to those in associate roles, churches considering associates, and considering how to make the most of being an associate.

For more on Alan, visit his website, alanrudnick.org.

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Every week it seems like I talk with a person in ministry contemplating a move to a new ministry.  He or she has either been contacted about a new opportunity or they’ve become restless and begun “looking around.”  I get that.  I’ve been there more than once through the years of full-time youth ministry.  It’s difficult to know how/when God is leading or if it’s something else.

There are a few books that are annual reads for me, books that have so shaped me that I conclude I need to read them each year to “stay on track.”  I’ve had Eugene Peterson’s book, Under the Unpredictable Plant: An Exploration in Vocational Holiness, for some time now, but hadn’t ever read it thoroughly. Until this month. Now it may be an annual read – and I think you need to check it out too (if you haven’t already).  

Eugene’s work addresses the difference between a “religious career” (he makes the case that this seduction is idolatry) versus a holy vocation:

These conditions in which pastors work – institution, congregation, and ego – are inescaple and powerful.  Braided together, they make a huge hawser that pulls us away from vocational holiness.  If we are to repudiate a promising career in religion, avoid impressment in the production of idols, and escape Aaronic vanity, we are going to have to put together a strong defense that is at the same time a winning offense.  (88)

Peterson writes out of his own experience with ministry as vocation, “I discovered that I have let culture dictate my opinions and practice of prayer, at times treating it as an oppressor to rebel against (in favor of ministerial action) or unnecessary” (11).  I’ll write more on this at a different time.

I think there are three “litmus tests” we in ministry can use to quickly see if we need to step back and reevaluate.  Not only do these question prompt us to look back at how we’ve been doing, but we can watch our reactions to their results.

1. How common is prayer and Bible study (not just reading) in our lives? Peterson describes this as the slow leak or “spirit loss” that will sink effective pastoral ministry.  (56)
2. How do we respond to the mundane each week, the people with whom we’re placed?  Is there a persistent impatience combined with a self-focused desire for something more attractive?
3. What ambitions and dreams do we have, the kind that make us feel undervalued or unrecognized?  Is there a desire to be known, or as Peterson describes to “expand our influence” (89) or “hog the show” (85) from what God is trying to do where we are currently planted?

There is a health in thorough contentedness. I’ve had to learn that. Ok, I’m learning that.  Being contented to serve in what Peterson describes as the pastoral soil where we are placed.  Yet, some of us wrestle at times with discontent.  We can easily become focused on what’s next in our career steps versus making the most of the week before us.  We can let our consumeristic culture, which champions the next big “thing”, to shape how we think about ministry as a holy vocation and make it a religious career instead.

There is a richness present in your work this week. Nothing is too mundane for you.  It is the “human soil” within which we in ministry toil.  And our field is enough for this week.  God is big enough to lead us to another field when it’s time. In His time.  We don’t need to be looking over the fence while weeds are growing behind us.

Be encouraged! 

What you do in ministry with others this week matters.

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In the midst tragedy and evil/pain, we hurt, cry, get mad, feel despair, and often feel hopeless.  And these moments often seem without reason or purpose.  Some ask why does God let bad things happen to good people?  Yet, we all go through pain, have loved ones die unexpectedly, and deal with sudden tragedy.

For the latest YS Roundtable, I talked with Chad Meister about the topic of pain and suffering in life. Chad is one of the leading speakers/authors in the world on this topic. Beyond that, he’s a great guy who is still involved in ministry each week and rides a motorcycle.

YS Roundtable :: Chad Meister from Youth Specialties on Vimeo.

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That corner you’re tempted to cut isn’t going to help you.

Others take notice when you’re unwilling to help.  Or when you treat others poorly.  And you don’t notice either.

That extra preparation and practice you’re too “tired” to do will be worth every effort you put in to get it just right.

Raising the level of your personal excellence is a personal discipline worth pursuing.

People are watching you even when you don’t think they are.

The truth is that you are always auditioning for future opportunities.

Even if you never change jobs or  move anywhere, people assess your potential for future responsibilities and opportunities.  You’re building your reputation.  Do you show that you can work well with others? Can you communicate effectively?  Do you show the intellectual and emotional growth necessary to show you’re growing as a thinking leader or are you stuck? When you’re given an upfront chance, do you bring a freshness to the event or could anyone do it the way you did it?

My college only hires students to be Resident Hall Assistants at the recommendation the resident hall staff who have watched them live and interact with other students.  People who visit college classes often come with a “job in their pocket” (they’re looking to hire in the next year) and they interact with  students to see if any of them fit.  I’ve seen few college students who understand that and give those interactions their best effort.

Every moment you’re given is worth your best.  You never know what might come of it. As the prophet Zechariah wrote (4:7-10), do not despise small beginnings, because from them God can do great things.  And sometimes what we consider “small beginnings” is actually the rich humus in which strong character grows.

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Perhaps we need to rethink dating.

In the late 1990s, a Christian book titled I Kissed Dating Goodbye (by Joshua Harris) came out and caused a stir in some regions of the Christian subculture.  It created a change in how youth dated in my part of the world and I don’t think it was always a helpful step. We kissed dating goodbye and I think it created even more pressure on some young people.

It used to be you could date people without “commitment,” just go out to a movie or for dinner, maybe share an activity (like biking, bowling, etc.) and it wasn’t automatically expected that you’d have to exclusively  to that person. You could go out with one person one week, with another the following week, and you were just spending time getting to know other people.

If you did that now, you’d be seen as a “player.”

The rules now are that youth start with “talking” and spend time texting (which often means talking, though actual talking is rarely involved) before they move to the more threatening conversations.  At some point the couple has built a friendship (a key point I will come back to) and they have to DTR, or “define the relationship.”  Some boys move to DTR too fast, thinking that because a girl said “Hi” to them in the hallway, she’s interested.  Nope. Sorry. Just friendly. But I thought I was getting some signals from you.

After DTR, they decide there’s something more so they commit to be “going out” together, which is only sealed for sure when it’s “FBO,” or “Facebook Official.” It’s the digital equivalent to the letter jacket, which now everyone at a high school gets for participating in any extracurricular activity if they are willing to pay for it.  What? A trophy?  Just for showing up to the car wash fundraiser on Saturday?  Thank you! 

So, this couple is now committed to each other and STILL really doesn’t know each other well, something that could’ve been achieved through eight weeks of pre-committment dating.  These two “friends” who once talked all of the time are awkwardly put together into a commitment that pressures them to act a certain way in front of everyone.

The problem explodes at breakup:  When one decides that it isn’t going to work, this once close “friendship” that involved talking and time together ends up with two people hardly ever speaking to one another. And it doesn’t say much for the friendship that existed then, does it?

I see it happen often with college students, many of whom would just like the freedom to go out on some dates with people to get to know them better without having to make an exclusive commitment first.

I do want to point you to a book by Gerald Hiestand and Jay S. Thomas that’s been getting some attention – Sex, Dating, and Relationships: A Fresh Approach.  I haven’t read it and I’m not sure of it’s relevance for youth, but you can read a review here and here.

Dating is clearly one of the prominent topics on the mind of people. I think it’s time that youth ministry leaders revisit this topic and nurture some healthy directions for our youth.

Photo courtesy of @creatista\istockphoto, used with permission.

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What makes for a great panel discussion?

One of the more common “creative” methods I see used is that of the panel discussion.  Panel discussions have the potential to be very good, but they also possess the greatest danger (well, next to mime perhaps) of being a big flop if done poorly.  They make me nervous because I know the preparation necessary to make them work.

There are a lot of benefits to using panel discussion!  It gives your audience an opportunity to learn from knowledgeable people regarding a specific topic, to “think along” with experienced experts, and to think about a topic from a range of perspectives.  The key to an effective panel discussion is the interaction among participants as they present information and discuss their personal views.

There are five crucial elements that you will need to address to make your next panel discussion “work.”

1. Be mindful of the content you want to teach.  This is a teaching method, so you’ll still need to write an objective statement for your panel discussion. Some people even suggest you and panel members ought to rehearse a panel discussion for it to go well!  This is not always possible.  Make sure your content is set up in a logical fashion and think through how the discussion will end. More on that later too.
   • You may be asking how can one set up content if the information is panel members.  Generate your best list of questions and provide them to participants ahead of time to give you some early responses so you’ll know what people want to discuss.  Look over these responses for any potential problems or for fresh ideas of where the panel discussion can go.  This will help address the concerns of those who think you need to rehearse.
2. Who is on the panel matters.  This is the “expertise” factor. I once saw a panel discussion on parenting with panel members who had no children over the age of seven.  You could hear the parents of adolescents in the audience snickering to themselves, thinking “you all have no idea what’s coming.”
   • Two problem areas are panel participants who talk too much too long or who have personalities that don’t work well in a group (they’re dominant, speak poorly in public, or have other unique behaviors).
   • Be sure all of your panel members don’t share the same perspective.  Keep it within reason, of course. You don’t want an animal rights activist and an NRA member on the same panel.
3. The interaction is what makes the panel discussion effective.  It’s not the content of each member alone, but how the panel responds to each other and builds off the others’ comments.  It’s up to the moderator to make sure the interaction is vibrant.  The change of speakers helps to hold audience attention. If one person dominates or the moderator doesn’t fuel the interaction, the method loses its strength.
   • Think about some modern-day examples.  The View has used a panel of hosts to keep it interesting beyond what one person could do.  The Youth Ministry Garage video podcast has life to it because we watch the interactions between Doug, Josh, Matt, and Katie and that interaction is part of the content.
4. Answer the audience’s eventual “so what?” question. Most panel discussions are simply content dumps in disguise. The panel presents a lot of information (versus having a discussion with each other, let alone having one with the audience) and when it’s over it just stops with a few phrases muttered by the moderator.  The audience needs to know what they are to do with what they’ve heard, observed, and discussed.
5. Make sure you’re using the panel discussion to develop people.  If you put exemplary people on your panel, make sure your process/format helps people develop their ability to respect others’ viewpoints and feelings.  Since there’s the “think along with experts” element to panel discussions, be aware that your audience will be doing that and work to feature the good thinking from who will sit on your panel.
   • So… repeat after me…….. panel discussion works because of the preparation and the interaction of good panel members.

What have you observed about panel discussions? What has made panel discussions you’ve seen go well and what have you seen that didn’t go so well?

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