I work to raise awareness of missions and global youth and global issues among Christian youth workers. It’s a daunting task at times in the States where we’re doing all we can just to work with the youth in our own context. Still, the church is called to GO and global issues once thought of as “over there” now sit on our doorsteps.
Cultural competency and global awareness are becoming non-negotiables for youth workers committed preparing youth for the 21st century. The old insulated ways, where youth ministry protects kids from the world or just keeps teens active, won’t cut it for a faith that sticks as it is confronted by the problems of the world.
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Posted on Wednesday, December 5th, 2012 at 8:07 AM in THE WORLD, YOUTH MINISTRY. One comment
This week we were reminded of the dire economic situation facing the youth of the world. Since 23.5% of the world’s poor are youth and 75 million youth are unemployed (a number that will keep growing), this presents significant challenges for governments, agencies, churches, and ministries (not to mention families!) in many regions of our world. In fact, all over the world, even the US, high school and college graduates will be in much poorer economic situations than their parents and especially their grandparents were at their age.
When I look over the ‘field’ of youth ministry, I sometimes grow concerned that we can become a vocation focused on running programs, teaching/speaking lessons, or even a personal exercise in leadership and personal status versus one based on Christlike service. As I read through Scripture on ministry like a ‘shepherd’ (I Peter 5:1-11) and the missional and service focus of the New Testament church, I wonder what our responsibility is to the youth in our community, our region, our country, and around the world.
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Posted on Tuesday, February 7th, 2012 at 7:11 AM in THE WORLD, YOUTH MINISTRY. No comments
I recently had the chance to appear on the Converge show on RemedyLive.com with host Derry Prenkert. We discussed short-term missions and the book What Can We Do?. I also sported my Global Youth Initiative T-shirt as well.
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Posted on Monday, October 31st, 2011 at 10:06 AM in THE WORLD, YOUTH MINISTRY. No comments
Today is the official release day for an exciting new book that I co-authored with David Livermore. For quite some time, Dave and I have been helping youth groups discover creative and practical ways to move beyond the borders that often confine youth ministry. As our students’ global awareness increases, and they want to make a difference beyond just going on a short-term mission trip, how can we help lead them? As globalization presses in and reshapes our communities, how do we respond in a Christlike way to the issues and problems?
From the Zondervan website:
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Posted on Friday, August 5th, 2011 at 5:40 AM in CONNECT EFFECTIVELY, THE WORLD, YOUTH MINISTRY. No comments
For those of you in the northern parts of the globe, I hope your summer is off to a fantastic start. For those in the southern hemisphere, hang in there. The days are getting longer now and summer is on its way.
We just returned from a week-long vacation to Arizona. Believe it or not, with all of my travels this was the first time for me to see the Grand Canyon in person. It was overwhelming. In spite of all of the pictures and videos you may have seen, they don’t do it justice. It is spectacular to see it in person, almost worshipful at God’s creative abilities. I recommend a trip there, Flagstaff, and then to Sedona as well. If you go to Sedona, get out of town and tour around the amazing red rock formations.
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Posted on Thursday, June 23rd, 2011 at 9:28 AM in IN THIS CORNER. No comments
Two recent events reminded me, again, of the need for developing a global perspective, particularly among Americans. I hosted a prominent global youth worker this past week; he and I had never met before. As our conversation developed, he said, “Well, I’ll be honest with you because I can see you have a global perspective” and then he shared his heart about some matters. The truth is that there is always another level of honesty, an ability for one to be truly who they are, when engaging in cross-cultural conversations. And the axiom is: People from other cultures are hesitant to be candid with Americans until they discern whether we are ‘safe’ and possess the ability to see the world through other cultures’ vantage points. I came away from that meeting renewed in my commitment to help others (and to keep learning myself) how to have a global conscience.
The second event was a regional meeting with leaders in urban youth ministry and camps. As the conversation ranged and we discussed some of pressing multicultural issues, I mentioned the forthcoming book, What Can We DO?, that I co-authored with David Livermore. They surprised me with their strong enthusiasm for the book and that they were interested in finding ways to purchase quite a few to get them in the hands of the youth ministry leaders in their organizations.
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Posted on Thursday, May 5th, 2011 at 6:51 AM in THE WORLD, YOUTH MINISTRY. No comments
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