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01 :: Tools for Times of Crisis
02 :: Summer Shortcut
02 :: Zone Updates & Articles
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Tools for Times of Crisis
by Paul Evans & Al Millergren
1. Ask for guidance. As in any area of life, don't try to go it
alone. Seek the counsel of two major influences. First, ask God for
His guidance. No crisis surprises Him with its complexities. No
crisis is so great that God can't overcome it. Ask the Lord to
reveal the correct direction, and the best solution for the dilemma.
After talking with God, talk with someone who you know has been
through a similar crisis. The solution that worked for that person
may work for you. Call other youthworkers and find out if they have
any teens facing a similar struggle, and ask how they are dealing
with it.
2. Face the crisis head-on. Closing our eyes and hoping the storm
will pass isn't the best solution. When we fail to meet the problem
head-on, or worse, pretend it doesn't exist, the situation
intensifies and more people end up hurt.
The steps taken depend on the situation. If a girl is pregnant in
your group and is afraid to tell her parents, you may need to
intercede for her. If one of your senior guys blows his university
scholarship by driving while drunk, you may have to help him get
counseling and vouch for his character. Nothing about getting
involved with someone's crisis is pleasant, but as ministers we are
called to help mend the broken.
3. Attack the problem, never the person. "Love the sinner,hate the
sin." People's problems are personal to them. It is difficult for
individuals to separate our comments about their behavior from
comments about them. To prevent teens from getting the idea that
you are attacking or condemning them, use terms that distinguish
their problem from their person. Never say, "You are a liar, and
always have been." Instead say, "Lying never solves the problem,
does it? What are some ways that lying has caused the problems in
your life." There is a difference is calling a teen a liar, and
admitting that they have a sin problem with lying. This isn't to
lessen the crisis, but to keep the individual from being impossible
to reach because of their negative esteem.
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02 :: Shortcut Your Youth Ministry
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The ZONE from Teen Life has been called the "Ultimate Youth
Ministry Shortcut." Here's how the Zone can help you this Summer...
Class - since you need more time with the teens. Select your lesson
from the Zone a week early. Block time for review and customizing
for your group. http://tinyurl.com/27tlkd
Devotionals - Head to the devotional section and print out a few to
have in your bible. As the day closes out on your trips or
adventures, you'll have some thoughts handy that will involve the
group. http://tinyurl.com/6s7yag
Email quiet times - Unfortunately all the teens will not be
involved. You can email quiet times to the group and include them. http://tinyurl.com/23es49
Personal Growth - Don't overlook yourself. Make sure once a month
you block out time for a "Dawn Till Dusk" personal reflection
retreat. http://tinyurl.com/2faxo9
Games - if you find yourself with some extra time this summer -
which may not be possible - grab a quick game for the group. http://tinyurl.com/6yyns9
Links to all the updates are available directly from the homepage:
1 Timothy Lesson 9 - Do you have what it takes to be a teen? Zone
members click here to download this week's bible lesson with
outline, powerpoint, handout and discussion guide.
Promoting Class Discussion - 1. Make sure the subject is relevant.
A class on The Christian Symbolism in World War II might be of some
interest (maybe) to someone in your church, but not to teens. http://tinyurl.com/4xv2lq
Ministry Frustration - 1. Losing teens. Whether to the world,
another group, or relocation, losing a teen pulls a minister... http://tinyurl.com/3gs4xy
Getting Volunteers - 1. Don't wait till the last minute. Begin
early with your recruiting for several reasons. Most adult
volunteers have... http://tinyurl.com/3krdvm
Time Management Tips - 1. Begin each day and project with prayer.
Instead of thinking about managing your... http://tinyurl.com/4z3pjf
"I have noticed a huge difference in our group since joining The
Zone. They talk about how they love the classes, the handouts, and
the PowerPoint. Because of the training I'm getting I understand
the teens better and have been able to reach out to them more
effectively. Thanks for the great work. Keep it up!"
Member 4 Life,
John Amos
Florida Youth Minister
free online resources for youth ministry.
Youth devotionals, youth bible study, Christian speaker - teen life
ministries takes the guess work out of youth work.
