Being “Good News” in our Neighborhoods

Posted on: 05/1/12 11:29 AM | by Jonathan McKee

I liked Adam McLane the first time I met him. Adam’s hard to describe: tech geek, youth worker, heart for Christ, father, husband, thinker… all these descriptions probably represent him, but he’s way more than the sum of all the parts. What you get is a man of God who is knowledgeable, passionate and willing to take risks for the cause of Christ. Some might even call him edgy… I call him brother.

Recently Adam and Jon Huckins launched a new 6-week curriculum called Good News in the Neighborhood. This fun little resource packs YouTube videos, stories, Bible studies, small group questions and more to help young people think about what it actually looks like to live as a sent people being Good News in their homes, schools and neighborhoods. I like it, not only because it gives me a better glimpse into the heart of Adam, but also because it brings us back to the basics of what Jesus did.

A Timely Accident
Adam and I are both giggling. Neither of us knew about each others’ evangelism curriculum, and as it happened, they were both released at the exact same time. It’s funny to compare Adam’s curriculum with my brand new evangelism curriculum, REAL CONVERSATIONS. In short…

– Adam’s curriculum equips young people to seek relationships with the lost, and encourages them to have faith conversations.

– My curriculum encourages young people to seek relationships with the lost, and equips them to have faith conversations.

Both are so needed (It’s almost as if we planned the same week release).

Something Unique
Of all the numerous positive aspects of Good News in the Neighborhood, the facet I like the most is that it encourages students to do something that evangelism trainings often overlook: taking time to simply notice others. In the first week of the curriculum, after discussing what it would look like to be a light in our neighborhood, we’re assigned to go to a coffee shop with a notebook and a pen and write down what we observe–people watching 101. In week two we analyze the data we collected, sharing information, and asking questions like:

–       What are new things you learned about our community?

–       Looking at everyone’s observations, were there patterns that seemed important?

Eventually the curriculum proposes: “As we take the time to observe our neighborhood and train ourselves to take notice of our neighbors, it’s only natural to begin to ask how you can make things better.”

Instead of providing random theories from the author, the curriculum plops us down in front of scripture, and then prompts us to pull application from it to walk as Jesus walked and serve as Jesus served.

Here’s what I like about this curriculum:

  1. It’s “out of the box.” This curriculum isn’t your normal evangelism training. It asks questions that students haven’t been asked before and it stretches students in new ways.
  2. It’s grounded in scripture. Each week the curriculum has students digging through scripture studying Jesus and the early church. This training has Jesus at the heart of it.
  3. It bleeds missions. This is probably the exact kind of training I’d take students through before a missions trip, local or foreign. It trains students how to take notice of the needs around them and live like Jesus lived.

Great curriculum!

I asked Adam if he would discount this curriculum for you- my blog readers. He knocked off $10 if any of you buy it this week and use coupon code SOURCE12 at checkout. Here’s THE LINK at TheYouthCartel.com.

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It’s Here!

Posted on: 04/25/12 3:55 AM | by Jonathan McKee

As a Zondervan author, I usually get a shipment of my books/DVDs a few weeks before they hit the shelves. This Monday my brand new REAL CONVERSATIONS arrived! So right now. I’m offering the DVD and combo Participant’s Guide/Leader’s Guide on my site for less than $20 total (and we’re giving FREE SHIPPING in the US).

I’ve been getting some really good feedback about this curriculum so far. Doug Fields said:

“REAL CONVERSATIONS HELPS TEENAGERS THINK ABOUT THEIR FAITH, THEIR APPROACH, AND PROVIDES REAL EXAMPLES OF HOW TO SHARE THEIR FAITH STORY. I’M THRILLED FOR THIS NEW RESOURCE TO BE OUT!”- Doug Fields

The curriculum features four sessions on the DVD, each about 12 minutes long, the last session a little longer because it features a scene between two teenage girls having a “faith conversation” where one girl shares her faith story in a real way. I had a group of 5 or 6 teenagers help me with the writing of that scene, keeping it real… not forced.

The participant’s guide features some devotional questions for students, then leaders’ notes with large group activities, small group questions… all you need for a full four-week evangelism curriculum.

In short, this training will encourage Christian teenagers to live authentic lives and gives them tools to reach out to their friends in ways that won’t give them cold sweats! The message is simple: an authentic faith creates opportunities to talk about Jesus.

CLICK HERE TO GET THIS TRAINING FOR LESS THAN $20

Vote for Your Favorite Video

Posted on: 04/16/12 5:25 PM | by Jonathan McKee

It’s time for you to vote on the best “bad evangelism” video.

This fun little contest launched with the approach of my brand new evangelism curriculum, REAL CONVERSATIONS, which will be on the shelves in less than a month now (you might have already noticed it on sale on our web site right now for just $19.49, which is $10 off). I’m really excited about this curriculum. I’ve been getting emails for years from people who couldn’t afford to fly somebody out for the weekend to train their student leaders, asking me about some good “do-it-yourself” training options. Now here’s a four-week full curriculum for less than $20 –on our site– that will help you motivate and equip your kids to reach out. It has four sessions on DVD plus individual study guides for the teenagers, and a leaders guide that includes large group activities, small group questions… everything you need! Not too shabby.

Since the DVD training includes some vignettes about “how NOT to share your faith,” Youth Specialties announced this training with a “Bad Evangelism” contest. Youth groups submitted videos, and YS selected four finalists.

Watch the four finalists and vote here–quite a variety to choose from. The first one, the “Evangelism Linebacker” was probably the most polished and commercial-like. But the second one really captured some snapshots of evangelism blunders that might be a little too real for many youth groups. Kudos to them for the forethought that went into this video. The third one was more of a look at bad evangelism from the pulpit (Really funny for a home-made video… I love the organ). The fourth was another creative idea of how NOT to share.

In general, it looks like youth groups really had a fun time with this little contest. Hopefully it spurred some thinking about how to really have these kinds of “real conversations.”

Cast your vote. Voting is from now until 4/23.

Something Unique from Doug and Jim

Posted on: 04/9/12 3:35 PM | by Jonathan McKee

I got a little something for everyone today: free books, free admissions to a brand new conference you’re gonna love, 50% discounts, and… a new workshop I’m launching.

UPDATE: We’ve posted winners of this contest near the bottom of this post!

I’ve been looking for a venue to introduce my new parenting workshop, “Get Your Teenagers Talking,” so when Doug Fields called me a few weeks ago and asked me to teach the parenting track at their FAM Conference, May 10-12 in Southern CA… I knew this would be the place to debut this fun new workshop where I help parents open up the channels of communication in their homes and connect with their teenagers.

I also thought this would be a good opportunity to give away some free stuff to my blog readers, like two free admissions to the FAM Conference! For those who don’t win, Doug has provided me with a code for all of my blog readers that will give you 50% off admission if you sign up in the next two weeks. (More on these prizes and discounts in a minute.)

I really love what Jim Burns and Doug Fields are doing with this fun little conference at Azusa Pacific University. Jim and Doug are hosts, and they’ve brought out some amazing speakers like Jim Daly, George Barna and Dr. John Townsend (to name a few). Then they offer different tracks like my parenting track, a “Sticky Faith” youth ministry track taught by Kara Powell, or the children’s ministry track taught by author/speaker Christine Yount-Jones. There are 8 tracks total (see here).

One element I really like is the fact that, in addition to the tracks you choose, the FAM Conference offers Saturday seminars taught by all the workshop teachers so attendees can get a taste of a different track. So, for example, you could attend Kara’s youth ministry track on Friday, then come to my parenting track Saturday, which is when I’ll be debuting my “Getting Your Teenagers Talking.” (Friday I’m teaching my “Parenting the Texting Generation” workshop.)

But I guess the element that is the biggest plus of this conference is something that Jim and Doug have always brought to their conferences… personal attention. This conference offers very intimate sessions where you’ll have a chance to interact with the speakers. Plus, speakers like Jim, Doug and myself always make ourselves available at these kind of conferences to talk with you over meals and even one-on-one times. Well worth the price… especially the 50% discount price!

This conference is only about 5 weeks away! So let me cut to the chase and give you the DISCOUNT and CONTEST DETAILS:

50% Discount to FAMConference– Just pop on this page to register and enter the word “Doug” (no quotes) in the “special code” box and you’ll receive a 50% discount off all who register! (If you win the contest, your money will be refunded.)

Free Admission to FAMConference(UPDATE: This winner for this has now been chosen- we’ll post it soon!) I’m giving away two free admissions to this conference. The contest is simple. Just submit a comment in this blog and complete this sentence: “I’d definitely attend a parenting workshop if the speaker…” I’ll randomly draw a winner in just a few days and post it on my blog. And just for fun, I’ll go ahead and throw a couple copies of my parenting book in the mix of prizes, Candid Confessions of an Imperfect Parent.

WINNERS: Congratulations to David Shade of Whittier, CA! You are the winner of the two free passes to this FAM Conference! (Make sure we connect there! I’d love to meet you!)

Congratulations to the following people who won copies of my book, Candid Confessions of an Imperfect Parent. Use the CONTACT US button at the top of this blog to email me your address so I can send you a copy!

Sharon Stoltzfus

Brandi Barnette

For more details about the FAMConference, go to FAMConference.com

If you’re interested in bringing me out to your city to teach this new parenting workshop, Getting Your Teenagers Talking, CLICK HERE.

A Free Book with Every Contest Entry

Posted on: 03/27/12 1:02 PM | by Jonathan McKee

Youth Specialties just launched a fun “Evangelism Gone Bad” contest, where youth groups upload to YouTube a one-minute video showing what awful evangelism looks like among teenagers. The winning youth group gets a ton of free goodies: a free copy of my upcoming DVD evangelism curriculum, Real Conversations: Sharing Your Faith without Being Pushy; up to 50 Participant Guides for this curriculum, AND… a copy of every book I’ve written for YS.

Here’s the video we made for the contest (note how I incorporated the eye injury in the video… hee, hee).

Click here for all the contest details.

As if this wasn’t enough… I decided that I’d up the ante just a lil bit, and reward each and every youth leader who is my blog subscriber and decides to enter this contest! I’ll make it simple. If any youth group makes a video and submits it, I’ll send that youth leader a free copy of my book about relational evangelism, Do They Run When They See You Coming. (The new DVD curriculum was actually inspired by this book about reaching out to “the Unchurched.”)

So don’t waste any time… you only have a couple weeks. Make those videos, upload them to YouTube, and then, in addition to following all the contest details/requirements, send me a link to the video and I’ll send you your free book!

After Seeing Hunger Games…

Posted on: 03/25/12 9:31 AM | by Jonathan McKee

“If no one watches, they don’t have a game!” –Gale

It’s a little ironic that some parents are objecting to the violent premise of The Hunger Games. “It’s kids killing other kids!” In actuality, The Hunger Games compels the audience to value life, mourn death, and literally gasp at violence.

It’s sad that The Hunger Games is being compared to Twilight and other teenage fodder, because truly…there’s no comparison. The Hunger Games has proven to be so much more. The film, based on Suzanne Collins’ best selling book, was powerful and thought provoking, an amazing social commentary about our society’s growing callousness toward violence.

If you caught my blog a few days ago, I shared four important questions I encouraged parents to ask about films to help them teach their kids discernment:

  • Is this story glorifying violence or inappropriate sexual situations?
  • Is this story making “bad” look “good” or enticing?
  • Does this story irresponsibly display imitatable attitudes and behaviors that our kids will absorb and eventually emulate?
  • Does this story needlessly sell out to showing “eye candy” like nudity or gratuitous violence?

Now that I have seen The Hunger Games, I not only vehemently express my approval for the film, I can also attest that it didn’t include any of those four inappropriate or irresponsible elements.

The film was superior on so many levels, but I think one element that resonated with me the most was the glaring contrast between the impoverished districts struggling day to day for a meager existence, fighting for mere scraps of food, while the haughty Capital City lived pampered, overindulgent lives. The Capital City’s condescending attitude was disheartening, but their callous disregard for human life is what took the cake. A gladiatoresque reality show featuring kids killing kids was pure entertainment to these monsters.

At this point I almost expect someone to scroll down to my comment section and suggest, “Aren’t we similar monsters if we watch the movie?”

Before you do, allow me a moment to propose two responses to this accusation:

First, are we never to tell any tales of such monsters?
Is it improper to tell a story about good and evil? Should we steer our kids clear of any of these cold realities about human nature?

The Bible is full of horrific stories of rampant sin and its consequence. Cain and Able (kids killing kids). Sodom and Gomorrah. Lot and his daughters. (Eeew!) Fairy tales have long told anecdotes about evil villains luring kids into ovens, deceiving young girls to eat poison apples, and even wolves disguised as Grandma enticing cute little granddaughters close enough to eat. C.S. Lewis told marvelous stories about kids traveling to an imaginary land where they fought bloody battles against an entire army and an evil witch. Several of these films have made it to the big screen.

Someone call Westboro Baptist. We should protest all of these stories!

Perhaps we should stop over-reacting, and instead, begin interacting with our kids about good vs. evil, even using some of these amazing pieces of literature as a discussion springboard.

Second, The Hunger Games film responsibly made good look good, and evil look evil.
Sadly, today’s media often makes bad look good. Not the case with The Hunger Games. This 2-hour-and-22 minute film will not only keep you on the edge of your seat, it paints a stark contrast between good and evil. It won’t take audiences long to recognize the many appearances of evil: hypocrisy, injustice, exploitation, complete disregard for human life…and plain ol’ murder.

Then there’s Katniss.

I’m not really giving away much of a spoiler when I tell you that Katniss, our heroine, begins the film by selflessly sacrificing herself, instead of a loved one, to take part in the heinous fight to the death known as the Hunger Games. Katniss demonstrates honor, mercy and self sacrifice throughout the film. Some might be bothered that she isn’t a pacifist—she does defend herself and others. But Katniss is a true hero, something we don’t always see or read about in stories today.

Social Commentary… without Selling Out
Let’s be real. The filmmakers had a tough job. How do you provide social commentary about a society entertained by “gladiators” … without becoming the very society you depict? I was impressed, if not amazed with director Gary Ross’ finished product. Ross artistically transformed the novel’s first person perspective so that audiences connected with Katniss, quickly empathizing with her, carrying her burdens…feeling her pain.

There’s a moment in the film where two lives are taken in one moment…and something happened in my theatre that I haven’t heard in years. The theatre literally gasped. Sadly, today’s movies are so chock-full of senseless violence, I’ve often heard laughter or cheers when someone is killed onscreen.

Not in The Hunger Games.

Ross created a mood that recognized the horror of killing. In The Hunger Games death is mourned. Noble heroes wept in this film. Many in the audience cried as well. I cried twice…but I cry easy.

In a way it reminds me of what Clint Eastwood did with his powerful film, Unforgiven. How often do films portray the mental anguish that one experiences after killing someone? In Unforgiven, we repeatedly see people experience the guilt and complete change of heart that occurs when they take someone else’s life. This is contrasted to a few characters who are numb to the effects of pulling the trigger.

Hunger Games paints a similar distinction. Killing isn’t to be taken lightly. Ethical lines are drawn in the sand.

And for the icing on the cake, Ross magically refrains from showing gratuitous violence. Don’t get me wrong. This film is probably too intense for most kids under 13. At times we see glimpses of the horror taking place, but Ross shows incredible discernment, making sure that his film doesn’t become a spectacle like the games themselves.

In short, The Hunger Games was heart wrenching, powerful and thought-provoking. I’ll be seeing it with my girls (14 and 16) this week with no hesitation. Will it make it to my Blu Ray shelf? The odds are highly in favor.

But Isn’t Hunger Games about Kids Killing Kids?

Posted on: 03/20/12 11:46 AM | by Jonathan McKee

UPDATE: Jonathan has now posted a new post titled, After Seeing The Hunger Games… We encourage you to peek at that, since the post below was written before the film’s release (even though they are both in agreement with each other).

Original Post:
After posting our article about what parents can expect from the movie Hunger Games, we’ve been receiving some interesting emails and comments from our readers. The most common question:

“Why should we let our kids go see a movie about kids killing kids?”

That’s not an ignorant question.

How should parents react to a story like Hunger Games? Are our kids going to want to start killing each other if they watch this film like all the kids that are throwing parties after watching the rebellious film Project X? Are we lowering ourselves to be like the audiences who gathered to watch gladiators fight it out thousands of years ago? (All accusations I’m hearing.)

First, let me ask a question: Should we avoid any story where both good and evil are presented? Think about this kind of reasoning. In The Chronicles of Narnia we see a group of kids fight against an evil witch! (Wow, that’s like Hunger Games vs. Harry Potter!) Should we avoid that classic C.S. Lewis story?

What about stories with kids killing other kids? Should we shelter our kids from any stories that tackle this ugly premise? Should books like Lord of the Flies be banned? (Wouldn’t be the first time.) We’d have to censor Genesis, Chapter 4, if we go that route. What about violent stories of adults killing other adults? (Oh man, there goes the book of I Kings!)

What kind of content should parents be leery of?

Good question. I’m reading The Hunger Games right now and am planning on seeing the movie this weekend and blogging about it. So far, I find the book not only captivating, but also thought provoking. A tyrannical government known as “The Capitol” lords control over the 12 remaining districts in the known human race. The districts are forced to each provide a boy and a girl to fight to the death on national TV. Sixteen-year-old Katniss selflessly takes her younger sister’s place, forced to fight for survival in these evil games.

As you investigate this film for yourself, ask yourself these questions:

  • Is this story glorifying violence or inappropriate sexual situations?
  • Is this story making “bad” look “good” or enticing?
  • Does this story irresponsibly display imitatable attitudes and behaviors that our kids will absorb and eventually emulate?
  • Does this story needlessly sell out to showing “eye candy” like nudity or gratuitous violence?

Let me be clear: I haven’t seen the movie yet. But from what I’ve read in the book so far, and what I’ve read from those who have seen the film, I don’t find any of those negative elements in this story.

I encourage you, as parents, to do the same. Read the book for yourself. Read several articles, not only ours, but this one from Entertainment Weekly about Common Sense’s review on the film. (Note: don’t just read the headline of this article, it’s misleading as to Common Sense’s actual stand.) Read IMDB.com’s parents guide for the film, which always lists any sex & nudity, violence & gore, etc.

Furthermore, watch the film with your kids, just like I suggested you do with a movie not quite as innocent as this one. Go out to ice cream afterwards and talk about the story.

Don’t just tell your kids “yes” or “no.” Help your kids think Christianly about this film and any other entertainment media they encounter.

What about you? What do you think of Hunger Games? Do you have any concerns about this story hitting the big screen this Thursday night at midnight?

A Glimpse at Our Current & Upcoming GiveAways

Posted on: 03/19/12 5:18 PM | by Jonathan McKee

I love giving stuff away…and today, this week, and in the next few weeks we’re giving away some really cool free prizes just as a thanks for reading, commenting, Liking, and Tweeting our free resources. Here’s a peek at the prizes and contests!

Life in 6 Words 7 Session DVD CurriculumToday, ending Tuesday, March 20th. It’s simple– tweet, Like, rate or comment any of our FREE TRAINING TOOLS articles on the HELP ME page and you qualify to win. Details here. Announcing the winner at the end of the day, March 20th.

Real Conversations 4 Session DVD Curriculum– Later this week, ending mid April. This new evangelism curriculum is going to be available soon, so YS is sponsoring a video contest where youth groups create funny 1-minute videos demonstrating some over-the-top, awful attempts at evangelism. Winner will get the curriculum with up to 50 participant guides and a copy of every YS book I’ve written (that’s 5 books in addition to this curriculum). More details coming in this blog later this week.

Do They Run When They See You Coming?– Next week. Our free book of the week will be given free to anyone who uploads a video for the above Real Conversations contest.

Building a Youth Ministry that Builds Disciples, by Duffy Robbins– Following Week. The next book of the week giveaway.

That’s just a glimpse! The more connected you are, the easier it is to win. So make sure you’re a subscriber to this blog, you “Like” our Facebook.com/TheSource4YM page, and follow me on Twitter.

BBQ, Matt Chandler, LifeWay… and Jesus

Posted on: 03/14/12 4:33 PM | by Jonathan McKee

The following is a guest post from author/speaker David R. Smith after attending The Gospel Project live webcast in Nashville today:

So, I’m finally back in my hotel room, contemplating all I’ve experienced today.

I’ve spent the last 24 hours with the folks at LifeWay Publishing here in Nashville, talking with them about their brand new initiative called The Gospel Project. It’s a multi-generational approach to teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the world He loves.

The last few hours have been jam-packed, to say the least. Here are just a few highlights of what we’ve experienced today:

1.      Jack’s BBQ. (Yep, if you know me, then you know I search out the best BBQ in every city I speak/train in around the country.) This restaurant is literally world famous, and sits in the shadows of the attractions in Nashville, just two blocks from LifeWay. (Yeah…I’m probably going back there for dinner!)

2.      Matt Chandler’s sermon/message to Christian leaders: don’t trade Jesus for the idea of Jesus. He encouraged us to not allow ourselves to get so distracted by our work for the Savior that we forget about the joy of personally knowing the Savior. A good word for anybody in ministry, regardless of the kind of ministry it is.

3.      Hanging out with the folks from LifeWay. I really can’t say enough about the kind and gracious people at LifeWay. For the last day and a half, I’ve almost let myself believe I’ve achieved some sort of celebrity status. But that’s just because of the first class treatment I’ve received from them.

4.      Being reminded that the Gospel changes everything.

5.      Meeting up with some terrific youth pastors who use our tools offered by TheSource4YM.com. You guys are everywhere! We deeply appreciate what you do for God’s Kingdom, and that you take the time to meet up with us when we travel to your city.

6.      Seeing Peyton Manning’s motorcade pass by while eating BBQ. Yep, he’s in talks with the Titans as I write this. Sorry Denver.

It’s been a great trip. Not only have I had the opportunity to hang out with Matt Chandler, Ed Stetzer, and J.D. Greear all day, but I’ll meet with a few folks from LifeWay’s publishing division tomorrow morning before flying back home to Tampa tomorrow afternoon.

We’ve spent our time together reminding each other that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is far more than behavior modification or a list of moral codes. Further, proclaiming the Gospel is more than just tagging on an altar call at the end of messages. The Gospel is the basis for the Bible’s entire message which focuses on one Hero, Jesus Christ.

I can’t wait to share that message again.

David R. Smith, co-author of Ministry By Teenagers, writes weekly resources and articles for TheSource4YM.com, speaks and trains at camps and events across the U.S…. and eats a whole lot of BBQ in his home city of Tampa, FL.

The Gospel Project

Posted on: 03/13/12 2:18 PM | by Jonathan McKee

Maybe you’ve heard, and maybe you haven’t, but LifeWay is rolling out a new curriculum called The Gospel Project. Consequently, my friend and fellow writer David R. Smith and I were invited to join a group of Christian leaders in Nashville (at LifeWay’s headquarters) to participate in a live webcast where the resource was to be introduced to the world.

Then, I got this nasty eye infection, and had to back out. (Dang!)

So that means that today, while I continue to recover from “ol’ zombie eye” as I call it, David is enjoying Tennessee BBQ without me while hanging with Mark Driscoll, Matt Chandler, David Platt, Ed Stetzer and about 75 other movers and shakers in today’s American church.

As you’re reading this, David is meeting the writers and developers of this initiative. It’s basically a “multigeneration, Gospel-centered Bible study” for children, students and adults that “examines the breadth of the Bible and seeks to reveal to participants how every story, every theological concept and missional truth points to Jesus.”

You might want to re-read that last line. They’ve crammed a lot into this!

In a nutshell, LifeWay is rolling out a tool that allows church leaders to teach the entire congregation the exact same truth…all at the same time! So far, it looks pretty strong. There have been other resources like this one that impact all people of the church at once, for instance, The Purpose Driven Life challenges.

Please pray for David’s travel and time spent in Nashville. Also, check back here tomorrow for a sneak peek at what David learned about The Gospel Project. It’s set for pre-order in May, but David will guest blog here tomorrow, offering his two cents on the initiative so you can make an informed decision about this tool. Also, we’ll probably be giving away a few of these kits as the release time draws closer. Don’t miss it!