FollowI’m in the airport on the way to Houston to teach my CONNECT workshop to youth workers from a group of area churches in Galveston, TX. I love doing this training workshop, equipping youth workers to connect with kids, specifically one-on-one for evangelism and discipleship.
It’s funny. I don’t remember a single talk my youth pastor gave when I was in high school. But I remember him picking me up from school and taking me to lunch. I remember early morning coffees with him.
Connecting makes an impact.
I finally have put my research on this subject into print. My book CONNECT is actually due to hit the shelves this December. YS/Zondervan finished up the cover- check it out! (If you’re going to buy the book, we’ll offer a special deal on this book on our site soon- we’ll throw in something free like always)
I’ll be teaching this workshop (the 2 hour version) at the YS National Youthworkers Conventions as well. Those going to Los Angeles for that convention… I’ll see ya there next week. I’ll also be teaching in the Atlanta one in November.
One of the best parts of this training is a little exercise we do with sticky-notes. I provide youth workers with a tool that helps them be pro-active about connecting with kids for spiritual growth. I give every leader a bunch of sticky notes, then I ask them to write down the names of individual kids on each sticky note and stick it to a chart where they think that kid is spiritually (a spiritual inventory). This tool helps most youth leaders realize several things: 1. They don’t know their kids as well as they thought they did (where is Morgan spiritually? I’m not sure!) 2. It helps them realize the needs these students have.
I love this training. It’s a lot of fun seeing adults get excited about connecting with kids!
Posted in Books, Travel, Youth Ministry Philosophy, Youth Ministry Planning | | Leave A Comment
I cannot wait for this book. I think you are right on the money. sometimes a lunch with a kid or even a text is way bigger than a stupid bowling trip. I just got “10 minute talks” last week. It is unbelievably useful. which reminds me, check out the life story of the guy that invented Braille. that’s his name. when he was 3, he put out his eye with an awl. infection took the other one..yada yada yada..he used the same awl to make his braille characters. Awesome story. No need to post this. Holla.