Inside My Teaching

This week I flew to Kentucky to speak at four different venues: two venues for parents, an event for young people, and finally two workshops at the National Youth Workers Convention.

For those of you who are curious about my content, here’s a glimpse as well as some links for further reading:

All Pro Dad’s Breakfast—for Dad’s and Teens/Tweens
In this venue I basically raised the question to adults and kids alike if their phones helped or hindered their communication. I shared some basic research, then expanded on three thoughts:

1. Face-to-face always wins.
2. Nothing we post is ever temporary.
3. Take an occasional break from tech.

FOR MORE READING: Should I Just Smash My Kid’s Phone, by Jonathan McKee and Doug Fields

Take a Stand- anti-drug campaign event
At this event I shared a personal story of trying to find the next great thrill and always coming up empty, then raised the question, “Is there something that lasts?” I shared several stories about friends with addictions, and pointed towards current research on the subject. I then opened John, Chapter 6 and shared the story of Jesus confronting the crowds about their quest for the temporary, and challenging them to purse “something that lasts.” I presented the Gospel and 23 kids gave their lives to Christ (God is good).

FOR MORE READING: 10-Minute Talks and More 10-Minute Talks, by Jonathan McKee

Parent Workshop- Parenting Impressions
In an atypically short parent workshop (1 hour—I usually teach 2 hours) I challenged parents with the question, “What mark are you leaving?” I gave them a brief survey of youth culture, then shared three habits that make a lasting impact:

1. Notice—Do you know your kid? What’s on their shirt? What’s in their headphones? Who do they go to when they want to talk? How much time are they soaking in entertainment media and technology each day?
2. Connect—Find settings where you can connect with your kids, focusing on bonding, not boundaries.
3. Dialogue—Engage in meaningful conversation. Dialogue, not monologue. Listening, not lecturing. Asking engaging questions that require them to think.

FOR MORE READING: Get Your Teenager Talking and More Than Just the Talk, by Jonathan McKee

National Youth Worker Convention—5 Small Group Tools
In this workshop I provide youth workers with 5 different small group tools helping them engage young people in meaningful conversation. The main thrust of this workshop is the reminder that small groups are for dialogue, not monologue. In other words… ask questions, shut up, and listen!

National Youth Worker Convention—Connecting with the 6 Types of Kids
In this workshop I introduce youth leaders to the six types of kids, then provide the groundwork to connecting with each of them and engaging in meaningful dialogue.

FOR MORE READING: Connect, by Jonathan McKee