Teen Life Ministries.
www.TeenLifeMinistries.com
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01 :: Summer H.E.A.T.
02 :: Summer Shorcut
02 :: Zone Updates
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Summer H.E.A.T.
It’s funny how summer “break” catapults youth ministry activity. From the time the last school bell of the year rings, until it begins again we have a massive opportunity.
Here’s how to beat the Summer HEAT…
H – Heart. Give your best. Work at your ministry with all your heart. It’s part of our calling. Of course most importantly is to love the Lord with all our heart, soul mind and strength.
E – Encouragement. Give extra attention to the group as a whole. Even if you’re working full time, bock extra time for focused attention.
A – Activities. Design the calendar around purpose. Have a mix of service, study and fun.
T – Thanksgiving. Throughout the summer keep a journal. Write down everything you are thankful for along the way. Encourage your group to do the same. Before school starts back have a special event and share the thanksgiving memories.
Summer givers us longer days to be with the teens. They have more time and if we guard ours, we’ll have more time for them.
Blessings!
Paul and Al
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02 :: Summer Shortcuts
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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
Forms – lost your medical release forms or trips checklists? No problem. http://tinyurl.com/2zzkbn
Movie night – Don’t just watch a movie. Have a discussion based on it. Here are some movie matching discussion guides. http://tinyurl.com/2a6b2t
The Word – Get your teens in the Word. Copy, paste and email the daily Bible reading schedule to your group once a month. http://tinyurl.com/5jxnky
Whew! That’s the short list. There are a TON more shortcuts for your ministry in The Zone… So USE them!
(If you are not a member. http://www.teenlifeministries.com/thezone/ )
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03 :: Zone Updates
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You must be logged in to your ZONE account to view/download the following…
http://www.teenlifeministries.com/site.php/user/login_form/
Links to all the updates are available directly from the homepage:
Active Waiting - One discipline of the spiritual life to which many of us find it most difficult to submit is that of waiting…1 Timothy Lesson 8 - Do you have what it takes to be rich? Zone members click here to download this week's bible lesson with outline, powerpoint, handout and discussion guide. 3 Ice Breakers - Around the World The leader begins by saying the name of any country, city, river, ocean or mountain that can be… Youth Ministry Tip of the Week ) - Youth ministry tip of the week. Simple guidelines for discipleship.
"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
Check out the Zone: http://www.teenlifeministries.com/thezone/
Have a BLESSED day!
Paul and Al
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Youth Ministry
Teen Life Ministries
Youth Ministry MAXimizer
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01 :: Godly Goals – Part 2
02 :: Zone Member Update
03 :: Christmas Projects?
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01 :: Godly Goals – Part 2
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4. Build a Christ-like attitude and spirit into the youth group. "Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus," Philippians 2:5. This means more than just asking, "What would Jesus do?" It calls for a clear-cut lifestyle of surrender. What is the attitude of Jesus?
· Attitude of a Servant (v. 7)
· Attitude of Humility (v. 8)
· Attitude of Obedience (v. 8)
If every teen becomes a servant, how many things will get done? If every teen becomes humble, how much arguing will take place? If every teen becomes obedient to God, how much better could the youth conventions be? Of course, developing a Christ-like attitude in your group begins by displaying a Christ-like attitude in your life.
5. Develop quality leadership among the group. Jesus called His followers with, "Follow me." By the end of His ministry He had trained them to lead. Paul even said, "Imitate me as I imitate Christ" (I Corinthians 11:1). Give your teens the responsibility and let them lead. Dust them off when they fall down and encourage them to keep going.
Here are a few ways you can let teens lead: Devotionals, teaching class, heading up a service project, forming prayer groups, etc.
6. Parental support and participation. Believe it or not, There are some in your congregation who see youth ministry as a divider of parents and their children. Prevent this by creating a high level of parental involvement.
Have your parents teach for a quarter, host devotionals in their homes, chaperone trips, etc. Check out Group Publishing's 130 Ways to Involve Parents in Your Ministry for more great ideas.
Blessings,
Paul and Al
Forward this issue along to 3 youth ministry friends
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02 :: Zone Member Updates
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Lesser Known Heroes - Lesson 4 Uriah – What he didn't do.
http://tinyurl.com/2uk24j
Youth Ministry - Godly Goals - Part 1 1. Do whatever it takes to get teens to heaven. Paul wrote that he became all things to all people so that some might be saved (II Corinthians 9:19-23).
http://tinyurl.com/3cheo7
We All Need Somebody to Lean On I'm not a very good leaner. I prefer to be the lean-ee, the person that others lean on in times of crisis.
http://tinyurl.com/2kwor4
2007 - So Far! As you know, The Zone is updated EVERY Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Check out what has been added just this year through November!
http://tinyurl.com/357nw7
Lesser Known Heroes Lesson 3 added today. Eleazar - he's really unknown, just ask your teens!!! Members, download the lesson here.
http://tinyurl.com/2t3r97
Close Your Eyes When you close your eyes to rest, meditate, or go to sleep what do you think about? Do you ever think about God?
http://tinyurl.com/2j978x
Dawn 'til Dusk As we close out 2007 we need to look back and see how we as youth workers and our ministries have grown spiritually. We will look at different areas of our lives and ministries and try to pinpoint our growth.
If you are not a member of the zone: http://www.TeenLifeMinistries.com/thezone for details.
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03 :: Christmas Projects?
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What is your group doing this Christmas when it comes to service projects? If you would like to share your ideas with other youth ministers, just send an email to pevans@teenlifeministries.com with "This Christmas" in the subject line. I will compile the ideas and send them out in an email next Monday. So get yours in now!
Have a BLESSED day!
Paul and Al
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Youth Ministry Thanksgiving
Dear Youth Workers,
Paul and I have so much to be thankful for that it's really hard to know where to begin. We are thankful for our wives, Connie and Marla, who have been tremendous encouragers as we trek through our youth ministry years. We are thankful for our children. Paul has two sons, Sam and Steven. I have one son Lee and his wife Selena and they have my two grandchildren Shealey and Nellie. I have one daughter Joy and her husband Jammie and they have a little one on the way.
We are so thankful that we have been blessed with good health and material blessings. We are thankful that we minister for a church who reaches out to people with all kinds of life's struggles. We are thankful that God has blessed us with a few spiritual gifts with which we try to use to serve Him.
We are thankful that we live in a country where we can worship without fear of being arrested and imprisoned for being a believer.
We are so thankful for Teen Life Ministries and for the many youth workers who have impacted our lives. Thank you so much for your dedication to His cause and for your willingness to reach teens when others give up. Thank you for the many sleepless hours you spend playing games, going on retreats, teaching Bible classes and just hanging out with a group of young people whom often feel as if they are in no-man's land.
We are thankful that we serve a God who is totally consumed with love for us and a Father who listens when we talk to Him. Everyday we "Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever." Psalm 107:1. We are so thankful that we serve a God who was willing to give His Son to die on a cross so that we can live eternally with Him.
We could write page after page of the things we are thankful for and it would take us hours or even days to get it done. So, what can we do or say to God for all He has showered us with. I think a simple "thank you" is what He wants.
We love and appreciate each of you and pray for you daily.
Keep Praying,
Al and Paul
www.TeenLifeMinistries.com
www.TeenLifeMinistries.com
P.S. A remarkable phone call from a 12-yr old boy to Houston radio station KSBJ FM 89.3. So profound, the station has it posted on their website. Click below to listen to it. It's short.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Youth Ministry
Teen Life Youth Ministry MAXimizer
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01 :: New Lesson Series: Lesser Known Heroes
02 :: Tips for Promotions
03 :: YouthTube
04 :: Zone Member Updates
05 :: Youth Ministry Saturday Night
Feedback
06 ::
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01 :: New Lesson Series
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This week we begin a new lesson series on "Lesser Known Heroes of the Bible." We're using a similar background and title design as the popular television series "Heroes."
Zone members go here to download the first lesson: http://tinyurl.com/27tlkd
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02 :: Tips for Promotions
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Here are 3 quick ways to promote your events…
1. Shoot a Video. Let's say you need to promote an upcoming mission trip to
2. Enormous Banners. Run a banner the length of your room and no one will be able to miss it. They can be made out of butcher paper, cloth, or if you have the money you can get them designed by a company. The last option is by far the most expensive and the most professional. Choose this option if you have the same event each year and you could reuse the banner time and time again. Otherwise a sheet of butcher paper, markers, and paint can't be beat.
3. Count Down Clock. Set the clock in a visible area of your youth room and constantly refer to it as the event nears. These large digital clocks can be used for all events, but using it for one big event a year might be best.
Blessings!
Paul and Al
-Pass this along to 3 of your youth ministry friends.
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03 :: YouthTube
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Here's the first Youth Group Youth Group Video sent in from KoKomo Youth Group…
http://www.youtube.com:80/profile?user=kkkessler
Has your group got some YouTube videos? Send them to support@teenlifeministries.com with "YouthTube" in the subject line.
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04 :: ZONE Member Update
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The complete lesson series for Ruth, Esther, and Powerful Prayer are available in the resources download area…
The new lesson of the week is in the usual location.
New Articles and Games (Zone members you will need to be logged in to read or download the following)…
Food for Families Does your Church or community have a food pantry or food bank? Why not put your youth group in charge of gathering and taking food to those in need?
http://tinyurl.com/2z5yvc
Black, White and Gray Life would be so much easier if everything was black and white. Instead, it's filled with a lot of grays.
Promote Great Staff Unity How many times have you seen a ministry or minister destroyed because the members of the church staff could not get along? It seemed like they were always at odds about something.
Meet Their Needs Outside of Class
Occasionally I've been asked to teach and accepted without really wanting to. There have also been times when I've asked others to teach and they did so reluctantly.
I have a friend in another state who is constantly frustrated because he has not won the lottery. He buys ticket after ticket month after month with no success.
http://tinyurl.com/23a99o
The Hall of Shame
Marion Jones owned the 2000 Summer Olympic Games in
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Not in The Zone?
http://www.teenlifeministries.com/thezone
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05 :: Youth Ministry Saturday Night
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Wow! Thank you for all the wonderful comments about "Youth Ministry Saturday Night."
If you missed the email here's a direct link. Bookmark it…
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06 ::
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I'm sure you wonder at times. Just what does all this Teen Life subscriptions fees do beside find resources for the site? Well, a lot actually. In another email I'll probably do a full list.
Part of what is done is the support of missionaries. We have a team in
I (Paul) just returned from visiting some of our
The time was spent in worship, prayer and equipping. I got to see the real "behind the scenes" side of their cities and the work they are doing.
The Lord has blessed them and many are coming to Him. Please continue to pray for our team in
We thank God for you each day and the work you do. Reaching teens is challenging and rewarding. Keep preaching the word!!!
Blessings!
Paul and Al
P.S. If you received this email as a "forward" you can sign up to receive this newsletter free…
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Not in The Zone?
http://www.teenlifeministries.com/thezone
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Monday, October 22, 2007
Youth Ministry
For more teaching tips go to http://www.teenlifeministries.com/thezone. You can pick up "Amazing Teaching" in the Zone as well.
Never teach a half-prepared lesson. It's not fair to the teens, God or yourself to go into a teaching situation unprepared. Some people are really good at pulling a thought out of their heads and making a great lesson out of it. However, most are not and should not try to be. That doesn't mean you are not a good teacher it simply means you have to prepare more. We've all seen really creative people come up with great lessons and great illustrations. However, they may not be the best presenters. We've seen those who are great presenters but are not very creative at coming up with lesson ideas. Bottom line, let's do the very best we can with the teaching gifts God has given us. Verse on preparation: "Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament, and those who turn many to righteousness like the stars forever and ever." Daniel 12:3 Ask God to give you the tools you need to become a great teacher. Ask Him for patience and the understanding of what you study. What are you doing each day to prepare your next lesson? Do you wait until Saturday night to prepare? Read over your lesson for next Sunday on Monday. You will be surprised at how many ideas you will come up with during the week. Bonus: Ask a person in their 70's or 80's to come in and talk to your teens. Encourage them to tell what they had to struggle with as a teen. Encourage your class to ask questions about the peer pressures they faced 40 or 50 years ago. Be creative and make this a great event.
Your Partners in Youth Ministry,
Paul & Al
Sign up for The Zone! http://tinyurl.com/223da4
For Members Only: We now have 70 discussion sheets for use in small group.
P.S. Pass this issue of the Youth Ministry MAXimizer along to 3 youth ministry friends.
P.S.S. For previous issues: http://tinyurl.com/3724k8
Members: Login to your account for access to this week's updates.
New Lesson series on Prayer. Lesson 6... http://tinyurl.com/2z8btu
Tragedy in Our Youth Group (Oct 19, 2007 at 3:31 AM) - This morning between 3:30 and 4:00am the phones of our church members began ringing off the hooks. Not long after that, my phone rang and it was one of our high school coaches telling me that the mother of one of our sophomore boys was killed in a house fire.
Praise Preceding Deliverance (Oct 10, 2007 at 3:20 AM) - As I read through the Old Testament, sometimes I am stunned by the Israelites' lack of faith in trusting a God who delivered them time and time again.
Not a Member of The Zone? Get the details here
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Thursday, October 11, 2007
Youth Ministry - Developing Friendships
Developing Friendships from the "Sudden Impact" section of The Youth Ministry Zone. These are copy and paste devotionals you can email to your teens or handout. For details go to http://www.teenlifeministries.com/thezone There are 49 Sudden Impact available.
When I was in the sixth grade I started a new school. I sat across the isle from a guy who was about twice my size. He was a little over six feet tall and had the biggest arms I had ever seen. He was intimidating just to look at. You would think that at any time he could chew you up and spit you out. As the weeks went by we became close friends. I soon learned that not only did he have a big body but he had an even larger heart. All the way through jr. and sr. high school we were the best of friends. If I was not at his house, he was at mine. One thing I soon learned about this friendship was that it was not just a surface type friendship. It was the kind of friendship that if I needed help at the spur of the moment, he was there. There were times when I wanted us to do something mischievous or get into something that I shouldn't and he would stop me. There were times when I would say something about someone and he would correct me. I soon learned that only a true friend would try to make me a better person. Your Partners in Youth Ministry,
Paul & Al
Sign up for The Zone! http://tinyurl.com/223da4
For Members Only: We now have 70 discussion sheets for use in small group.
P.S. Pass this issue of the Youth Ministry MAXimizer along to 3 youth ministry friends.
P.S.S. For previous issues: http://tinyurl.com/3724k8
Members: Login to your account for access to this week's updates.
New Lesson series on Prayer. Lesson 4... http://tinyurl.com/2z8btu
Praise Preceding Deliverance (Oct 10, 2007 at 3:20 AM) - As I read through the Old Testament, sometimes I am stunned by the Israelites' lack of faith in trusting a God who delivered them time and time again.
Growing up Without Selling Out : The Professionalization of Youth Ministry (Sep 28, 2007 at 2:33 PM) - My brother and his wife spend most of their waking hours thinking about drag racing. Their whole lives revolve around race cars: they build them, race them, rebuild them, and race them again.
Not a Member of The Zone? Get the details here
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Thursday, September 20, 2007
Youth Ministry Retreats
Here are 10 ways to choose a retreat center...
1. Settle on a Purpose. Your purpose will decide what type of facility will work best. A youth group wanting a fun weekend together may put a high priority on recreational facilities. Perhaps you want to work in some sightseeing into the weekend, then you might want to select an area that is close to the attractions you would like to visit.
2. Length of Stay. Consider the advantages of a second night at a facility to provide more time for group interaction. Veteran retreat planners have discovered that the second night goes a long way in creating a valuable community experience. Factor in travel time as well. You may be planning a three-day retreat, but if it takes a day to get there then you really have only one day to work with.
3. Reserve Early. The best dates and nicest facilities get booked first. Consider reserving a facility six months to a year before you want to have a retreat. If you are pleased with the facility and service, you might want to make your reservation for the following year before your retreat is over.
4. Decide on a Price Range. It is wise to go with what the majority of your group is willing to spend. Consider offering financial assistance to those needing help. Or you can charge your group a little less than the actual cost and ask several people who can afford it to help make up the difference.
5. Get Organized. Before you call a facility, do your planning. Decide what type of accommodations you want (motel, dorms or cabins), what type of meal service, quality of menu--tuna surprise or Chicken Kiev; how large your group will be, what kind of meeting space you'll need, when you plan to arrive and depart, and if you mind sharing a facility with other groups.
6. Have a "Plan B". Have several options on dates that would work for your group. Locking yourself in to a specific date without options will set you up for disappointment if the center is not available at that particular time. Confirm dates for a facility before you confirm dates with a speaker!
7. Compare. When comparing prices between retreat facilities, make sure you ask what is and is not included in the basic fee, such as coffee breaks, audio/visual equipment and recreational equipment. Talk to other groups and find out where they have received the best service. Make a visit to a potential site. Talking in person with a representative at the facility and seeing the buildings and grounds will answer a lot of questions. When you compare facilities, don't let cost be the primary factor--ask yourself which facility and staff will help your group best achieve its retreat program goals.
8. Get it in Writing. You will want to have a written contract signed by your group representative and by the retreat facility's representative describing the agreement between the group and the conference center [camp]. Usually a nonrefundable deposit (10-15% of the minimum fee) will be required. Be sure that the minimum number of participants and the corresponding minimum fee are reasonably attainable. You may be required to make up the difference if you miss your minimum. Ask if there are additional cancellation charges.
9. Evaluate. Check out the staff's attitude toward service and hospitality as well as their philosophy. Ask others who have been there. Will a host be available to answer your questions and take care of needs during the retreat?
10. Do Your Homework. Know what you and your group want and ask lots of questions. Pre-retreat communication pays off. Keep notes and names of those you talked with for all your phone conversations, and make sure all agreements and arrangements are made in writing. Frequent and detailed pre-retreat communication will improve your chances of getting the level of service that is so important in making your retreat experience a positive one.
Your Partners in Youth Ministry,
Paul & Al
Sign up for The Zone! http://tinyurl.com/223da4
For Members Only: We now have 49 Sudden Impact session to use in your youth ministry.
P.S. Pass this issue of the Youth Ministry MAXimizer along to 3 youth ministry friends.
P.S.S. For previous issues: http://tinyurl.com/3724k8
Members: Login to your account for access to this week's updates.
New Lesson series on Prayer. Lesson 1... http://tinyurl.com/2z8btu
Use Your Tongue Wisely (Sep 19, 2007 at 2:18 AM) - It usually takes a pretty long time for you to build a good reputation. People don't say good things about you just because they think it's the right thing to do.
Hitting the Wall (Sep 7, 2007 at 2:51 AM) - Cut, paste, and send this to your teens or use it as an "Attention Getter" in a class or devo.
Not a Member of The Zone? Get the details here
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