Life in the Spirit: Joy
Open: ==========
What is the difference between joy and happiness?
Personal definition of Joy: Joy is a smile on your soul.
Happiness is when your circumstances bring a smile.
Study: =====================
JOY STEALERS:
1. Legalism. Galatians 4:15
What happened to the Galatians joy? Why did their servant attitude disappear? (Legalism always makes you want to do the least - to do only what is required. Grace, on the other hand, takes the law out of the way and lets us serve without restriction.)
2. Sin. Romans 3:23
How does sin rob us of our joy? (Guilt, bitterness, insecurity.) Have a time of prayer in class where teens can ask God silently for forgiveness of specific sins.
JOY HEALERS:
An awesome aspect about God is that He wants us to have joy.
1. The Holy Spirit. Romans 14:17
Because joy is a fruit of the Spirit, it only makes since that he wants us to be filled with joy. How does the Holy Spirit put joy in our lives?
2. The Father. Romans 15:13
It gives God joy to give us joy. Have you ever thought of God as someone who is out to get you? Someone who can't wait for you to make a wrong move? Where do we get that idea? As a child of God what are some ways he has put joy in your life?
3. The Son. John 16:22-24
Jesus said that the disciples would weep, but then they would have joy? Why? Why does Jesus say NOTHING will be able to take our joy away? Since joy is not based on circumstances, what are some unalterable aspects of our life in Christ?
Close: ===============
Sing "The Joy of the Lord."
Your Partners in Ministry,
Paul & Al
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Thursday, March 29, 2007
Youth Ministry Devotional
Monday, March 26, 2007
Youth Ministry
Many of today's youth did not grow up with an Easter tradition beside hunting for eggs. That means that Easter works great for adults, but not so great for youth ministry.
Unchurched teens don't do too well at sunrise services. They don't understand the the emblems or symbols or resurrection sermon.
So what can we do to reach teens at Easter?
One option would be to host a "Night of the Living Dead!" If that sounds too over the top, "What's a Bunny Got to Do with Easter?" Have the event prior to Easter and share the basics of the faith. Share what they will see at your church and the meaning behind it. Sing some of the same songs that will be sung at the Easter service and explain what they mean.
Several of things will happen...
1. Teens will get to hear and understand the good news of Jesus. Some may accept him at the event.
2. Those who decide to come to a service will actually know and understand what is going on.
3. Many of your teens are wondering what certain aspects of service are about and this will help them as well. Your Partners in Ministry,
Paul & Al
P.S. Pass this issue of the Monday MAXimizer along to 3 youth ministry friends.
P.P.S. Zone members don't over look the over 800 youth ministry training articles we have to equip you and your teens
Members: Login to your account for access to this week's updates. http://www.teenlifeministries.com
Lesson of the Week: Romans Lesson 8: Alive!
Youth Ministry Zone 3rd Year! (Mar 21, 2007 at 12:15 PM) - Teen Life Ministries "It's a Passion – Not a Game" It's hard to believe, but The Youth Ministry Zone has been serving youth ministers for almost 3 years! April will be our 3rd anniversary!!!
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Thursday, March 22, 2007
Youth Ministry : Family Communication
It has often been said that God gave us one mouth and two ears so we could listen twice as much as we talk. The Lord puts it like this, “Be slow to speak and quick to listen.”
Before you say, "Now you listen to me, young lady," hear your teen's side of the story. Let him or her have a complete say so you can speak clearly and respond to the details appropriately.
2. Be Consistent.
Consistency in communication patterns will help open the gate to your teen's heart. If we scream one time, and are pleasant the next, they won't know what to expect. That type of temperament will drive a teen to silence.
If you struggle with consistency, chart your communication pattern. On a sheet of graph paper place the #1 on a low line and the #10 on a high line. "1" = calm. "10" = volcanic. Keep a record for three months then evaluate and make any needed corrections.
3. Remove Distractions.
Close the book, turn off the television, fold up the newspaper and take care of any other distraction so you can give full attention to your teen. When we refuse to focus on the conversation our children perceive us as uninterested. Once we establish that thought in their minds it will be difficult to change the attitude.
Make it obvious that you want to listen. Say, "Hold on a minute honey. Let me turn off the radio, I don't want to miss a word."
(Feel free to reprint the above and send it to the parents of the teens in your group.)
==============
Zone Members: All 10 "Family Communication Tips"
Your Partners in Ministry,
Paul & Al
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Monday, March 19, 2007
Youth Ministry
Transforming the Teen World View Through Discipleship Part 4
World View > Values > Observable Behavior
Part One, Part Two, Part Three
Last week we discussed how once the heart changes, values change. This week we look at behavior changes.
Think about the disciples. Think about their before and after pictures.
Because of the heart change that took place their actions changed. Peter changed from speaking without thinking to speaking under the influence of the Spirit. John changes from a "son of thunder" to "the apostle of love."
Too often we want or demand change without a change of heart. We want behavior to change, but forget the soul.
Jesus makes it clear "Nothing outside a man can make him 'unclean' by going into him. Rather, it is what comes out of a man that makes him 'unclean.' " Mark 7:15
If we want behavior to change, it comes from the inside out.
The most powerful change that can take place is the through the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus said that he would not leave us alone, but would send a helper. Romans 8 talks about the Spirit being IN us. That's how real change takes place.
We also give the Spirit room to work through the spiritual disciplines. By encouraging bible study, fasting, prayer, etc. We provide opportunity for growth and change.
Your Partners in Ministry,
Paul & Al
P.S. Pass this issue of the Monday MAXimizer along to 3 youth ministry friends.
P.P.S. Zone members don't over look the over 800 youth ministry training articles we have to equip you and your teens
P.P.P.S. Zone members in addition to the regular updates this week we have a new release. Discipleship 101.
Zone Members Only
Members: Login to your account for access to this week's updates.
http://www.teenlifeministries.com
Lesson of the Week: Romans Lesson 8: Alive!
Discipleship 101: Download now!!
Easter Backgrounds (Mar 18, 2007 at 5:13 PM) - 7 backgrounds to use in your youth ministry for Easter. Members Download Here
Praying for Others (Mar 16, 2007 at 6:00 AM) - Perhaps the two most powerful words in the English language are "I'm sorry." Surely the three most powerful words are "I love you". In my opinion, the four most powerful words are "I'm praying for you."
Just a Thought (Mar 14, 2007 at 5:08 AM) - I was recently asked by one of my student’s if I would answer a few questions for Bible class credit at her school? I agreed and so the process began. As I read through the questions my first thoughts were, “this is going to be a piece of cake” or “I think I can do this pretty quick.”
Resource Highlight
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Thursday, March 15, 2007
Youth Ministry : Teen Commitment
1. Commitment Contracts. We are so afraid people might walk away from our ministry that few of us are willing to demand commitment. We act like Jesus formed the "Let's just hang out together" club. He didn't. He formed the "I gave my life for you" club—better known as the church.
You may want to provide varying levels of commitment for your group. Membership demands certain commitments such as attendance and spiritual growth, while leadership may require commitment to leadership growth principles that are tested and evaluated.
Whatever you choose, have each individual sign it so you know they know the standard.
2. Regular Spiritual Checkups. Signing a card doesn't guarantee commitment, so take it a step farther by holding regular spiritual checkups. If your group is small you may be able to meet with one teen at a time and ask about their devotional habits, worship habits, etc.
With a larger group you may want to design a spiritual check up sheet that will allow them to evaluate themselves. I like using the "Spiritual Wheel". It's simple but effective. Have the teens grade themselves in different spiritual areas and assign a rating. "1" = poor, "10" = perfect. When they connect the dots, have them circle the high points as strengths, and the low points as weaknesses.
3. Service Projects. "Six Flags? Yeah!!!" "Football? You bet!!" "Visit old Mrs. Mathers? Is this a joke?"
Someone said, "You can tell how popular the church is by who comes Sunday morning. You can tell how popular the preacher is by who comes Sunday night. You can tell how popular Jesus is by who comes to the prayer meeting." In our case, you can tell by who comes to the service project. These activities keep kids committed by allowing them to live Jesus, not just talk about Him.
============== Zone Members: All 10 Ways to Build Teen Commitment"
Your Partners in Ministry,
Paul & Al
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Over 300 Bible Lessons Over 800 Youth Ministry Training Articles Plus a Whole LOT more!
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Monday, March 12, 2007
Youth Ministry Monday MAXimizer
World View > Values > Observable Behavior
Last week we discussed how we plant the seeds and God changes lives. Once the heart changes, values change.
Values = standards and principles
Often we want teens to "act" differently. But that's hard if it's not coming from the inside out. Without God being at the core, values and principles become skewed.
What are some of the values worldly teens?
Think about someone with that set of values. What type of actions will they produce?
What are some of the values godly teens?
Think about someone with that set of values. What type of actions will they produce?
Luke 6:45 - The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.
That passage is not surprising is it? Haven't you heard someone say, "I just don't understand why he acts that way"? It's because there is a value that is not being met.
Godly values can be created intentionally through discipleship. Worldly values are often created intentionally or through neglect.
Next week, we'll look at desired behavior and some ways to get there.
Your Partners in Ministry,
Paul & Al
P.S. Pass this issue of the Monday MAXimizer along to 3 youth ministry friends.
P.P.S. Zone members don't over look the over 800 youth ministry training articles we have to equip you and your teens
P.P.P.S. Zone members in addition to the regular updates this week we have a new release. Discipleship 101.
Members: Login to your account for access to this week's updates. http://www.teenlifeministries.com
Lesson of the Week: Romans Lesson 6: Celebrate!
Discipleship 101: Download now!!
When Your Teen Rejects Your Values (Mar 12, 2007 at 10:11 AM) - It is not uncommon in their quest for identity and independence for teens to reject some of the values of their parents, their church, and society. And to a degree this is not unhealthy. Young people need to develop their own convictions about life. And part of the process may involve challenging the values and convictions they have been taught. What Does It Mean To You? (Mar 9, 2007 at 11:49 AM) - Our great-grandfathers called it the holy Sabbath; our grandfathers, the Sabbath; our fathers, Sunday; but today we call it the weekend. Copy and paste this and send it to your teens.
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Thursday, March 8, 2007
Youth Ministry Tips
The following is from Teen Life's Sudden Impact Series. You can copy the story/ study and email it to your teens, or print and hand it out...
================
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. 4. How do you choose your friends?
Proverbs 14:7 "Stay away from fools because they can't teach you anything." John 14:18 "I will not leave you alone like orphans; I will come back for you." ============== Zone Members: 42 More "Sudden Impact" Studies
Your Partners in Ministry,
Paul & Al
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Monday, March 5, 2007
Youth Ministry
World View > Values > Observable Behavior
Last Monday, we ended with the question...
"How do we change our heart and the hearts of teens?"
Short answer: We Don't. God's does.
That's not a cop-out. It's just the we give ourselves WAY to much credit and put WAY too much pressure on ourselves. Youth ministers often blame themselves for the teen who falls away or won't get fully involved. Of course, we can have an impact, but if we're faithful then...
It God's job to "draw all men to myself" and to "give the increase." Our job is to "make disciples."
So how can we hold up our end of the deal?
1. BIBLE classes. Zone members have noticed that our lessons are not activity based, but Bible based. We must "teach them to obey everything Christ commanded" Matthew 28:19-20. (Zone members: Bible lessons, teaching tips, and Amazing Teaching). We're not saying there's anything wrong with activity lessons, but there are plenty out there.
2. Equipping Opportunities (Eph 4:11-13). We need to provide times and places for teens for discipleship training. Each teen will be a different disciple. Each will have a different worldview that will be shifted through God's power active through their service. We have to train teens to discover and act on their gifts.
3. Availability. At the close of the Great Commission Jesus said, "I am with you always." Not out of occupation, but out of care and concern we need to be there for the teens. Be excited about the opportunities to listen to their problems or celebrate their victories.
That's just three ways we water and plant (1 Cor. 3:6). Make a list this week of other action steps to take.
Next, week we'll talk about changing values.
Your Partners in Ministry,
Paul & Al
P.S. Pass this issue of the Monday MAXimizer along to 3 youth ministry friends.
P.P.S. Zone members don't over look the over 800 youth ministry training articles we have to equip you and your teens
P.P.P.S. Zone members in addition to the regular updates this week we have a new release. Discipleship 101. A 9 week course for you and your group. Scroll down for the link.
Members: Login to your account for access to this week's updates. http://www.teenlifeministries.com
Lesson of the Week: Romans Lesson 6: Celebrate!
Discipleship 101: Download now!!
Discipline is Key to Successful Teaching (Mar 2, 2007 at 1:41 PM) - Preparation could be what you study but discipline is how much time and how often you study.
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Thursday, March 1, 2007
Youth Ministry Time Management
Put sleep down as an “A” priority and go to bed at a reasonable hour. You don’t have to give up pizza, but you can limit yourself to a couple of pieces. And you can do light exercise during your breaks. Actually, we make time for what we want to do. Put health at the top of the list of goals if want to manage God’s time well.
2. Delegate (n. - a person authorized to act for others). What are you doing that someone else could do for you? Need to make twenty youth song books? Perhaps you have three teens who would do a good job of putting them together. Not only does delegating work take pressure off of you and allow you to use time somewhere else, it provides others an opportunity to serve and get involved in ministry.
3. Let technology work for you. If every member of the group needs to get an urgent message, use email. Keep a database updated so you can print labels instead of hand-addressing each mailing. Acquire a machine or computer program that will call all teens and parents and give them a message you recorded. Call bookstores, etc. before you ride over to see if they have what you want and discover that it will have to be special ordered.
Zone Members: Read the complete article of "10 Tips for Youth Ministry Time Management"
Your Partners in Ministry,
Paul & Al
Get in the Zone
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