jodiemcneill.com » Youth Ministry

Laughing in the face of disaster

Jodie — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 22:32:56 +0000

As we deal with the disaster fatigue that comes from our 24-hour exposure to news coverage, we tend to seek refuge from this through finding fun. The pagans seek to “eat, drink and be merry”, and we in youth ministry are often tempted to follow a similar strategy.

Yet, the right thing for us to do in our youth groups right now is to lead our kids through a sober reflection on the global crises facing us, and to show the students how to respond appropriately to these events.

So what is your youth group going to do this weekend in the light of the Japanese disaster?

Read my further thoughts (and contribute your comments) in my latest article at sydneyanglicans.net

Rites of passage

Jodie — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 06:02:46 +0000

I’ve just had posted an article on sydneyanglicans.net about the whole idea of a Christian male rite of passage.

Should we run some sort of wilderness experience where we get fathers and sons to learn about manhood and to mark the occasion of a boy turning into a man?

Read the article (and join in the controversial comments) by visiting http://www.sydneyanglicans.net/ministry/modernministry/rites_of_passage/

Three high school SRE tips

Jodie — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 19:19:51 +0000

I recently had the opportunity to chat to a friend about his experience with teaching SRE to a high school class.

He shared with me the joys and the challenges of this great ministry, and in turn, I shared with him a few tips that I thought I’d also give to the friendly readers of sydneyanglicans.net

So, click through to my latest article to read my tips, and respond in the comments section if you’d like to add some thoughts.

Here’s the URL: http://www.sydneyanglicans.net/ministry/modernministry/three_high_school_sre_tips/

Are you using questions to communicate?

Jodie — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 08:32:14 +0000

If asking questions is the way that youth (and often adults) learn, then why would we choose to miss out on the benefits of this powerful way of speaking the truth?

Read my thoughts in my latest article at sydneyanglicans.net: http://www.sydneyanglicans.net/ministry/modernministry/are_you_using_questions_to_communicate/

More good reasons to do Year 13 that you might not have considered

Jodie — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 10:11:36 +0000

Here’s an additional positive outcome from doing Year 13 that’s often overlooked. Read the full article here: http://www.sydneyanglicans.net/news/stories/year_13_growing_families_as_well/

A special welcome, too, to Andrew Nixon in his new role heading up this ministry. I’m praying it’s a great year of ministry with his awesome team.

If you, or someone you know, is thinking about Year 13 this year, then there’s still time to enrol. Don’t miss out on a year that changes lives forever.

All should do Year 13, says Archbishop

Jodie — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 21:42:46 +0000

Over these past few days I’ve had three independent reminders of the significance of gap years.

Firstly, whilst directing an HSC Study Conference last week, I was overwhelmed with the popularity of gap years for students finishing their Year 12 study.

Secondly, an article in yesterday morning’s Australian Financial Review made the observation that the gap year concept “is taking hold” in Australia, and that “research suggests students who take a gap year come back better prepared for study.” (p. 27)

Thirdly, and what was the primary motivation for me to write on this topic, was the recognition by our Archbishop during last night’s Presidential Address of the importance of our own Sydney Diocesan gap year program.

Read my full article at www.sydneyanglicans.net.

Should Christian kids play soldiers?

Jodie — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 22:48:20 +0000

Many people like the idea of using laser skirmish to provide a technological ‘upgrade’ to classic wide games such as ‘Capture the Flag’. However, some people have raised concerns at the idea of promoting shooting games in a Christian environment.

I’d consider the idea of creating a purpose-built laser skirmish battlefield at Youthworks Outdoors with the latest simulation weapons for those who might like to take advantage of it, and to offer an alternative activity for groups whose leaders or teachers find this unappealing.

But, would it be grossly unpopular and potentially offensive to the majority? Would you let your school or youth group dress up in camouflage and play war games in the bush? Or would you find the very notion to be antisocial and insensitive?

Read the full article at sydneyanglicans.net and get on board with the comments!

We should mix it up

Jodie — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 07:00:10 +0000

I have found, especially through my youth ministry experience, that it is well worth the investment in time to help a group get to know each other at the start of a session or event. Whether it’s a youth group evening, or a leader’s training event, it’s worth making the time to have a ‘mixer’.

Read my latest sydneyanglicans.net article to see three mixers I’ve done to death, but still work just fine.

The surprise blessings of ministry

Jodie — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 03:37:32 +0000

I experienced one of the greatest blessings of my youth ministry last week, twenty years after I started leading my first youth Bible study.

Read my latest Sydney Anglicans article at http://www.sydneyanglicans.net/ministry/modernministry/the_surprise_blessings_of_ministry/ to find out why Jesus was so right when he said that it is more blessed to give than receive.

Active prayer for active Christians

Jodie — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 20:42:17 +0000

There are few times when I pray with my eyes open. You’ll be pleased to know that driving is one of them.

Yet, last year I prayed with my eyes open in a totally different context.

Read why and how in my latest blog at sydneyanglicans.net and join in the discussion.