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Category: Youth Ministry
You’ve got to feel sorry for NSW Opposition Leader, John Brogden with this latest controversy. He lets his hair down for one night, and now risks losing his job.
But when a person is a leader, they must expect to be judged more harshly. If some anonymous ‘drunk’ made the same racial comments then it might be ignored, but when a leader makes inappropriate comments, then it is right for them to be subject to public scrutiny and outrage.
This is especially true of Christian leaders. As James said in his letter, “Not many of you should presume to be leaders, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly” (James 3:1).
Christian teachers must be careful when letting their hair down, or having a night “off”. It is far too easy to bring the name of Jesus into disrepute.
It was a great thrill to be a part of the TWIST Music Conference last weekend. This important event provides training and encouragement for people involved with music ministry in their local church.
During the weekend, I MC’d the main sessions (including the special live recording on the Saturday night for the upcoming EMU Music Live CD). I also conducted training sessions on the topics “Youth Ministry and Music” and “Rethinking Church”.
To read more about the conference, check out the recent article in sydneyanglicans.net titled “TWIST – but don’t shout.” You can also visit the official TWIST website at www.twist.org.au
I am excited to announce a brand new program with Youthworks that I have been asked to lead. The “Year 13 @ Youthworks” program is a gap-year program for teenagers who have just finished studying their HSC. It provides nine months (March to November) during which students ‘Take a Year ON!’ and get a sample of Christian ministry in a close community of like minded people.
In addition to the two days per week at Youthworks College, studying a ‘Diploma-Lite’ course, it includes practical ministry experience at a church or a school. It also features a one month short term mission experience to Africa, as well as opportunities to serve as a leader on several of the Youthworks holiday and Horizon school camps.
Whilst I will continue to train and advise youth leaders and ministers, my new role as Year 13 Director will occupy half of my week, as I prepare, promote, and pastor the program, as I preach and teach the Scriptures to the Year 13ers during lectures, chapel, and other informal opportunities.
Due to my increased load, I will no longer be the youth ministry trainer/adviser for the Anglican region of Georges River. However, I will continue to focus upon those in the South Sydney region. For those outside these regions (and in non-Anglican denominations), I will still be available to consult and/or train on a case-by-case basis.
For more details visit http://www.year13.youthworks.net
It was a great joy to join the crew from RICE on Saturday for their annual RICE Big Day Out. This year’s event at Homebush Bay attracted well over a thousand youths and leaders from 36 Chinese congregations throughout Sydney.
The format included music, fete tents (featuring a wide range of activities), plus three talks on main stage, of which I gave the final talk.
RICE continues this Saturday night at the Sydney Town Hall, where Al Stewart is the main speaker.
Read more at http://www.sydneyanglicans.net/sydneystories/rice_the_abc_of_evangelism_no_longer/ or http://www.riceevent.org.au/2005.html