Some Good Reminders in the New Year

"Here is the Church, here is the steeple, open the door and see all the people." These are the lines of a little poem I learned as a child about the Church.  While it's fairly simple and has hand motions, it's a great reminder that the Church is only as quality as the relationships within. 

It's easy in a new year to get caught up in church fads and quick growth promises. Here's an article that could be a good reminder as you vision ahead for the next year. 

http://www.relevantmagazine.com/god/4-ideas-changing-church-better

Silence in Worship

This verse from Psalm 46:10 has been an influence in my life over and over again. In our culture finding space that is sacred and silent is incredibly difficult. Doing this in a corporate  setting, with more than 10 persons is an even more difficult endeavor. Here's an article and further conversation in the comments which discuss why silence might be important and how to make it a beneficial experience.  

http://www.davidsantistevan.com/silence/

A Groupthink for the New Year

We're only three days into the new year and already I've heard of many of my friends re-evaluating their online presence. Whatever platform you use, it's worth the time to process how you will manage the endless barrage of posts, tweets, polls, pictures, graphics, gifs, videos, and messages on your social media. Possibly even more worth your time might be engaging the students or parents of students you work with on this same topic. 

Below is a link to a possible lesson plan, or better yet... it could be the start of your own lesson plans (since you know your own group best) to engage your students or adults on how to manage one's social media presence. 

http://ministrytoyouth.com/youth-group-lessons-on-social-media/

A New Year is Around the Corner

It's hard to believe another year has come and gone, but it's true. In just a short time we'll be celebrating another New Year, hopefully with family and friends nearby. This time every year I hear many rumors and murmurings of resolutions for the new year. 

Do you ever participate in this tradition?  Maybe it's called something different in your culture?  Perhaps you intentionally stay awake from this type of talk. My mom every year prays for a word (or two)... she prays for a word of focus from the Lord made apparent through the Bible. It's been incredible to see how this word or theme surfaces again and again in her life. 

Whether this is part of your story or not, focusing our lives and ministries on specific goals or hopes can be extremely life-giving when sought after with balance.  I found these articles from the last few years that might help you formulate some of your own hopes and goals for the next year.  Happy New Year! 

http://christianmediamagazine.com/7-new-year-resolutions-pastor-church-leader/

https://chognews.org/2014/01/31/new-year-resolutions-for-the-church-and-pastor/

Pastoral Care During the Holidays

I've been reminded this year of the many people who have particular difficulty during the holiday season. Whether it's grief over a loss, loneliness, or one of many other reasons holidays could be difficult, the article below brings some good reminders. 

http://www.mindandsoul.info/Articles/423701/Mind_and_Soul/Resources/Leaders/Pastoral_Care_at.aspx