Albert Huizing, IV

It's easy to become too comfortable because when something is working well, we tend to drag our feet in making sometimes needed changes. Then things around us change and there is lag -time in our response to change. It takes the coragious person to be able to decide when to act accordingly with change. Stepping back to see the entire picture is helpful, but we mustn't camp out in this "panoramic" enigma. Wwe must go there for perspective and then immediately re-emerge into the faily routine of yth ministry; this alone can be stressful and overwhelming to the average yth ministry worker. 

Relying on others to see aid in seeing the bigger picture has always been helpful. However, are you too proud to accept those helpful comments? Are you able to accept and apply others' advice in it's proper place? It's amazing what others can see, that you cannot. Actually hear it and make the best use of what your are hearing....

I think, that until each generation thinks and processes things exactly the same (which, BTW, will NEVER happen), you will always need 2 languages to perform and promote youth ministry. The key is finding leaders who can communicate to both sides of the pew. Whether you hire/commission, a youth leader that is young - more charismatic with lots of energy - and knows the youth lingo really well, but not so hip on the older generations' way of speaking, or, an older more experienced maverick, that can't keep up with the undulating twists and changes of the youth movement(s), when it comes right down to it, they will need to understand and speak two different languages to either side and when they are able to balance those two languages intelligently and with expert precision, you will begin to see an unprecidented understanding between the goals and mission of the youth ministry program. 

Jeff:

You mentioned earlier a possible Youth Ministry Summer Summit, to help in tackling this problem

Please keep me informed and updated as to what they will focus will be and if it is going to happen.

If I can fit it into my schedule, I would like to possibly be a part of that if it could benefit all of Canada's Youth Ministry Scope.

Thanks!

Marc: Although I'm not entirely sure what you are getting at - maybe that it's best to have a regional/Classical YM in place B4 we hire a denominational coordinator - but YM is quite a different ball of wax than pastoral ministry. The pastors 99% of the time have beyond excellent educational practicum. The average Youth Leader/Durector if they have a degree have VERY little experience. They need leadership; they need resources; they need ideas to jumpstart programs; they need stories of success to get motivated, at times. Although, it's more cost effective to do it by region/Classis in the short-term, in the Long-term vision, if the the programs are universal and flexible (each youth group is unique) I think the best way to get everyone on board is through a denominational coordinator. Starting small, simple and things that have a proven record.

I also have kids that tithe but it is not on the forefront of their mind; I believe that the real issue is that we are living in a society and driven by cultural humanistic desires. The kids (and many times the parents too) live in a world of "I Need or I want". Rather than what can I give away or live without. I have never been a person who spends needlessly, but still believe that as Americans we can still do with less, even the meager ones, have way too much. We need one shirt, but buy three "just in case". We need one store item, but purchase on a sale "just in case". The root of the problem with tithing is changing the belief that "we need" to one of "they/others need". If we can come up with a way changing that mindset early on, we will have a generation who not only believe, but understand the value of tithing. It's not only the youth, we fall way short as adults too. but AS the Jewish Talmud says "to teach it to the youth is to teach it to your great-grandchildren" I hope someone submits some ideas that have worked for them.

Does anyone have any incentives to tithing they've tried, for youths age (14-19)?