Recently I made an interesting observation in how my shopping habits have changed. I love to read and I love hanging out in bookstores. When you find a good book and a comfortable chair and simply relax with the smell of coffee in the air, you can spend hours reading. Most bookstores today have great children’s areas as well, so our family frequents many of the big bookstores.  But over the past few years, I’ve noticed that we really don’t buy anything at the bookstores. We pick up a kid’s book every now and then, but for the most part, we just hang out and discover books.

Now, I either order books for my Kindle, or I choose to order several at a time from Amazon or one of the other online retailers at much cheaper prices than the store offers. I simply can’t bring myself to pay full retail price for books. I try to buy a few books from our local small family owned bookstore, but most of my purchases are now online.

So here is the question for you to think about: Can bookstores stay in business considering all the new electronic reading devices? Can they afford to keep such high inventories of books when people can order books online and have them shipped overnight cheaper? What are your thoughts? Leave a comment and let me know what you think

Most Christian blog writers tell you how great everything is going in their churches. I want to switch things up and tell you a little about one of our struggles this year in the hope it may help some of my readers. First, I need to give a little background. I started working with teenagers in youth ministry 14 years ago. I have spent countless hours hanging out with teens, riding in 15 passenger vans, and doing way too many gross games that involved food. This blog even started out when I was in youth ministry. But 3 years ago, I accepted the call to pastor the church I’m now at. Since that time, I have juggled youth responsibilities with the responsibilities of pastoring and leading a church, and I haven’t always done a good job.

With the start of this past school year, we made quite a few changes. In hindsight, we made way too many changes at the same time. The effect has been that our Sr. High youth group has really struggled through this school year. In fact, it has been one of the most frustrating years ever for me in youth ministry. So what happened and what have I learned from it.

• We graduated a huge class of seniors last year. I neglected the impact that it would cause on the group. Losing that many leaders at one time really created a sense of loss for the group. We didn’t do a good job of preparing the current students to rise up and take leadership.
• We changed the time and structure of our meetings. This may seem like a small change, but we moved it too early on Sunday. We currently meet from 4:30 to 6, before our 6pm Sunday night service, and that just hasn’t worked. We wanted to change the main meeting time to mid-week, but because of scheduling problems, we couldn’t make it happen. I’m not sure what to do next year, but it won’t continue at the current time for our Sr. High group.
• I stepped back from teaching and leading the youth and got more people involved. This was a very positive change, but yet it was still a change. It made things a little rough at the beginning of the year and it took some time for the youth to get comfortable with the new leaders.

Looking back, I think our group would have been fine with just one or two of these changes, but when combined, the changes posed some serious problems. We really do have a great group of students, but things just haven’t worked out the way we intended. It is going to take some work to regain momentum for the summer and for the next school year, but I am also excited about the possibilities. I know the teens in our group have a huge potential and God can definitely stir them up to do great things for the Kingdom.

And lastly, it’s not been all frustrating. Our Jr. High/Middle School group has had a wonderful year. It has grown and continues to be strong. We had some great leaders step up and serve (thanks Ed and Veronica!) and I’m confident that it will continue to grow. I’m just a little nervous because my daughter will be in that group next year.

Hopefully this may help some of you who are planting churches and juggling responsibilities. Please share your thoughts on youth ministry in the comments below.

StudentLife is a great organization for youth workers and they have put together an informative video on current youth culture. The truth is that today’s culture is changing rapidly due to the use of internet and media. Over the last 15 years, I have seen a huge change in the youth in our small rural community. Our teenagers used to lag behind contemporary youth culture by months or even years due to our isolation from the outside world. Now, with the rise of social networking and the internet, our teens hold the same worldview as others from around the country, and their beliefs are shaped and changed quickly. It’s scary, but it’s reality. If you have a passion for seeing teenagers come to Christ, then I encourage you to watch this video. This would also be helpful for parents of teens as well

ht to Josh for the link

American Christianity has a perception problem. My eyes were really opened to this when I read the book UnChristian. It tells how the younger generation really views the church. In the eyes of the world, Christians have become known more for what we are against, instead of the Christ we are supposed to follow. I’ll be honest, I was discouraged and frustrated by the recent healthcare vote. I know the current system needs an overhaul. I’ve experienced the frustration of trying to get insurance when you have a pre-existing condition. But this legislation was pushed through against the will of the people without being fully explained and without the input of both parties.  But as a follower of Christ, I am not going to resort to name calling and over-exaggeration to get my point across.

I don’t talk much about politics here on the blog, but I am concerned with the reaction from Christians to our current President and Congress. Proverbs 16:33 tells us that God is still in control. He is still on the throne and ultimately we will all answer to Him. The world is not going to end because of a vote in Congress. What this country needs is not a political revival, but a Spiritual revival. We are not going to see a change in Washington by complaining and telling everyone how upset we are. Instead, let’s change this world by sharing the message of the Gospel of Christ. Christians should definitely be involved in the political process. I’m not saying that we ignore the problems. But when people reject the Gospel, not because of the message of the cross, but because of our anger and activism, we have lost our way. I have shared in church that we are called to do more than vote our values, we are called to live them out.  Criticize by creating and getting involved in the process.

Let me challenge you to be known by your love, by your truthfulness, and by your passion. May we be known for Jesus Christ instead of the things we are against.

Here is a video introduction to the book UnChristian. It’s a research book that shows how Christians are perceived by non-Christians.  ”Christians are supposed to represent Christ to the world. But according to the latest report card, something has gone terribly wrong. Using descriptions like “hypocritical,” “insensitive,” and “judgmental,” young Americans share an impression of Christians that’s nothing short of . . . unChristian.”

Lately, I have noticed something that seems to be on the increase.  I am concerned with the boredom of an entire generation.  Check out the facebook and status updates of young adolescents and you’ll be sure to see the infamous statement, “I AM BORED.” I am sure that this isn’t something entirely new, but I do see it as a growing problem. In the midst of incredible advances in technology, entertainment, and communication, teens and children are complaining that they simply have nothing to do. With a 5 year old, 9 year old, and 11 year old, it’s a phrase that comes up often at our house. If we hear complaining about boredom at our house, the first step is usually cleaning their room or reading a book. But even with consequences, our children still want us to entertain them and help them find something to do.

I think this problem has huge implications for the church as well. If the younger millennials grow up in a society where they are constantly entertained, it will affect how we reach them. We must start getting to the root of the problem. One area of concern is the pace of our society. Everything is based on instant gratification and no waiting. From fast food to movies on demand to instant messaging, everything has been geared toward providing them what they want when they want it.  I still have hope, but it will require action on our part.

At the risk of sounding old, I actually remember before we had game systems, cell phones, and home computers. As kids, we spent much of our time simply being kids, playing and enjoying our time with friends. As adults, I feel we have a responsibility to help guide and direct the younger generation to learn how to live life to the fullest. I think we can teach and model some important truths.

So What’s the Cure?

• Let’s teach them to develop a Holy curiosity – When you look at the world with wonder and anticipation, you simply cannot become bored. When you explore and learn, you will grow in maturity and in knowledge.
• Let’s teach them to be still and know God – If we cannot teach our children to slow down, what will happen as they grow older? Jesus spent regular time in silence and solitude with God the Father, and we need to do the same thing. It brings us into God’s presence, it allows us to avoid stress by bringing our requests before God, and it strengthens us with the power of the Holy Spirit.
• Let’s teach them to use their imagination and creativity - I’m afraid we are preventing them from finding solutions to their problems. When they are bored, they can become incredibly creative. It’s in those times when they come up with new ideas and new ways of doing things. Let’s not stifle their creativity. Instead encourage them to discover something to do when they are bored.
• Let’s teach them to serve others – At the root of boredom is selfishness. Everything is focused on my needs and wants. When we find ways to serve others, it helps refocus our priorities on the two greatest commandments. Loving God with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and loving others as ourselves.
• Let’s teach them the power of reading the Bible and other great books – I am thankful that my children love books. I love seeing them pick up books, but still way too often I hear the phrase “I am bored.”  I want to create in them a love of reading. It’s amazing what they can learn from great stories. And I especially want them to spend time reading their Bible. It is such a great joy to hear them reading Bible stories to each other.

I encourage you to join in the conversation. What else would you add to this list?

The title of this post sounds more like the punchline to a joke instead of a reference to two of the greatest athletes of our generation. They each seemed to have it all, fame, fortune, family, and everything money could buy. But something more important was missing.

They didn’t end up where they are overnight. They each made a series of decisions that exposed a flaw in their character.  Both athletes will pay a high price. Millions of kids no longer look to them as role models, millions of dollars will be lost in endorsements, and most importantly their families will never be the same because of their mistakes. We can look back and ask the question what if?  What if they would have had a close friend that was willing to confront them about their choices.  What if they were involved with a local church that could have discipled them and taught them how to live for God. What if they realized the temptation that was forming and their heart and corrected it before it destroyed their life.  Things could have turned out much differently.

I have enjoyed seeing Michael Vick playing football again this year.  He has lost several years of his life, and now he is back on the road to reclaim what was lost. I am glad that Tony Dungy has been able to speak truth and compassion into his life, and I hope and pray that he is indeed a changed man. Personally, I am glad he is playing. He has paid the price for his mistakes and he deserves a second chance. But he will never attain the fame and fortune that he once had. A moral failure does has life-long consequences.

It has been sad to see the headlines each day as more of Tiger’s story has come to light, and no one knows how the story will end.  My prayer is that Tiger will have someone close to him that can share the love, forgiveness, and redemption that can only be found through a relationship with Jesus Christ. I also pray that his family can stay together through this time and that he will emerge from this as a changed man. As Christians, we should pray for him and not look down on him. The greatest need in his life right now is to restore his family. Tiger has said that he wants to emerge from this as a better husband, father, and person. That all starts with the forgiveness that is found through Christ.

Last week, I noticed that one of my friends on facebook had a couple of extra tickets to the U2 concert in Charlottesville.  It worked out for Jennifer and I to go, so we decided to go on a big date.  The tickets were general admission for the field and were sold during the presale for members of the fan club.  In other words, the tickets were great and inexpensive.   If you’re not familiar with the 360 tour, I’ll share a little about the stage.  You can see a picture above, but it is hard to comprehend how large and incredible it really is.  The 40 million dollar stage is 164 feet tall and takes over 100 tractor and trailers to transport. Simply amazing. You can find more info about the concert and stage from wikipedia.

The round high-tech stage was surrounded by an outer circular walkway that connected by an overhead moving bridge.  Jennifer and I were able to get in the inner ring, and we were constantly surrounded by the band as they moved around the stage.  Bono was literally inches away from us as he walked across the bridge.  The Edge was perfect as always and we were close enough to see all the guitar magic.  They played a good mix of old and new music and they were able to really engage the crowd.  U2 puts on an incredible show, and Muse was a great opener as well.  As a technology junkie, I was amazed at the stage and video and production of it all.  My only big regret was that I didn’t take a better camera. The tickets said no cameras allowed except cell phones, but they didn’t check for them and it seemed like everyone brought nice cameras in.  We were on our feet for almost 6 straight hours and we had to walk a mile and a half each way, but it was worth it.

The best part — I was able to enjoy the entire experience with Jennifer.  Simply Awesome.  Here are a few pictures from my phone for you to enjoy.

With the popularity of Facebook soaring, I have noticed people becoming very comfortable sharing all sorts of details about their life.  I would caution any Christian to think twice about posting status updates or photos that set a poor example for others.  What type of testimony do you have online?  Do I really need to know you went clubbing, or that you have a slamming headache from drinking too much, or that you took a quiz to find out that your a super stud with the ladies?  My point is that tons of people read your status updates (including your pastor), and that your online influence goes far beyond what you imagine.

I’m upset when I see church members post questionable things that I know our youth and others in the community will read.  And the problem with any social networking site is that you don’t have to worry just about what you say, but what others say about you.  Let me challenge you to use your online presence to set an example for others.  Remember, you influence far more people than you realize.

Here’s a short video of our Praisin’ in the Park highlights that I posted on facebook.  It was definitely an awesome week.  The results …

• twelve churches that joined together to make it happen
• over 3000 people showed up for the concert and message
• over 300 children that attended throughout the week
• over 70 children that responded to the Gospel message at the end of the week
• and most importantly, we saw numerous examples of God’s presence and power throughout the week.

Our little city of less than 7000 people is becoming well-known. Not just for the bluegrass music, but for drug problems. The Roanoke Times had an article on Sunday about the increasing violence and drug use in our city. We have a huge potential to reach out to those struggling with drug and alcohol addiction. As a church, we are looking at ways to partner with some other groups doing addiction recovery ministry. The need is real, and articles like this show us the urgency that we should have in reaching out and sharing the Gospel message of hope.

Meth ‘epidemic’ prompts call for federal aid in Galax – Roanoke.com

We Remember | Virginia Tech

It is hard to believe that 2 years have passed since the Virginia Tech Tragedy. It had a profound effect on everyone in our community. For me, I graduated from Tech and had classes in the building where the shootings took place. For one of our former students, he lost his roommate and best friend. For other students I know who were at Tech, they went through a terrifying ordeal that still bothers them today. I know some of the police officers who are still struggling with what they saw that day. Everyone was affected in some way.

What happened two years ago was not just another headline in the news. Things like that don’t happen in southwest Virginia. But it did happen, and we still remember those who lost loved ones and who went through this ordeal. Our prayers are with you, and this just motivates me to share my faith with more urgency and boldness than ever. Because we never know …

Over the years, I’ve talked with youth groups numerous times about dating, relationships, purity, and sex. I’ve seen many different curriculums spring up and then disappear, and I usually end up teaching lessons I have developed myself. This year, I decided to do something different.

I read on someone’s blog (I can’t remember who now) that they showed a sermon series to their youth from Craig Groeschel at Lifechurch.tv.   This was the sermon series that ended up becoming the book Going All The Way, Preparing for a Marriage That Goes the Distance.  I have been using this book for pre-marriage counseling over the past year and I highly recommend it.  I reviewed it a while back here on this blog.

So here’s what we did.  During youth we showed each sermon, and then I took time to lead a discussion based on what we just watched and heard.  I firmly believe that we need to challenge our youth and our these videos generated some great discussion.   Our discussions typically lasted over 30 minutes after each sermon.  Our youth don’t need watered-down devotions, they need to hear the truth in a direct, powerful, and encouraging way.   Although these sermons were geared for an adult worship service, they touched on many of the same issues these guys and girls are facing.  I wouldn’t show sermons like this every week, but it worked well for this series.

If you are interested in doing something like this, check out the free resources that Lifechurch.tv offers on their open website.  If you just want to watch the sermons online, then you can find them here at the Lifechurch.tv website.

I’ve seen this on several different blogs lately, and it definitely gives you a good laugh at the expense of the current church culture. Unfortunately, I thought of several youth pastors that I have heard speak.  Youth Ministry is so much more than just being cool and relevant.  It is all about building meaningful relationships with students as we teach and model the truth of the Bible.   It’s all about Jesus, and we must get out of the way so that Jesus can be seen.

from the creators of this video: This is a video we produced for a free event for youth ministers. It was conceived as a satire for what I consider to be an unhealthy “rock star” culture that has been growing inside Christendom, as well as an encouragement for the unheralded heroes on the front lines of ministry.

Ignatius from travis hawkins on Vimeo.

If you are confused by the current lending and credit crisis, then watch this 10 minute video. It does a great job of describing what has happened. In a nutshell, the banks let people borrow more than they could afford, and when too many people defaulted, the banks got into big trouble.

Psalm 37:21 (NLT) – The wicked borrow and never repay,but the godly are generous givers.
Romans 13:8 (NLT) Owe nothing to anyone—except for your obligation to love one another.

As Christians, we should put ourselves into position to financially help those in need. And we should model and teach financial responsibility. If you are struggling with debt, then please start taking the steps to get out of debt as soon as possible. Check out Joe Sangl’s website where he has some excellent info about what to do next.

The Crisis of Credit Visualized from Jonathan Jarvis on Vimeo.

I just finished reading innovatechurch, innovative leadership for the next generation church, by Jonathan Falwell.   If you haven’t heard, God is doing some amazing things at Thomas Road Baptist Church in Lynchburg, Virginia.  This book is a collaborative effort from the leadership of Thomas Road and Liberty University.  I have taken several seminary classes from Liberty, so I like to keep up with what is happening there.  Since the death of Jerry Falwell, the church has experienced tremendous growth, building on the framework and structure and leadership that he provided.  His son Jonathan is now pastor at Thomas Road.

The church is indeed doing some innovative things, but the book is more about not losing sight of the gospel message in the effort to be innovative.  Thomas Road is a great example that you can still reach your community with a church that has traditional elements in the service.  I think  many pastors get caught up in the contemporary and modern style of worship and church, and forget that much of the country, especially in the south, has grown up around church.   We must find ways to connect the truth of the message to the culture that we live in.  As pastors, the most important thing for us is to discover God’s vision for our leadership and church.  We need revelation, not imitation.  Thomas Road has done a great job of keeping their church relevant to their culture without compromising their vision.

The book is separated into 8 different areas of innovation:

• Leadership
• Worship
• Discipleship
• Outreach
• Church Planting
• Apologetics
• Culture
• Prayer

There are many great leadership lessons throughout the book.  I can highly recommend reading it.  There was only one section that I struggled with. In the section on culture, everything was based on being politically involved through government and through the legal system.  My idea of influencing culture comes not through the political process, but through the lives of people living out the Gospel.  What Thomas Road is doing through their service groups in the community is a great example of being a positive influence on culture.  I have said it before, but we should be known for our love, not for what we are against.   The church for far too long has delegated it’s responsibility to change culture to politicians and lawyers.   I think we should follow the example of Jesus and engage culture by actually taking the gospel message to them.

Again, overall this is an excellent book.  It challenged me in how we are doing some things at Cornerstone.  I especially liked the chapters on discipleship and church planting.  This book was a great read, considering how the culture of Lynchburg and our city are so similar.