RYM: Recent Episodes
Reformed Youth Ministries
RYM exists to reach youth for Christ and equip them to serve. These podcasts are from lessons taught at our various conferences.
Kids are growing up in a world of worry today. Anxiety, in fact, is a childhood epidemic, effecting 1 out of every 4 children. Kids of all ages feel pressure…from the expectations around them, inside of them, and even, unknowingly, from us. What can we do to slow the epidemic for kids, in general? And, even more importantly, what can you do to calm the worry-related meltdowns and help your child find the confidence to fight his or her own brand of Worry Monster?
In this seminar, you’ll gain
• understanding the what’s and why’s in terms of the differences between anxiety and worry, and where your child is on the continuum
• help practically with tools to overcome the worry that he or she will inevitably face
• hope as your child discovers a sense of resilience that is stronger than any worry this age of anxiety can bring
Children need understanding, help, and hope. You can make a profound difference in their journey to finding all three. You will come out of this seminar feeling not only more confident in your parenting, but in your ability to help them discover all of the courage that is already inside of them.
Kids are growing up in a world of worry today. Anxiety, in fact, is a childhood epidemic, effecting 1 out of every 4 children. Kids of all ages feel pressure…from the expectations around them, inside of them, and even, unknowingly, from us. What can we do to slow the epidemic for kids, in general? And, even more importantly, what can you do to calm the worry-related meltdowns and help your child find the confidence to fight his or her own brand of Worry Monster?
In this seminar, you’ll gain
• understanding the what’s and why’s in terms of the differences between anxiety and worry, and where your child is on the continuum
• help practically with tools to overcome the worry that he or she will inevitably face
• hope as your child discovers a sense of resilience that is stronger than any worry this age of anxiety can bring
Children need understanding, help, and hope. You can make a profound difference in their journey to finding all three. You will come out of this seminar feeling not only more confident in your parenting, but in your ability to help them discover all of the courage that is already inside of them.
Many of us are quietly defeated in our private prayer lives. We’ve tried praying, but it just doesn’t seem to work. Because we are in ministry we don’t feel safe to tell anyone that we stink at prayer. We know its the fuel for the engine of ministry but the busyness of ministry siphons the fuel out and we end up relying on our own ingenuity and gifts. So we feel a combination of frustration and guilt. In this seminar, we will discuss how to begin a private life of prayer in fellowship with our heavenly Father. This seminar is not for victorious Christian, but for the Follower of Jesus who often find themselves defeated in the trenches. “Prayer is asking God to incarnate, to get dirty in your life. Yes, the eternal God scrubs floors. For sure we know he washes feet. So take Jesus at his word. Ask him. Tell him what you want. Get dirty. Write out your prayer requests; don't mindlessly drift through life on the American narcotic of busyness. If you try to seize the day, the day will eventually break you. Seize the corner of his garment and don't let go until he blesses you. He will reshape the day.” (Paul E. Miller, A Praying Life: Connecting with God in a Distracting World)
Knowing the Person makes the Message Stick - The Person of the Gospel is the velcro of the Message of the Gospel. As Youth Workers and ultimately our western training has clouded our vision to see the Person of Jesus. We have the work of Christ down and rightfully so but what if our hearts as youth workers fell in love with the Person of Jesus. What might happen in our lives and ministries if we were struck with the beauty of not just what he has done but who he is. Ultimately we have to ask the questions are we preaching the message without the person? Is it sticking with us, is it sticking with our students?
Theology drives ministry – That belief must be at the heart of our approach to youth ministry. Two core theological presuppositions in the RYM Philosophy of Ministry are the church & the family. These two foundational institutions are created by God as primary influences in God’s design for calling his elect, forming a community of faith, and passing that faith on from generation to generation. The bible shapes our view of both institutions and in the process gives us a paradigm for how we do ministry to children and youth. God cares about the next generation; He cares about our children and youth and extends His care to them through the family and the church. In this seminar we will present a holistic paradigm for youth ministry that embraces age specific ministry, trans-generational ministry and family ministry with their unique and complementary roles in reaching youth for Christ and equipping them to serve.
This class will focus on what a philosophy of ministry really is, why you need it and how you use it to effectively minister in the name of Christ. We will introduce you to common language and understandings to help your team minister on the same page and in the same direction.
The purpose of the RYM POM is rooted in Matthew 28 and Jesus’ Great Commission. Ministry exists to “reach” youth for Christ and “equip” them for service of Christ. People are “reached” when they encounter the living Christ in his Word, empowered by the Holy Spirit. People are “equipped” when they engage the living Christ among his people, through prayer, study of the Bible, the Sacraments, and fellowship of God’s people. The POM also identifies four categories in which to define our goals. This class will unpack this material and explain/establish these important concepts.
Of course your youth group will welcome all, but is your youth group accessible to all? The difference is crucial. This workshop will define disability, present the challenges and necessity of integration, and provide ways to implement accessibility within any philosophy of ministry. Because our ministry should be as accessible as the Kingdom of God is through Christ!
Teaching the Bible often feels overwhelming. Think of all that we face in trying to communicate to students: ancient stories from foreign cultures (weird), short attention spans (bored), the glitter of social media (irrelevant), our limited time and resources...oh and we're are broken people with tons of insecurity. Whew. This seminar is a chance to step and look at what the Bible is really about and how to communicate in a way that is faithful, relevant and authentically your own.
The “Presuppositions” describe the ministry leader’s manner, or mode, when considering methodology (the things we choose to do in ministry). The Presuppositions are not so much concerned with what you do in your ministry as much as the posture you exhibit when doing it.
Patrick Lencioni, in his book “The Advantage”, uses the term “values” to talk about how important it is for a healthy organization to be aware of the behaviors that should define a company’s “personality.” He writes, “The importance of [presuppositions] in creating clarity and enabling a company to become healthy cannot be overstated. More than anything else, [presuppositions] are critical because they define a company’s personality. They provide employees with clarity about how to behave, which reduces the need for inefficient and demoralizing micromanagement.” It’s a great question: what is the “personality” of your church’s youth ministry? The RYM POM’s Presuppositions are intended to firmly establish that “vibe” your ministry is putting off by a set of agreed upon concepts that form the manner in which we do ministry.
The “avenues” in the POM are the building blocks of your ministry, the skeletal structure of your ministry. They are easy to define and identify but it takes a lifetime to master. This seminar is going to assist you in thinking through this vital part of your programming.
When we start to consider all of the priorities of life in ministry, many things may come to mind. While there may be some consensus among those priorities, there are going to be many more up for debate. In this elective, we will discuss those priorities that seem to be absolutely necessary for someone serving in ministry. The necessities discussed in this class will be far from exhaustive, but can be used by God to steward the ministry he's called you to.
Ministry in the local church is super complex, often leading many of us in Christ's service to great discouragment. There is a reason why so few stay in vocational gospel ministry. So, how can we understand and develop healthy ministry expectations? What shared values should a ministry staff and parents embrace together? How important is emotional intelligence in your ministry? And finally, how is the Gospel informing and transforming your ministry "footprint' in the local church? These are some the questions we will consider as we discuss the losses and crosses of healthy youth ministry.
We’ve all grown up in a worldly culture where men and women are often pitted against each other, sexualized towards each other, or separated from each other. Unfortunately, that worldly culture shows up in the Church every week as well, causing more pain and hurt rather than growth of the Kingdom. The life of Jesus created something new - a new culture that calls (and necessitates) his sister and brothers speaking into a deeper way of living out their imago dei together. This has huge implications for serving and leading staffs with both men and women. It has even bigger implications for how we minister to students of our opposite gender. God is building something new, let’s join in the work.
The role of rabbi/disciple is an apt model for the student minister and their students. What can we learn from Jesus the master teacher and how can we plan lessons that engage students to help them encounter Jesus in ways that transform them into His disciples? This class will consider the philosophy of Christian pedagogy, how students learn, and how students are transformed. We will practice how to plan lessons and teach them in ways that invite students to engage in learning and makes space for the Spirit to guide students into all truth.
Language of “heart change” is becoming more commonly used in ministry circles, yet what does “getting to the heart” really mean? While listening to a student’s story, a great deal may be said about the problem, but if we are not careful, we will miss the forest for the trees. Wise counselors listen for themes. This workshop will explore Biblical wisdom found in the ministry of Christ and engage practical steps that influence true and lasting change that aims for the heart.
I’ve heard it said, “If you want someone to know the truth, tell them; if you want someone to love the truth, tell them a story.” As God’s created human beings, there is something within us that responds more deeply to stories than to anything else in the world. The world itself is trying to shape and mold and form us with its own stories—false narratives that lead us away from our Creator. But the Bible is telling us a different story. In fact, the Bible is just that—a story. From Genesis to Revelation, the Scriptures are giving us one enormous, true, historical, prophetic, poetic, epic story that does way more than just tell us the difference between right and wrong. It’s a story that will shape and mold us into the people God intended us to be if we will let it. This week we’re going to talk about the power of storytelling, the deception beneath the stories that the world is telling us, and the beauty within the greatest story ever told.
I’ve heard it said, “If you want someone to know the truth, tell them; if you want someone to love the truth, tell them a story.” As God’s created human beings, there is something within us that responds more deeply to stories than to anything else in the world. The world itself is trying to shape and mold and form us with its own stories—false narratives that lead us away from our Creator. But the Bible is telling us a different story. In fact, the Bible is just that—a story. From Genesis to Revelation, the Scriptures are giving us one enormous, true, historical, prophetic, poetic, epic story that does way more than just tell us the difference between right and wrong. It’s a story that will shape and mold us into the people God intended us to be if we will let it. This week we’re going to talk about the power of storytelling, the deception beneath the stories that the world is telling us, and the beauty within the greatest story ever told.
I’ve heard it said, “If you want someone to know the truth, tell them; if you want someone to love the truth, tell them a story.” As God’s created human beings, there is something within us that responds more deeply to stories than to anything else in the world. The world itself is trying to shape and mold and form us with its own stories—false narratives that lead us away from our Creator. But the Bible is telling us a different story. In fact, the Bible is just that—a story. From Genesis to Revelation, the Scriptures are giving us one enormous, true, historical, prophetic, poetic, epic story that does way more than just tell us the difference between right and wrong. It’s a story that will shape and mold us into the people God intended us to be if we will let it. This week we’re going to talk about the power of storytelling, the deception beneath the stories that the world is telling us, and the beauty within the greatest story ever told.
I’ve heard it said, “If you want someone to know the truth, tell them; if you want someone to love the truth, tell them a story.” As God’s created human beings, there is something within us that responds more deeply to stories than to anything else in the world. The world itself is trying to shape and mold and form us with its own stories—false narratives that lead us away from our Creator. But the Bible is telling us a different story. In fact, the Bible is just that—a story. From Genesis to Revelation, the Scriptures are giving us one enormous, true, historical, prophetic, poetic, epic story that does way more than just tell us the difference between right and wrong. It’s a story that will shape and mold us into the people God intended us to be if we will let it. This week we’re going to talk about the power of storytelling, the deception beneath the stories that the world is telling us, and the beauty within the greatest story ever told.
Let’s face it . . . you’re sort of a mess. Life at home is hard. Life at school is hard. Even life at church is hard! Most of the time you don’t make the grades, win the championships, or get the likes. Now mix in a little pride, anger, lust, and/or a few "white lies," and you’ve got . . . well . . . you. Yes, you try to keep it together and put on a smile, but deep down you feel you’re always kind of lost and falling apart. In this elective we’re going to be honest about our frustration, our sin, and our brokenness. But we’re also going to talk about how God heartens the hopeless, welcomes the wandering, and binds the broken in Jesus. Join us as we take a good look at ourselves, our mess, and the glorious good news of the gospel.
Let’s face it . . . you’re sort of a mess. Life at home is hard. Life at school is hard. Even life at church is hard! Most of the time you don’t make the grades, win the championships, or get the likes. Now mix in a little pride, anger, lust, and/or a few "white lies," and you’ve got . . . well . . . you. Yes, you try to keep it together and put on a smile, but deep down you feel you’re always kind of lost and falling apart. In this elective we’re going to be honest about our frustration, our sin, and our brokenness. But we’re also going to talk about how God heartens the hopeless, welcomes the wandering, and binds the broken in Jesus. Join us as we take a good look at ourselves, our mess, and the glorious good news of the gospel.
Let’s face it . . . you’re sort of a mess. Life at home is hard. Life at school is hard. Even life at church is hard! Most of the time you don’t make the grades, win the championships, or get the likes. Now mix in a little pride, anger, lust, and/or a few "white lies," and you’ve got . . . well . . . you. Yes, you try to keep it together and put on a smile, but deep down you feel you’re always kind of lost and falling apart. In this elective we’re going to be honest about our frustration, our sin, and our brokenness. But we’re also going to talk about how God heartens the hopeless, welcomes the wandering, and binds the broken in Jesus. Join us as we take a good look at ourselves, our mess, and the glorious good news of the gospel.
Let’s face it . . . you’re sort of a mess. Life at home is hard. Life at school is hard. Even life at church is hard! Most of the time you don’t make the grades, win the championships, or get the likes. Now mix in a little pride, anger, lust, and/or a few "white lies," and you’ve got . . . well . . . you. Yes, you try to keep it together and put on a smile, but deep down you feel you’re always kind of lost and falling apart. In this elective we’re going to be honest about our frustration, our sin, and our brokenness. But we’re also going to talk about how God heartens the hopeless, welcomes the wandering, and binds the broken in Jesus. Join us as we take a good look at ourselves, our mess, and the glorious good news of the gospel.
This is a tricky and loaded subject. We are constantly getting messages about our sexuality through culture, social media, marketing, our own hearts - everywhere! The Bible has much to say about our sexuality—a message full of hope, healing, and a good design by a good Creator. If sex was created by God and it is good, then what is God’s good design for sex? What does our sexuality mean in the grand narrative of what God is up to in the world? We all experience sexual brokenness because of the Fall; we are all sexually broken. How do we think about our sexuality in a biblical worldview? In this class, we are going to explore the goodness of sexuality, as it was created and as it is redeemed, and how to navigate the difficulties of living in a world in which, like everything else in our lives, our sexual brokenness suffers the effects of the Fall.
This is a tricky and loaded subject. We are constantly getting messages about our sexuality through culture, social media, marketing, our own hearts - everywhere! The Bible has much to say about our sexuality—a message full of hope, healing, and a good design by a good Creator. If sex was created by God and it is good, then what is God’s good design for sex? What does our sexuality mean in the grand narrative of what God is up to in the world? We all experience sexual brokenness because of the Fall; we are all sexually broken. How do we think about our sexuality in a biblical worldview? In this class, we are going to explore the goodness of sexuality, as it was created and as it is redeemed, and how to navigate the difficulties of living in a world in which, like everything else in our lives, our sexual brokenness suffers the effects of the Fall.
This is a tricky and loaded subject. We are constantly getting messages about our sexuality through culture, social media, marketing, our own hearts - everywhere! The Bible has much to say about our sexuality—a message full of hope, healing, and a good design by a good Creator. If sex was created by God and it is good, then what is God’s good design for sex? What does our sexuality mean in the grand narrative of what God is up to in the world? We all experience sexual brokenness because of the Fall; we are all sexually broken. How do we think about our sexuality in a biblical worldview? In this class, we are going to explore the goodness of sexuality, as it was created and as it is redeemed, and how to navigate the difficulties of living in a world in which, like everything else in our lives, our sexual brokenness suffers the effects of the Fall.
This is a tricky and loaded subject. We are constantly getting messages about our sexuality through culture, social media, marketing, our own hearts - everywhere! The Bible has much to say about our sexuality—a message full of hope, healing, and a good design by a good Creator. If sex was created by God and it is good, then what is God’s good design for sex? What does our sexuality mean in the grand narrative of what God is up to in the world? We all experience sexual brokenness because of the Fall; we are all sexually broken. How do we think about our sexuality in a biblical worldview? In this class, we are going to explore the goodness of sexuality, as it was created and as it is redeemed, and how to navigate the difficulties of living in a world in which, like everything else in our lives, our sexual brokenness suffers the effects of the Fall.
Where are you? No, seriously! Where are you? Where are the places in your life you are running from God? Maybe you are running to friendships, popularity, social media, video games, sports to find happiness. If we are honest with ourselves, we’re all running. We’re running to people, places, and things to fulfill us. Wherever you are, God is pursuing you right down to this very moment whether you realize it or not. The question is, why does God pursue sinful humans like you and me?
Where are you? No, seriously! Where are you? Where are the places in your life you are running from God? Maybe you are running to friendships, popularity, social media, video games, sports to find happiness. If we are honest with ourselves, we’re all running. We’re running to people, places, and things to fulfill us. Wherever you are, God is pursuing you right down to this very moment whether you realize it or not. The question is, why does God pursue sinful humans like you and me?
Where are you? No, seriously! Where are you? Where are the places in your life you are running from God? Maybe you are running to friendships, popularity, social media, video games, sports to find happiness. If we are honest with ourselves, we’re all running. We’re running to people, places, and things to fulfill us. Wherever you are, God is pursuing you right down to this very moment whether you realize it or not. The question is, why does God pursue sinful humans like you and me?
Where are you? No, seriously! Where are you? Where are the places in your life you are running from God? Maybe you are running to friendships, popularity, social media, video games, sports to find happiness. If we are honest with ourselves, we’re all running. We’re running to people, places, and things to fulfill us. Wherever you are, God is pursuing you right down to this very moment whether you realize it or not. The question is, why does God pursue sinful humans like you and me?
Your phone is the last thing you see before you shut your eyes at night. Your phone is the first thing you see when you wake up in the morning. Your phone tells you when to get up. It tells you where to go and how to get there. It’s honestly a serious question as to whether you are in charge of it or if it’s in charge of you. How can we take this gift from God and use it in such a way that it doesn’t dominate our every waking moment? Come and find out.
Your phone is the last thing you see before you shut your eyes at night. Your phone is the first thing you see when you wake up in the morning. Your phone tells you when to get up. It tells you where to go and how to get there. It’s honestly a serious question as to whether you are in charge of it or if it’s in charge of you. How can we take this gift from God and use it in such a way that it doesn’t dominate our every waking moment? Come and find out.
Your phone is the last thing you see before you shut your eyes at night. Your phone is the first thing you see when you wake up in the morning. Your phone tells you when to get up. It tells you where to go and how to get there. It’s honestly a serious question as to whether you are in charge of it or if it’s in charge of you. How can we take this gift from God and use it in such a way that it doesn’t dominate our every waking moment? Come and find out.
We are people who hate to be bored. We will do anything to escape boredom, which is why we spend our days distracting ourselves from the reality of it. Distraction can be one of the worst things you can do when you find yourself bored, and it is a leading cause of physical and spiritual death. This is a theme we find all throughout Scripture and in today's world. This class will focus on how distraction leads us away from the life we can find in Jesus
We are people who hate to be bored. We will do anything to escape boredom, which is why we spend our days distracting ourselves from the reality of it. Distraction can be one of the worst things you can do when you find yourself bored, and it is a leading cause of physical and spiritual death. This is a theme we find all throughout Scripture and in today's world. This class will focus on how distraction leads us away from the life we can find in Jesus
We are people who hate to be bored. We will do anything to escape boredom, which is why we spend our days distracting ourselves from the reality of it. Distraction can be one of the worst things you can do when you find yourself bored, and it is a leading cause of physical and spiritual death. This is a theme we find all throughout Scripture and in today's world. This class will focus on how distraction leads us away from the life we can find in Jesus
We are people who hate to be bored. We will do anything to escape boredom, which is why we spend our days distracting ourselves from the reality of it. Distraction can be one of the worst things you can do when you find yourself bored, and it is a leading cause of physical and spiritual death. This is a theme we find all throughout Scripture and in today's world. This class will focus on how distraction leads us away from the life we can find in Jesus
What’s your typical day filled with? School, homework, tests, sports, and work. What are some of the relationships you deal with? People who make you laugh, people who make you cry, people who make you mad, and people who annoy you. What do you think about during the day? School, sports, movies, girls/boys, money, future, your body, their body, dating, sex, Snapchat, music, Instagram, celebrities, video games and YouTube. How do you feel about your day, your relationships, and your thoughts? On one hand, many of these things can foster thoughts of joy and excitement. On the other hand, many of them might make you want to run and hide. What’s your day filled with? In a word…stress.
Since we live in a sinful world, nothing comes easy. Even the good things in life are hard. In this current cultural climate, middle and high school students are among the most stressed people. Worry, anxiety, and depression among students are the highest in history. But God’s Word speaks to every moment in human history. God, in his sovereignty, wanted you to live in this current time in history. How can you learn to live with the stresses of life? How can you deal with anxiety and worry in a helpful way? This elective seeks to answer those questions for God’s glory and your good.
What’s your typical day filled with? School, homework, tests, sports, and work. What are some of the relationships you deal with? People who make you laugh, people who make you cry, people who make you mad, and people who annoy you. What do you think about during the day? School, sports, movies, girls/boys, money, future, your body, their body, dating, sex, Snapchat, music, Instagram, celebrities, video games and YouTube. How do you feel about your day, your relationships, and your thoughts? On one hand, many of these things can foster thoughts of joy and excitement. On the other hand, many of them might make you want to run and hide. What’s your day filled with? In a word…stress.
Since we live in a sinful world, nothing comes easy. Even the good things in life are hard. In this current cultural climate, middle and high school students are among the most stressed people. Worry, anxiety, and depression among students are the highest in history. But God’s Word speaks to every moment in human history. God, in his sovereignty, wanted you to live in this current time in history. How can you learn to live with the stresses of life? How can you deal with anxiety and worry in a helpful way? This elective seeks to answer those questions for God’s glory and your good.
What’s your typical day filled with? School, homework, tests, sports, and work. What are some of the relationships you deal with? People who make you laugh, people who make you cry, people who make you mad, and people who annoy you. What do you think about during the day? School, sports, movies, girls/boys, money, future, your body, their body, dating, sex, Snapchat, music, Instagram, celebrities, video games and YouTube. How do you feel about your day, your relationships, and your thoughts? On one hand, many of these things can foster thoughts of joy and excitement. On the other hand, many of them might make you want to run and hide. What’s your day filled with? In a word…stress.
Since we live in a sinful world, nothing comes easy. Even the good things in life are hard. In this current cultural climate, middle and high school students are among the most stressed people. Worry, anxiety, and depression among students are the highest in history. But God’s Word speaks to every moment in human history. God, in his sovereignty, wanted you to live in this current time in history. How can you learn to live with the stresses of life? How can you deal with anxiety and worry in a helpful way? This elective seeks to answer those questions for God’s glory and your good.
What’s your typical day filled with? School, homework, tests, sports, and work. What are some of the relationships you deal with? People who make you laugh, people who make you cry, people who make you mad, and people who annoy you. What do you think about during the day? School, sports, movies, girls/boys, money, future, your body, their body, dating, sex, Snapchat, music, Instagram, celebrities, video games and YouTube. How do you feel about your day, your relationships, and your thoughts? On one hand, many of these things can foster thoughts of joy and excitement. On the other hand, many of them might make you want to run and hide. What’s your day filled with? In a word…stress.
Since we live in a sinful world, nothing comes easy. Even the good things in life are hard. In this current cultural climate, middle and high school students are among the most stressed people. Worry, anxiety, and depression among students are the highest in history. But God’s Word speaks to every moment in human history. God, in his sovereignty, wanted you to live in this current time in history. How can you learn to live with the stresses of life? How can you deal with anxiety and worry in a helpful way? This elective seeks to answer those questions for God’s glory and your good.
Have you ever felt like your biggest questions have no answer? Or like they aren’t allowed to be asked? The truth is, we all have big questions that we desperately want answered - about God, about good and evil, and about eternity. This class will take a look at how an old document written by old men hundreds of years ago deals with some of life’s biggest questions.
Have you ever felt like your biggest questions have no answer? Or like they aren’t allowed to be asked? The truth is, we all have big questions that we desperately want answered - about God, about good and evil, and about eternity. This class will take a look at how an old document written by old men hundreds of years ago deals with some of life’s biggest questions.
Have you ever felt like your biggest questions have no answer? Or like they aren’t allowed to be asked? The truth is, we all have big questions that we desperately want answered - about God, about good and evil, and about eternity. This class will take a look at how an old document written by old men hundreds of years ago deals with some of life’s biggest questions.
Have you ever felt like your biggest questions have no answer? Or like they aren’t allowed to be asked? The truth is, we all have big questions that we desperately want answered - about God, about good and evil, and about eternity. This class will take a look at how an old document written by old men hundreds of years ago deals with some of life’s biggest questions.
What’s the point of following Jesus? If the pay-off is awkwardness with your friends and frustrating struggles against seemingly fun things, why should we seek to follow Jesus? In this class we will discuss what our attitudes should be as we seek to follow Jesus and what are the benefits and hope.
What’s the point of following Jesus? If the pay-off is awkwardness with your friends and frustrating struggles against seemingly fun things, why should we seek to follow Jesus? In this class we will discuss what our attitudes should be as we seek to follow Jesus and what are the benefits and hope.
What’s the point of following Jesus? If the pay-off is awkwardness with your friends and frustrating struggles against seemingly fun things, why should we seek to follow Jesus? In this class we will discuss what our attitudes should be as we seek to follow Jesus and what are the benefits and hope.
What’s the point of following Jesus? If the pay-off is awkwardness with your friends and frustrating struggles against seemingly fun things, why should we seek to follow Jesus? In this class we will discuss what our attitudes should be as we seek to follow Jesus and what are the benefits and hope.
"It's not you; it's me." If your relationship with your significant other has ended with these words, you know the real translation: "It's totally you...it's all your fault." These words hurt. Bad news: if your relationship with God isn't good, it's not Him; it's totally you...and it's totally me. At the core of our sinful heart is selfishness, and it affects every relationship we have. It keeps us from loving God, and it keeps us from loving our neighbors. What can we do? Where can we turn for help? This elective will look at finding satisfying joy in our lives by living for God and by living for others while fighting against our selfish selves. Is this kind of life even possible? Come find out!
"It's not you; it's me." If your relationship with your significant other has ended with these words, you know the real translation: "It's totally you...it's all your fault." These words hurt. Bad news: if your relationship with God isn't good, it's not Him; it's totally you...and it's totally me. At the core of our sinful heart is selfishness, and it affects every relationship we have. It keeps us from loving God, and it keeps us from loving our neighbors. What can we do? Where can we turn for help? This elective will look at finding satisfying joy in our lives by living for God and by living for others while fighting against our selfish selves. Is this kind of life even possible? Come find out!
"It's not you; it's me." If your relationship with your significant other has ended with these words, you know the real translation: "It's totally you...it's all your fault." These words hurt. Bad news: if your relationship with God isn't good, it's not Him; it's totally you...and it's totally me. At the core of our sinful heart is selfishness, and it affects every relationship we have. It keeps us from loving God, and it keeps us from loving our neighbors. What can we do? Where can we turn for help? This elective will look at finding satisfying joy in our lives by living for God and by living for others while fighting against our selfish selves. Is this kind of life even possible? Come find out!
"It's not you; it's me." If your relationship with your significant other has ended with these words, you know the real translation: "It's totally you...it's all your fault." These words hurt. Bad news: if your relationship with God isn't good, it's not Him; it's totally you...and it's totally me. At the core of our sinful heart is selfishness, and it affects every relationship we have. It keeps us from loving God, and it keeps us from loving our neighbors. What can we do? Where can we turn for help? This elective will look at finding satisfying joy in our lives by living for God and by living for others while fighting against our selfish selves. Is this kind of life even possible? Come find out!
Your phone is the last thing you see before you shut your eyes at night. Your phone is the first thing you see when you wake up in the morning. Your phone tells you when to get up. It tells you where to go and how to get there. It’s honestly a serious question as to whether you are in charge of it or if it’s in charge of you. How can we take this gift from God and use it in such a way that it doesn’t dominate our every waking moment? Come and find out.
Your phone is the last thing you see before you shut your eyes at night. Your phone is the first thing you see when you wake up in the morning. Your phone tells you when to get up. It tells you where to go and how to get there. It’s honestly a serious question as to whether you are in charge of it or if it’s in charge of you. How can we take this gift from God and use it in such a way that it doesn’t dominate our every waking moment? Come and find out.
Your phone is the last thing you see before you shut your eyes at night. Your phone is the first thing you see when you wake up in the morning. Your phone tells you when to get up. It tells you where to go and how to get there. It’s honestly a serious question as to whether you are in charge of it or if it’s in charge of you. How can we take this gift from God and use it in such a way that it doesn’t dominate our every waking moment? Come and find out.
I’ve heard it said, “If you want someone to know the truth, tell them; if you want someone to love the truth, tell them a story.” As God’s created human beings, there is something within us that responds more deeply to stories than to anything else in the world. The world itself is trying to shape and mold and form us with its own stories—false narratives that lead us away from our Creator. But the Bible is telling us a different story. In fact, the Bible is just that—a story. From Genesis to Revelation, the Scriptures are giving us one enormous, true, historical, prophetic, poetic, epic story that does way more than just tell us the difference between right and wrong. It’s a story that will shape and mold us into the people God intended us to be if we will let it. This week we’re going to talk about the power of storytelling, the deception beneath the stories that the world is telling us, and the beauty within the greatest story ever told.
I’ve heard it said, “If you want someone to know the truth, tell them; if you want someone to love the truth, tell them a story.” As God’s created human beings, there is something within us that responds more deeply to stories than to anything else in the world. The world itself is trying to shape and mold and form us with its own stories—false narratives that lead us away from our Creator. But the Bible is telling us a different story. In fact, the Bible is just that—a story. From Genesis to Revelation, the Scriptures are giving us one enormous, true, historical, prophetic, poetic, epic story that does way more than just tell us the difference between right and wrong. It’s a story that will shape and mold us into the people God intended us to be if we will let it. This week we’re going to talk about the power of storytelling, the deception beneath the stories that the world is telling us, and the beauty within the greatest story ever told.
Have you ever been asked one of these questions: “Did Jesus really say that he was God?” “Did Jesus really die and come back to life?” “Did Jesus really say that he was the only way to get to heaven?” Maybe you have grown up hearing the answers to those questions, but you have never actually known where the Bible says it. Maybe you are struggling with believing it yourself. Maybe you have no idea why it matters. This class will explore the foundational claims of the Christian faith, what Scripture says about them, and why it matters today.
Have you ever been asked one of these questions: “Did Jesus really say that he was God?” “Did Jesus really die and come back to life?” “Did Jesus really say that he was the only way to get to heaven?” Maybe you have grown up hearing the answers to those questions, but you have never actually known where the Bible says it. Maybe you are struggling with believing it yourself. Maybe you have no idea why it matters. This class will explore the foundational claims of the Christian faith, what Scripture says about them, and why it matters today.
I’ve heard it said, “If you want someone to know the truth, tell them; if you want someone to love the truth, tell them a story.” As God’s created human beings, there is something within us that responds more deeply to stories than to anything else in the world. The world itself is trying to shape and mold and form us with its own stories—false narratives that lead us away from our Creator. But the Bible is telling us a different story. In fact, the Bible is just that—a story. From Genesis to Revelation, the Scriptures are giving us one enormous, true, historical, prophetic, poetic, epic story that does way more than just tell us the difference between right and wrong. It’s a story that will shape and mold us into the people God intended us to be if we will let it. This week we’re going to talk about the power of storytelling, the deception beneath the stories that the world is telling us, and the beauty within the greatest story ever told.
Have you ever been asked one of these questions: “Did Jesus really say that he was God?” “Did Jesus really die and come back to life?” “Did Jesus really say that he was the only way to get to heaven?” Maybe you have grown up hearing the answers to those questions, but you have never actually known where the Bible says it. Maybe you are struggling with believing it yourself. Maybe you have no idea why it matters. This class will explore the foundational claims of the Christian faith, what Scripture says about them, and why it matters today.
Authentic biblical Christian community is one of the main ways God has intended us to know and experience His love for us in Christ. This kind of community does not “just happen” - we not only receive blessing from it, we are called to be a blessing in it. In order for us to foster the kind of community that will bring a sweet and strengthening experience of God’s love, we need to better understand God’s design. Join us for a seminar that will not only teach you how you can be used by God to be a blessing and build Christian community, but it will also be fun and engaging...Christian is a magical ministry leader (come see for yourself!).
Authentic biblical Christian community is one of the main ways God has intended us to know and experience His love for us in Christ. This kind of community does not “just happen” - we not only receive blessing from it, we are called to be a blessing in it. In order for us to foster the kind of community that will bring a sweet and strengthening experience of God’s love, we need to better understand God’s design. Join us for a seminar that will not only teach you how you can be used by God to be a blessing and build Christian community, but it will also be fun and engaging...Christian is a magical ministry leader (come see for yourself!).
Authentic biblical Christian community is one of the main ways God has intended us to know and experience His love for us in Christ. This kind of community does not “just happen” - we not only receive blessing from it, we are called to be a blessing in it. In order for us to foster the kind of community that will bring a sweet and strengthening experience of God’s love, we need to better understand God’s design. Join us for a seminar that will not only teach you how you can be used by God to be a blessing and build Christian community, but it will also be fun and engaging...Christian is a magical ministry leader (come see for yourself!).
Please note: Due to a technical error, John's talks for HSFL1 did not record properly. This is a recording of the same lesson at the 2019 MSFL conference.
What’s your typical day filled with? School, homework, tests, sports, and work. What are some of the relationships you deal with? People who make you laugh, people who make you cry, people who make you mad, and people who annoy you. What do you think about during the day? School, sports, movies, girls/boys, money, future, your body, their body, dating, sex, Snapchat, music, Instagram, celebrities, video games and YouTube. How do you feel about your day, your relationships, and your thoughts? On one hand, many of these things can foster thoughts of joy and excitement. On the other hand, many of them might make you want to run and hide. What’s your day filled with? In a word…stress.
Since we live in a sinful world, nothing comes easy. Even the good things in life are hard. In this current cultural climate, middle and high school students are among the most stressed people. Worry, anxiety, and depression among students are the highest in history. But God’s Word speaks to every moment in human history. God, in his sovereignty, wanted you to live in this current time in history. How can you learn to live with the stresses of life? How can you deal with anxiety and worry in a helpful way? This elective seeks to answer those questions for God’s glory and your good.
Please note: Due to a technical error, John's talks for HSFL1 did not record properly. This is a recording of the same lesson at the 2019 MSFL conference.
What’s your typical day filled with? School, homework, tests, sports, and work. What are some of the relationships you deal with? People who make you laugh, people who make you cry, people who make you mad, and people who annoy you. What do you think about during the day? School, sports, movies, girls/boys, money, future, your body, their body, dating, sex, Snapchat, music, Instagram, celebrities, video games and YouTube. How do you feel about your day, your relationships, and your thoughts? On one hand, many of these things can foster thoughts of joy and excitement. On the other hand, many of them might make you want to run and hide. What’s your day filled with? In a word…stress.
Since we live in a sinful world, nothing comes easy. Even the good things in life are hard. In this current cultural climate, middle and high school students are among the most stressed people. Worry, anxiety, and depression among students are the highest in history. But God’s Word speaks to every moment in human history. God, in his sovereignty, wanted you to live in this current time in history. How can you learn to live with the stresses of life? How can you deal with anxiety and worry in a helpful way? This elective seeks to answer those questions for God’s glory and your good.
Please note: Due to a technical error, John's talks for HSFL1 did not record properly. This is a recording of the same lesson at the 2019 MSFL conference.
What’s your typical day filled with? School, homework, tests, sports, and work. What are some of the relationships you deal with? People who make you laugh, people who make you cry, people who make you mad, and people who annoy you. What do you think about during the day? School, sports, movies, girls/boys, money, future, your body, their body, dating, sex, Snapchat, music, Instagram, celebrities, video games and YouTube. How do you feel about your day, your relationships, and your thoughts? On one hand, many of these things can foster thoughts of joy and excitement. On the other hand, many of them might make you want to run and hide. What’s your day filled with? In a word…stress.
Since we live in a sinful world, nothing comes easy. Even the good things in life are hard. In this current cultural climate, middle and high school students are among the most stressed people. Worry, anxiety, and depression among students are the highest in history. But God’s Word speaks to every moment in human history. God, in his sovereignty, wanted you to live in this current time in history. How can you learn to live with the stresses of life? How can you deal with anxiety and worry in a helpful way? This elective seeks to answer those questions for God’s glory and your good.
You don't have to look far to realize that things are not the way they should be. We see a broken world in the media, pop culture, our churches, and even our hearts. Scripture says that nothing is immune to the effects of sin. In fact, our own sin actually makes us hostile towards God and others, alienating us from our Creator and our communities. This can feel like a hopeless situation. But God, being rich in mercy, sends us Jesus Christ, His only Son. Jesus lives a perfect life, humbles Himself to the point of death, and finally overcomes death by rising from the dead, defeating sin once and for all. That is Good News! But what was it all for? Jesus came so that we might be reconciled to God and others. Now instead of hostility and separation, we have peace with God. United to Christ by faith, we are sent out to bring this good news of reconciliation to others, and to embrace the reconciliation that is found through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
You don't have to look far to realize that things are not the way they should be. We see a broken world in the media, pop culture, our churches, and even our hearts. Scripture says that nothing is immune to the effects of sin. In fact, our own sin actually makes us hostile towards God and others, alienating us from our Creator and our communities. This can feel like a hopeless situation. But God, being rich in mercy, sends us Jesus Christ, His only Son. Jesus lives a perfect life, humbles Himself to the point of death, and finally overcomes death by rising from the dead, defeating sin once and for all. That is Good News! But what was it all for? Jesus came so that we might be reconciled to God and others. Now instead of hostility and separation, we have peace with God. United to Christ by faith, we are sent out to bring this good news of reconciliation to others, and to embrace the reconciliation that is found through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
You don't have to look far to realize that things are not the way they should be. We see a broken world in the media, pop culture, our churches, and even our hearts. Scripture says that nothing is immune to the effects of sin. In fact, our own sin actually makes us hostile towards God and others, alienating us from our Creator and our communities. This can feel like a hopeless situation. But God, being rich in mercy, sends us Jesus Christ, His only Son. Jesus lives a perfect life, humbles Himself to the point of death, and finally overcomes death by rising from the dead, defeating sin once and for all. That is Good News! But what was it all for? Jesus came so that we might be reconciled to God and others. Now instead of hostility and separation, we have peace with God. United to Christ by faith, we are sent out to bring this good news of reconciliation to others, and to embrace the reconciliation that is found through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
You don't have to look far to realize that things are not the way they should be. We see a broken world in the media, pop culture, our churches, and even our hearts. Scripture says that nothing is immune to the effects of sin. In fact, our own sin actually makes us hostile towards God and others, alienating us from our Creator and our communities. This can feel like a hopeless situation. But God, being rich in mercy, sends us Jesus Christ, His only Son. Jesus lives a perfect life, humbles Himself to the point of death, and finally overcomes death by rising from the dead, defeating sin once and for all. That is Good News! But what was it all for? Jesus came so that we might be reconciled to God and others. Now instead of hostility and separation, we have peace with God. United to Christ by faith, we are sent out to bring this good news of reconciliation to others, and to embrace the reconciliation that is found through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
If you were writing a list of things that Christians do, where would prayer be on that list? Near the top? Toward the bottom? Regardless of where it is on the list, we can all agree that it should be on the list. But why is prayer so hard? Why are we so bad at it? When Jesus taught his disciples how to pray, he used around thirty words. But what if we prayed this prayer? His prayer! Actually prayed it! Jesus teaches us that praying it will not only align our lives with His Sermon on the Mount; it will reorient our lives to live "dangerously" by the power of the Spirit as "Kingdom agents" taking the gospel into every situation, conversation, and relationship, as far as the curse is found!
If you were writing a list of things that Christians do, where would prayer be on that list? Near the top? Toward the bottom? Regardless of where it is on the list, we can all agree that it should be on the list. But why is prayer so hard? Why are we so bad at it? When Jesus taught his disciples how to pray, he used around thirty words. But what if we prayed this prayer? His prayer! Actually prayed it! Jesus teaches us that praying it will not only align our lives with His Sermon on the Mount; it will reorient our lives to live "dangerously" by the power of the Spirit as "Kingdom agents" taking the gospel into every situation, conversation, and relationship, as far as the curse is found!
If you were writing a list of things that Christians do, where would prayer be on that list? Near the top? Toward the bottom? Regardless of where it is on the list, we can all agree that it should be on the list. But why is prayer so hard? Why are we so bad at it? When Jesus taught his disciples how to pray, he used around thirty words. But what if we prayed this prayer? His prayer! Actually prayed it! Jesus teaches us that praying it will not only align our lives with His Sermon on the Mount; it will reorient our lives to live "dangerously" by the power of the Spirit as "Kingdom agents" taking the gospel into every situation, conversation, and relationship, as far as the curse is found!
Friendships are hard and often messy. Ever wonder why? Come explore what the Bible says about friendships, brokenness, and how we can seek real connection in a world of social media driven friendships.
Friendships are hard and often messy. Ever wonder why? Come explore what the Bible says about friendships, brokenness, and how we can seek real connection in a world of social media driven friendships.
Friendships are hard and often messy. Ever wonder why? Come explore what the Bible says about friendships, brokenness, and how we can seek real connection in a world of social media driven friendships.
We hear love associated with everything from romance and marriage to cool shoes and sweet bacon. Seems like love can be applied however one wants to whatever one wants. Maybe you’ve struggled to love the way you feel you should. Maybe you’ve been deeply hurt by someone who said they loved you. Maybe you wonder if you really know what being loved is like at all. Love is not an idea. Love is not a feeling. Love is a God thing. God’s love is the biggest, most complete, most perfect and wonderful expression of love in all creation - for God IS love. Because our experience of love is often diluted and misguided, we don’t fully appreciate His love and therefore miss out on the myriad of blessings He offers us in it. In the Bible God goes to great lengths to profess His love for His people using numerous metaphors and images. Join us for this elective as we consider how wide and long and high and deep is the love of God in Jesus...and in more fully knowing this love that surpasses knowledge, we may be filled with all the fullness of God, enabled to trust Him more confidently in the hard times and celebrate Him more richly in the high times.
We hear love associated with everything from romance and marriage to cool shoes and sweet bacon. Seems like love can be applied however one wants to whatever one wants. Maybe you’ve struggled to love the way you feel you should. Maybe you’ve been deeply hurt by someone who said they loved you. Maybe you wonder if you really know what being loved is like at all. Love is not an idea. Love is not a feeling. Love is a God thing. God’s love is the biggest, most complete, most perfect and wonderful expression of love in all creation - for God IS love. Because our experience of love is often diluted and misguided, we don’t fully appreciate His love and therefore miss out on the myriad of blessings He offers us in it. In the Bible God goes to great lengths to profess His love for His people using numerous metaphors and images. Join us for this elective as we consider how wide and long and high and deep is the love of God in Jesus...and in more fully knowing this love that surpasses knowledge, we may be filled with all the fullness of God, enabled to trust Him more confidently in the hard times and celebrate Him more richly in the high times.
We hear love associated with everything from romance and marriage to cool shoes and sweet bacon. Seems like love can be applied however one wants to whatever one wants. Maybe you’ve struggled to love the way you feel you should. Maybe you’ve been deeply hurt by someone who said they loved you. Maybe you wonder if you really know what being loved is like at all. Love is not an idea. Love is not a feeling. Love is a God thing. God’s love is the biggest, most complete, most perfect and wonderful expression of love in all creation - for God IS love. Because our experience of love is often diluted and misguided, we don’t fully appreciate His love and therefore miss out on the myriad of blessings He offers us in it. In the Bible God goes to great lengths to profess His love for His people using numerous metaphors and images. Join us for this elective as we consider how wide and long and high and deep is the love of God in Jesus...and in more fully knowing this love that surpasses knowledge, we may be filled with all the fullness of God, enabled to trust Him more confidently in the hard times and celebrate Him more richly in the high times.
Let’s face it . . . you’re sort of a mess. Life at home is hard. Life at school is hard. Even life at church is hard! Most of the time you don’t make the grades, win the championships, or get the likes. Now mix in a little pride, anger, lust, and/or a few "white lies," and you’ve got . . . well . . . you. Yes, you try to keep it together and put on a smile, but deep down you feel you’re always kind of lost and falling apart. In this elective we’re going to be honest about our frustration, our sin, and our brokenness. But we’re also going to talk about how God heartens the hopeless, welcomes the wandering, and binds the broken in Jesus. Join us as we take a good look at ourselves, our mess, and the glorious good news of the gospel.
Let’s face it . . . you’re sort of a mess. Life at home is hard. Life at school is hard. Even life at church is hard! Most of the time you don’t make the grades, win the championships, or get the likes. Now mix in a little pride, anger, lust, and/or a few "white lies," and you’ve got . . . well . . . you. Yes, you try to keep it together and put on a smile, but deep down you feel you’re always kind of lost and falling apart. In this elective we’re going to be honest about our frustration, our sin, and our brokenness. But we’re also going to talk about how God heartens the hopeless, welcomes the wandering, and binds the broken in Jesus. Join us as we take a good look at ourselves, our mess, and the glorious good news of the gospel.
Let’s face it . . . you’re sort of a mess. Life at home is hard. Life at school is hard. Even life at church is hard! Most of the time you don’t make the grades, win the championships, or get the likes. Now mix in a little pride, anger, lust, and/or a few "white lies," and you’ve got . . . well . . . you. Yes, you try to keep it together and put on a smile, but deep down you feel you’re always kind of lost and falling apart. In this elective we’re going to be honest about our frustration, our sin, and our brokenness. But we’re also going to talk about how God heartens the hopeless, welcomes the wandering, and binds the broken in Jesus. Join us as we take a good look at ourselves, our mess, and the glorious good news of the gospel.
Did Jesus save you, or did Jesus make salvation possible? Did Jesus jump into the water and pull you out, or is he in the business of manufacturing life-vests? Are you secure in your salvation, or liable to falling out of the Father's hands? Does God love you personally, or generally? The "R" of RYM stands for "Reformed," and this class explores the central doctrines of grace of the Reformed Faith. We'll talk about TULIP, the acronym that describes the state of humanity and the Trinitarian work of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit to save and keep God's people. My hope is that you'll not only find truth in this class but also the joy of your salvation and security you have in God's promise that “he who began a good work in you will surely carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Phil. 1:6).
Did Jesus save you, or did Jesus make salvation possible? Did Jesus jump into the water and pull you out, or is he in the business of manufacturing life-vests? Are you secure in your salvation, or liable to falling out of the Father's hands? Does God love you personally, or generally? The "R" of RYM stands for "Reformed," and this class explores the central doctrines of grace of the Reformed Faith. We'll talk about TULIP, the acronym that describes the state of humanity and the Trinitarian work of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit to save and keep God's people. My hope is that you'll not only find truth in this class but also the joy of your salvation and security you have in God's promise that “he who began a good work in you will surely carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Phil. 1:6).
Did Jesus save you, or did Jesus make salvation possible? Did Jesus jump into the water and pull you out, or is he in the business of manufacturing life-vests? Are you secure in your salvation, or liable to falling out of the Father's hands? Does God love you personally, or generally? The "R" of RYM stands for "Reformed," and this class explores the central doctrines of grace of the Reformed Faith. We'll talk about TULIP, the acronym that describes the state of humanity and the Trinitarian work of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit to save and keep God's people. My hope is that you'll not only find truth in this class but also the joy of your salvation and security you have in God's promise that “he who began a good work in you will surely carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Phil. 1:6).
What’s your typical day filled with? School, homework, tests, sports, and work. What are some of the relationships you deal with? People who make you laugh, people who make you cry, people who make you mad, and people who annoy you. What do you think about during the day? School, sports, movies, girls/boys, money, future, your body, their body, dating, sex, Snapchat, music, Instagram, celebrities, video games and YouTube. How do you feel about your day, your relationships, and your thoughts? On one hand, many of these things can foster thoughts of joy and excitement. On the other hand, many of them might make you want to run and hide. What’s your day filled with? In a word…stress.
Since we live in a sinful world, nothing comes easy. Even the good things in life are hard. In this current cultural climate, middle and high school students are among the most stressed people. Worry, anxiety, and depression among students are the highest in history. But God’s Word speaks to every moment in human history. God, in his sovereignty, wanted you to live in this current time in history. How can you learn to live with the stresses of life? How can you deal with anxiety and worry in a helpful way? This elective seeks to answer those questions for God’s glory and your good.
What’s your typical day filled with? School, homework, tests, sports, and work. What are some of the relationships you deal with? People who make you laugh, people who make you cry, people who make you mad, and people who annoy you. What do you think about during the day? School, sports, movies, girls/boys, money, future, your body, their body, dating, sex, Snapchat, music, Instagram, celebrities, video games and YouTube. How do you feel about your day, your relationships, and your thoughts? On one hand, many of these things can foster thoughts of joy and excitement. On the other hand, many of them might make you want to run and hide. What’s your day filled with? In a word…stress.
Since we live in a sinful world, nothing comes easy. Even the good things in life are hard. In this current cultural climate, middle and high school students are among the most stressed people. Worry, anxiety, and depression among students are the highest in history. But God’s Word speaks to every moment in human history. God, in his sovereignty, wanted you to live in this current time in history. How can you learn to live with the stresses of life? How can you deal with anxiety and worry in a helpful way? This elective seeks to answer those questions for God’s glory and your good.
What’s your typical day filled with? School, homework, tests, sports, and work. What are some of the relationships you deal with? People who make you laugh, people who make you cry, people who make you mad, and people who annoy you. What do you think about during the day? School, sports, movies, girls/boys, money, future, your body, their body, dating, sex, Snapchat, music, Instagram, celebrities, video games and YouTube. How do you feel about your day, your relationships, and your thoughts? On one hand, many of these things can foster thoughts of joy and excitement. On the other hand, many of them might make you want to run and hide. What’s your day filled with? In a word…stress.
Since we live in a sinful world, nothing comes easy. Even the good things in life are hard. In this current cultural climate, middle and high school students are among the most stressed people. Worry, anxiety, and depression among students are the highest in history. But God’s Word speaks to every moment in human history. God, in his sovereignty, wanted you to live in this current time in history. How can you learn to live with the stresses of life? How can you deal with anxiety and worry in a helpful way? This elective seeks to answer those questions for God’s glory and your good.
Your phone is the last thing you see before you shut your eyes at night. Your phone is the first thing you see when you wake up in the morning. Your phone tells you when to get up. It tells you where to go and how to get there. It’s honestly a serious question as to whether you are in charge of it or if it’s in charge of you. How can we take this gift from God and use it in such a way that it doesn’t dominate our every waking moment? Come and find out.
Your phone is the last thing you see before you shut your eyes at night. Your phone is the first thing you see when you wake up in the morning. Your phone tells you when to get up. It tells you where to go and how to get there. It’s honestly a serious question as to whether you are in charge of it or if it’s in charge of you. How can we take this gift from God and use it in such a way that it doesn’t dominate our every waking moment? Come and find out.
Your phone is the last thing you see before you shut your eyes at night. Your phone is the first thing you see when you wake up in the morning. Your phone tells you when to get up. It tells you where to go and how to get there. It’s honestly a serious question as to whether you are in charge of it or if it’s in charge of you. How can we take this gift from God and use it in such a way that it doesn’t dominate our every waking moment? Come and find out.
I’ve heard it said, “If you want someone to know the truth, tell them; if you want someone to love the truth, tell them a story.” As God’s created human beings, there is something within us that responds more deeply to stories than to anything else in the world. The world itself is trying to shape and mold and form us with its own stories—false narratives that lead us away from our Creator. But the Bible is telling us a different story. In fact, the Bible is just that—a story. From Genesis to Revelation, the Scriptures are giving us one enormous, true, historical, prophetic, poetic, epic story that does way more than just tell us the difference between right and wrong. It’s a story that will shape and mold us into the people God intended us to be if we will let it. This week we’re going to talk about the power of storytelling, the deception beneath the stories that the world is telling us, and the beauty within the greatest story ever told.
I’ve heard it said, “If you want someone to know the truth, tell them; if you want someone to love the truth, tell them a story.” As God’s created human beings, there is something within us that responds more deeply to stories than to anything else in the world. The world itself is trying to shape and mold and form us with its own stories—false narratives that lead us away from our Creator. But the Bible is telling us a different story. In fact, the Bible is just that—a story. From Genesis to Revelation, the Scriptures are giving us one enormous, true, historical, prophetic, poetic, epic story that does way more than just tell us the difference between right and wrong. It’s a story that will shape and mold us into the people God intended us to be if we will let it. This week we’re going to talk about the power of storytelling, the deception beneath the stories that the world is telling us, and the beauty within the greatest story ever told.
I’ve heard it said, “If you want someone to know the truth, tell them; if you want someone to love the truth, tell them a story.” As God’s created human beings, there is something within us that responds more deeply to stories than to anything else in the world. The world itself is trying to shape and mold and form us with its own stories—false narratives that lead us away from our Creator. But the Bible is telling us a different story. In fact, the Bible is just that—a story. From Genesis to Revelation, the Scriptures are giving us one enormous, true, historical, prophetic, poetic, epic story that does way more than just tell us the difference between right and wrong. It’s a story that will shape and mold us into the people God intended us to be if we will let it. This week we’re going to talk about the power of storytelling, the deception beneath the stories that the world is telling us, and the beauty within the greatest story ever told.
It’s easy and almost natural to go through the motions. It’s easy to pretend that we have it all together or we can make it work by sheer will. But the truth is we all know we don’t measure up; we know we fall short. It could be crippling, overwhelming, or exhausting as we realize how short we fall, but the gospel gives the needed instruction on how the Christian life is to be lived. We have a God who enables us to contend in this life and not just fake it till we make it.
It’s easy and almost natural to go through the motions. It’s easy to pretend that we have it all together or we can make it work by sheer will. But the truth is we all know we don’t measure up; we know we fall short. It could be crippling, overwhelming, or exhausting as we realize how short we fall, but the gospel gives the needed instruction on how the Christian life is to be lived. We have a God who enables us to contend in this life and not just fake it till we make it.
It’s easy and almost natural to go through the motions. It’s easy to pretend that we have it all together or we can make it work by sheer will. But the truth is we all know we don’t measure up; we know we fall short. It could be crippling, overwhelming, or exhausting as we realize how short we fall, but the gospel gives the needed instruction on how the Christian life is to be lived. We have a God who enables us to contend in this life and not just fake it till we make it.
Do you want to have a better relationship with your mom, dad, brother, sister, friends, enemy, frenemy, teammate, girlfriend, boyfriend, cousin, teacher, dog, or cat? Are you tired of the fights? Tired of the drama? Tired of the shallallallallalloww? In this class we will look at God’s good gift of relationships, why they can be so difficult, and how the gospel transforms them.
Do you want to have a better relationship with your mom, dad, brother, sister, friends, enemy, frenemy, teammate, girlfriend, boyfriend, cousin, teacher, dog, or cat? Are you tired of the fights? Tired of the drama? Tired of the shallallallallalloww? In this class we will look at God’s good gift of relationships, why they can be so difficult, and how the gospel transforms them.
Do you want to have a better relationship with your mom, dad, brother, sister, friends, enemy, frenemy, teammate, girlfriend, boyfriend, cousin, teacher, dog, or cat? Are you tired of the fights? Tired of the drama? Tired of the shallallallallalloww? In this class we will look at God’s good gift of relationships, why they can be so difficult, and how the gospel transforms them.
Your phone is the last thing you see before you shut your eyes at night. Your phone is the first thing you see when you wake up in the morning. Your phone tells you when to get up. It tells you where to go and how to get there. It’s honestly a serious question as to whether you are in charge of it or if it’s in charge of you. How can we take this gift from God and use it in such a way that it doesn’t dominate our every waking moment? Come and find out.
Your phone is the last thing you see before you shut your eyes at night. Your phone is the first thing you see when you wake up in the morning. Your phone tells you when to get up. It tells you where to go and how to get there. It’s honestly a serious question as to whether you are in charge of it or if it’s in charge of you. How can we take this gift from God and use it in such a way that it doesn’t dominate our every waking moment? Come and find out.
Your phone is the last thing you see before you shut your eyes at night. Your phone is the first thing you see when you wake up in the morning. Your phone tells you when to get up. It tells you where to go and how to get there. It’s honestly a serious question as to whether you are in charge of it or if it’s in charge of you. How can we take this gift from God and use it in such a way that it doesn’t dominate our every waking moment? Come and find out.
There are often times in life where we feel so isolated that nothing could pierce the loneliness. Starting a new school when you walk into the cafeteria for the first time… when all your friends seem more concerned with their individual romances than your friendship… when your parents tell you they are getting divorced… when you cannot shake the sadness and anxiety that you wear like a heavy blanket and don't know why… when you lose someone you love… or when you try to pray but it feels like no one is listening or no one cares. “Sometimes what we call ‘loneliness’ is what God’s word calls a longing for unhindered intimacy with Him and others…. You thought you were hiding, but in reality, I was setting you up to meet with Me. That’s what you need. You need an encounter with Me.” In this class we will learn what it means to risk coming out of hiding and the riches of being held by the Lord. Come join me as we search for a personal and intimate encounter with our God in the loneliness
There are often times in life where we feel so isolated that nothing could pierce the loneliness. Starting a new school when you walk into the cafeteria for the first time… when all your friends seem more concerned with their individual romances than your friendship… when your parents tell you they are getting divorced… when you cannot shake the sadness and anxiety that you wear like a heavy blanket and don't know why… when you lose someone you love… or when you try to pray but it feels like no one is listening or no one cares. “Sometimes what we call ‘loneliness’ is what God’s word calls a longing for unhindered intimacy with Him and others…. You thought you were hiding, but in reality, I was setting you up to meet with Me. That’s what you need. You need an encounter with Me.” In this class we will learn what it means to risk coming out of hiding and the riches of being held by the Lord. Come join me as we search for a personal and intimate encounter with our God in the loneliness
There are often times in life where we feel so isolated that nothing could pierce the loneliness. Starting a new school when you walk into the cafeteria for the first time… when all your friends seem more concerned with their individual romances than your friendship… when your parents tell you they are getting divorced… when you cannot shake the sadness and anxiety that you wear like a heavy blanket and don't know why… when you lose someone you love… or when you try to pray but it feels like no one is listening or no one cares. “Sometimes what we call ‘loneliness’ is what God’s word calls a longing for unhindered intimacy with Him and others…. You thought you were hiding, but in reality, I was setting you up to meet with Me. That’s what you need. You need an encounter with Me.” In this class we will learn what it means to risk coming out of hiding and the riches of being held by the Lord. Come join me as we search for a personal and intimate encounter with our God in the loneliness
Please note: Due to a technical error, Matt's day 1 talk did not record properly. This is a recording on the same topic from the 2019 MSFL elective Matt taught.
Did Jesus save you, or did Jesus make salvation possible? Did Jesus jump into the water and pull you out, or is he in the business of manufacturing life-vests? Are you secure in your salvation, or liable to falling out of the Father's hands? Does God love you personally, or generally? The "R" of RYM stands for "Reformed," and this class explores the central doctrines of grace of the Reformed Faith. We'll talk about TULIP, the acronym that describes the state of humanity and the Trinitarian work of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit to save and keep God's people. My hope is that you'll not only find truth in this class but also the joy of your salvation and security you have in God's promise that “he who began a good work in you will surely carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Phil. 1:6).
Did Jesus save you, or did Jesus make salvation possible? Did Jesus jump into the water and pull you out, or is he in the business of manufacturing life-vests? Are you secure in your salvation, or liable to falling out of the Father's hands? Does God love you personally, or generally? The "R" of RYM stands for "Reformed," and this class explores the central doctrines of grace of the Reformed Faith. We'll talk about TULIP, the acronym that describes the state of humanity and the Trinitarian work of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit to save and keep God's people. My hope is that you'll not only find truth in this class but also the joy of your salvation and security you have in God's promise that “he who began a good work in you will surely carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Phil. 1:6).
Did Jesus save you, or did Jesus make salvation possible? Did Jesus jump into the water and pull you out, or is he in the business of manufacturing life-vests? Are you secure in your salvation, or liable to falling out of the Father's hands? Does God love you personally, or generally? The "R" of RYM stands for "Reformed," and this class explores the central doctrines of grace of the Reformed Faith. We'll talk about TULIP, the acronym that describes the state of humanity and the Trinitarian work of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit to save and keep God's people. My hope is that you'll not only find truth in this class but also the joy of your salvation and security you have in God's promise that “he who began a good work in you will surely carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Phil. 1:6).
Be a Man. Man Up. How much ya bench? These are phrases and questions you’ve all heard, but are they helpful? What do they even mean? What makes a man? Come join the bros as we search Scripture for God’s design for masculinity. You’ll leave with a lot more answers and a little more hair on your face.
Be a Man. Man Up. How much ya bench? These are phrases and questions you’ve all heard, but are they helpful? What do they even mean? What makes a man? Come join the bros as we search Scripture for God’s design for masculinity. You’ll leave with a lot more answers and a little more hair on your face.
Be a Man. Man Up. How much ya bench? These are phrases and questions you’ve all heard, but are they helpful? What do they even mean? What makes a man? Come join the bros as we search Scripture for God’s design for masculinity. You’ll leave with a lot more answers and a little more hair on your face.
We hear love associated with everything from romance and marriage to cool shoes and sweet bacon. Seems like love can be applied however one wants to whatever one wants. Maybe you’ve struggled to love the way you feel you should. Maybe you’ve been deeply hurt by someone who said they loved you. Maybe you wonder if you really know what being loved is like at all. Love is not an idea. Love is not a feeling. Love is a God thing. God’s love is the biggest, most complete, most perfect and wonderful expression of love in all creation - for God IS love. Because our experience of love is often diluted and misguided, we don’t fully appreciate His love and therefore miss out on the myriad of blessings He offers us in it. In the Bible God goes to great lengths to profess His love for His people using numerous metaphors and images. Join us for this elective as we consider how wide and long and high and deep is the love of God in Jesus...and in more fully knowing this love that surpasses knowledge, we may be filled with all the fullness of God, enabled to trust Him more confidently in the hard times and celebrate Him more richly in the high times.
We hear love associated with everything from romance and marriage to cool shoes and sweet bacon. Seems like love can be applied however one wants to whatever one wants. Maybe you’ve struggled to love the way you feel you should. Maybe you’ve been deeply hurt by someone who said they loved you. Maybe you wonder if you really know what being loved is like at all. Love is not an idea. Love is not a feeling. Love is a God thing. God’s love is the biggest, most complete, most perfect and wonderful expression of love in all creation - for God IS love. Because our experience of love is often diluted and misguided, we don’t fully appreciate His love and therefore miss out on the myriad of blessings He offers us in it. In the Bible God goes to great lengths to profess His love for His people using numerous metaphors and images. Join us for this elective as we consider how wide and long and high and deep is the love of God in Jesus...and in more fully knowing this love that surpasses knowledge, we may be filled with all the fullness of God, enabled to trust Him more confidently in the hard times and celebrate Him more richly in the high times.
Please note: Due to a technical error, Michael's third talk did not record at HSCO. This is a recording of the same lesson at the 2019 MSFL conference.
We hear love associated with everything from romance and marriage to cool shoes and sweet bacon. Seems like love can be applied however one wants to whatever one wants. Maybe you’ve struggled to love the way you feel you should. Maybe you’ve been deeply hurt by someone who said they loved you. Maybe you wonder if you really know what being loved is like at all. Love is not an idea. Love is not a feeling. Love is a God thing. God’s love is the biggest, most complete, most perfect and wonderful expression of love in all creation - for God IS love. Because our experience of love is often diluted and misguided, we don’t fully appreciate His love and therefore miss out on the myriad of blessings He offers us in it. In the Bible God goes to great lengths to profess His love for His people using numerous metaphors and images. Join us for this elective as we consider how wide and long and high and deep is the love of God in Jesus...and in more fully knowing this love that surpasses knowledge, we may be filled with all the fullness of God, enabled to trust Him more confidently in the hard times and celebrate Him more richly in the high times.
What’s your typical day filled with? School, homework, tests, sports, and work. What are some of the relationships you deal with? People who make you laugh, people who make you cry, people who make you mad, and people who annoy you. What do you think about during the day? School, sports, movies, girls/boys, money, future, your body, their body, dating, sex, Snapchat, music, Instagram, celebrities, video games and YouTube. How do you feel about your day, your relationships, and your thoughts? On one hand, many of these things can foster thoughts of joy and excitement. On the other hand, many of them might make you want to run and hide. What’s your day filled with? In a word…stress.
Since we live in a sinful world, nothing comes easy. Even the good things in life are hard. In this current cultural climate, middle and high school students are among the most stressed people. Worry, anxiety, and depression among students are the highest in history. But God’s Word speaks to every moment in human history. God, in his sovereignty, wanted you to live in this current time in history. How can you learn to live with the stresses of life? How can you deal with anxiety and worry in a helpful way? This elective seeks to answer those questions for God’s glory and your good.
What’s your typical day filled with? School, homework, tests, sports, and work. What are some of the relationships you deal with? People who make you laugh, people who make you cry, people who make you mad, and people who annoy you. What do you think about during the day? School, sports, movies, girls/boys, money, future, your body, their body, dating, sex, Snapchat, music, Instagram, celebrities, video games and YouTube. How do you feel about your day, your relationships, and your thoughts? On one hand, many of these things can foster thoughts of joy and excitement. On the other hand, many of them might make you want to run and hide. What’s your day filled with? In a word…stress.
Since we live in a sinful world, nothing comes easy. Even the good things in life are hard. In this current cultural climate, middle and high school students are among the most stressed people. Worry, anxiety, and depression among students are the highest in history. But God’s Word speaks to every moment in human history. God, in his sovereignty, wanted you to live in this current time in history. How can you learn to live with the stresses of life? How can you deal with anxiety and worry in a helpful way? This elective seeks to answer those questions for God’s glory and your good.
What’s your typical day filled with? School, homework, tests, sports, and work. What are some of the relationships you deal with? People who make you laugh, people who make you cry, people who make you mad, and people who annoy you. What do you think about during the day? School, sports, movies, girls/boys, money, future, your body, their body, dating, sex, Snapchat, music, Instagram, celebrities, video games and YouTube. How do you feel about your day, your relationships, and your thoughts? On one hand, many of these things can foster thoughts of joy and excitement. On the other hand, many of them might make you want to run and hide. What’s your day filled with? In a word…stress.
Since we live in a sinful world, nothing comes easy. Even the good things in life are hard. In this current cultural climate, middle and high school students are among the most stressed people. Worry, anxiety, and depression among students are the highest in history. But God’s Word speaks to every moment in human history. God, in his sovereignty, wanted you to live in this current time in history. How can you learn to live with the stresses of life? How can you deal with anxiety and worry in a helpful way? This elective seeks to answer those questions for God’s glory and your good.
Being seen and known by others is a fundamental human desire. In today’s world, though, we often live at such a hurried pace that we miss opportunities to see each other and to be known by each other. We often live without a sense of place. We’re filled with great relational longing, but we frequently lack direction and the “know how” when it comes to connecting with each other in our local communities. We can be absent in the present and feel stuck in this habit. This is frustrating, but the good news is that the gospel of Jesus offers us the promise of change! In this class, we’ll examine how God seeks to return us to a more humane way of living and a more humane pace of living — so that we might slow down enough to be known and be more present in the ordinary places in which we live. God invites us to move at His slower, better pace — to live at Godspeed.
Being seen and known by others is a fundamental human desire. In today’s world, though, we often live at such a hurried pace that we miss opportunities to see each other and to be known by each other. We often live without a sense of place. We’re filled with great relational longing, but we frequently lack direction and the “know how” when it comes to connecting with each other in our local communities. We can be absent in the present and feel stuck in this habit. This is frustrating, but the good news is that the gospel of Jesus offers us the promise of change! In this class, we’ll examine how God seeks to return us to a more humane way of living and a more humane pace of living — so that we might slow down enough to be known and be more present in the ordinary places in which we live. God invites us to move at His slower, better pace — to live at Godspeed.
Being seen and known by others is a fundamental human desire. In today’s world, though, we often live at such a hurried pace that we miss opportunities to see each other and to be known by each other. We often live without a sense of place. We’re filled with great relational longing, but we frequently lack direction and the “know how” when it comes to connecting with each other in our local communities. We can be absent in the present and feel stuck in this habit. This is frustrating, but the good news is that the gospel of Jesus offers us the promise of change! In this class, we’ll examine how God seeks to return us to a more humane way of living and a more humane pace of living — so that we might slow down enough to be known and be more present in the ordinary places in which we live. God invites us to move at His slower, better pace — to live at Godspeed.
I’ve heard it said, “If you want someone to know the truth, tell them; if you want someone to love the truth, tell them a story.” As God’s created human beings, there is something within us that responds more deeply to stories than to anything else in the world. The world itself is trying to shape and mold and form us with its own stories—false narratives that lead us away from our Creator. But the Bible is telling us a different story. In fact, the Bible is just that—a story. From Genesis to Revelation, the Scriptures are giving us one enormous, true, historical, prophetic, poetic, epic story that does way more than just tell us the difference between right and wrong. It’s a story that will shape and mold us into the people God intended us to be if we will let it. This week we’re going to talk about the power of storytelling, the deception beneath the stories that the world is telling us, and the beauty within the greatest story ever told.
I’ve heard it said, “If you want someone to know the truth, tell them; if you want someone to love the truth, tell them a story.” As God’s created human beings, there is something within us that responds more deeply to stories than to anything else in the world. The world itself is trying to shape and mold and form us with its own stories—false narratives that lead us away from our Creator. But the Bible is telling us a different story. In fact, the Bible is just that—a story. From Genesis to Revelation, the Scriptures are giving us one enormous, true, historical, prophetic, poetic, epic story that does way more than just tell us the difference between right and wrong. It’s a story that will shape and mold us into the people God intended us to be if we will let it. This week we’re going to talk about the power of storytelling, the deception beneath the stories that the world is telling us, and the beauty within the greatest story ever told.
I’ve heard it said, “If you want someone to know the truth, tell them; if you want someone to love the truth, tell them a story.” As God’s created human beings, there is something within us that responds more deeply to stories than to anything else in the world. The world itself is trying to shape and mold and form us with its own stories—false narratives that lead us away from our Creator. But the Bible is telling us a different story. In fact, the Bible is just that—a story. From Genesis to Revelation, the Scriptures are giving us one enormous, true, historical, prophetic, poetic, epic story that does way more than just tell us the difference between right and wrong. It’s a story that will shape and mold us into the people God intended us to be if we will let it. This week we’re going to talk about the power of storytelling, the deception beneath the stories that the world is telling us, and the beauty within the greatest story ever told.
It’s easy and almost natural to go through the motions. It’s easy to pretend that we have it all together or we can make it work by sheer will. But the truth is we all know we don’t measure up; we know we fall short. It could be crippling, overwhelming, or exhausting as we realize how short we fall, but the gospel gives the needed instruction on how the Christian life is to be lived. We have a God who enables us to contend in this life and not just fake it till we make it.
It’s easy and almost natural to go through the motions. It’s easy to pretend that we have it all together or we can make it work by sheer will. But the truth is we all know we don’t measure up; we know we fall short. It could be crippling, overwhelming, or exhausting as we realize how short we fall, but the gospel gives the needed instruction on how the Christian life is to be lived. We have a God who enables us to contend in this life and not just fake it till we make it.
It’s easy and almost natural to go through the motions. It’s easy to pretend that we have it all together or we can make it work by sheer will. But the truth is we all know we don’t measure up; we know we fall short. It could be crippling, overwhelming, or exhausting as we realize how short we fall, but the gospel gives the needed instruction on how the Christian life is to be lived. We have a God who enables us to contend in this life and not just fake it till we make it.
I’ve heard it said, “If you want someone to know the truth, tell them; if you want someone to love the truth, tell them a story.” As God’s created human beings, there is something within us that responds more deeply to stories than to anything else in the world. The world itself is trying to shape and mold and form us with its own stories—false narratives that lead us away from our Creator. But the Bible is telling us a different story. In fact, the Bible is just that—a story. From Genesis to Revelation, the Scriptures are giving us one enormous, true, historical, prophetic, poetic, epic story that does way more than just tell us the difference between right and wrong. It’s a story that will shape and mold us into the people God intended us to be if we will let it. This week we’re going to talk about the power of storytelling, the deception beneath the stories that the world is telling us, and the beauty within the greatest story ever told.
I’ve heard it said, “If you want someone to know the truth, tell them; if you want someone to love the truth, tell them a story.” As God’s created human beings, there is something within us that responds more deeply to stories than to anything else in the world. The world itself is trying to shape and mold and form us with its own stories—false narratives that lead us away from our Creator. But the Bible is telling us a different story. In fact, the Bible is just that—a story. From Genesis to Revelation, the Scriptures are giving us one enormous, true, historical, prophetic, poetic, epic story that does way more than just tell us the difference between right and wrong. It’s a story that will shape and mold us into the people God intended us to be if we will let it. This week we’re going to talk about the power of storytelling, the deception beneath the stories that the world is telling us, and the beauty within the greatest story ever told.
I’ve heard it said, “If you want someone to know the truth, tell them; if you want someone to love the truth, tell them a story.” As God’s created human beings, there is something within us that responds more deeply to stories than to anything else in the world. The world itself is trying to shape and mold and form us with its own stories—false narratives that lead us away from our Creator. But the Bible is telling us a different story. In fact, the Bible is just that—a story. From Genesis to Revelation, the Scriptures are giving us one enormous, true, historical, prophetic, poetic, epic story that does way more than just tell us the difference between right and wrong. It’s a story that will shape and mold us into the people God intended us to be if we will let it. This week we’re going to talk about the power of storytelling, the deception beneath the stories that the world is telling us, and the beauty within the greatest story ever told.
What’s your typical day filled with? School, homework, tests, sports, and work. What are some of the relationships you deal with? People who make you laugh, people who make you cry, people who make you mad, and people who annoy you. What do you think about during the day? School, sports, movies, girls/boys, money, future, your body, their body, dating, sex, Snapchat, music, Instagram, celebrities, video games and YouTube. How do you feel about your day, your relationships, and your thoughts? On one hand, many of these things can foster thoughts of joy and excitement. On the other hand, many of them might make you want to run and hide. What’s your day filled with? In a word…stress.
Since we live in a sinful world, nothing comes easy. Even the good things in life are hard. In this current cultural climate, middle and high school students are among the most stressed people. Worry, anxiety, and depression among students are the highest in history. But God’s Word speaks to every moment in human history. God, in his sovereignty, wanted you to live in this current time in history. How can you learn to live with the stresses of life? How can you deal with anxiety and worry in a helpful way? This elective seeks to answer those questions for God’s glory and your good.
What’s your typical day filled with? School, homework, tests, sports, and work. What are some of the relationships you deal with? People who make you laugh, people who make you cry, people who make you mad, and people who annoy you. What do you think about during the day? School, sports, movies, girls/boys, money, future, your body, their body, dating, sex, Snapchat, music, Instagram, celebrities, video games and YouTube. How do you feel about your day, your relationships, and your thoughts? On one hand, many of these things can foster thoughts of joy and excitement. On the other hand, many of them might make you want to run and hide. What’s your day filled with? In a word…stress.
Since we live in a sinful world, nothing comes easy. Even the good things in life are hard. In this current cultural climate, middle and high school students are among the most stressed people. Worry, anxiety, and depression among students are the highest in history. But God’s Word speaks to every moment in human history. God, in his sovereignty, wanted you to live in this current time in history. How can you learn to live with the stresses of life? How can you deal with anxiety and worry in a helpful way? This elective seeks to answer those questions for God’s glory and your good.
What’s your typical day filled with? School, homework, tests, sports, and work. What are some of the relationships you deal with? People who make you laugh, people who make you cry, people who make you mad, and people who annoy you. What do you think about during the day? School, sports, movies, girls/boys, money, future, your body, their body, dating, sex, Snapchat, music, Instagram, celebrities, video games and YouTube. How do you feel about your day, your relationships, and your thoughts? On one hand, many of these things can foster thoughts of joy and excitement. On the other hand, many of them might make you want to run and hide. What’s your day filled with? In a word…stress.
Since we live in a sinful world, nothing comes easy. Even the good things in life are hard. In this current cultural climate, middle and high school students are among the most stressed people. Worry, anxiety, and depression among students are the highest in history. But God’s Word speaks to every moment in human history. God, in his sovereignty, wanted you to live in this current time in history. How can you learn to live with the stresses of life? How can you deal with anxiety and worry in a helpful way? This elective seeks to answer those questions for God’s glory and your good.
Be a Man. Man Up. How much ya bench? These are phrases and questions you’ve all heard, but are they helpful? What do they even mean? What makes a man? Come join the bros as we search Scripture for God’s design for masculinity. You’ll leave with a lot more answers and a little more hair on your face.
Being seen and known by others is a fundamental human desire.In today’s world, though, we often live at such a hurried pace that we miss opportunities to see each other and to be known by each other. We often live without a sense of place. We’re filled with great relational longing, but we frequently lack direction and the “know how” when it comes to connecting with each other in our local communities. We can be absent in the present and feel stuck in this habit. This is frustrating, but the good news is that the gospel of Jesus offers us the promise of change! In this class, we’ll examine how God seeks to return us to a more humane way of living and a more humane pace of living — so that we might slow down enough to be known and be more present in the ordinary places in which we live. God invites us to move at His slower, better pace — to live at Godspeed.
Being seen and known by others is a fundamental human desire.In today’s world, though, we often live at such a hurried pace that we miss opportunities to see each other and to be known by each other. We often live without a sense of place. We’re filled with great relational longing, but we frequently lack direction and the “know how” when it comes to connecting with each other in our local communities. We can be absent in the present and feel stuck in this habit. This is frustrating, but the good news is that the gospel of Jesus offers us the promise of change! In this class, we’ll examine how God seeks to return us to a more humane way of living and a more humane pace of living — so that we might slow down enough to be known and be more present in the ordinary places in which we live. God invites us to move at His slower, better pace — to live at Godspeed.
Being seen and known by others is a fundamental human desire.In today’s world, though, we often live at such a hurried pace that we miss opportunities to see each other and to be known by each other. We often live without a sense of place. We’re filled with great relational longing, but we frequently lack direction and the “know how” when it comes to connecting with each other in our local communities. We can be absent in the present and feel stuck in this habit. This is frustrating, but the good news is that the gospel of Jesus offers us the promise of change! In this class, we’ll examine how God seeks to return us to a more humane way of living and a more humane pace of living — so that we might slow down enough to be known and be more present in the ordinary places in which we live. God invites us to move at His slower, better pace — to live at Godspeed.
Be a Man. Man Up. How much ya bench? These are phrases and questions you’ve all heard, but are they helpful? What do they even mean? What makes a man? Come join the bros as we search Scripture for God’s design for masculinity. You’ll leave with a lot more answers and a little more hair on your face.
Be a Man. Man Up. How much ya bench? These are phrases and questions you’ve all heard, but are they helpful? What do they even mean? What makes a man? Come join the bros as we search Scripture for God’s design for masculinity. You’ll leave with a lot more answers and a little more hair on your face.
Where are you? No, seriously! Where are you? Where are the places in your life you are running from God? Maybe you are running to friendships, popularity, social media, video games, sports to find happiness. If we are honest with ourselves, we’re all running. We’re running to people, places, and things to fulfill us. Wherever you are, God is pursuing you right down to this very moment whether you realize it or not. The question is, why does God pursue sinful humans like you and me?
Where are you? No, seriously! Where are you? Where are the places in your life you are running from God? Maybe you are running to friendships, popularity, social media, video games, sports to find happiness. If we are honest with ourselves, we’re all running. We’re running to people, places, and things to fulfill us. Wherever you are, God is pursuing you right down to this very moment whether you realize it or not. The question is, why does God pursue sinful humans like you and me?
Where are you? No, seriously! Where are you? Where are the places in your life you are running from God? Maybe you are running to friendships, popularity, social media, video games, sports to find happiness. If we are honest with ourselves, we’re all running. We’re running to people, places, and things to fulfill us. Wherever you are, God is pursuing you right down to this very moment whether you realize it or not. The question is, why does God pursue sinful humans like you and me?
There are a lot of areas in your life demanding your attention, a lot of places that have expectations. You've got to keep up your grades, maintain friendships, perform well for your team, play well for the band, meet your parents’ standards, and maybe meet your own standards. On top of all of this, we often hear from our Christian friends and mentors about all of the things that are important to keep up. It's wise to read the Bible and pray every day, go to church, be kind to people, live life for God, etc. All of these things are good things, but if you are anything like me, you might sometimes feel overwhelmed by it all. If you're REALLY like me, you might end up asking yourself, "Why am I even doing all of this?" My goal this week is for us to rediscover the "why" behind a life with God. What's the point of life with God? What's the point of loving other people or giving for the sake of other people? What's the point of church? I think what you and I might find will surprise us.
There are a lot of areas in your life demanding your attention, a lot of places that have expectations. You've got to keep up your grades, maintain friendships, perform well for your team, play well for the band, meet your parents’ standards, and maybe meet your own standards. On top of all of this, we often hear from our Christian friends and mentors about all of the things that are important to keep up. It's wise to read the Bible and pray every day, go to church, be kind to people, live life for God, etc. All of these things are good things, but if you are anything like me, you might sometimes feel overwhelmed by it all. If you're REALLY like me, you might end up asking yourself, "Why am I even doing all of this?" My goal this week is for us to rediscover the "why" behind a life with God. What's the point of life with God? What's the point of loving other people or giving for the sake of other people? What's the point of church? I think what you and I might find will surprise us.
There are a lot of areas in your life demanding your attention, a lot of places that have expectations. You've got to keep up your grades, maintain friendships, perform well for your team, play well for the band, meet your parents’ standards, and maybe meet your own standards. On top of all of this, we often hear from our Christian friends and mentors about all of the things that are important to keep up. It's wise to read the Bible and pray every day, go to church, be kind to people, live life for God, etc. All of these things are good things, but if you are anything like me, you might sometimes feel overwhelmed by it all. If you're REALLY like me, you might end up asking yourself, "Why am I even doing all of this?" My goal this week is for us to rediscover the "why" behind a life with God. What's the point of life with God? What's the point of loving other people or giving for the sake of other people? What's the point of church? I think what you and I might find will surprise us.