Churches have two major problems when it comes to new Christians. First is spiritual infanticide. We often leave new believers on their own after their baptism, expecting them to figure out the Christian life on their own somehow. We fail to mentor them and disciple them, neglecting to teach them how to obey the teachings … More Growth is evidence of life!
I love mentoring students at Lincoln Christian University. Every year, I volunteer to lead a small group of young men called a “spiritual formation group.” I also lead a one-week off-campus missions trip each spring semester, which has allowed me to take groups of students to Poland, Mexico, Quebec, St. Louis, Pittsburgh and Chicago. But … More Mentoring multiplies influence!
Everyone has special gifts, talents, abilities, and experiences. It would be a shame for you and I to go through life and not take the time to pour into others what we have received. I love the principle of equipping found in 2 Timothy 2:2. The Apostle Paul told his young protégé, Timothy, “The things … More We are all priests!
I played the role of a youth advocate in 1984 when I arrived in the DR Congo with a desire to start a youth ministry movement. The children and youth of the DR Congo were considered by many to be second-class citizens, having no voice of influence in their culture. Sadly, the cultural view of … More What is youth ministry?
Can you imagine God asking you in heaven why you didn’t stick up for someone who needed help during your life on Earth? The first time I remembering needing to stick up for someone came when I was attending junior high in Potomac, Illinois. While waiting for the school bus one day, some kids started … More Advocate
In Matthew 21, Jesus reminded the Jewish leaders that God had ordained praise from children and infants (Matthew 21:14–16), and by extension this includes youth as well. The children and youth in our churches have been ordained by God to worship him—and to eventually become leaders in the Church. Older generations must come to grips … More Old and New Treasures
Young people can tell whether an older person truly likes them or not. They know instinctively whether they are included as “part of the family” or rather someone who is an outsider or stranger. Some church leaders who fear change have felt threatened by youth whom they suspect want to “take their position” in leadership. … More Generational Walls
When my youngest daughter Sammy became a senior in High School, I asked her how I could pray for her during that entire year. When she asked me to pray that she would improve her relationship with God, I suddenly realized I needed to be more intentional in my spiritual leadership in her life. As … More Pray for your kids!
You never know when your last communication will be with anyone, including your children. Children can die from many causes, but it is always shocking when it happens. I remember the shock and heartache I felt for Christian singer Steven Curtis Chapman and his family when I heard about their little five year old girl … More Last phone call!
At 7:35 p.m. on March 20, 1985, I became a father for the first time. As I stood beside my wife in the delivery room of a mission hospital in the DR Congo, four people were in the room: me, my wife Julie, the doctor, and the midwife—and then suddenly there were five. Sarah Ann … More A Miraculous Gift!
