Two weeks ago I got a concussion while speaking at the Pacific Northwest Wesleyan District Youth Camp. Here’s the full story and an update on how I’m doing. You can watch the camp highlight video at the Pacific Northwest Wesleyan District Youth page.
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The Ultimate Youth Camp Packing List
Although I am not a youth pastor anymore I still am blessed to get opportunities to speak at a youth camp every now and then. As of this writing, I have spent 44 weeks of my life at various youth camps. I have tried just about every trick in the book to pack lighter and more efficiently except for one year. that year, another youth pastor and I packed all our stuff into 2 large plastic tubs and pretty much brought all our clothes to camp. As many Wesleyan youth camps kick off this week I thought I would share some packing tips for leaders and students.
A Bible and something to take notes with are a must. Sometimes a camp book is provided with note taking space and I have a collection of those dating back to ’91. It’s helpful to look back and remember key sermons and messages from the Lord.
Youth camp can be messy. Always take a pair of shoes you are willing to part with at the end of the week. For me, this is even more essential when flying. I typically have an old pair of sneakers that don’t make the trip back.
You’re also going to need some athletic shoes. Between team games and sports activities you are going to be doing a lot of running. You don’t want to spend [Read more…] about The Ultimate Youth Camp Packing List
The Story of Oakway United: A Wesleyan Fellowship
David Gould is a Wesleyan pastor in the Nashville area. He has his own radio show and has been kind enough to invite me on for Tech Talk Tuesdays. We’ve talked about how families, churches, and individuals can use technology for the good of God’s kingdom. Today he is giving me the chance to share the story of Oakway United. It’s the story of Oakway Wesleyan and Common Ground Community Church merging in November of 2011.
In December 2010, [Read more…] about The Story of Oakway United: A Wesleyan Fellowship
10 Surprises at Wesleyan General Conference 2012
As you may or may not know, I participated in the 2012 Wesleyan General Conference in Lexington, KY as part of the Techology Show. We oversaw a chat room during all the rallies and business sessions, hosted a round table discussion after each session, conducted interviews with leaders, speakers, and authors, and live streamed the pre-conference events. This was my first time attending a Wesleyan General Conference and I’ve spoken before about changes I’d like to see in our denomination. There were a few things that surprised me. These are in no particular order.
10. Non-delegates could purchase Delegate packets for $20. Everything they had was available for all to see. This only magnified the unofficial theme of “Transparency.” This made it easy for guests to follow along with all the business proceedings.
9. I had no idea I would be sitting next to and chatting with the next Wesleyan HQ chief of staff all week in David Drury.
8. I underestimated Dr. Keith Drury’s knowledge and insight of Wesleyan Church policies, politics, and personalities. Shame on me because the guy literally co-wrote the book on it.
7. I needed a 15 minute break [Read more…] about 10 Surprises at Wesleyan General Conference 2012
Wesleyan General Conference 2012 Live Stream Tutorial
I am so excited to be a part of The Techology Show’s presence at the 2012 Wesleyan General Conference. Matthew Tietje and I will be driving up on Friday and during the week I’ll be joined by David Drury, Stevan Sheets(who blogged about his GC adventure here), Dr. Keith Drury, Tony Casey and others for round tables and interviews. Our goal is to bring the sights, sounds, and Spirit of the Conference straight into your home. How about some GC viewing parties?! Many have asked how it’s going to work and I’m pleased to present this 7 minute video with all of the details:
I’m excited to be a part of the SoulShift
Why does your church have yard sales?
This week, my wife, Karen, has been hard at work getting things ready for our church yard sale. I have done my fair share of yard sales for youth fundraisers. Some have done quite well and some…haven’t. There was one where I had to sit on a block of ice for 15 minutes because people put more money in my jar than the other pastor’s(this was of course rigged). I don’t think there’s anything wrong with youth fundraisers as long as it doesn’t take away from the ministry. If you’re doing a youth car wash every weekend then…you may want to re-think that.
In the last year, I’ve heard of 2 churches(both Wesleyan) having monthly yard/hot dog sales to pay the mortgage on their new buildings. Before I go off on a rant let me say that both of these buildings were built in better economic times. I’m sure the church leaders never foresaw having to use valuable church space to store yard sale stuff year round because they wouldn’t be able to keep up with the payments.
Now, church yard sales can a be a good thing because they get people on your campus in a non-churchy environment. It’s a great way to meet new people and for people to check out your church. On the other hand, [Read more…] about Why does your church have yard sales?