Friday, August 20, 2010

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Are you a Teacher or Are you an Educator??!



21st Century Pedagogy


Digital WOrld: Teachers Today

What Is Happiness - The Resident



Finding God (2007)


Discerning the Spirit (2007)

Too Much Crap - The Resident

What Adults Can Learn from Kids


REmember:
"You must lend your ear today, because we are the leaders of tomorrow."

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Guidelines for Internet Use

The Internet has the potential to do great good... and great harm. To help direct the outcome, many communities have begun to develop guidelines for Internet use. Here are some helpful sites:

VIDEO
RESEARCH
POPULAR COMMENTARY

Christian Century Blog
Other Popular references
CHURCH AND JUDICATORY RESOURCES
OTHER RESOURCES

Friday, March 19, 2010

Mr. Diety

Brian Keith Dalton has created some very witty vlogs (video blogs) where he offers insights as Mr. Diety. Check out the episodes below and at http://www.mrdeity.com/

MR. DIETY AND THE SCRIPTS


MR. DIETY AND THE TOP TEN


MR. DIETY AND EVIL


MR. DIETY AND THE IDENTITY CRISIS (Trinitarian)


MR. DIETY AND THE SKEPTIC

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Teen Brains


A few weeks ago we got into a conversation about the research being done in neuroscience and its impact on our understanding of moral and faith development. Although a little dated, Religious Education and the Brain (2000) is a book by Jerry Larsen that offers some initial explorations. NPR's Richard Knox offers a more current view "The Teen Brain: It's Just Not Grown Up Yet." Focused on the development of neural insulation that isn't complete until a teen reaches their mid-20s, scientists speculate that this could be a source for young people's self-orientation.

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Mission Trip vs Service Trip

I want to make a distinction between Mission Trips and Service Trips. The concept of service implies the giving of something to someone... taking away any agency of the one who is the recepient of service. I like to focus on Mission, God's Mission, and our participation in making real the Dream of God. Mission Trips tend to be more reciprocal... in face, in my experience, I receive far more than I give.

This video provides a glimpse at the type of learning and growing which can happen when a youth group partners with another community for their Mission Trip.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Faith Assets to Nurture Youth of Vital Faith

Using information from a study of exemplary youth ministry in seven denominations (Roman Catholic, Lutheran/ELCA, United Methodist, Presbyterian USA, Evangelical Covenant Church, Assemblies of God, and Southern Baptist), the Center for Ministry Development has developed a tool to help congregations recognize their "faith assets" in order to create and sustain vital faith.

Monday, February 22, 2010

Cyberbully

No Safe Haven for Bullies by Kevin Cullen (Boston Globe, February 2, 2010)

Bostonians have been reflecting on the issue of Cyber bullying as a result of an apparent suicide of a South Hadley freshman, Phoebe Prince, after persistent bullying. This is one of the many cyber issues parents and churches need to address as we guide young people into adulthood.

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Center Parent Youth Understanding

The Center for Parent/Youth Understanding is a nonprofit organization committed to building strong families by serving to bridge the cultural-generational gap between parents and teenagers.

At a time when an already confusing youth culture is changing quickly, CPYU helps parents, youth workers, educators, and others understand teenagers and their culture so that they will be better equipped to help children and teens navigate the challenging world of adolescence.

Founded in 1990 by Walt Mueller, CPYU has developed an international reputation as a voice providing cutting-edge information, resources and analysis on today's youth culture.

The mission of CPYU is to work with churches, schools, and community organizations to build stronger relationships between young people and those charged with helping them grow into healthy adulthood.

This mission is accomplished by:

  • Helping parents understand and respond to the complex world of their children and teens from a distinctively Christian point of view.
  • Equipping teenagers to deal with the challenges of adolescence.
  • Equipping parents and teens to respond to these challenges through a distinctively Christian world and life view.
  • Raising the youth culture awareness of youth workers and educators, thereby helping them increase their effectiveness with parents, children and teens.

To learn more about CPYU and how we are helping parents, youth workers, and others make a positive difference in the lives of today's teenagers click here to download a printable brochure.

dayouthguy - resource reviews

Dayouth guy - aka Jay Phillipi - offers one review of a youth ministry resource each week of 2009 at http://youthmissioner.blogspot.com/

YMtoday


Youth Ministers

What are you hearing?