Matthew 16:13-24

Hey everyone! This is a short outline for a recent message I taught to a local Youth Ministry's DNOW. What is the most important question in the world? For me, when in school, it was something like: What am I going to wear today? What am I going to do after school? Who’s going to the game tonight? When I got older it was, what am I going to do after HS? (Play soccer for UofL or join the Army) I joined the Army. Then what college will I go to? Who will I marry? These are all important questions in life, but none of them compare to the question we will look at this morning. Everyone will answer this question, either on earth or find out the answer in death. We are going to pick up the story at the peak of Jesus’ ministry. For 2 ½ years Jesus had been moving toward this moment. He was going to give the ultimate lesson of who He was to His disciples. Let’s read. Read, Matthew 16:13-24 vv 13-20 I. When Following Jesus, we must know whom we’re following. Jesus is the Messiah! The Savior of the World. The Confession: The Christ, or Messiah. Through Jesus is salvation ...

Youth Ministry & Family Discipleship

Dear Youth Pastor, I have been impressed with your ability to keep my child busy while I do “adult” church. Thank you for teaching my child how play messy games and to pull random things out of his pockets for a prize. I appreciate all you do. Yours Truly, Mrs. Church Parent Obviously this is a “make-believe” letter. However, the church has somehow found itself in a strange place. This generation of youth parents has been programmed to rely on programs. The issue of who disciples my child is at the forefront of youth ministry today. So this post is for youth pastors, who are seeking to change the culture of their perspective faith community. Let’s look at some ways to get the “Family Discipleship” ball rolling in your church community. Prayer Pray for your church leadership This includes but not limited to: Pastor, Worship Leader and Children’s Director Pray that the leadership of the church catch the vision of family ministry Pray for the families represented in your faith community Pray for parents to receive the direction you are trying to lead them in Pray for the students to be bold when asking parents to lead Pray for wisdom Wisdom is much more than having knowledge about family ...

Family Discipleship: Do you have a plan?

Family Discipleship – Do you have a plan? This post is a collection of thoughts that have been rattling around in my head. Disclaimer: This is in no way a final product! This is merely me typing out loud about the things to come. The next post will be a simplified version of this post and an outline for future writings on the subject. Like me, there are many Pastors, Youth Pastors and ministers starting the conversation of family ministry. Don’t get me wrong, this is not a new topic; however it is a growing subject in the church today! Family ministry is, I believe, the next step for those who train future pastors and ministers. Please leave comments and thoughts. Again, the following are thoughts that have been jumbled around in my head and in no way a final product. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- First, there must be a plan for your family’s spiritual growth. Without a plan, you are planning to fail. Secondly, there are “must-have” elements that should be integrated into your plan. Lastly, there are some obstacles to address with family discipleship. Discipleship Plan: Everyone needs a plan, however, we must be careful to understand God’s plan ...