Creating Culture Part 2 - Encouragement

On with our discussion on creating culture (although I sure would like a few more of you to chime in on this discussion). The culture we're going to look at today is a culture of encouragement.

I think one of the most common weapons used by the enemy on Christian is discouragement. As a youth pastor, if there's anything that can slow me down in ministry it's becoming discouraged that my ministry isn't working, that we aren't reaching enough kids, that my leaders just aren't getting it, etc. With the devil working around the clock to bring discouragement, one of the most important cultures we must have in the church is encouragement.

The church should be a place where people can come and be built up and encouraged. They should leave our gatherings filled with hope and faith. I believe there must be a more concentrated effort from leaders to encourage young people in their life, ministries, and their calling.

Romans 1:11-12 - For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established— ^that is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.

The challenging part is that we're committed to biblical community. So while we want to bring encouragement, love, and hope to people, we're never going to stop preaching against sin and challenging people to change. That would be unhealthy for everyone. We're in youth ministry to transform ordinary young people into radical, world changing disciples.

Our strategy in accomplishing this so far is to have a two pronged attack. From the pulpit, I really preach hard against sin and foolishness. I never apologize or hold back. We bring real, relevant truth to the young people every Wed night. The second part of the strategy is this - there's a youth staff of around 50 young leaders who understand that their main job is to love and encourage young people like they've never experienced. These youth staff minister to students from a place of encouragement and unconditional love.

If both parties do their job, we should be creating a culture that is incredibly encouraging and challenging at the same time. This is a culture where young people can experience real life change. They can't listen to the message preached and stay comfortable in their sin. And when they respond, there are leaders there to walk with them and encourage them that they can and will succeed.

I feel like we are making some good progress with this approach. But I'm always looking for ways to encourage young people more.

What do you think?

What are some things we can do to create a culture of encouragement in the church? (BTW, you certainly don't have to go to FLC to weigh in. I'd love to hear from you wherever you are!!)

Podcast is Here!!

Just wanted to let everyone know that the NXT podcast has officially arrived. Feel free to check us out on Itunes or subscribe at the website - www.the-nxt.com

Special thanks to Brent Earwicker, Evan Earwicker, Lorelei Williams and Caleb Brown who put in the time to figure podcasting out and get us rolling. It'll be fun to hear how God takes the messages and spreads them.

Enjoy!!

The Giant of Idolatry

Last night we went after the giant of idolatry in are youth church. God did some awesome things in our hearts as we smashed idols through true worship in the presence of Jesus. I thought I'd share with you all some of the questions we asked to investigate whether we're really worshiping Jesus or another false god.

Questions to Investigate the Worship in your Lifestyle

1. How do you make your decisions?
1. The basis for your decisions points directly to the god you worship.
2. How do you spend your time?
1. Look at the things that take up most of your free time. There’s a good chance you’re worshipping there.
3. What are the meditations of your heart?
1. What are you thinking about? Writing about? Reading about? What consumes your thought life? It will be the thing you’re worshipping
4. What do you dream about?
1. In your sleep and during the day…
5. How do you spend your money?
1. Jesus said, where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Remember whatever really has your heart is your god.
6. How do you choose your friends?
1. The friends you picked probably give a good indicator to what god you’re worshipping.
7. What clothes do you choose to wear?
1. Your dress communicates what you value. Often times it’s an obvious indicator of what you worship.
8. What music do you listen to?
1. Music was created to carry the spirit of worship. All music is worshipping something. Something is being exalted through the message in the song. Usually you can find an idol in the midst of someone’s music collection.
9. What stirs the most passion in you?
1. What is it that you burn for? What is the thing that just set’s you on fire? Your affections will flow toward the god that you worship.

These are some questions that are worth asking ourselves due to the deceptive nature of idolatry.

What would you say the biggest idol in youth culture is?