I’ve already said that I’m a big fan of free ministry resources. One of the biggest providers of free resources for churches is LifeChurch.tv. In this video, their pastor, Craig Groeschel tells a little about their church and the resources they offer.
Let’s not be afraid to share resources in the church.
You can read the transcript here.
Yesterday was free cone day at Ben and Jerry’s ice cream. All over the world they gave away a free ice cream cone with absolutely no requirements. Of course we went to the local Ben and Jerry’s to get our cones.
I got to thinking about Ben and Jerry’s, free stuff, and of course, ministry.
It’s amazing how people will line up to get free ice cream. Who wouldn’t want to eat ice cream (besides some super healthy people I know)? I don’t think Ben and Jerry’s made money today, but it wasn’t about that. It was about the community. It was about getting their message out to the public.
There are lots of things in the world that should be free. I’m a big fan of sharing resources in ministry and offering things for free. We even have a site that has free youth ministry resources in Spanish. Ministries ought to share resources to further the Kingdom.
I use lots of different sites to get free resources for youth ministry.
When I tell my students that I want to offer some resources on the website for free, they look at me like I am crazy. But, why not? Free is good. Free resources for ministry have helped me a lot. We can all benefit from each other.
If Ben and Jerry’s can offer free ice cream, why can’t we offer free stuff in the church? I loved free cone day.
We had to go to the U.S. Embassy today to renew our passports, so we also visited our new ihop and topped it off with Ben and Jerry’s ice cream at the mall.
I did get some tests graded, too, so the day wasn’t all fun and games.
Here’s a quick video of Benjamin eating an ice cream cone today at Ben and Jerry’s free cone day:
I remember watching the Columbine tragedy happen in real time on television. I was the youth pastor then at North Dunedin Baptist Church. I have been involved in youth ministry this whole time since, and I wonder how much impact we have made on the lives of young people since Columbine.
The victims who lost their lives in Columbine, and even the people who took their lives, have changed the way I minister and act towards others.
Unfortunately, there will always be those who are seen as “fringe” kids. Violence will always be around. But ever since Columbine, I have thought a lot and made a conscious effort to look for those who society sometimes overlooks. You never know how something as simple as a smile or a, “How are you?” will help someone.
There are basically four things that, I think, when done right, will have an impact on the lives of those who feel rejected by society.
What about you? What are you doing to reach out to those who feel un-loved? How can we do that better as the church? Post your thoughts in the comments.
(Image by: Dave Blume on Flickr)
I saw this game on sale at Amazon, and I thought it would make a great gift for graduating seniors or a great game to play with a Senior class small group.
It’s based on Dr. Seuss’s book, “Oh the Places You Will Go,” and right now it’s only $4.
The product description says,
“Based on the iconic Dr. Seuss book, this game has players debating life’s great questions-for example, ‘Would you rather sail a bamboo raft in Tahiti, or write, direct, and star in your own horror movie?’ Everyone guesses which path you’ll take.”
It might make a great game for your group or for a graduation party. Check it out. If you get it and play it, let me know how it goes.
(via: Baby Good Buys)
