Student Prayer at School

It is that time of year again for the See You at the Pole rally. As a youth pastor I have been a part of this event for about 13 years now in some way. I encourage my students to attend and support one another. As uplifting as this event can be, it can also be used in a "Pharisaic" like way for everyone to look and see how good a Christian I am being, in other words "look at me, look at me!" I pray for this year to be a true coming together of Christians not in opposition to other non-believers or people of other faiths, but as a testimony of God's love for all people! Unity is what Jesus called for the church in John 17:20-23, 20 “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— 23 I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me." That is my prayer for us as well, let it be so!

Bringing Churches Into the 21st Century

"What's going on with a church wanting to reach a younger generation. The youth are an 'on demand' generation with our music, TV shows, movies, school lessons and connecting with global friends. Churches meet at designated times (usually once a week), in designated places...... seems some shifts are needed. What's going on that churches refuse to enter 21st century world?" was the question from a 23 year old searching for faith. Any responses....?

Go to New Smithfield Student Ministry Blog!

Go to New Smithfield Student Ministry Blog!

Pretty is as Pretty Does

This is a new format that I am trying out to express contemporary issues from Youth Culture. So, today our Pastor, Dr. Donald Rhoton, preached on a shift that has happened in Youth Culture. Youth are very concerned about their appear, so much so that it consumes their lives. He quoted from a study done between the diaries of 19th Century to 21st Century teenage girls and found that they are more self-image and outward focused and less caring about the needs of others. Why is that? Societal and cultural influences are definitely at work here. Adults have caused some of this putting the idea that a successful person does certain things and looks a certain way. The images in advertising are all of the "pretty" people. The result is more cases of eating disorders, drug addictions, increase of depression and suicide rates. That is the culture that we find ourselves living in the 21st century. Diaries are no longer private or secret they are facebook posts on someones wall. The good news is we are aware of the problem, now what are we going to do about it? Scripture says we were "created in the image of God" and God said his creation was "very good." So, don't believe the lies of the world. Remember sin is very much alive and active in the world today. Girls you are beautiful and created in the image of almighty God, Guys too!