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 | Jonathan’s Resource Ezine |
Weekly Resources, Ideas and Articles from The Source for Youth Ministry
Tuesday, June 10, 2003
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| DOES VISITATION WORK? Meeting them on their turf. |
June 10, 2003
I always talk about the importance of connecting with students on their turf. On campus, at their house, and in their neighborhood- showing that you care enough to show up.
I’ll never forget a scene in the movie Dangerous Minds when the teacher (played by Michelle Pfeiffer) decided to go and visit some of her students. The first student was a kid who had been in a lot of trouble in the past and when she showed up at his house, everyone assumed that he was in trouble again. But then she shared what a delight it was to have him in class . . . and the whole family was thrilled. That visit was the turning point for this student.
Excited, the teacher decided to visit a few other students. As she pulled up to the next house, she was greeted by verbal abuse from a mad mother. She was shocked, because there was no reason for the onslaught.
I related to that scene in the movie because I had been applauded by some parents and threatened by others in my work with at-risk kids. But the effort of reaching out was always worth it. The effort we put into the Lord’s work is always worth it. Maybe that’s what Paul was trying to get across in 1 Cor. 15:58 when he said, "Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." (NIV)
Find out more about one-on-one ministry in Jonathan’s article on the subject (CLICK HERE) on the I NEED TO KNOW HOW TO… page on our web site.
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| THE RESULTS OF A KNOCK AT A DOOR |
I know we usually focus on youth, but sometimes I like to make an exception. Here’s the testimony of a middle aged couple whose lives were changed by the efforts of one senior pastor . . . who went door to door.
"Although Bert was raised Presbyterian and I was raised Catholic, neither of us had even attended church in years. Feeling the emptiness in our lives, we thought again about “going to church”. Of course, we had no idea what that meant other than attending a church service on a Sunday.
The pastor of a local Sacramento church called Lakeside Church had gone door to door when the church was first planted. He was a “no pressure” type of person, extending an invitation but not pushing his way in. We thought that if we ever attended a church, it would be “his church”. So, in early June of that year, we went to a service at Lakeside. One of the pastors took us under his wing shortly thereafter and we were drawn into the church. As we became believers and matured in our faith, we realized that it was not just “going to church” that we needed. It was believing in the Lord and becoming followers of His.
We’ve come a long way since then. When I look back over our path for the past two years, it is obvious to me that He has been guiding our way. We have never felt more connected to Him than we are at this time in our lives. We look forward to a stronger relationship as we work on our maturity. We are preparing to disciple others and hope to have something new going on by next month." – Irene-
If you have any other youth ministry ideas you want to share, please email me at jon@thesource4ym.com
Jonathan speaks at schools, camps, and youth events all over the U.S. He also trains youth workers and student leaders at national conferences and seminars. Check out Jonathan’s speaker page and who’s recommending him!
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KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!
God Bless,
Jonathan
If you have any other youth ministry ideas you want to share, please email me at jon@thesource4ym.com
Jonathan R. McKee
THE SOURCE
for Youth Ministry
https://thesource4ym.com/
Jonathan McKee
Jonathan McKee is the author of over twenty books including the brand new The Guy's Guide to FOUR BATTLES Every Young Man Must Face; The Teen’s Guide to Social Media & Mobile Devices; If I Had a Parenting Do Over; and the Amazon Best Seller - The Guy's Guide to God, Girls and the Phone in Your Pocket. He speaks to parents and leaders worldwide, all while providing free resources for youth workers on TheSource4YM.com. Jonathan, his wife Lori, and their three kids live in California.