rvaYM

Rules: Grab the book closest to you. Now. Go to page 56. Find the 5th sentence. Write that sentence as your status. Copy these instructions as a comment to your status. Don’t go looking for your favourite book, or the coolest one you have — just grab the closest one. So here goes: And that [...]

Phil Vischer was one of the best speakers at the NYWC this year. Certainly not because of his speaking skills–even now as I listen to his talk, it’s obvious he’s frequently leaning on his notes. But Phil had a lot to teach from the downfall of Big Idea, aka that company that made Veggie Tales. [...]

People keep asking, “Was it worth it?” I’ve said yes, with almost no doubt about saying that. Looking back, it was a great time of rest, of learning (better than seminary learning, this was the good stuff!), but the best part was spending time with good friends. I told one of my friends from Richmond [...]

Gordon wrote on his blog earlier today about the lack of true worship during General Sessions at the NYWC. I can’t agree with him more. It’s ironic to listen to Dan Kimball discuss how we introduce times of music during worship services at our church as, “Let’s stand and join in worship” while that exact [...]

Yesterday I went to Dan Kimball’s sessions on Changing Youth Group Kids Into Youth Missionaries[download notes] and The Importance of Theology In Youth Minister[download notes]. Great time of thinking through why we do what we do. I realized that I could listen to thoughts and ideas and ways of doing youth ministry all day. But [...]

Day 1 is over. It was interesting. I’m still processing, so I’ll leave it at that. I’m pretty impressed with the speakers and presenters — Kenda Creasy-Dean, Tony Campolo and Dan Kimball — but the music and acts have been just alright. Good time at Uno’s tonight. First was dinner with some YMs from Virginia [...]