Tag Archives: Student Ministry
What I’m reading
Posted on 12. Jun, 2009 by Kenny.
It’s been about a year ago since I posted what I’m reading. The last time I did it, I spent an hour typing out and linking all the blogs I read. I think that’s why it’s been a year since I’ve updated the list on this blog. However I just found out about Google Reader’s bundles. It made this process so much easier.
Right now I subscribe to 33 blogs about Children’s and Student Ministry. I subscribe to blog from different categories as well, but if I only have a limited amount of time to read blogs, I usually hit this list first. Here the are.
Here’s the beauty of the bundle. On the page I linked to, you can click on each blog in the list and go to that blog page or you can click the “subscribe” button and it will add all 33 blogs to your google reader account in a nice little folder called “Blogs Kenny’s Reading.” How cool is that?… Read the rest
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Chad Swanzy: Creativity is his middle name.
Posted on 24. Apr, 2009 by Kenny.
I thought I’d introduce someone to you in case you didn’t already know him. Chad Swanzy is the Student Ministry Pastor here at Gateway. He came on staff about six weeks before me last year and I really enjoy working with him. Unfortunately for me I haven’t gotten to work as closely with him this last year as I would have liked (that’s changing this year though). One of the things I admire about Chad is his creative genius.
Perhaps it’s his need to be resourceful that sparks creativity, always maximizing resources on a shoe string budget. However, he connects very well to the students he leads and he connects through every medium possible. He’s constantly building sets, creating environments, designing totally insane games or filming promotion videos.… Read the rest
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Orange 2008: Family Ministry Around the Table
Posted on 28. Apr, 2008 by Kenny.
This was the first pre-conference breakout I attended. It was led by Dave Fox, the Family Ministries director at “The Bridge Church” in Decatur, IN and Darren Kizer, the Family Ministry Director at Parker Hill Community Church in Scranton, PA.
The heading for this breakout were guided by these statements:
“We will be focusing on an integrated strategy for family ministry. In this strategy, leaders and parents are leading with the same end in mind.”
Darren started things off by bringing out a bottle of Diet Coke and a Mento. Yeah, we know what that does. He explained that the the Mento represents the influence of the church in 10 years. the Diet Coke represents the influence of the family in 1 year.… Read the rest
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The Essence of Orange DVD (Part 3)
Posted on 04. Apr, 2008 by Kenny.
This is my last post on my little series about the “Essence of Orange” DVD from reThink. My other posts can be found here and here. This is a short piece about the last segment on the DVD.
Engaging Students
Reggie emphasized the importance of engaging students in ministry as an integral part of the discipleship process.
I remember reading an article from Dr. Dobson many years ago. It was about how many students walk away from their church (and even faith) once they leave the student ministry and go off to college. A portion of them will return once they are married and starting a family. Why are they leaving? Because once they leave the student ministry, there is no longer any “connection” to the church.… Read the rest
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The Essence of Orange DVD (Part 2)
Posted on 03. Apr, 2008 by Kenny.
Yesterday I began a short series on the “Essence of Orange” DVD from reThink. It’s a great DVD and it belongs in your library. My posts are by no means comprehensive, just little “Orange” treats to tempt your for more.
Family Ministry
Yesterday I shared how under the best circumstances, most kids will attend church for only 40 hours a year. That isn’t a lot of influence, is it. When I think back on my life, I see how my Children’s Pastor was the most influential person in my life. My situation must have been very unique. I’ve pastored thousands of kids in my short 11 years of ministry and I can only think of a handful that might say this about me.… Read the rest
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The Essence of Orange DVD (Part 1)
Posted on 02. Apr, 2008 by Kenny.
Okay, I’m a cheater! When I signed up for the Orange conference, they had several breakouts that they highly recommended. They were a series of “Orangology” breakouts that explain the Orange philosophy. Although this is very important (since much of the other breakouts probably build on the Orange philosophy concepts), there were several other breakouts that I really wanted to attend. So, I decided to get caught up with the Orange philosophy before going. I decided to purchase the “Essence of Orange” DVD from reThink and I’m so glad I did. First of all, I’m glad I did so that I can attend these other breakouts without feeling like I missed something. In addition, watching this DVD gave me plenty of time to stew on these concepts… otherwise I’m sure I’d be at information (all of it mind-blowingly good) overload at the conference.… Read the rest
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Demystifying Orange
Posted on 01. Apr, 2008 by Kenny.
A few weeks ago I wrote a post about my exposure to “family ministry.” I wasn’t 100% sure, but I had a feeling that this is what the Orange Conference was all about. I ordered a DVD a few weeks ago and I was right… so some degree. It was really so much more.
I feel like there is somewhat of a shroud of mystery surrounding Orange. I’m not sure if this in intentional or if it’s because the movement is still so new. They certainly have many people attending their conference, so it’s not like their hurting or anything. However, I’m not sure everyone knows what Orange really is. I’ve spoken to many people who think it’s just another conference.… Read the rest
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