I’ve enjoyed getting to know a potential intern here on the junior high team over breakfast this morning, then I read on the PDYM blog about Danny’s recent learnings in his intern ministry. Thought there were some good insights over there. Here’s an excerpt:

1- They need leadership. They need someone to guide & direct them as well as care for them. They need a leader to help them get down to business as well as have fun with what they are doing. They need someone to help them see how God has wired them & how to use that for ministry. They need to see a model of a healthy youth worker & follower of Christ.

2- They need boundaries. These boundaries are not just for what they are & aren’t supposed to do, but also so they know the freedoms they have. I don’t believe in holding their hands if they have shown themselves to be competent leaders. I believe giving them freedom is a necessity to show them you trust them. But also they get the freedom when they show they have earned it. The boundaries allow them to remember what their role is as well as how they can lead on their own.

JG

Thought this video was absolutely brilliant – if you’re speaking on authenticity, being genuine, showing real concern, compassion – this fits brilliantly. Warning: there’s a couple of words you might want to bleep out at the end. So funny …

JG

Here’s the connect purpose video from this week in HSM … filmed and edited by a student, too. Yeah!

JG

I overheard the shredder working overtime this week getting rid of some old paperwork that contained somewhat sensitive information. Are you drowning in paperwork? A new article on your YouthMinistry.com helps you get your head above water. Good stuff, here’s a clip:

1. Take time to get it right. If the organization that needs your forms will be scanning them, they could require blue or black ink, writing in all caps within the boxes, or filling in the circles completely. Spend a few moments before you hand them out so kids and parents know what’s required. Remind them. And give them the right color pen. Most organizations require the original forms with original signatures–not faxes or photocopies.

2. Know the due dates…then back-track two weeks. There are good reasons why organizations need your paperwork by a particular time. If you fail to do that, you might not be able to participate. Try telling THAT to your kids and parents: “Um, we can’t go because I didn’t send our stuff in on time.” So play it safe. Whatever date the forms are due to the organization, require your young people to give them to YOU two weeks before. That allows a little grace period for that one family that ALWAYS misses the deadline. It also gives you a last chance to look through them to make sure everyone filled out all the required places and signed in all the right places.

JG

I noticed that a bunch of people were searching for “Saddleback and fires” and similar terms today – thought I would answer the question by giving you a link. Alanna took a bunch of Photos and posted them on Flickr that will answer the question.

JG