So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes the growth. Now he who plants and he who waters are one; but each will receive his own reward according to his own labor. – 1 Corinthians 3:7-8 ESV I was part […]
Windmills
In my workshop at the 2018 RHMA conference, one of the examples I gave for the need to network for ministry in your community is a windmill field. These things seem to be everywhere that it’s flat for more than 50 acres in the Midwest. If you drive across I-74 […]
Grasshoppers!
Numbers 13:31-33 31 Then the men who had gone up with him said, “We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we are.” 32 So they brought to the people of Israel a bad report of the land that they had spied out, […]
Read the Instructions
Matthew 7:15-20 15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16 You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. 18 A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor […]
Practice?
In 2 Corinthians 4:16 Paul encourages the Corinthian believers to hold fast to sharing their faith with others and growing in their relationship with Christ. He points out that what we do here on earth as believers is preparing us for an eternity with God. One worshiping Him forever. So […]
Are you at #nywc17 ? Let’s connect!!
Are you going to be at the National Youth Workers Convention this weekend in Memphis? Come stop by the National Network of Youth Ministries booth near the idea Lab in the Exhibit Hall and say hello! We would love to connect you to a network of local youth workers in […]
Missions Monday: What’s your outreach?
If you have been in ministry any length of time, you may have heard the phrase “missions begins at home”. That is exactly what we are doing here at MinistryPlace.net with the new Missions Monday series. Our first look is at local outreach. What are you doing locally to reach […]
Sermons
In response to request from some ministry friends, I am going back and publishing audio and PDF notes from messages I’ve given at rural churches in Illinois and Indiana. Pulpit supply has been a sizable part of my ministry lately. I have been able to serve Pastors and churches in […]
4 Things to Look for at #SYMC2016
This weekend is the “reboot” of Simply Youth Ministry Conference in Chicago. Whether this is your first time here or you are an “old pro”, There are four things you should look for this weekend. Look for Jesus – Conferences are often disorienting. It’s easy to lose your way in […]
What does a Rural Ministry Specialist do?
In my work with National Network of Youth Ministries, I get asked this question a lot. A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to share about my work with NNYM at Nyesville Full Gospel Church. The presentation gives a great overview of the work I do in Illinois, Indiana […]
More Thoughts on The Future of Rural Youth Ministry…
In my book, Rural Youth Ministry, I spend some time talking about the future of youth ministry in rural communities. Almost three years out from the publishing of the book, I have seen some things transpire that show where I was right, where I was wrong, and what I didn’t […]
Four Social Media Tools I Use…
Every once in a while, I get asked the question “who has time for social media?”. The answer to that is “nearly everyone”, you just have to use the right tools and manage your time . There are some great tools you can use to both get the information you’re […]