PODCASTS

Tag: #youthministry

Pretty Place – A Giant Cross towers over three hurricane-ravaged states

Pretty Place – A Giant Cross towers over three hurricane-ravaged states

Pretty Place – A Giant Cross towers over three hurricane-ravaged states

A faith-centered story from Family Life News

Pretty Place is a renown open-air church at Cleveland, South Carolina. It was built in 1941. It has created memories for generations of visitors.

Last week, the devastating 60-70 mph winds in the remnants of Hurricane Helene hit that area.

Although much of the outdoor chapel suffered major damage in last week’s massive storm, the camp’s giant cross is still standing. Photos have gone viral, bringing hope to the region.

Family Life newscaster Sarah Harnish interviewed the president and CEO of Greenville’s YMCA, Sam Franklin. Listen to the full conversation in the podcast player here.

 

For more information:

        The website mentioned in this interview:  campgreenville.org/help

        The main website for this camp operated by the YMCA of Greenville, South Carolina: campgreenville.org/pretty-place

        Sam Franklin has 33 years of experience with YMCAs, but he only recently was promoted to this new position.

        This is a “before” picture of Pretty Place:        

https://www.familylife.org/radio/#news

 

Youth Ministry – Inspiration for Congregations – 9/30/24

Youth Ministry – Inspiration for Congregations – 9/30/24

Youth Ministry -What is most effective in the 21st Century?

Inspiration for Congregations

Patterns of congregational youth ministry which were emphasized 20 and 30 years ago are not as effective these days to engage with teens, children and young adults now. Research has shown what church leaders and volunteers ought to emphasize now. The measurement they used:  what was distinctive in churches where students were still active in a congregation five to ten years later, long after they “graduated” from youth ministry.

The Rev. Mark Kiessling is director for the national Youth Ministry Office of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. He tells Family Life News that ministry with young people which are geared mostly toward events and programs are not having the same impact with the current young generation. What is especially strong to influence

He says many smaller and midsized churches fret over not having much of a traditional “youth program”, if they even have one at all. However, smaller congregations actually have an advantage they can leverage: they are already good at relationships and personal connections.

Listen to this conversation from the podcast player here, and consider sharing it with decision-makers in your congregation or regional network.

–     –     –     –

Their research and recommendations are contained in “Seven Practices of Healthy Youth Ministry” which includes these priorities:

+ Every congregation offers Warmth, Challenge, and Grace

overview & video:  youthesource.com/2019/07/healthy-congregations-have-warmth-challenge-grace/

+ Every young person should be intentionally connected with 5 Supportive Adults

overview & video:  youthesource.com/2019/07/healthy-congregations-have-supportive-adults/

+ Every parent is supported, so they can engage effectively with these daughters and sons

overview & video:  youthesource.com/2019/06/healthy-congregations-have-engaged-parents/

+ Every young person is helped to discover their identity in Jesus Christ, as well as their unique calling and vocation

overview & videos:  youthesource.com/seven-practices/

 

 

For further information:

* Website     * Handout     * Video     * Book

The LCMS is partnered with 194 congregations in New York, 81 in Pennsylvania, and about 6,000 across the nation.

This is a podcast in our new series “Inspiration for Congregations” with insights from local, regional and national experts, to provide information and motivations for leaders and members of local churches.  Today’s host is Family Life news producer Greg Gillispie.

Hometown Heroes – Keystone Outreach – 7/30/24

Hometown Heroes – Keystone Outreach – 7/30/24

It’s “Hometown Heroes” from Family Life News

Keystone State Outreach offers an annual Summer Service Camp for middle school and high school youth groups in West Milton, Pennsylvania.

Dozens of students converge on the Susquehanna River Valley to offer people yard work, painting and home repairs. Participants and their adult leaders also join in energetic worship experiences.

Local coordinator Eric Roberts tells stories of how the groups come together to grow in their own faith, by serving others as Jesus served others.

 

 

Bible Quizzing Nationals – Local youth on the way to Wisconsin – 4/16/24

Bible Quizzing Nationals – Local youth on the way to Wisconsin – 4/16/24

Bible Quizzing Nationals – Local youth on the way to Wisconsin – 4/16/24

Teams of teens and preteens from the Twin Tiers are among the young people from coast to coast who gather in the Wisconsin Dells this week for the Bible Quizzing Nationals.

What is Bible Quizzing?

Young people and their coaches invest large blocks of time to memorize large swaths of Scripture. At local, regional and national competitions, teams of five pop up out of their seats, answer questions based on the wording of a Bible verse, and quote the full verse — word for word.

Ten members of the local teams sponsored by Family Life Ministries gathered to answer Greg Gillispie’s questions about Bible Quizzing, the tournament process, and the personal benefits which come to those who pour time and effort into reading and studying God’s Word.

By the way, FLM sent four teams to Nationals in 2023, and two of those local teams placed in the Top Four!

Additional information:

Christian Culture, Pop Culture, and navigating the world where Taylor Swift is “everywhere” – 1/29/24

Christian Culture, Pop Culture, and navigating the world where Taylor Swift is “everywhere” – 1/29/24

PlayPlay

Keeping Pop Culture in check,

Spiritual truths, amid Taylor Swift’s popularity,

And helping children and teens to prioritize their faith, even using lessons from celebrities.

We have an exclusive interview with Paul Asay of the PLUGGED IN entertainment reviews, a Family Life Interview from the January 29 Noon Report.

Paul Asay is the supervising editor of PLUGGED IN, which offers family-friendly reviews of movies, television, streamed programs, social media, music, video games, and other entertainment content. An outreach of Focus on the Family, PLUGGED IN provides short reviews (with an eye and ear toward Christian parents and their children), expanded conversations about media and culture, and blog posts to help mindful parents guide their children’s choices — and insightful household discussions about the media surrounding us.

PLUGGED IN also regularly features their recommendations on the best entertainment options for young audiences.

 

 

 

 

The Calling – Episode 14: Tyler Schutt – Youth Pastor at Crossroads Family Ministry

The Calling – Episode 14: Tyler Schutt – Youth Pastor at Crossroads Family Ministry

The Calling is a Family Life original podcast for pastors that focuses on the personal and professional challenges they face in their mission to serve the Lord. In Episode 14, Steve’s guest is Tyler Schutt, a youth pastor for Crossroads Family Ministry in Sayre, PA who talks about ministering to young hearts.

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