This is a response to a blog posted by Dustan Bell, one of the pastors at Kings Christian Church. Dusty was posing the question about young adults ministries and what would make a successful ministry to the age group of the 20 - 30 something.
My thought is that the best way to find out what a young adult needs is to ask them. As I fall into that category my thoughts on the idea of setting up a ministry for the young adults is this.
I think one of the worst mistakes in the setting up of a youth ministry is to try to put us into a demographic and bracket that doesn't need to be there so stop calling us young adults.
Sure we don't have the life experience of a 40 or 50 year old, but we're adults. We don't need another night out during the week because some of us have kids, quite a lot of us have demanding jobs and are having trouble finding the time to balance the commitments we already have. We don't need a dumbed down message that's specially sculpted to our short attention spans, we need something hard hitting, challenging and something we can get our teeth into. We get our spiritual food from the message on Sunday and we worship together on Sundays too, just like all the other adults in the church. We don't need an organised meeting to spend time with our christian friends, or to drag our unsaved mates along to. We're probably just going to go down to the pizzeria and spend time with our mates anyways at a time that works for us and fits into our busy schedules.
I know what I need from a ministry is mentoring, not another night out. I need a guy who's been there before me, been through the stuff that I've been through and come out the other side. A guy who can come alongside me and relate to where I'm standing and give me the perspective, the camera 4 view (thanks phil), and let me know there is a way to get through what I'm facing, and that God has got it all under control. Could you imagine what it would be like if we did all have people around us, praying for us and with us, giving us a pat on the back and a clip over the head when we need it? Judging from the reaction I got from my brother and my best mate to the suggestion of a mentoring ministry there is something to this form of ministry.
My thoughts on how to design a ministry for young adults would be this. Go buy a marketing text book, not a ministry text, and pull out the four P's of marketing or factors that will influence someone toward buying into something.
The first P is product. What are you trying to sell? What are the specifics about this service? and the big question is, does the service meet the needs of those people who you are targeting? If you dont the answer to this question then it's uncertain the service or ministry will work. The other thing is do you even know what those needs are? How are you going to be able to build a ministry that meets a need if you don't know what it is!
The second P is price and this isn't necessarily money. In terms of a ministry this can be the amount of time and effort it requires of the people involved. Will it be another night out in an already stretched week, or will it be travel to many different places? Door charge? If the cost is something that people aren't willing to pay then it'll flop. Although if the product is deemed worthy then people will pay to get it. Get the product right and the audience will meet the price.
The third P is promotion. If people don't know about something then it'll flop, the other side of this is if you tell them about it in the wrong way then they won't buy into it either. Do you spread the word via word of mouth or some other creative method or another dinky ad on church news which no-one pays attention to?
The fourth P is placement or how the product gets to the target market. If the targeted person can't get to it for many factors like shifting schedules, busy diaries and lack of money or petrol then it'll flop. Structure the ministry so that it's flexible in time and place and for a young adult, you've got a winner.
That's just my opinion on young adult ministrys. Thanks for asking Dusty!
Monday, October 27, 2008
Get over yourselves boys!
Two of my best friends got engaged on the weekend and I’m stoked for both of them. They’re made for each other and it’s very obvious to anyone who sees them that they dearly love each other. The engagement was extravagant and very clearly an expression of his love for her. I’m not going to post the details out of respect for their wishes and so as not to make anyone feel bad. The one details that I am going to post is that he was given a very nice guitar by his bride-to-be. I think this is just awesome.
The other thing is that in the church that they attend all of the boys have started saying to their fiances or their wives, “Where’s my guitar hey?” I’ve got to admit that I had harboured some of those thoughts too. I had a bit of “Hey, where’s my James Morrison signature series trumpet?” and was feeling a bit discontent.
I think the best thing about the bible is that God has this knack of speaking to us through it just when we need it. Right when I needed to hear it, I was flicking through the bible this morning on the train into work and God took me to Ephesians 5 which strangely enough is one of the relationships chapters. The bit God specifically smacked my wrist with was this
So in closing, boys go out of your way to show your girl you love her, don’t worry about getting back. Once you’re married you bless yourself through blessing her. I can’t remember where I heard this, it might have been a 96.five wisdom bite, but it said for guys if you want to go out with your mates, spend time with your wife. If you want something then make sure your wife has everything she needs and more. Now I’m not saying that you should go and work the system and that the only time you should spend time with your girl is so that she’ll let you go out with the boys. The girls are smarter than that guys, she’ll see through it! That’s just the way it works though! If she’s happy then your girl will want you to be happy too! It’s great!
So get over not getting a guitar or something big for your engagement, that’s not what it’s about. Heap love on your girl, let her know she’s beautiful and that you cherish her. You’ll be surprised what happens when you do it God's way!
The other thing is that in the church that they attend all of the boys have started saying to their fiances or their wives, “Where’s my guitar hey?” I’ve got to admit that I had harboured some of those thoughts too. I had a bit of “Hey, where’s my James Morrison signature series trumpet?” and was feeling a bit discontent.
I think the best thing about the bible is that God has this knack of speaking to us through it just when we need it. Right when I needed to hear it, I was flicking through the bible this morning on the train into work and God took me to Ephesians 5 which strangely enough is one of the relationships chapters. The bit God specifically smacked my wrist with was this
Husbands, go all out in your love for your wives, exactly as Christ did for the church—a love marked by giving, not getting. Christ's love makes the church whole. His words evoke her beauty. Everything he does and says is designed to bring the best out of her, dressing her in dazzling white silk, radiant with holiness. And that is how husbands ought to love their wives. They're really doing themselves a favor—since they're already "one" in marriage.
Ephesians 5:25-28 MSG
So in closing, boys go out of your way to show your girl you love her, don’t worry about getting back. Once you’re married you bless yourself through blessing her. I can’t remember where I heard this, it might have been a 96.five wisdom bite, but it said for guys if you want to go out with your mates, spend time with your wife. If you want something then make sure your wife has everything she needs and more. Now I’m not saying that you should go and work the system and that the only time you should spend time with your girl is so that she’ll let you go out with the boys. The girls are smarter than that guys, she’ll see through it! That’s just the way it works though! If she’s happy then your girl will want you to be happy too! It’s great!
So get over not getting a guitar or something big for your engagement, that’s not what it’s about. Heap love on your girl, let her know she’s beautiful and that you cherish her. You’ll be surprised what happens when you do it God's way!
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Proverb of the Day
Proverbs 5:15-20
This one is a bit relevant considering I'm getting married in less than six months! (YAY!)
I think the thing I love the most about this scripture is that it's God outlining the best way to enjoy something that He's made of us. There seems to be this mindset out there that believes that the Christian view of sex and relationships is constrictive and closed minded.
But think about it, think about how much hurt that people wouldn't have to go through if they drank from their own rain barrel and only from it. Physical and emotional hurt.
I choose to keep sex for marriage not for constrictive religious reasons, but because I don't want to cause hurt to my wife to be, want to keep sex special and realise that it just makes sense.
15-16 Do you know the saying, "Drink from your own rain barrel,
draw water from your own spring-fed well"?
It's true. Otherwise, you may one day come home
and find your barrel empty and your well polluted.
17-20 Your spring water is for you and you only,
not to be passed around among strangers.
Bless your fresh-flowing fountain!
Enjoy the wife you married as a young man!
Lovely as an angel, beautiful as a rose—
don't ever quit taking delight in her body.
Never take her love for granted!
Why would you trade enduring intimacies for cheap thrills with a whore?
for dalliance with a promiscuous stranger?
This one is a bit relevant considering I'm getting married in less than six months! (YAY!)
I think the thing I love the most about this scripture is that it's God outlining the best way to enjoy something that He's made of us. There seems to be this mindset out there that believes that the Christian view of sex and relationships is constrictive and closed minded.
But think about it, think about how much hurt that people wouldn't have to go through if they drank from their own rain barrel and only from it. Physical and emotional hurt.
I choose to keep sex for marriage not for constrictive religious reasons, but because I don't want to cause hurt to my wife to be, want to keep sex special and realise that it just makes sense.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
proverb of the day
Proverbs 4:23 (MSG)
Romans 9:33 (MSG)
Keep vigilant watch over your heart
that's where life starts!
Romans 9:33 (MSG)
Careful! I've put a huge stone on the road to Mount Zion
a stone you can't get around
But the stone is me! If you're looking for me
you'll find me on the way, not in the way.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Movember
Well it's been an absolute age since I blogged last. I've been in no state of mind for it, dealing with the emotional repercussions of moving to a new city. Took a while but I'm coming to grips with the new life, life with many friends left behind, but with plenty of new friends being made and yet to be made.
I've got no idea of how to tie prostate cancer into this post so well aside from mentioning the fact that I have a prostate, and hopefully that I will never have to go through the effects of this cancer that is exclusively male.
The reason why I'm posting is to put the word out that I'm doing movember this year which is raising money for research into prostate cancer and for raising awareness of men's depression. Bloke's so don't talk enough about stuff like that. Actually I think I'm a bit jealous of girls in that respect.
Anyways the aim of the game is for me to start the month of November clean shaven and grow the most impressive, curley moustache I possibly can. I've had a special request for the greasy curley twirly bits on the end. I'll see what I can do.
If you're up for donating you can through the following methods
1: Click on the following link and donate by using your credit card or paypal account
- https://www.movember.com/au/donate
2: Pull out your cheque book (those of you old enough to have one) and write a cheque to the "Movember Foundation" referencing my registration number which is "1343656" and mailing it to
- Movember Foundation, PO Box 292, Prahran VIC 3181
I've got no idea of how to tie prostate cancer into this post so well aside from mentioning the fact that I have a prostate, and hopefully that I will never have to go through the effects of this cancer that is exclusively male.
The reason why I'm posting is to put the word out that I'm doing movember this year which is raising money for research into prostate cancer and for raising awareness of men's depression. Bloke's so don't talk enough about stuff like that. Actually I think I'm a bit jealous of girls in that respect.
Anyways the aim of the game is for me to start the month of November clean shaven and grow the most impressive, curley moustache I possibly can. I've had a special request for the greasy curley twirly bits on the end. I'll see what I can do.
If you're up for donating you can through the following methods
1: Click on the following link and donate by using your credit card or paypal account
- https://www.movember.com/au/donate
2: Pull out your cheque book (those of you old enough to have one) and write a cheque to the "Movember Foundation" referencing my registration number which is "1343656" and mailing it to
- Movember Foundation, PO Box 292, Prahran VIC 3181
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Here I am again...
found in a book called "Stories for the Heart" compiled by Alice Gray, penned by Nancy Spiegelberg
O God of Second Chances
and New Beginnings
Here I am again.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
How about now?
this one came out of a discussion I was having with a good friend a few days ago when discussing a drought in housing for their family. We were musing about how God has everything under control and his timing is always perfect. The only hitch is that we're often left in a really uncomfortable spot while he comes through. While probably not quite theologically correct I can almost see the exchange going something like this:
God - "So, do you trust me?"
Us - "Yep, sure thing!"
insert event of your choice here
God - "How about now?"
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Plug Pulled on Secret of Universe
Published in the Herald Sun
AN eight-year experiment to find the secret of the universe has been called off.
Scientists built a $30 million computer capable of a trillion calculations a second but it has finally conceded it is stumped.
Edinburgh University physicists said they had been trying to confirm the Standard Model Theory to explain the behaviour of all matter and energy.
But the Standard Model does not incorporate the law of gravity and the computer's task was to solve the problem.
The plan echoed the novel Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, in which a computer – Deep Thought – found that the answer to Life, the Universe and Everything was 42.
Friday, February 1, 2008
You'll need to undress first
I love this quote from "The Voyage of the Dawn Treader" by C.S. Lewis. It's so close to home it's not funny and accurate to the way life really is.
The water was as clear as anything and I thought if I could get in there and bathe it would ease the pain in my leg. But the lion told me I must undress first. Mind you, I don't know if he said any words out loud or not.
I was just going to say that I couldn't undress because I hadn't any clothes on when I suddenly thought that dragons are snaky sort of things and snakes can cast their skins. Oh, of course, thought I, that's what the lion means. So I started scratching myself and my scales began coming off all over the place. And then I scratched a little deeper and, instead of just scales coming off here and there, my whole skin started peeling off beautifully, like it does after an illness, or as if I was a banana. In a minute or two I just stepped out of it. I could see it lying there beside me, looking rather nasty. It was a most lovely feeling. So I started to go down into the well for my bathe.
But just as I was going to put my feet into the water I looked down and saw that they were all hard and rough and wrinkled and scaly just as they had been before. Oh, that's all right, said I, it only means I had another smaller suit on underneath the first one, and I'll have to get out of it too. So 1 scratched and tore again and this underskin peeled off beautifully and out I stepped and left it lying beside the other one and went down to the well for my bathe.
Well, exactly the same thing happened again. And I thought to myself, oh dear, how ever many skins have I got to take off? For I was longing to bathe my leg. So I scratched away for the third time and got off a third skin, just like the two others, and stepped out of it. But as soon as I looked at myself in the water I knew it had been no good.
Then the lion said - but I don't know if it spoke - "You will have to let me undress you." I was afraid of his claws, I can tell you, but I was pretty nearly desperate now. So I just lay flat down on my back to let him do it.
The very first tear he made was so deep that I thought it had gone right into my heart. And when he began pulling the skin off, it hurt worse than anything I've ever felt. The only thing that made me able to bear it was just the pleasure of feeling the stuff peel off. You know - if you've ever picked the scab off a sore place. It hurts like billy-oh but it is such fun to see it coming away.
"I know exactly what you mean," said Edmund.
Well, he peeled the beastly stuff right off - just as I thought I'd done it myself the other three times, only they hadn't hurt - and there it was lying on the grass: only ever so much thicker, and darker, and more knobbly-looking than the others had been. And there was I as smooth and soft as a peeled switch and smaller than I had been. Then he caught hold of me - I didn't like that much for I was very tender underneath now that I'd no skin on - and threw me into the water. It smarted like anything but only for a moment. After that it became perfectly delicious and as soon as I started swimming and splashing I found that all the pain had gone from my arm. And then I saw why. I'd turned into a boy again. You'd think me simply phoney if I told you how I felt about my own arms. I know they've no muscle and are pretty mouldy compared with Caspian's, but I was so glad to see them.
After a bit the lion took me out and dressed me -
Dressed you. With his paws?
Well, I don't exactly remember that bit. But he did somehow or other: in new clothes - the same I've got on now, as a matter of fact. And then suddenly I was back here. Which is what makes me think it must have been a dream.
"No. It wasn't a dream," said Edmund.
Why not?
Well, there are the clothes, for one thing. And you have been - well, un-dragoned, for another.
"What do you think it was, then?" asked Eustace.
"I think you've seen Aslan," said Edmund.
"Aslan!" said Eustace. "I've heard that name mentioned several times since we joined the Dawn Treader. And I felt - I don't know what - I hated it. But I was hating everything then. And by the way, I'd like to apologize. I'm afraid I've been pretty beastly."
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
A living sacrifice
a quote from "The Purpose Driven Life" by Rick Warren
The problem with a living is that it can crawl off the altar, so you may need to resurrender your life fifty times a day
Friday, January 18, 2008
Psalm 18:20-24
20-24 God made my life complete
when I placed all the pieces before him.
When I got my act together,
he gave me a fresh start.
Now I'm alert to God's ways;
I don't take God for granted.
Every day I review the ways he works;
I try not to miss a trick.
I feel put back together,
and I'm watching my step.
God rewrote the text of my life
when I opened the book of my heart to his eyes.
when I placed all the pieces before him.
When I got my act together,
he gave me a fresh start.
Now I'm alert to God's ways;
I don't take God for granted.
Every day I review the ways he works;
I try not to miss a trick.
I feel put back together,
and I'm watching my step.
God rewrote the text of my life
when I opened the book of my heart to his eyes.
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
D'you Think...
Digory Kirke - I don't think you'll get back in that way... you see, I've already tried
Lucy Pevensy - Will we ever go back?
D.K. - Oh I expect so... it'll probably happen when you're not looking for it.
D.K - All the same is to keep your eyes open.
I'm not sure that I quite got that last line absolutely correct but this scene from the Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe got me. You've gotta see it to really get the context but I just love it. Probably because it's a bit on the relevant side to me at the moment.
Although how is for me to know and for you to maybe find out through bamboo torture or something like that...
The Famous Faces of 2007
While I’ve just blogged on the goings on of 2007 and how it was a year of consolidation, it would not have been the year it was without the people in it who have all had their part in how this year turned out. This is a list of those people who had a starring role and has no particular order... that is intentional anyways. If you can work it out you tell me.
Mum and Dad - Thank you for your faith, prayers, tears, support and butt kickings throughout the year. I really couldn't have done the year without you. All the encouragement and wisdom exactly when it was needed has not gone unnoticed or without gratitude. You have directed this child in the way that he should go, and by God’s grace I won’t depart from it! Thank you!
Tim and Shels - you two are awesome. Thanks for all the talks and walks Tim, those early mornings talking about girls, gear, dogs, farts, God and more have been really important to me. Thanks for letting me get a load off sometimes and for the sound advice when I needed to hear it, and even when I didn't want to hear it. Shels, thanks for putting up with me taking up so much of Tim's time as well as for your influence and wisdom. Y'know what... I am marriable! You're awesome chick!
Jen and Nathan - I love you guys. You speak volumes into my life, beat me up when I need it and set me straight when I need it. Thanks for the late nights, coffee and dinners at late notice! I'll miss you when you move to brisbane, but maybe I'll just have to crash when I'm down there for uni. Thanks for running this race with me Naath, I really will miss my production buddy next year. The team won't be the same without you... cameos always welcome.
Annie and Lil - You're the two most beautiful girls in the world, only to be eclipsed when I have little girls of my own. You make me laugh and look at the world in a different way. You're very special girls and God's little princesses!
Daniel Cooper - Bro, the year has been amazing. Thanks for sticking with me as I put myself back together and for putting up with me sticking my nose in where it's not appreciated. Oi, when are you getting engaged?
Rosslyn Kate Spencer - You're awesome! You challenge me, and that isn't a bad thing. There's not too many people that do that so don't stop in a hurry. Thanks to you to for sticking with me as I healed. You've been a part of that process!
David and Ness Schenk - I love talking to you guys and I don’t do it often enough. You challenge me every time I speak with you regardless of what it’s about. The Godly wisdom blows me away and invariably helps steer me toward the place God wants me to end up. Thanks for trusting me and giving me the opportunities to serve under you. Your influence has been a major shaping in my life. Thank you!
Sarah McDermid - Friend who I don't see too often, but who's company and conversation I enjoy. Don't stop dreaming!!!! Take the dreams you have and run with them, but take the time to put the game plan down first! You have amazing things ahead of you and I really look forward to seeing where 2008 takes you!
Jen Cook - Where did you come from girl?! While a sudden appearance, I hope you stick around. I need people to teach me to slow down and smell the roses. You've helped there. Thank you!
Steve Purnell - It's been a great year this year man! I love working with you! Just think about all the things we pulled off this year! You've helped make God's name Famous! Been a part of countless numbers of people getting their lives right with God! Thanks for putting up with me throughout the year. I know I haven't been that easy to work with, so thanks again for giving me the grace and letting me serve on your team!
Richard Griffiths - thanks mate! It’s been awesome working with you this year in getting photography happening at Kings, and in serving under you on the media team!
The Kings Production Crew, W@CA Band and Singers - Too many of you to name by name, and I'm so glad that God knows each and every one of us by name! The new faces and the old ones, you've been a pleasure to work with this year. Thanks for giving this grumpy bastard grace and understanding. Can't wait to keep running this race in 2008! I love serving you every week
Tim Allen - Thanks for trusting me and giving me the opportunities that I wouldn’t have received anywhere else.
Naibuka Sokovagone - You’re awesome dude! Thanks for keeping me sane all those long hours at the daily! There’s nothing like a good laugh to put things in perspective. You’ve been a great friend and I look forward to working with you in 2008 and onwards!
There’s more people out there who have been a part of this year and your impact hasn’t gone unnoticed, it’s just I’ve run out of names in immediate recall right now, its after midnight and I’m going to bed.
God Bless
Thanks
Mick
Mum and Dad - Thank you for your faith, prayers, tears, support and butt kickings throughout the year. I really couldn't have done the year without you. All the encouragement and wisdom exactly when it was needed has not gone unnoticed or without gratitude. You have directed this child in the way that he should go, and by God’s grace I won’t depart from it! Thank you!
Tim and Shels - you two are awesome. Thanks for all the talks and walks Tim, those early mornings talking about girls, gear, dogs, farts, God and more have been really important to me. Thanks for letting me get a load off sometimes and for the sound advice when I needed to hear it, and even when I didn't want to hear it. Shels, thanks for putting up with me taking up so much of Tim's time as well as for your influence and wisdom. Y'know what... I am marriable! You're awesome chick!
Jen and Nathan - I love you guys. You speak volumes into my life, beat me up when I need it and set me straight when I need it. Thanks for the late nights, coffee and dinners at late notice! I'll miss you when you move to brisbane, but maybe I'll just have to crash when I'm down there for uni. Thanks for running this race with me Naath, I really will miss my production buddy next year. The team won't be the same without you... cameos always welcome.
Annie and Lil - You're the two most beautiful girls in the world, only to be eclipsed when I have little girls of my own. You make me laugh and look at the world in a different way. You're very special girls and God's little princesses!
Daniel Cooper - Bro, the year has been amazing. Thanks for sticking with me as I put myself back together and for putting up with me sticking my nose in where it's not appreciated. Oi, when are you getting engaged?
Rosslyn Kate Spencer - You're awesome! You challenge me, and that isn't a bad thing. There's not too many people that do that so don't stop in a hurry. Thanks to you to for sticking with me as I healed. You've been a part of that process!
David and Ness Schenk - I love talking to you guys and I don’t do it often enough. You challenge me every time I speak with you regardless of what it’s about. The Godly wisdom blows me away and invariably helps steer me toward the place God wants me to end up. Thanks for trusting me and giving me the opportunities to serve under you. Your influence has been a major shaping in my life. Thank you!
Sarah McDermid - Friend who I don't see too often, but who's company and conversation I enjoy. Don't stop dreaming!!!! Take the dreams you have and run with them, but take the time to put the game plan down first! You have amazing things ahead of you and I really look forward to seeing where 2008 takes you!
Jen Cook - Where did you come from girl?! While a sudden appearance, I hope you stick around. I need people to teach me to slow down and smell the roses. You've helped there. Thank you!
Steve Purnell - It's been a great year this year man! I love working with you! Just think about all the things we pulled off this year! You've helped make God's name Famous! Been a part of countless numbers of people getting their lives right with God! Thanks for putting up with me throughout the year. I know I haven't been that easy to work with, so thanks again for giving me the grace and letting me serve on your team!
Richard Griffiths - thanks mate! It’s been awesome working with you this year in getting photography happening at Kings, and in serving under you on the media team!
The Kings Production Crew, W@CA Band and Singers - Too many of you to name by name, and I'm so glad that God knows each and every one of us by name! The new faces and the old ones, you've been a pleasure to work with this year. Thanks for giving this grumpy bastard grace and understanding. Can't wait to keep running this race in 2008! I love serving you every week
Tim Allen - Thanks for trusting me and giving me the opportunities that I wouldn’t have received anywhere else.
Naibuka Sokovagone - You’re awesome dude! Thanks for keeping me sane all those long hours at the daily! There’s nothing like a good laugh to put things in perspective. You’ve been a great friend and I look forward to working with you in 2008 and onwards!
There’s more people out there who have been a part of this year and your impact hasn’t gone unnoticed, it’s just I’ve run out of names in immediate recall right now, its after midnight and I’m going to bed.
God Bless
Thanks
Mick
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