Chad was immediately hospitalized. There he was given iron in liquid form, which he had to drink 3 times a day. He was also given large doses of Entrophen; namely 2 adult coated aspirin put into one dose every 4 hours around the clock. The dosage was so high for my 10 year old boy it made his ears ring and was painful for him. The pediatrician told us Chad was gravely ill and while in the hospital Chad lost his ability to walk. On one of our visits, we were taken into a private room and told by the pediatrician that Chad would never walk again and would probably not improve in health. Three times the doctor emphasized to us that Chad would not walk, with each time looking at me saying that I should cry now. He said I should acknowledge and let it register with tears, that this is how it is going to be for your son. Again I was very angry, and although I felt like crying, I stared at him and stubbornly would not cry, I repeated in my head, “you are not God!”
 

After about a 2 week stay in the hospital where they really couldn’t do much more for him nor the JRA, except administer drugs and iron, Chad came home. We kept up his drug regime, and I had been taught to do the stretching exercises, which would hopefully keep his joints limber. From his school teachers, I got the basic school assignments for him to do at home, hopefully Chad would not fall behind in class. Daily, we faithfully did his exercises, praying and anointing every joint with oil as we did them. I carried him everywhere as he could not walk. I received wonderful support from one of Chad’s school friend’s mom and a few ladies from our church, for which I will be forever grateful.
 

Glenrose hospital

An appointment was made with Dr Russell, the top Rheumatologist of Canada at the Glenrose Hospital – for sick children. There we learnt that JRA involving 2 joints was serious, 3 joints very serious, and 5 joints very rare and extremely serious. In time, possibly years, the RA could spread to other joints if it was not contained by treatment. He said Chad had had an extremely rare case of JRA, where every major joint and most minor joints had become inflamed all at once. His jaw, neck, shoulders, elbows, wrists, several fingers, hips, knees, and ankles were attacked all at once. He told me JRA is considered fatal when a boy becomes ill with the disease involving several joints between the ages of 9-10 yrs old.  I was also told that at that age boys also develop blindness as they progress into their teen years. The doctor told me because Chad was so badly infected with RA it would be fatal. The disease would affect his rib cage, and his body would grow, but his ribs would not, and it would eventually choke (suffocate) him to death. Blindness was another factor we should take into consideration, and because he could not walk and never would, we should really consider leaving him permanently reside at the Glenrose Hospital for sick children. His illness would be too heavy and burdensome for me to handle and schooling, etc. was available for him at the Glenrose. I remember the fear that was in my little boy’s eyes as he heard the Doctor’s suggestion to leave him at the Glenrose. Lorne (my husband) immediately told the doctor we were not going to leave Chad, and I reassured the doctor that I would take care of Chad and that Chad was going home with us. We were then given a prescription for gold shots, Myocrisin. The doctor also talked about doing cortisone shots in the near future. We were not in favor of the shots as we had heard lots of negatives about that drug, and we told the doctor this. We were then threatened that they would then take Chad from us as the ‘Year of the Child’ had given doctors and others privilege over parents to do what was right for the child.
 

This February marked over 30 years since I was first diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (aka  Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis). My mom has been sharing with me thoughts and entries from her journal that she wrote during my childhood and specifically the time of my illness. I thought that it may encourage some of you, and it may help parents who are facing similar circumstances. So over the next several posts, I want to share her thoughts with you.
 

MOM’s Memoirs – Fall and Christmas 1980 (The Beginning)
 

It was in the fall of 1980, when Chad and a friend were throwing baseballs against the brick front of the  church. Coming in for supper, he made it a point of mentioning that he could not stretch out his right elbow to properly get the full extension for throwing the baseball correctly. Lorne and I asked Chad if he had pain in his elbow, but there was none. Chad never mentioned this elbow dilemma again, and so we thought maybe growing pain problems.
 

That same year, a few months later, we had driven home to Coaldale (Alberta) between Christmas and New years to visit my parents. While there, on about the second day, Chad began complaining of a sore ankle. It was at night when he called me downstairs to where he was sleeping, crying and in much pain he showed me his ankle – it was red and very swollen. Not knowing what really to do as it was so late at night, I prayed for him, and my mom and I rubbed it with liniment and wrapped it with a white cloth. It felt terrible going to bed that night, leaving a little boy crying and not knowing what to do.
 

The next morning, still in great pain, I asked Chad if he had fallen or had anything happened to him that I was unaware of. The only thing he could come up with was that he

Killam Hopsital

had gone skating with his friends at school just prior to Christmas break and had tripped doing a jump and had twisted his ankle.  When we arrived back in Killam, I immediately took him to the hospital, where Dr. Meer checked it out, x-rayed it and asked to keep him in the hospital and on crutches for a couple of days for observation. After about 3 days and no changes in the ankle, Chad begged to be released from the hospital and so he was released, and we were given a follow-up appointment for the next week. A pressure bandage was to be around his ankle, and he was expected to stay on the crutches at all times. Chad went to school at the beginning of the week for a couple of days – crutches and all, but did not feel well, so I kept him home from school for the last couple of days before the follow-up appointment. One of those afternoons after resting in bed awhile, Chad needed to go to the washroom. I deliberately came to the hallway of his bedroom to see how he was doing and watched as Chad hobbled, without crutches because his shoulders, elbows and wrists were hurting. Chad said it was because of pressure from the crutches. He hobbled down the hallway in his underwear (pj’s seemed to be an effort for him to get on and off, so I complied to help make things easier for him). I was shaken and baffled by what I felt; I saw both ankles equally swollen and he looked like he had lost 10lbs. All his joints seemed suddenly to be very prominent, his face very pale and his hair appeared very grayish.
 

It was so good to finally go to our appointment, which was at the Killam Hospital. The waiting room at the hospital was full of people, and I was so glad that we had an appointment as we got in quite quickly. Dr Meer looked at Chad’s ankle and asked how Chad had been doing. Quite casually and fearfully, I mentioned that I did not know which ankle to put the pressure bandage on, as both ankles seemed quite swollen and some of Chad’s other joints seemed big to me too. Dr. Meer looked at an elbow joint and then asked me to repeat what I had just said. He looked at his ankles and went into panic mode. I was sent out into the waiting room – blood tests and x-rays were going to be done – all appointments waiting were put on hold until Chad’s results were back. It seemed to forever. I was called back in to see Dr. Meer and was told that my son was very, very sick, that he had no red blood cells – I was to drive to Camrose Hospital (45 min away) to see the pediatrician immediately – he would be waiting for me there. I wanted to wait for my husband, who was not at home at the time to tell him the outcome and maybe come with us to Camrose – but Dr. Meer said Chad’s condition was too urgent to wait for Lorne – I had a very sick son and I needed to get him to Camrose Hospital.
 

1 Corinthians 10:14-22  Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. I speak as to wise men; judge for yourselves what I say. The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? For we, though many, are one bread and one body; for we all partake of that one bread. Observe Israel after the flesh: Are not those who eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar? What am I saying then? That an idol is anything, or what is offered to idols is anything? Rather, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice they sacrifice to demons and not to God, and I do not want you to have fellowship with demons. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the Lord’s table and of the table of demons. Or do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than He?

It is interesting that the most common defense used by Christians for practicing yoga, is that it is just an exercise. I have thought about that, and wondered, is it dangerous to participate in just an exercise?
 

Then I was reading this passage from 1 Corinthians 10, and I began to see some similarities. Here, Paul warns the Corinthian church to flee (avoid and steer clear from) idolatry and all approaches of it. The Corinthians, probably without awareness of what they were doing, were involving themselves in idolatry by eating meat and food offered to idols. It could be argued, but it is just food. Paul even says is the idol anything, or the food offered to the idols anything? The answer is no, the idol (piece of wood or stone) and the food remain just what they are. The problem is, by eating of the food offered to the idols, the believers would have fellowship, associate and worship the demonic forces behind the idols. Paul gives clear direction to the church not to do this.
 

Compare this with today and yoga.
 

Yoga, is not just an exercise, but springs out of Hindu, Buddhist, and New Age philosophies. The beliefs, teachings, and ideas are demonic. The exercises and poses, are closely tied to the beliefs, and they are used by those practicing yoga to bring spiritual enlightenment, and cleansing.
 

Is there anything inherently wrong with stretching and exercise? No, it is just an exercise. Yet, I believe, partaking in this activity is similar to partaking of food offered to idols. By being involved in this seemingly innocuous act, one is fellowshipping, promoting, and aligning with the beliefs, and demonic forces behind the exercise. This is bordering on idolatry. No, it is idolatry. Paul says we are to flee from it; not flirt with it, but flee, and give no place for it within our lives.
 

Some may think I have taken this to an extreme. That is fine, I just see too many warning signs with this “exercise”, and so I not only choose to stay away, but also answer the question, can Christians practice yoga with an emphatic NO!
 

Related Posts
Can Christians Practice Yoga – Part 1
Can Christians Practice Yoga – Part 2
 

I believe it’s abundantly clear yoga is, as quoted from Yoga Life Studios, “much more than just a good stretch.” The principles are from Hinduism and Buddhism. These new age philosophies are deeply rooted in all the teachings and exercises/poses. The teachers of yoga, even within North American yoga studios, are students, practitioners and teachers of these philosophies. To suggest someone can practice yoga without participating in these things is very dangerous.
 

Within North America, Yoga is portrayed as an exercise that enriches all aspects of our being, mind, body and spirit. It deceptively represents itself as something that will bring spiritual enlightenment and awareness. Yoga is praised for all its benefits, but we often forget who its designer is. We forget it’s a demonic spiritual activity originating with the devil.
 

2 Corinthians 11:14 – And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.
 

1 Peter 5:8 – Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
 

John 8:44 – You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
 

The devil is a murder and liar, who looks to consume lives. He disguises his plots of destruction as positive, beneficial and even spiritually wholesome. Yoga was formed from evil, destructive intentions to ensnare and destroy people.
 

Christians who defend yoga often state, “I am simply doing the exercises and not meditating,” or “I meditate and concentrate on God while I exercise.” I believe this to be a deception from the enemy that lures Christians to participate intentionally in an activity where they unsuspectingly open themselves to his objectives. Even if, your motivations are right and you are not meditating like the others or you sincerely feel you are concentrating on God, but because you are involved in a demonic spiritual activity, you are offering the enemy a gateway through which to impact your life.
 

So this is an decisive factor that must be considered before entering into this form of exercise.
 

Something else, the bible says in 1 Corinthians 6:19 & 20 – Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.
 

The question comes up, since our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, we are not our own, and we are to honor God with our body, shouldn’t we make sure we are not supporting an activity with our body that goes totally against the Holy Spirit who resides within us? Jesus made payment through the cross to redeem us from the punishment of sin, to give us victory and break the bonds of the enemy and to give us the genuine fullness of life that affects our whole being.
 

The very full and enriching life that people are looking to attain through yoga is literally what Jesus did for all on the cross. We shouldn’t be embracing or participating in an activity that is trying to replace and disguise itself as an alternative for what Jesus has done.
 

I could continue, but I want to give one final thought.
 

As a Christian practicing yoga, it’s suggests to non-Christians that yoga is safe and even beneficial. Have you ever thought that while you MAY be “safe” from the spiritual influences, those unsaved are not? The unsaved person won’t recognize the spiritual implications or be able guard against those things. Our involvement in yoga, even if we disagree and don’t practice its philosophies, silently gives our endorsement to an activity the devil designed and uses to destroy people’s lives.
 

If anything, just think about that last statement.
 

Thoughts?
 

Related Posts
Can Christians Practice Yoga – Part 1
Can Christians Practice Yoga – Part 3
 

Before going on, let me say I understand the intention of most Christians involved in yoga is simply to exercise, become fit and live a healthy lifestyle. I don’t believe the purpose is to knowingly participate in an activity that is evil or unbiblical. What does concern me is the lack of understanding we have in practicing an activity without realizing the origins, the philosophy and the possible spiritual implications.
 

Yoga is not simply an exercise, but a belief system, and to treat it as such is naive and dangerous.
 

Yoga is closely coupled to the religious beliefs and practices of Hinduism and Buddhism. For the purpose of what I am writing today and because of their widely understood connection I will focus in on yoga and Hinduism. I won’t comment very much on the statements as I feel they speak for themselves, but I have highlighted certain parts just to emphasis a few key ideas.
 

From the website – www.discover-yoga-online.com

“The origin of Yoga extends back thousands of years. Historically, its teachings were transmitted in the Guru-Chela tradition, an intimate, one-to-one personal manner from Guru (teacher) to disciple (Chela).”

“In these earliest times, the sole purpose of yoga was the attainment of the highest spiritual goals: self-realization, enlightenment, and the liberation of the individual soul.”

“Ultimately, the science of yoga takes us beyond this life altogether and helps us to understand the very nature of our existence: who we are; why we are here; and where it is that we are going. Yoga philosophy guides us down that road.”
 

Swami Gitananda Giri Gurumaharaj of India and author of approximately 25 books on yoga gave these definitions of yoga: “Yoga is a way of Life.”

“Yoga is a method and a technology for conscious evolution.”

“Yoga is four-fold awareness: awareness of body, awareness of emotions, awareness of mind and awareness of awareness. One should start with the awareness of just how unaware one is!” “Yoga is the Mother of all Sciences (and) the Mother of all Religions.”

“Yoga is learning to live within the natural and spiritual laws.”
 

Again from Discover Yoga Online here are some concepts found within yoga.

Karma – The concept of karma is a fundamental aspect at the foundation of the Eastern world view, and its proper understanding is integral to the practice of yoga.

Prana – The concept of prana lies at the foundation of yoga’s methodology and is described as a “life-giving force.” “The taking of breath is a holy, divine function and those who aspire to Divinity must master Pranayama, the Yoga of Controlled Breathing.” ~ Swami Gitananda Giri Gurumaharaj
 

I know some of you may be saying, “but that’s their beliefs, that’s not what I practice.” Let’s look at what is found here in North America and the belief system being promoted.
 

At www.livestrong.com, Lance Armstrong’s website promoting healthy living it says, “Yoga may be approached as a way to keep your body fit and healthy, but the true meaning of yoga is deeply rooted in spiritual enlightenment. As you stretch, contract and contort your body, you’re engaging in an ancient ritual, which is meant to cleanse your body and soul. By understanding the spiritual meaning for the various poses that you use in yoga, you’ll have a better understanding of why each individual pose works together to give you that post-workout high.”
 

It goes on to describe some of the benefits of the various poses found within yoga. Here are a couple of examples:

Sun Salutation - “The Salutation is meant to greet the sun and is used as a way to worship the Hindu sun god, Surya, who us the symbol of health and immortal life.”

Animal Poses – “The spiritual purpose of each animal pose is to allow you some of the attributes that each animal possesses.”

Strength Poses – “The popular warrior pose is to help you feel spiritually powerful, while the tree pose is meant to make you feel calm, balanced and in control. Seated poses, like the lotus poses, are meant to help you turn inward during guided and self meditation for a deeper state of enlightenment.”
 

Still wondering, “yes but I am simply going to the yoga studio for a good workout.” I decided to check out local yoga studios here in Edmonton (where I live) and see what they say about yoga and what they think.
 

From www.yogalifestudios.ca promote yoga as “The Mind and Body, Much More Than a Good Stretch” and “Yoga is one of the most effective methods to improve your physical, mental and spiritual well being. Unlike other forms of exercise, Yoga targets all of those aspects to improve the individual in an effective and enjoyable experience. You can absolutely feel the changes in your body and mind when you practice Yoga regularly.”
 

In the Yogalife blog, they teach and promote teachings found within Hinduism including Karma and Prana. At another Edmonton studio, www.lotussoulgym.com it says their mission is, “To enlighten your mind, strengthen your body, and open your heart with the very best mind body education and teachers available, while building a business congruent with the laws of karma that will enrich the world in tangible ways.”
 

I bring all this up in part one of this topic because I want Christians to understand the origin and foundational beliefs behind this exercise. I also want you to see that even the local yoga studios are not simply promoting and practicing an exercise but a spiritual belief system. This must be taken into account when considering our involvement in such an activity.
 

Stayed Tuned For Part 2… What are your thoughts so far?
 

Related Posts
Can Christians Practice Yoga – Part 2
Can Christians Practice Yoga – Part 3
 

So I want to share these tools with you. They don’t work magic, but they will help you organize, use your time efficiently, raise the bar on excellence, and allow you some time to be in two places at once.
 

So here they are.
 

Evernote     This is best described as the best digital filing cabinet. Use it to capture, store, organize and locate all forms of information from website articles, video clips, ebooks, pdfs and a lot of other things. It is limitless in its abilities to help you stay organized.
 

Hootesuite     This is a excellent tool allowing you to be in several places online at once, even when you are logged off. Save your time and your sanity. With it, you can monitor as well as post to several different social networks, including Facebook and Twitter using the HootSuite dashboard. This can all be programmed and scheduled at different times, so even when you are not online, your online presence can be felt.
 

Grammarly     Grammar has never been a strength of mine, and since a lot of what I do involves writing, I as always looking for ways to improve my writing. This has by far been the best tool I have used to accomplish that and raise the excellence level of what I do. Grammarly is an automated proofreader and your personal grammar coach. Check your writing for grammar, punctuation, style and much more.
 

Kindle for your Computer     Read Kindle books on your computer. No Kindle required. If you have a kindle, this program uses whispersync to sync last page read, bookmarks, notes and highlights across the different devices you own.
 

Accompl.sh This online application allows you to create and track your goals. This is not an ordinary to-do list, but an easy to use application specifically designed to keep your somewhat longer term goals organized. It’s not just about what needs to get done today, tomorrow, or even this week. It’s about organizing and making steps toward your life goals and breaking them down into measurable increments.
 

Thoughtboxes    this web app lets you make as many lists as you want, all on the same screen. You can name each list, color code them, and move them around, however you want. You can use this to brainstorm ideas, organize events, keep track of tasks, the uses are endless.
 

If you have others, I would love to hear about them.
 

Some mean well, and I can see their question is honest and sincere, others – well let’s just say – spiritual arrogance is clouding their thought processes.
 

I am in complete agreement that we are to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit, but I also believe that planning, setting vision and goals does not mean we eliminate the Holy Spirit.
 

In fact, the #1 thing we need to do in the process is go before God and ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom, understanding and the will of God regarding the ministry He has called us to.
 

Proverbs 29:18 Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law. (ESV)
 

Hab 2:2-3 Then the LORD replied: “Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it. For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay. (NIV)
 

I have come to realize there is a natural desire within man to have a goal, to have a vision, to have a plan. It is part of our makeup to have something to go after. It was created in us by God.
 

Here are just some thoughts on why we need to have a vision, goal and a plan…

Solidifies Direction, helps eliminate distractions - Would you follow someone who has no idea where they are going?
 

Helps to establish priorities and manage time and resources - If you do not have the priorities set for your time and available resources, someone else will try (and usually be successful) in setting your those priorities for you
 

Advances an Environment for Unity
 

Facilitates Both Functionality and Tasks needed
 

Stimulates Passion – Ignites us to do those things that we normally would not do
 

Encourages Taking Risks
 

Offers Fuel, Creates Energy
 

Motivates Giving/Sacrifice
 

Sparks People to Follow
 

Here are some notable quotes on the subject…

The trouble with not having a goal is that you can spend your life running up and down the field and never scoring. ~Bill Copeland
 

If you want to be happy, set a goal that commands your thoughts, liberates your energy, and inspires your hopes. ~Andrew Carnegie
 

So what are your goals, plans and vision for ministry? If you have not done it lately, go before God and ask Him to help you determine the direction, and then go after it.
 

Related Posts
Perspectives on Youth Ministry – Handling Criticism
Perspectives on Youth Ministry – Not Everyone Appreciates an Effective Ministry
6 Dangers in Ministry
Perspectives on Youth Ministry – Longevity
 

If you are a youth pastor or pastor, here are some assumptions I have going into this post.

We love God and have a strong growing relationship with Him.
We want to be in ministry and specifically youth ministry.
We understand that unless God is the center, focus and our source for everything needed in ministry and that without Him we may see good results in ministry, but without Him we will not see eternal results in ministry.
 

FIRST THINGS FIRST – Priorities in Youth Ministry

1 Timothy 4:16 Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.
 

2 Timothy 2:4-6 No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs—he wants to please his commanding officer. Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor’s crown unless he competes according to the rules. The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops.
 

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
 

I know everyone loves stats – NOT! The reality is, behind the stats there are real people, real pastors like you and me and when I see the stats I can not help but think, Why? I guess my goal is, I do not want you or I to become another stat. So let’s look at some provoking statistics (from Barna Research Group).
 

1500 pastors leave the ministry each month
50% of pastors currently serving would leave the ministry if they could do so but have no other way of making a living.
70% of pastors constantly fight depression.
70% of pastors said the only time they spend studying the Bible is when preparing a sermon.
80% of pastors spend less than 15 minutes a day in prayer. On the matter of private prayer, the average pastor spends less than three minutes a day.
80% of pastor’s wives wish their spouse would choose another profession.
 

So what can we do? I genuinely wish someone sat down with me when I started into the ministry and just gave me some pointers. Maybe I would have listened or I might have thought I do not need their advice, but I honestly could have used some practical ideas to help me on my journey.
 

SOME PRIORITIES OF YOUTH MINISTRY
 

Godly Matters
Consistently and constantly cultivate yourself in the word of God

Be Open and Honest with God (take an ongoing personal inventory, be quick to correct yourself)

Consistently and fervently grow and develop your relationship with God in prayer (have you ever thought – if Jesus needed to be up all night praying, maybe I should think about praying more)
Luke 6:12 One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God.
 

Family Matters
Remember you are a father, mother, husband or wife first and a minister/pastor second

Give your family at least the same attention you give to the church or ministry

Schedule family time and keep those appointments

Do not hold your family or your children to the unrealistic expectations many have

Keep arguments and disagreements with your spouse private
 

Money Matters

Be a student of financial principals

Diligently manage and balance your personal finances

Fulfill the tithe

Handle ministry money as little as possible
 

Physical Matters – I must admit this one is an area I still struggle with.
Discipline yourself to exercise regularly

Eat in a proper and balanced diet, drinking plenty of water

Listen to your body and rest when it asks for it
 

Emotional Matters
Let go of any emotional baggage

Realize some people are just not going to like you

Your not as bad as your biggest critics says, Your not as good as your biggest fans says

Intentionally develop friendships with trusted individuals

Try not to take it personal
 

Protect Yourself

Proverbs 11:2 When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.
1Thessalonians 5:22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.

Set up boundaries and practices that are immovable not meeting with the opposite sex alone or in a closed or private location setup controls on your computer to block unwanted sites

Realize that there are people and even “Christians” with evil hidden intentions and agendas

Have trusted individuals who will hold you accountable

Have trusted individuals who can help bail you out if you need it

In situations where someone may use your words against you or possibly twist or fabricate what you may say, bring in a third party to witness what is actually said
 

Grow Yourself

Be an attentive student over your entire lifetime (we never know it all)

Consume books and CDs regularly

Find individuals who will pour into you on a regular ongoing basis

Attend seminars and conferences on a regular basis

Take courses even after you are “finished” your education (internet is making it easier)
 

This list is in no way exhaustive – but a beginning…
 

So what are your thoughts?
 

Related Posts
Perspectives on Youth Ministry – Handling Criticism
Perspectives on Youth Ministry – Not Everyone Appreciates an Effective Ministry
6 Dangers in Ministry
Perspectives on Youth Ministry – Longevity
 

I believe longevity is a missing link in today’s youth (student) ministry.

I know that sounds absurd, but I have actually seen it and it does nothing except hurt the church, harm the students and even hurts the pastor involved. For the record, I have been in youth ministry for over 20 years, and I have only been in 2 churches. In my first church, I started out as a youth leader and moved into a youth/assistant pastor role. I was there for over 15 years. In my current church, I am moving into the 6th year as youth/associate pastor. I honestly would not have it any other way.
 

Results of Missing Longevity In Youth Ministry

Fosters a lack of trust.

Relational intimacy and closeness suffers.
How many times will a teenager build a close relationship and be vulnerable/open with someone, only to see that person leave?

Lack of effective continuity accomplishing any kind of plan and vision.
How can you develop any longterm strategy when the church does not know if you are going to be around to see it fulfilled?

Discourages the church from supporting or buying into the leadership and what is trying to be accomplished.

It builds repeatable strongholds of unbiblical leadership patterns.

It Kills any kind of risk taking or framework for change.
How does the church trust pastors when we arrive and say, “God has given me a vision for this ministry, in 5 years we are going to be accomplishing xyz”, and then in 12-18 months we are standing before the youth or the church saying God has called me to another church?
 

Some Reasons for Short Tenures

Frustration, Feelings of Failure.

Thoughts of not accomplishing anything.

Immaturity – many youth pastors are early 20s

Staff Conflicts & Relationship (Church vs Staff) Conflicts

It is easier to leave than work through struggles and conflict.

Grass is greener on the other side mentality (Position, Opportunity, Better Money).
 

Now before you get the impression that I am blaming it all on the youth pastor, let me make sure I say this. I have known many youth pastors, from people who are in one place of ministry for a long time, to others who are in a place for only months. I can honestly say most youth pastors are genuine and want to enter into a church and set some roots down and stay there for awhile. There are also times when a mistake is made, or dynamics are just such that a change is needed. Having said that, if you are in a church, a parent of a teenager who is in a youth ministry, or a senior pastor/leader in your church, there are things we can do to help.
 

How to Help your Youth Pastor and promote Longevity

Show him/her support – Most are new in ministry and are looking to be truly mentored, not dictated to.

Pay them properly – I must say I have been blessed in this area.

Listen to them – Even if their idea is stupid, do not brush them off as young and foolish, some of us older could use some of their youthful and innovative ideas.

Let them make mistakes – They will blow it, the question is – how are you going to react?

Correct – Yes… Just do not blow them out of the water. Remember, you have probably made some mistakes in your past.

Example – If you are looking for them to be committed, show them commitment. Model for them what you want and expect.
 

Finally, if you are a youth pastor. Before resigning or moving on, please consider and pray about it. Make sure the intention is right and it is God.
 

Comments?
 

Related Posts
Perspectives on Youth Ministry – Handling Criticism
Perspectives on Youth Ministry – Not Everyone Appreciates an Effective Ministry
6 Dangers in Ministry
Perspectives on Youth Ministry – First Things First
 

God is also willing to heal

The foundation for what we believe must not based on men’s experience or wisdom, but in the Word of God. If it can not be found there, then it should not be taught or believed. If it IS there, then we should receive it, teach it, believe it and practice it. This list of bible verses on healing clearly shows inclusion of this promise within scripture.
 

Let’s briefly look at what the word of God says in this area.
 

The Names of God

Exodus 15:26… “For I am the LORD who heals you.” – (Jehovah – Rapha) – We tend to think that divine healing is something that God “does”, when God Himself declares through His name, that this is part of His nature. It is part of who God is, and because of that, He wants you well. He has established a way through His Son, Jesus Christ, that we might receive healing for our physical disease. Notice it says, “I am”, that means right now as well as in the future. God is the same yesterday, today and forever and as He revealed Himself as healer to Israel, He is today, revealing Himself as Healer to us who believe.
 

Here is another post that explains this further.
 

A Benefit Not to Forget

Psalm 103:2-3 – Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases,
 

David, the psalmist told us not to forget all His benefits and then lists them off; God forgives all your iniquities (sins) and heals all your diseases. Most in the church believe and accept that all our sins are forgiven. We believe when we ask God to forgive our sins, that they are forgiven and gone, never to be remembered again. When it comes to sickness and disease, we question and doubt what scripture says. Here the Bible states, He heals all (that means ALL) your (you, me and everyone, it does not exclude anyone) diseases (physical sickness). This area of healing has often been deemed as unbiblical, and there have been some extremes, but the Bible is abundantly clear, and for the most part, those who speak against this, have missed what scripture is saying.
 

Divine Healing is Included in the Atonement

Jesus died for our sin and our sickness. Jesus willingly offered Himself as payment for our sins when He went to the cross, in the same way, He willingly offered Himself to receive physical torment, in the whipping, beating and crucifixion for our healing.
 

Isaiah 53:5 – But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.
 

We can know that healing is ours because of the work of Jesus Christ and what He accomplished on the cross. When He cried out and said, “It is finished”, sin was paid for, sickness was paid for, and forgiveness and healing was made available to all those who believe.
 

Further study on the topic of healing in the atonement can be found here.
 

In Third John, it says – Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. God’s desire for all mankind is life and life abundantly, both in eternity, but also right here and right now. Healing is a benefit for all to receive through faith in Jesus Christ. Physical Health through the work of Jesus is scriptural and a wonderful part of Christianity. It reveals the love, character and salvation of God to the world.
 

This article was designed to give an introduction to this topic. Below you will find related posts which highlight a specific area related to this subject. Each one gives clear Biblical instruction and study to further show healing is scriptural, and something that all those who look to Jesus can hope in and expect.
 

Related Posts
Healing in the Lord’s Supper (Communion)
The Work of the Cross of Jesus Christ
We have been Redeemed from the Curse of the Law
An example from the Life of Job
Paul’s Thorn in the Flesh (what was it?)