Goodness, Oh Goodness!

Liz Edrington, Youth Minister at Christ Episcopal Church in Charlottesville, VA, writes the first contribution in our new series called “The Pursuit of Holiness”. “Impressing the importance of holiness in the Christian life.” Three years ago, this phrase…

Teens, Grace, and the Pursuit of Holiness

Some of you may have picked up on the cyber banter currently going on about the age-old charge of “Antinomian” against Reformation-minded theologians and preachers.  The debate comes back to one question: “How are lives changed?”, a question…

Teaching to the Victim

Today was one of those days where I finished teaching Sunday School completely baffled at how grateful I am for the honor it is to share the grace of Jesus with students. One of my dearest friends works…

Underaged Drinking: Just Say YES! (Sort Of)

One of the most surprising revelations to me in my early youth ministry days relates to the real reason why teens drink. I remember in my legalist days as an adolescent, determining whether or not a girl was…

A Battle Within: Proverbs 24:1

There is an interesting proverb that aptly fits many students in our ministry; I would almost say it could be their theme verse. Proverbs 24.1 “Be not envious of evil men, nor desire to be with them.” I…

What You Need To Know About Grace

Fuller Youth Institute just released this video for High School seniors – certainly relevant for all students.  A zinger by Steve Argue from Mars Hill Church: “Tomorrow morning, you wake up, you open your eyes, and you take…

The Law Does Not Stick

I attended the Youth Specialties conference in Nashville this past weekend – it was my first time to attend the conference, and there was a lot to take in.  Some good stuff, some not-so-good stuff.  I’ll likely continue…