If you took your youth group on a mission trip, of any flavor, this summer this is the one book you have to buy to give your students.

This guide has pictures that are worth 10,000 words and is written by  people who ooze seeking justice for the least of these.

It provides insights on various issues such as clean water, the oppression of women, modern slavery, and more.  It provides ways to get involved and learn more through book recommendations and websites to visit.

Well, you do not have to buy it, but you will want to if you want your students to have a better chance of developing a compassionate heart that takes action. You know, having a biblical worldview that spurs them to act justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with God.

Actions to take:

1. Visit the Steps of Justice website.

2. Buy the 30 Day Action Guide You can download a copy or have it delivered to you.

3. Follow Steps of Justice on Twitter and like Steps of Justice on Facebook

Disclaimer: The book was given to me and the co-author, Phil Cunningham, is a friend of mine, but I would not lie for him.

Congratulations!

After reviewing a ton of resumes, a gaggle of interviews, countless hours of discussion, prayer and anticipation, you have a new youth worker/director/pastor for your church.

In case you did not realize this, the real work has just begun.  That is, if you want there to be a long tenure, lasting impact and the agreed upon goals to be reached.

I have said before that expectations that hurt are those that are unspoken, unclear and unrealistic.

In other words, what does success look like in your setting, down the road?

If this is not clearly defined, you are setting your youth worker/director/pastor up for failure and probably pain for your students.

Values determine what success is in your church context.

Values differ among individuals so the corporate values have to be known and proclaimed so everyone knows what success means in your church.

Focus on the the process more that the product.

If you are true to your values and follow a process that is agreed upon, the results will happen.  Perhaps not on your desired timetable, but they will happen.

What does success look like in a year?  2 years? 5 years?

When grumblings happen, and they will (both real and perceived), what will you point to as your guidelines for success or faithfulness?

Doug Fields shares the story of when he was hired by Rick Warren. Doug told Rick that it would take at least five years for the youth ministry to begin looking like he wanted it to.

Doug is a veteran youth worker, trainer of thousands of youth workers, author of youth ministry books in multiple languages, and recognized practitioner. So, if you would, at least give your new youth worker (that you prayed for and invited to be part of your church family) four years to see the changes you want God to bring about.

Or is that sort of patience, an unfair expectation?

Len has served in full-time youth ministry since graduating from Dallas Theological Seminary in 1994. He has  served churches in New Jersey, Connecticut and his native Texas.

Len is the author of Creative Bible Lessons in 1 and 2 Timothy & Titus and wrote a chapter for The Youth Workers Book of Hope. He has been on panels and presented a seminar at the National Youth Workers Convention & workshops for the Simply Youth Ministry Conference.

He has written for Youth Worker Journal, The Journal of Student Ministries, Group, Youth Leaders Only and the UK’s Youthwork magazine.

The emphasis on theology and the bible, along with school’s heritage often results in alumni being strong headed and arrogant. I have worked very hard to remember my mutt roots and remain humble about my DTS experience, trying to stay focused on outreach and service. One thing I learned was that there was a lot that I did not know. I hope that attitude continues to describe me. It seems that it has since I have been told a few times that I was the first DTS grad that some friends have “liked.”

Frazer grew from 1,000 members to over 8,000 members over the 9-10 years I attended. We had the highest average attendance of any UMC in the country for most of my time in my home church. I thought every church reached lost people like that and had 87% of its members involved in ministry.

I did not realize what a special church it was until I was gone.  I have shared over the years that Frazer & DTS ruined me for life, in good ways.

I have been a friend of Youth Specialties for the majority of my youth ministry life. I have been fortunate to serve in a variety of roles at the National Youth Worker Convention.  I have been a YS bookstore volunteer (1996),  led a workshop (2002), worked different booths in the exhibit hall (2 or 3 years) , was part of a late night panel (2004) , and I was even a blogger for them in (2009) . This year though, I get to check off an item off of my bucket list because I will be one of the Convention Pastors at both of the 2010 National Youth Worker Conventions.

I get to listen to , care for, pray with, cry with,  learn from and encourage youth workers. It is a great honor to have the opportunity to care for so many of God’s favorite servants.

If you are going to be there, I would love to talk with you.  Feel free to contact me before the convention, friend me on facebook and you will have all of my information.

Thanks for your continued prayers.

June resulted in five new monthly supporters, three of which have already sent in their first donation.

It has been a lot of fun working with Sean Buvala.  He is coaching me in a few skills that will benefit the work I do with NNYM. Sean offers a free storytelling course via email. No matter what you do, this skill can help you.  I hope many of you take advantage of this free training.

1.   Pray for Tonja as she looks for a J – O – B to go with her D – E – G – R – E – E

2.   BAMA ROAD TRIP:

The trip to CO to Group Publishing was great. Fifteen or so different youth workers were invited to discuss the Simply Youth Ministry Conference.

I shared with a few friends that being part of the group that was invited made me feel like I was the last kid chosen for an All-Star team.  The interaction over youth ministry with new friends and old friends for two days was great and refreshing.  The highlight and eternal moment though, happened at the very start of our time together.

We arrived in to the Group offices and we had lunch. I sat down and Rick Lawrence, editor for Group magazine, sat down next to me. I have written various things for Rick over the years but we did not meet until the Simply Youth Ministry Conference in February of this year.

We caught up for a few minutes and after sharing a bit about our journey, Rick shared that our story reminded him of the book he is writing based on Jesus’ interaction with Peter in Luke 22. Part of it says: “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”

As Rick shared the theme of the book it was if God opened my eyes and I said, “Rick, that is my story that your telling.”

He said something along the lines of, “Len, it is the story of a lot of us.”

Jesus did not deliver Peter out of the ordeal but he prayed for his faith to not fail and after the ordeal was over, he would be able to strenthen fellow believers.

It is no secret that we are enduring a season of stress and ordeals as we continue to work towards where God is taking us.  Please begin praying that my faith will endure and then I will be able to strengthen youth workers and churches so they can reach more students for Jesus.

Thanks for your prayer support. Whether you pray for us and this ministry everyday, occasionally or only when you open up this update, you are the backbone of what happens.

1. I am flying to CO in a few hours to be with a pack of wild youth workers for two days to chat and dream about the 2011 Simply Youth Ministry Conference. It is an honor to be invited to contribute to this discussion. Pray for wisdom as we cover the agenda but also pray for connections with friends and not yet friends to be formed during this 2 day dash.

2. Tonja is a Texas Tech Graduate and looking for a job. Pray for discernment and speed as she begins the job search. On a bright note, Lubbock has around a 4.3% unemployment rate, which was the lowest in Texas, last I heard. If you know of anything, let us know.

3. Around 30 people or churches currently support us and we are around 40% of our needs. The good news is there are at least 20 others who have said they want to support us regularly. There are others who are considering supporting us but 20 have said yes to regular support but have not been able to start, yet. Pray that those people would know what the right amount is and start giving to support this ministry.

4. Watch this video on Youth Ministry Awesomeness and you can begin praying for me as I prepare to serve as a convention pastor for both of the National Youth Workers Conventions.

Keep Lovin’ Jesus,

Len

Check out SouthCentralYouth.org for the new website about what you are praying for.

Sometimes It Blows Up In Your Face

Another reason I love Youth Specialties: they understand youth ministry but more importantly, they truly love youth workers. This is why I am so excited about getting serve as a convention pastor for them, my job will be is to listen to, encourage, love on and pray for youth workers.

If you have any influence on helping your youth worker attend a conference, do all you can for it to happen. It is an investment into your church and students.