Keeping an Eye on What They're Watching

In high school I worked at Blockbuster, and even before that I considered myself a movie buff, so you can only imagine what renting 5 free movies a week did for me! Ever since I was old enough to understand it, I have been fascinated with the film rating system. Since the 1920s the MPAA has attempted to rate movies to accurately inform viewers of the nature of the content they are going to see. What I have always been interested in is how do they find that fine line? What makes something G but not PG, what keeps something PG-13 but not R. Sure some movies are pretty blatant. A great amount of language and adult content obviously warrants a "R" rating. But as a student pastor, as I am sure you have seen as parents, more and more there is a blurring of the line between PG-13 and R. There is this weird grey area that has started to concern me more and more.

So how can you ensure you know what your child is going to see when he or she asks you if they can see that latest movie? There is a site I have found that has been incredibly helpful to me in knowing what my students are watching and how teach out of such things. I know this site can be an incredible tool for you as parents as well.

Go to kids-in-mind.com. 

Surf around a little bit and you will get a quick sense of how they use their rating system. Each movie has a 10-point scale (1 being tame, 10 being incredibly inappropriate for children) in three categories: Sex & Nudity, Violence & Gore, and Profanity. The rating team watches a movie and takes extensive notes on each questionable scene. It is down to a science, if a woman is wearing a low-cut top, they note it. If there is a nose bleed, they see it. Their in-depth rating of profanity features a count of how many of what types of words are used, with everything from name calling to how many "F" words were used, it is very extensive. As they look at all these scenes they give it a score.

The thing I like about it is it doesn't tell you what is appropriate or not, it simply gives the facts, and you as they parent have to make the choice to allow your son or daughter to view that movie.

Now, this site is in no way perfect, it is just a tool. One complaint I got from a parent once was that sometimes they make a movie seem a lot worse than it really is by using this almost scientific language. for example, it may say, "A man bends over and reveals part of his buttocks." When the scene was of a plumber fixing a sink. Get it? The descriptions give very little context on the scene, which is good, because when you read one of their ratings you don't feel like you've seen the movie. So, all that being said, this isn't the only tool you should use, but it is a tool. I would encourage you to ask around and see if any of your friends have seen the movie, so they can help you gather and opinion as well. Ask me! I see a lot of movies and have a lot of friends who watch a ton of movies too, I'm sure I can help you out.

More than anything, I know that so often what goes in the eyes and ears of these students (and ourselves for that matter) really begins to effect their hearts. As a kid I was always very imaginative, putting myself in the characters place in my mind. That can be very dangerous for some of the movies out there!

If you have any questions or comments please let me know! Feel free to comment on this post and share your thoughts with other parents.

Student Life Camp - Day 5 (Going Home)

Camp is over, students are more than likely passed out on couches all over the Saginaw area. These guys and girls have been challenged in some powerful ways and already I have had conversations with several of them talking about the amazing experiences they had.

Today went by incredibly fast. From waking up early (many of the guys got a beautiful wake up song this morning) getting breakfast, then packing up all the bags it had already been a busy morning before the students even had the opportunities to open their bibles.

The group all week has started off the day with quiet times and today was no different. My hope is that they got a great deal out of these times that were all about them personally interacting with God rather than corporate worship. A cool thing is their camp booklets have several post camp quiet time lessons so that they can spend some personal worship time at home. This would be a great way to encourage your son or daughter at home this week.

The week ended with the celebration service where the students watched some funny videos (one called "Edwin's Corner" was incredibly popular), they worshiped, and listened to a great challenge from Jeff.

It was an awesome way to wrap up the week. It was followed by the hectic loading up of the cars to go home, but everyone got a ride and that is what is important. I want to say thank you to all the parents who helped transport kids. I know it is not as convenient as hopping on a bus, but it really helped many families financially.

I also need to thank my wife Maddie and Linda Smith who were are other two adult leaders this week. They were so incredibly helpful and I couldn't have done it without them. If you see them on Sunday, please tell them "Thank you!"

I could go on and on about all the crazy awesome stuff that God did at camp. What I really want you to know is that your students met with God this week. Do what you can to encourage them to be devoted daily to their faith.

Thank you for raising such amazing, well behaved, fun students. I am so incredibly blessed!

Student Life Summer Camp - Day 4 and Pick-up Procedure

NOTE: If you are just looking for the pick-up instructions please scroll to the bottom of this post.

The week is coming to an end and it really has been an incredible week. Today was no exception! We started the day ready for another scorcher, but more than that, ready to see what God would do. The celebration time was filled with exciting worship, camp announcements, and funny videos.

Then the day was filled with the last day of rec activities and family group bible studies. Our students did several team building activities during rec time that they all seemed to really enjoy, despite the (yet again) blazing temperatures. It makes it easier to continually remind students to drink water when a camp staff member passed out from dehydration during morning celebration. Thankfully he was just fine! But it does really put the importance into perspective.

I could tell at lunch today that the students were done with camp food. It is hard to do a full week of the stuff, even when the food has been as good with as many options as UTA provided.

During free time the campus was a lot more open. There were several churches that went to play in a dodgeball tournament at Cowboys Stadium that would have cost us extra per student, but our kids didn't care, because that meant fun indoor activities like pool, bowling, billiards, ping pong, air hockey, and fooseball were all wide open. It was the first time this week I felt like the students didn't want free time to end. A lot of unity made and friendships strengthened.

Worship tonight was again just awesome and incredibly challenging. God really used Aaron Ivey to lead us into His presence and I saw many of our students actively participating in worship in ways that they had never been comfortable doing before. I hope they bring that back to EVC and it really starts a fire with congregation there. How cool would that be?!?

Jeff Mangum talked tonight about what it means to remain a devoted follower of Christ in the midst of the storms that life throws our way. One thing that I have absolutely loved about Jeff is the way he doesn't dumb down things for students. He engages them as just as important and intelligent as adults, and it grabs their attention. That means a lot to me because that is the same philosophy I have. The last thing I want is for a camp pastor to baby these students, I want them to be challenged!

We ended the night with our church group time. We took communion together and I really challenged the students to remember what God had done for them with Jesus on the cross and how that made this entire week possible. That is why we are devoted. It was a great way to wrap up our last church group meeting.

I just want to say, and I've said it a lot. This is a great group! I could not be prouder. Looking and listening to some of these other students (not all of them, but a select few) it makes me really realize how lucky I am to have such a respectful, funny, kind-hearted group of guys and girls. It just makes my heart swell with joy and pride.

Pick-up Procedure:

Our pick up plans have changed a little. The check out procedure was not clearly defined by the camp until this evening so I had to shuffle our plans. Pick up will still be at 10:00am, but the location is slightly different. If you dropped your student off then you are aware of where we will be picking up. At the parking lot next to the two dorms the students are staying in.

Click here for a map to the exact location

Our morning session ends at 10:00am, so know that if you arrive at exactly 10:00am that we might not be there yet, but we will be there soon, so just hold tight. I will have my cell phone on me so if you have any questions, feel free to call me or send me a text.

If you are not going to UTA to pick your son or daughter up then please be at EVC around 10:45am to pick them up.

Again if you have any questions please let me know, send me an e-mail, a text message, or call me. I will get it!

Thanks!

Student Life Summer Camp - Day 3

Yes, I too am surprised that UTA hasn't melted yet. It is blazing hot outside! With temps reaching 104 yesterday I was thoroughly prepared to encourage these students through any complaints or struggles. But I didn't hear anything. Not one complaint, not one headache, nothing! The combination of these being some incredibly awesome students and the fact that when we tell them to drink lots of water they do it, that makes for some awesome spirits and fun!

Yesterday all of the students participated in Water Day rec games. Tons of goofy games that involved everyone getting completely drenched. I saw all the students participating and having fun. A lot of wonderful connections have been made with students from other churches.

Last night was our third session with Jeff Mangum and Aaron Ivey. It was a great worship service and another incredibly challenging message from Jeff. I hope you got the chance to listen online.

The message last night was that we, with freedom in Christ, can no longer be stagnant and selfish in our faith, we need to take action. We need to realize that the blessings God gives us are for us to give glory to Him, not for us to put glory upon ourselves. It was a beautiful picture that God, by His grace, wants us to be involved in His works.

Our students also heard a little about Compassion International, and it really struck a chord with several of our students. Many of who now want to sponsor a child and give them hope for a future. It was great that this Student Life camp partnered with a group that EVC also works with.

The night ended for the EVC students with some crazy fun and games during a time called SL Nation. Then we headed to our church group time to take a moment to debrief before heading back to the dorm rooms and spending some time hanging out before lights out.

It was a great night! I can't wait to see what God has in store for day 4!

One more thing. Hope Barber, one of our students, sadly got sick yesterday and had to go home from camp. All of the students really miss her and we hate that she had to go home. Please be praying for her to get well soon! Thanks!

Student Life Summer Camp - Day 2

Well day two is coming to a close and what an amazing day it has been. You'll be interested to know that every student woke up, without help and made it to breakfast on time (early in some cases), so let this be proof to you parents, they can do it! Waking up on their own is possible!

All the students are really finding their groove in camp today. They're getting a feel for the campus and for the schedule. I could not be more excited for the things that God will continue to do now that simple distractions such as confusion are out of the way.

Day two was the start of rec for our students. They had the opportunity to get to know a lot of students from other churches all while spending time playing some of the craziest most ridiculous games I have ever seen, and that is saying something. All our kids were having a blast, and despite another day of 100+ temperatures I heard no complaints and everyone was well hydrated, we just want to make sure that carries over to day 3!

Worship was amazing tonight. All the songs we sang we about devoting our lives to God. There was a lot of passionate worship from our students. At times I just stood quietly as I heard the voices of the EVC students fill the air behind me and to my side. It was incredible! My prayer is that is an attitude of worship that they would bring home with them and allow it to impact the worship services at EVC.

The sermon was equally as powerful. Camp speaker Jeff Mangum gave a heartfelt and passionate challenge to understand the importance of confession in our lives. Not just confession to God, but understanding how much healing comes when we let down our sinful pride and allow ourselves to be transparent with one another as the Body of Christ, as a family of broken people. This is something that, especially our younger teens, may have a hard time with. But when it came time for our church group time the spirit of God moved in a powerful way and encouraged us all to deal with some messy truths in our lives. I say this with all excitement that there was brokenness in the lives of many of our students, but there was also great healing. It was one of the more powerful times I have been a part of in all my nearly 7+ years in student ministry.

All that to say, camp is going great. I am sorry I didn't get to post this last night. It was definitely a busy night and we didn't finish till late. Be praying for energy for these students this morning. They are dragging a little bit, but they are excited and ready to take on a new day here at camp!

Remember you can send e-mails to your student by visiting the studentlife.com site and following the directions there. We had several students receive letters yesterday and they all want you guys to know how grateful they were for that!

On to Day 3!!!

Student Life Summer Camp - Day 1

Greetings from The University of Texas at Arlington! We are wrapping up day one as we speak, all the students are in their dorm rooms, ready to try and get some sleep (or at least I will, that's for sure).

The dorms are a great fit, the girls dorms definitely win though, they are far nicer and each girl gets their own room in the suite.

Today was a lot of getting to know the campus and getting a feel for camp. Despite the blazing heat I didn't hear any complaints from our students. I am sure they are tired of hearing me say over and over again to make sure they are drinking water, but I don't see myself letting up on that!

Tomorrow will, of course, be our first full day. A day filled with lots of rec activities, crazy games, and some great bible study. Tonight in our Church Group Time I challenged our students to look at where they were before camp started and really latch on to the things we learn while we are here so we will be stronger when we leave. I compared a youth camp to a sports camp, you go to sports camp to be conditioned for a sport or to get better at a sport. Well we are at camp to really learn what it takes to grow in our personal relationship with Christ.

The theme for camp is "Devoted," we are asking the question, "what does it take to really be devoted to God? To love him with all your heart, soul, and strength?"

I encourage you to pray with me this week, that these students would begin to catch that. I can tell that many of them already are and it is only DAY ONE!

I hope to upload some pictures and video tomorrow night, so check back here.

Remember, you can e-mail your son or daughter while they are at camp, and you can even watch the worship sessions live each night! Click here to go to the Student Life at UTA page!

We had one student who received an e-mail today and I know they found it very encouraging!

If you have any questions let me know, I can already tell this is going to be an incredible week, both the speaker and worship leader did INCREDIBLE jobs tonight. I know that the Lord is going to use them in a powerful way to reach the hearts of the students of EVC.

Good night, and you'll hear from me tomorrow!

My Key to Preparing for Camp

A week from today our students will be at summer camp at UTA. This will be my 13th consecutive summer camp dating back to my 7th grade year. In these 13 years I feel I have gotten a good rhythm down for how to prepare for the daily activities at camp. The key to camp, for me, is the backpack. If you don't have a backpack you're almost guaranteed to lose something. I know when I was a kid, at pre-teen camps and at camp 7th and 8th grade, I was the one who would either leave his bible in the auditorium or forget something at the dorm.

For me the backpack is the anchor. If you have that feeling of a bag on your back all week then when you are getting ready to leave someplace and don't feel that bag, you know something is missing! And if you do happen to leave it somewhere, someone is a lot less likely to pick it up thinking it is theirs, and it is a lot easier to explain what you're missing when you can say, "Yeah, I lost a black and red back pack. It is a messenger bag style bag. Swiss Army brand." Rather than saying, "Um...I lost a black leather bible...it has gold trimmed pages...all the words that Jesus says are in red...you seen it?"

So my backpack is always with me! But what all do I keep in it? The following is a list of things I always have in my bag (some of these things are for a youth pastor only, but you can see where I'm going).

1. Bible
2. Journal/Notebook (usually a composition notebook or spiral notebook because they are so cheap)
3. Camp booklet (Always handed out at the beginning of camp)
4. Camera (I will have a small camcorder too, but it is good to have something to capture the crazy moments)
5. Medical Release Notebook (So at any time I can be ready with medical information for any of our students).
6. Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen (Advil or Tylenol. I get heat headaches from time to time.)
7. Waterbottle (I like the water bottles that have a clip so they can hook on to any bag I have)
8. Sunglasses (That is if they are not on my face)
9. Gum (Because my breath stinks after camp food)
10. Pens (How else can I write in my notebook?)
11. Small First Aid Kit (Band-aids, alcohol wipes, a little bit of gauze. Anything to take care of the bumps and scrapes.)

That's my bag. Of course your son or daughter would not need that much stuff. When I was in high school the "Draw String" backpack was great. It is light weight, and carries everything you would need: a bible, notebook, couple pens, camp book, camera and a water bottle.

If you want to go pick up one of those backpacks, know that I have some EVC Drawstring Backpacks here at the church for sale. Let me know if you want one!

A Book You'll Actually Read

Back in March we held our Disciple Now event. A weekend retreat where students stayed in host homes and we had a speaker, Dustin Jones, and worship leader, Joshua Price. One night Josh, Dustin, and I were all wrapping up and just talking about ministry when Josh brought up a series of books that he really liked and told us we should check out.

The series of books are called the "A Book You'll Acutally Read..." series. The books are written by Mark Driscoll, a pastor I admire for his strong theological teaching and often "straight to the point" method of teaching.

I bought three of these books (On the Old Testament, On the New Testament, and On Who Is God) and all three have given me a great, easy to understand overview of each topic. It has been a great tool to help students understand biblical principles. I am even thinking about teaching a special class for teenagers interested in digging deeper, and going through one of these books.

Each book is short, I mean REALLY short. It is a 6" square book with no more than 90 pages, and it isn't like the text is small either. I read one of them in one sitting, it is an easy read that fills your head with some important knowledge.

For some parents the greatest fear in being the primary spiritual discipler in their kid's life is the fact that they don't know the answers to everything. Let me let you in on a little secret, neither do I! A phrase I use often is, "That is a great question! Let me do some research and I will try to find an answer for you." There is nothing wrong with you as the parent doing the same thing. I understand that you want to be better prepared when it comes to biblical knowledge, and that is where books like these will really help.

You can find the "A Book You'll Actually Read" series at Amazon.com

More information can be found at ReLit.org

Starting out

I like blogging, I always have. I find it calming, a good way to get out what you're feeling and express yourself. I like to write, I just don't do it often enough. The only problem I have with writing a blog is the same problem I find with most of social media today. It seems to, more often than not, serve the purpose of edifying oneself.

I will be honest, one of my biggest struggles to this day is pride. I have to contain myself, part of it comes from wanting to be an actor in high school and the whole idea of confidence being everything. I hate that that confidence fed a spirit of arrogance in me. Because of this I need to watch how much time I spend blogging, or on Facebook or Twitter. I am always asking, "Is this all about me? Should anyone really care what I did today? Is this post/update/tweet bringing anyone closer to Christ?"

So I looked at what I am passionate about, what God has called me to. Students, middle school and high school, have been the passion of my ministry since I left high school. God placed that squarely on my heart and it is impossible to ignore.

Over the years, as I've learned what it takes to be a youth pastor, God has taught me more and more that being a youth pastor is less about taking on the responsibility of personally discipling 30 kids and it is about teaching students to be leaders while equipping parents to be the main discipler for their children.

In a book I've been reading called "reThink: Is student ministry working?" by Steve Wright I found this challenging quote:

"Student pastors have too quickly accepted responsibility for teens' spirituality and too reluctantly reminded and equipped parents to take their responsibility as primary spiritual disciplers...The problem with this value system is twofold: 1) it isn't biblical and 2) it doesn't work."

I read those words over and over again and realized more of what I should be. I will always be here for your kids, I will always be ready to help them through a hard time or try to explain the tough questions. But if I don't partner with you, the parents, and if your kids don't see that partnership, then what am I doing? I'm setting them up to always be searching for discipleship rather than realizing that it is in their own family all along. Just like there is danger in a parent having a "Day Care Drop-off" mentality when it comes to student ministry, there is a danger in me accepting a role as the primary discipler in these student's lives.

So that is what this blog is about. It is me, setting aside my pride and accepting my spiritual duty to partner with you all. I hope that for many years to come this blog will be a source for you all to find hope, encouragement, wisdom, and community when it comes to raising your teenager in this world. I know I am not a parent, but I want to provide you with tools to be the best parent you can be.