Catch the Kids | Israel Falou | PD
Dear Pastors
Teenagers are worth investing in, right? That’s a no brainer and we have been doing that for a long time now in most all churches. We hire Youth Pastors, we provide youth facilities, and we spend money on the kids…….lots of it. Yet many ‘walk away’ or simply disappear from Christian faith when they become young adults. Some are angry. Only a few return according to the data. And that’s very sad especially for the thousands of dedicated and good parents who did their best. They prayed, had family devotions and took the kids to church and youth group and other events where they were exposed to the gospel but for reasons that are many and varied they walked away.
I’m troubled by this and it has motivated me to invite Dr Crystal Kirgiss to help us ‘catch the kids’. Crystal is an accomplished writer, speaker and together with her husband Mark are veteran youth pastors. Crystal is going to encourage us and train us to ‘disciple the next generation’, so that they will stick. Personally, I can’t wait to hear what she and Mark have to say. You can find all the details of their visit to NZ next month here. They are going to speak to pastors AND to parents.
Israel Falou
I’m conflicted over this issue. What upsets me about this is the reinforcing of an unfortunate stereotype of Christians and the church, namely judgementalism and even harshness. Since Israel made his pronouncement I have asked myself these questions. “What would Jesus say” and “How would He say it” and perhaps even more importantly, “Would Jesus even address this topic publicly”? That said, Israel Falou is entitled to a view point (as we all are as Christian people) and having his rugby contracts cancelled because of this is a gross over reaction in my opinion. How come people who call us bigot’s and homophobes and haters are applauded and congratulated. Doesn’t seem fair to me. But that’s the world we live in now, it seems. It’s dangerous being a committed Christian who wants to share his/her faith with others. Here is the best piece I have read on this.
Professional Development(PD) Opportunities
There’s a lot of other good stuff happening around NZ over the next few months. Here’s a few suggestions:
- Nancy Beach on 23rd May.
- Family First Forum on 5th July
- Josh and Sean McDowell are here in June/July. Remember Josh McDowell wrote the best seller, ‘Evidence that Demands a Verdict’. Details here.
- Craig Groeschel on 16th July
Sharon Garlough Brown – Journey Free Women’s Retreat
Award winning author Sharon Galough Brown of the 'Sensible Shoes' series is coming to NZ and will be speaking at our 2 days women’s retreats in Auckland, Tauranga and Palmerston North. Sharon is a Spiritual Director and Pastor and has written the Sensible Shoes novels, following the spiritual journey of four different women, in a beautiful and profound way that is connecting and nurturing women of all ages, stages and backgrounds globally. She explores and unpacks spiritual practises that enrich spiritual formation and is Bible based in all her teachings. Her heart and love for God comes through strongly in everything she does. The weekends would be excellent nurturing and replenishment time for those in ministry or who are in caring roles.
Click Here to check out Sharon’s website and learn more about her books and ministry
To request a printable poster to display or flyers to give out to friends or church congregations please email Keryn@potential.org.nz
To register visit Eventbrite:JourneyFreeNZ
Nancy Beach on 23rd May.
Family First Forum on 5th July
Josh and Sean McDowell are here in June/July. Remember Josh McDowell wrote the best seller, ‘Evidence that Demands a Verdict’. Details here
Craig Groeschel
And finally. The Gospel in the OT. Isaiah 52:13-53:12(MSG)
Who believes what we’ve heard and seen?
Who would have thought God’s saving power would look like this?
The servant grew up before God—a scrawny seedling,
a scrubby plant in a parched field.
There was nothing attractive about him,
nothing to cause us to take a second look.
Read on here.
Have a blessed Easter friends
Alan
Alan Vink is currently the Executive Director for LeadershipWorx. Prior to this role he has been the Executive Director of Willow Creek Association NZ (WillowNZ), a Baptist pastor (23 years), Bible College teacher, and church consultant.
