the sexualization of our culture, part 3

We regularly remind our students that the decisions they make today shape who they’ll be tomorrow. This statement is easy to apply to sexuality, but we must...

This blog was first posted at youthministry.com. You can read the entire article here.

What do you think?

youth ministry lessons from coach les miles

In the interest of full disclosure, I am an LSU alum, fan, and supporter of all things LSU – including our head football coach, Les Miles.

ESPN has been running a series of interest pieces on coaches’ offices. I was excited to see Coach Miles profiled in October. As interesting as the article was for me as an LSU fan, I was most intrigued to read Coach Miles’ comments about a simple white football with the names of ...

[This blog was originally posted at youthministry.com. You can read the whole thing here.]


What do you think?

the sex lives of married ministers

I'll be honest ... I like titles that are a little shocking. Once or twice I've been accused of overselling content with a titillating title. Today this is the case. Tasha and I recently wrote an article for the print version of Group Magazine titles, "The Enemy of Sex." In the article, we discuss several intimacy killers and offer some insights on how you can work through them.

Jonathan McKee just posted a blog about marriage and intimacy titled, "Promiscuity or Monogamy." In his article, he cites some research on marital happiness as it's influenced by sexuality. Tasha has often said that our culture views God's views on sex like health food - it's good for me, but I'm sacrificing the good stuff to get it - and culture's views on sex like, well, the good stuff. I always find it amazing when research "proves" Kingdom of God choices are better and more life-giving. Read the two articles and see how they sit with you.


What do you think?

team levert

A couple of times a month, Tasha and I blog for youthministry.com on the topic of marriage and ministry.

Check out our lastest blog on [professionalism]. 

We recognize not everyone comes down on the same place on these topics, but you'll get some insights on our family values as a married couple with kids in youth ministry.



What do you think?

dating (your spouse)

Tasha and I recently wrote an article for youthministry.com on summertime ideas for hanging out as a family or date nights. The gist of the article is this quote: 

. . . if we're not careful, our busyness will leave us feeling empty as a couple and as a family. We could feel super-connected with our students yet feel profoundly disconnected from the relationships that matter most. . . . What you do is unimportant—just make sure you're doing something together.

What does this look like in your lives? Do you have a "go to" list of family fun ideas or date ideas? I'd love to hear them!

What do you think?

living your calling

I had a great experience this weekend, watching my wife live into her calling. In the midst of a tough couple of months in ministry, God gave her an opportunity to share grace with a group of folks in a weekend retreat. (If you're not familiar with the Walk to Emmaus, ask me. It's an amazing weekend of soaking in God's grace, and I'm pretty sure there's one in your area.)

The highlight for me this weekend was watching my wife use her spiritual giftedness, rely on God's Spirit to do the spiritual work, be completely herself, and sense God's pleasure. (Shameless plug for one of my favorite movies of all times - "Chariots of Fire." Watch the clip at the bottom of this page, especially from 2:21-2:56 or so.) The Kingdom of God is the only pursuit in life that when you live it out, it's good for you and good for everyone around you.

Have you ever experienced God's goodness like this? When you knew you were doing exactly what God shaped you to do? Find your sweet spot, and chase hard after God.
 

 

What do you think?

simply youth ministry show

Check out this week's Simply Youth Ministry Show.