Grads and Dads Sunday
Friday, June 17, 2022
Father’s Day at Northwest is also our Graduation Celebration. This year we will be treated to a service led by our students and youth pastors.
The big question is an age-old question humanity will always deal with: How can the young secure their hearts? How can parents help? How can the church become a place for them throughout the entire journey?
Jessie will lead us to explore three scriptures that talk about instilling faith (Proverbs 22:6; Deuteronomy 6:5-9; and Matthew 22:37-40). As a parent of two teens and a spiritual mentor of dozens, she has a front-row seat into faith development. What are some of the best practices?
When my generation of youth pastors was being trained, the American church already knew something wasn’t working with our modern approach. The idea of segregating the ages was already producing results no one wanted. Students would leave home and leave the church at the same time. The decline of 20-somethings had already started.
So what can we do better?
I’m excited to hear from our students, their pastors, and the band members giving them a hand this week. Let’s all show up early, sit close, and give them our support and attention. See you Sunday!
The big question is an age-old question humanity will always deal with: How can the young secure their hearts? How can parents help? How can the church become a place for them throughout the entire journey?
Jessie will lead us to explore three scriptures that talk about instilling faith (Proverbs 22:6; Deuteronomy 6:5-9; and Matthew 22:37-40). As a parent of two teens and a spiritual mentor of dozens, she has a front-row seat into faith development. What are some of the best practices?
When my generation of youth pastors was being trained, the American church already knew something wasn’t working with our modern approach. The idea of segregating the ages was already producing results no one wanted. Students would leave home and leave the church at the same time. The decline of 20-somethings had already started.
So what can we do better?
- It’s a both-and answer: Provide opportunities where the entire church is all together (regardless of the age spectrum) while also offering age-specific opportunities. Both are important.
- We all grow in our faith when challenged through short-term missions (and even short-term international missions). Today, too often, churches have forgotten this powerful experiential tool where students work side-by-side with adults to serve in challenging places.
- Camps, retreats, and what we might term “faith-intensives” have been a passion for our youth pastors these past few years. Watching the exponential growth in relationships and faith during these events cannot be overstated.
- And last, I believe meaningful service in our community helps students connect with Jesus. After all, Jesus’ life-themes was this, “For the son of man did not come to be served, but to serve.” When we serve others right where we are, we connect with Jesus directly.
I’m excited to hear from our students, their pastors, and the band members giving them a hand this week. Let’s all show up early, sit close, and give them our support and attention. See you Sunday!
Worship This Week: NW Youth Ministry
Led by: Students and Youth Pastors (Jessie Heninger/Piper Ditzler)
Theme: Grads and Dads
Led by: Students and Youth Pastors (Jessie Heninger/Piper Ditzler)
Theme: Grads and Dads
Posted in Lead Pastor