Posted on February 7, 2010 by Chris
Stories from the world of education and schools work:
Filed under: Education, News, Politics, Schools work | Leave a Comment »
Posted on February 6, 2010 by Chris
Some funny and interesting stories from around the world:
Filed under: Funny, News | Leave a Comment »
Posted on February 6, 2010 by Chris
Over the last few weeks I’ve been using Affirming the Apostles’ Creed for my quiet times. The Apostles’ Creed, one of the oldest and key summaries of Christian beliefs, often spoken aloud in churches on a Sunday morning, but not something many really understand. Over the last few weeks I’ve used this book by J. I. Packer in my quiet times as he goes line by line through this wonderful statement. Helpfully at the end of each section he includes further study questions, and useful passages of scripture to look up.
If you’re interested in finding out more about this creed, then check out this little book (only 150 pages).
Filed under: Books, Church, Theology | Leave a Comment »
Posted on February 1, 2010 by Chris
I finished Mad Church Disease: Overcoming the Burnout Epidemic by Anne Jackson tonight, a helpful book as I continue to reflect on what it means to slow and to rest more often. In one sense the book doesn’t say anything that most other books on rest and sabbath haven’t already said, but it’s structured in a very helpful manner: a discussion on the topic of burnout; a section examining some of the risk factors and symptoms; followed by five principles to be better balanced. I especially like the last section, highlighting the need for a holistic approach – not just a clock watching approach.
If you’re in ministry check this book out, you won’t learn lots of new things, but it’ll make you think.
Filed under: Books, Children's and Youth Work, Church, Ministry | 1 Comment »
Posted on January 25, 2010 by Chris
Each week the staff team start the week with a time of worship and prayer. This week Barry, Head of Community Services was leading, and challenged us on the topic of humility.
As I sit here fourteen hours later, I’m still challenged. For example, what does it mean to act as a conduit between God and people in our community; what does it mean to be pleased with what we’ve been used to do, but not to be proud.
We sang The Servant King by Graham Kendrick, and the words of the last verse and chorus, some big thoughts to dwell on:
So let us learn how to serve, And in our lives enthrone him, Each others needs to prefer, For it is Christ we’re serving
This is our God, the Servant King, He calls us now to follow him, To bring our lives as daily offering, Of worship to the Servant King
Filed under: Personal, Reflection | Leave a Comment »
Posted on January 24, 2010 by Chris
Posted on January 17, 2010 by Chris
Some bits I’ve enjoyed reading from the world of youth ministry:
Filed under: Children's and Youth Work | Leave a Comment »
Posted on January 16, 2010 by Chris
I read an interesting article on how teenagers ‘only use 800 different words a day:
Although, according to recent surveys, they know an average of 40,000 words, they tend to favour a “teenspeak” used in text messages, on social networking sites like Facebook and MySpace and in internet chat rooms like MSN.
One poll, commissioned by Tesco, revealed that while children had the vocabulary to be articulate, the top 20 words they used – including the Vicky Pollard lexicon of “yeah”, “no” and “but” – accounted for about a third of all the words they used.
I find this kind of research really bizarre, because at the same time as someone says our children’s literacy is decreasing we also have those who say twitter and other social networking sites make no effect on young peoples language, or even improve their skills. So what do you think – is language ability decreasing, increasing, does it matter.
Filed under: Education, Society, Technical/Gadgets | 1 Comment »
Posted on January 16, 2010 by Chris
What a week for Liverpool. We’ve made a good deal in signing Maxi Rodriguez on a free transfer from Spanish side Athletico Madrid – he looks like he good be a good buy. But the rest of our week has been disastrous.
Last season we had a fantastic second half of the season so it’s even more frustrating to have a week where we lose to Reading (getting knocked out of the FA Cup), and then to draw with Stoke in the league. I get that we’ve had some bad luck with injuries to key players, but at the same time injuries happen and we should be prepared for the days when Gerrard and Torres aren’t available.
It’s difficult to tell how much of our failings are linked to Benitez and how much is the fault of our American owners. Rafa’s bought an awful lot of players in the last few years, many of whom haven’t made the grade, but then he’s been very clear that the owners have given him strict limits which haven’t always enabled him to get who he wants. It disappoints me that Liverpool, one of the biggest clubs in the world, has had to put such strict limits on the buying of players – we should be in the position of buying who we want. The players themselves must also take some responsibility for these shocking results. After all when they cross the white line and go on the pitch there’s only limited action he can take.
All teams struggle with odd games, just look at Manchester United’s recent form, but we’ve lost 10 out of 20 games now, we’re looking like we might not make it into Champions League next season which is just unacceptable. However, it’s clear that Benitez is very unlikely to be fired. After the defeat by Reading, the club’s managing director, Christian Purslow said it was “not on the agenda”. In an email to BBC Sport, Purslow reiterated that Benitez has the full support of the club’s board. But former captain Ronnie Whelan believes Benitez should be replaced following the defeat at the hands of the Royals, “He should’ve gone a long time ago. They have got to do it now. Liverpool have not been good. They have lost 10 of the last 20 games.” Whelean, obviously has forgotten our desperate financial situation – we don’t have the money to end Benitez’s contract early so I’d expect to see Benitez here until the summer.
Filed under: Sport | Leave a Comment »
Posted on January 9, 2010 by Chris
Some key headlines from the world of football on a quiet weekend for sport with the bad weather:
Filed under: Sport | Leave a Comment »
Posted on January 9, 2010 by Chris
I finished Choosing to Cheat by Andy Stanley earlier this week. I’ve a strong desire to be more balanced, and to slow a little this year. As an expectant father (baby due mid February) I’m really keen to ensure that I form patterns and rhythms that allow me to be a great dad to my son. I’ve enjoyed Andy Stanley’s previous books so when I saw this I thought it’d be worth reading. It’s a short little book which explores the balance of work and family. The premise is that with all the damnds at work and home we end up cheating at one of the two places, and Andy suggests that we want to look for ways to cheat at work rather than constantly skipping out on family as their simply isn’t time to fit everything in. He says we need our family to not just know that we love them, but to feel like they are loved to.
The key he argues is to believe that you need to change, and then do anything you can to make it happen. He says ask your spouse: “What change would you most like me to make to my schedule?” and then act on it.
Filed under: Books, Hacks for work and life | Leave a Comment »
Posted on January 6, 2010 by Chris
At the start of each new year my church hosts a series of prayer meetings for the church to gather together and pray for the new year. Tonight the theme was children’s and youth work, so I thought I’d post up here some of our prayer notes:
Give thanks for
- The £35,000 of external funding that has enabled the youth cafe.
- Youth Alpha at Carroty Wood (Sep-Nov 2009) at which 7 of our young people attended, with a number making personal commitments.
- Give thanks for the 9 young people (aged 14-16) who went to Sheppey to help Dave Baxter’s church with Christmas holiday clubs and family services.
- The Christian Union, set up in September at Hugh Christie which now averages 7 young people and the Refreshment lunch club, also set up in September which averages over 50 young people.
- The opportunity Chris was given to lead the Hugh Christie Christmas assembly, speaking for 15 minutes about the first Christmas to over 1400 people.
- The high number of young people at GB (Fri PM 11-14 years) and Amicus (Fri PM 14-18 years).
- Great young people at R’n'R (Sun AM 11-14 years) who are keen to learn and grow in their faith.
- SNRs growth in numbers; pray that young people continue to grow at church.
- 70 young people and 22 leaders involved in our 10 Youth Cells across the town.
- The 9 young people we baptised in 2009 and the high number of young people interested in being baptised already in 2010.
Some Prayer Points
- Pray for the senior leaders and their teams.
- Pray for youth cell leaders as they teach, care, encourage, challenge, host and much more.
- Pray for 2 more leaders to join RnR, 1 for GB, 1 for BB, and 1 for the Marching Band.
- Pray for the Residential Planning Team as they run 3 residentials this year (Feb, May and Aug).
- Pray for Sarah Marfleet and Chris as they co-ordinate a number of mission opportunities, including taking seven year 13s to India, a repeat visit to Sheppey in Dec, and year 7-9 joining in Bash the Trash mornings.
- Pray for Lydia as she continues to develop our mentoring and pastoral care of young girls, shes hosting an event for year 7-9 girls.
- Pray for those who teach/preach and lead worship at RnR and SNR, especially Dan Potter as he develops creativity.
- Pray for Chris P, Dan and Lydia as they all work closely with year 7 classes providing pastoral support and care to pupils.
- Pray for Lydia as she develops fortnightly community projects with a year 7 class at Hugh Christie.
- Pray for Chris K as he works with Pastoral Assistants with Hugh Christies year 8-13s running a mentoring group and a caseload of pupils with severe needs, e.g. anger management.
- Pray for Fair Trade days at Tonbridge Grammar School & Hugh Christie College
- Pray for the way we help those in year 6 (10-11 year olds) to move into our youth work, and the work we do in local schools to help pupils move from primary to secondary school.
- Pray for the Young Leader training being developed in 2010 for the 27 young leaders we have.
- Pray for the Youth Café opening on Monday and Tuesdays 3.15-5.00pm pray that we would see many young people attending, and coming on Sundays, because of the Café.
Filed under: Children's and Youth Work, Personal | Leave a Comment »
Posted on January 4, 2010 by Chris
In 2009 I read and blogged on 58 books. Let me try and highlight some of my favourites from this year:
Youth Ministry
Ministry
Theology
Other
Filed under: Books, Children's and Youth Work, Ministry, Theology | Leave a Comment »
Posted on January 3, 2010 by Chris
Bono has written an interesting article for the New York Times making ten suggestions for the next ten years.
His suggestions certainly surprised me, as he writes:
Here, then, are 10 ideas that might make the next 10 years more interesting, healthy or civil. Some are trivial, some fundamental. They have little in common with one another except that I am seized by each, and moved by its potential to change our world.
They certainly are logically linked, they’re just his random thoughts, what do you think of his suggestions?
Filed under: Music, Society | Leave a Comment »
Posted on January 3, 2010 by Chris
I love the time between Christmas and New Year. I find it’s a time to make a lot of progress with some of our bigger projects, but I also enjoy the opportunity to think about goals for the coming year. Here are some of the thoughts I scribbled in my journal:
Slowing: the pace I’ve set myself over the last few years isn’t sustainable over a long period of time. When I arrived at Tonbridge Baptist Church I said my intention was to plan to be part of the staff-team, God willing, at least until 2020 (12 years later) but I know I couldn’t keep the pace I’ve kept over the last eighteen months for another day years, it’s time to slow.
Balance: I’m passionate about my work but sometimes I need to remember to invest better in family and friends. I’ve also been challenged to review the different ministries, activities and roles that I have as a youth leader and check the balances to ensure I’m prioritising the most important things.
Growth: I’ve got a real thing about 2010 being a year where I grow personally, and we see real growth, both numerically and in depth within our youth work.
I’m excited about the coming year, what about you, anything that resonates with you.
Filed under: Personal, Reflection | Leave a Comment »
Posted on January 3, 2010 by Chris
Here are some of my highlights from the world of technology in 2009:
Success:
- TweetDeck: allows me to update facebook and the two twitter accounts I have.
- BBC iPlayer through the Wii: I love being able to catch up on Top Gear or Match of the Day on my tv through the Wii.
- Basecamp: is the online software we use as a team, it’s especially crucial in our planning of youth residentials, well worth the money it costs us.
Fail
- MySpace: no one seems to be using it, to the degree that earlier this year I deleted my account – it felt great to have one less space to keep a presence in.
- My laptop: it eventually succumbed to my demands of blogging, twitter, and Football Manager, and is now in retirement with a much more caring owner (Hannah, my wife).
Filed under: Technical/Gadgets, The web | Leave a Comment »
Posted on January 1, 2010 by Chris
With the start of 2010, I started thinking what would it mean to be more creative, more inspiring in our youth work and ministry, so I read Inspire – fresh ideas for creative youth work by Nigel & Jo Pimlott and Dave Wiles. The book is short, only 79 pages long, and is split into three clear sections:
- Working with Groups of Young People
- Participation
- Creativity
Whilst there was a lot of good introductory material in the first chapter, and a great compendium of activities to help make youth work more creative in the third, it was the second chapter that inspired me the most. Dave Wiles outlined a number of reasons for participation and then highlights some models of participation, for example Roger Hart’s ladder of participation.
The book is a short guide, which given it brevity could be given to volunteers to read, as well as full-time staff.
Filed under: Books, Children's and Youth Work | Leave a Comment »
Posted on December 30, 2009 by Chris
Nurturing the Soul of the Youth Worker by Tim Smith is 
possibly the most helpful book I’ve read this year. I feel like I’ve given my all this year in our youth ministry: we’ve outlined a vision to take us to 2020, we’ve started a number of key projects including a couple of lunch clubs a week in a local secondary school, sourcing £38,000 for the development of a youth cafe, five residentials, and all the normal weekly activities, events and pastoral issues a youth worker deals with.
I’m beginning to feel worn out, to feel low. So during a few days off before Christmas when I picked a book to read, I was encouraged greatly to start reading this book. It’s premise is that for a youth leader to minister well s/he needs to be coming from a good lace. We need to look after ourselves, or nurture our soul, to be able to effectively minister.
As I read the ten chapters there were so many lines and paragraphs that jumped out at me I won’t even begin to sum them up. I thank God for prompting me to read this book over all the others on my shelf of books to read. The reading of this book and some wonderful conversations with great older people and the context of a baby due in 7 weeks I’ve been convinced to look at how I slow my pace so that I don’t burnout, and how I ensure I’m being fed and nurtured more consistently. When I know more what that looks like I’ll blog some more.
If you haven’t read this book, and you’re a youth worker, do get hold of a copy – it’s awesome.
Filed under: Books, Children's and Youth Work, Personal | 1 Comment »
Posted on December 28, 2009 by Chris
Loved this headline: China opens ‘women only’ car park.
A shopping centre in China’s Hebei province has built a car park with wider spaces that it says is designed especially to suit women drivers. The women-only car park in Shijiazhuang city is also painted in pink and light purple to appeal to female tastes. Official Wang Zheng told AFP news agency the car park was meant to cater to women’s “strong sense of colour and different sense of distance”.The parking bays are one metre (3ft) wider than normal spaces, he said. The Wanxiang-Tiancheng shopping centre had also “installed signs and security monitoring equipment that corresponded more to women’s needs”, he said.
Isn’t is so over stereotyping the genders, plenty of women park better than men, or am I just being very politically correct for once?
Filed under: News | 1 Comment »
Posted on December 27, 2009 by Chris
Just finished The Air I Breathe: Worship as a Way of Life by Louie Giglio. This is possibly my favourite book on worship – it’s so easy to read and yet really challenged me to think wider. My favourite quote from it is:
Worship is the activity of the human soul
It really challenged me that we all worship something, the question is if it isn’t God what is it we’re worshipping?
We’ve spent a lot of this year thinking about the topic of worship, especially around what does it mean that all of our life can be an offering of worship, in our youth work this year. This has been a book that we’ve dropped in and out of and it’s been really helpful.
I thoroughly recommend it.
Filed under: Books, Children's and Youth Work, Church, Theology | 1 Comment »
