There is a growing problem within American evangelical churches. Our churches are becoming increasingly biblically illiterate. Bible literacy refers to the capacity for individuals to personally read and properly understand the Word of God in order to both obey and convey its teachings to others. A 2015 article by Ed Stetzer on Smallgroups.com addresses the [...]
The effects of social media and technology on the life of a teenager can be seen in almost every aspect of their lives. There is great debate about the effects of social media and technology on the literacy of teenagers. Data shows that teens are reading less, but there is also data to suggest that [...]
I believe strongly in the power of Christ-centered discipleship. When I entered student ministry, I felt a strong calling on my life to disciple young people and make them disciples. Now I know what you’re thinking, “Wow, Zane that was some real earth-shattering insight,” but hear me out. I believe most of us in student [...]
Ghosting: Urban dictionary defines it as: “When a person cuts off all communication with their friends or the person they’re dating, with ZERO warning or notice beforehand.” We have all had the talk with a student about someone they were either dating or talking to, and they say, “I think they blocked me” or “I [...]
Finding a balance when teaching at church about sexuality is difficult. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had a youth pastor say to me, “I was going to do a purity series, but the parents got upset.” As a college minister, we talk about sex all the time. It’s a good thing the [...]
Student ministry is challenging work. I don’t know about you, but I am often asked by people who learn that I serve with students: “Why would you ever want to do that?” Teenagers can be difficult. They come with lots of drama, attitude and other challenges. Yet as those serving students, we are called not [...]
Scooter Kellum says there are a lot of things that could define a youth conference. And he doesn’t mind if the state’s SPEAK conference offers some of them — like good music, Krispy Kreme donuts and a packed late-night concert. But most of all, he wants the youth who attend SPEAK every year to see [...]
Five years ago, Shantrice Coleman got talked into going to a youth camp against her better judgment. “I really wasn’t for it,” she said. “I had been in a church a couple of times, but I didn’t really know what it was all about.” Ultimately the idea of a road trip to Tennessee convinced her [...]
Chris Mills said he can think of several people he knows who came to faith in Christ in middle school, in high school and in college. And he said he knows that happened because God moved and because a fellow student was bold enough to live out the gospel and share Christ with them. “We [...]
Using the hashtag #speak17, students took their praise of Alabama’s annual SPEAK conference to the place they know best — social media. By the end of the conference, held July 21–22 at Vaughn Forest Church, Montgomery, more than 600 Instagram posts and dozens of tweets and Facebook posts featured the hashtag. “With my faves,” posted [...]