John Kidson was Sydney's first specialist Youth Ministry. He was radical. His first job was at Frenchs Forest. Rumour has it that he lived in a caravan on the church's front lawn. We have a lot to thank John for... his deep love and care for the youth of Sydney saw the birth of youth ministry in Sydney as we know it today.
Here is a quote from one of his essays:
'The strategies and underlying principles employed in ministering to christian adolescents should be geared to ensure that youth ministry is a vital dynamic which stirs the hearts and minds and guts of young people; a catalyst to discovering the depth of love God has for them and an aid to realising their potential for loving and serving God now and forever.'
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
God's Glory is Public
Glory... it is a pretty big concept. That is what I am learning right now.
I am diving into Exodus, Isaiah and John's gospel. There is a whole lot of glory.
Observation number 1 is that God's glory is public.
When God's glory comes to town every one knows about it. In Exodus, earthquakes, lightning, fire and thick clouds all represent God's glory. They are not the sort of thing you ignore. Indeed, they cannot be ignored.
In Isaiah, God's glory is not seen in quite the same way. But when Isaiah catches a glimpse in the temple... not only do the cherubim cry out holy, they also cry out that 'the whole earth is full of his glory'. Again, God's glory is public.
In John, God's glory is seen in Jesus' signs/miracles (similar to Exodus' signs and wonders). What is surprising is that the while these signs manifest glory in amazing power, the real high point of glory is Jesus' crucifixion, a moment of weakness. However, it is still public as Jesus says 'But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself'.
Observation number 1. God's glory is public.
I am diving into Exodus, Isaiah and John's gospel. There is a whole lot of glory.
Observation number 1 is that God's glory is public.
When God's glory comes to town every one knows about it. In Exodus, earthquakes, lightning, fire and thick clouds all represent God's glory. They are not the sort of thing you ignore. Indeed, they cannot be ignored.
In Isaiah, God's glory is not seen in quite the same way. But when Isaiah catches a glimpse in the temple... not only do the cherubim cry out holy, they also cry out that 'the whole earth is full of his glory'. Again, God's glory is public.
In John, God's glory is seen in Jesus' signs/miracles (similar to Exodus' signs and wonders). What is surprising is that the while these signs manifest glory in amazing power, the real high point of glory is Jesus' crucifixion, a moment of weakness. However, it is still public as Jesus says 'But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself'.
Observation number 1. God's glory is public.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Christian Ethics for teenagers... a book in the making
I imagine most people would have on their bucket list to write a book. It has been on my list for a while but I never known what it would be on. Recently I have made a decision.
I would like to write a book that provides a theological basis for Christian Ethics and I want it to be written in such a way that it is appealing and understandable for a teenager.
I think a book like this would be valuable for a couple of reasons:
1. We need to move beyond an ethic that says 'because the bible tells me so.' This is true and my book would say the same thing but often what they are really say is: 'because the bible commands it'. The things is... the bible offers way more than commands.
2. I have read research that suggest that teenagers are faced with more choices than ever before. Take for example, social media. This is a 'new' world and a world where many of us are coming to live. It is a world where in some ways you exist outside your body... could we begin to see the beginnings of virtual churches (it may already be happening!). This is just one aspect of social media that needs thinking about. We need to be thinking ethically as we come to live in this new world.
3. Teenagers have less guidance than ever before. We are living in a so called 'post church' society with a less defined family unit which can leave the teenager with few models models and little ethical instruction. Teenagers are looking for a framework for their lives. Christian ethics can give them this and more importantly can give them Jesus!
Anyway... there is my book.
I would like to write a book that provides a theological basis for Christian Ethics and I want it to be written in such a way that it is appealing and understandable for a teenager.
I think a book like this would be valuable for a couple of reasons:
1. We need to move beyond an ethic that says 'because the bible tells me so.' This is true and my book would say the same thing but often what they are really say is: 'because the bible commands it'. The things is... the bible offers way more than commands.
2. I have read research that suggest that teenagers are faced with more choices than ever before. Take for example, social media. This is a 'new' world and a world where many of us are coming to live. It is a world where in some ways you exist outside your body... could we begin to see the beginnings of virtual churches (it may already be happening!). This is just one aspect of social media that needs thinking about. We need to be thinking ethically as we come to live in this new world.
3. Teenagers have less guidance than ever before. We are living in a so called 'post church' society with a less defined family unit which can leave the teenager with few models models and little ethical instruction. Teenagers are looking for a framework for their lives. Christian ethics can give them this and more importantly can give them Jesus!
Anyway... there is my book.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
History of Youth Ministry in Sydney (Part 2)
Following Begbie, the next direction in loving the youth of Sydney was the appointment of G Delbridge in 1942. He was the first Chaplain for Youth. His roles included vocational advice, missions for youth, coaching youth with college applications and increasing the number of CEBS branches. He was a busy man.
His roles are not what we would expect from a youth minister today. However, one writer commented there is 'little doubt that Delbridge would have argued what he was doing, in addition to overt evangelization, flowed out of the Gospel he proclaimed.'
His love for the youth of Sydney meant he did not just outline a few propositions of what the gospel was all about but rather springing from the gospel he was involved in their lives. He preached and embodied the gospel.
The lesson for us today... we must not only preach Jesus... we need to live Jesus, as those who went before us have done.
His roles are not what we would expect from a youth minister today. However, one writer commented there is 'little doubt that Delbridge would have argued what he was doing, in addition to overt evangelization, flowed out of the Gospel he proclaimed.'
His love for the youth of Sydney meant he did not just outline a few propositions of what the gospel was all about but rather springing from the gospel he was involved in their lives. He preached and embodied the gospel.
The lesson for us today... we must not only preach Jesus... we need to live Jesus, as those who went before us have done.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Rebecca Black - Friday
I just read a blog that referred to this song as being 'hilariously awful'. I checked it out and yes it made me laugh out loud. If you are time poor, at least skip forward to about the 2:15 mark... write those lyrics down because they are incredibly insightful (if you are not sure where Friday comes in the week).
Sunday, March 13, 2011
4 tips for running faster
1. Speed training. This can take many forms. The most common is running a couple of 400s with breaks in between each one. Aim to run at about 80%. Start your first session small (maybe 3x400s) and gradually build up. Apparently, you reach your peak speed after 10 weeks of this training... after 10 weeks take some time off otherwise you will see your next PB drift off into the distance.
2. Go long once a week. I was told if you're wanting a quick 10k time try and go long (20km) once a week.
3. Use shorter steps. It does not sound right to me but apparently the shorter your steps the faster you will go.
4. Do some hill training. Find a hill and run up and down it a few times. Again, gradually build up the number of reps as you get stronger.
To reach that PB there is an order to follow... first go long (10 wks), then do some hills (10 wks) and finally get your speed training on (10wks). Too easy (not!)
I am currently in phase one trying to go long at least once a week... If you want to go long with me... 6am Saturday.
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