Shannon Noll - I Will Run

Shannon's newest single, I Will Run, is a poignant ballad about growing up, and the influence of his father. It also raises a bunch of ideas and issues for young people to think about. You could use it to explore some of the following issues with young people:

Being all you can be
God as father to us
Fathers and their place and role in our lives
Growing into all that we can be
Influence of family

Lyrics Link: http://www.lyricsmania.com/lyrics/shannon_noll_lyrics_1960/lift_lyrics_17042/now_i_run_lyrics_196960.html

How can we use our culture more effectively?

We are surrounded by media in the world we live in. Music. Movies. Technology of all sorts. As a youth worker, I'm always grappling with how can I share the message of Jesus with young people. In this age where they have so many choice about what to see, what to listen to, what to do, how to be, christian faith is just another option. Many of my colleagues across the country and across the world talk often about being "relevant" but what does that mean? How do we be relevant?

I'm a passionate believer in we have to meet people where they are at. It's something that youth workers have realised and grappled and struggled with. I think the challenge for us is helping young people see God in their world. And we can only really do that by using what they are seeing and listening to, and speaking a christian perspective to the issues that are raised in what they are listening to, and seeing, and doing.

The down side to thinking like this is that I'll see a movie or DVD, or listen to a song, and think about the possibilities and issues and topics that they raise. On the one hand, it's a great thing. On the other, it means that I come away from most things with the brain back in work mode for a little while! I'm sure it frustrates my wife sometimes. But, if we are going to help young people come into a relationship with God, we can only do it by meeting them where they are at, and helping see the presence of God in their world, and their lives!

Joining the Blog Phenomenon

Like so many, I thought I'd start dabbling in the whole blog phenomenon. There are a number of reasons why I thought I'd enter the world of blogging:

Partially to see how it all works.
Partially to think about how blogs can be used and developed for ministry.
Partially as an outlet for lots of thoughts and ideas I have, but never have the chance to do anything about.

So, look forward to hearing your thoughts, and sharing the journey with you all!