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YouthWorker eJournal - Jan. 30, 2008
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Steroids: From Sports to Music
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Mary J. Blige is known for singing candidly about her own life and struggles. Does that mean the title of her latest album, Growing Pains, could refer to her steroid-swollen head? Blige, along with fellow recording artists 50 Cent, Timbaland, and Wyclef Jean, have been linked to an ongoing steroids investigation, according to the Times Union of Albany, N.Y. While some athletes have long used steroids to improve their on-field performance (despite the fact they can cause liver damage, increased aggression and oversized heads, among other side effects), it's unlikely the drugs do much for the vocal chords. But some experts understand the attraction: Steroids are said to help retard the aging process, as well."The music business is a young person's business, so there's certainly a premium on appearing young or appearing younger," said image consultant John Battaglia. "So certainly people really can do a lot of different things — sometimes going to very extreme measures in their appearance — to be able to give a youthful image." (MTV)
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Girls' Weight Gain: Tied to Social Status
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Researchers have found that girls who think they're unpopular now are at higher risk of gaining weight later. The study, led by Adina Lemeshow of the New York City Department of Health, found that adolescent girls between the ages of 12 and 18 were 69 percent more likely to gain significant weight if they thought themselves unpopular two years earlier. Other researchers feel it's too early to draw any definite conclusions."Do adolescents become obese because they are not popular, or do they become less popular as they gain weight?" asked Judith Myers-Walls, an associate professor at Purdue University's department of child development and family studies. "It is likely that there is a cycle and that both things are happening."
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ReThink: Decide for Yourself - Is Student Ministry Working? by Steve Wright with Chris GravesInQuest Publishing, 2007, 240 pp., $13.99www.inquest.org
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Steve Wright is a veteran and writes this book from that deep experience in youth ministry. It is filled with personal stories, as well as fascinating stats about the condition of adolescent culture. If you seek a book that distills much of the current research on adolescent culture, this book is a great buy. Other strengths of the book include a wonderful focus on the ecclesiology of youth ministry and a non-negotiable commitment to parental involvement in youth ministry. There seems to be an increase in books dedicated to criticizing what exists with no viable replacement. ReThink spends more time explaining the problems than providing solutions. The first chapter focuses on measuring the current health of youth ministry. One of the gauges of assessment the authors suggest is baptisms. Do you keep baptismal records? Maybe you do. However, I anticipate the authors disconnect with some readers when they use and reference baptistic language. I suggest skipping the first chapter and focus on the last three. The chapter on spiritual formation is the best part of the book.Written to a lay audience, this book would be great to place in the hands of your youth ministry parents. They will see their role much differently as a result.Reviewer Larry Lindquist is Assistant Professor of Pastoral Ministry and Evangelism at Denver Seminary.
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Rx for Economic Woes: Youth Worker Journal!
Everybody's asking: What can we do to cure the nation's economic woes? Our prescription is a steady application of the January/February issue, which focuses on MONEY. Whether you're looking for financial tips from Dave Ramsey, a challenging teaching assignment from Todd Temple or some insights from St. Francis of Assisi, it's all there and ready to cure what ails you.
You can subscribe by clicking here.
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Republican and Democratic candidates are courting Christian voters. That's why Christianity Today interviewed Barack Obama about his faith, values, and policies. Here's part of what he said:
"I am a devout Christian. I believe in the redemptive death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. I believe that that faith gives me a path to be cleansed of sin and have eternal life. But most importantly, I believe in the example that Jesus set by feeding the hungry and healing the sick and always prioritizing the least of these over the powerful."
You can read the entire interview here:
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The YouthWorker eJournal Survey: What Do You Need?
Youth ministry is a demanding job that requires you to be a teacher, pastor, counselor, musician, and friend. Sometimes it all gets to be too much.
If you could request help in one specific area of youth ministry, what would it be? Let us know and we'll report back next time.
If I could have a little help in this area, I know my youth ministry would be more successful:
Improved planning and preparation Better teaching materialsMore time for personal contact with youthFewer hassles from others in our church/organizationDowntime to recharge my batteries with God, family, and friends
Go to youthworker.com to participate in this issue's survey.
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The YouthWorker eJournal Survey Results: What Qualities Will Matter in 2008? Last time, we asked you what qualities and characteristics leaders need today to take us into the future. Here's what you told us:
I think leaders should embody:Change 27%Experience 0%Character 24%Values 48%
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[To subscribe to Youth WorkerJournal, click here]
Thanks for joining us for this issue of the YouthWorker eJournal. See you next time. Sincerely, Steve Rabey, YouthWorker Journal editor, and our entire crew
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Sign up now for a1-year subscription to YouthWorker Journal (the Professional Resource forYouth Ministry).That's 6 great issues for only $39.95- a savings of over 15% off thenewsstand price!
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