The reason that I love statistics is the fact that they tell the cold, hard truth. They do not lie. They reveal reality. They call us to action. Recent statistics indicate that upwards of 70% of students either drop out of church entirely or take a hiatus in their later teenage years or early young … Continue reading 5 Reasons Students are Leaving the Church
Student Ministry
The Delicacy of Language
Teenagers have tempers and can say things that they remember and regret years down the road. It goes without saying that many teenagers speak without thinking. Many teenagers are not the wisest in their choice of words. My mouth got me in much trouble through my child and teenage years, and still does occasionally! Talking … Continue reading The Delicacy of Language
The Truth About Teen’s Lies
Teens are interesting creatures. It doesn't take a psychologist to figure this out! In my teenage years, I lied to friends, teachers, police officers, parents, grandparents, pastors, and even myself. As I look back, I ask myself, "Why did I lie?" I could say I lied for a number of reasons, but the main reason … Continue reading The Truth About Teen’s Lies
Authentic Salvation
We begin each Wednesday night by throwing out a "status update" for the students. This is a sentence that sums of what we are covering that night. It is placed on the screen and the students can post it on their Instagram, snap chat, or any other social media platform they use; but let's be … Continue reading Authentic Salvation
Creek Week 2017 Debrief
When I was in college, at the BCM, the director would throw out a "status update" at the beginning of every message. It was always related to what he was about to preach on. If I were to do that with this, I would say, "Allow the Lord to take root in your life." Allow … Continue reading Creek Week 2017 Debrief
One Week Jesus
My first experience with church camp was the summer after my 8th-grade year. Just months after I was saved, I found myself surrounded by thousands of teenagers at Camp Wow. Many of these were familiar faces from local churches in the Fort Smith area. As a 14-year-old, my mind and attention were taken by so … Continue reading One Week Jesus
13 Reasons…
As a Student Pastor, over students ranging from 7th to 12th grade, I see the daily struggles that this generation faces in and out of school life. Stepping into the halls of the school no longer carries the idea of an academic environment, but a social-driven environment in which a student enters the daily battle … Continue reading 13 Reasons…
Patrick Meador 