The SLAM's Blog

Parenting with Hope in the Worst of Times

6one6 — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 04:02:08 +0000

The following is a blog from the Desiring God Resource Site (fyi… awesome site!). Check it out.

http://www.desiringgod.org/Blog/2309_parenting_with_hope_in_the_worst_of_times/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+DGBlog+%28DG+Blog%29

Hope you enjoy!

WINTER RETREAT!!!!

6one6 — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 22:32:35 +0000

Remember, sign-ups for winter retreat are due to the Journey Office on Thursday, March 11, by 10AM. Please let Chris know if you have any questions!

Parenting Advice from 2 Guys that Do Not Have Kids

slamjourney — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 20:31:24 +0000

Ok, so I know this is going to sound a little strange, but the following is not just an update on what is going on at the SLAM, but is also some advice about parenting from 2 guys (Andy Garber [Student Ministries Coordinator] and Chris Townley [Student Ministries Pastor] that do not have kids.

A couple weeks ago, I (AG) read a great book that I believe every parent should read. Now, before you turn me off, let me explain. This book “The Last Christian Generation” by Josh McDowell brought to light some very scary, and saddening realities concerning the churched youth in America today. Here is a quick glimpse:

65% of churched youth believe that there is NO WAY to tell which religion is true.
63% of churched youth do not believe that Jesus is the true, only Son of God.
51% of churched youth do not believe that Jesus actually, physically rose from the dead.

As someone that works with the churched youth in America, this broke my heart. Students are not understanding the most basic, foundational truths that are at the very heart of the Christian faith. So often we work to help the students trust and put their faith in Jesus, but the question comes down to “Which Jesus are they putting their trust into?”. If our students do not understand the most foundational truths about Christianity (Jesus is the Son of God, He physically died on a cross, and He physically rose again), how can we ever expect them to walk with God for a lifetime and see the transforming power that He can have on their lives? we need to get back to the basics. We need to make sure our students have a clear picture of who the True God of the Bible really is, and how He has designed us to interact with Him.

PARENTS, THIS IS WHERE YOU COME IN. This needs to start at the home. As much as I would like to say that I have an immense impact on the spiritual lives of your children, it pales in comparison to you! Your impact, in every capacity (but especially spiritually), will impact the life of your student far greater than any impact that any youth group will. The truth is, we need to get back to the basics.

This week at the SLAM, I spoke on John 14:6. “Jesus said to him (Thomas), ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one can come to the Father except through Me’.” I wanted to get to the heart of what Jesus had to say about this, and the truthful realities and foundations of His life. I also spoke to the students about those statistics mentioned above. As I was preparing this message, I thought, “I know these statistics, but our students must be exceptional. I do not think they follow this same trend. Our students understand these truths.” At one point in my message I asked them, “Is Jesus a truthful reality (fact), or a preference (opinion). I was shocked by their answers. Almost all of them, far greater than 65%, said preference. It broke my heart. I know it is hard to hear, but your students, are not understanding the truthful foundations of Jesus and Christianity.

Now, again, please do not take offense to this, but we need to get back to the basics; and it starts at the home. We at the SLAM are committed to doing what we can to help. But that is it… help. We are here to help. We are not here to give students all that they need for spiritual survival. We are here to help you (parents) as you love and guide your children to Jesus Christ.

Now this weekend, it is Student Takeover! We are running the place. The message this weekend will be coming from Chris Townley, and he will be talking more about these kind of ideas (just a sneak peek… you have to come to hear the rest). My point in writing this is to encourage you. Talk to your students about what they think. Their minds are asking questions. I want to encourage you to come back to the foundational truths of who Jesus is. I want to encourage you that we (Chris, Kate, and myself) are here to help. I want to encourage you to check out Josh McDowell’s book, “The Last Christian Generation” (if you want to borrow mine, give me a call). I want to encourage you to love your children greater, and value their spirituality as one of the highest priorities. Please let us know how we can help.

Put Your Clothes On!

6one6 — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 19:19:39 +0000

So with Valentine’s Day almost here, we thought it would be the perfect time to talk about Dating/Relationships at the SLAM! Our new series, “Put Your Clothes On” began last night, and Chris talked through Colossians 3:12-13 and I Timothy 4:12. He talked about various instances that show when people are in an unhealthy, ungodly, unglorifying realtionship. The students discussed the elements essential for a healthy, God-glorifying relationship. The students were also challenged to examine their lives and relationships (if they are currently in one). Parents, please talk to your students about this. I know, they seem so young, but they are asking! They want to know! They are older and exposed to more than you think! And as much as we would love to guide them and teach them here at the SLAM, your influence will be 100x greater than ours. Continue to talk to your students about their relationships, and let them ask questions. This week, continue to work through Colossians 3:12-13 and I Timothy 4:12 with them. If you have any questions, please let us know. Also, hope you enjoy the new graphic… and don’t forget about those February Reading Plans!

February Reading Plans

slamjourney — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 22:34:15 +0000

Hey guys, here is the February Reading Plan for the SLAM! Click the link to download it. Have your students read it, sign it, and bring it back to us for a sweet surprise! Enjoy.

SLAM February Reading Plan – Acts

Broomball Pics!

6one6 — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 18:56:42 +0000

Here are some awesome pictures from our amazing night of BROOMBALL! Thanks to Josie B. and Molly H. for taking these and getting them together. More will be on the way!

Group Shot via Josie B.

BROOMBALL!

slamjourney — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 23:46:25 +0000

Last night was amazing! We took 19 middle school students and marched them 5 blocks to the closest ice rink (it looked hilarious! They looked like little ducklings, all carrying brooms!). Once we got there, we had an EPIC BROOMBALL BATTLE! Students lined up in 2 different teams, on the ice, in their shoes, with their brooms… and then the chaos began! They battled, slipped, and laughed for a full 45 minutes! They final score was 6 to 5… the green team won on a last second goal! It was awesome! Cannot wait to see what happens next week! Hope to see you there!