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July 2, 2014 by newpeermin

FOR PARENTS: 10+ QUESTIONS

TO ASK YOUR YOUTH AFTER CAMP OR A TRIP 
by Lyle Griner, National Peer Ministry Leadership Director

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(Permission to use and adapt for your local communications.)

Dear Parents,

After  camp,  mission trip, the gathering, an amazing excursion, What to ask?

We all ask, “Was it fun?”
I hope it was! But I hope the experience was bigger, broader and deeper than just fun. I hope fun is not the only measurement used to evaluate this experience.

Here is what I know…
“The only time anyone learns anything is when they reflect on it.” Thus, I need your help. In the days, weeks and months ahead, I need your help in asking the important questions. What gets reflected on, what gets attention, that is what likely will live beyond the experience.

Go slowly.
The experience had it’s own culture, a different environment,  a different rhythm, new relationships, even new takes on life and faith. It is hard to  jump back into the old routines. Expect and allow life to be different. Ask questions over the next days, weeks, even months.

Ask questions.
You have to expect and then wait to get past the van breaking down, the burnt soup, the practical joke. You normally get to hear those first.

    Listen, don’t evaluate, challenge, or jump in with your stories! Let your son or daughter own and grow from their experience. Here are some questions you will want to ask.

    • What was one of your favorite parts of the experience?
    • What did you experience or feel that you never have before?
    • What are  you coming home with? (Other than lots of dirty clothes.) 
    • What was life-shaping, even life-changing for you?
    • What memory do you think will stick with you?
    • How was faith your faith shaped? Your view of life shaped? Your reflections on relationships?
    • Was there a deeper part of the trip? How would you describe that part of your experience?
    • What challenged you?
    • Who shaped your faith? Who modeled Christ?  In what ways?
    • After this experience, what should I learn from you? 

    The ultimate learning experience comes when we let our young people be our teachers. Be ready to allow something new, ready to be challenged, even enter into a new practice of life and faith.

      Blessings!
      YOUR NAME (Your lovable, adorable youth minister / Pastor.)

      Filed Under: Blog, REPRINT THIS

      May 20, 2014 by newpeermin

      NEEDED

      NEEDED 
      People Who Know People
      (reprint this)

      You know people? Then we need you!
      You know people who you have fun with, who you study, play, text, compete, laugh, hang-out, sing, work and who you call family.

      You also know people, who struggle with life’s stuff! Often they are the same people.

      Maybe, you know someone who…
      • is going through family changes because of separation or divorce?
      • gets depressed often?
      • has been in a relationship or friendship that is going bad?
      • has over used drugs or alcohol?
      • likely has an eating disorder?
      • gets left out, made fun, even bullied?
      • uses self-harm, or cutting as an escape?
      • has been abused?
      • thinks about suicide?
      • is grieving from someone close who has died?
      • The list could go on!
      The point is, you are daily aware of the hard stuff people deal with!
             Ever wish you knew how to help?
                    Knew what to say?
                           Had more confidence to do something?

      That is why our youth ministry exists. That is why we are “Youth Ministry” instead of “Youth Group.”

      “Group” would be an inward facing club that only cares about ourselves. “Ministry” is all about us being better at caring, welcoming and affirming people. We gather in order to know how to care for others! “We love, because Christ first loved us!”

      Youth Ministry?
      “Fun?” Always, just because we are who we are!
      But also, purposeful, meaningful, encouraging, equipping ministry; because you know people! The same people God created and loves.

      Come, all the time, some of the time, even one time! You are always welcome! You are always needed! We are here to help you care for all the people you know.

      (Written by Lyle Griner © 2014  Peer Ministry Leadership.  Permission to reprint granted for local church communications.  I would love to hear how it is used!)

      For youth ministry programs
      that grow in spiritual depth
      and expand in numbers
      invite a PML trainer to work with you and your leaders
      in proven elements that work.
      Just ask!
      EMAIL today to learn more!
      612-418-5572
      Explore the website.

      Filed Under: Blog, REPRINT THIS

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      Peer Ministry Leadership

      PML works with all denominations. The theology is Christian, and flows from the Good Samaritan Story, with an emphases on relational caring, welcoming and affirming skills. PML is a good fit for many denominations and adapts well for various settings.
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