Youth Ministry Done Right

Posted on January 19, 2018 by Greg Peterson

Almost 4 years ago, I began full-time youth ministry in a local church here in NW Arkansas. This is certainly not my first go-around with youth ministry in terms of leading and volunteering. However, this is the first time I believe I am doing youth ministry in a way that pleases God and is faithful to His Word. How do I know this?

Before I arrived in Arkansas, I wrote up a Philosophy of Youth Ministry in order to get my head on straight of why I do what I do with the youth and church I serve. I wrote a summary of that here on PS23 in a past blog.… Continue reading

Evangelism Excuses

Posted on October 27, 2017 by Greg Peterson

A few months ago, I wrote the following:

I don’t know about you, but I am an excellent excuse-maker. For example, I am a master at convincing myself why I don’t need to exercise, or why I need another bowl of ice cream, or why I need to watch “this” sporting event, even if I am up late. My personal excuses, in these ways and others, are (to me!) water-tight, air-locked, drop-the-mic conclusive. To be persuaded otherwise, it would take an incredible proof or motivation ……. or just my wife giving me that “look” (and you married guys know what I am saying).… Continue reading

Why Post-High School Teens Leave the Church – Repost

Posted on August 18, 2017 by Greg Peterson

It’s August here in America and school has started once again. Everyone has moved up and grade and is excited for the up-and-coming year.

What we might have forgotten is that a whole group of teens have just recently graduated and are in college. It is at this point we find out if their faith they professed in High School is real. For many, the mask comes off and we see the ugliness of sin that has always been there. How does this happen? How can a “good” kid go off to college and then leave the church and the faith? … Continue reading

Readiness = Godliness

Posted on June 9, 2017 by Greg Peterson

“Ready or not, here I come” is a common phrase used of children (or their parents) when playing Hide-and-Seek. This phrase could also be applied to Jesus’ return. God the Father has set redemptive history before the foundation of the world and Jesus’ return will come exactly when He has planned. The question is, are you ready? Because He is coming whether you are ready or not. Let’s explore readiness for a few moments.

There are two major sermons in the Gospel of Matthew. The first being the Sermon on the Mount in chs 5-7, in which Jesus shows what kingdom people look like.… Continue reading

Reprise: A Gospel Conversation

Posted on March 22, 2017 by Andy Lynch

The adult Sunday School Class at the local church I serve has recently taken up the topic of evangelism. In this class we are all seeking to better understand the concept of evangelism and what it is as well as what it is not. During the first part of our study of this topic we are focusing on answering the question “What is the Gospel?” by utilizing the book of the same name authored by Greg Gilbert (reviewed here). As part of this endeavor each week we look to provide biblical answers to questions which arise from our study. This week part of the assignment is to answer a series of questions which explain to whom man is accountable, what is the chief problem facing man, what is the solution to this problem as provided by God, and finally how do we respond to this information.… Continue reading