The Letter

The letter was one page and hand written. It was filled with Encouragement. Hopes. Dreams. Goals. Direction. Questions.

As I read this letter the penmanship was familiar but I could not place it at first. It was a very personal letter as it asked very detailed questions that obviously had intimate knowledge of my life.

It was an encouraging letter in my work with Toronto Youth for Christ, my leadership, vision and direction moving forward into a new year. Was my staff feeling encouraged and valued in not only their work but in their lives.

It then moved into asking me how my commitment to my wife as her husband and best friend or even how I am setting an example to my son as a man, husband and father.

The challenge came when it asked me about specific books that I had just read and they knew the books on my "too read" shelf. Had I been challenged, provoked to action or action from what I read?

At this point I knew who had authored this letter.

This was a letter that I had written to myself 5-months earlier.

This was a fun exercise and allowed me to refocus, remember, challenge and encourage myself based on intimate knowledge of my life.

Even if you actively journal throughout your year, to receive a letter from yourself is like having the image in the mirror talk back to you about your life.

Conversations

Conversations are one of the most humbling, inspiring, deflating and empowering experiences that humans can have. Did you know that the average human being uses over 16,000 words on a daily basis?

With all the words that are being exchanged, do you ever wonder what is really being talked about? This past summer I sat down with some creative friends of mine to produce a video dedicated to conversations. Here is what we came up with:

How are you leveraging conversations with your family, friends, people in your ministry, volunteers and others to be a source of inspiration and joy? What other tips do you have to generate conversations that matter and have an impact on the lives of others?

Parents

One-on-one time with parents without kids around is very valuable.

I see the value in asking questions privately with every set of parents represented in the youth ministry on a consistent basis. Through these questions I am helping parents discover more about themselves, their kids and their spiritual relationship with God. Here are two questions I use that sparks great discussion.

What things are happening in your family and the life of your student that would help our youth leaders know how to better work with your student?

Partnering with parents involves both parties understanding and agreeing on the spiritual direction they are going together and both parties need to communicate with each other. You MUST listen to parent share stories about their families and their kids, you MUST also share stories about your observations and experiences with their students and youth ministry.

How are you doing spiritually?

The spiritual health of students is dependant upon the spiritual health of their parents. Depending on their answer or silence, you have a great opportunity to focus on them and coach them at this point.

Jeff Smyth is a youth worker who has been involved in both the local church and non-profit areas of Canada. He works with DOXA Toronto, providing resources, training and coaching for local churches. Jeff lives in Toronto with his wife Heather and son Nathan. Jeff's blog ThinkYouthMinistry.com

What is a Disciple? Part 2

Let me clarify. Last week I posted about What is a Disciple? and I was blunt yet something was missing.

After some reflection and some honest conversations with Jesus I need to admit that my attitude was wrong. I was complaining about the problem yet unwilling to do something about it. That's right, I became "one of those people" that I dislike. You know the one's I mean.

So now I'm asking for your help. I need you to help me as I work through this. Are you in?

The best way for us to move forward is to ask some questions that might lead us to clarity and understanding.

QUESTIONS

• Who do you know that has intentional discipleship/mentoring from a biblical Christian perspective happening in their youth ministry?
• Should discipleship/mentoring be cross generational?
• What's worked and what hasn't?

what other questions have you thought of that I'm missing?

I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this subject.

Jeff Smyth is husband to Heather and father of one active boy Nathan. He has been involved youth ministry for 15 years in both the local church and non-profit areas of Canada. He has been serving for the past 3 years as the coordinator of community initiatives with DOXAToronto.com the Scarborough arm of Youth Unlimited (Toronto YFC). Learn more about him by visiting ThinkYouthMinistry.com or follow him @jeffsmyth