Monday, January 26, 2009 by Mike Lovato
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Friday, January 23, 2009 by Mike Lovato
We're buying a new house. It can be kinda stressful, but is also very cool. Today was the home inspection. Our home inspector was a cool guy and VERY thorough. He had all sorts of sweet tools like a laser thermometer, thermoimaging camera, and a stick that picks up microwaves. Basically James Bond meets General Contractor. We'll be moving in sometime in late February or so (after a brief stay at Nicole's parents). Here are some pics.
Labels: family
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Tuesday, January 13, 2009 by Mike Lovato
A lengthy strange title, yes. I've been thinking lately about our strategy to bring new students into our Wednesday night high school gathering. We constantly tell students "Bring your friends!" I don't think this works. Now, hear me out, I'm not changing our strategy as Wednesday night being our front door for new students, a safe place to explore Christianity, and a contain a relevant message that applies to both believers and non-believers.
What I am changing is my approach to that. My focus in 2009 is creating a GREAT environment on Wednesday nights. I believe that if we create a place where students experience great relationships, relevant music that connects them to God, a fun time, and a life-changing message THEN students will bring their friends.
That's the type of experience I want to create this year. Yes, we'll still encourage students to bring friends, but our focus and hard work will be on creating a great environment. When God shows up and does something people will invite others to see it. Let's see what He does.
Labels: youth ministry
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Wednesday, January 07, 2009 by Mike Lovato
I've been really digging this series of blog posts by Sean Rheaume, a youth pastor I've recently re-discovered in South Carolina. He's been talking about his top 10 youth ministry mistakes in 2008. Here's a clip of one:
I love creativity, I am not that creative but I love the process. I work hard to package my sermon series in themes that capture students attention. I develop graphics, intro videos, and countdowns to hit home my point. However, sometimes I have let that take priority rather than the things that matter like my prayer life, time with Jesus or sermon development. Three weeks ago is a prime example. I put together an awesome Christmas program with games, videos, skits and dynamic graphics and when I got up to speak I did so with authority only to get home to have my wife blast me for misquoting the Bible not once, not twice but THREE TIMES! I explained that I didn’t spend as much time in sermon prep as normal to her laughing response, “YOU THINK?!?”.
Check out the whole series at
his blog.
Labels: youth ministry
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