Fighting the 'But Then' in Student Ministry Worship
It’s 5:30 PM. The service starts at 8:00, and rehearsal starts in an hour. I’ve prayed, practiced, and maybe even fasted in preparation for the night. Our ministry is growing, and I’m particularly excited about building on the momentum of prior weeks for what I anticipate will be a great night of worship. But then my phone rings and our electric guitarist can’t play… All of a sudden, my sentiments move from anticipatory and expectant to disappointed and doubting.
It doesn’t take a great theologian or academic to see that this is foolish and elementary.
Was I planning and preparing a night of worship or was it something else – a performance? A sing along? A feel good service for yours truly? Keep reading
Rethinking the Student's Place in Missions
Most college students like me hear "missions" and immediately think of handing out tracts, putting up buildings, or feeding impoverished kids. While I do not question the enthusiasm or sincerity of those who hold this view, I cannot help but wonder if we are missing far greater opportunities to effectively share the gospel. Keep reading
How Logic Can Help Save a College Student's Faith
Many students find they don't need to get into heated argument or even say much at all in defense of their faith. They merely apply the law of non-contradiction to criticism. Sometimes they ask a simple question of clarification. An agnostic professor might say, "When it comes to matters of faith or God, you can't be certain about anything." A student like Stephen may think, Are you certain about that? A professor of sociology will say, "The religious must accept the reality and goodness of gay marriage, because we can't tolerate a lack of tolerance." A student who knows the logical principle of non-contradiction may ask, "Why are you being so intolerant of intolerance?" An atheistic lecturer may say, "You should reject belief in God, because you can't know anything is true unless it is scientifically verifiable, tested, and proven." But has her theory been verified, tested, or proven? Was it proven in the lab? If so, when? Where is the data? Because if this professor's statement is correct that her theory (which is really a philosophy) has not been proven in the lab—scientifically verified and tested—then why should we believe it is true? Keep reading
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