Watch Orange Conference LIVE here!

April 27, 2016 by Chris Parker Leave a Comment

This week is going to be awesome! What am I looking forward to the most? Glad you asked. The people. There are over 8,000 ministry leaders here who give much of their life to the next generation. The amount of influence in this place is awesome. I look forward to exchanging learnings, failures and successes with other ministry leaders. Want to learn with us this week but couldn’t make it? No worries, check out the LIVE feed here or come back for updates.

If you’re at #OC16 and want to stay connect this week hit me up on Twitter.

The power of the prop.

March 23, 2016 by Chris Parker 1 Comment

“That was a great message.”

“I get it now, that was super helpful.”

“I will never forget when you brought that up on stage”

I get these kinds of responses from students and leaders after a message when I use a prop.

The power of a prop can completely change the message for someone.

A prop is necessary. There are a variety of learning styles out there. The most popular styles include auditory, tactile and visual. When you speak to a group on a weekly basis and all you do is speak you are catering to a portion of the audience that connects well to the auditory learning style. What about those that are tactile and visual learners? Props are necessary for these types of learners. Recently I’ve told my middle school speakers that they need to use at least one prop in their message. I believe we are connecting more with students in this way.

A prop is memorable. I remember when I was 12 years old my pastor speaking on Matthew 7:3 – “”Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?” I’ll never forget when he pulled a 2×4 out from behind the pulpit and started walking around on stage speaking with it at eye-level as if it were coming out of his eye. This prop has stuck with me for 17 years. When I think about judging people, I think about the 2×4 I’m carrying around myself before I say anything. You never know how far a prop may carry into someone’s future.

A prop creates anticipation. When a student walks into a room and sees a cardboard box on stage they react, “Hmm. I wonder what that’s for?” The speaker begins his/her message and the audience knows at some point they will reference the box. The prop keeps the audience engaged and suspended in wonder of when and how the prop might be used.

Jesus used props. Who better to learn from that Jesus himself?! He knew that his audience had things around them all the time that would illustrate and reinforce the main ideas He would teach. A cup of water, a loaf of bread, a stone, a mustard seed. He took things that people completely understood to help them understand a greater truth. When we use props to reinforce what Scripture says we are teaching the way Jesus taught.

How often do you use props to illustrate your messages?

What’s one of the most memorable props you’ve seen used to illustrate a message?

REMINDER! PRICE GOES UP TOMORROW FOR OC16

March 17, 2016 by Chris Parker Leave a Comment

As a youth pastor I found that my best practices come from those who have been where I am headed. Discussing the current opportunities and challenges that come with leading in the church today is one of the things I look forward to the most at the Orange Conference. I believe that the Orange Conference could be the biggest bang for your buck if you work with kids/students or oversee a staff that does. (senior leaders/pastors)

THE PRICE GOES UP TOMORROW // REGISTER TODAY!

I value strategy…it’s one of my strengths. Attending the Orange Conference is one of the most strategic things I believe you could do for your ministry. Arriving in Atlanta is kinda like arriving at Grand Central Station for youth ministry, it’s a massive hub that we all have in common but there are different trains to board for different destinations. Perhaps you want to learn more about small group leading…they have a class for that. Or perhaps you are trying to blend a kids and students ministry into one common vision and become NextGen, they have classes for that, or maybe you just simply want to become a better leader, they have a class for that too. The possibilities are endless on what you will learn, who you will meet, and how your church will benefit from this.

Be strategic. Get to the Orange Conference. I’ll see you there.

Should I become an intern?

February 4, 2016 by Chris Parker 1 Comment

I have friends that have been in school for 25 years non-stop, graduating from high school, attending college, then on to get their masters and even a doctorate! Attending ivey-league schools and graduating top in their class you think they would be ready to conquer the world. Unfortunately, the classroom and textbooks will only cater so much knowledge to the developing brain of someone ready to dive into their calling. Going to school for something is a great foundation to build upon and I believe its necessary but much of school is a repetitive cycle of learning how to learn. When graduating from most schools the diploma basically reads, “We recognize this person has the self discipline to obtain information and practice that information.”

Now, before you get upset about me dismissing your nephew that worked three part-time jobs to get himself through college, I applaud him, I know it’s hard work…I lived it and I believe he will be better because of it. I’m not minimizing the information learned in the classroom, like I said, it’s necessary. What happens after graduation though? Should we be given a job of our choice just because we graduated top in our class? I believe that method has come and gone. Long ago in the 90’s my generation was promised by parents and teachers alike, “Go to college and get your degree so you can have the job of your dreams.”

It happens every single year. I hear a story about a student that is $100k in debt for going to college to study their “dream job” and after graduation they are working at the local grocery store. What?! It never gets old and always surprises me, and I always ask the question…”So what are they going to do?” Many times people shrug and say, “I don’t know.”

Enter the internship model. Interning, shadowing, residency, apprentice work – this mindset has been around since the beginning of time. Sit under the expert you want to learn from and keep learning until they believe you are ready to be on your own. My college offered “internship” programs that were really self selected. You want to be a youth pastor? Pick a church and youth pastor you want to learn from, have them agree to the timeline and get them to sign off on your hours, but it is so much more than that.

An internship is not simply a stepping stone into your job of choice, it’s an opportunity for learning that you will not get in the classroom. Too many students I talk to look at an internship as the final hoop to jump through, the icing on the cake or even a guaranteed position at the company where they are interning. Remember, nothing is guaranteed and the internship is a learning opportunity. So learn, learn, learn! Take notes, ask questions, be available, execute tasks given to you.

I was an intern in my field both prior going to college and post college…oh and during college.

PRE-COLLEGE I was offered an internship my senior year of high school into my freshmen year of college, I took it to see if I really wanted to do what I was feeling called to do. A pre-college internship is a wonderful opportunity to confirm your desires to be a __________. I would highly encourage this option if you can find it before spending loads of your parents money or the money you don’t have on a college education in a field you may eventually despise. I went to the local community college and took care of my basics during my internship.

DURING COLLEGE These are not simply the education years but the networking years. Get to know people that do what you want to do. Begin chasing down leads, take them out to coffee and pick their brain on the vocation they are living out daily. You will begin to see another side to this role you are studying in the classroom. Do they have an opening for custodial work during the week or need someone to greet clients at the front desk? Seize the opportunity. It’s amazing what you can learn about a profession by simply living in that world a few hours out of the week. You never know who you might meet, it could be your future boss.

POST-COLLEGE Perhaps one of the most critical times to intern yet short lived by many. Young professionals want the paycheck and the title. Both will come with time but perhaps the best next step is to find the person you want to learn from. Perhaps you are following in someone’s footsteps, just ask them, “What do you think about me shadowing you for a year?” If they say no, ask them who they might suggest. When you intern for someone or a company you will quickly see that you are taking on a specific DNA of how something is accomplished. Remember, it’s not the only way to do things. Just as much as an internship is learning how to do things it’s also a place to make promises to yourself such as, “I will never do it that way.”

In closing, I hope you find the job of your dreams. I believe if you chase after what you believe you were created to do it will eventually happen with time but time best spent could be learning from someone that is currently living it.

I’m really excited about the opportunity we have for those that are interested in entering into vocational ministry. If you want to be a youth pastor, worship leader, program director, church planter we have a pretty neat program for you. Its a front row seat to the daily life of those on staff at a church, the good bad and ugly.

This is not an internship. It’s so much more. The Leadership Development Program is an immersive ministry experience with mentoring and leadership training. You will do hands-on ministry and work along-side our staff teams and our goal is that after this experience, you will be ready to find a full time staff position at a church or para-church ministry. Come get prepared! To learn more, download the description of the Leadership-Development-Program and then click here to apply!

I am thrilled to be one of those on our staff team that speaks into the future leaders of the church and love sharing my success and failures with those that want to learn. If you are interested in a learning opportunity in Austin, TX this is a great one! I’d be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding the leadership development program. Don’t hesitate to reach out!

Finding rest in your role.

January 27, 2016 by Chris Parker Leave a Comment

So you are a youth pastor too? Here’s your week. Going from a meeting with a parent to a meeting with a student back into a meeting with a small group leader after that you are discussing trip locations for mission trips, not to mention that message you need to work on for this weekend, oh and don’t forget about that birthday party you were invited to! Am I accurate in describing this? This is just a standard week in the life of a youth pastor.

Last weekend we had our winter camp. This camp was bucket loads of fun jam packed with long days of worship, camp activities and typical camp shenanigans like random yeti sightings. Although most of the weekend went along without any surprises I was exhausted the days following camp.

Thankfully we agreed as a team that the following day would be an off day, making no appearance in the office and do what you need to do to get rested up. I took the last couple of days to refresh physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Be a couch potato. Most of the time this is frowned upon and anyone that knows me would know I spend very little time watching TV. I’m usually busy with my hands in the garage or doing yard work. The day after camp I literally sat in the same chair almost all day playing a video game and watching some documentaries on Netflix. This allowed for some serious introvert time that was needed post camp.
Go on a walk. Just a quick 20 minute walk through the park by my house allowed me to clear my mind and give space to think about what the next few days needed to look like for a full recovery.
Devotional & Prayer. Currently I’ve been reading and re-reading the Circle Maker prayer devotional, it’s great! Reading this along with scripture and just sitting in silence listening to God is a great exercise anytime, but especially after a loud weekend.
Date my wife. Whether it be to our favorite Tex-Mex spot for nachos, a train ride downtown for sushi or a night in at home, I just love spending time with Calla. We share so many experiences together, including many winter camps. She’s my partner in crime and I can’t imagine doing life without her.
Organize. I do find rest in organizing my garage. I do a lot of projects in our home and for friends, most of those projects are spent using tools and time in the garage. The more organized my garage is the more apt I am to begin and finish a project within a realistic time frame. I become easily frustrated when I begin asking myself the question, “Where is the….”
Into the wild. My backyard is the Texas Hill Country. Within 30 minutes I can get off the beaten path and into the woods, hike alongside a river, explore a canyon, try my best to catch a fish or identify a plant species I’m unfamiliar with. I feel most in touch with my creator when I get away from it all and observe the natural beauty of the wilderness that He has created.
Mix it up. Doing something completely out of the context of your norm is healthy and can bring a refreshing perspective, it’s a vacation from the daily routine. If you do life in the suburbs, go downtown. Haven’t been to a museum since you were in elementary, visit one. Grab a coffee with an old friend you haven’t talked with in a long time.

How do you rest? Share your best rest practices in the comment section!

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

Make a list and check it twice. Event planning in ministry.

December 23, 2015 by Chris Parker Leave a Comment

We have 325 kids/students and 100 adult leaders registered for 2016 Winter Camp. Each year we are growing in attendance by 20%…it’s really fun to watch this thing take off!

Four months ago we launched registration for our winter camp. On August 23, we offered up a family BBQ and open house where parents could hear the vision from our NextGen team and meet their child’s small group leader. As a bonus, incentive, bribe…we promised a promo code to all that attended. This promo code would be good for $25 off of the camp price.

It worked. Really well.

Parents and students showed up in droves, we had almost 1,000 people show up. We had a short program that was jam packed with high energy music and a compelling vision moment from our NextGen pastor, Kenny Conley.

Our team made a decision this year to be finished with “camp stuff” before Christmas. Well, with a few changes on our staff team and one being out with a baby for a few months we slowed down a little bit but we almost did it. In reviewing our project plan we are 85-90% there. We will come back from our week off of work ready to knock it out, but most of the heavy lifting is finished!

When you decide to aim for a due date on any project take this into consideration:

Pick a reasonable due date. If it’s something as big as a camp start planning 5-6 months out.
Work as a team. Assign tasks and sub-tasks to each person on your staff or volunteer team.
Each task or sub-task has it’s own due date to keep things moving along.
Check-in weekly. Pick a time each week to review the checklist, where are you stuck?
Keep this updated in google docs where others can see progress or lack thereof.
Assign one person to be the project manager. This naturally can be the boss/supervisor but someone else on your team may be a better fit because of how they are wired.

My next post will be a step by step checklist with tasks and subtasks that should be helpful for any camp/retreat.

When the youth pastor agrees to be on a NextGen team…

December 22, 2015 by Chris Parker Leave a Comment

I’m halfway through my fourth year on a NextGen team. It has been and continues to be an interesting and eventful ride, I wouldn’t trade the last few years for the world. Joining this team and helping bridge the gap between children and student ministry has been nothing short of a win for our church and the families that attend. I look forward to see the continued evolution of this family ministry team and the way it continues to partner with parents to reach the next generation with the love of God at Gateway Church.

Teamwork.

If you cannot trust the people you work with or you feel that they cannot trust you there will always be conflict, a NextGen team is not exempt. You can learn from each other more than you know, but you must be willing to listen to one another. Because of those on our children’s ministry staff, I have become stronger in the areas of application processes, child safety, parent communication, and volunteer recruitment. Our student ministry is better because of these people. We work together, eat lunches together, dream together, set goals together, argue together, cry together and resolve conflict together. We share a giant desk together.

Perspective.

A few Sundays back I had a guest speaker scheduled for our middle school program. This allowed me to float into other ministry areas and troubleshoot things that I might not be able to on a Sunday in which I am teaching. I do this often. This particular Sunday I wandered into the early childhood area. I was quickly asked if I could sub as a leader for a group of kindergarten boys. It was AWESOME! These little guys were full of life, rip-roaring and ready to go. As I learned their names and we talked about teenage mutant ninja turtles, I had a thought…”These are my future 6th grade boys, future graduated seniors!” I care just as much about what is going on in pre-school and elementary as I do high school because one day I know they will land in student ministry, and I want them to be ready for that. The parents of the 7th grade girl in your ministry also have a 4th grade boy. Until you realize that you exist to bridge the gap between the church and the home AND the age groups you exist to support you will always see silos in ministry. The reason the NextGen team works is because you are not simply thinking of yourself and what’s best for your particular ministry, you are willing to dive into the weeds of your peer’s problems and help them when help is needed, and won’t hesitate to ask them to do the same for you.

Attitude.

Get over yourself. It’s not about you. It’s about doing your very best to love, provide spiritual care, emotional support and direction to the families and volunteers/leaders that have been entrusted to you (read the parable of the talents). You do have to stand up for the things you feel convicted about or the areas you have experience in from time to time, but it should not trump teamwork or perspective. A sour attitude because of not “winning” a debate on a ministry decision, a tshirt design, ministry name, or where resources are being allocated will only cripple your leadership. If you have a bad attitude toward someone on the team or a situation that has occurred you need to work it out! Otherwise your team will have a very difficult time moving forward as a team and you will become a silo. This defeats the whole purpose of working on a NextGen team.

Final Thoughts.

To the youth pastor out there that is considering a position on a NextGen (family ministry team) or to the NextGen pastor that is seeking a youth/student pastor to join their team…you both are in for it. It takes patience, humility, willingness to learn from each other and building off the best found in each of your teammates. You both will need the backing of higher leadership, help them understand what you are trying to accomplish through this transition, make sure they are on board and keep them updated throughout the process. Trust your instinct. You are in the position you are in for a reason. If you feel convicted about something along the way, you NEED to bring that to your team, they and your church will benefit from it if implemented appropriately. Lastly, if this is new territory for your church I’d encourage you to reach out to other teams that appear to do this well. Schedule a visit, ask questions, take pictures, ask if they would be willing to share documents, etc.

What has been your experience on a NextGen team? What are your biggest wins? What are your biggest hurdles?

5 (reasonably priced) gift ideas for small group leaders and volunteers

December 3, 2015 by Chris Parker 3 Comments

I love my small group leaders! These people volunteer so much time energy throughout the year.

Tis the season we all think about gift giving. If you are good at appreciating your leaders/volunteers you should think about gift giving year round. When you give a gift you simply appreciate them for who they are and let them know you notice what they contribute to your ministry. I personally need to work on this more.

If I could, I’d buy all my SGL’s Ferraris…but that’s not gonna happen for obvious reasons.

Here are 5 (reasonably priced) gift ideas for your small group leaders: [Read more…]

Crunching Numbers. How do you (or your boss) rate attendance?

November 11, 2015 by Chris Parker 2 Comments

It happens at every church. The moment your senior pastor or supervisor asks you one of these questions:

“How many students do we have coming to program?”
“How many students attend on a weekly basis?”
“How many students regularly attend?”
“How many students are fully engaged?”
“What are our numbers for high school?”
“What are our current numbers for middle school?”

While many of these questions have a similar feel to them, they indeed are DIFFERENT questions. If your boss or senior pastor ask one of the above questions you might feel stuck or unfairly represented by answering that one question. Help them clarify their question by answering more questions that should be asked.

My high school ministry is most misrepresented by simply observing a weekly attendance report. If I were to answer the question, “How many high school students attended this week?” I would be forced to answer, [Read more…]

Get creative with promotion. Interview a Yeti!

October 28, 2015 by Chris Parker Leave a Comment

It’s that time of year we are recruiting students to sign up for our winter camp. It’s been really neat to watch our camp grow by about 20% each year. Although this is cool we want to keep things fresh. How can you take camp promotion to the next level? This year we interviewed a Yeti! Despite the language barrier, it went over really well. We showed this commercial in the main auditorium to encourage parents to sign their kids up. There was lots of laughing and a buzz about how well it was composed. Sure, it took some extra time to make this happen and I stepped outside of my weekly routine of things – but it was SO worth it!

When is your next event? Get creative. Do something loud, something fresh, something that will make people look twice…something that hasn’t been done at your church before. Oh, and if you need someone that speaks Yetish, let me know! 🙂

What have been your most successful recruiting/promotion strategies? Share your ideas in the comment section below!

Life of a youth pastor .

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