Insane deal for you! Go get it.

August 19, 2014 by Chris Parker Leave a Comment

I think I own almost every book that Orange has put out, and they just keep getting better. These are some of the best reads for student and children’s ministry. You won’t be disappointed to add some of their hot-off-the-press books to your library. Buy some for you, buy some for a friend, read and discuss with your church staff.

Orange Books is sponsoring a week of special deals. This week only until August 22, you can get five different special offers on select Orange Books.

When you purchase one of the five different “Deals,” you will receive $50–$100 of bonus content!

Plus, if you post the Deals (using the hasthtag #OrangeBooks), you will be entered to win five different Prizes (no purchase necessary). You can get all the details at Orange Books.

Go get that deal! #OrangeBooks

Who do you identify with?

April 21, 2014 by Chris Parker Leave a Comment

Good Friday and over the Easter weekend my heart was drawn to three different characters in the the story of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. The more I dwelled in the shoes of these eye witnesses, the more my heart felt compelled to write for them, wrestle with what could have been their thoughts or actions. In the end I felt closely related to all three.

Which person do you identify with?

#1 Simon of Cyrene

According to the three synoptic gospels, Simon was summoned by the Romans to carry the cross alongside Jesus. Simon was called out of the crowd. How humiliating would it be to find yourself at the side of a potential criminal all the way to the point of where they would be executed? Simon was from Libya in northern Africa. Whether he moved or was traveling for business, this moment was not expected. Forced with an ugly threat from the Romans or simply upon sympathetic choice, Simon went with Jesus to Golgotha step by step. Many would look at Simon’s position as a duty rather than a privilege.

When called upon in a crowd, when all odds are against you, will you side with Jesus? Or will you stand and watch His name be humiliated? There have been many opportunities that I have had to side with Jesus yet stood and watched the opportunity walk right by me. It was only minutes later I wished that I could have that chance back. Even 2000 years later we still have opportunities to walk with Jesus even when the culture and crowd is against us.

#2 Roman Centurion

It took ridiculing, mocking, spitting upon, and even participating in crucifying Jesus for this Roman Centurion to wake up and finally give a statement of faith, only after feeling the ground shake when Jesus took his last breath, “Surely this was the Son of God!” This soldier was most likely present during the trial of Jesus and heard Jesus exclaim that He was indeed the son of God. He knew about Jesus’ miracles, he knew the claims of Jesus’ teachings. Can you imagine?! He must have been terrified after participating in what had just taken place, asking “what have I done? what have I done? I have just murdered the perfect son of God!”

I believe his faith saved him in that very moment. It took something supernatural to bring this man to his knees, but he put his faith in God. Despite his past few hours or his future, in that moment he recognized and vocalized the holy nature of this man, the Son of God. Despite our past we can begin right where we are currently. Didn’t we all, because of our sin, participate in hanging Jesus on the cross? I can only imagine what relief and hope this soldier must have felt after knowing that Jesus conquered the grave! How much more did his faith increase even after the earthquake?! I think about how this man and the apostle Paul must have had similar feelings-living a past life but having the opportunity to stand for something different in the present. We can’t change who we were in the past, but we can choose who we live for today!

#3 Barrabas

The crowd chanted, “Give us Barrabas!” Guilty as charged, Barrabas should have been the one hanging on the tree that day. He deserved the punishment. He deserved the nails. Not Jesus. As the people chanted this man’s name – the name of a convicted felon, you can only imagine Barrabas sweating it out. Here is the opportunity for him to be free, free of punishment…but it would cost him. It would cost him pride, dignity, and above all – knowing that a purely innocent man would die in his place. The crowd must have felt one heck of a victory when Pilate turned Barrabas over to them instead of Jesus. But how did Barrabas feel? Did he just go about his day? Did he go with the crowd to Golgotha and watch Jesus die in his place?

That day the crowd won over who they wanted. They won the heart of Pilate, they won over their convicted criminal and sent Jesus in his place. You see, whether you picture it this way or not-we all live vicariously through the eyes of Barrabas. As we sit before the judge awaiting our sentence we desperately desire that someone would come along to take that punishment for us…and He did. Because of His wounds we are healed. I wonder what Barabbas did after Jesus was crucified in his place but then conquered the grave? Did he stay stuck in his ways or fully repent and live a different life?

Convicted and compelled about each ones participation in the story of the crucifixtion, I find myself unbelievably close to each one of these participants. Who do you identify with?

*Scripture doesn’t say much about these three characters, and wanting to be careful about how much I may speculate about what scripture doesn’t account for-these are my feelings, thoughts and convictions when I dwell on each individuals situation.

I’ve got Craigslist fever!

March 24, 2014 by Chris Parker Leave a Comment

More recently I have been selling things on Craigslist. There are things my wife and I don’t need or use anymore. Here are some tips and things to keep in mind while you are craigslist shopping.

1. Look for a deal, look for a seller who needs to sell.
2. If you are the motivated buyer, you will probably get the worst end of the deal.
3. Always start out by listing your item for more than you want.
4. Decide on your breaking point, stick to that number.
5. Bartering goods can work too, what do you need? What do you want to get rid of?
6. If you can help it, don’t meet someone at your house or theirs. Pick a public location.
7. List other descriptive words separated by commas in your posting, it will bring more traffic.

Just a month ago I bartered a backpack for an authentic pair of Ray Bans!

I have also sold stuff our church was getting rid of or dumping, took the cash and put it back into our ministry for things we could use.

What do you need to sell?

The BIG 100!

March 23, 2014 by Chris Parker Leave a Comment

Welcome to the new feel and look of lifeofayouthpastor.com! This marks the 100th posting I’ve done. Today is all about getting the new site up and letting you explore a little bit. Nothing too fancy, but hopefully a bit more appeasing to the eye. Thanks to my friends Blair and Kenny this was made possible, love you guys. So, catch up on stories I’ve posted the past few days or enjoy the big 100 below.

Here are 100 things you may or may not know about me…

1. I am married to Calla.
2. I have toured ancient castles.
3. My first official job was at Chick-fila.
4. I have two ducks in my office.
5. I built a chicken coop.
6. Yes, I eat fresh eggs regularly.
7. I have four chickens in my backyard.
8. I love the outdoors.
9. My wife bought me a motorcycle for my wedding gift.
10. My dream someday is to own a ranch/land of some sort.
11. I work at Gateway Church in Austin.
12. I lived in Chicago for 6 years.
13. I graduated from Moody Bible Institute, B.A. in Biblical Studies and Evangelism/Discipleship.
14. My coffee of choice is Madelyn’s Backyard Pecan. You can only buy this in Texas at HEB.
15. I would go skeet shooting every day if I could afford it.
16. I got a bicycle for my birthday this year.
17. My wife and I enjoy home projects, we are always renovating something.
18. I’m a wheeler-dealer on craigslist, or at least I’d like to think so.
19. If I had to spend all my free time in one spot, it would be the backyard.
20. I love yard work, it has taught me patience.
21. I was on a sailing team in high school, we went to nationals.
22. I have a scuba diving license.
23. I hate the game of golf, it brings out the worst in me.
24. I recently saved $2,000 by trimming my own oak trees with some friends. I paid them in BBQ.
25. Popular Mechanics is a favorite magazine of mine.
26. Ducks Unlimited is a second favorite magazine.
27. I helped pay my way through college by starting a wedding photography business.
28. I dropped Calculus in high school and took welding, I am forever grateful for this decision.
29. I dislike popcorn ceilings.
30. People can’t text and drive, but cops can type on their laptop and drive? I find this annoying.
31. Put on the makeup at home. Driving, looking in the mirror and mascara is not a safe combo.
32. I haven’t gone sky diving, but want to.
33. Fall is my favorite time of year, spring is a close second.
34. Orange is my favorite color.
35. If I had to live anywhere else in the world right now, I’d choose Kenya. Rift Valley.
36. I have taken the train from Durango to Silverton.
37. I want to be dropped off by a bush plane and spend 2 months in the Alaskan wilderness.
38. I own a Gransfors Bruks hand hatchet.
39. I was a mean machine on Nintendo 64 James Bond, I can’t keep up with these Xbox kids.
40. I love the wood floors in our home.
41. I have a slight fascination with the Highwaymen.
42. No water Chai from starbucks.
43. I love traveling.
44. I enjoy camping, I’ll cook.
45. I believe loneliness is the next major illness. People have to be connected all the time.
46. I was told by my youth pastor that I can’t sing, it’s true.
47. I can play two songs on the guitar.
48. I am totally relaxed when rock climbing.
49. I cried when I got my first dog, she was a boxer.
50. My favorite food is steak.
51. I recently started CSS code writing.
52. I do enjoy a good Geo-cache.
53. I almost never use recipes when I cook.
54. I have no tattoos.
55. Pretty much blind with out my glasses or contacts.
56. Born premature…thus my bad vision.
57. I HATE doing laundry.
58. I LOVE cooking.
59. If I can cook it on the Weber Grill, I prefer to.
60. Duck hunting, and I don’t mean the nintendo game.
61. One of my favorite places is Big Bend, TX.
62. My favorite part of the gym is the hot tub, I’d rather work out doing an activity outdoors.
63. First one in my immediate and extended family to graduate college.
64. My full name is engraved on a wall inside the Alamo, alongside many others that fought the battle.
65. I know how to play the trumpet and tuba.
66. My high school marching band won the state marching contest in 2001. Go Timberwolves!
67. I’m an ISTJ Meyer’s Briggs.
68. Driving my dream truck, the Toyota Tacoma 4×4.
69. My wife and I share the truck, we are a one car family.
70. I’ll beat you in Settlers of Catan.
71. I was a chimney sweep in high school.
72. I was 18 when I first saw real snow.
73. I felt called into ministry when I was a freshman in high school at Panama City Beach.
74. Most of my family is from Alabama.
75. I like my PBJ’s in the skillet.
76. I believe if you are too busy to stop and have a conversation with your neighbor, you’re too busy.
77. I did a 400 mile loop in the Texas Hill Country on a Harley Road Glide Ultra.
78. Port Aransas is a favorite quick getaway to do some fishing and get time at the beach.
79. I have been to Canada, eh.
80. I am still not familiar with the subway system in NYC, despite 4 visits there.
81. I enjoy seeing the horizon in front of me, not a fan of blocked view.
82. I have been bitten in the face by a dog, had to go to the ER.
83. I had a piece of wood puncture my leg, had to go to the ER.
84. I broke my pinky playing basketball.
85. I broke my thumb playing football.
86. My wisdom teeth have been removed.
87. After the second cracked iphone screen I got an otterbox case.
88. I sleep with a fan on or white noise.
89. I have been to 9 different countries, all for mission work.
90. One of my dream cars is a Westfalia Vanagon. I want to get one and renovate it, then go camping.
91. I’m a learner, love learning new things.
92. I don’t like sweets for breakfast, just bacon and eggs.
93. I like the movie “The Guardian”.
94. The coldest temperature I have experienced was -16.
95. I like wearing a baseball cap.
96. Swam in a meet one time. I rocked the board shorts, while others wore speedos. Won my race.
97. My favorite thing to grill is baby back ribs.
98. I got a jalepeno pepper seed in my eye one time.
99. This is the first post on my new blog layout.
100. I am tired, going to bed now.

Reader’s feedback : I introduced myself.

March 20, 2014 by Chris Parker 3 Comments

Recently, I have had more traffic on my blog than usual, gaining more readers. Thank you to all who read. I appreciate comments, but love stories even more. A close college friend recently read my blog on “People are more important than projects.” It triggered a real-time response for him…

Hey dude, thanks for posting that article about people being more important than projects. We all know that but it’s something we need reminders of. I read your article and was reminded how I really don’t know my neighbors, so today when I was leaving for church with a little time to spare to say hi to the high school kids I know from bible study, i saw my neighbor across the street standing looking my way (might have been smoking), and it was kinda awkward because i wanted to just wave hi cause we both saw each other and then get in the car, but your article came to mind and i knew i needed to go say hi and introduce myself. We had maybe a 5 minute conversation before his delivery food arrived, and i went to church. But I finally went for it and he was really friendly and appreciative that I came over.

And then…

When I got home from church he was out again so I waved hi, and walked down the drive way to say hi. He thanked me again for earlier that evening and invited me in for a beer, so I said “uh… sure”. We spend then next 2 hours talking and I learned a lot about him, and found out he goes to my church to one of the services I don’t go to. He really enjoys the church, but I don’t know how sound he is on believing some critical doctrine. We talked a little about religion, but I didn’t want to press things since it was the first time we’ve ever really talked. But I hope to have more conversations and hopefully be a good christlike representation. Thanks again!

Wow! Thanks so much for sharing, what an encouragement. This is the fuel that keeps me writing.

#1 advice to youth pastors.

March 19, 2014 by Chris Parker 1 Comment

Last year I had the privilege of meeting Kevin Ragsdale and spending some time with him. Kevin is the director of high school ministry at NorthPoint and has been for many, many years. I toured the HS ministry and have implemented a few things learned, like providing dinner for students before the program. Kevin, full of experience, I knew I had one final question for him before ending our conversation, “What is the one piece of advice you would give to me as a youth pastor in a new church?” He quickly responded, “Don’t quit too soon.”

Those words have stuck with me over the past year, but I can’t imagine what those words will truly mean until years from now. As a youth pastor you will have too many “good” reasons to quit. Everything from budgets to a confrontation with your senior pastor. Did I mention that rally of leaders or parents that question you, or are against the way you are doing things? These are just a few reasons why we get tired in the game and giving up could be so enticing. Don’t do it.

Every hard conversation, budget dollar you spend, sermon you preach, leader you recruit, and vision casting moment… you are gaining ground and creating forward momentum. Don’t let that one thing that is currently bringing you down right now be the deciding factor in quitting your position and moving on to another church or ministry where you will face similar things. Learn to stick up for yourself, your ministry, your vision and put the time in. Keep short accounts and seek reconciliation.

What kind of student ministry would your church and families benefit from if you remained their leader for the next 5 years? 8 years? 15 years?

People are more important than your project.

March 18, 2014 by Chris Parker 1 Comment

Today I had great plans for lunch. I was going to rush over to a friends house and borrow a pressure washer they had rented. My goal, simply wash all the dirt stains off the front and back patios that have accumulated over the lifetime of the house.

After hurrying through the front patio and making it look new again my “self-rule” kicked into play. I have made a deal with myself that no matter what I’m doing, if I see a neighbor walk by that I must stop what I am doing and give them full attention and be more interested in them as a person rather than my project. I’m guilty of breaking this rule, but not today. I only have 30 minutes left before I need to get back to work, could I have this conversation and get the back patio finished? Probably not.

Rudy lives across the street and we have chatted once or twice. He walked up my driveway and immediately we dove into conversation about SXSW, the big music film interactive here in Austin. Being a musician I thought Rudy would love SXSW, he went on to explain how it infringes upon the local musicians. One conversation led to another, and all the while my selfish tendencies wanted to tell Rudy, “hey, I gotta go.” The Spirit continued whispering, “Hang in there, keep talking, look for open doors.”

45 minutes later I had no time to finish my back patio, was late getting the pressure washer back to my friend, late getting back to work, but feeling more accomplished in those 45 minutes talking to Rudy than all my projects for the day. Our conversations took many turns to social media, student culture, music lyrics, life worth and eventually somehow the Spirit gave me an open door to talk about the tower of Babel and God’s relationship with people. I was able to share 3 or 4 verses for scripture including John 10:10. Towards the end of our conversation Rudy seemed pretty encouraged and I felt a camaraderie between us not just as neighbors but as friends.

I had a project in mind when going home for lunch. God had a person in mind. Discovering a friendship with someone else and talking about a relationship with God trumps all projects. This is what God wanted to remind me of today.

The next time you are rushing to accomplish something for yourself, slow down and consider how God might want to use you in accomplishing His work. Let Him establish the work for you, this is my prayer for you.

Psalm 90:17

May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us— yes, establish the work of our hands.

XP3 – Free 3 week series!

March 17, 2014 by Chris Parker Leave a Comment

One of the first questions I get when hanging out with another student pastor is, “What curriculum do you use?” I have gone a few different routes in the past, but have been using XP3 for about a year now. Here’s what I love most…they give you EVERYTHING you would ever need for a series and then some more. For every series you get small group questions, large group manuscript, access to bumper videos, logos, leader email templates, etc. The content seems to always be relevant, I take the manuscript and make it my own. XP3 gives both the young and well seasoned youth pastor a great platform to engage students with God’s word.

Take a quick look at this for your group, and try a free 3 week series!

The art of teaching yourself.

March 16, 2014 by Chris Parker Leave a Comment

I usually get the question… “Where did you learn how to do that?” Here are a few examples…

Pro Presenter
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Premier Pro
Adobe Lightroom
WordPress CSS
How to raise chickens…

You get the idea. Sure, someone led me to the stream, but I had to learn how to drink on my own. When it comes to any kind of foreign territory that would advance my knowledge or add skills to my tool belt, I am intrigued to learn. I love learning new things! Having a smorgasbord knowledge of “how to’s” is critical in so many situations, not just in ministry but life too. Here are some of my more unusual learnings in life and things that I have become a student in…

Yes, raising chickens.
Being a chimney sweep.
Juggling sticks.
Playing the tuba.
The Weber Grill.

Find something that intrigues you and take it to the next level. Read a book on the subject, watch a video online or ask an expert in that field. The rest is up to you.

What’s one area in your ministry that you need to become a student?