Rites of Passage for Youth in the Vineyard

Rites of Passage for Youth in the Vineyard

This weekend marks our church’s annual men’s retreat. I am especially excited about this year because my oldest son is coming to his first retreat (they are allowed to come at 15-16 years old). I wouldn’t say that our church is very good at rites of...
I Hate Lock-Ins

I Hate Lock-Ins

I hate lock-ins. I loathe lock-ins. I fear them, even months away. In addition to disrupting the rhythm of my job, family life, and sleep cycles, they’re just not fun. Well, they’re not fun for me. Students have a blast. But, around midnight I begin to dream about my...
The Dating Conference: A Reflection

The Dating Conference: A Reflection

As The Dating Conference began taking shape in my heart, I felt an incredible desire to create space for guys and girls to put God first in every aspect of their life, especially in their dating relationships.  This desire reminds me we have an incredible opportunity...
Special Needs Prom

Special Needs Prom

As I sat and contemplated the thought of turning 55, wondered what I was still doing as a youth pastor, and questioned my sanity as to why I would want to be involved in the lives of hundreds of teenagers, the youth at MVCC reminded me why.  Just weeks after going...
Ministry Logistics: A Full-Circle Checkup

Ministry Logistics: A Full-Circle Checkup

Canyon View Vineyard Church in Grand Junction, CO had hosted a winter youth conference called White Out for years.  They had finally outgrown their beautiful venue in Buena Vista, CO called Young Life’s Frontier Ranch, however;  the 500 available slots were scooped up...