Category: culture

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ONE DIRECTION LIVE // “Remember when…”

At the end the video news I posted here, I welcomed ONE DIRECTION to the stage. Contrary to what some young girls at Soulies and some international friends thought, it wasn’t the real ONE DIRECTION! Sorry. But in my opinion our year 7 and 8 boy leaders (Dan Peters, Dan Malik, Nathan Bale, Luke Hutchinson and Luke Curnow) were just as classy! They did a lip-sync performance for 1 minute with the logo on the screen behind them and then they continued the show as the film clip played on screen. Here is the film clip recorded in bucketing rain at Collaroy Beach (skip to 1:10 for the action):

My aim in doing these things in our youth ministry is to create “remember when…” moments. Having 5 youth leaders pretend to be a boy band won’t see anyone converted. It won’t grow anyone in their faith. It won’t help them to know Jesus better. So it’s not essential.

BUT – part of life in a community is collectively sharing memories. This is one of them.

see more youth min posts

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SNIPPETY // Gay Marriage + Lingerie Football + Sex Talks + The Road Trip

There isn’t enough time to write all the draft blog posts that circulate through my head. Solution? SNIPPETY. SNIPPETY is an irregular mishmash blog post of news, views and other snippets. Feel free to interact with the mash in the comments.

The modern marriage ideology // Moore College Ethics lecturer Andrew Cameron weighs in with another thoughtful piece on how to think through the current issues and proposed redefinition of marriage by the gay and lesbian lobby. I appreciate the way that Andrew engages (and doesn’t engage) in the public sphere. CHECK IT.

Lingerie Football League // Melinda Tankard Reist has some articles worth reading about this new ‘sport’ on the block. Article 1: Abused, called pussy and told to “pancake the shit out of her”: my experience of Lingerie Football League try outs in Sydney last week. Article 2: A sad day for all women in sport: Deborah Malcolm reports on weekend’s Lingerie Football League game. Want to do something about it? Check out the Collective Shout campaign. Language and Adult Themes Warning. Under 15? Check with your mum/dad.

Ben and Emma Pfahlert on talking about sex with your kids // We haven’t formulated a plan yet. We probably should. Ben and Emma advocate a frank and open approach from a young age. Article 1: Three things we want our kids to know about sex. Article 2: The sex talk we gave to our kids.

The Road Trip that Changed the World: The Unlikely Theory that will Change How You View Culture, the Church, and, Most Importantly, Yourself // Rowena and I have been reading through Mark Sayers‘ latest (very long-titled) book. We’re only half way through, but it’s brilliant. Get it! Amazon // Kindle // Book Depository (affiliate links).

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Should unmarried Christian couples holiday alone together?

I thought the answer to this question was fairly straight forward. My friend, Pete Ko, wrote a great blog post a week ago with a really well thought out answer. The thing I’ve been surprised by is how negative some of the comments have been in response to his post.

I think it’s incredibly unwise for unmarried Christian couples to holiday alone together and I would strongly advise against it. Pete agrees. Here are the reasons he proposes:

  • Don’t trust yourselves.
  • God doesn’t want us just to be minimalists in obedience.
  • We are called as Christians to be above reproach.
  • You can wait. You really can.
  • Fight the idol of pleasure at any cost.

Read his reasons in greater detail here.

Christian? Planning a trip with your gf/bf? Perhaps think again…

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TRIP LEE // I’m Good Ft. Lecrae

I dig the work of Reach Records (see related posts) and have been really encouraged by the work of Voice of the Martyrs through the Australian youth initiative Thirteen Three (see related posts). So I’m really glad that the two organisations have joined forces in presenting the latest song off Trip Lee’s new album, I’m Good. The film clip below is confronting as it seeks to raise awareness for persecuted Christians. (WARNING MA15+ the end of the video is very graphic, if you are under 15 check with your parents before you watch).

Check out the I’m Good website. Part of the the proceeds from the song will support the work of VOM. Bound with them.

Check out my other posts featuring Reach Records crew
Check out my other posts featuring the Persecuted Church