Talkback

Group, Jan/Feb 2001

"EACH TIME I RECEIVE AN ISSUE, I TAKE AN ENTIRE AFTERNOON AND LEAVE THE 6FFICE WITH MY BIBLE, PEN, PAPER, AND grOUp MAGAZINE. I SPEND THESE AFTERNOONS PLANNING, DREAMING, AND LEARNING."

Mike Edmisten

Winchester, Ohio

halloween fallout

While I wouldn't choose exactly the same music as Mr. Case suggested in "Reinventing Halloween" (September/ October 2000), I disagree with his detractors in the November/December issue of group. They seemed to miss the main point of this model for worship, which was the promise of resurrection.... Thank you for continuing to publish articles that not everyone will agree with. It's a strength of yours.

Darin Wiebe

Oshkosh, Wisconsin

I'm happy to say that Mr. Case's idea was perfect. It was the "crazy" thing we needed to jump,start our year... It was amazing. The adults at the service were skeptical at first, but after the service, they too were amazed.... I give Mr. Case two thumbs up for such a wonderful idea. The group can't wait until we do it again next year.

Aimee Green

Burton, Ohio

pastor imperfect

The article "Partnering With Your Senior Pastor" (November/ December 2000) is great if you've got a motorcycle-riding pastor who'd be willing to slide down the hill on watermelon rinds.... How can I cultivate an authentic relationship if the senior pastor isn't an authentic or open person?it's great to celebrate senior pastors who are willing to play and to support youth ministry, but according to footnote #1, most youth ministers aren't in that situation.

Barb Legere

Albion, New York

keep talking

Youth talks are one of the best ways for youth leaders/ pastors to make the Bible come alive and apply it to the daily struggles that students face ("What's the Deal With Youth Talks?" November/December 2000) .... I teach for 25-30 minutes every week. I prepare much like I do for a sermon. However, I use PowerPoint... movie clips, video of students, music.videos, student testimonies, and visual objects at different times to keep them engaged.

Craig Case

Chanhassen Minnesota

home page

A few months ago, I received a copy of a reproducible parent information page with my magazine. I sent it to all my youths' parents, and they loved it. Is that something you're planning to include in every issue?

Jana Kinnersley

Athens, Georgia