One of the biggest failures in youth ministry today is that lack of soul care of the average youth worker. One of my first lessons in soul care was when I was part of a guys small group in university. The professor who was leading this group opened himself up by sharing this intimate story with us;

I have been doing this guys bible study each week for the past number of years and each year it has grown in size and in impact. Last night my wife asked me, “when are you going to care for the spirirtual shape of our marriage like you do with the guys in your bible study?”

I was astonished at his honesty but it also caused me to think, as a single university student, who is caring for my soul? Who is caring for my spiritual growth? Who is responsible for the daily relationship I have with God? It’s not my pastor, not my small group leader, not my friend, etc… It is completely up to me!

Now that I’m married and have a family I realize that being in youth ministry that their are many distractions that can keep me from my own...

One of the biggest issues that churches face is how do you meet the needs of those around you. Both in your faith community and outside your faith community. Who would have the right skill set to match that specific need? How would ever know all the needs that exist with out relationships? The Common is helping people match their gifts with needs of those around them. My church started using TheCommon in August and it has revolutionized the needs that exist with the skills to help. If you tell your Sr. Pastor that it was your idea, we won't say anything. ht to thecommon.org.

Sex Trade & Trafficking is usually a conversation that is done in whispered tones and side glances. Youth Unlimited GTA ministry called Safelight decided to use a microphone to discuss this dark side of our humanness. Safelight put on a one day education and awareness program that provided one-day conference to promote awareness and education, by dispelling myths and providing facts from expert speakers, and testimony's from survivors exploited by the sex trade. They targeting the Christian community, however, this event was open to those who wanted to attend a Spirit-filled day of information. Christian leaders, and social workers, outreach workers, nurses, teachers, volunteers, students, law enforcers, media, survivors, parents and family members of prostituted people, all attended. Speakers:Jan Rothenburger: Outreach/Yonge Street Mission, Tim Huff: Youth Unlimited, Greg Paul: Sanctuary Ministries, Brenda Wooten: Florence Booth Shelter-Salvation Army, Wendy Leaver: Toronto 's Sex Crimes, Special Victims Unit, John Fenn: John School Coordinator, George Schuurman: Retired Police Detective / Teen Challenge Board Member, Natasha Falle: Youth Unlimited / SafeLight Conference Coordinator Testimonials: Amy Mcphee, Bridget Perrier, Kayla Scott, Roxanne Smith The Toronto Sun also did an great article on the one-day conference and you can read it here: Toronto Sun Article.