Regardless of the year, youth ministry will always take a considerable amount of time and preparation, that is, if you’re looking to do something significant. When I started in ministry, the focus was all about the events. I found myself doing an event just to do one.  Even though relationships were built, I didn’t really have a clear picture for the purpose of each event. My messages were out of desperation (and much prayer) as I would cram for youth service. I apologize to those early in my youth ministry…but we did have a lot of fun! We were just having a party, and everyone was invited. (more…)

Some things don’t Change-part 2

As youth ministry continues to progress it’s obvious that styles will change.  I mean if you’re still rocking campfires and singing Kum-By-Ya as the best event ever then you might want to upgrade your idea folder. With so many ideas in circulation it’s never been more fun to serve in the role of a youth pastor/leader. However we must be very careful not to run our groups on great ideas rather than vision. (more…)

Over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing some of my thoughts as a veteran youth pastor.  If you’re a youth pastor reading this blog, thanks so much for taking the time to read this, because I know too well: you don’t have the time!  If you’re a youth reading this blog, it would be awesome if you could shoot this over to your youth pastor/leader, because my hope is that it would encourage them as they fight for this generation.

There are several youth leadership conferences that I’ve gone to as a youth pastor.  While many have been good, and very refreshing, most focus the majority of their time on how to stay relevant in a ever changing youth culture. There are new perspectives to gain, ways to communicate, hairstyles (lol), methods to try, and countless “how to’s” that one MUST do to be labeled as an effective youth minister. Does all of this make one a good youth pastor?  Well, I don’t know about that, but I can tell you that there are a few concepts in youth ministry that don’t change.  Today let’s take a minute to look at some core elements of a youth minister. (more…)

People have a fixation with crazy. So much so artists write songs about “let’s get crazy”, “crazy”, and if the song (you drive me)…CRAZY by Britney Spear just popped in your head.. Yep…you just proved my point. Sometimes we use the word crazy as a way of describing something unbelievable. Like a great catch, score, or game in which we respond with, (more…)

Hey everyone, after a year and a half of work, my new book Be the One is finally here. Yes!!! Many have asked me, “Steven, what is the book about?” Honestly, there is so much in this book that it really can’t be defined by just one statement. However, if I had to it would be: “This generation has been beat down with thoughts of inadequacy for far too long.  God is ready to awaken a generation of difference makers.  Be the One is for those who will dare to partner with God and not allow excuses, failure, or hurt to stop them from changing their culture.” In my spirit I know God is going to do great things with this book.  I would love you to partner with me in inciting these young people to step up and be the one. You can do this by spreading the word about the book. Here are a few ideas:

1. Order the book!!! Go to Stevensexton.com
2. Many have offered to change their profile pic on Facebook and Twitter for a few days.
3. Tell others in your circle of influence about the book
4. Re-post videos about Be the One on your Facebook.
5. Go through this book with a group, youth group, life group, etc.(This is a great discipleship product)
6. Talk to your Pastors, youth leaders, FCA and FCS leaders, ect. Let’s set up a phone meeting with your pastor and myself. (I have a burden to instill the message of being the one God has called this generation to be.)
7. Pray for open doors for this book.

You can buy yours today by going to the resource tab at stevensexton.com. Get ready to have your life challenged and changed by the truth in this book as God takes you into more! Please be praying about your involvement in this assignment! Thanks for coming along side me to get this message out. Let’s change the world! In Him, Steven Sexton

In a world of many choices and not enough time, it is very easy to put God on the back burner.   It’s mind-blowing that some believers settle for a life of intention rather than one of commitment. This must change.  God has so much more for his people!

Tomorrow 12/15/10, I will be receiving my first copy of “Be the One.” This book will birth a desire to partner with God to see great things happen in our families, schools, communities and nation. “Be the One,” is challenging, encouraging, practical, easy to read, and convicting. The reason for posting this article is; I need your help.  I want to get this book into as many hands as possible.  Why?  Because it is time to awaken the remarkable potential that lies inside every believer.  Help me get the word out about “Be the One”! Talk to your friends, youth pastors, pastors, parents, FCA’s, FCS, YoungLife groups, K life groups, small groups. In a couple weeks, I will have the cover ready for all who want to post it on their social media sites.  Start writing about it on your statuses so the awareness of what God is about to do can come into focus.  Let’s change the world together.  You can make a difference!! I know you are busy, but what if…by your faithfulness God started a movement in hearts and minds all over the world.  Change is coming and I’m asking you to be a part of it.  I need your help!

“Be the One” will be released in three weeks…I’ll be back in touch with you soon.

To God be the glory,

Steven

Just finished Camp 1 of Brookhill and it was incredible on so many levels. We had so much fun. It was like Brookhill Ranch was covered with a blanket of smiles and laughter (maybe a few sunburns too).  On Thursday night we had over 75 kids give their heart to Christ. On Friday night many of the ones that were dealing with hurt, rejection, and brokenness received life changing ministry. During the closing ceremony that ended the camp session, I couldn’t help but  to be overtaken by the CONNECTION between the counselors and the campers.  What makes this CONNECTION?  What makes a camper say goodbye to their counselor and have tears streaming down their cheek?  The answer is Love!

That’s right, it isn’t the activities, jokes, or the fun schedule. It’s love.  Later that night I was driving to get some dinner with the fam, fam, I couldn’t help but to think how impact-full love really is.  Love breaks barriers, heals hearts, and encourages people to try again.  Yet with our fast paced lives seldom do we make the time to really connect with people.  If love is what draws people, helps people, and shows people Christ, then maybe it should be something we give more purposefully.  My encouragement to you is this:  Get connected!  Who are the people around you that God has set in your path to love?  How can you make a difference in their life?  As believers we house the love of God.  This love is not superficial or based on performance. It is based  on God’s decision to give His only Son to die for our sins.  The world needs to see His love in operation through us.  That is the real difference maker.  But the only way to give this love is to get connected into people’s lives.  Today, take a moment and make a plan to love and connect with those that God has put in your way.  And maybe there will come a time, when tears will stream down a face because of the impact you have made in their life.  Till next time….Steven

Just got done with Life Growing weekend.  The speakers were amazing, the ministry was phenomenal, and healing went forth.  Also, I’m stoked about all the new friendship that I made!  But as I sit in my office, the morning after, I can’t help but the wonder who will be the one to take the messages and build on them.   If we are going to take back this nation and evangelize the world then believers must rise up.  We can’t expect culture to like the message, even Jesus had resistance.  When Jesus was engaged in ministry there were many who didn’t believe, but that never stopped Him from finding the ones who where ready to make a change.  Don’t let the screams of the rebellious cause you to miss the ones who will get His message. (more…)

Just in case you haven’t heard, I’ve been very busy the last 7 months working on a new book. It’s due out June 1st. Please be praying! I know God is going to change many lives through this book. The title is “Be the One.” The purpose of this book it to inform a generation of young people that God wants to use them to make a difference in the world. It’s time for the church to make a stand that changes the spiritual condition of this generation.
It’s our moment, let’s “Be the One” to promote His Kingdom!
I’m on Chapter 6 and have two more to go! Let’s change the world!!!

Have you very tried to plant something with the hopes that it would grow?  Yeah, me too!   A few years back I want to widen my front yard by removing some trees and putting down some grass seed so the kids could have more room to play.  I rented a dozer, brought in some top soil, got my rake out and went to work.  I worked for a solid week an everyday I’d wake up excepting by efforts to pay off.  Finally about two weeks went by and not much was happening.  I was starting to vent.  Why?  Why me?  What about my effort?  I started quoting scripture and doing research, only to find out that I had not been watering the seed.  I know how stupid, right?  Now I never professed to be a botanist, and I had to fight a little embarrassment because I knew plants needed water, I just didn’t think about it.

Many times this happens in our walk with Christ.  We just don’t think about it.  However, if you’ve made the profession of faith it’s your responsibility to grow.   You need to “add the water” of the word to grow your spiritual seed.  Cultivating your relationship with the Lord should be the most important event, task, and desire you have, only then will you have something worth giving.  All of God’s gifts, characteristics, and attributes are to insure a life of victory.  This victory is for you to share with others.   In Matt 19, Jesus gives us a huge assignment to teach and train others to follow Him!  In other words: cultivate, add the water and watch it grow!    This culture is thirsty for something real and it’s time for the Holy Ghosts filled believers to produce!

Focus point:  Where do I need to “add the water” and help cultivate something great for God?