Navigating through the messy waters of where we are as a United Methodist Church is not easy for any of us. However, it is especially difficult for youth leaders. Young people today ask tough questions, mainly because they can investigate anything with their cell phones and Google. So when we try to answer off the cuff or if we are not open and honest about the knowledge we lack, they will tune us out. This generation is searching for truth and are bothered when there is inconsistency in wha ...
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As youth leaders, it's difficult to say goodbye to our graduates. Especially as life takes them in new and exciting paths, but often away from our local churches. It is difficult to help guide each one of them individually to find their next place for them to grow in their faith. In this podcast, we talk about the transition to college ministry and…
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Tim Beck and I are joined by Deena Wolfe as we talk about how being youth leaders has impacted us as parents. We share our honest experiences with you in this podcast.Kaye Wolfinger
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The pandemic as shifted ministry all together. As churches made the difficult decision to not meet in person in order to protect their most vulnerable members, many lost the connections with one another. We have discussed this in podcasts in the last few months. While we can grieve for what is lost, we need to find ways to move forward. In this pod…
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Tik Tok App took off during the pandemic. Most adults try to stay away from it. However, it is important for those of us that live and work with young people to be where they are and paying attention to what is influencing them. In this podcast we discuss the fall Tik Tok challenge called "Devious Licks" and how to stay connect to the world of youn…
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As October begins, and we contemplate ministry this fall/winter, we are still faced with the difficulties of living during this pandemic in a very devasive political climate. For many church leaders, especially youth leaders, not much has changed in twelve months except the number of children and teens who are suffering from this virus. So, where d…
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Chasity and I discuss the book we are currently reading in our book club this month. It's a great one! John Mark Comer takes us through his own struggle in finding quiet, peace and sabbath in his own life. He talks about hurry is not from God and how it can in face separate us from God. Take a listen, even if you haven't read the book. You may be i…
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The story of Eli and Samuel (1 Samuel 3) is still very relevant today! Eli guides Samuel and encourages him to listen for God who is calling Samuel. It is important for us to remember our own Eli(s) and challenge ourselves to be sure we have Samuel(s) that we are sharing our faith legacy with throughout our life. Take a listen as I talk to one of m…
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This is our reaction to Tim Elmore's book, "Marching Off the Map." Ironically, he wrote this prior to the pandemic; however, it speaks even more into our situation today. Elmore does an outstanding job laying out the "Why, What, and How" for educators, coaches, youth leaders, parents and employers of the younger generations. With all the research a…
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We talk about reframing ministry post-pandemic and share about a coaching cohort we are leading. We also talk about our dogs and dog dementia. Lots of laughs. Enjoy!Kaye Wolfinger
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Three of my friends sit down with me as we look back over the last year. We talk about what advice we would have given ourselves as well as how to move into 2021 as different people still needing connection.Kaye Wolfinger
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In this podcast we talk about the history of Black History Month, the purpose and why we still celebrate it today. Take a listen, like, follow, comment and share with others. You can find the blog at www.practicallyhonest.orgKaye Wolfinger
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Take a listen as we define and talk about diversity and inclusion of all kinds, race, gender, age and the importance of having representation of all voices at the table.Kaye Wolfinger
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We talk Post Truth what that means and how it has impacted our lives.Kaye Wolfinger
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Two years ago today, we sent our son off to Marine boot camp. Join me and my son today as we talk about our personal experience with transitioning from having a college student to a Marine. You will still hear my raw emotion as I talk about what it was like as a mom, and he will share what was going through his mind. College isn't for everyone, and…
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Mark Oestreicher is our guest on this podcast as he talks with us about his newest book, "Youth Ministry In This Season Of Disruption." Join us as we talk about youth ministry in this pandemic.Kaye Wolfinger
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Kathy Dickriede and Jason Hockran, two people I admire, join us this week on our podcast talking about their experiences in the mission field. They share their calls, passions and their personal stories of why they are passionate about mission work. Take a listen and find the links: www.practicallyhonest.org…
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If you are looking for a way to reach older children and younger teens, this school based community organization may be your answer. Male and female adults and older teens can volunteer to work with girls while teaching them life skills that are actually Christian-based.Kaye Wolfinger
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EEK! Here we are, already in the Advent Season and we are tapped out. If you are still searching for something to do with Children, Teens or Family Ministries for Christmas Tide or after the New Year, we share lots of ideas on this podcast. Check out practicallyhonest.org for direct links to resources and to leave your own ideas for others.…
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We can't tell the future, but we do know that we are not "going back to normal" once we are on the other side of this pandemic. A few youth leaders talk about what they see as the future of Youth Ministry, post pandemic. What do you think?Kaye Wolfinger
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Youth Leaders chat about our experiences serving in youth ministry during this time in a pandemic. We share practical ideas and ways to reach teens and young people especially now while we can not allows physically be together.Kaye Wolfinger
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This week we talk with I Promise School teacher, Kay Low, about her calling to serve in education, her experience at I Promise, and how we can support teachers always, but especially during this fall.Kaye Wolfinger
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Two moms talk about what it's like to say good-bye to our kids as they leave the nest to soar on their own. It's not easy, but we manage!Kaye Wolfinger
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Are you a parent, teacher, or youth leader who is wondering how covid/quarantine, etc. is affecting your teen? We are in unchartered territory. Never have we lived through times like this, so how to we help young people through? In this podcast we talk with a mental health expert (and mom) to get her best ideas and techniques.…
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This is the third podcast/blog post in our series on racism. Pastor Sheena Cameron and China Williams join Tim Beck and Kaye to talk about their experiences as African American females. We talk about white privilege, kneeling during the national anthem and how we, as white Christians, can show our support and compassion.…
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What do the facts say? This podcast addresses the facts that are shown through the history of our country. We (white, black and mixed race) walk through the information openly and honestly, sharing our experiences and thoughts learning from one another. You can find more information at practicallyhonest.org.…
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In order to understand racism today, we need to review the history as it has lead us to this point. In our blog, you will find a few helpful links and other resources to help individuals who want to educated themselves and who are leading others: www.practicallyhonest.org Be sure you listen to the podcast as well for more thoughts and information.…
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This podcast was recorded weeks ago and is the final in our Bible series this school year. While the events in the last week have seemed gut wrenching, this podcast and blog can be a beginning of some discussion on how God is still speaking. Pentecost is a time for us to celebrate the Holy Spirit uniting us together in ministry. Use this as a sprin…
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People have been obsessed with the end times pretty much since Jesus left this earth. Every generation has thought they were living in the "end times," including this very moment. This blog/podcast addresses this topic head-on. Take a listen and dive a little deeper with us.Kaye Wolfinger
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This blog and podcast will cover later New Testament writing (pastoral epistles) We discuss a popular verse that addresses gender roles.Kaye Wolfinger
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The Class of 2020 will go down in history. They will be forever bonded because of their experiences this spring. As the parents of these young people, we, too, share a special bond that others can't understand. In this blog and podcast, three moms talk about our different experiences being in the same situation.…
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Kaye Wolfinger
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We are taking a look at Paul this week and one "side" of the Pauline story. This also introduces some of the attributes of the early church (communal, house churches, etc) and controversies that developed early on.Kaye Wolfinger
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We are talking about the new church and what the followers of Christ were going through after his death. It's interesting to take a look at bodily resurrection, ways to understand and interpret Jesus' various appearances and the words he shares with followers post-resurrection.Kaye Wolfinger
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This particular podcast does not specifically address youth and young adult ministries, although it does affect these ministries. We are talking about how being in quarantine and relying on technology has impacted our lives and our ministries. This discussion also addresses how we will live into the future given these experiences.…
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During this Holy Week, as we prepare for Easter, nothing is the same as before. We can not prepare to gathering in one building for Easter services, or plan Easter dinner with extended family. But we can still celebrate. It may take digging a little deeper this year to search for the blessings, but they are still there. Please take a few minutes to…
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We typically only think of palm branches and celebration. But this study will dive a little deeper into Palm Sunday.Kaye Wolfinger
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Judas was the one who betrayed Jesus to the Jewish leaders. He had a key role in the story of the arrest and eventual crucifixion of Christ. Was Judas a pawn in this event? Was it free will or predestination? What if he had made a different choice? We dive into these questions and more in this podcast.…
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Kaye Wolfinger
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Kaye Wolfinger
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Kaye Wolfinger
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Kaye Wolfinger
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Kaye Wolfinger
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Kaye Wolfinger
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Kaye Wolfinger
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Kaye Wolfinger
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Kaye Wolfinger
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Kaye Wolfinger
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Kaye Wolfinger
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This is the third week of Advent, and we continue on in our readings in Isaiah. We have to ask ourselves as we read about Isaiah's prophecies what is the message God was sending and how is it relevant to us today? Be sure to read the scripture, listen to the podcast and ask yourself, or your small group these important questions as we wait and anti…
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Week two of Advent brings us to a discussion around Exile. What was the purpose of the Exile? How do we feel like we are in Exile in our lives today? Also, we will look at the promise of peace that Isaiah shares.Kaye Wolfinger
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