With Chris Zoephel | Real Responses From Teens

YAMIA is the youth and student ministries arm of the Anglican Mission in the Americas.

This week we tried something different with the students.

We normally do the singing at the end of the service but last nite we did it first...and it was a little longer than usual.

After the music we gave the students an index card and on it they wrote what their "spiritual temperature" was and to write a question that they would like to ask God...something they are struggling with...that type of question.

This should come as no surprise but I am going to put the general themes that came up from their anonymous questions:

1) Why does evil exist?
-they asked this in a variety of ways...i.e. why does bad things happen to good people, or why does an all powerful God allow bad things to happen to children etc...

2) How can I know that I am saved?

3) How can I have a victorious life in Christ?
-This was asked in a couple ways. A few spoke about difficulties with "addictions" and a few asked it by commenting on how they would be rockin and rollin after a retreat but they would slip back into apathy or luke-warmness withing a few weeks.

4) I am struggling with technology addiction.
-This one really surprised me and it was not really in a question form each time. It was more of a statement that came from a couple students. One referred to technology as an idol.

We then went over some of these questions in a Q and A format. However, if I did it again I would wait a week or two and then address them.

Total comments on this post (1)

one of my students a couple of years ago went on a 30 day media fast, there's a bible study that goes along with it. she really loved it and taught her so much. i'll find out what she used and let you know. technology is SO addicting...

...gotta go...my palm pilot is alarming, my cell phone is ringing, i haven't answered any emails and my ipod needs charging...

posted by Sayward - February 16, 2008 11:09 AM

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Involved in Youth Ministry for over 10 years, Rev Chris Zoephel has worked with junior highers, senior highers and those who act like these folks both as a paid staff member and as a volunteer in churches and para church organizations. These days most of his time is spent chasing his son around, keeping his office somewhat organized and trying to point others toward Christ. Currently Chris is on staff at Immanuel Anglican Church in Destin, FL as the Pastor of Discipleship (which includes being a youth pastor). Chris also serves as Director of YAMIA for the Anglican Mission in the Americas.