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Jen Bradbury
Apr 26 · 5 min read

10 QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU DECIDE WHETHER TO STAY OR GO

Note: I wrote this piece a while ago, in connection with my new book, Called. In the days since when it live, however, I have accepted a new job with Fuller Youth Institute and so am now (ironically) in the process of transitioning out of my role...

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#vocation #conflict #parents #church #youth pastor #youth ministry

Jen Bradbury
Jan 15 · 5 min read

The story behind CALLED

Two and a half years ago, I transitioned out of a 10-year call that I loved.

The decision to leave was NOT an easy one. It’s one I struggled with a lot… And along the way, I did what I always do: I turned to books for guidance.

I dutifully read...

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#transitions #vocation #youth ministry #Called #books #The Youth Cartel #breastfeeding #maternity leave #Pandemic #death #baptism #church #marriage

Jen Bradbury
Oct 22 · 5 min read

An open letter to John MacArthur

Dear John –

You don’t know me, but your books have sat on my shelf long enough that I like to think of you as a friend so I‘ll call you by your first time.

Your book, 12 Ordinary Men, was hugely influential in my understanding of the apostles and...

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#vocation #Women #church #pregnancy #motherhood

Jen Bradbury
Apr 22 · 5 min read

5 marks of a justice-focused mission trip

At a recent mission trip meeting, my teens wrestled with whether or not our summer mission trip currently focuses on serving others (meeting needs) or on enacting justice (recognizing, understanding, and addressing systemic brokenness).

By...

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#vocation #justice #A Mission That Matters #Jesus #Missions #youth ministry

Jen Bradbury
Apr 12 · 5 min read

Review: Parenting Beyond the Rules by Connie Albers

Since taking a new call, my responsibilities have expanded to include youth and family ministry. As such, I’ve become much more intentional about ministering to parents than I ever have been before. I’ve also become much more aware of resources...

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#vocation #brave #parents #toddlers #parenting #books

Jen Bradbury
Mar 07 · 5 min read

To those who think youth group is no longer fun

I’ve lost track of the number of times in my career in youth ministry when a high school senior has confronted me because they don’t like the direction our ministry is going. This confrontation always comes after a transition – usually within the...

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#vocation #transitions #church #scripture #youth pastor #graduating seniors #Jesus

Jen Bradbury
Sep 25 · 5 min read

Review: Called by Mark Labberton

Filed in Book Review

In the church world, people talk about being “called” a lot. But what exactly does it mean to be called? Mark Labberton attempts to answer this very question in his book, Called: The Crisis and Promise of Following Jesus Today.

Called

According to...

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#vocation #Community #church #youth pastor #Jesus #books

Jen Bradbury
Sep 13 · 5 min read

In defense of structure

My new youth ministry met for the first time last week.

By all assessments, we had a great first night. The room was full and teens were engaged in our conversation about vocation.

Afterwards, I was chatting with one of my adult leaders. When I...

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#vocation #Leaders #youth ministry

Jen Bradbury
Sep 05 · 5 min read

Review: Consider Your Calling by Gordon T. Smith

Filed in Book Review

My high school youth ministry meets for this first time this school year this Wednesday and this fall, we’re talking about vocation. In preparation for this series, I’ve been doing a ton of reading on vocation, including Gordon T. Smith’s fabulous...

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#identity #vocation #Jesus #baptism #books

Jen Bradbury
Aug 28 · 5 min read

Guest Post: The impact of a high school mission trip by Lindsey Coleman

My new book, A Mission That Matters: How To Do Short-Term Missions Without Long-Term Harm, is out! As a youth worker, I wholeheartedly believe that mission trips have the ability to impact teens in an incredibly transformative way. However,...

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#youth ministry #Missions #Rwanda #refugee #vocation #joy #grace #A Mission That Matters

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Latest Posts

  • 10 QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU DECIDE WHETHER TO STAY OR GO
  • The story behind CALLED
  • An open letter to John MacArthur
  • 5 marks of a justice-focused mission trip
  • Review: Parenting Beyond the Rules by Connie Albers
  • To those who think youth group is no longer fun
  • Review: Called by Mark Labberton
  • In defense of structure
  • Review: Consider Your Calling by Gordon T. Smith
  • Guest Post: The impact of a high school mission trip by Lindsey Coleman

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