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Jen Bradbury
Oct 20 · 5 min read

Recent Reads: Broken Hallelujahs by Beth Allen Slevcove

Filed in Recent Reads

Broken Hallelujahs

What the book's about: Broken Hallelujahs is as, the subtitle says, about learning to grieve the big and small losses of life. It reads like a memoir and indeed, Beth shares vulnerably from her life. Yet, it's packed with theology and practical...

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#grace #Community #Prayer #grief #books

Jen Bradbury
Aug 15 · 5 min read

Remember The Finish Line

I’m in countdown mode.

My fall programming starts in 5 weeks… And I’m on vacation for two of them.

Needless to say, that means I’m knee-deep in program prep for the fall. I’m recruiting adult leaders, training student leaders, and putting together...

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#Prayer #Leaders #student leadership #youth ministry

Jen Bradbury
Jul 28 · 5 min read

Recent Reads: Autopsy of a Deceased Church by Thom Rainer

Filed in Recent Reads

Autopsy

What the book's about: Autopsy of a Deceased Church by Thom Rainer uses research to analyze what factors contribute to the death of a church and in contrast, keep congregations alive. 

Why I read this book: When I spoke on The Jesus...

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#Jesus gap #Prayer #church #conferences #student leadership #books

Jen Bradbury
Apr 05 · 5 min read

The homeless men in worship

I slunk into worship a few minutes late on Sunday, something that is, unfortunately, not unusual for this harried mama youth pastor. I hurriedly slid into a pew in the back of the sanctuary along with my 10-month old daughter.

A few minutes...

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#motherhood #youth pastor #homeless #babies #Jesus #breastfeeding #Prayer #church #worship

Jen Bradbury
Nov 11 · 5 min read

Budgeting Basics: Translating Dreams Into Numbers

After you've let your dreams percolate, the next step in crafting your budget proposal is to translate your dreams into actual numbers.

To do this, go back through your lists, paying particular attention to your answers to this question: What...

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#money #Prayer #youth ministry management #student leadership #Missions #youth ministry

Jen Bradbury
Oct 08 · 5 min read

Set Aside Judgment

Judgment

Whenever we come into contact with other people, there’s a temptation to play the comparison game. This is true of theology as much as anything else.

Theological differences are often especially apparent during events like the 30 Hour Famine,...

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#youth ministry #race #Prayer #worship #service projects #evangelism #scripture #Jesus #30 Hour Famine

Jen Bradbury
Sep 11 · 5 min read

What to say (and not say) when someone miscarries

Since my husband and I have been very public about our experience with miscarriage, we're often asked by people, “What should I say to someone who's had a miscarriage?” Based on our experience, here are 5 things we recommend you avoid saying and 7...

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#hope #Prayer #youth pastor #enough #miscarriage #grief

Jen Bradbury
Aug 28 · 5 min read

To my daughter on her baptism

Sweet Girl -

This is the week of your baptism, an event which is a big deal to your dad and I.

Baptism is a strange thing for us... Something we both have some baggage with.

Our parents had each of us baptized when we were babies. Me at your...

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#church #baptism #babies #mentor #Jesus #scripture #Prayer #justice #confirmation #Community #grace #worship #crucifixion #evangelism

Jen Bradbury
Jul 23 · 5 min read

The Maternity Leave Sabbatical

Maternity Leave

Eight weeks ago, I had a baby girl, Hope.

My pregnancy was wrought with all kinds of trouble and fear.

As a female youth worker, one of my early fears was how my church would react to the news.

I hoped it would be unashamedly excited for me,...

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#babies #pregnancy #miscarriage #youth ministry #Women #brave #Missions #breastfeeding #c-section #Prayer #maternity leave #gratitude #parenting #church

Jen Bradbury
Jun 17 · 5 min read

Student Leadership Team Basics: Establishing Spiritual Goals

One of the leadership axioms I adhere to is that leaders cannot take people further than they are themselves. In order for teens to consistently grow in their faith, student leaders must do so too.

To challenge student leaders to grow, ask them to...

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#Prayer #scripture #service projects #student leadership #youth ministry

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Latest Posts

  • Recent Reads: Broken Hallelujahs by Beth Allen Slevcove
  • Remember The Finish Line
  • Recent Reads: Autopsy of a Deceased Church by Thom Rainer
  • The homeless men in worship
  • Budgeting Basics: Translating Dreams Into Numbers
  • Set Aside Judgment
  • What to say (and not say) when someone miscarries
  • To my daughter on her baptism
  • The Maternity Leave Sabbatical
  • Student Leadership Team Basics: Establishing Spiritual Goals

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