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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
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
Aug 27 · 5 min read

Can it really all be catch free?

In response to last week's post, “What's the Catch?”, Kyle asked a great question:

I love the catch-free scenarios that we can come up with. The only thing I struggle with is making that connection of a kickball game attender to something else...

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#small group #social events #youth ministry #worship

Jen Bradbury
Aug 05 · 5 min read

7 tips for dealing with spaceship parents

A few weeks ago, we looked at 3 types of parents that you'll work with as a youth pastor. Today, we'll continue looking at strategies for dealing with each type of parent. Here are 7 strategies for working with spaceship parents – those who are...

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#parents #discussion #communication #youth ministry #worship

Jen Bradbury
Aug 03 · 5 min read

The visibility problem

Playing Piano In Worship

In junior high, I began accompanying my school's weekly chapel service on the piano. It was a way for me to use my gifts to serve and glorify God even as an introverted kid. It was also what made hours of practicing the piano start to feel worth...

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#church #maternity leave #introvert #music #babies #youth ministry #worship

Jen Bradbury
Apr 06 · 5 min read

The stripping of the altar, Jesus, & me

I am pregnant right now, heavily pregnant.

32 Weeks

My husband tells me I look beautiful and that he's in awe of what my body is doing. While I, too, am in awe of my what my body is doing, of the miracle inside me, as my pregnancy progresses, I've also...

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#Holy Week #pregnancy #Jesus #worship

Jen Bradbury
Apr 04 · 5 min read

What I'm Into (March, 2015 Edition)

It's been a busy month. To say that I'm exhausted is an understatement. There's a time I would have been proud of this. Not anymore. Here's hoping for a slower April! 

Reading: 

Due to the busyness of this month, my reading took a hit....

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#books #TV #Missions #pregnancy #Youth Sunday #Leaders #refugee #conferences #The Youth Cartel #Jesus gap #worship #Prayer #confirmation

Jen Bradbury
Mar 12 · 5 min read

In defense of Youth Sunday

Youth Sunday Readings

When I first interviewed for my current position, I remember asking the pastors, “How are youth involved in worship?”

Their answer to this question was important to me because I was coming from a non-denominational setting wherein we had a...

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#youth ministry #Youth Sunday #worship #faith formation #Jesus #Missions #graduating seniors #scripture #church #evangelism

Jen Bradbury
Jan 21 · 5 min read

Why accurate communication is important

I like to think that I'm pretty good at communicating with the parents of teens in my youth ministry. I send out a weekly e-mail filled with details about upcoming events. I make sure to include announcements in our Sunday bulletin. I post updates...

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#retreats #Youth Sunday #youth ministry management #writing #youth ministry #worship

Jen Bradbury
Jan 15 · 5 min read

Concerns about "Beautiful Day"

It's January. That means that once again, it's time for K-Love's 30-Day Challenge – something I have some concerns about. In response to my concerns, today I'm continuing to critically evaluate some of the songs that K-Love...

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#retreats #doubt #church #music #Missions #youth ministry #worship

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Tags

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Latest Posts

  • Set Aside Judgment
  • To my daughter on her baptism
  • Can it really all be catch free?
  • 7 tips for dealing with spaceship parents
  • The visibility problem
  • The stripping of the altar, Jesus, & me
  • What I'm Into (March, 2015 Edition)
  • In defense of Youth Sunday
  • Why accurate communication is important
  • Concerns about "Beautiful Day"

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