Big Ideas & ‘Best Of’ – Page 5

December 11, 2012Big Ideas & 'Best Of'

An Experiment in Being Present

I recently had the pleasure of enjoying lunch with a couple of friends — and a few strangers.

And when one of the young guys put his phone in the middle of the table, two others quickly followed — and then looked at the two of us who had yet to clue in.

As I looked at the growing pile of phones, and then back at the young guy who started the pile, he could see that I needed an explanation.

“The game,” he said, “is quite simple. The first person to reach for the phone — for any reason — buys lunch.”

“YIKES!” I thought.

December 6, 2012Big Ideas & 'Best Of'

Where’s Your Growing Edge?

I don’t know about you, but I can be a creature of habit.

If I’m not careful, I can become very content in the rhythms and routines that I create for myself.

And some of that, admittedly, is good.

But during a recent conversation with a colleague, I was surprised to learn that one of the greatest sources of joy — free and available to anyone — is found in learning and doing new things.

Growing.

Changing.

Moving away from the status quo.

December 3, 2012Big Ideas & 'Best Of'

The ‘Kaepernick Factor’

Have you heard about the “Kaepernick Factor?”

I’m going to guess “No” — in part, because I may have just made it up.

Colin Kaepernick is the new starting quarterback of the surging San Francisco 49ers.

As a 24-year old who has been thrust to the forefront of a Super Bowl contender, he has won his first two NFL starts — leading his team to big wins over the Saints and Bears in back-to-back weeks.

Kaepernick got his big break when Alex Smith, the overall #1 pick from the 2005 draft, got injured during the 49ers win over the St. Louis Rams on Nov. 11th.

Although Smith has been cleared to play, Kaepernick continues to look like the Niners new leading man.

And before this starts to sound too much like a guest post for ESPN, let me tell you what I think any of this matters to you — and the young, aspiring leaders you serve…

November 19, 2012Big Ideas & 'Best Of'

Because I’m Thankful for Y-O-U…

I have so much to be thankful for this year… not the least of which is the work God has called me to with college students.

And I’m thankful to have you as a colleague — wherever you serve — on mission to reach this generation of college students for Christ.

As an expression of my appreciation for you — and all that you do — I’m extending to you a 20% discount to the 2013 Faith ON Campus Summer Institute.

November 6, 2012Big Ideas & 'Best Of'

Why Your Voice (and Vote) Matter

It’s election day in America — and it’s both a right and privilege that we have to participate in this democratic process.

And there are some important decisions to be made that will undoubtedly shape the future direction of our country — and local government.

But I believe there is an even more important impact that today’s election can have on each one of us.

That we vote (not how we vote), affirms what we believe about our voice.

That it matters.

Or that it doesn’t.

November 1, 2012Big Ideas & 'Best Of'

The Power of Introverts

* A Catalyst (and TED) nugget from Susan Cain

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So we only had a few minutes to hear from Susan Cain, fellow introvert, and author of the New York Times Best Seller QUIET: The Power of Introverts in A World That Can’t Stop Talking.

She spoke ever-so-briefly about some shifts in our culture away from things that allow us introverts to thrive.

She called those of us in leadership to reclaim space and practices — like solitude and silence — for our introverts, so that they might thrive.

October 3, 2012Big Ideas & 'Best Of'

More Awesome, More Often: Navigating the 5 Lands Every Awesome Life Must Travel

* A Catalyst nugget from Jon Acuff

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If life is a choice between AWESOME! and average, would we all choose AWESOME!?!

Of course.

Yet, based on the lives that many of us lead, we must be opting for average instead.

Jon Acuff believes that there are 5 different “lands” or stages that every life must travel through in order to be awesome.

October 3, 2012Big Ideas & 'Best Of'

4 Ways to Build a Culture of Inclusivity Within Your Ministry

In a post last week I talked about students who are struggling this time of year because, as social scenes are beginning to solidify, they are finding themselves unexpectedly on the outside looking in.

I suggested that, as ministers and ministries, we have a unique and important opportunity here. We need to create a hospitable place where these students — ALL students, really — can belong and be known.

But this kind of culture doesn’t just magically happen within our ministry contexts. It takes intention. It takes work.

So here are four ways I think we can help to create a culture of inclusivity within our ministries:

FAITH ON CAMPUS

Category: Big Ideas & ‘Best Of’