Parenting Teenagers: A Strategy NOT Endorsed by James Dobson

Before we had kids, my wife and I had six keys to raising kids.

Now we have six kids... and no keys.  (And in case you haven't heard, we have another one on the way.)

So I've been thinking about how to raise my kids—now ages 10-20. Here's what I've come up with so far:

Since kids have a tendency to grow up and rebel against their parents, I've decided to take some preventive measures.

I—as a father—am going to stay wild, crazy, and whacked so, that as my kids grow older, they will rebel against me—and thus turn out normal.
I'll let you know how it goes...

Rethinking How Disciples Are Made—Part 1

"I came through the whole system with the best education that evangelicalism had to offer—yet I really didn't receive the training that I needed... seven years of higher education in top-rated evangelical schools didn't prepare me to 1) do ministry and 2) be a leader. I began to analyze why I could preach a great sermon and people afterwards would shake my hand and say, 'Great sermon, Pastor.' But these were the very people who were struggling with self-esteem, beating their spouses, struggling as workaholics, succumbing to their addictions, Their lives weren't changing. I had to ask myself why this great knowledge I was presenting didn't move from their heads to their hearts and their lives. And I began to realize that the breakdown in the church was actually based on what we learned in seminary. We were taught that if you just give people information, that's enough."
—Dr. Clyde McDowell, Vantage Point: The Newsletter of Denver Seminary, June 1998

Is it REALLY possible to make disciples of Jesus Christ by dispensing information via speaking, preaching, and teaching alone?

What do you think?

Click on the comment link below and speak your heart and mind.


For a FREE ebook you can use to think this issue through with others, GO HERE.

Why you should never grow weary

Got this note via Facebook the other day. The only explanation for something like this is God. I offer it here (by permission of the author) to encourage anyone who is investing his/her life in the next generations (including parents and grandparents).

Dear Bill,

WOW! I am completely floored at how GOD has had me come across your path!!!! You may not remember me, but boy do I remember you! I was only 12 years old when you helped lead me to the LORD at an AWANA group meeting in Streator back in April of 1987! Over 23 years has passed and I have not yet and never will forget you. I went on to graduate from Judson University as a Youth Ministry major. I got married and now have 4 beautiful children of my own. God has blessed my family and I know the Holy Spirit is alive in my family today! My wife and I attend church in McHenry, IL, and love it. We are excited because GOD has us on a wild journey in our faith and we are sold out to HIM—just in AWE of His mighty power!

I just want to tell you how thankful I am to you for surrendering your life to Christ many years ago! I know GOD always has His plans for us and I am forever grateful that you listened loud and clear. Thank you brother!

Dan Estes
I Hope this note below does two things for you:

1. Encourages your heart... so that you do not grow weary when it comes to investing your short life into the next generations.


2. Makes you breathe a prayer of worship and praise to God... for only He can do this stuff. To Him be the glory alone.

So many conferences and so little Jesus-like disciplemaking

So many leadership, church growth, and church planting conferences.

So many conference junkies seeking their next fix.

So little Jesus-like disciplemaking.

Ever wonder why?

Here's a thought.

God, You, and Cadre Ministries

Things are rockin' in 2011 baby! Click on the images below to enlarge for reading—and praying. For complete, printable details, go here. Thanks for reading—and praying!

We can't do Cadre without friends and ministry partners like YOU. Your prayer and financial support on any level is much-needed, much-appreciated, and makes a HUGE difference in our lives and ministry. God is really blessing this adventure called Cadre. For more information about how you can partner with God, the Allisons, and Cadre Ministries, go here. To make a secure online tax-deductible donation, go here.