Keeping up with what our youth are reading, watching and listening to can seem like an impossible task in this mass information age. While trying to keep up to date with all the trends, video games, music and other media may be a constant task, their are websites available that can make it a heck of a lot easier.

The best of the sites, in my humble opinion, is CPYU.org. The site, founded by youth culture guru Walt Mueller, not only provides great static info, but weekly updates and podcasts as well.

Not only do you get movie, video game and music video reviews – but you get a top ten list each week of the top movies, TV shows, music videos, downloaded songs and Yahoo searches

Not to mention great articles on media literacy, teen narcism, internet bullying and the growing pornography epidemic.

Bookmark www.CPYU.org  today and visit it often.

Categorised: Resources, Youth Culture

I am fascinated by the relationship between media/marketing and youth culture. I believe understanding this unique and powerful bond is essential to reaching todays young people with the “good news” of Jesus Christ.

“Merchants of Cool” is a great crash course on how our teens are being marketed to and how it’s affecting them. The documentary shows what great measures corporations are willing to make to deliver their message to todays youth, and made me question why we (The Church) are trying to deliever our message (The Gospel) to them with the same type of urgency.

Some of the content is a little dated, but still really valuable. The best part is you can watch it right now for free ninety-free.

www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/cool/

Categorised: Youth Culture

I believe that not taking yourself too seriously is the secret of longevity in youth ministry and Jonathan Acuff is the king of not taking things too seriously.

Acuff is the author of Stuff Christians Like, a Christan satire blog, and now Zondervan book available at Amazon.com.

Acuff tackles the difficult subjects like the side hug and understanding how metrosexual your worship leader is.

This blog is a constant reminder that laughter is a gift from God and when we refuse to accept it, it makes Him want to take it back. Like the unicorns.

Check out http://stuffchristianslike.net today.

Categorised: Resources

What if I told you there was a place for anyone looking for free, quality Christian graphics and photos shared by Christian artists around the world. A place for Christian artists to show their creative talents. A place to network, discuss, and critique with other Christian artists from professional to amateur. A place where leprechauns ride unicorns over candy filled hills.*

I know of such a place… http://www.creativemyk.com/

*   The unicorn riding Leprechauns have been removed due to sheer ridiculousness.

Categorised: Resources

2000 years ago He walked this earth; preaching, teaching and preparing to make the ultimate sacrifice.

WHAT IF, today you could talk with Him, laugh with Him, cry with Him, not only through prayer but through the radio…

That’s the concept of The Jesus Christ show. A radio show that airs every Sunday morning on L.A.‘s most popular radio station. Described as interactive radio theater, the show is designed to teach people about themselves and the historical person of Jesus.

The producer of the the Jesus Christ show, Neil Saavedra, likens the show to a history teacher dressing up like Abraham Lincoln or Benjamin Franklin to help people put flesh on the bones of history.

You might think it’s strange or even sacrilegious that somebody would act like Jesus for a few hours on the radio. I know I did… Until I took the time to listen to it. After being an avid fan of the show for the last 6 years, I’ve never disagreed with any of the advice or Biblical teaching I’ve heard “Radio Jesus” give.

Please don’t take my word on it. Find out for yourself what you’ve been missing. Check out the website and download past episodes for free. Thank me later:)

http://www.thejesuschristshow.com/

Categorised: Uncategorized