BCNE News
The latest news from our network of New England churches. Looking for our New England Perspectives Articles? Click here.
Teens Attending YEC 2023 Challenged to Live Faithfully
Two high school seniors will long remember the January weekend they spent in a hotel ballroom with four hundred of their peers from across New England. They took part in the BCNE’s Youth Encountering Christ (YEC 2023) winter retreat January 27-29 at the Sturbridge Host Hotel and Conference Center in Massachusetts.
Renée Ghobrial Challenges Today’s Teens To Experience Genuine Christian Life
A New England native with family roots in Egypt and an abiding love for mentoring teenagers and young adults, Renee Ghobrial has been serving BCNE churches since January 1 as the leader of Next Generation Youth Ministries.
Clark retiring from a lifetime of dynamic youth ministry
When Allyson C. Clark moved from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth, TX, to metro Boston in 1991, the Nashville, TN, native was often asked “How long are you staying?” New England Baptists were accustomed to enthusiastic Southern Baptists serving a church for a few years before retreating to warmer, friendlier climates. “This question had a great impact on me. I told them I was here to stay. It took five years and they finally stopped asking,” she said.
Youth leader: Your student became a Christian - now what?
“How do I follow up with a student who became a Christ follower during YEC?"
This question came from a youth leader following BCNE’s winter Youth Encountering Christ conference. A few simple steps can be key in affirming a decision and setting a new believer on their spiritual journey.
Sacred space
Every day. Every day God has a plan for my life. Every day He wants to guide, teach, and use my life for his purposes. To abide in Him (John 15). Every day I decide to follow or go my own way. For years I taught a retreat curriculum that referenced the phrase, “If Satan can’t make you bad, he’ll make you busy.”
This is my story
Fanny Crosby wrote these lyrics along with over 8000 others in the 1800’s. The hymn that I grew up singing has been revived, adding a new bridge to her words. Crosby lost her sight at six weeks old, her father at six months old, and her only child when the baby was just an infant. Her faith in Christ was deep from an early age and gave her strength through her life. Blindness did not hold her back from writing, teaching, being a lobbyist and ministering to those in need, and praising God through it all.
Legacy
Twenty years.
Six summer days.
Over 5,000 students and leaders.
Eternal impact.
For over 20 years teenagers and their leaders have gathered each summer for CrossWalk, a week of camp in New England. Themes and Bible studies developed and written with New England students in mind. No fluff, rather tackling subjects like the Holy Spirit, global missions, and sacrificial discipleship, all based in the redemptive Gospel story.
The youth group rebuild
One year ago we were stepping into the unknown. In many ways we are beginning to rebuild into the unknown. Here are five ways you can create a solid base as you begin to re-establish your youth group.
The Easter reveal
I love the reveal. In my house, we watch a lot of HGTV. Good Bones, Fixer Upper, Windy City Rehab, Property Brothers, Home Town...you name it, we watch it.
Renovation, rebuild, structural correction, add-on, or total make-over; doesn’t matter. Normally I am working on the computer, glancing occasionally until the reveal: the last 10 minutes when they walk you through the house and show the before and after. All the work is done; beautiful, fun decor is added; and it is time to celebrate. The reveal is when I fully engage.
Lent has me thinking about my draw to the reveal.
Winter reflections
January is a busy time of celebrations. It is the start of a new year, and the month we will hold YEC (Youth Encountering Christ), the BCNE’s winter weekend conference for teens. This month both of these things are on my mind.
Leaf lessons
Most of us have favorite routes that take us to and from work, church, and the grocery store. We know when to speed up and slow down, when the road curves, or where traffic backs up. No map app is needed on these trips. But during this season, I am astounded as trees shed leaves and see the new revelation of hidden gems. Structures, scenic views, a helpful business, or just a fun object seem to jump out at me.
Don’t waste this time: Helping your teen live intentionally
As we look ahead to additional time at home and the absence of some extracurricular activities in the months ahead, it’s important to make plans so that we don’t waste these days. We need intentionality to help navigate this season well and not waste these days.
Leading youth during #stayhome
I know this is a lot to take in.
What we are going through right now is unlike anything we have experienced in the U.S. The challenge will grow in the days ahead.
I know some of you are only a year or so out of high school yourselves. Others are tackling schooling children at home, and some are also caring for parents. I hear you, and I am praying for you.
Am I ready? A meditation for my friends who already follow Christ
We are having a “come to Jesus moment.” While this phrase is often used in jest when someone is in trouble and about to experience reality, all Christ-followers are having a come to Jesus moment now.