Christian Colleges and Universities

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Kids will test your patience, your knowledge and certainly your trust when it comes to lying. Children’s lies may be completely innocent and a phase they’ll outgrow, but it’s probably not a skill you want them to get good at or get away with. One way to curb this potentially bad habit is to spot the signs of lying, have your kid come clean and teach them why lying is wrong. Kids can be good liars and sneaky as ever, but it’s nothing that a mom or dad can’t fix. Here are the top 10 signs your kid is lying:

1. Limited or No Eye Contact

   When kids get caught in a lie, they often look away and make little eye contact with you. They may also gaze into the distance to avoid smiling or messing up their story that’s too good to be true.

2. Body Position

   The way in which kids position their bodies can be used to spot lies. They may sit up straight while talking, cross their arms or suddenly switch gestures when they get nervous and are being deceitful.

3. Wringing Hands

   Fidgety, wringing hands may indicate that your child is lying. This motion is said to express guilt and concern, which makes sense if they are guilty of lying and concerned about their punishment. Also, kids may hide their hands behind their back or sit on them to look innocent.

4. Scratching the Ear

   Unless your child has an itchy ear condition, suddenly scratching the ear when answering questions is a sign that your child may be lying. Aside from all the scratching, kids can also get red earlobes when they are embarrassed or nervous about lying.

5. Touching the Head

   In an effort to look anything but guilty, kids may touch their head and mess with their hair when they are lying. Some think they’ll look confused or innocent by scratching their heads, but it’s usually a nervous, involuntary reaction.

6. Excessive Blinking or No Blinking

   Blinking too much or not at all can indicate a child is lying. They may excessively blink from nerves or not at all because they are in deep concentration conjuring up a lie.

7. Licking or Biting Lips

   In an effort not to say too much or blow their cover, kids may lick or bite their lips while talking to you. And when they accidentally spill the truth, look for kids’ signature movement of hands slapped across their mouth.

8. Repetition

   Kids may repeat themselves several times so you’ll believe that they really didn’t hit their little brother. Their pleas can be convincing, but they may be lying. Sometimes kids will mimic you or repeat what you said, so they can come up with a response during this time.

9. Talking too Much

   Kids are naturally energetic, talkative beings, but when they are caught in lies they may act unusually excited and talk too much. In an effort to come up with a believable lie, you child may ramble on and tell a detailed, farfetched story that just doesn’t cut it.

10. Changing Their Tone of Voice

    When kids are told to spill the truth, they may opt to speak slowly and quietly while lying between their teeth. A change in tone or tempo of their speech may indicate they’re lying to you.

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A time of prayer is immeasurably enhanced with a good Christian hymn. Dating back to the Protestant Reformation during the 16th century, some of the history’s most talented composers and musicians have drafted songs of praise that have remained staples of Sunday morning services worldwide. Hymns show our deference to the Lord, capture our thoughts and emotions at a particular moment in time, and bring us closer to our fellow worshippers. Given the sheer amount of these songs to which Christians are exposed, compiling a modest list that we can all agree upon is a difficult task – so many have left indelible marks on the souls of countless worshippers and even the not-so-religious – but there are several that stand out the most. Below are a handful of hymns that many Christians name among their favorites.

1. Amazing Grace
   “Amazing Grace” was created in 1779 by John Newton – a slave trader turned abolitionist – and it has since become one of the best-known songs worldwide. The words of the hymn were first penned in 1772, describing Newton’s conversion from a sinner to a man of God.
2. Holy, Holy, Holy
   Reginald Heber’s “Holy, Holy, Holy” was originally a poem written for Trinity Sunday, but John Bacchus Dykes composed the tune Nicaea for it, forming the hymn with which we’re familiar today.
3. Be Thou My Vision
   “Be Thou My Vision” has been in existence since the 8th-century. It was created in Ireland when native missionaries were spreading the Good News through Europe, encouraging people to become devoted to Christ. The words of the hymn have been attributed to St. Patrick, who was responsible for the establishment of numerous churches and the conversion of thousands of people.
4. How Great Thou Art
   Carl Gustaf Boberg – a Swedish pastor, writer and member of the parliament – was inspired to author the poem “O Store Gud,” or “Oh Great God,” which became the English hymn “How Great Thou Art,” after walking through a thunderstorm and observing the tranquility that followed.
5. Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing
   As an unruly youth, Robert Robinson was told by a fortune teller that he wouldn’t live to see his offspring. As a result, he took an interest in Methodism, becoming a preacher at the age of 20. Two years later, he wrote “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing,” which has experienced a growth in popularity recently in England and the US.
6. Praise to the Lord, the Almighty
   Recognized as one of Germany’s best hymn writers, Joachim Neander is perhaps most lauded for composing “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty,” which is a paraphrase of Psalm 103:1-6.
7. A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
   “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” was created by Martin Luther during the Protestant Reformation almost 500 years ago. The hymn mentions the refuge made available by God during trying times and the danger presented by the devil.
8. Rock of Ages
   Anglican clergyman Augustus Montague Toplady’s hymn “Rock of Ages” is said to have been inspired by a large rock at Burlington Combe under which he took shelter during a thunderstorm. Modern singers, including Amy Grant, have performed their own adaptations of the song.
9. Jesus Loves Me
   The first four stanzas of “Jesus Loves Me” were a part of a novel, written by sisters Anna and Susan Warner, in which a man comforts a drying boy by singing a hymn. In 1862, William Batchelder Bradbury composed the tune two years after the novel was published, and afterward, additional verses were added by different sources.
10. When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
    Dr. Isaac Watts produced more than 700 hymns during his lifetime and he’s perhaps best known for bringing us “Joy to the World.” But “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” is one of the most unique hymns ever written because it details a personal religious experience in the first person.

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Undoubtedly, if you’ve sat through hours of sermons, you’ve experienced a myriad of varying annoyances that have inhibited you from a fulfilling worshipping experience. People, including you and I, are imperfect, and sitting through an hour without the normal positive distractions to which we cling can leave us restless. Moreover, the sermon itself isn’t always mistake-free, which can make for some awkward moments. Below are 10 Sunday morning sermon distractions that most churchgoers have to endure.

1. Cell phones
   Where aren’t cell phones a distraction? These days, when people aren’t completely engaged in an activity, they pull out their cell phones to pass time by texting, playing games, surfing the internet or toying with some kind of new app. And, of course, there’s the random ringing of a congregation member’s cell phone, featuring the dulcet tones of everyone’s favorite ’80s and ’90s pop star.
2. Rambunctious children
   It’s not uncommon to hear the laughing, snickering, crying and chatting of rambunctious children in the congregation who lack the attention spans to stay seated and comprehend the sermon. In many cases, their parents have learned to tune them out – a skill few others sitting around them are fortunate enough to possess.
3. Sleepiness
   Sundays are generally considered days for relaxation. After staying up late on Friday and Saturday night, an extra couple of hours of sleep to cap off the weekend are well-deserved. But nodding off in church is disrespectful to the pastor and those who’ve worked hard to provide an enlightening sermon. So as you struggle to keep your eyes open, counting down to that afternoon nap, remember why you’re sitting there in the first place.
4. Tone-deaf singers
   Congregational singing can be a wild ride. Although everyone should be singing together, it’s simply not possible. Some of the more spirited members of the congregation may take it upon themselves to liven things up, but their tone-deafness makes the experience even less enjoyable. It’d be a lot easier if people would just go with the flow.
5. Bodily noises
   Most people don’t consider random bodily noises major distractions. But when it’s cold season and half of the congregation is suffering through its ill effects, it’s difficult to ignore the incessant sniffling, nose-blowing, coughing and wheezing. Additionally, knuckle-cracking and foot-tapping are year-round problems.
6. Inappropriate attire
   Now that most people don’t wear their Sunday’s best, it seems that many have taken to wearing their Sunday’s worst. The younger generation, I’m sure you’ve heard this complaint before – has adopted some outrageous styles, and they can be distracting in and outside of church. Some people show up dressed too casually, while others could stand to dress more conservatively; most men will tell you the excessive display of cleavage by women inevitably causes them to lose their concentration.
7. Invasion of space
   Churches aren’t known for providing comfortable seating arrangements. For the most part, it’s first come; first serve. And although you respect and care for your fellow church members, a few of them may distract you with their, likely unintentional, disregard for your personal space, which commonly occurs when they sit too close, invade your legroom or inadvertently hit or tap you.
8. Bad view
   If you weren’t blessed with above average height, finding a seat where you have full-view of the pastor can be a challenge. Plus, you never know who’ll sit in front of you. So if you have the misfortune of being seated behind Shaq, for example, you’re out of luck unless another seat with an unobstructed view is available.
9. Malfunctioning microphone
   Your pastor’s message can be muddled by a malfunctioning microphone that cuts in and out or fluctuates in volume, thus rendering the sermon ineffective. What’s more, when the microphone stops working altogether and there isn’t backup, your pastor is forced to rely on the power of his own voice for an hour, which may not be his strong-suit.
10. Temperature abnormalities
    Dealing with uncomfortably hot or cold temperatures while attending church was more of a distraction endured by previous generations of churchgoers than the present generation. However, if your church ever experiences problems with its cooling or heating system, you’ve probably spent some time during the sermon praying for a quick fix and an end to your profuse sweating or uncontrollable shivering.

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Young Christian men and women seeking an education in theology attend seminary. It’s not like your typical college atmosphere; in most cases, students who already have attained bachelor’s degrees live on campus and adhere to strict guidelines that regulate their behavior. The end result is a lifestyle that will prepare them for the clergy. If you plan to enter a seminary, consider the requirements needed to reach your aspirations.

1. Commitment to Christ
   All seminarians must have an unwavering commitment to Christ. If you already attend church regularly and sacrifice your free time to strengthen your relationship with the Lord, then you’ll benefit from seminary. Keep in mind that students are permitted to leave at any point, so the experience itself enables you to discover if you truly want to devote your life to God.
2. Thorough Knowledge of the Bible
   Without question, you must be well-versed in the Bible and have an understanding of the major books. This isn’t a problem for most students entering seminary, but it doesn’t hurt to brush up on the details and read the important passages that have become hazy in your memory.
3. Good Character
   Seminaries reject people with criminal records because of the risk they present to the school and the people they would serve in the clergy. A personal judgment must be made as to whether or not you have the ability to live your life as a leader and serve your community before yourself.
4. References
   Examples of your good character will be provided through personal references – it’s the same process used by secular colleges. Each one must be written by people who aren’t related to you, and of course, they must be more than just acquaintances.
5. Endorsement from Church
   An endorsement from the church to which you belong provides evidence of your strong faith. If you haven’t attended the church for a substantial period of time, additional endorsements from previous churches that you attended may be required.
6. Excellent Communication Skills
   In order to enter the clergy, you must possess excellent communication skills – written and oral. Your effectiveness as a leader will be dependent on how you interact with people who belong to your church. It’ll be your responsibility to listen to their spiritual needs and satisfy them to the best of your ability.
7. Ability to Research
   In your quest to gain in-depth knowledge of Christianity, it’s essential that you know how to research thoroughly and efficiently. These are the skills you gained while working to attain your undergraduate degree. The research process may have to include learning the languages of the Bible – like Greek, Hebrew or Aramaic.
8. Bachelor’s Degree
   More often than not, prospective seminarians are required to have completed a bachelor’s degree from a four-year regionally accredited institution. Also, many seminaries expect a strong liberal arts education, meaning a certain number of hours must be accumulated in liberal arts classes. For example, at Bethel Seminary, prospective students are “urged to have at least 75 credit hours.”
9. Meet GPA Requirements
   Admission depends on if you’re able to meet the minimum GPA requirements, which vary seminary to seminary. Some schools pay closer attention to the last two years of study; not unlike many graduate schools. Also, some schools require prerequisites courses.
10. Adhere to Seminary’s Doctrines
    Adhering to your seminary’s doctrines shouldn’t be difficult if you choose to attend one that shares your core beliefs. Some schools require students sign an agreement stating that the student agrees with the doctrines, while others tend to be less rigid, allowing the students to determine which doctrines are important. You can discuss any questions you may have with your prospective seminary.

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Christians attend church because it’s good for their spiritual well-being. It’s how they express their love and thankfulness to God. It’s also a way for them to spend time with each other, and bond over their common beliefs. Hebrews 10:24-25 says “And let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more, as you see the day drawing near.” In order to have a strong relationship with God, Christians must maintain a strong fellowship with their church-going brethren. Across America, there are a number of “Megachurches” that possess strong followings of believers who seek to live their lives according to God’s plan. Below is a listing of 10 of those churches; all of which have devoted congregations that reach into at least the 10,000s.

• Cavalry Chapel Fort Lauderdale
  The church’s website describes it as “not a building, not a person, not a religious institute. It is a vibrant body of believers through which God is able to work and be glorified.” Cavalry Chapel is the biggest church in Florida, boasting a weekly congregation of roughly 18,000. It’s committed to remain true to the basic Christian doctrines and avoid the political fluff with which many other churches are consumed. This ensures there’s no division within their worshipping body.
• Fellowship Church
  The 21-year-old church located in Grapevine has a consistent following of roughly 20,000 Texans. Pastor Ed Young has written 13 books and has appeared on television shows like ABC’s Nightline. In that appearance, he debated AshleyMadison.com – an online dating website for married people – founder Noel Biderman about the importance of the Seventh Commandment.
• Lakewood Church
  When you listen to a sermon delivered by Pastor Joel Osteen, it’s easy to understand why more than 43,000 Houstonians attend Lakewood Church each week. His positive and all-inclusive personality is a big reason why the church’s services are televised each week on the Trinity Broadcasting Network.
• LifeChurch.tv
  Senior Pastor Craig Groeschel is effective at spreading the word of God. His church is based in Edmond, Oklahoma, but more than 26,000 Christians attend services on his 13 campuses in six states each week. According to LifeChurch.tv’s website, its congregation enjoys a casual atmosphere with live music, friendly people, opportunities to help others and thought-provoking messages.
• North Point Community Church
  Located in the heart of the Bible Belt, this Atlanta church has more than 23,000 loyal attendees at its three campuses each week. Its mission is “to lead people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ,” and its strategy is “to create environments where people are encouraged and equipped to pursue intimacy with God, community with insiders, and influence with outsiders,” according to its website.
• Saddleback Church
  Pastor Rick Warren is best known for authoring the Christian self-help book The Purpose Driven Life, which was a New York Times best seller. More than 22,000 people gather before him each week to find “love, acceptance, help, hope, forgiveness and encouragement.” The church has four campuses in California – Corona, Irvine, Laguna Woods, Lake Forest, San Clemente – and one internet campus.
• Second Baptist Church
  Second Baptist is the second largest church in the Houston area with a weekly congregation of just fewer than 23,000 people on five campuses. It attempts to shed the stereotype of being a stodgy Baptist church by priding itself on being open to believers from varying Christian faiths.
• Southeast Christian Church
  Worshipping is a lifestyle at Southeast, which hosts more than 17,000 people weekly in Louisville, Kentucky. Its mission is to “provide Christians with a place they can develop relationships with each other, grow in their walk with the lord and put their faith into action through Christ-centered services,” according to its website.
• Willow Creek Community Church
  Willow Creek’s six campuses serve the Chicago area and beyond by offering worshipers services centered on life-relevant messages related to God’s word. More than 23,000 people attend the church, which encourages them to build fulfilling and mutually-beneficial relationships with one another. Completed in September of 2004, its impressive worship center cost $73 million to build. It claims to be the largest legitimate theatre on this continent.
• Woodlands Church
  Woodlands Church has a weekly congregation of just more than 17,000 Texans and counting; it’s one of the fastest growing churches in the nation. Pastor Kerry Shook strives to make church a fun experience, and his message is broadcast worldwide. His wife Chris is also an active participant in the church as the Director of Missions and Women’s Ministry.

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Finding an activity that promotes family fun can be a challenge. It’s not easy to get everyone in the same place at the same time, so you have to brainstorm fresh ideas to keep them from dispersing to their computers and TVs. As a Christian, you recognize the importance of a cohesive family unit. You also realize that your family needs good knowledge of the Bible in order to fully understand the origins of their values. Thankfully, you can have a blast while reviewing scriptural facts in a competitive manner. Here are a few Christian-themed board games (and one card game) that are inexpensive to buy and priceless to use.

• Outburst Bible Edition
  This highly-entertaining Christian party game features a wide variety of Bible topics – including “Animals in the Bible,” “Names for Christ,” and “Male Villains in the New Testament” – that have 10 target answers. Participants have a minute to verbalize their responses, and their teams gain points for each one that’s correct.
• Bible Mad Gab
  Not only does Bible Mad Gab test your knowledge of The Good Book, but it also tests your listening acumen. Your team is given 30 seconds to read three jumbled phrases aloud, and points are rewarded when the actual phrase is discovered. Can you figure out what “A Wafer Meece Eight Ten!” really means? If you hear “Away from me Satan,” you could be on a path to domination on game night, though it would take a miracle to solve all 1,200 of the puzzles included in the game.
• Proverbial Wisdom Bible Edition
  Up to 16 players can partake in the excitement of Proverbial Wisdom Bible Edition. A member of your team sketches a proverb – or at least attempts to sketch one – and you and your teammates have to surmise what they’re communicating in just a minute’s time. After identifying it, you must explain the origin or meaning. There are 500 proverbs in total; enough to keep you guessing all night.
• Settler’s of Canaan
  Themes from the Old Testament are brought to life in this complex game of strategy. Each player becomes a tribe of Israel, settling the land of Canaan while using resources from the land to build Jerusalem. Expand your territory and avoid the plague, and you’ll come out a winner. Settler’s of Canaan is an adaptation of the popular Settlers of Catan game, but it does stand alone; you can play it without having played the previous game.
• Bible Blurt
  Bible Blurt isn’t for the faint-hearted. Fast thinkers and loud speakers are required to guess a word from the Bible. The first person to blurt the answer is the victor. Up to 12 players can participate in the game, which includes 1,200 definitions.
• LifeStories Christian Version
  LifeStories is a game that promotes family unity by prompting each participant to share their life’s stories. Grandparents can connect with their grandchildren by having real conversations about “the way things were,” relating their experiences to today. No other game encourages such stimulating interaction. It’s great for people age six to 106.
• Scattergories Bible Edition
  The object of this game is to match as many Bible categories as you can before time expires. Each round begins with a roll of the die, which determines the key letter that hints at the answer. If you can’t think of the answer and instead write one down that’s relevant to the category, you still score points. The player who has accumulated the most points after three rounds wins.
• Salvation Challenge
  With a million in kingdom cash for each player, the possibilities are endless during a game of Salvation Challenge. Once you land on the Calvary and call “Jesus Save Me,” your task is to be the first player to distribute the million in cash to missionaries who intend to further God’s Kingdom.
• Bible TriBond
  Participants use clues that are commonly known and clues that are found in the Bible to answer the question “what do these three have in common?” Put your knowledge of The Good Book on full display by correctly answering the most questions – though with 1,200 total, even the most well-studied Christians have been known to get stumped by this game.
• Inklings
  Even Bible novices enjoy Inklings, which includes more than 280 questions with six clues each. The clues get progressively easier as more are used, making the end goal of 55 points attainable for every participant. But before questions are asked, you must flip the spinner. If it lands on one or four, you can either answer the question or sell it to an opponent. If it lands on two or five, you can receive special benefits. If it lands on three, you answer one question mano-a-mano against an opponent.

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As family life has become busier and younger generations have become more rebellious, children are attending church less regularly. There are so many other things to do on a Sunday – like sleep in, participate in sporting events, watch football, hang out with friends and play video games. But if you want your kids to grow up with the Lord as a valuable part of their lives, it’s important that you ensure they attend church. There are several ways to get them to see the light without ruling with an iron fist; here are eight that’ll have them sitting on a pew Sunday mornings.

1. Choose a church with a strong youth ministry
   Being less rigid in where you decide to attend church will enable you to find a place where you and your kids will be most comfortable. If your current church has an ineffective youth ministry, consider finding a different church that has a strong one. Remember, youth ministries enable the church to connect with younger age groups. If it’s inconsistent and boring, then your kids are probably lacking the socialization they need to feel comfortable in a church environment.
2. Choose a church with a strong Sunday morning ministry
   You can’t expect your kids to get the most out of church if they don’t know what’s being discussed. A competent Sunday morning ministry lays the foundation for a thorough understanding of Scripture that will last into adulthood. Its lessons make the church-going experience more fruitful for the entire family.
3. Choose a church in your community
   Attending a church that’s in your community and thus closer to home is another way to ensure your kids become accustomed to its environment. Not only will they become friends with their peers from throughout the area, but it’ll also be easier to go to church at the spur of the moment. So you can take them to more game nights, for example, without having to alter your schedule.
4. Become a leader in the church
   Assert yourself. If you have something to add, offer your services to your pastor or one of your church’s ministries. Then you’ll be able to personally find new methods to reach your kids and their peers. And once your kids see that you’re involved, they’ll be more likely to become involved themselves. The best way to lead is by example.
5. Make sure that both Mom AND Dad attend regularly
   Again, lead by example. Don’t give your kids mixed signals by allowing your husband or wife to skip out on services while everyone else attends – unless, of course, there are extenuating circumstances. Attending church should serve to strengthen your family, giving you the chance to come together for the purpose of worshipping God.
6. Challenge them at home
   In order to perform well in school, your kids have to do their fair share of studying and homework. The same principle applies here. Take some time at home to study the Bible with your kids, and clarify any questions they may have about the subject matter. You can make it entertaining; there are numerous Christian board games that will challenge your kids’ knowledge of the Bible and encourage family bonding.
7. Offer rewards
   Give them extra incentive to attend church by enticing them with rewards. Offer to take them to their favorite breakfast restaurant before or after church, or give them special privileges at home. It’ll get their feet in the door and start a positive habit. However, don’t allow it to become the expectation. If they aren’t willingly going to church after several appearances, then you should consider the aforementioned “ways.”
8. Listen to their concerns
   As a good parent, you know that listening to your kids is the key to a healthy relationship. Sit them down and ask why they feel attending church is a laborious task. If possible, alleviate their concerns by giving them some say in the matter. Is there a better time to attend church? Or perhaps they aren’t getting along with their peers and would prefer to make new friends. Do what you can to make it an all-around more enjoyable experience.

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There’s no denying that it can be tough for young Christians to connect with other believers their age at school. Getting involved with a group of fellow Christian students is a great way to feel a part of something bigger, build friendships, and experience service in a whole new way. Any one of these ten Christian student groups is a wonderful way for young people to get involved. Click through on each organization for more contact information:

1. Campus Crusade for Christ
Founded in 1951 on the UCLA campus, CCC International now boasts more than 25,000 staffers in almost 200 countries. The interdenominational group is one of the biggest evangelical groups in the world, with chapters on college campuses nationwide that allow students to study together, serve their community, and spread the gospel to the world around them through missions and other work.

2. Young Life
Young Life is one of the best programs available for high schoolers looking to engage in social welfare that’s faith-based but not tied to a particular denomination. Students meet weekly to connect with each other and hear a brief message, and summer camps are also available. Membership is free and open to all students.

3. International Fellowship of Evangelical Students
The IFES is an umbrella group of more than 130 student-aimed evangelical groups worldwide, making it a great resource for Christian students across the globe to find a way to plug into their community. In the United States, the charter member is the InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, an evangelical campus organization dating back to the late 1800s that now has outposts on more than 570 campuses. Weekly meetings include worship and social times.

4. Youth for Christ’s Campus Life
Youth for Christ is a longstanding Christian student group, and Campus Life offers a place for high schoolers to spend time with each other and discuss the best way to approach the moral decisions facing teenagers, from drinking to sexuality. Meetings can take place everywhere from school gyms to churches, and are of course open to all students.

5. World Student Christian Federation
Another global student group with offshoots in a multitude of regions, the World Student Christian Federation has been spreading the gospel and helping local communities since 1895. In North America, a variety of member groups, including the Student Christian Movement, work to evangelize students while also working with the poor and elderly in a variety of outreach programs.

6. See You at the Pole
See You at the Pole is a student-run and student-initiated group, which is how it’s able to function on public school campuses. The annual meeting occurs on the fourth Wednesday of September at schools nationwide, as Christian students gather at the school’s flagpole to meet and pray. It began in Texas in 1990 and has since become a nationwide movement.

7. University Bible Fellowship
The evangelical UBF began in 1961 and is devoted to working with college-age Christians to send missionaries around the world. They place on emphasis on one-on-one Bible study time between pairs to help people learn together, and they also encourage group studies.

8. Campus Outreach
The interdenominational Campus Outreach has as its mission statement, “Glorifying God by Building Laborers on the Campus for the Lost World.” Although the group has some outposts on larger campuses, its primary focus is on smaller schools that don’t have a ministry group in existence yet.

9. FOCUS
FOCUS stands for Fellowship of Christians in Universities & Schools and includes a wide variety of denominations in its student-based ministry groups across the country. Founded in the 1960s in New England, the group mainly serves schools on the East Coast but does send members throughout the United States. Students work to evangelize in their communities, perform service projects, and get together for worship and study.

10. Fellowship of Christian Athletes
Founded in 1954, the FCA uses sports teams and coaches as means of spreading the gospel. Christian students nationwide and at all levels, from junior high to college, unite through their love of team athletics and desire to serve God by helping their communities.

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It can be tempting to think of Christian colleges as existing in a parallel world: Sure, they’re good schools, but have any major figures in business or the media gone to one? Well, yes, quite a few have. The alumni ranks of Christian universities are filled with big names in everything from online ventures to entertainment and politics. Check it out:

1. Neil Clark Warren, Pepperdine University (California)
Neil Clark Warren earned a bachelor’s degree from Pepperdine before going on to earn post-grad degrees at Princeton Theological Seminary and the University of Chicago. His focus on human relationships led him to launch eHarmony in 2000, which became one of the biggest online dating sites in the world.

2. Ann Richards, Baylor University (Texas)
The former governor of Texas, Ann Richards rose to national prominence with a speech at the 1988 Democratic National Convention that boosted her to victory in the 1990 race for the Texas governorship. She earned her bachelor’s at Baylor on a debate scholarship, something that clearly came in handy in her career.

3. Joel Hodgson, Bethel University (Minnesota)
Comedian and writer Joel Hodgson is best known for creating “Mystery Science Theater 3000,” a comedy and sketch show in which he and a pair of robots would wisecrack their way through sci-fi B-movies of the mid-20th century. (The show was lauded by Time Magazine in 2007 as one of the best series ever made.) Before he got his start riffing for fans, Hodgson studied theater and mass media at Minnesota’s Bethel University.

4. Max Lucado, Abilene Christian University (Texas)
One of the most popular authors in the evangelical movement, Max Lucado originally planned a career in law before a Bible class and mission trip undertaken at Abilene Christian shifted his focus to ministry. He has written more than 50 books to date and sold millions of copies.

5. Mitt Romney, Brigham Young University (Utah)
Before serving as the governor of Massachusetts, Mitt Romney was the valedictorian of BYU’s class of 1971, and he would go on to study at Harvard for his MBA and JD. His strong faith has influenced many of his political decisions, and though he lost the bid for the Republican nomination for president in 2008, he remains a major player in the party.

6. Eric Christian Olsen, Pepperdine University (California)
Eric Christian Olsen qualifies as a “that guy” in TV and movies: He’s got a recognizable face and has given supporting and star turns in everything from “24″ to to Not Another Teen Movie to Beerfest to “Community.” He’s also a graduate of Pepperdine, with a degree in child psychology.

7. Eugene Peterson, Seattle Pacific University (Washington)
Eugene Peterson is known among Christians for penning The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language, a popular book that sets out to communicate the Bible in a way that’s easier for modern readers to understand. He started out with a bachelor’s in philosophy from Seattle Pacific before pursuing additional degrees at New York Theological Seminary and Johns Hopkins University.

8. Wes Craven, Wheaton College (Illinois)
Film director Wes Craven’s name has been synonymous with horror for decades thanks to movies like A Nightmare on Elm Street and Scream. However, he got his start at Wheaton College, an evangelical college in the midwest.

9. Jeff Dunham, Baylor University (Texas)
Comedian and Jeff Dunham is one of the most popular entertainers on YouTube, and his specials and series have broken ratings records for Comedy Central. Before he was famous, he studied at Baylor University, though as Dunham jokes, he’s never had a “real job.”

10. Bill Weir, Pepperdine University (California)
Bill Weir studied journalism and creative writing at Malibu’s Pepperdine University before rising to fame as a reporter for ABC News. He’s currently the co-anchor of “Good Morning America Weekend Edition,” and has filed reports on everything from Hurricane Katrina to the war in Iraq.

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The best ideas are often inspired by seeing someone else in action. That’s often especially true in youth ministry, where one minister’s approach will spur another to think outside the box, which in turn pushes another to look for new ways to engage with their students. With that in mind, here are ten great blogs for youth ministers, full of personal experiences and ministry insights.

1. More Than Dodgeball
Joshua Griffin serves as the high school pastor at Southern California’s Saddleback Church, home of pastor Rick Warren. His blog features books and podcasts for students and ministers, as well as general posts about life and culture. Includes helpful links to books and other media.

2. Rethinking Youth Ministry
Rethinking Youth Ministry is run by a pair of youth ministers in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Missouri, with one based in St. Louis and the other in Columbia. Their bio says that they’re “passionate about rethinking ministry with youth from a progressive Christian perspective.” The blog focuses on helpful ways to get teens involved with each other and with ministry, as well as how to avoid pitfalls that plague a lot of ministries.

3. 100 or More
As its name implies, this blog targets leaders of youth groups with more than 100 members, since working with that many kids can often present logistical challenges that smaller groups don’t have to worry about. You can also follow author Jeff Maguire on Twitter.

4. Serial Youth Pastor
Chris, a youth minister in Iowa, blogs about his work with students as well as the way issues of faith and spirituality pop up in modern culture.

5. Confessions of an Average Youth Minister
Shane, a youth minister in Alabama, grew up in a conservative Baptist church but now works at one that is “much more open to new ideas and new ways to express our love for God.” His confessional approach highlights his fears and worries as well as his successes, which can be helpful for ministers who are worried that they’re the only ones struggling with a particular issue.

6. Simply Kurt
Another member of the Saddleback Church, Kurt Johnston is the junior high pastor and keeps a blog about how to minister to students just entering their formative teenage years.

7. Patti Gibbons
Patti Gibbons has years of youth ministry experience under her belt, and her blog touches on a variety of topics, including the curriculum she’s written for ministering to youth. A great resource for ministers of all stripes.

8. Life in Student Ministry
Life in Student Ministry was founded by Tim Schmoyer as a way to distribute ministry tools to youth ministers who needed resources but didn’t have much in the way of budgets. As a result, the tools offered on his ministry blog are all free, and include a variety of articles and curricula for youth ministers to use with their students. He’s also on Twitter.

9. Adam McLane
After working as a youth minister for years, Adam McLane now works in I.T. for Youth Specialties, but he maintains a blog about major issues facing today’s youth ministry programs. He is, of course, available on Twitter.

10. Youth Ministry Geek
Youth Ministry Geek inhabits the fun intersection of new media and classic ministry, and emphasizes how youth ministers can incorporate tech in their lessons and how the

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