Confessions of a High School Bible Teacher
Theology from the perspective of High School Bible Teachers
Craft beer, fine wines, and aged spirits… Are these things meant for Christian consumption, or are they all just different manifestations of the Devil’s water!? Even if you’re okay with Christians drinking in moderation, what about Bible teachers? In this episode, Chris and Wayne dive into the Biblical data, ethical boundaries, and guidelines for discussing and consuming alcohol as Christians.
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What happens to students after they leave our school, our youth/college group, or our target ministry demographic? Are they still following Jesus? Are they able to make friends and find contentment? In this episode we talk with Scott Schimmel, the President of The YouSchool, and pick his brain for ministry advice that maximizes the positive long-term impact we have on our students. Learn how to facilitate relationships and transformations that last for years beyond the narrow age range of our schools and ministries.
In this episode we mention the following resources:
The YouSchool – Scott’s organization!
Hurt 2.0 – A book to help understand the current spiritual and emotional youth climate.
Evernote – An app to help you remember relatable moments with students.
Emotionally Healthy Spirituality – Scott’s top recommended resource to help you become a spiritual mentor that’s worth duplicating.
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The Bible is obviously important to most Christians, but how did we decide that THESE particular books are the canon or sacred scripture, and not others? In this episode with special guest Dr. John Meade, we uncover and discuss some interesting (maybe shocking) information about the formation of the Bible. If this book is a centerpiece of our education about and understanding of God, then we probably should know where it comes from. We discuss disputed books, gnostic gospels, apocryphal books, open canon, and differing early church canon lists.
We were honored to have a scholar in Biblical Textual Criticism and for those who want to dig deeper, you can get a copy of the Biblical Canon Lists on Amazon here or you can find more articles by Dr. John Meade at http://evangelicaltextualcriticism.blogspot.com/.
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This is part two of a two-part episode in which we interview two female administrators about their leadership roles in Christian organizations. With our interviewees we discuss what female leadership looks like in the Church and in Christian schools through both the egalitarian (this episode) and complementarian lens. In this episode, Wayne interviews administrator Jen Mounday on her experience, as they discuss views of female leadership, disparities between men and women in Church and other settings, universality of Spiritual gifts, and practical leadership advice for emerging female leaders in Christianity.
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This is part one of a two-part episode in which we interview two female administrators about their leadership roles in Christian organizations. With our interviewees we discuss what female leadership looks like in the Church and in Christian schools through both the complementarian (this episode) and egalitarian lens. In this episode, Chris interviews administrator Allie Carico on her experience, as they discuss views of female leadership, Scripture, Christian worldview, and practical leadership advice for emerging female leaders in Christianity.
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Many Christians treat the avoidance of cussing like a test of orthodoxy, while others feel totally comfortable throwing around four letter words with reckless abandon. But what is cussing, and how should Christians approach the topic? In this episode, Chris and Wayne discuss types of cussing, what Scripture says about our mouths, and how to have honestly instructive conversations with teenagers about language.
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We all consume things… but when does our need for material possessions become consumerism? In this episode, Chris and Wayne explore how to communicate (and live) the truth about material possessions in a school where students carry $400 Supreme Backpacks, wear $600 Yeezys, and drink out of $40 water bottles.
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As followers of Christ, what should our fundamental posture be toward the national anthem, the pledge of allegiance, military action, and phrases like “God bless [insert country name]?” In this final episode of Season 1, Chris and Wayne discuss how to maintain fidelity to God while living in societies with potentially distorted versions patriotism. They also define nationalism in order to help us stay clear of this false religion.
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Have you ever had an unproductive or damaging conversation about any of the following topics? Transgenderism. Supporting Donald Trump. Kneeling at the National Anthem. Charlottesville. Building a wall on the Mexican border. Las Vegas. Gun rights. War.
In this episode, Chris and Wayne talk about how to properly orient ourselves in conversations within the increasingly polarized political climate. How can Jesus help reframe our perspectives?
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Why do we as Christians pray? Once students break through their Santa Clause or Magic Genie understanding of God, a slew of questions about the nature and purpose of prayer emerge. Chris and Wayne discuss expressive prayer, centering prayer, faith-healings, and, as always, deliver a few tips on how NOT to pray.
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