Brandon created a Where’s Dennis book. I thought this was kind of brilliant… especially considering he was asking me earlier in the day what he should bring. He was complaining that he wasn’t very creative. I thought this was great! When one of my boys shows up to church or small group, they come up [...]

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Tonight I had to work so I couldn’t teach my small group. About 5 minutes after I got home, about 1/2 of my guys along with my co-leader dropped by my house for about 20 minutes. That was such a trophy case moment. It confirms that we’ve got a good thing going. Whatever your state [...]

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Today one of our students went to the hospital with a collapsed lung. I was so proud of students in our ministry for pouring out love to him on Facebook and by visiting him in the hospital. Through this feel-good experience, their hearts are softened and primed for the challenge, “Do you think there are [...]

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I turned 40 yesterday (Wow! That’s weird to write!!!) The students threw me the sweetest surprise party after church. This was truly a trophy case moment in ministry. Between that and all of the great comments on my Facebook wall from ministry students and friends, I could easily go another 20 years in ministry.

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Nathan sent this note today about getting some use out of a parent letter I gave to my small group students’ parents last year. I love knowing people are getting some use out of what I post. It keeps me energized to keep this going. Thanks Nathan! – Dennis 1 Thessalonians 5:11

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For being a Life Group leader in our high school ministry for over 10 years, I got this card, some movie gift certificates and a book of fun curriculum based on movies called Adrenaline Rush, Flix For Guys from the staff. What a sweet way to say thanks.

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I got this note on my Facebook page today from a student who is joining my small group this year. I met him a few months ago and we’ve hit it off. It’s fun to see him open up to allow God to revolutionize his life. Super stoked he’s getting baptized and that he ordered [...]

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Taylor Bird (blog, Twitter) graduated from our ministry a couple of years ago. Since then, he’s moved on to Pepperdine University, but has returned to do summer internships with our high school ministry at Saddleback Church. We carpooled to see another former student graduate from Azusa University last Saturday. During the drive, he shared his [...]

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This has nothing to do with me, but it made me feel good to see it. A guy I follow on Twitter sent a message to encourage his youth pastor from his teenage years. I love stuff like this! I thought I’d pass it along because I know other youth workers will be encouraged by [...]

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One of our hight school students drew this picture and posted it to Facebook. He’s got an awesome set of volunteers, Matt and Mel, who co-lead his small group. When I saw this today, it warmed my heart to think about how much love there is within the members and for the leaders. Don’t be [...]

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