Welcome, my friends, to a powerful topic for this Youth Leader's Coach, "Creating True Character In Your Students And In Yourself." So often we hear character preached at us as being the "big deal" in our lives and ministries, but not very often are we told how to practically help our students increase in their own character and even more importantly how to grow personally in character. So grab a cup of coffee and let me hit on this for you with 10 simple yet profoundly ignored principles in growing and teaching true character.

Lovingly,

Recent data tells us that most of today's youth culture doesn't have anyone they would consider to be a "living hero." How tragic. So this Source, "A Call For Some New Heroes," attempts to call the hero out of some of your students.

It also reminds them that most true heroes have to "make their own mantle" rather than hang around to inherit someone else's. Deceased Christopher Reeves (former Superman) who lived his final years in a wheelchair, said it well: "A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles." So in case no one has told you recently, thanks for staying in the youth ministry trenches and being a TRUE HERO.

Determined to pay the price for my own mantle,

Life is full of them. You know, those small issues people fight over, kids argue with parents about, or simply walk away from God on. Subjects like secular music, movies, television, books, friendships, and money are some of the delicate issues that our students wrestle with. The truth is, it is our role as youth pastors to help them figure out where they stand on these issues. How do we help our students navigate through these "gray" matters?

In this month's Youth Leader's Coach, "Helping Your Kids Live Black and White In A Gray World," I'm sharing with you seven simple questions to help your students as they wrestle with their convictions. I promise this will be an incredible resource for you!

Living "out of the gray,"

I LOVE HISTORY! Recently I came across some intriguing information about the STAGECOACH ERA in the 1800's. An article from The Omaha Herald in 1877 sums up the expectations of 3rd class stagecoach ticket holders in this quote, "Never imagine for a moment you are going on a picnic. Expect annoyance, discomfort, and some hardships." Can you IMAGINE if an airline in today's times had that as a ticket description?

In this month's Source, “Get Your 3rd Class Tickets Here,” you’ll hear me challenge our Atlanta Leadership College students about the importance of preserving through life's trials. You’ll find it’s both MOTIVATIONAL and CHALLENGING. I believe this is a great Source for not just your students, but your leadership team as well.

Lovingly,

You'll love this Source! Using the example of Desmond Doss, the first conscientious objector to earn a medal of honor for bravery during World War II portrayed in the incredible movie, Hacksaw Ridge, I challenge our students to go through the roof! To live a WIT (Whatever It Takes) life of heroism and selflessness.

With some key Scriptures and a few clips from the movie, I remind our students that "Heroes are often ordinary people that simply chose to put their dreams above their fears." What a REAL and SOBERING description of what ministry can feel like for all of us sometimes...a constant battle to get JUST ONE MORE, right after we've gotten one to safety. Yet, for Desmond Doss, as with each one of you, he was remembered for his life's sacrifice of selflessness as he looked past the pain and saved, JUST...ONE...MORE.

Saving just one more, right alongside you,