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    <title>NexGen Ministries</title>
    <link>http://virb.com/nexgen</link>
    <description><![CDATA[]]></description>
    <generator>Virb 2.0 (@nexgen)</generator>
    <language>en</language>
    <item>
      <title>FloridaCity.mov</title>
      <link>http://virb.com/nexgen/videos/1751865</link>
      <description><![CDATA[]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 21 Mar 2008 16:57:00 -0700</pubDate>
      <guid>http://virb.com/nexgen/videos/1751865</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>couch</title>
      <link>http://virb.com/nexgen/photos/1522237</link>
      <description><![CDATA[<a href="http://virb.com/nexgen/photos/1522237"><img src="http://g.virbcdn.com/i/resize_575x575/Image-109353-1079168-couch.jpg" /></a>]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 14 Jan 2008 14:20:59 -0800</pubDate>
      <guid>http://virb.com/nexgen/photos/1522237</guid>
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    <item>
      <title>Jeremy Pic</title>
      <link>http://virb.com/nexgen/photos/1476543</link>
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      <pubDate>Mon, 12 Nov 2007 01:19:27 -0800</pubDate>
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      <title>nexgenlogo</title>
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      <pubDate>Wed, 10 Oct 2007 12:35:10 -0700</pubDate>
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    <item>
      <title>NexGen High School Update</title>
      <link>http://virb.com/nexgen/posts/text/446179</link>
      <description><![CDATA[HS Camping Trip Postponed!
Just wanted to let you all know that the High School Camping trip has been postponed until further notice. We will be getting details up soon!

]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 03 Feb 2008 01:16:16 -0800</pubDate>
      <guid>http://virb.com/nexgen/posts/text/446179</guid>
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    <item>
      <title>Formation + Fellowship + Service</title>
      <link>http://virb.com/nexgen/posts/text/421185</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Formation + Fellowship + Service

These three words describe what we do here at NexGen Ministries. They explain why we do what we do and in what manner we do it. In everything we do these three words will be a apart of it.

Formation is Spiritual Formation. All of our ministry has this element ingrained in the basic DNA of it. Formation is so important because it explains that we are not here to modify students but to form there spiritual lives!

Fellowship is not only about having fun with other people but building relationships with people. The Fellowship we do is centered around Christ and Christ's community. Fellowship is who we are as humans and is a part of the way God created us. God created us to be in Fellowship and Community with others.

Service is not only how we show our faith but a mechanism to embolden and strengthen our faith. Service is a commandment that Jesus gave us and it is not something we do, but rather some we are. Service is what Jesus did and He calls us to be like Him and to Serve others.

Formation + Fellowship + Service.... it's who we are.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 17 Jan 2008 21:18:03 -0800</pubDate>
      <guid>http://virb.com/nexgen/posts/text/421185</guid>
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    <item>
      <title>NexGen Middle School Updates</title>
      <link>http://virb.com/nexgen/posts/text/400253</link>
      <description><![CDATA[MS Catalyst Groups Starting Soon!
That's right ladies and gentlemen we will be starting up Catalyst Small Groups again soon. We have started forming groups that will fit your time and schedule. So be on the look out for this info and more. Catalyst still meets on Sundays from 6:30PM to 8:00PM. 
----------------------------------------------
MS Florida City Intensive Mission Trip
Florida City Intensive Mission Trip is a great place for students interested in serving to be a part of a wonderful ministry called Branches. We will be doing a VBS for the  children of Branches from April 2nd - 5th, 2008. Spots are limited so check it out today! 

]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 04 Jan 2008 21:23:25 -0800</pubDate>
      <guid>http://virb.com/nexgen/posts/text/400253</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Formation.NotModification.</title>
      <link>http://virb.com/nexgen/posts/text/335155</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Formation not Modification

So here we are. If you are reading this you are more than likely a
student, parent, co-laborer or dear friend. You see with the story we
find ourselves in there are many paradigm shifts that are not only
happening, but will continue to happen in order for us to be the
Beautiful Bride in which we were created to be as the 'Church'. Notice
I do not say this church or that church, Methodist or Baptist, Florida
or elsewhere, St. Luke's or the vast array of others. No friends this
is about God's church, the Bride of Christ, the beautifully
down-trodden entity that seems to be in a 'holding-pattern' as of
late.

With that being said I write this blog as a hope to communicate who I,
and those immediately around me are in ministry to 1.) Students 2.)
the World 3.) those we share life with on a daily basis.

You see I, like most of you who read this were brought-up in a church
culture in which those who lead us preached, teached, encouraged and
prodded us as young 'beleivers' to do this - not that, repent here,
pray this, quit that etc... Which I believe had it's place, and still
does at times when flowing from loving relationship and
Christ-centered community. But where do we go from here. How do we
love as God loves, forgive as Christ forgave, lead as the Holy Spirit
leads? I implore you to ask the following question; Have you been
falsely cultured to think that a life of Faith is a life of
Modification? Hear me, please hear my heart. I know that modification
comes by way of the Holy Spirit, by the Sanctifying nature of God's
Grace.... but is Modification our aim? I know too many 'hold-overs' in
ministry who by no fault of thier own in some cases, aim to modify the
people within thier influence. Danger Will Robinson!

What if our aim is that of Forming something Holy - something pure -
something that is inherintly present within all of us? What if we
worried about the spirit of people before their actions? What if we
loved each other first in order to reveal them to the true nature of
God? You see those of my generation, and those who came before have
been confused about this. Are actions important - abosolutely! Do we
as followers of Christ need to be accountable to how we interact in
the world - you betcha! But our aim is about forming something
worthwhile and Holy within people who are called by Grace to live into
the reality of thier purpose!

Please hear me. We as the church have to shift, as ministers entrusted
with the Hope of Glory (see 1 Corinthians chapter 1). We have much to
bear. Bear it we will, carrying the Hope that students, and all people
are in search of. We have to be stewards of Grace that meets us
wherever we are, wherever they are. A grace that has no barriers,
nothing that can escape its grasp.

I will step forward in His Grace, will you? I will love people where
they are, will you? You see I don't have much figured out, but I do
know that circumstantial Love, and a Grace that only exists for a
certain people is blasphemy. I know that aiming to modify God's
children is not our place. I beleive that we are all his children and
creation is groaning for reconcilliation (see Romans 8). It is there
for the taking, free, with no payment needed on our part. The gift of
Grace. The Love that sees only the spirit of people, not what they do,
but what they will do as they live into Truth (John 14:6).

This is not meant to ruffle feathers, or point fingers but simply to
reassure those who read of who I serve. As a ministry this is what we
are about. As a follower this is what I challenge myself with. Will
you do the same?

Because of His Glory,

Jeremy

]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 21 Nov 2007 12:22:03 -0800</pubDate>
      <guid>http://virb.com/nexgen/posts/text/335155</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Calendar of Events</title>
      <link>http://virb.com/nexgen/posts/text/318409</link>
      <description><![CDATA[]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 12 Nov 2007 00:25:52 -0800</pubDate>
      <guid>http://virb.com/nexgen/posts/text/318409</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Fuel Structure</title>
      <link>http://virb.com/nexgen/posts/text/184607</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Fuel
Times:
Begins at 3pm and ends at 5pm.

Purpose:
The purpose of Fuel is to have a refuge for students. Some students will come for the fun and what better place then here at St. Luke's. Some students will come for the music and what better place then here at St. Luke's. Some students will come for the social aspect and what better place then here at St. Luke's. Some students will come for an escape from family life and the world they live in and what better place then here at St. Luke's. The point of Fuel is to have a refuge for students for whatever reason they are coming here for.

Stucture:
3pm to 4pm - Free/Rec time
4pm to 4:40pm - Worship and Message
4:40 to 5:00pm - Group Games

Free/Rec Time: 
This time is for students who need to waist some energy or just chill. 
Worship and Message: 
This is the meat of the program where students to experience the Creator of the Universe and listen to a message that is relevant to the circumstances and issues in a students life.
Group Games: 
Group games are used to build community and camaraderie with in the group. Each Group game will separate the larger group into groups of 20. These smaller groups are more manageable and provide a more stable playing field for the Servant Ministers.

We have allotted 30 minutes after 5pm for parents to come pick there students up. In the past students were let out right at 5:30pm. Many students weren't being picked up until way after 5:30pm. So in order to allow for student ministers and staff to leave at decent times we will set the standard at 5pm rather then 5:30pm.

]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 20 Aug 2007 11:24:29 -0700</pubDate>
      <guid>http://virb.com/nexgen/posts/text/184607</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Discipline Pointers</title>
      <link>http://virb.com/nexgen/posts/text/120766</link>
      <description><![CDATA[ Discipline Pointers
  	

Do you ever feel lost when your group gets out of control? These pointers can help you use balanced discipline with your kids:

1. Determine individual vs. group responsibility.
Sometimes problems can be traced to two or three group members. Don't make the whole group pay for the disruption of a few.

2. Don't lose it.
If you give kids a red-faced, vein-popping, eye-bulging lecture, they won't hear what you're saying. The fruit of the spirit is self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). We need to model that fruit!

3. Encourage reconciliation.
Bring kids together to reconcile their hurt feelings and be restored to one another. Serious relational damage can occur if emotions aren't dealt with right away.

4. Don't embarrass.
When the whole group needs to be disciplined, don't make things worse by singling out kids who really got out of hand. If you do need to speak to an individual, do so privately.

5. Don't get upset often.
If you're upset with your kids on a regular basis, the problem isn't with them-it's with you.

6. Discipline out of love.
Be concerned with the group's maturity, not your own desire for things to go a certain way. We need to want the best for them, not us.

7. Be firm.

If you have a good reason for discipline, don't back off from the action.
If you have a good reason for discipline, don't back off from the action.

Always follow the St. Luke's Child and Student Guidleines when it comes to discipline.

Keep the Director informed!
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 07 Jul 2007 17:14:14 -0700</pubDate>
      <guid>http://virb.com/nexgen/posts/text/120766</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Teaching Students</title>
      <link>http://virb.com/nexgen/posts/text/120763</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Here are 10 great things we can teach young people according to John Maxwell in Breakthrough Parenting.

1. A sense of responsibility to help them make good choices.
2. A good work ethic to show them their contributions make a difference.
3. A sense of determination to keep going.
4. A positive attitude so they'll be good role models.
5. A sense of their potential so they'll be encouraged.
6. The value of relationships so they'll reach out to others.
7. The value of stewardship so they'll give to others.
8. A commitment to honesty so they can be trusted.
9. A sense of generosity so they'll give and not expect anything in return.
10. A dependence on God so they'll know he will sustain them.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 07 Jul 2007 17:12:39 -0700</pubDate>
      <guid>http://virb.com/nexgen/posts/text/120763</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>How to Lead a Small Group</title>
      <link>http://virb.com/nexgen/posts/text/120761</link>
      <description><![CDATA[ How to Lead a Small Group
  	

So you want to lead a small group Bible study? But you're wondering, "What do I do? What will I teach? Will the group even listen to me? Can I really do this?" Sure you can! Here are some thoughts that will help begin.

Some Thoughts on Leading Small Groups

Teach the basics.

It's a blast to help new Christians grow in a close-knit setting. Make sure to teach the basics of the Christian life and give training in basic ministry skills. The best part of all is helping the group develop a heart for reaching others for Christ.

Realize your impact is far-reaching.

Small group studies are a big part of a growing. Know that you will be helping to reach the entire school through the training of your group. Your students' hearts will also begin to desire to help fulfill the Great Commission. By leading a group, you will offer important accountability and intimacy that the students want. Your study will also provide a non-threatening place to discover truth. They'll love digging into the Word and seeing how it applies to their lives. The best part is seeing the students begin to lead others because of the impact you make in their lives.

Interact and give assignments.
Jesus showed us an example of small groups through his relationship with His 12 disciples. He interacted with them and gave them assignments. Paul even learned from Jesus' example. Paul explained:

"Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom . . ." (Colossians 3:16).

"The things that you heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others" (2 Timothy 2:2). (This is an example of discipling group members to multiply spiritually.)

Evaluate the needs.

Think through these important things before you begin your small group Bible study. Begin evaluating the needs of each person in the group. Based on their needs, you will decide on the study's content and begin to plan your lessons. Then make arrangements for your first meeting. As you get to know the people in your group, you'll find out more needs and topics you can cover. After some time of leading the group, evaluate your progress and how the students are doing.

Reach out to new students.

What! You don't have any students to lead yet? That's okay. It's fun to reach out to new students. Consider doing your own outreach to gather students.

Identify and respond to specific needs.

These students have needs (boys, girls, school, dating, parents), but you won't know them automatically. Talk with them individually. Ask questions and make a list. Note things that will accelerate their personal spiritual growth. Maybe you've noticed that a certain student struggles with guilt. Bingo! Do a study on forgiveness for this student. Another student in the group is a brand new Christian; she knows nothing except that she loves Jesus. You will need to focus on the basic foundations of the Christian faith for this student.

Be flexible.

Keep in mind that as you discuss the lesson with the students, things don't always go as planned. Be flexible and help point them back to the central truth of the study.

Create an environment of acceptance.

During your meeting, you want to create an environment where the students will know they are accepted and that the lesson applies to specific areas of their lives. Do this by encouraging good questions, being enthusiastic, and making sure you are familiar with the material.

Be real.

Allow the students to get to know you as a real person. This is where they will be able to see Christ in you.
Build relationships with others in the group.

Some ideas for building relationships between you and your group are:

Be an encourager. Think the best of others.

Show special kindness. Learn to be a giver of your time and your possessions.

Find out what their interests are and do the things they want to do. Put them before yourself.

Go places together. If you are planning any kind of activity (shopping, recreation, doing some work for someone) invite one of the group members to go along.

Call them. Let them know you are thinking about them.

Exercise or work out together.

Study together - both schoolwork and Bible study!

Eat together. Going out to eat is a great time to have fellowship and talk.

Attend Christian activities together. Select gatherings that will be helpful for their growth.

Write or e-mail them. Let them know how you are doing and that you are thinking of them.

Share personally what God is teaching you. Don't be afraid to share some of your own needs.

17. Debrief after each study.

After each Bible study, take time to determine the effectiveness of your time together. Make a few notes on things that could have been done differently. Ask yourself, "What specific needs came up? Which students need to be drawn out at the next meeting? How effective were the learning activities? What did and didn't work well? Did they retain the main point of the lesson? Did they leave the Bible study wanting to know God and His word?"

18. Pray for and evaluate each student.
Pray specifically for each student. Ask God to help them understand and apply the lesson. As time goes by and the students begin to grow, observe and evaluate their personal progress in three areas:

Do they have a growing dependence upon, and love for Christ?

Are they growing in love for one another?

Do they have an increasing compassion and concern for a lost world?]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 07 Jul 2007 17:10:48 -0700</pubDate>
      <guid>http://virb.com/nexgen/posts/text/120761</guid>
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