http://conversationsonthefringe.com

Tim,
I have several resources on mental health related issues such as suicide, eating disorders, self-injury, depression,addiction, etc. We've done an annual series called "Coping With..." where we brought in Christian leaders/counselors/social workers, etc. to teach on various "dark material" topics. We invited parents to be a part of that as well. We've often thought about developing our curriculum for others to use. We have seen a lot of fruit from this ministry. I'd love to share them or you can direct others to our website where they can find more information about those topics.

I love this list.

I just blogged about compassion today. I'm finding that my compassion (empathy that moves me to act) is directly proportionate to my understanding and practice of the Sabbath. When I'm resting, as God directs us to, then I find I am filled with more compassion for others and am moved to serve them. This is because as I sit before God, my cup fills, and I am able to give to others without spiritually dehydrating. I must oscillate between work and rest or I become burnt out or apathetic.

I fear bragging but God get's the glory for this...

Our community has two youth gatherings, and they are both open to the entire community. While they are sponsored by specific denominations they both welcome kids from other churches without any intent to "steal" the others kids. The youth pastors regularly speak at the other locations. They promote each others events and attend them as well. I really think a lot of this has a lot to do with intentional effort to build relationships across barriers. This is why the kids don't have any problems meeting with adults, it's been modeled by the adults already.

When there is work to be done we, the entire body (i.e., kids, teens, young adults, adults, boomers, and seniors), all chip in and do their part. Whether mission trip, food pantry, bible study, worship, building a roof, sharing our faith, praying for our city, etc. it's a collaborative effort.

When we meet for small group we meet with the teens as well on a weekly basis and constantly have toddlers and infants among our group. Once a month we gather families (including younger children and meet at the local park to play games, cookout, worship, and provide teaching aimed at the younger kids.

There is this pervasive idea that we are all ministers to each other, regardless of age. If you have the Holy Spirit living in you then you are a ministry of the Gospel. Here's the crazy part...our church is growing like crazy because of this. We are not a church growth church. We are not "seeker-sensitive". We just love each other, love others, and seek truth. End of story.

I really believe this would not ever have happened if we had just kept our kids in a separate room, in a separate ministry, serving only themselves while we served only ourselves.