The Power of Encouragment

Reading this well written post by Scott Adams, the creator of Dilbert, reminded me of how often as a leader I am more critical than encouraging. How much better would it be if we were continual encouragers as God repeatedly reminds us. There would be a powerful impact on the lives of our fellow co-workers as well as those we minister to. Here Adams reflects on the impact of receiving written encouragements from a class of near strangers.

I remember opening my little package of compliments. Like everything else in the Dale Carnegie course, it seemed silly at first. How much impact would a bunch of mandated compliments from strangers have on me? Surely they would seem insincere to the point of humorous. I started to read them, one by one, and they blew me away. It was a powerful experience, and that was the point of the exercise. When we compared notes later, we all had the same experience. Compliments are powerful things, even from strangers who barely know you.

Asia's growing influence on youth culture

Mark Oestreicher, the president of Youth Specialties, reflects on the rise of asian youth culture as a world influencer and its implications on the youth ministry in the west.

• The west is no longer the primary influencer of youth trends worldwide
• Asian youth culture's influence is growing through technology as well as sheer population growth
• Western leaders will be challenged to examine their prejudices towards Asians and their lessening role in leading the future of the church

he also points to this video about asian youth trends from MTV asia: