5 Magazines I Read Every Month

"It's called reading. Top to bottom. Left to right. A group of words together is a sentence. Take Tylenol for headaches; Midol for craMidmps." That's one of my favorite lines from my favorite all-time movie and I crack up every time I think of it.

I know, I know! Most of you probably don't even belive that I can read, but I can. Josh Griffin's blog yesterday inspired me. He wrote a piece called "6 Magazines I Read Every Month." Since Josh works at a church of 20,000, and I work at a church of 2,500, I am obviously busier than him (lol!) so I only have time to read 5 magazines a month. I thought I would share my five with you.

Outreach. I love this magazine! It really challenges me to consider what I am doing in terms of reaching out to people with the love of Jesus. It profiles some wonderful ministries who are reaching out to the world and their communities in creative ways. Very inspiring!

Leadership. A tremendous magazine that sharpens me as a leader. Another magazine that challenges the Church and leaders to ask whether we are doing what Jesus wants us to to be doing.

Group. A must for any youth worker! I look forward to this one showing up in my mailbox every month. It features articles by people that I feel great affinity with, and my heart says "Amen!" to a lot of what they share. Very practical!

Relevant. This one helps keep me in tune with culture. I love that they interview all sorts of people - not just Christians. Some of my favorite interviews are with those who are not Christians because it gives me insight into their thinking - how they view Christ, how they perceive Christians, and the messages that they are sending to their audiences, be it through music, movies, writing, or lifestyles in general.

Youth Worker Journal. Another youth ministry must. I enjoy this one because of the great diversity of perspectives on ministry to students. Not being from a liturgical background, I enjoy being challenged by the things that are being done in that quadrant of youth ministry. This magazine is one in which their is an ongoing dialogue about crucial issues in youth ministry.

Thanks for the inspiration Josh!