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If you’re in your 20s and maybe even your 30s, I’m willing to bet you’ve seen your fair share of episodes of Saved By the Bell. The teen sitcom ran from 1989-1993 and focuses on the lives of several high school students. If you’re like me, you’ve seen every episode 67 times and can quote every episode. (Sad, I know!)

The show was rated TV-G and was even given granted the E/I (educational and informative) logo because it dealt with many teen social issues of the early 90s, but never crossed the line into too much controversy. 

The show definitely has a cult following, and is still a favorite among twentysomethings. With so much success, could Saved By the Bell be critically acclaimed and watched in today’s world? My opinion: Not a chance!

Saved By the Bell touched on moral and social issues of the 90s, but when compared with today, the show seems 50 years behind. Does that mean there’s a problem with the show? Not at all. Does that mean there’s a problem with society? That’s an interesting question!

When you compared Saved By the Bell with teen shows of today, you see a drastic contrast. It’s interesting to see how far society has come since 1993. It’s actually very scary. Here’s some examples:

- Saved By the Bell walked tight line when discussing drug use. As you may remember, the biggest issue with drugs came when Jessie was taking caffeine pills. No, not crack. Caffeine pills. However, the show made it seem as though she was on heroin. Later on, the show had a “celebrity” on named Johnny who was supposed to be a spokesman for a “say no to drugs campaign.” Instead, Johnny was asking a pot smoker, which lead to the main characters giving a “There’s No Hope with Dope!” message at the end of the episode. Cheesy or not, SBTB made drug use look wrong, inexcusable, unpopular, and morally unacceptable. I applaud the show for taking that stand. Unfortunately, that’s not the same stance TV shows take today. Today’s shows display drug use as something everyone does, not just the outcasts. High school teenagers smoke cigarettes, marijuana, and participate in other things as well. 

- One of the most controversial episodes of SBTB was when the “gang” drank alcohol at a party and had an accident on the way home. The show went out of its way to let viewers know not only was drinking and driving unacceptable, but teenage drinking was unacceptable as well. You don’t see this anywhere on TV. Look at any teen drama or comedy and you’ll see teenage drinking as a commonly accepted part of life. 

- Saved By the Bell never touched on the topic of sex. The most intimate moments occurred when Zack and Kelly kissed and the crowd would scream “Woooooooooooooooooo!!!!” Today, you can see more graphic depictions on a promo poster for Gossip Girl. On television, teenage sex is “in.” It sells, teens like it, and it heats up the screen. It’s interesting that 15 years ago sex wasn’t needed to bring in viewers. It wasn’t needed, nor was it asked for. Today, teen shows might not be able to survive without it.

- Many people assume Tori (a late addition to Saved By the Bell) was the token homosexual on the show. She wore a leather jacket, rode a motorcycle, and threatened to beat up Zack many times. However, the show never addressed the issue of homosexuality. In fact, despite her tomboyish ways, Tori’s character was written as a heterosexual female. She dated Zack up until the time she was booted off the show. Despite only 6% of the population being homosexual (with numbers even lower for high schoolers), every teenage show has to have a token homosexual. TV today wants you to think that’s how society really is. Well, that’s not how society really is. If Saved By the Bell was recreated today, the writers would be forced to include a homosexual character to be politically correct.

Here’s a few side things that aren’t as serious, but fun to think about:

- The “popular” kids don’t hang out with science dorks named “Screech.”

- How many cool kids hang out with their principal on the weekend? You’d be disowned by your friends if you tried to do that now.

- Try wearing an Italian mullet to school and see if you don’t get made fun of.

- Purple shirt tucked into acid washed jeans, no belt, white tennis shoes. Sound like the heartthrob at your school? Didn’t think so.

- The Saved By the Bell kids: middle class. Today’s TV teens: rich snobs

Is your youth ministry relevant?

There could be many answers to this question. Popular answers might include: Yes. No. Maybe. I don’t know. What is “relevant?”

For many youth ministries, the answer is depends on a deeper question. When we speak of relevancy, do we mean a relevancy that is wrapped up in culture, or a relevancy that is applicable and life-changing to students?

For far too many youth ministries, the answer seems to be the former. By trying to make youth groups and ministries “relevant,” many leaders, youth pastors, etc. have sold out to the popular culture around them. Go back 10 years. How would you describe a “cool” youth pastor? He probably had an earring, played acoustic guitar very well, and listened to awesome bands like Hanson and the Wallflowers (Okay, kidding about that last part.)

How would you describe the “cool” youth pastor now? Well, the look has changed a little bit. One piercing might not be enough. Tattoos could definitely be added. That acoustic has been traded it for something a little bit harder. Favorite bands? Maybe Coldplay, Fall Out Boy, Underoath. In fact, today’s “cool” youth pastor might look like someone edgy on American Idol.

Maybe that’s a bad example, but hopefully you’re catching my drift. In attempts to be relevant to students, many youth ministries have become a part of the world and a part of the culture. Instead of discerning the culture, they have engulfed themselves in it, blurring the lines between an actual ministry and a trendy hangout place with moral teachings. 

We already tried this. It didn’t work. Youth ministries used to look hip and cool by having posters on the wall, videos playing, smoke machines going, strobe lights flashing, PowerPoint running, and a worship band playing. It worked for a little while, but after some time, people finally got bored and left. They didn’t need the youth ministry for that. They bought their own iPods, owned their own computers, and realized the church could no longer stay one step ahead of them. In fact, in a short time, it fell far behind.

Relevancy in youth ministry does not have to be about the latest trends, technology, or trends. While it is important to understand that’s happening in those areas, we do not have to drown ourselves in that culture to be relevant to students. The relevancy students need is something much deeper. Unfortunately, it is also harder to tap into, which is why many youth leaders opt for the easy way out.

Students need a youth ministry that is relevant on a spiritual level. Bleached hair, earrings, and guitars might attract attention, but they do not help students understand how to take the Word of God and apply it to daily life. Teenagers have to see that faith and the Bible should not be compartmentalized to Sunday mornings or Wednesday nights. Biblical teaching should permeate our entire lives and be displayed as we go about our business every second of every day.

Relevancy is about taking the words of Jesus and understanding our need to act, think, and talk differently because of the example He set before us. It’s about learning about Job and seeing how we can hold onto our faith when we go through difficult storms in life. Relevancy involves seeing how we can be obedience just like Isaiah when God sent Him to speak to Judah.

Relevancy is not about our programs, lock-ins, loud music, wild games, or ability to be involved in culture. Relevancy is about showing students how to apply the Word of God so it transforms their lives.

It has come to my attention that there has been some confusion about my recent post on the Day of Silence, and on the article “Breaking the Silence” in CLEAR Horizon student magazine for Spring 2009. Hopefully I can clear up a few of those issues.

First and foremost, let me say that I do believe homosexuality is a sin. I believe the Bible is very clear about this fact. I also do not believe Christians should promote “tolerance” of all lifestyles, religions, etc. I believe God made man to be with woman, and a sexual relationship should only exist within the confines of a monogamous marriage between man and woman.

I am also not an advocate of the Day of Silence. Since the Day of Silence will occur in many schools, I believe Christians should have a plan concerning how they will approach this day. As I said in my previous post, inaction can be dangerous. However, I do not support nor do I promote the Day of Silence.  

I apologize if anyone was confused by anything I said. I have updated the previous post on the Day of Silence to try to clear up some of the issues that came across as blurry.

For more information about this topic, visit Jonathan Yandell’s blog by clicking here: www.JonathanYandell.com and Part II

For Randall House’s followup to “Breaking the Silence” please visit Danny Conn’s blog by clicking here: www.Outpostx.net

“Sorry I’m late.” Are you? If you were really sorry, would you have been late in the first place?

Over the past few days, I’ve heard people make statements like “You know what I hate more than anything?” or “Do you know what annoys me the most about people?” Those statements got me thinking about my biggest pet peeve. 

By definition, a pet peeve is an often continual annoyance. We all have them, and most of us inflict them on others.

It was very easy to determine my biggest pet peeve because it’s been my biggest pet peeve for many years. I HATE it when people are late. Now I can understand when people are late every once in awhile. Things happen. Life happens. Sometimes you hit traffic. Sometimes your car won’t start. Sometimes you leave the tickets sitting on the kitchen table and realize it five miles down the road. There are always exception.

However, some people are ALWAYS late. It’s not only a habit, it’s a lifestyle. If you know these people, you know what I’m talking about. These are the people that are supposed to meet you somewhere at 7:00. At 7:15 you call them, and they haven’t left home. What have they been doing? Nothing! They’re just late! You call back at 7:30 and they say they’re on their way, but you can still hear the TV going. 

If  you are one of these people, you probably know it, and you probably don’t care. People that fit in this category often think the world needs to slow down and have some patience. Time isn’t that big of a factor.

While I do think patience is a needed virtue, I think being continually late is an act of selfishness. Yes, I do. When you are always late, you are telling others that your time is much more valuable than their time. If you make someone wait on you all the time, you essentially say, “I care more about me than I care about you. My life is more important than your life.”

Being on time is a mark of common courtesy. The old saying goes, ”If you are 5 minutes early, you’re on time. If you’re on time, you’re late. If you’re late, then you’ve got a lot of explaining to do.”

I don’t necessarily expect people to be like me and show up for a movie 45 minutes early (I’m working on it) but at least be where you said you would be when you said you would be there. 

There’s my soapbox.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

Day of Silence

In doing research on the Day of Silence, this is what Wikipedia said about the event (paraphrased):

On April 17, 2009, the Day of Silence will take place in many schools across the United States. For those who are unfamiliar with the DOS, it is an annual day put together by the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) that protests the bullying and harassment of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender students (LGBT) and their supporters. 

During this time, participants (students and teachers) take a day-long vow of silence to symbolically represent the silencing of LGBT students and those who support them. The event mainly takes place in middle schools, high schools, and college campuses, but it has also started to sneak its way into elementary schools as well.

Some students choose to be silent for the entire day, while others choose to select a portion of the day. Many students also hand out cards that explain why they are being silent.

How Should Christians Respond

One of the biggest debates concerning the Day of Silence is how a Christian should respond . Many conservative organizations, such as the American Family Association, formed a coalition in 2008 and urged parents to keep their students home from school on the DOS if the school was observing it.

The Alliance Defense Fund countered this idea and began promoting the Day of Truth. This is a day that comes several days after the DOS and offers an alternative to being absent. The Day of Truth encourages students to lovingly share God’s view of homosexuality with students. 

So how should a Christian respond? While there may be no clear-cut answer, I would like to offer several words of advice for dealing with this day.

1. Get educated about what is happening. In this situation, ignorance is NOT bliss. Not every participant uses this as a day to spread or promote the message of homosexuality. Most participants say this use this as a day to make people aware of the abuse (verbal, physical, and emotional) that is taking place with many homosexuals.

2. Realize we DO agree on some issues. While I strongly believe homosexuality is a sin, I also believe it is a sin to abuse or harass homosexuals, or anyone for that matter. In no way does this show the love of Christ. Yes, the cause they are supporting goes against our beliefs, but no one deserves to be abused or attacked. 

3. Use the day as a chance to engage in conversation. Students can use this day as a chance to explain what they believe. If a participant has vowed to remain silent, he or she cannot talk back, but only listen. This provides a great opportunity for a Christian to lovingly explain why he or she thinks homosexuality is wrong, and to share the love of Christ. Let them know even though you don’t agree with their lifestyle, they are made in the image of God and you love them.

Small Things That Will Make a Difference

Sometimes, as Christians, we make small mistakes that have devastating consequences. There are a few things to remember when approaching the Day of Silence.

1. Don’t attack. 

2. Avoid derogatory terms. For many students, the Day of Silence will bring a myriad of opportunities to throw around slang words like gay, queer, fag, and homo. Even when these words are used out of context, they are still attacks. For example, have you ever said, “That’s so gay!” or “You’re so gay!”? You might not have meant it in a homosexual context, but is what you said going to draw people closer to Christ? 

The choice you make on the Day of Silence is up to you. Maybe parents will choose to keep their children home; maybe they’ll send them to school and everything will go by as routine. Maybe you’ll take the opportunity to engage those who are participating and spread the message of Christ.

Whatever you choose, please think about this, talk about this, and do something about this. Inaction can be dangerous.

For more information about this topic, visit Jonathan Yandell’s blog by clicking here: www.JonathanYandell.com

For Randall House’s followup to “Breaking the Silence” please visit Danny Conn’s blog by clicking here: www.Outpostx.net

With all of the latest “incidents” happening in sports, it seems the bad apples are getting all of the press. ESPN is clouded with 24 hour coverage on the Alex Rodriguez steroids scandal. TNT has a dark shadow after Charles Barkley, one of their NBA analysts, got arrested for a DUI. The country is still abuzz over the picture of Michael Phelps smoking marijuana.

But somewhere in the back pages, behind all of these overplayed stories, are a few stories out of the sports world that show the good guys still exist. Here’s 2 I’d like to share with you:

You probably don’t know the name Ted Leonsis unless you’re a huge hockey fan and from Washington D.C. Leonsis is the owner of the Washington Capitals NHL franchise. In other words, he’s a very wealthy and powerful man. According to Tarik El-Bashir of The Washington Post, Leonsis and El-Bashir were meeting together when the two men passed a homeless man at the train station. Even though everyone walked right on by the man, including El-Bashir, Ted Leonsis stopped and talked to the man. He noticed he didn’t have any shoes. When Leonsis asked him why, the homeless man told him they were stolen. Ted Leonsis proceeded to talk to the man and give him a large significant amount of money, on the promise that he would use it to buy shoes.

It’s easy to say Leonsis probably got scammed. It’s easy to think it’s not big deal because Leonsis is loaded with money anyway. But the thing is, how many people just like you and me walked by the man and did absolutely nothing? How many people just like you and me would walk by and do absolutely nothing? Ted Leonsis didn’t have to do anything, but he wanted to do something. He may have more money to give than the average person, but compared to the homeless man, don’t all of us?

—

Johntell Franklin is an 18-year-old senior and basketball player at Milwaukee Madison High School. On February 7, Franklin’s mother died after a five-year battle with cancer. The coach of the basketball team, Aaron Womack Jr. rushed to the hospital to be with Franklin. Womack offered to cancel that night’s basketball game against Dekalb High School, but Franklin insisted that they keep the game on schedule and he encouraged the guys to go out and do their best. 

During the second quarter of the game, to the surprise of everyone, Johntell Franklin showed up to the gym. He wasn’t just there to watch; he was there to play. Unfortunately, since Franklin’s name was not in the scorebook at the beginning of the game, the referees were forced to call a technical foul against Franklin. It wasn’t that they wanted to, but they had to. Even though Dekalb’s coaches complained about the call and tried to have it removed, it the call stood. 

As a result of the technical foul, Dekalb received 2 free throws. Dave Rohlman, coach of Dekalb, devised a plan. He sent in senior Darius McNeal to shoot the free throws. Instead of knocking both free throws down, however, McNeal did something extraordinary. When receiving the ball, he took it and rolled it right back to the referee for his first shot. When the ref bounced the ball back to him for his second shot, McNeal shot  the ball about 2 feet in front of him, negating the free throw attempts. 

When asked why he intentionally missed the shots, McNeal said he did it for Franklin, because it was the right thing to do. 

Madison went on to win the game 62-47 and Franklin finished with 10 points. 

With all the media craze over A-Rod, steroids, scandals, etc. it’s nice to know some of the good guys still exist. These are the guys we should be hearing about. These are the guys we should be praising!

(Story from the Journal Sentinel)

We’re all familiar with sports signs. Some people hold up “John 3:16″ signs during a football game. Others have signs that promote the name of their favorite player. Here’s a few of the funniest sports signs I’ve ever seen:

Thanks to funnysportsigns.blogspot.com

Last night American Idol kicked off its round of 36 with 12 singers. Out of the 12, 3 singers will move on to the round of 12. I have a few thoughts about last night’s show, and the overall premise:

- Paula Abdul is NOT there. Half of her comments did not make sense, and she only repeated what the 2 previous judges said. After one girl finished her song, she started her criticism with “You are gorgeous and every guy has been talking about that.” Hey Paula, it’s a singing show! During nearly every song, she jumped out of her chair and did some guy of dance that looked like a cross between riding a bull and twirling a baton. Her mind and emotions are about to breakdown…let’s just hope it’s not on national TV.

- Kara DioGuardi is a step above Paula, but not much. Her criticism made more sense, and she actually offered some tough words for judges. But last night proved we don’t need Paula and Kara on the show together. My advice: lose Paula and stick with 3 judges. 

- Randy Jackson knows what he’s talking about 80% of the time. For the most part, Randy’s criticism was, and always is, dead on. A few times he seemed to get overwhelmed by the performance and did not hear the problems with the vocals. Thankfully, he seems like a nice guy and lets the contestants down easy, even when they’re awful.

- Simon Cowell is a jerk, but the man KNOWS what he is talking about. Despite the boos he may receive and disagreements from the other judges, the man is right 95% of the time. He knows music, he knows the industry, and he knows what it takes to make a star. He may be harsh and incredibly mean sometimes, but he doesn’t want to put up with karaoke singers in a professional competition.

- Speaking of karaoke, I have NO idea how some people made it through the first several rounds and into the top 36. Most were HORRIBLE. I understand nerves probably got the best of them…but wow. They had their one shining moment and blew it!

- Song choice is underrated. If you can find a song that fits YOU, you’re golden. Find a song that you liked in high school cause it was popular, you’re gone! Taylor Swift and Michael Jackson…bad choices! 

- The show does go deeper than materialism, fame, glitz, and glamour. Take Danny Gokey for example. He’s a church music teacher who lost his wife several months ago. He’s started a charitable organization to help children come out of poverty. The show has done a nice job of spotlighting him. The show has also moved away from highlighting the “beautiful people” and has focused on people who can actually sing…with the exception of bikini girl. Thank goodness she’s gone!

- Our culture is still obsessed with watching someone like you and me make it famous. Just check out the weekly ratings for the show. We love the “average joe” to “number one celebrity” story. Maybe because we hope that will be us someday.

- This season, the guys are much better than the girls. No bias; it’s the truth!

- Tatiana is annoying. If you voted for her, you should have to leave the country.

- Out of the top 36, no more than 3 will be known beyond the show. Usually, each of the winners make it big, although Ruben Studdard and Taylor Hicks are not prime examples of that. Sometimes, the top finalists will do something, like Clay Aiken, Chris Daughtry, and Jennifer Hudson. But most of the people that make the show will never amount to anything in Hollywood. Case and point: remember Corey Clark? He was disqualified from the Second Season of the show, and also was said to have had an affair with Paula Abdul. Well, I’ve seen him several times at Opry Mills in Nashville, TN trying to sell his CD out of his backpack in the parking lot. 

- Reality TV is NOT dead.

- It takes more than good looks to win the competition

Last night I was watching TV and saw a commercial for Abilify, a drug for bipolar disorder. While bipolar disorder is no laughing matter, the commercial actually made me laugh a little bit and then say, “Are you serious? This is real?!?!” While Abilify helps people suffering with bipolar disorder, it also seems to have a long list of side effects that are scary and well…deadly! See for yourself:

My boss, Jonathan Yandell, showed me this video today. (You can visit his blog at www.jonathanyandell.com) I thought it was hilarious! Anyone who has been to the dentist or been put on knock-out meds can sympathize with this kid a little bit. Thankfully his dad was there to record it for us! Here’s some perfect Friday humor for you!