new HelloBar(17399,13889); About Me I have been serving in the local church context for over fourteen years and am currently a pastor at Prescott Church Modesto, speaking into the lives of students and families, aiming to draw them closer to God and one another in sound biblical truth. Follow @russcantu !function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");Tumblr (3.0; @russcantu)http://www.russcantu.com/So you lied on your resume in order to secure a job, you lied to the people you work with about your...http://www.russcantu.com/post/22657391941http://www.russcantu.com/post/22657391941Tue, 08 May 2012 09:52:55 -0700leaders aren't posersscott thompsonyahoo!leadership<embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://assets.tumblr.com/swf/audio_player_black.swf?audio_file=http://www.tumblr.com/audio_file/22264655589/tumblr_m3eqzyTucH1qzqe2i&color=FFFFFF" height="27" width="207" quality="best" wmode="opaque"></embed><br/><br/><p><div><span><strong>Christianity in Crisis?</strong></span></div> <div><span></span><strong>Engaging a hurt world that thinks God is not good</strong></div> <div></div> <div></div> <div><span><strong><br/></strong></span></div> <div><span><strong>Week 1 - If God is so good, then why do I hurt? </strong></span></div> <div><span></span><strong>Week 2 - Examples of those who who have experienced great hurt in the Bible</strong></div> <div><span><strong><br/></strong></span></div> <div><span><strong>HURT is…</strong></span></div> <div><span>… a part of the human experience</span></div> <div><span>… unavoidable</span></div> <div><span>… can be used to heal</span></div> <div><strong><br/></strong></div> <div><strong>What is your story of hurt and pain?</strong></div> <div>As Christians and as a part of the Prescott Church community, we must engage those that are hurting</div> <div><strong><br/></strong></div> <div><strong>The Gospel of John 4 </strong></div> <div><strong>Jesus engages someone who was hurting</strong></div> <div><strong><br/></strong></div> <div><strong>Jesus CONVERSES with a Samaritan woman</strong></div> <div>What does it mean to be a <strong>SAMARITAN</strong> in those days?</div> <div>What does it mean for Jesus to be talking to a Samaritan <strong>WOMAN</strong>?</div> <div><strong><br/></strong></div> <div><strong><br/></strong></div> <div><strong>Jesus SHARES TWO TRUTHS with a Samaritan woman</strong></div> <div><strong><br/></strong></div> <div><ol><li><strong>True Worship, </strong>1 Corinthians 3:16</li> <li><strong>Jesus as Messiah, </strong>2 Samuel 7:5-16, Psalm 110:1-4, Isaiah 9:6-7</li> </ol></div> <div><strong><br/></strong></div> <div><strong><br/></strong></div> <div><strong>Ultimately, Jesus provided a NEW LIFE for the Samaritan woman</strong></div> <div><strong><br/></strong></div> <div><strong>Look what happens when Jesus engages the hurting, </strong>John 4:28-30, 39-42</div> <div></div> <div><ol><li>They leave healed</li> <li>They share the healing with the rest of their town</li> <li>Others come to the Lord</li> </ol></div> <div><strong><br/></strong></div> <div><strong>Being Good News in a Bad News world requires you to engage those who are hurting the most</strong></div> <div></div> <div>Are you prepared to be Good News? 1 Peter 3:15</div> <div><strong><br/></strong></div> <div><strong><br/></strong></div> <div><strong>Acts 1:8</strong></div> <div><span><em>“… and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”</em></span></div></p>http://www.russcantu.com/post/22264655589http://www.russcantu.com/post/22264655589Wed, 02 May 2012 11:21:00 -0700engage the hurtJohn 4Christianity in crisis?<img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m2mzcxi3Ki1qc7f2so1_400.jpg"/><br/><br/><p><a class="tumblr_blog" href="http://projectcommunity.us/post/21276454874/as-a-church-and-community-we-are-moving-a-local" target="_blank">projectcommunityus</a>:</p> <blockquote> <p>As a church and community, we are moving a local resident affected by the fire into a different apartment unit on site. If you would like to be a part of the move, and show your love and support to the Prescott community, please show up at Prescott Church at 330p, 3000 Prescott Road, Modesto, Ca 95350.</p> </blockquote>http://www.russcantu.com/post/21277216031http://www.russcantu.com/post/21277216031Tue, 17 Apr 2012 11:48:45 -0700good news to the neighborhoodcommunitygospel<img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m2l4wiJ8Hq1qzqe2io1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p><strong>Being Present in the Midst of Tragedy</strong></p> <p>Thursday, April 12, was an especially difficult day for our community. A troubled man getting evicted from his home decided to take matters in his own hands and gun down the sheriff on scene and locksmith attempting to deliver the eviction notice. This did not need to happen, but it did. In the span of only a few hours, a shooting turned into a full-fledged evacuation as the suspect had automatic weapons and explosives. The evacuation and standoff lasted for hours, into the morning hours of Friday. As a church, we had the opportunity to minister to those that were displaced. We fed them, clothed many, entertained the kids and counseled the hurting. We were with them. Then… and now. </p> <p>The once blossoming community of Whispering Woods seems to be backsliding to the days of the Prescott Estates, aka the “ZOO”. Thursday was evidence of this. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Change can happen. But it will take you, me, this <a href="http://www.prescottefc.com" title="church" target="_blank">church</a>, this neighborhood, local businesses, and a desire to transform. And it won’t work if the church stays in the building. It must go out to make real change happen. </p> <p>Here are a few news stories from the Modesto Bee about the scenario and response.</p> <ul><li><a href="http://www.modbee.com/2012/04/12/2155620/church-aids-residents-responders.html" target="_blank">Church Aids Residents and Responders</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.modbee.com/2012/04/12/2155303/church-opens-doors-to-evacuees.html" target="_blank">Church Opens Doors to Evacuees</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.modbee.com/2012/04/13/2157131/church-an-anchor-for-neighborhood.html" target="_blank">Church an Anchor for Neighborhood</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.modbee.com/2012/04/13/2156204/most-evacuees-from-shooting-neighborhood.html" target="_blank">Most Evacuees from Shooting Neighborhood Have Left Evacuation Center</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.modbee.com/2012/04/12/2155275/witnesses-recount-fatal-shootings.html" target="_blank">Witnesses Recount Fatal Shooting</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.modbee.com/2012/04/12/2154770/sheriffs-deputy-shot-while-serving.html" target="_blank">Sheriffs Deputy Shot While Serving</a></li> </ul><p>How can you be present for your community, even when there is not a tragedy?</p>http://www.russcantu.com/post/21219358819http://www.russcantu.com/post/21219358819Mon, 16 Apr 2012 11:33:00 -0700James FerrarioPrescott Evangelical Free Churchmodesto shootingmodesto bee“For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.”...http://www.russcantu.com/post/20601069292http://www.russcantu.com/post/20601069292Fri, 06 Apr 2012 11:29:00 -0700EasterHebrews 10:14Hebrews 10:4THE OVERLAPPING TRANSITION [A FEW MORE IMPLICATIONS] The overlapping transition Mark describes here...http://www.russcantu.com/post/20546890948http://www.russcantu.com/post/20546890948Thu, 05 Apr 2012 14:32:00 -0700understanding your young teenoverlapping transitionFroggermark oestreicheryouth worker trainingleadershipWHITE-HOT TEMPORARY [EARLY ADOLESCENT CULTURE] &#8220;When we treat them as consumers, they play...http://www.russcantu.com/post/20020418066http://www.russcantu.com/post/20020418066Tue, 27 Mar 2012 13:02:00 -0700early adolescent cultureleadershipmark oestreicherunderstanding your young teenyouth worker trainingOPERATING SYSTEM UPGRADE [SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT] Leave it alone. Throw it out. Work it out. These...http://www.russcantu.com/post/19596638091http://www.russcantu.com/post/19596638091Mon, 19 Mar 2012 16:26:00 -0700doubtleadershipmark oestreicherunderstanding your young teenyouth worker trainingSPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENTI CAN DO IT! JUST DON&#8217;T LEAVE ME. [INDEPENDENCE]  This is the ultimate tension of adolescence...http://www.russcantu.com/post/19188540770http://www.russcantu.com/post/19188540770Mon, 12 Mar 2012 11:51:00 -0700understanding your young teenmark oestreicheryouth worker trainingleadershipboundariesBEST FRIENDS FOREVER! [RELATIONAL CHANGE] Hitting hard, this chapter explores the relational shift...http://www.russcantu.com/post/18808775206http://www.russcantu.com/post/18808775206Mon, 05 Mar 2012 14:07:00 -0800understanding your young teenmark oestreicheryouth worker trainingleadershipfriendshipBFFROLLER-COASTER FREAK SHOW [EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT] It is like everything is coming out, directed...http://www.russcantu.com/post/18498156167http://www.russcantu.com/post/18498156167Wed, 29 Feb 2012 08:51:00 -0800roller coaster freak showemotional developmentyouth worker trainingleadershipmark oestreicherunderstanding your young teenMIND-WARP [COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT] Have you ever wondered why young teens are the way they are? Why...http://www.russcantu.com/post/18023003855http://www.russcantu.com/post/18023003855Tue, 21 Feb 2012 12:02:00 -0800leadershipmark oestreichermind warpunderstanding your young teenyouth worker trainingCOGNITIVE DEVELOPMENTWALKING HORMONES [PHYSICAL AND SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT] Chapter three brought us to one of the most...http://www.russcantu.com/post/17665417872http://www.russcantu.com/post/17665417872Wed, 15 Feb 2012 10:56:00 -0800leadershipmark oestreicherunderstanding your young teenwalking hormonesyouth worker trainingPHYSICAL AND SEXUAL DEVELOPMENTIT&#8217;S ALL ABOUT CHANGE This chapter, is really all about you. But it&#8217;s not; and it is....http://www.russcantu.com/post/17218632571http://www.russcantu.com/post/17218632571Tue, 07 Feb 2012 11:12:00 -0800leadershipmark oestreicherunderstanding your young teenyouth worker trainingIt's All About ChangeCAN ANYTHING GOOD COME OF THIS AGE? Last week we started looking into youth ministry guru Mark...http://www.russcantu.com/post/16828198945http://www.russcantu.com/post/16828198945Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:13:00 -0800leadershipmark oestreicherunderstanding your young teenyouth worker trainingCAN ANYTHING GOOD COME OF THIS AGE? For the next several weeks, our regular posts for leadership development in student ministry will...http://www.russcantu.com/post/16417920799http://www.russcantu.com/post/16417920799Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:30:58 -0800Understanding Your Young Teenmark oestreicheryouth worker trainingleadership<img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ly0dc2WLhi1qzqe2io1_400.jpg"/><br/><br/><p><strong><span><em>The team that learns together, grows together.</em></span></strong></p> <p><span></span></p> <p><span>What are you doing as the lead dog that is fostering growth and development in your adult staff? As leaders, we tend to spend the majority of our time concerned about how our students are maturing along in the process of discipleship, yet the key to their maturation depends on the maturation of the adults that lead them, week in and week out. </span></p> <p><span> </span></p> <p><span>What if you decided to approach this the same way you would approach a student ministry small group, model the same principles those group adhere to and exist as an adult small group, in the vein of a community of practice? You allow time for instruction and time for response; time for listening and time for doing? This can be what your team needs to take it to the next level. </span></p> <p><span> </span></p> <p><span>I spend a lot of time being the best pastor and leader I can for those that are entrusted to me. Why not do the same for those that I position to lead those very same students?</span></p> <p><span> </span></p> <p><span>That is why our adult staff will be working through Mark Oestreicher’s </span><span>Understanding Your Young Teen: Practical Wisdom for Parents</span><span>. It’s not that this book is a magic bullet, but it’s a great book with quality insight. Mark is a ministry stud and that’s the kind of person you want to learn from. </span></p> <p><span> </span></p> <p><span>The challenge for you will be this: what can you do to learn as a team, in order to grow as a team?</span></p> <p><span>Want a sample of the book we’re using? Check it out <a href="http://theyouthcartel.com/wp-content/uploads/downloads/2011/11/understanding-your-young-teen-sample.pdf" title="uyyt" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</span></p>http://www.russcantu.com/post/16070761948http://www.russcantu.com/post/16070761948Wed, 18 Jan 2012 11:12:01 -0800understanding your young teenmark oestreicherteam learning<iframe id="xtranormal_make us one, winter conference 2012" name="xtranormal_make us one, winter conference 2012" style="" src="http://www.xtranormal.com/xtraplayr/12929581/make-us-one-winter-conference-2012" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" border="0" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto"></iframe><br/><br/><p><strong>Make Us One - High School Winter Conference 2012</strong></p> <p>If you are a part of the Prescott student community, watch all the way through for a chance to earn a camp discount. </p>http://www.russcantu.com/post/16031053421http://www.russcantu.com/post/16031053421Tue, 17 Jan 2012 15:55:00 -0800prescottstudents.comwinter camp“Just because you say you’re a team, doesn’t make you an actual team.” -...http://www.russcantu.com/post/15678048035http://www.russcantu.com/post/15678048035Wed, 11 Jan 2012 10:32:00 -0800leadershipteamown the processStudents do not have enough victories. Unfortunately, failure is more prevalent in their lives than...http://www.russcantu.com/post/15625190735http://www.russcantu.com/post/15625190735Tue, 10 Jan 2012 10:00:00 -0800affirmationyouth worker trainingleadership