Day 4: God’s Leaders and God’s Buildings…

So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.  The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded acording to his own labor.  For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building.

Out at Riverside, we plant a ton of trees.  Last spring, our staff planted right around 200 different trees around camp.  Now me, I don’t know much about trees, or planting in general.  However, my co-worker Jason is what I would like to call an expert on the tree.  It’s fun to walk around camp with him because he sees trees sprouting up that no one planted in person.  Tiny little oaks pop up out of the ground in the strangest spots.  We try to clear the way for them to grow up and create a better environment to grow in.  We didn’t create the tree; it sprouted itself.  We simply saw the tree and saw great potential for growth.  However, what more can we do than water it and attempt to put it in soil where it can go strong?

I believe planting is a perfect image for God’s church, because, well, we do have things called ‘church plants’ and congregations grow in a variety of ways.  I grew up in a congregation that saw a great amount of growth in members and it was so exciting to be a part of a place that was growing.  However, I don’t believe that’s all God is talking about.  God desires growth far greater than what the numbers can say.  God desires an expansion of our hearts, not just of our buildings.  God desires to expand our hearts to be outside our bodies as we live out our call in life.

Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you? 1 Corinthians 3:16

One of the kid’s favorite camp songs is “Sanctuary”.

Lord prepare, to be a sanctuary, pure and holy, tried and true.  With thanksgiving, I’ll be a living, sanctuary, for you.

Lord prepare, to be a sanctuary, bright and shining, like a store, with forgiveness, I’ll be a witness, a sanctuary, for you.

God’s plan for the church was to be people who were drawing close to the heart of God and, through this transformation, the Spirit of God would flow through our lives.  Our hearts would be worn on our sleeves as we live out Christ’s mission.  People would look at our bodies and see the church.  In turn, God says, “I have called you by name, and you are mine” in Isaiah, and, so too, he says that the church is His.  We don’t claim our churches as ours, do we?  Our congregations don’t grow because of great pastors, but, they grow because God’s spirit has engulfed the hearts of His leaders in the church.

The church is always in need of people who are willing to be filled with the Spirit and lead.  We are God’s temples, God’s workmanship, His great handiwork, and God’s church is his.  May God’s church be filled with people who are growing in passion with their Savior and may we take that passion to the world.  May you take joy in the fact that only God grows; we can water and plant, but it’s God that grows.  It’s not you.  It’s not me.  It’s not the best ‘program’ in the world or the loudest concert; it’s God.  Plant.  Water.  Watch God grow, and grow, and grow, and grow…

 

Day 3: Can I get some wisdom?

Brothers, think of what you were when you were called.  Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were inflential; not many were of noble birth.  But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise.

Called.  Where in life were you when you were called?  Are you still being called?  Are you listening?  When God first called me into ministry, foolish would have been a nice way to put it.  I was a 7th grade boy who wanted to goof around.  Foolishness would have not only been my middle name, but my first, middle, last, and nickname.  However, some people in my life guided me to hear God’s call on my life; foolish or not, here I come.  Was I wise?  No way, I barely had the Lord’s Prayer memorized!  I wasn’t ‘wise’ in the eyes of the world, but man was I excited that God had called me.  I didn’t know what that meant, but I knew I was excited.

So, what’s changed?  I’ve grown up and growing up should mean I become more wise, right?  Ha.  After 4 years of college and a few different experiences in jobs and being married, I’d like to consider myself wise in the ways of the world.  Wow, funny, right?  I’m reminded daily, hourly, maybe even by the minute, how foolish I sound when I try to be wise.  I’ll give myself this; I do consider myself somewhat versed in knowing the Gospel and sharing that with people, but I still wouldn’t consider myself ‘wise’.  Do you ever find yourself in conversations that you have no idea what the person is talking about, but you continue on like you do?  Wow, if I had a penny for every time that happened to me.

Paul talks in this passage about the power of God and the wisdom of Christ Jesus.  How great is the wisdom and plan of God in our lives.  Wow.  He goes onto say in 1:30:

It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God-that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.

Paul’s point is for us to boast in the Lord.  Our wisdom is not of ourselves, our wisdom comes from God.  How often do we give credit to God for allowing us to be wise in such a great thing?  How great it is to by wise in things of eternity.  I often try so hard to be up on sports statistics, scores, players to have some great conversations with the boys.  How can I be more wise about ‘eternal’ purposes?

When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God.  For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.  I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling.  My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on men’s widom, but on God’s power.

Don’t think your wise?  God’s got that covered for you; His spirit will give you the words.  Feeling weak?  That’s normal.  Afraid?  Me too.  Trembling?  So was Paul.  Your message?  A demonstration of the Spirit’s power; Christ in you.  So stop trying to impress people (trust me, I’m telling this to myself over and over again as I type!).  Paul’s message was simple.  Jesus Christ and him crucified.  What’s your message?

 

Day 2: Divisions in the Church

I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you, and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought.  My brothers, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you.  What I mean is this: One of you says, “I follow Paul; another, “I follow Apollos; another, “I follow Cephas”; still another, “I follow Christ”.

Well, let’s be honest here; there is division amongst the Church right now, especially in the Lutheran circle.  Since the ELCA Church Wide Assembly in August, I’ve seen and heard many people’s point of view on this division.  I’m trying to think of this situation in Paul’s mind.  Paul, writing to Corinth, a corrupt city with many different types of worship, Paul and God’s desire was to see the church united; to see people united.  Not united over something God didn’t intend, but united for the sake of God’s will for the church.  United in seeing God’s word be fulfilled.  United in seeing Christ made known.  United in following God’s will for our lives.

Sadly enough, I feel like people are divided.  There are hurt feelings on both sides of the homosexuality and gay marriage issue within the church.  The truth of the matter is, I stand on God’s word, the truth.  God’s will for marriage is between a man and a woman; that’s very, very clear in the Bible.  I, myself, am a great sinner and don’t intend on claiming to be perfect, but I confess and repent of my sin.  I am united with my fellow Christian brothers and sisters who have been united with a heavenly inheritance because of God’s enormous grace and love through Jesus on the cross.  God desires for the church to be united, but we often get in the way with social statements and political games.  God’s intention for His church is set forth in the Bible; why do we try to divide God’s will for the church through our own eyes?

I follow Christ.  I should say, I do my best to follow Christ.  When I follow Christ, I know I am united with others around the world and I’m united with my Savior.  Will you follow Christ the way Christ calls us to or will you follow Christ the way the world says is okay?

Is Christ divided?  Was Paul crucified for you?  Were you baptized into the name of Paul?  I am thankful that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius, so no one can say that you were baptized into my name.  For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel-not with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.

Is Christ divided?  Interesting question.  I hope we never divide Christ.  I hope we wouldn’t divide out certain parts of His life and pick and choose which traits of Jesus we hold on to.  Paul is making it very clear in this passage that he comes in the name of Jesus.  He doesn’t come to baptize in His name; Paul’s ministry is not about himself and his glory.  Paul’s ministry is centered on Jesus.  Paul is sold out, 100 percent for Jesus.  God has given Paul the power to preach; to say words that will spread like wildfire in the hearts of men.  This passage does not mean that baptism is not important.  On the contrary, people who hear the teachings of Jesus and who are filled with the spirit are baptized.

Sometimes I like to think I’m pretty eloquent with words; a smooth talker.  My mom used to call me a smooth talker and I’d say my wife probably would call me a smooth talker.  When talking about the gospel, something switches on inside of me.  When I talk about the cross and the love of God, my voice sometimes shakes and my eyes start to water.  These aren’t my words being spoken; I know the Spirit is in control.  I’m not trying to ’sell people the cross’, the purchase was already made.  When we try to sell the cross with our own will, the cross is powerless.  “Let my words be your words, Lord God.  Let my words be yours.”

Is the church divided today?  Sadly, I would say yes in some instances.  Was God’s church divided in Corinth?  Yes.  Lessons to take away.  Unity in truth and love.  Follow Christ.  Preach the Gospel.  Let the power of the Cross be unleashed.  May God’s church be united.  Amen.

 

Day 1: 1 Corinthians 1:1-9

“Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes, To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ-their Lord and ours: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

The streets were busy, bustling with people selling and transporting goods that had just arrived from the sea.  The smell of water from the coast fills the air.  12 temples surrounded by hundreds of buildings and people.

Prostitutes line parts of the streets and worship of Aphrodite, the goddess of love, is practiced by religious prostitution.  Many of the temples were dedicated to worshiping different gods, such as Asclepus, the god of healing.

A few years ago, I took a group of students to Philadelphia.  What an eye opening experience for me.  Driving through the city, I felt like Chevy Chase, checking to make sure the doors were locked every 10 seconds.  On the corners of streets, I saw prostitutes, both males and females looking for clients.  I saw drug deals happening in front of my eyes, and, in front of churches.  Churches with bars on their windows.  Graffiti scattered on the brick.  I saw people worshiping different Gods and objects in life in the close proximity of church buildings.

When Paul arrived in Corinth, he saw many of the same things.  Corinth, a thriving town, booming with people, were so far off in worshiping other God’s and objects.  Does Corinth sound like many of our cities today?  Even small towns?  How true is it that we worship other Gods (idols) outside of our churches.  We hold up money, the new car, the american dream, family, friends, the list goes on.  Their might not be the actual ‘temple’ of worship of these gods, but they exist.

Paul’s heart for this city was one of our God’s.  Paul was called to Corinth and notice the words he uses in this opening greeting.  ‘To those sanctified (holy) in Christ Jesus and called to be holy’.

Thanksgiving
“I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus.  For in him you have been enriched in every way-in all your speaking and in all your knowledge-because our testimony about Christ was confirmed in you.“

Paul’s heart of Thanksgiving is one that we should have as well.  How often do I simply thank God for the people in my life?  How often do I give God thanks for the people who I have conflicts with?  In Christ Jesus, we are enriched (made rich).  In Christ Jesus we are rich, so very rich.  What a message to a people seeking riches that in Christ we are rich because of our heavenly reward.  Lastly, Paul says ‘because our testimony about Christ was confirmed in you’, why?  Paul’s preaching about Christ was accepted by the Corinthians.  Paul saw lives changed because of God’s work through him.  What a gift God gives us to use us in small ways to make Him known and let Him change lives through us!

“Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed.  He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.  God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.“

Chris, you’re not good enough to do that.  You’re picked last, your grades aren’t good enough, the list goes on.  Often, my worth is found in this world by looking at my bank account, my pay check, my house, my clothes, my car, the number of people who call me.  Wow, I wish I weren’t so tied up into those things.  I wish I was more about Christ confirming himself in me.  I wish I could take God’s word and really hold onto how great I am because He created me.  God created me with spiritual gifts; gifts that should be used to show off my creator.  Yes, I said show off.  God wants to use me to reveal Himself.

‘He will keep you strong to the end.’  When thinking about this, I like what the Psalms say along with this: “He who hath brought us into near and dear relation to Christ, into sweet and intimate communion with Christ, is faithful; he may be trusted with our dearest concerns. Those that come at his call shall never be disappointed in their hopes in him. If we approve ourselves faithful to God, we shall never find him unfaithful to us. He will not suffer his faithfulness to fail.” God’s love doesn’t ‘run out’.  When our bodies are weak, He is strong; where our minds our weak, He is strong.  When God begins something good in us, he doesn’t let us go; God keeps us strong to the end.
‘God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.’  I recently bought a new MacBook Pro computer.  I’ve heard great things about Mac’s and mostly heard how reliable they are.  When I bought it, of course they always try to sell a ‘care plan’ or ‘insurance’ plan on your computer in case it fails.  I didn’t buy it; I never buy those plans.  I have insurance on my house in case of a disaster.  I have insurance on my car (which is required by the government).  I have life insurance in case I should die.  Should I go on?  Things in this world don’t last forever; no matter how good or well built they are, they need repair and repair costs money.  What in this world is faithful and true and has already been paid for?  God’s love and faithfulness in our lives, in my life.  I can hold onto that forever.  My computer will slow down and die.  My car will, one day, never start again.  My house might burn down.  I want to stand on the rock of God’s faithfulness.  God was faithful to Corinth and the people who had found their value and worship wrapped up in other Gods.  May I remember God’s faithful promise to fellowship with my Jesus who died for me thousands of years ago, knowing I’d need His grace and forgiveness.

 

28 days in 1 Corinthians

For the past week I haven’t been sleeping well…at all.  I’m not exactly sure why this is, but I know I’ve never had such a time where I haven’t been able to get any sleep at night.  However, the crazy part is that I’m not super tired throughout the day.  My time laying awake at night has really set up time for me to spend with God in the quiet hours of the night.  I can’t turn on the light in the room or else I’d wake up my beautiful wife, so it’s called me to time in prayer.  Could it be that God is waking me up for this time?  It’s not like I’m stressed out or worried or anxious about anything in life right now.  The truth of the matter is, I kind of like being woken up at night for this time.

So, if God is waking me up at night, why?  I’ve been feeling a call in these nights to be more and more intentional about being in His word.  I do my daily devotionals, but it’s been a while since I’ve really spent a great amount of time in scripture.  So, that’s what I’m going to do.  I’m cutting out time in front of the television and here it comes, 28 straight days on really reading and digging into 1 Corinthians.  I’m excited to see how God will use these 28 days to speak to me through whispers and shouting through time in His word and prayer on His word.

I invite you to join in this journey with me of 28 days with 1 Corinthians.  In this book, Paul speaks a great deal on the Christian church.  I’m very passionate about God’s church in our world today and am excited to take these next 28 days to really encounter God’s vision for the church today.

 

Tending to the Stool of Faith

I’m really excited about what God is doing in my life and in the lives of the leaders in ministry! I want to be about the things God is about, and I see that happening through me being centered and rooted in my relationship with God.

Having been in ministry for several years, I know what it’s like to experience times where I’m tired, I’m worn out, and my time with God decreases.  When this happens, my patience is short, my mind wanders, and in turn, my ministry to others withers.  I’ve found myself at these points to push all of my energy into ministry and then come home to my wife with nothing left to give.  Although this happened to me in spurts and I rebounded after being convicted, I know people who’ve felt like this for a while or people who feel like this often.

This is what I’m proposing.  A spiritual retreat for Youth Workers.  I’m not talking about coming to learn the latest and greatest in youth ministry.  I’m talking about centering on the core of ministry.  As leaders, our hearts need to be in tune to God, the leader of our lives and our ministry.  I spoke with a friend recently about a youth ministry conference he had went to where they offered different prayer stations and meditation areas.  Very few people came to take advantage of this time.  We talked about why the turnout was so low.  I think it’s because people in youth ministry love to be around people.  We love to listen, to relate, to discuss, to encourage.  These are great things that we need to be about in ministry.

With all this in mind, I’ve been praying about what God desires for a youth leader retreat here at camp.  How can this retreat be a place for retreat, renewal?  I believe that God is preparing a retreat for youth leaders to come and drink from the well.  I know that I need this opportunity and I don’t think I’m alone.  The details are still being worked out, but I’m excited to go forward with this idea of  “Tending to the stool of faith” in youth ministry.  Our speaker, Pastor TJ Anderson(see below), is passionate about seeing youth leaders lasting many years leading youth out of an overflow of Christ’s love in their life.  He will share encouragement in ministry and how to lead a healthy spiritual life that enhances ministry to our family, friends, and our congregations.

I hope you will consider being a part of this retreat.  The dates are October 4-6, 2009 at Riverside Bible Camp in Story City, IA.

A little bit about our Speaker

Pastor TJ Anderson is the Children, Youth and Family Pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Stillwater, Minnesota.

Since beginning in full time youth ministry in 1979, TJ has had a wide variety of experiences in ministry.  Most recently, he’s been the Youth and Family Pastor at Zion Lutheran Church in Anoka, St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church in Mahtomedi, and Trinity Lutheran Church in Stillwater.  He was also the Vice President for Youth Encounter, overseeing and speaking at several of their events.  In his spare time, he works with a wide variety of youth ministries, along with Churches Alive International.

TJ is passionate about seeing youth leaders lasting many years leading youth out of an overflow of Christ’s love in their life.  He will share encouragement in ministry and how we can lead a healthy spiritual life that enhances ministry to our family, friends, and our congregations.

TJ and his wife Susie, of 26 years, live in Stillwater, Minnesota and have a daughter, Brittany.

 

Reflections on YS One Day Conference…

Youth Specialties One Day Conference

How is the Bible being proclaimed within your ministry? Within the context of your life?

I had the great opportunity to attend this one day conference with members of the Youth Ministry Team and analyze how the Bible is being read by today’s youth. There is some really interesting material and I intend to break it down by each section. Please feel free to drop any comments or ideas for discussion!

Session 1

“The Bible is alive, it speaks to me; it has feet, it runs after me; it has hands, it lays hold of me.” Martin Luther

The word of God is alive! Yes, it’s text on paper, but it’s alive! It has deep meaning and examples for how Christians follow Christ. The Bible is the story of God’s interaction with God’s creation.

In church there are many traditions for when the word of God is spoken. I grew up Lutheran, and for the gospel, the congregation stands up for the reading. There is often liturgy, “The Gospel according…Glory to you, O Lord…Praise to you, O Christ.” The Gospel. The story of God’s sacrifice, God’s love story to us. Does your youth group have a special way of reading scripture? Here’s what is said each time before scripture is read at Joel Olsteen’s congregation:

“I am what it says I am. I have what it says I have. I can do what it says I can do. Today I will be taught the word of God. I boldly confess my mind is alert, my heart is
receptive. I will never be the same. Never, never, never. I will never be the same. In Jesus name. Amen.”

When we read scripture, can we always say this? Do we believe these statements? Are our minds always alert and hearts always receptive?

What is the role of scripture in your ministry to youth? Think of the following roles scripture could play:

-Identity Informer -Story of God Connector -Disorienter -Guidebook for Life -Authoratative figure -Provider of Forgiveness and Healing

-Comforter -Wisdom Provider -Belonging -Convictor

Does the role of scripture in your life match the way you’re leading your ministry? Should that line up?

Closing Thoughts

A few real great things to take in about the Bible and our relationship with God’s word.

“We don’t just know the Bible, it knows us.”[1]

“We don’t just explain the Bible, it explains us.” [2]

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[1] Youth Specialties One Day Conference Material

[2]Youth Specialties One Day Conference Material

 

Reflections on a different type of retreat for Youth Workers

I am passionate about Youth Ministry. This means I’m passionate about the people leading youth ministry programs, the leaders who are leading Christ centered ministries. As someone who has been in Youth Ministry and seen how easy it is to be “insanely busy”, I’m interested in creating an opportunity outside of this realm.

I’ve been to several different Youth Worker Conferences, and they’re awesome. Great worship, speakers, workshops, etc. However, I find myself coming back from conferences just as tired as when I came to them. The church I believe is really great at putting together “Spiritual Retreats” for Pastors, but I don’t know how much of a focus is spent on investing in Youth Leaders and giving them the same. I could be wrong, but I don’t know if any Retreat organized for Youth Leaders to simply exist, retreat, relax, spend time and sabbath, and be in nature. Do you?

With all of this in mind, I am looking at developing a retreat similar to “The Academy of the Rockies(http://www.wartburgseminary.edu/template_Events.asp?id=310)” for Youth Leaders at Riverside Bible Camp in Story City, IA. How would this be different from a typical retreat? Here are some of my ideas, but I want to hear yours!

1. Flexible. Not a conference that keeps you going and going. Program would be short, but very meaningful and intentional on drawing us closer to the God we serve.

2. Relaxing. You choose your afternoon activity. Prayer labyrinth, horseback ride, game of soccer, disc-golf, volleyball, golf, etc. The time is yours and we’ll take care of the details.

3. Morning session. Each morning our coffee shop will be open if you’re an early riser. Breakfast available and then worship together. After worship, our keynote speaker will lead us in discussion, followed by small group breakouts.

4. Evening Activities. Each evening we will have a different and fun experience available. Possibilities are Christian Improv group, dramatic mime, concert, etc.

5. Timing. We don’t want to rush this experience, but we want to respect families and schedules. A two night overnight experience to make it feel like a retreat, a vacation for you.

6. Affordable. We’re working actively with Synods for providing resources (financially and professionally) to make this experience affordable for the youth worker with a little budget.

I’m passionate about seeing youth come to Christ and seeing youth workers so filled with God’s spirit that they can continue to share the love of Christ as Christ would. I really want your input on how you could see a retreat like this happen. Also, feedback on dates, time of year would be great as well!

Please reply to this note to start discussion!

 

Sacramento Kings Prank

My good friend, Andrew Nicholson, writer for the Sacramento Kings published this video…over 1 million views in a day and a half! Check it out!

 

This is crazy!! The fastest grocery cart ever…

I’ve seen some pretty fast grocery carts…but this guy is a pro! Wow!

 

Finally…

Well…I’ve tried blogging about 7 separate times now. I’ve opened up accounts many different times, did it for a week, then completely forgot to update them. Sound like you? This time, I’m back for good (hopefully!) I hope to use this blog for sharing thoughts of my own, but also hope to learn and grow from other’s comments. So, with that in mind, feel free to always respond and be open with your comments!

 

Transitions

Wow…what an interesting few months it’s been. Many lessons learned. A great amount of time in prayer. Learning to trust more and more in the God who created me. Learning more what it means to follow God. All very, very good things.

A few months ago, I left a great youth ministry position at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Rochester, MN. What a marvelous community of leaders after God’s heart for the church. This community was so supportive of youth ministry, the parents were phenomenal supporters, and the youth were so awesome! Along with this, a fantastic group of volunteer leaders who became very close friends of mine, people who I’ll be friends with for life. What a great place…I was so comfortable there.

I felt several nudges from God that He had different plans for me. Many times, I wanted to say to God, “Hm…I’m good where I am, thanks.” However, God is persistent, always knocking…I finally opened the door. When I opened the door, God had some different, but awesome plans ahead for me. I was comfortable, but I felt God calling me to be “uncomfortable”. My wife felt the same. To make a long story short, God called me to a great ministry at a Bible Camp in Iowa. We sold our house in 8 days on the market in Rochester. My wife got the first job she applied for. We got a tremendous deal on a house in Iowa. We already have a fantastic Christian community in Iowa. God is faithful and His hand is insanely obvious.

It’s funny, because I think of the word “uncomfortable” as moving away from a great community to move to another great community that’s safe, middle class, well…you get the point. My wife and I just recently ate dinner with friends who are doing long term mission work in Somalia with their new born child. How could I say that God made me “uncomfortable” after hearing about the mission work my friends will be doing spreading the Gospel in a third world country with a new born? Ha!

God is so good and I’m so grateful for His persistence and His faithfulness in times of transition. This transition has been tough, but I’m so grateful for where God has placed me. I love the ministry of the camp. I love the people I work with, their family. My wife and I have a great amount of time to be together. This transition has been a blessing.

 

The Parent Connection

This morning I met with 3 youth directors that I oversee and train, along with an awesome parent involved in youth ministry at her church.  I was amazed by the heart of this mother for seeing her kids love God, love the church, love family, and love the people around them.  It was a great reminder of how important it is in ministry to develop meaningful, long lasting, and trusting relationships with parents in ministry.  I feel like this is something that sometimes is forgotten.  I feel like I didn’t do enough to help parents succeed in bringing their faith home.  The question, that my answers keep flowing for, is “How does the church prepare parents/guardians to be spiritual leaders at home?”

Along with this, is “how do we respond to the growing need of youth with horrible/abusive home relationships?”  This is a question I wish I didn’t have to think about, but there are many kids in youth groups who don’t have it all together at home.  How do we as youth leaders help students take the message home?  I have many thoughts, but I’d like to hear what others have to say…what do you think?

On another note, great things are happening this weekend…our last recharge for high schoolers at camp.  It’s going to be a great weekend!

 

Monday Post

My Family:
I love my wife! During this transition of moving, switching jobs, etc., it’s been tough at points for both of us. However, our love has remained so strong through it all. I love being a part of a community with her, having time to have dinner together, lunch together, to be together more than we were in Rochester. It’s been fantastic!

A while back, my parents were planning on coming down to Story City to help paint and spend time with us this week. However, they weren’t able to make that happen. Bummer! I love them and hope I get to see them soon! They’re such a great support in my life!

Story City Reflections:
I continue to love the community of Story City. Kelly and I went to the high school playoff football game last week, heard and saw some pretty crazy fans, and had a great time together. We met last week with the head of the First Responder Unit in town and we’re excited to be joining that together! I continue to play free golf at the local golf course (now that the clubhouse is closed). Yesterday I got out with Jason and shot an even par round (it doesn’t happen often!). The pace in Story City is such a breath of fresh air coming from a very busy community in Rochester!

Ministry at Riverside:
God’s presence is so obvious at Riverside. It seems like everyone I talk to says that Riverside is a “Holy Place”. I agree. I had a great discussion with my Youth Ministry Team on Friday. We invited a great parent to come in and have a conversation about parents in Youth Ministry. She not only provided great insights about ministry, but also what it’s like to raise children in a Christian home. What a great example she is! I also continue to be so impressed by the Youth Ministry Team at Riverside! They are doing great Christ centered youth ministry within their congregations and at camp!

We had our last Fall Recharge this weekend with a great group of high school students. The whole Recharge season, we’ve been blessed with such a great group of volunteer counselors who some, drive from over three hours away to share the love of Christ with campers!

The team of people I work with are so talented and great to be around. We’re family and support eachother as such.

We have our Father/Son Retreat coming up this next weekend along with a Youth Leader Retreat coming November 13-14.

I’m looking forward to a great week and weekend ahead!!

 

Campaign for God?

Well…the election is finally over.  An historical election, a long election, the most expensive election in history.  Many good things about both candidates, they both have many strengths to offer this country. However, there is something that neither one of these candidates can offer.  Salvation.

Over the past few years, people have been going crazy for supporting each of these candidates.  We put signs in our yards.  Yank out our check books.  Put bumper stickers on our cars.  Wear pins or shirts supporting our candidate.  All for what?  President of the United States, a four year term in the White house, the most important job (some say) in our country.  Don’t get me wrong, I get the importance of this election and of government in our country.  It is extremely important.

One thing struck me real hard this year when it came to this election.  People get so wrapped up in supporting and promoting a candidate.  Why don’t we promote God the way we promote our candidates?  Why aren’t cars filled with bumper stickers praising the God who created us.  What signs do we show people that God is the most important thing in our life?  Do we spend hours calling people getting the word out about Jesus?  Do we wear clothing that symbolizes “Jesus”?  Do we wear our faith on our sleeves or underneath the skin?

What if we lived in a world where God was talked about and emphasized as much as the presidential election?  Millions of dollars spent on commercials, sharing the gospel.  There are many people in our country that don’t know their creator, their God, their Savior.  However, there are many people who know more about a single person and their decisions.

What if we campaigned for people to know God and to chose God?  Campaign is a bad word, that’s why it’s called evangelism.  What are your thoughts?  Is our focus all wrong?

 

Impact

Will there be a splash upon your impact?

What does the word “impact” mean in today’s world? Here are a few things that people think of when they hear the word “impact”: a computer graphics architecture for Silicon Graphics computer workstations, an open source finite element program, the International Multilateral Partnership Against Cyber-Terrorism (Impact), a short-lived disco group formed in the mid-70s by Damon Harris, a form of women’s self-defense, etc. The list goes on. These are the results I came upon while searching “impact” in Wikipedia.

I noticed something about all of these. People. They all revolve around people trying to make a difference, trying to succeed, trying to change things.

“Impact” comes from the Latin word impingere which means “to push”. Our English translation then describes the word in a few different ways. First, we use “impact” when talking about a collision of two forces. Secondly, we talk about “impact” as an effect or influence on something or someone.

With all this in mind, I ask myself the question, “What does impact mean to me? How does that word apply to my life?”

I’m a person who is sometimes weary about feeling uncomfortable, weary about colliding with another force or person. I was at my small group yesterday at church and we were talking about this very subject. I came to the realization that I want to make a bigger impact in smaller ways than I already am. I work at a Bible Camp and my vocation in the paid field is to share Christ with everyone who comes to camp, and I do. I love talking about God, how He’s the Savior of my life. I then turn it on the flip side of why I have friends in my life who I don’t talk to enough about God. They obviously know where I work, what I do, but why am I sometimes slow to speak about this. Here’s what I’m not saying “I need to constantly be talking about my relationship with God to everyone I meet.”

Here’s what I am saying “I want people to know that God has an impact in my life and I want God to impact people through my life.”

I desire to have an impact on this world. I’m not talking about large impacts, large events. I want to make an impact in what some might say “small ways”. I want to be in collision with the awful things in this world and be an impact for the positive. I want to see the impact that Jesus had in this world lived out through all Christians. I want to be a person of impact. I’m not big, but with my God, I’m strong, I can prevail through collisions, and so can you.

 

Partnering with Parents in Ministry: a workshop

We held our second annual Youth Leader Retreat here at Riverside last weekend.  We had a few different workshop breakouts to choose from, one of them I’m very passionate about.  How do we partner with parents in ministry?  I feel that this is an area that I needed growth in and that is constantly changing.  It’s a challenge to have “active” parents and also a challenge to get parents to take your youth group message home.  Here’s the material from the workshop:

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Partnering with Parents in Ministry

“Raise up a child in the way they should go, and when they are old, they will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6

How do we minister to youth as well as equip parents to do the same at home?

Why partner with parents?

“The bottom line in youth ministry is not how many students you have participating in your programs. It’s where those students will be in 5-10 years.”

Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Why?

OBVIOUS!

-The American Bible Society says that their research shows that if parents are actively involved in church, their teens do as well.

-Of parents who don’t go to church, 78% raise youth who aren’t followers of Christ.

-80% of teens feel the Bible is important, 87% of parents think same

-Of these, 11% of both read their Bible regularly

What does the obvious tell us?

-“If you want your youth group to get off the ground, team ministry starts at home.”

In Youth Ministry, youth workers aren’t it, we need TEAM.

What does your ministry “team” look like?

Dr. David Anderson’s 5 Principles of Ministry

1. Faith is formed by the power of the Holy Spirit through personal trusted relationships, often in our homes.

2. The church is a living partnership between ministry of the congregation and the ministry of the home.

3. Where Christ is present in faith, the home is church too.

4. Faith is caught more than taught.

5. If we want Christian children and youth, we need spiritual adults and parents.

Breaking Down the Principles

Faith is formed by the power of the Holy Spirit though personal trusted relationships, often in homes.

1. In what ways do you see parents in your ministry having these relationships?

2. Should youth tell you things that they won’t tell their parents? Is this healthy?

3. Do you know youth in your ministry that don’t have this relationship at home? Do we attempt to equip parents to be that person?

Notes:

The church is a living partnership between ministry of the congregation and the ministry of the home.

“Most kids don’t see Christ in their homes-especially church kids.”-Dave Curtis

1. How does this statement live out in your ministry?

2. Is there a partnership with the homes and your ministry?

3. What are some examples of how we can connect more with homes?

a. Ideas: Blog what you talk about during youth group. Have some follow up questions/verses for parents to do. Remember to K.I.S.S! (Keep It Short and Simple). Parents will love this connection piece

b. Host family nights at youth group or invite yourself over for dinner at their house

c. Families won’t always reach out and make this partnership happen. The church has to be intentional about this living partnership!

4. What about the youth with no support at home?

Notes:

Where Christ is present in faith, the home is church too.

“Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.” Deuteronomy 6:7-8

1. Is this statement true? Explain.

2. Are families treating their homes as “holy places” for youth?

3. Is it the “church’s” responsibility to make homes “holy places”?

4. Youth won’t always be at your church or part of your group. Surprise! What are ways that the church can equip youth to have a home that feels like a “holy place”?

5. How does the reality that some youth don’t have good homes change your ministry?

6. Having Godly parents as a part of your ministry is CRUCIAL in providing care for students who don’t have a good home life.

Notes:

Faith is caught more than taught.

Youth in this culture learn through hands on experiences, interactions. Howard Gardner, founder of Multiple Intelligences, teaches us that youth have different learning styles. Faith is not something to be taught, but faith in God is something to be experienced.

1. What are your thoughts on this statement?

2. How is faith “caught”?

3. How can parents help faith be “caught”?

4. Multiple Intelligences

Bodily/kinesthetic

Interpersonal

Intrapersonal

Logical

Musical

Naturalist

Verbal

Visual

If we want Christian children and youth, we need spiritual adults/parents.

“Raise up a child in the way they should go, and when they are old, they will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6

1. This IS true!

2. You can’t be the counselor for

every student in your group!

3. How do we find spiritual adults parents?

4. Is it our responsibility to mentor them to be this person

if they aren’t already?

5. How do you create a ministry of involvement for spiritual

adults?

6. When you have spiritual adults,

use them! Have them be praying for the ministry, leading

parts of the ministry, not just making cookies or

driving around. Equip them. Give them responsibility.

Why would an adult want to stay active if you don’t trust them?

Notes:

How do we involve parents?

The paradigm is shifting. Parents and Godly households are becoming hard to find. Our youth leave youth group for a week full of anything but spiritual growth. They need more than the youth minister in their life to care for them. They need several people. Our ministries need involved and Godly parents. Don’t worry about losing the kids by having parents involved, the rewards are far greater.

You might have a youth board at your congregation, but are they part of your team. Who do you have doing ministry along with you? I’m not talking about the people behind the scenes (those individuals are valuable as well!). Who’s calling the youth and talking with them? Who’s talking them through struggles? Whose caring for them like a parent would? Who’s showing them God’s love? How are you reaching out to parents in an attempt to help the youth grow? How are parents reaching out to you?

How are you going to partner with your parents?

 

Thanksgiving…flipped

I found this on the Youth Specialties website…some great thoughts to put our lives in perspective…

Count your blessings instead of your crosses; Count your gains instead of your losses.
Count your joys instead of your woes;
Count your friends instead of your foes.
Count your smiles instead of your tears; Count your courage instead of your fears.
Count your full years instead of your lean; Count your kind deeds instead of your mean.
Count your health instead of your wealth; Count on God instead of yourself.

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

Alice!

Alice, the best waitress around!

Alice.  While leading a mission trip to Philadelphia, my youth and I stopped in a small town to spend the night at a local church.  The next morning, the Pastor was super excited to tell us about the great street fair going on in this little town.  Myself and our youth were excited as well to check it out.  We ventured down the small main street, and to our dismay, found no street fair.  We were hungry and dissapointed.  I did what any youth director in a strange town would do at this point; I stopped a random person walking and asked if there were any great places to eat.  We were directed to this small diner located off of the main drag.  Directed to “Alice’s Restaraunt”.

We walked a ways until we came to the diner.  All 13 of us came into the tiny restaurant and were greeted by Alice.  “How many?” she asked.
I replied, “13″.
“There’s no room for 13!”, she replied frantically.  “Well, I suppose I’ll split you up and we’ll try to get you in somewhere.”, she continued.
“Sounds great!”, I replied.  Alice was stressed.  She wore the stress all over her face and throughout her body.  She wasn’t angry we were there, just stressed about taking care of all 13 of us.

Alice sat us down at random tables spread throughout the restaurant.  Alice was speedy to take orders and get everyone the drink of their choice.  The youth were phenomenal to Alice.  They thanked Alice.  Told her she was doing a great job when she got behind.  My leaders did the same.  Throughout the course of our time in the restaurant, Alice was changing.  Her voice lowered.  Her body relaxed.  Her eyes lit up when the kids were thankful for her service.  She had never had customers like these kids.

After meals were served, she asked where we were from and what we’re doing together.  The youth told her about serving people in Philadelphia and that they were from Minnesota.  Alice had never heard of youth doing this, raising money to serve others in the country.  Alice started to ask more questions about our group and our trip.

As I watched this all from a distance, I could see the affect the youth were having on Alice.  They were ministering to Alice.  Alice knew there was something different and special about these students.  The difference was these youth wanted people to know and experience Jesus.  The youth wanted Alice to know why they are the way they are.

We left the diner with this picture of Alice and her lunch that she personally sacrificed to give to the group as “a snack for the road”.  It’s an awesome experience seeing people be Jesus to others.  Alice was serving us food, and the youth were serving Alice Jesus.  That’s sweet.

This Thanksgiving, I’m thankful for moments like these.  Thankful that I get to work in youth ministry where I see God at work.  Thankful for youth that serve others Jesus on a golden platter!

 

Forgiveness for my competitiveness…

“The voice of sin is loud, but the voice of forgiveness is louder.”  Dwight Moody

Last night I was playing in a friendly game of intramural basketball.  It was a good, competitive game, at points getting a little out of control.  Things were said, pushes were thrown, picks were hard.  For those of you who know me, one of my biggest weaknesses is that I’m competitive.  Sometimes, a little too competitive.

There were 5 seconds left in the game, we were down by three.  The clock had just been set back to 5 seconds due to it being stopped late, however there was an error and the buzzer went off after .5 seconds.  The other team thought the game was over and they won, saying that the 5 seconds had passed, obviously it hadn’t.  It was then I made a statement that I regret, saying to one of the players, “Obviously you can’t count, cause that was not 5 seconds.”  The player shot me stare that looked straight to my heart.  Why did I say such a thing?  What had brought me to say something to hurt someone else?  Immediately I wish I could have taken it back, but I couldn’t.

Next week I plan on apologizing to the man I made the comment to.  I have no idea if he’ll forgive me or not.  I came home after the game defeated.  Not because we lost, but because of what I said.

In life, our sin hurts people.  Other’s sin hurts us.  I am a true believer in forgiveness and try my best to forgive the people around me.  Along with that, I sometimes forget to forgive myself.  I forget to lay my mistakes and hurts at the cross.  I hold onto it, looking for forgiveness from this world.  Sometimes it doesn’t happen.  Christ’s blood helps cleanse me from my stupidity, my shortfalls.  Christ’s blood forgives.  Thanks be to God for that!

 

The Pledge of Allegiance, “Under God”

Hey everyone!  There’s some great discussion going on about the phrase, “Under God” in the pledge of allegiance.  Check it out!

 

Fun and Fluff in Ministry

While reading through an article in a recent youth worker journal, I found this quote in talking about the dropoff of college students.

“Sadly, most youth ministries are long on fun and fluff and short on listening and thoughtful engagement. The former produces a million paper boats; the latter produces a handful of seaworthy ships. Launching a million paper boats is an amazing spectacle on a clear summer day, but only a ship can weather storms and cross oceans.”
-Derek Melleby of the Center for Parent/Youth Understanding

Any thoughts?

 

The oldest college basketball player…

While I don’t like to admit this, I often stay up late and watch some news…flipping through saw the Conan Late night show last night and caught this segment on the oldest college basketball player.  Click here and select “Chapter 4″.