Do you NEED love?
Love is in the air! Check out this funny video from the Skit Guys.
*video here*
I am blessed
I had the chance to spend time with my family in Greenville this last weekend. I'm reminded of how special family is to our lives. I'm thankful for a family that sticks close to each other through the good and bad times.
I'm thankful for God giving me and Mom and Dad that seek after God with passion. My Dad has served God for over 33 years in ministry and continues to serve and witness daily for Christ. I'm thankful for my Mom, she totally rocks. She is a continual encouragement to people, young and old.
My older brother Jeff has been a huge example for me to follow. I have had the most fun in my life when we served together on staff in a small town in southwest Georgia (Iron City). We saw God work in a mighty way, with over 40 people baptized per year in a town of a little over 300 people. Jeff has an awesome future as a leader for this generation.
My brother Jordan who is with Jesus is a daily example and reminder of this verse, "But to live is Christ and to die is gain." Philippians 1:21. I miss him everyday but know he is looking from Heaven and cheering for us to run the race of life with endurance.
My brother Justin is creative, passionate and has a heart for ministry. He is the youngest and had to put up with a lot growing up! Now that he is a senior in high school he is growing into a man of God. Not only am I proud of his walk with God but his fun-loving attitude. Check out his awesome videos!
Last but not least, my wife is AMAZING. I definitely "out-punted my coverage!" She is my best friend and I love serving Jesus with her everyday (she is a babe too!). Check out her website and be encouraged by her music!
To sum it all up, "The greatest things in life are not things."
I'm one blessed dude. Thank you Jesus.
No More Lone Rangers
Here are some notes I've taken down while reading, “No More Lone Rangers: How to build a team centered youth Ministry”
I have been focusing lately on how we are to do this thing called "ministry." This book has been great in opening my eyes to the "equipping" that we see in Ephesians 4:11-12
I have learned this far in my short life that being a “long ranger” in youth ministry will not cut it. The focus needs to move off of the youth pastor as the only leader and move to a team mentality. What is success in youth ministry?
- Success is sharing ministry, not being a one-person show
- Success is modeling the body of Christ, not just teaching about it
- Modeling it is the most important along with solid teaching.
- Success is caring for the students we have rather than worrying about students we don’t have
- God won’t bless with more students if we aren’t caring for the ones we have currently.
Quote by Jim Burns (The Youth Builders) “We firmly believe that on the day we stand before God, He won’t be asking us how many kids came to our ministries. He won’t be delving into our programming, He’ll want to know what we did with the students He entrusted to us. Are we faithful with the students He has entrusted to our care?”
- Success is more about what happens after students leave the youth ministry than what they do while they’re in the ministry...Where will they be in 5-10 years after the student ministry?
- Success should be viewed as a journey, not as a destination.
- Success is God’s job, faithfulness is our job (Parable of the Talents).
Ultimately it comes down to faithfulness. We are to be committed and passionate about following God call on our lives. Hang on for the ride!
What are your thoughts?