Update on life
As you can tell (if you actually read my blog) I haven't been updating lately. We are finally settled here at First Baptist Church Ashford. God has blessed me and Cassidy with a loving and supportive church family and staff. July is going to be an fun but busy month with two camps and VBS. We are going to serve at WIRED camp located in Dothan, Alabama. It will be an exciting week of over 30 churches coming together to invest and minister to the community through various mission projects. It will be a blessing to serve with the students and be the hands and feet of Jesus.
We are going to BigStuf Camp the last week of July. I've never been to this camp but look forward to building unity in the youth group.
God has been revealing to me that students are ready to serve! I've been reminded lately of the need for leaders to invest in their lives and equip them to use their gifts to serve the Lord. We are building a team of students to lead in all aspects of the student ministry. One of my goals of ministry is to lead students to minister to students, not just make it all about myself or the adults.
Our vision is "to move from a youth group to a youth ministry."
A verse that has kept me focused on this vision:
"For the son of Man has come to seek and save the lost." Luke 19:10
What vision has God given you? What is your student ministries vision?
New Ministry!
It has been a long time since I've blogged! Life has been very busy lately. My time in Jacksonville has come to an end. Cassidy and I have enjoyed our time and ministry and we'll miss the adults and students we have grown close to over the past two and half years. We have transitioned to lead the student ministry at First Baptist Church of Ashford, Alabama. God has blessed beyond what I deserve to be able to serve in ministry.
Transitions are hard. Life is about relationships and it was difficult to leave so many people that have impacted my life and taught me so much. I know that God is in control and has a specific plan and calling for each person's life. We are excited for what God has ahead for us and the ministry that He has called us to lead. I've been reminded lately of the journey of life in following Christ. I'm simply moving on to serve God and impact as many people as I can for eternity before I go to be with Him in Heaven.
Here are two verses that encourage and focus my heart on life and transition:
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6
Making wise decisions
There are so many choices that families have to make in today's culture. With technology moving rapidly and all things becoming more accessible, what should be our response to these choices?
One of the biggest questions that I encourage students to ask in any situation is, "Is this the wise thing to do?"
Many times I get the question, "Josh...so what is wrong with this movie...?" Along with many other questions that arise. I could simply respond with my thoughts, background, preferences, etc. The simple response to this question, should be a question in return...pointed towards the heart. Leading students to make wise decisions must begin with them finding truth through asking the right questions.
Instead of, "What is wrong with it?" We should pursue this question, "What is right with it?"
I'm convinced that God is working in the lives of students. As leaders, we need to encourage them to pursue godly wisdom in life's decisions.
Here are a few websites that me and Cassidy use often in our decision-making progress:
Plugged-in Online - Christian media reviews (I use this many times per week)
CPYU - Center for Parent and Youth Understanding: Great tool to stay current on youth culture. Parents, you need to sign up for the e-news.
What about you? I'd like to know your thoughts?