Source SM in Review: Volume #1
I borrowed this idea from Josh Griffin (student pastor at Saddleback Church). Thanks for the great idea!
Teaching series: "Focus"- Why we are here and what God has called us to be as a ministry!
Main Teaching point: Friends determine the direction of your life, so choose wisely.
Length of service: 55 minutes. 2 separate services for middle and high school.
Message Explanation: “Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble" Proverbs 13:20. It is much more about who you are with, than what you are doing. We need Christian friends to survive in a world of isolation. We were not meant to live the Christian life alone. In order to build true friendship, we must love through the friendship we have with God. He does not NEED us, but WANTS a relationship with us. A true friend cares for your soul. "There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends" John 15:13. What does your friendships look like? Are you a friend that pushes people closer to Jesus?
Element of fun: We played a game called "dance your hat and gloves off." The students had to wear a "beanie" on their heads and yellow plastic gloves on their hands. To win, you had to shake the glove and hat off in 15 seconds. It was hilarious! We recorded the service this week! I'm excited about the editing and slowing down of the footage for next week! The winner for each service won a brand new jar of peanut butter (family size)!
Music Set: We are the Free, Search My Heart, One Thing Remains, Sometimes
Favorite Moment: Watching students worship! I'm pumped to see the leadership in the students and the impact they are having on others! We have begun a student creative team as well! I'm excited to have students creating/editing videos for Source!
Thanks to Ashton and Bevin for creating a video bumper for the message:
Next week: We will Finish up our series this Sunday night. We will discover what God's Word says about worship. Is it just music? What does it mean to worship? I'm excited to hear Jared Sylvia teach the students on what a lifestyle of worship looks like in today's culture.
Happy Mother's Day!
I love my Mom. She has always been an encouragement to me. I'm grateful for her patience with me and continual prayers. She has a giving heart and passion for God. Thank you God for giving me the gift of my Mother.
I love my wife! We are celebrating her first Mother's Day! I'm thankful for her love for God and love for people. I know she will be a great Mom in the coming days. God, thank you for the gift of Cassidy!
I love my Mom-in-love! I'm grateful for her life and encouragement to others. She has shown such perseverance in the face of trials. I hope today is a special day and that you feel all the love of God! God, thank you for the gift of Mrs. Becky!
New Ministry Transition
I just completed my second full week in the office! I began serving as student pastor at Church @ the Springs. Time has quickly flown by as I'm learning about the people, culture and vision of the springs. It has been overwhelming (in a good way) to meet so many people! It is exciting to hear stories of people far from God being transformed by the gospel! Transitions are tiring though. In one sense I'm departing from old friends and meeting new friends. I'm grateful for all the wonderful people who have prayed for us during the transition. I have learned a lot about myself, Cassidy and ministry during this time.
This is what I've been learning during my transition:
- No matter where you go, people have similar needs. Everyone is hurting in some way. Although people sound, look, and act different, the same inner needs remain. I've enjoyed getting to know people and hear their stories!
- Where God leads, God provides. I've heard this a few times in my life and I can say that it is truth! I've been humbled during this whole process. In every way, God has provided for us.
- Gospel Centered. People are not looking for more flashy, surface level teaching. Students hunger for the truth of His Word. I want to be faithful to lead people to understand the grand narrative of His story. Once people grasp the gospel, their lives are never the same. You cannot package or manipulate the power of the gospel. The gospel is enough, my goal is to communicate it with passion and creativity.
- Relationships matter. I have begun the process of learning new names and stories. It is exciting to hear of lives being changed!
- Learn the culture. Many people ask me what I am doing to change right away. I want to take time to learn people and culture before I ever decide to make changes. Once people know I love them they will be with me when we do decide to tweak and improve the student ministry. I strive to build trust more than expect it.
- Don't allow the past to damage the future. Always forgive. Keep striving to fulfill God's call and do not become caught up with the past. Don't play the "if I would've/if I wouldn't have" game. Instead of focusing upon what is wrong, always celebrate the transformation God has done in the past and will do in the future.
- Build leaders. I have a great team of staff, adults and students who can do amazing things for God. I want to help build them up to lead and then each leader multiply themselves.
Here are a few pictures of the new office:
