Defaithing Spiritual Property

The role of a youth minister is undefined. "Teach my children about God," "plan activities for our teens." Even, "establish and facilitate an atmosphere within the ministry that encourages youth to grow passionately for God." - I don't know. All I can remember on my contract was 'take students to ACU or OCU high school day' and 'host a VBS at a smaller church.' Neither of which I do. I can say this much, youth ministry is NOT about a bunch of events that get's kids in the doors - (it's statisticly proven that quit working in the 80's); to me, ministry is about bringing people to a more intimate relationship with God and developing a faith that sticks.

Family-centric ministries

"Teach my kids about God." That is a good thing to want from your child's youth minister. I would hope that he or she would be teaching God. It's a good 'job description,' but what was Gods commands to begin with?

Deuteronomy 6:5-7 talks about parents taking the opportunity to impress God’s Word upon the hearts of their children. In a sinless, flawless world, there would be no need for the youth minister position within the church; for all parents would be following this Deuteronomy 6 model. Sadly, not only do we (parents and the church) fail at this principle, many folks who send their children to a church don't even understand vs. 5 & 6 themselves. "And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today."

Parent's, if you aren't committed to living a life that loves God with all your heart, soul and strength, then under what rationale would you think your child would have that Godly commitment?

Oh.... the on-staff youth minister! I'll guarentee that I will always do my best, but I only have your kids in my class for, maybe, 40 hours a year. The "over-achievers" will come on Wednesdays, but I have yet to meet anyone with perfect attendance in a teen class. 40 hours in the youth center learning about God as opposed to 100 hours a year working algebra problems. Let's not forget all the extra-curricular activities, other homework, dances, sporting events, friends, tv, computer time, the many hours a week spent texting... and the list goes on...

And such is life. I'm too am engrossed within. And alas, I am not a parent, so what I study I'm not yet able to put into practice; but it has become abundantly clear to me, as a future parent and minister to students, that for a child faith begins in the home.

Unfortunately, many people rely on the preacher, Sunday school teacher, or youth minister to be the primary spiritual influence for our kids. The problem is we only spend, at most, four hours a week at church. What about the other 164 hours?

I don't think many, if any, parents read my blog, so I hope to save this until I become a parent. I'll need some good reference material.


my prayer: to show God in my life at home to my children

God is Greater than our Inadequacies

Why do I feel so inadequate to do God's will?  If he has called me to be his chosen, then I should embrace the opportunity and let him use me. Sometimes it's not even "God's will" we feel negative about, it's everyday life. Why do I feel to inadequate to be a minister, or to be a mentor, or to be a husband.

It seems to me that my sense of inadequacy revolves around a concern with my abilities. My problem is that I trust to much in my own abilities and limitations, rather than what God has given me. I'm reminded of our buddy and number 2 favorite children's Bible story man, Moses. (Noah being the first, of course.) God had planned from before the formation of the heavens and earth how he was going to use Moses. The same guy that created my youth group, your dreams and the musical key of F#, created a purpose for Moses. (Ironically, this huge and awesome Master also chose to speak to him using - to the untrained eye - the makings of a small desert fire.) So God tells Moses that he has plans, Moses whimpers and comes up with excuses left and right. One of his lame reasoning's is that he is not eloquent of speech. I'm sure he wasn't a very good speaker, remember he was a murderer, not a liar. Maybe had a stuttering issue or a speech impediment. Regardless,  he wasn't trusting in God for ability, he was focusing on his own limitations.

How often do we put our focus on our own abilities and limitations when God says "do my will."  I know that I'm not strong enough to do what needs to be done. No one is. But he is our strength, he is our ability, he is our God. What is that Proverb... trust in the lord, don't lean on your own understanding, agree with him in all your ways; and what happens? He will make your paths straight. (3:5-6) What a blessing!

There is/was a medical doctor in south Texas who was new to the practice. His employment took him to a company that allowed him to work alongside a veteran doctor who had a very good record of successful surgeries. This new-to-the-practice doctor scrubbed up and walked into the surgery room with the veteran doctor and the rest of the assistants. When it was time to begin, the veteran doctor handed the scalpel to the young doctor and said you're doing this surgery. He said 'this is an appendectomy and I'm assisting you.' Amazed, but terrified, the young doc exclaimed that he had never performed an appendectomy before, that he didn't know what he would be doing. The veteran doctor looked at him and said, "It's important that you try your best. I've been in the game for a long time now; I can perform any procedure you ask of me. So there is nothing that you can do to this patient that I can't fix."

Even when we think that we have screwed up bad, that our inadequacies are unforgivable, remember that there is absolutely nothing that we can do that God can't fix. That puts my soul at ease. He is the Great Physician.


So what have I learned from studying about my sense of inadequacies:
1. John 16 teaches us that when we feel inhibited, we must remember that instead we are inhabited.

2. God used an ordinary bush and set it on fire to put his calling into motion. Maybe we're not only like Moses in our concerns regarding our abilities, but also like that burning bush. Plain, typical, thorny, hundreds alike. And our desire should be wanting to be lit on fire for His purpose. The only difference is that our God is a consuming fire (Hebrews 12:29)

3. His glory can be seen in the midst of my inadequacies. (1 Corinthians 1:26 - 2:5)

4. God is greater than my inadequacies! :)



my prayer: light an all consuming fire within me

Holding Nothing Back

So often I forget that I am chosen to do God's good works. I'm pretty sure I don't do them to His standards, and fail every time. That's the good part. More often than not, I go against His will and totally fail him. Yet he has always picked me up and set me back to stand for him. His love is amazing! So Amazing.

Even though I believe his love, I teach his love, I share his love... I often forget his love. Growing up, I don't remember being taught about his amazing love; that doesn't mean I wasn't taught, I just don't remember it. I remember being taught the "plan of salvation" and that baptism would get me to Heaven. Wow... legalistic much!?

Sometimes I feel held back by traditions and 'the law of man.' I don't oppose traditions, though. Every Christmas Eve my family gathers in the living room and eats finger foods on a small coffee table. My parents, brother and I began doing that when I was young and it just stayed. The silly thing is, after every traditionalized meal in there, we complain about our backs hurting... sitting so low to the ground on the floor. Why not just move to the dining room? It makes more sense.

There are ways I conduct / lead our youth gatherings that seem so traditional to me. And I'm beginning to get worried. Whereas Christmas Eve supper at the coffee table may be a tradition worth holding on to, we have students that are willing to leave their teachings and "traditions" for churches that are more appealing... and I can't change many of the methods I teach with because of the traditions that are placed on this ministry from the church.

{side note: I'm not against any methods or traditions we have. I'm just eagerly seeking out innovative ways to encourage participation}

I must learn to use the resources I have and just stay with him in prayer.

Coming to this realization has been helpful: I can't let problems with religion hinder my spiritual life and growth. Spirituality is one aspect of our human nature (such as the desire to connect with our Creator) whereas religion is a group of beliefs and practices (like a “how-to” guide meant to help people express their spirituality and draw closer to their Creator.) Whether I feel like I have shackles on while leading a worship service or am being watched and monitored during a Bible class; as far as me and my journey with God, I am alive to live for him!

And God help you if you get in between me and my Savior.

"Holding Nothing Back" by Tim Hughes really speaks to me when Satan causes me to doubt my purpose. (plus I love the music)

I am chosen, I am free
I am Living for eternity
Free now forever
You picked me up, turned me around
You set my feet on solid ground
Yours now forever

You washed my sin and shame away
The slate is clean: a brand new day,
Free now forever
Now boldly I approach your throne
To claim this crown through Christ my own
Yours now forever

And nothing's gonna hold me back
Nothing's gonna hold me back
Nothing's gonna hold me back

My chains fell off
My heart was free
I'm alive to live for you
I'm alive to live for you
Amazing Love, how can it be?
You give everything for me
You give everything for me
Everything

I am free to live
Free to give
Free to be
I'm free to love you

my prayer: to daily live for you!

My past years' learning repertoire

Good grief, I haven't web logged my thoughts in exactly one year. My juggling act in ministry has changed drastically in this past year yet I still feel as if I'm at the end of the learning curve. I just completed my third year in full-time youth ministry so why am I just now learning specifics of the job!? Yes, it feels so often that in ministry I have no clue what's going on. Just as soon as I feel connected to the kids, one will go off and do something so incredibly stupid that... oh wait, sounds just like me! I guess we're all the same really. I'm a sinner, saved by grace.

But this journey continues to be a learning experience. Thus, here is my one year learning... repertoire, if you will:

1. I've learned to make my own decisions. No more stale programs or useless events; but a newness that is bringing our kids closer to Christ.

2. I've learned to say no. Oh dear word 'no' where have you been all my life.

3. I've learned to keep your friends close, your enemies closer, and your fellow youth ministers closest. I don't believe I could survive without the compassion and support of these guys.

4. I've learned that my God and the church are not one in the same. I believe that God is and always will be first in my life. Church life, however, will not take that number one spot. I've seen too many people place ministry work before their families; thus resulting in broken relationships. A healthy compromise seems to be necessary.

5. I've learned that I don't have to see immediate results. The power of Christ is at work in every teenager at Parkview, no doubt in my mind.

6. I've learned that old farts will be old farts. Many people are stubborn in pursuit of the path they have chosen, few people seem to be in pursuit of the goal.

7. I've learned I can't change you, no matter how hard I try. It's God doing.

8. I've learned a daily calendar is of the utmost importance in this field.

9. I've learned to trust cautiously but love unconditionally. - I usually love cautiously, which makes me wonder if that is true ἀγάπη (agape).

10. I've learned that I don't have to look or appear intelligent with big words or deep theological discussions. If I can share my and Jesus' story with someone which leads them to Gods arms, his will is being done.

Why didn't I know these things prior to now? Maybe I did, but refused to listen; or was too caught up in playing a role rather than living the prayer.

Our Father in Heaven, hallowed is your name,
Your Kingdom come, your will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven
Give us today our daily bread, and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors
And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one.