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

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!