preconvention

Wow.

what a first day of critical concerns. Since I'm in the store, we've been going for a few days now. Busy setting up the convention and making sure its ready to receive all the youth workers and minister to them. But the fun has really begun now - the youth workers are arriving.

I've already had an opportunity to connect with a few great youth workers. I met the only 2 full time youth pastors in China. (now tell me that doesn't happen all the time).

Even the security guy has been cool. He actually is taking classes at CCU (where I graduated from), so I've got to connect with him.

Volunteering with my wife has been a blessing too. A whole new perspective and I prefer serving alongside her and watching her get to experience the convention from this side.

Can't wait for the full convention to start today

ps. We walked around and prayed for all the spaces. I must say the prayer chapel looks like it is going to be a great place to go and get away and spend some quality time with God.

new members lunch

yesterday was a new members lunch at our church. We got to be a part of it in two different ways. We were apart, because I am on staff. But we were also invited as new members :)

I've never been to a new members lunch before. Our last church didn't do it when we got there and I was 6 when we joined the church before that.

It was a nice meal, but rather quick for us. We headed out of town right after the lunch. We are at my parents' house dropping off the boys today. They will stay here for a week while we are at the convention. Today we leave to drive down to Cincy and get ready to start tomorrow.

Getting excited, but also going to miss the boys :( BUT I am even more excited that my wife will be with me at the convention this year. Its so hard to express to her what happens and what it is like. So, I'm glad I don't have to this year.

100th post

Yeah, I know its nothing. Most people are well beyond this point. I am beyond this point on our family blog we keep. But since I have been out of ministry for a time (I know I missed a lot of blogging time).

So, on my 100th post I just have one thing to say...


Amy I love you!

4 days til...

my wife and I start volunteering at the NYWC in Cincy. Its a few days earlier than the rest of the attendees, hence the volunteering and thus setting up stuff. :)

This is my third time to help out and one of the things I like is that I get to spend two extra days at the convention. Even though the convention doesn't officially start until Thursday I feel like just being there with other volunteers and the YS staff is better than anything. It is a great way to spend a few days and a great feeling to be there with friends and fellow youth workers.

If you're going to the convention - see you on Thursday.

Stop by the bookstore and say Hi. I'll help you find the resource you need and I'd love to talk about ministry, life and God.

parents meeting

The parents meeting on Saturday went rather well. Not as many parents as I would have hoped, but it was my first one. A better "attitude/vibe" in the room this time around. It was pretty cool, because while talking about some upcoming events that were not finalized we actually finalized the details in the meeting. The parents want to help and want to be a part of the process and I want to help them by being a resource not a "babysitter"

So good meeting. And I've talked with a few other parents who were asking about the meeting and will be a part of future ones.

In the end - encouraging!

new elders, ministry team leaders

last sunday, our church had our annual meeting to elect the ministry team leaders for next year and any elders that were up for election. As I(someone on staff) would hope, all of the nominees were elected. We have one elder not returning next year and one new elder joining the "team."

We have an elder's meeting Thursday night that will be pretty long (I bet). Since we have to bring this new elder up to speed. One of the biggest issues to bring up is the building campaign we are in the tail end of getting off the ground. We have plans all done and are now ready to get some bits on the building.

on a sidenote - It is really nice to come into a new ministry and have this sort of thing going. The ministry I left was "in process" of building, but I never felt it was a healthy thing. This one is needed and is really exciting to be a part of. Now I just have to make sure I don't get wrapped up in the idea that the building expansion will be a "end all" for the ministry.

So, anyway, there are lots of changes coming and I am looking forward to the next year.

ps. our girls' volleyball team is going to state!! Pretty exciting. They won last night against last year's state champs. A pretty impressive show of support from the community was rather encouraging from my perspective

first parent meeting at new church

Tomorrow I am having my first parent meeting at the new ministry. I am a little excited and nervous. At my last ministry, I tried to have these meetings a few times and didn't get too much "positive" response, so I'm trying to go at it from a different angle this time.

I hope this is the first of many meetings. I pray this can help me as I try to work with the parents and minsiter alongside them. (also hoping to put some faces with names, I haven't been able to meet all the parents yet)

photo friday

last weekend, my youngest turned 1. Here he is at the party. Doesn't he look spiffy in his birthday clothes.


Here is the last picture we will ever have of our boxes! Some of these boxes have been full of our stuff for over a year. We are a little excited to say we are finally done with them! Goodbye and good riddance.


Here is a great picture of me and my oldest enjoying some quality "nap time" together. I just love moments like this as a dad. (notice that one of my dogs thought it was a good idea, too)

NYWC coming up

Less than 2 weeks til the convention, in cincy. Its been 2 years since I've been. I couldn't go last year b/c I was inbetween ministries and our second son was due at the beg. on Nov. I opted for being a good dad/husband and being in town when the time came to go to the hospital. I think I made the right choice. But now I am ready to go back to NYWC, this time with my wife (who has gone once before, before we had kids).

myspace last year?

I found this article thanks to the YS newsletter. Apparently they are saying that myspace is last year in a teen's world.

I am not so sold on this idea. Yeah, Myspace is probably going to lose its appeal to a certain group of people. My first thought is that those who were overwhelmed with it (ie. spent way too much time on it too often) then the appeal is gone. This group has done "all it can" with the site. The honeymoon period is over for them.

But for the rest of the users (those who don't make it a huge part of their day) I think it will remain a viable way to stay in contact. Its like email, but way cooler to see pictures and music videos. I think this group, the average user, will continue to use it.

Myspace like other networking sites is "cool" and the "hot thing" for awhile and then it fades into just "average" in the world of the net. Just look at classmates.com. It was huge when it first came out and probably doesn't have nearly as much traffic now, but it is still going and probably still getting new additions daily. For people who only want the "hottest" then that will only last a short time.

One thing I did like about the article came at the end. It is mentioned that teens will likely become more willing to have actual social interaction. Wow! what an amazing concept, actually talking to someone in person or on the phone. Now wouldn't that change the world :)

1st birthday

On Sunday, my youngest son turned 1. What a great weekend.

This birthday is a crazy reminder for me. It was a month before he was born that we left our last church. So this first year of his life has been pretty crazy for our family. Yesterday was a good reminder of the faithfulness and love of God. I think it is probably good he won't remember all the craziness that was his first year of life. But you better believe his mom and dad will remind him of it. We want him to know how great God was and faithful to provide for us throughout the tough times.

I am thankful to have two healthy boys and a wonderful congregation in which I get to minsiter.

Be thankful today for the little things, like food on the table and people who love you.

Homilophobia...

the reason some people don't come to church.

So, what is homilophobia? The fear of sermons.

Are there really that many people afraid of sermons?

anyone have your name?

I just ran across this post and thought it would be fun to try myself. I always had a thought that there was no one else like me and now I have proof. Here is my results

HowManyOfMe.com

There are: 0 people with my name in the U.S.A. How many have your name?

A little more refreshed today

Last night I spent some extra time alone with God. I read from the Message - a few Psalms and 1/2 Ecc. Reading through Ecc. was good for me right now. Sometimes it is not what we do, but what we remember. I was reminded last night of just how much my actions matter. On earth my actions will be soon forgotten. But if I am doing something that has eternal significance (sharing the Gospel, showing love, being a light for God in a dark world) then my actions will also be soon forgotten on earth - but in Heaven they will be soon celebrated. I am not supposed to live for myself.

Another cool thing happened last night when I was spending time with God. As I was sitting praying, one of my dogs came up to me and wanted to sit on my lap. (this is the dog pictures in my profile pic) At first I was a little annoyed because I wanted to not have that "distraction." But that thought was soon replaced with a comparison between my dog and me and me and God. Last night I just felt like I wanted/needed to curl up in God's lap and feel His loving touch. I just needed to be reassured of His love for me; not based on what I do or what others think about me. His loved based on who I am (His child) and a love that overcomes.

God is refreshing!

Tough week

This has been a tough week for me. We've just moved into a new house. So this means each evening is pretty well spent trying to put stuff away - thus realizing we have too much stuff and no place to put it. Also, this Sunday is my littlest boys 1st birthday. This means a party, thus the crazy cleaning so we can have the party at our house. My sr. minister's wife is sick with pneumonia this week, so that leaves me "in charge." (although this doesn't mean too much - at least yet) YOuth Sunday is this week. And not very many youth want to help (well, those that would are all gone on a soccer trip) so I feel torn with doing another one. I'm not a huge fan of them, I tend to think that the youth can be integrated into the regular services with the adults and they do not need their own "special" service. (and we have 4 a year) Also, in two weeks I am launching a Kids Worship (3-6 grade) and still need some adults to help.

Also, this week, one of my former students "ran" away from home. He was gone for a few days. I got an email from his mom this morning and he is back home. Praise God!

On top of all of this, I feel like I need a kickstart or boost or something. I just do not feel like doing much of the needed stuff this week. Maybe I need to just spend some time in prayer and Bible study tonight.


If you have any thoughts or ideas on how to get out of this groove or on the situation with the high schooler wanting to stay in the middle school class, please post a comment.

no talk

Earlier I commented on a recent interaction b/w a Sunday School teacher and myself. Well, all last week this person was at the church helping to prepare for a wedding. Not a single time did this person come to my office, directly across the hall from where they were, or stop me to talk about hte situation.

Knowing this person and how confrontational they are, I'm not sure what to think. Was it really nothing, since the elders were not immediately on their side? Was it nothing when they heard what I had really said? Or was it really just a little fit? Or should I still wait for a confrontation?

I don't think it will come. But we'll see what happens this Sunday when the student is back and see what class they go to. I have not been able to get together to talk with this student about the situation yet (was even mostly avoided by this student at a fifth quarter this past Friday).

all the foundational stuff

I've spent a good bit of my time trying to focus on foundational parts of ministry. I've tried to develop relationships, try to understand the big picture, learn how things are working or not working, plan and vision, and plant seeds.

When does this foundational stuff ever end? Does it? Can I ever stop laying a foundation? Which parts are only done once and which parts need to be reinforced on a regular basis?

SYATP

Today was the See You At The Pole. I ended up showing up a little late. I was told the wrong start time. But that is ok, I was still able to be there and get to meet a few new people. I have to say, one of the joys of only having one high school represented in the youth ministry is not having to decide which event to go to. I only had one option this morning :)

I was a little surprised who was there and who wasn't there. Though I should not be because when I asked a couple students if they were going they didn't even know what I was talking about.

I did meet the teacher who lets the FCA use his classroom for meetings. And he invited me to join them each week before school for their meetings. I am actually looking forward to getting to go and interact on this level at the school.

"Be Still"
(or as I prefer, the NASB "Cease Striving")

Promise Keepers

This year's promise keepers was a lot different than last year. Last year when I went I knew I was going to be leaving my church, but hadn't told the congregation yet. We had just a handful of men on that trip and one of them was an elder. So it was an awkward trip to say the least. This year I am at a new ministry and a whole lot better environment for me.

I think, though, that this difference took away from what I took away. Last year I remember taking a lot of "nuggets of truth" from the messages. This year I didn't get as much, if much at all, from the messages. This year I was able to really build on some relationships and get to know some men better (and for the first time). So I am glad I went.

I just thought it was interesting the difference a year makes.

budget time

Around my church it is budget time again. I've not been here for an entire year and now I get to figure out how to budget for next year. I guess, if I am even thinking about doing something next year - so much to start, I better add it into the budget.

I don't like doing these :) :-P

Off to number crunching...

Do you ever feel like its enough?

The last few weeks have brought me some time to think. This last week has been especially open to thinking with my family gone. I think I am bugged by this nagging feeling that I'm not doing enough. I wonder if "my efforts" are going to make a difference. Will my ideas or leadership or encouragement or experience really make a difference in the life of these students? Maybe my wonderings has been brought on by seeing how some of my former students are doing spiritually.

A few have little to no interaction with the local church. Some are in leadership positions, but I am not sure they are living the way they are called to live. A couple have made one or two poor decisions and are now being "outed" by the local church leadership.

I understand that spiritual growth does not happen overnight. I understand students are learning who they are and what they believe. I understand these teenage years are extremely challenging. I understand I can't force them to do the right things. I understand all of this, but I still wonder.

Did I pray for them enough?
Did I challenge them enough?
Did I encourage them enough?
Did I support their family enough?
Did I show them I cared enough?
Did I really know them?
Did I teach them enough?
Did I give them enough opportunities to grow their faith?
Did I only entertain?
Did I ...

No wonder I've had a tough time being "there" when I have been around people lately. I have been putting the weight of people's eternity on my shoulders. I have tried to carry the burden all on my own.

Am I feeling defeated? Maybe :)

Have I wondered if I can be a good YM? Yes, at times. Will I continue to serve the local church in this capacity? You bet.

I know God is working. I know God can take hold of a teenager's life and form it to be like Him. I am aware that no one will be perfect. I try to remember that forward progress will/can include setbacks.

How do you handle times where you question your ministry?

family away

This week has been very different for me. My wife and boys went for the week to visit grandparents and others. Thus leaving me with the dogs. I thought I would use the time to go to a few more games and events than normal. But to no avail - all the vball games this week are away and the one baseball game got rained out. I was able to attend the JV football game and a soccer practice.

It is amazing to me just how quiet the house is without anyone else there. Not to mention the amount of boredom. I have really been working on being present for the boys and my wife when I am home that when they are not there I don't know what to do. I consider this a good thing. :)

Just thought I would post about how cool it is to be bored at home. It is encouraging to know that I enjoy spending time with my family that I don't like it when they are away.

citywide event

Its been a long time without writing. Some reasons (got new computer at work, only dialup at work, too much stuff to do at work :), and time with family).

I wanted to write about my first "citywide" event. It was one of five 5th Quarters we have during the school year. Since I am the new YM (one of the only YM in the area, if not the only) in town, I was asked to speak at the first 5th Q. I said yes, of course. It was a lot different than I expected. I had been to a handful of other 5th Quarters, but never been in charge or spoke. In a town of 2,000 people - over 400 youth turned out! Let's just say I didn't expect to speak to that many young people (6-12 grade, plus a few college).

I got 10-15 minutes to speak (which was tougher than I thought to put it into that timeframe). The theme was "igniting the fire" so I got to speak on giving your life to Christ and was pumped about that. I wanted to talk about so much more, but narrowed it to the theme with hopes that the next speakers actually speak on their topics.

A few highlights (some might not be considered highlights, but just memorable)
1. Making over 400 young people sit on the parking lot while I talked to them (that's a way to make lots of friends)
2. Before I started one of the guys in the band (local band with teens I know) told me to use this one specific mic. He told me to trust him and it would be worth it. I know this guy good enough to not trust him. It turns out he wanted me to use the mic with the "alvin effect" on it. Thought it would be funny for me to have a high-pitched voice since most of the crowd had never seen me before. Well, after much "work" to get it working, I tried it out. You the response I got, about 6 people laughed. :)
3. I held the mic and that made using my hands a little difficult. It also made holding the notes with Scripture on them a little more difficult.
4. For the first few minutes I kept hearing the "alvin effect" in the speakers. It turns out the mic was still on and kept picking up my voice and coming through the speakers. It was pretty annoying for me.
5. It was dark.
6. At the end I said "I pray you ignite the fire and burn brightly" and then just walked off stage. I guess this caught a few people off guard. Everyone just sat there waiting for me to do something else. When they realized I was done, everyone at once stood up and went back to whatever they were previously doing. A few people commented on it afterward.
7. Got a few chances to hear people's thoughts on said message.
8. Had one of the senior girls (who had to leave 5th Q before I spoke) make sure she saw me and told me she was leaving, but she wanted to stay and hear me. Told me she was hoping I did well and thought I would. It was encouraging to have that support from someone I've only known for 3 months.


I was reminded that I still don't know about 99% of the youth in this area. :)

football

Tonight is the first home football game of the season. My family is planning on going to the game (hoping my 10 month and 2 year old enjoy it). I expect to see a lot of people I know and hopefully meet a bunch of new people (and remember who they are later).

Today, I went to the school during the first lunch period. For some reason I usually feel awkward going to a high school lunch. Today was no different. None of the youth knew I was coming and so the first question was "What are you doing here?" I still have not figured out if that was a bad or neutral question. It was really good to get to see them and hang out with them for a bit. I got to meet a few new students, hopefully I'll remember them next time. Since it is a small town here, it will be fairly easy to go to the school and visit.

Very little interaction with anyone else on staff today. So, its been very quiet. Just the way I don't like it.

welcomed but fully connected?

I have been thinking the last few days about my part in the ministry here at my church. I feel very welcomed and accepted. I feel like I am part of the team, but to what extent? I catch myself feeling like an outsider. Feeling as though I do not belong. Feeling like I am not ready for this. Yet, I feel that things are already happening. I sense God using me to help facilitate changes that draw people to Him.

Are my feelings of being unconnected coming from some insecurity? Are they coming from within me or are they from outside me?

I get the sense that I still have apprehensions about leadership, based on my past experiences. I do not want to assume I will be treated the same way. I have actually been shown I won't be, based on conversations I have already had. Yet, in the back of my mind I wonder. Are people being honest with me? Am I doing the right things? Am I doing what God is calling me to in this particular situation? Have I been open and thoughtful or cold and careless?

All questions that I hope bring me to a stronger faith. Questions I want answers for (though I wonder if I'm ready for them). Questions I pray lead me to a place of stronger, more effective ministry.

Youth Kickoff

Last night was our youth kickoff for this year. (Though the youth meetings don't start back up til the 10th)

We had a good time. Planned on doing some swimming and scavenger hunting, but all week it looked like impending rain. How uneasy it is to have a plan B that doesn't cost any money (since our plan A, mentioned earlier, didn't cost anything). It rained during church and a little during the day, but not enough to stop the kickoff (praise God!). This was the first kickoff I've done where we split the jr. high and high school up for part of it. One group went to one house and the other to someone else's house. Then after eating and swimming, we came together at a third location for worship and smores. The teen actually enjoyed the scavenger hunt (I was a little surprised at this). They had to find ingrediants for their pizzas. Whatever they found, they could use - including plates and drinks. Some groups hit jackpots (one got homemade pizza sauce and oreos) and some just got the basics. It was a little tough to see that a few houses got hit by 6 or all 7 groups. Meaning they were asked 7 times if they had any shredded cheese or plates.

Overall the night went well. It was nice to be there and have a part, but not be the "go to" guy. The youth ministry team leaders were the "go to" people and that freed me up to spend more time with the youth and build relationships. Only a few snags in the night. One involved bathing suits on girls (at the other house I wasn't at) and one involved not having driving directions. We were on our way back from the final destination and I was supposed to be following the other church van (b/c I had no - and I mean NO - idea where I was). Well, let's just say everyone else had gone home by time we got back to church. We were not even out of the driveway and the other van was already what seemed like a mile down the road. This is out in the country, with no street lights. Well, we lost them and had to "find our own way." We got back safely, but a little frasseled.

A little different, but I think it is part of the memory making moments we want to provide the youth, right?

One other good note - I got the "go ahead" for a new computer. Though, I still don't know what that means. Do I go and get the one I want (knowing I will want something that will last a few years) or do I go and get the one I can get by with? I'm going to try for the "one I want" as long as I have justification for its use.

tradition

I am beginning to find out that tradition plays a huge part in why things happen they way the do around here. We are promoting the youth on Sept. 3 and starting up youth meetings Sept 10. (First, I don't know why they stop during the summer, but they do - probably won't be like this next summer) They don't start until Sept. 10, because back when school didn't start until then there was no reason to start meetings before school. But now, school starts sooner. Why not change the start date to coincide with the start of school?

The kids have already been in school for a week now and they don't get promoted to the next grade for two more weeks. How frustrating this must be.

I asked in a meeting this week about why we have "age appropriate" adult classes (not that they are bad) and was told that this is how it has always been done. Is everyone too afraid to change things? Is there a reason to change it? Does anyone even think about that possibility?

Am I trying to cause a problem where there is none? Or am I hopefully being that voice that makes people think about why we do what we do? I pray it is #2. I want to be the person who says, "Hey, let's step back and look at what is working and what is not working. Let's see how we can make this ministry the best it can be today (not the best it was 25 years ago)"

Is this a problem that comes up whenever you start a new ministry? Or is it more about the location of my ministry?

Preaching

Yesterday I got to preach. It was the second time I've preached here. The first one was the "trial sermon", so this was the first official sermon as a hired staff.

I was nervous. Not sure if it was actually nervousness or if it was a yearning to preach and say what God was laying on my heart. Either way, it caused me to work to make sure I did the best job I could.

I tried a new format for me. I tried to use less notes (going for none). I tried to be more personal and approachable as a preacher.

From what I heard, people seemed to feel they needed to hear the message. God used the words to affect people. Now, my prayer is that they take it to heart and do it. :)

I'm not ready to preach again just yet - still no desire to do it every week. But I feel God has given me the ability to present a message and make it understandable.

minor frustrations

I need to transition slowly. I have to not come in and change everything. I can't fix the problems I see overnight. I shouldn't push my thoughts and ideas onto the people who have been overseeing this ministry for the past few years.

All this I know. But lately it has been tough.

For example, I had a conversation with the youth leaders about changing some things up for our PM classes. We are going to change some things (like keeping points for doing certain things and getting prizes for accumulating a certain point amount). But then the other night at a meeting for our teachers, it was brought up about doing the memory verses just like we always have. this would mean that the children's minister would pick a verse for all ages and the older kids would get a longer version... The verse will have nothing to do with what we are studying and probably not much relevance to their life. So, why would they want to memorize it? They didn't even flinch at the fact that this person was no longer overseeing the jr./sr. high - that I am. But alas is it a battle I want to fight right now? I don't think so. There are far greater things I want to implement. Like having a scope/sequence for what we teach (instead of just coming up with a lesson every week or using the Serendipity Bible if you don't have one ready.) And instituting monthly meetings. These are, in my opinion, far greater to be fighting for. The other more minor issues will and can be worked out later.

starting a new

I have decided to try to post on my transition into a new ministry. Yes, I have been here for about 2 months already, but there is a lot more to come :)

So Starting today I will be posting thoughts/ideas/remarks about how my transition into this new ministry goes. Curious to see how it compares to the first ministry. Will the things I learned over the past 5 years make a major difference on how I start this time? I sure hope so!

I have a job

It is finaly official! I will be moving to IL to start a jr/sr high youth ministry. I am so excited to be getting back into fulltime ministry. More thoughts coming.

2 big things

1. Today is my 5th anniversary. What a great 5 years it has been.

2. We are taking a trip for our last visit to the church in IL. A little excited would be an understatement. It almost seems unreal that the long search/wait process is coming to an end.

quick update

a lot of things are happening (good and bad)

Allow me to just list them for now (not to take away from the emotions that are behind them all in my heart), though I do not like to make lists of things like this.

(in no particular order)
1. My friend who was in ICU passed away last 2 Fridays ago. Because we were on our way to an interview we were unable to make it to either the viewing or the funeral.

2. At that interview we were offered the position and accepted. But we have to go back for another visit and then a week later the congregation votes. (the next visit is this weekend and the vote will be next weekend).

3. With this 99.9% assurance of our move, we wanted to put our house on the market to give it about a month or so to sell. That included lots of work on painting, repairing and cleaning. Most of this was done by my wonderful wife.

4. The first day we had the house on the market we had 4 visits. Another busy day with staying out of the house.

5. That night, we had 4 offers on our house.

6. We accepted one offer and just wanted to move the date of sell. The buyer accepted that change and so we have sold our house.

7. Still without any knowledge of when we might officially be moving and having a job. Not to mention a place to live once we get there.

8. Our anniversary is this Friday. Happy 5 year anniversary!

9. Our oldest boy is now 2 (turned 2 in April)

10. Our youngest is almost 7 months. He is sitting up and really really wants to eat table food.

Lots more to happen in the next week or so. God is good and has watched over us the entire time.

The end of the wait is...

here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

* Pending another visit which will include me preaching and visiting some adult SS classes and getting to meet more adults. Then the next week, there will be a vote and then we'll know for sure.

I'll post more soon. Need to get back to doing work

worn down

today i feel just worn down, beaten up. Whatever you want to call it. I think my crazy sleep pattern/schedule (go to bed at 9 3 nights and try to get up at 3am three days a week) is starting to take its toll on me. I think I have a sinus infection or something. I don't feel like eating much of anything. I have been up for over 12 hours today and just feel like I could sleep for the next 12 (which would be good because I have to be up at 3am tomorrow).

Plus on top of this, one of our good friends is still in the hospital from a heart attack and things don't look good. So I'm emotionally drained, too.

Just wanted to post and say I am ready to be out of this "valley" and back into ministry. Please be praying for me.

thanks

one week until we visit again

It feels like this has been the longest 3 weeks ever. Even longer than the last three weeks we were at our past church. Well one more week and we will be in IL.

Please pray for our trip. Thanks

closer

We are not a little bit closer to being at a new ministry. We should be going for a second interview at the church in IL. Waiting to get all the details soon (should be today). We are excited about this chance to visit the church again and hopefully it will be the last time before we "move" (that sounds weird, but hopefully we are close)

I feel strange being so much closer to being back in ministry (where I want to be), but its been so long that I have been out (almost 10 months). I am very thankful for the faithfulness God has shown and for the love and support from our friends and family.

Well, I need to go do some yard work. I just wanted to update on our situation and ask for continued prayer as we get ready for the second visit.

the "humor" of it all

Well, what a week I have had. Last weekend, we went for an interview to southern IL. We had a great trip and felt really good about the church and the people. We feel it could be a place we would love to serve. Then, when we got back on Monday we had a message from a church in KY wanting to talk about an opening. I called and talked (and have had a few more conversations during the week) to one of the elders about their position. Yesterday, he asked if we would be able to come up and visit. So, pending a final notice tomorrow, we are going to visit this weekend.

And I got an offer from another church. We are not sure if it is a place God has for us or not. So, now we really need to hear God's voice and trust in Him.

This is where the "humor" comes in. For nine months we trust God to lead us to the right congregation and now we have 3 good places (one for sure and we will know about the other 2 in less than two weeks). God sure does work in mysterious ways.

joy in the daily tasks

Last night, God showed me the importance of finding joy in the little things. I went outside with Nathan to just spend some time together before dinner. While we were out there I started to talk with him about the moon, stars, clouds. Nothing unusual, I try to talk with him about all the things we experience throughout the day. Well, for some reason, he really was interested in the moon. He sat for at least 10 minutes just watching it. It wasn't doing much, mind you. When a cloud would roll in front and cover it up, he would say "uh oh" and turn to me like he wanted me to fix it. As I sat and watched him enthralled by the sky I couldn't help but be encouraged to remember all God has done for me. Everything we encounter was created by God.

I just wanted to pass on a reminder to enjoy the daily tasks of life, for it is in them we see God.

the journey treads on...

Well, I am coming up to my 9 month date for when I was asked to start looking for another ministry. It doesn't seem that long (it seems a lot longer).

A quick update...

Had a job interview last weekend. It went well. Supposed to be talking with the Sr. minister sometime in the next few days.

Have an interview next weekend. Praying for wisdom in both situations.

Sent in an application for an internship.

Later...

frustration and God

I don't really know how much more I can say about how difficult it is to be in the same area as the church we left. It's not just being in the area, but hearing about things going on. All the while, knowing more than anyone what happened behind the scenes. This knowledge makes it hard to feel the way we do and have people wonder why we feel this way.

All I can say right now is "blah"

I just feel defeated, feel like its not fair, feel like I've been forgotten.

Are these things true, no. But it can become an easy thing to feel.

Yet, all the while, I know God is still there - still taking care of us. I know He has a plan for us, I know He is teaching me something in this. I know He has taught others lessons by watching us go through this.

(It would just be nice to not be in the middle of it)

What a pair...

Amy and Nathan on porch
Originally uploaded by lilkup.

A pic of 2 of the 3 people I look forward to seeing everyday.

God peaks around the corner...

It feels like God peaked out a little bit last week. He did not show us everything, just a little (thus the peaking). We heard back from the church in OH on Thursday. We did not hear what we wanted (ie. we did not get the position), but we did hear from God. We felt different about this opportunity - had felt it might be the one.

I was told that it came down to me and one other person. The biggest and final factor was that this other candidate was a "Timothy" from the church. And they had decided a few years ago to try to hire Timothys when they had a chance. So that does not bother me. I was told the elders tried to figure out how to hire both of us, but could not find the extra money. It was a good conversation and we know the doors are not completely closed. There is a possiblity that if something changes and they can hire another staff and we don't have another job lined up, they could contact us.

For me it was not a typical "no" conversation. And I actually felt a little encouraged afterward. Obviously, we don't know where we are going and we feel a little "lost, unsure..."

God has already showed us that we are not forgotten. Yesterday I got a call from a friend who passed on another job opening he found out about during a leadership conference this past week. God knows what is going on and He knows the big picture, and little by little He shows us a little bit more.

Thanks for the prayers.

If you know of any openings, I would welcome them. And if you happen to have any extra money to send to the church in Oh or to us, don't hesitate :)

more time to discuss

The church in OH has told us they need more time to discuss the job. So, now we are still waiting to find out or not. We hope to let you know by next week what the answer is. Please continue to pray for the elders and us and the decision. Thanks

another deadline

Tonight the church in OH has a meeting (well the elders do) about the youth minister. So, our waiting to hear about whether or not we will continue the process could be nearing an end. If you read this tonight (Tuesday), please say a prayer about the decision and us. Thanks

Lessons...

It has been almost 7 months since I found out I needed to start looking for a new ministry. I've worked 3 months of that at the church, had 2 months to stay at home and am going on my 2nd month of working two part time jobs. Over these months I have been learning a lot about myself and my God. I wish I had the time now to share what I've learned, but I have to get up tomorrow at 3am.

I wanted to update and let those who read this (if any) that I should hear this week about the church I went to interview with last week. We would love to be able to work at this church, but we are trusting God's guidance and know He will take us to the right place (whether here or somewhere else).

silent no more

to anyone who has been waiting for some updates...

It has been a while since I have updated. This is mostly due to the fact that I feel like I am busier than ever. I am still employed by Target and my dentist friend. I usually work between 40 and 45 hours a week (some weeks more) - not too much more than when I was in ministry. Yet, it feels very different. Either 3 or 4 days a week I get to wake up at 3am and will work from 4 til 5pm (1/2 at each job). So I am usually pretty tired at the end of the day.

Some news on the ministry front, thankfully. This weekend we are going to a church for an interview. It will be a long weekend, but it will be well worth it. We are excited about the opportunity that this congregation brings. The position is for ms/hs and young adults. Please be praying for our trip and the interview.

We are praying that if this is it, both sides will have a peace about the decision.

(I hope the next post will be sooner than 1 month :))

two jobs

Well, it happened last week (Thursday to be exact). I now have two part time jobs. Though it will in no way be close to what we were used to income wise - it is a huge blessing.

The first job came out of nowhere. A friend offered my a shortterm job at her office (she's a dentist) as a way to help us out. She didn't have to do it and I didn't ask. So it was great to have that happen. God providing.

The second job I did apply for. Ah, now I am a proud member of the Target family :) I start work tomorrow morning at 5am (I never got up that early for a youth event!) It will be a very tiring job, but I think I will enjoy it. I mean, come on, I get to be in the store before it even opens :)

I pray these two jobs don't last forever, but I am very thankful for them.

Lately, both my wife and I have really been desiring to get back involved with a church family. We miss the interaction and fellowship and long to get back into ministry.

(stay tuned for more updates on God's faithfulness during our transition)

Pick of the week

Wes sucking his finger
Originally uploaded by lilkup.

Here is a picture of my little guy. He has since forgotten how to suck his finger and relies on us to help him. But at a month and a half, what else can you expect?

Ramen Noodles and God

Well, today marks the end of the first week without my severence. It has begun to be more and more real that we are not going to be able to live within the same means we did a month ago. We have been not looking forward to this, but we know God is still in control.

God has shown Himself in a number of ways over the last few days. I wish that I could explain better than I am about to just how awesome and amazing God is. Allow me to try to share some of the amazing things God has done:

1. we are continually amazed at the generousity of others. We have recieved a number of checks or cash from people who wanted to help us out (and they have).

2. A friend of ours went and bought us some groceries. Well, I should say a lot of groceries. When they told us they wanted to buy us some groceries, we expected a bag full. What we got was 6 bags of groceries (including one full of meat). Wow, how amazing to have friends basically buy us almost a month's worth of groceries.

3. A family member gave us a gift card for a grocery store. So we were able to buy even more of the stuff we need.

4. The biggest help came in the form of an unexpected visit from some friends that we hadn't seen in a while. Through a series of events, including an email from a friend asking for prayer for us, these friends heard that we were still in the area and had not found a new ministry yet. They prayed about our situation and felt led to give us some money to help with our move (backed by a reassurance because they heard we had to get some brake work done on my car) or with our stay in town. Well, they wrote us a check from almost 2 months worth of my salary. I can't tell you how much I was humbled and touched. I think I cried for about 10 minutes, just being thankful to God for all He has done.

There is more that I could write about, but there are the biggest. God listens to prayer. God provides. God is faithful

Never forget why you work in ministry. Never forget the God you serve.

God's providing

Well, today was a huge day for me. No, it wasn't because I started a new ministry. No, it wasn't because I was offered a new ministry. In fact it had nothing to do with ministry.

Yesterday, during a call with some friends something (from God) about a job came up. This particular friend of ours has her own dental practice. She was looking about needing to fill a certain position and asked if I would be interested in working there until I found something. Now, I won't be making near as much as I would in a ministry. but it is a good bit more than I would be making without it.

God has opened this door to help sustain us through some difficult time. This job will cover less than half of what our current budget is per month. But what a blessing it is to have it at all!

Today I also got some encouragement in the form of an email. What makes this email so special is that it came from a sr. minister at a church in which I had applied for and did not get the job. He was thinking about me and the situation I am in and had been praying for me and wanted to see how things were going. What an encouragement to hear those thoughts/prayers from someone who could have easily thrown my information in the trash and forgotten about me.

the boys on the floor

the boys on the floor, originally uploaded by lilkup.

A fun picture of my two little guys. This is the reason I love to be able to stay home all the time (them and my wife :))

Nathan loves his little brother. Wes doesn't really know what is going on :)

I love spending time with them.

The end of the search...

well, the first phase. I just got a letter from the last church from the first phase of searching. They are going to be going with someone else.

I really don't know what to say. I have so many emotions running through my head.

I do know that we are trusting God to provide and even with my severence coming to an end, I know He is providing. All I can ask for is continued prayer. I have struggled with the fear that maybe something won't come up. Am I still supposed to be a ym? (it has only been 4 years).

Thanks for the prayers.

ps. if you know of any churches looking, please if you could pass it on :)

trust and the job front

Still nothing on the job front. Well, I can't say nothing. I am waiting to hear from one church (after I visited and interviewed a couple weeks ago). And I just heard back from another church. Not sure how I feel about their reasoning for not moving forward with me, but hey I don't agree with the reasoning of those that let me go of my last job.

There are a few other opportunities out there and plenty of God taking care of my family. I know, based on how things have gone so far this Sabbatical, that God is here with me through this entire situation.

I just wish I could say there was a new job lined up. But then again, that is my timeframe :)

It is weird that with being home, I don't feel like doing a lot of typing or writing. I miss parts of work and then again I am really able to enjoy this time at home with my family (not going to get this opportunity again until I retire).

If you have been praying for the job hunt - thanks!

one fear I have - when I do go back to work, will it take me a long time to get back in the swing of things? Or will my passion and desire for ministry kick in again (not that it's gone now)?

Nathan the Elephant

Nathan the Elephant
Originally uploaded by lilkup.

Here is a picture of my oldest (wow, that's the first time writing that - since my youngest is just over a week old now) son on Halloween. He was the cutest elephant on the block. It was fun going around with him. I can't wait to do it every year (said tongue in cheek).

Proud new daddy Pic

Proud new daddy
Originally uploaded by lilkup.

Here is a picture of me with my new little son, Wes. He's the one in the blanket. :)

Going Trick or Treating again

How fun it was to go trick or treating with my son for the first time. He looked so cute in his elephant costume.

What the chuch can learn from Halloween...

I will probably expand on this later, but I wanted to get some thoughts in before I went to bed.

Tonight I went trick-or-treating with my oldest son (18 months) and a few friends. We didn't go to too many houses and we didn't stay out more than 30 minutes. I did make some conclusions on what I think the Church can learn (or be reminded of) during Halloween.

1. A lot of "little things" can add up to a lot
2. Most people walk around with "masks" on every day
3. We should be welcoming of our neighbors
4. If it involves candy/food, then people will show up :) (this is more for the youth workers)

just a few thoughts...

Proud new papa

What a day (or was it two). Yesterday morning my wife and I went to the hospital to have our second child. She was induced and things were moving smoothly, until she hit the 1/2way mark. Then she didn't go any farther. So after 16 hours of contractions and not seeing any progress the last 5 or 6 hours, we went in to have a c-section.

The good news is that our little boy (Wesley) was born this morning at 1:14 am. The bad news is that I don't have a picture to share b/c I left the camera at the hospital. Thankfully, everyone is doing great. Still trying to recover and rest, but overall doing great.

It is a huge praise that Wes is here. Throughout the labor nothing went the way we had planned. But (because God knows that is better) everything went well and turned out the best.

many many many pictures to come :) (oh, I am so proud to be a dad of two)

Baby arrival

In less than 12 hours we will be going to the hospital to have our second son enter the world. :) I am so happy.

I will try to update when I am back to normal - yeah, like that's going to happen.

I cannot put into words how excited I am for this new little guy to show up in this world.

I have to try to get some sleep...

Stay-At-Home Dad

I have been able to due so much with my 18 month old son since I've been able to stay at home. I consider myself blessed to have this time at home. Now, I have really begun to miss being a full-time youth minister. I don't miss going to the office and doing paperwork. But I do miss teaching, spending time with the students and just being a part of a church body.

I have been able to spend some time with a few of the students and a few families, so that has helped us both. It is more difficult to not be at a church than I thought it would be. I am beginning to really be ready to get back to work. I love to be at home (and will surely miss the time with my family), but I know I have to go back to work sometime.

Why is it not possible to stay at home and yet have a full time job? But I could try to work from home, but then again I would probably never get anything done. I don't see how people can work from home and still get a lot of work done. I would never be able to take the time to do work, I would want to spend time with my boys (when #2 gets here any day) that I would never work.

Speaking of boys - we are hoping that anyday Wes will come (that is our baby to be). I am very thankful that God has allowed me the opportunity to be at home for the first "who knows how long" weeks of my second sons life.

Back to playing with my son :)

Update

Its been just over three weeks now that I've been on my Sabbatical. It has been very refreshing.

I have been able to enjoy a lot of time with my wife and son. We've done a lot of work on our house, so it is ready to sell (whenever we get to that point - more on that later). We continue to wait and prepare for the birth of our second son. Our search goes on. I have been learning a lot about trust and reliance.

It has been almost 4 months since we began the search for a new ministry and we are still waiting to find out where we are going. It seems like it has been forever, but as I have been reading through Genesis I am constantly reminded that it is no where close to forever. Throughout Genesis people wait for years to hear or know what to do. I have been able to know God's blessings firsthand as He has taken care of us throughout this process. He is everywhere. He is in the timing of things happening, in our finances, our health. Everywhere we turn we see God at work - taking care of us even though we don't know what is going to happen next.

More update to come, after some sleep...

Sabbatical

I'm in week 2 of my Sabbatical :)

It is great to have the time to rest and relax. This past week has been a great chance to draw closer to God and to my family.

We are still waiting on final word on where we will be going next, but we trust God in it all.

Less than a month til baby #2 is here :) Now things are starting to get really interesting - so much to do and so little facts. (where will we go? what will it be like to have two kids? and on and on)

time of silence

Today is a the day! Finally after 3 months today is the final day for me at my current ministry. It seems like forever ago I was told to start looking for a new ministry.

We do not know where our next ministry will be. So, tomorrow starts our period of trust and faith. We know God is in control and has things worked. The church has offered my two months severence, so we have income til the end of Nov. Which is good since we have a baby due Nov. 1.

Thank you to everyone who has prayed for us (please continue :))

Due to not coming into the office and our home computer being in the shop, there will be a time of silence for this blog (hopefully only a few days).

And now I must get to work on my last day...

fun name generator

Got this link off Marko's blog.

Here is my cyborg name:


width="240" height="180"
alt="Lifeform Intended for Logical Killing and Ultimate Peacekeeping"
border="0">

I am not how I feel about being a paradox. I am supposed to kill and make peace???

Tuesday is the new Thursday

For those who have read any post on this page, you know I am almost done with my current ministry position. I feel like its all I blog about, but it has been going on for 3 months now - and it takes a lot of my time and focus. Well, today is my second to last day (hence the post title).

Anyway, I wanted to pass on a funny thing that happened today in the office. Keep in mind tomorrow is my last day at this church, there are only like 3 things left in my office that I own. I am only working on stuff for tomorrow night. I am doing no planning, no mailings, no calendars, nothing.

(I don't know whether to laugh or cry...) On his way out of the office my boss (the sr. minister - a good part of the reason I was fired) stopped by my office to say he was going to run some errands and would be back. Well, he proceeded to ask if I needed anything from the office store. What? Why would I need anything from the office store? I only have one day left in this office.

I am not really sure what to think about that. Does he just not want to realize this is happening or was he just trying to be nice/make small talk? Anyway, I find it really funny and have been chuckling about it for the last few hours.

Just thought I'd share

final sunday

Well, we had our final Sunday yesterday. What a day. I taught the hs class (my wife got to sit in and enjoy). Then I got to be upstairs during the service (I ended up serving communion and offering because someone did not show up). We had a "farewell dinner" yesterday after church. Funny thing, though. They prayed and started before either of us got over there. Not a word mentioned publically about saying farewell. It was almost as if it was just another after church dinner. Kinda sad, but understandable at the same time. If I fired a minister who was very loved by the congregation and who did not yet know where they were going next, I don't know if I would make a mention of it either. Not that I liked it, but I understand.

We feel like we are just sorta leaving unnoticed. Which is not a bad thing. And we have not had parties during the classes either, so we aren't promoting the leave. It just feels really weird to be leaving and not have anything said about it on our last Sunday. Nothing was mentioned in church about it or anything.

I am not sure that the leaders who asked me to leave think it is a big deal (though most of them avoid me on Sunday). It just feels weird today. We are leaving and I am glad to be leaving this situation but at the same time I am sad to leave.

This was my first ministry after college and I will take so much away. The hardest thing today is knowing I will not be able to watch some of the teens grow and mature and become what God wants them to be. There are a few who I know I have "finally" started to build that relationship with and now I am leaving.

Sad times.

But on the other hand, I know I can still stay in contact and will hear from them again.

I feel reassured that I am not wanting to leave the ministry.

(thanks for reading the randomness of this post and thoughts)

volunteer banquet

Last night was a first. My wife and I (along with our son) went to a volunteer banquet that we didn't organize. I don't think I have been to a function like this without doing the planning/organizing since I started fulltime ministry. It was really, really nice to be able to go to a banquet and be recognized for the volunteering.

It was a reminder of the importance of showing appreciation for all the work people do within the youth ministry.

Fun pics from the carnival

Who wouldn't want to come to a carnival with darts and balloons?



We gave away tickets at the games and they had the choice of getting prizes or throwing pies in two of the teens faces. The two teens got a lot of pie.



This is me after sliding down a 24 foot inflatable slide (not to mention the fact that I was worn out)



Is that Scooby-Doo at our carnival? You bet it is (and he was hot)!

Goings on & God's peace

I am in my last full week at Westside (with 10 days left) and a lot of "junk" has been going on lately. Over this past week we have found out that some lies are being spread that make our leaving sound that much more needed. People are asking questions about why we were asked to leave and they are being given lies - man that hurts so bad. (esp. when some of the lies are that I would not talk to a kid about baptism or return a concerned parent's repeated phone calls, not to mention that I was trying to control the youth ministry by not allowing anyone else to help) ugggghhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

In the middle of all this is God, reminding me of His love and plan. He has shown me through a friend (who recently came through a 6 month search period) who reminded that when God takes you away from something it is because He has something better in store. He has reminded me that I am not called to make the staff happy, but rather to bring glory and honor to God.

Thankfully, despite all the "junk" going on, I am able to sleep at night knowing that God knows the truth and God is there with us taking us through it all and leading us to the place He has in store for us.

Carnival for our children's ministry

Tomorrow is our Fall Carnival for our Children's Ministry. This will be our last "non class" event while at WCC. We are looking forward to it, as tomorrow is supposed to be a beautiful day. And we always have a blast at our carnivals. I am looking forward to it and pray it is a great day. The best part is going to be the kids, as they don't have a clue as to what is going on "behind the scenes" and will just want to have a fun day and get a lot of prizes.

It will be a nice break.

I will try to post some pics next week if I can.

less than 2 weeks left

It is finally here! The final two weeks of my ministry at WCC. Not that I am glad to be leaving, but the last 2 1/2 months have been rather long. Now I get to experience what it is like to only have 2 weeks left in a job (though it not anything like what would happen if I really was only given two weeks).

My goal is to "pretend/act" like I just found out and use the last two weeks like I would have. The advantage is that I have been through all the emotional roller coasters that go along with being fired (or should I say "asked to leave" since it sounds so much better for me?)

For those who are praying for us, we still do not know where we are going to be ministering next. Please pray for this transition.

thanks

still hearing things about the baptism

A few posts ago I wrote about the "controversy" around a recent baptism. Well, I have yet to be approached about this. No one has come to me and asked me what I know or don't know about the young lady or her recent decision. But I did hear more yesterday about some discussion/talk about the whole event.

This is what frustrates me the most... One of the comments I heard was that this girl was "unrepentant." HOW in the world does this person know that? They have never even talked to this girl and they don't know where she is at. And anyway, who are we to judge whether someone is unrepentent or not - just because she struggles with a "bad sin" in some people's eyes.

It is just a little upsetting that after I leave I don't know what is going to be said to her. I "think" that one of the people who will be heading up the youth department is one of the people who has been making comments about her unrepentedness. Please pray for this situation.

Again, thankfully none of this has been said on any level but 1-on-1 or a very small group. So most people in the congregation have no idea that all this is going on.

"Thirteen"

(Now, I know this is not a new movie and this might be an old discussion, but bear with me)

Last night, my wife and I watched "Thirteen." I picked it up from the library because I had heard some good reviews of it from other youth workers. I heard it was a good movie when it comes to the youth culture and how it showed the family dynamic.

WOW!

It was not at all what I expected. I did not even watch all of it. After a while I just left and did some other things. It was very intense. (Plus, what kind of ending is that - yeah, I was curious as to what happened at the end)

I have not ran into that in my youth ministry. I am not saying it is not out there, but I have not seen it that extreme. It did cause my wife and I to talk about the fact that change can happen very quickly in middle school.

Have any of you see something like that in a family? As a youth worker, what is the best way to work with a student going through that?

my timeframe

If you have read this blog before you know I am in the process of ending my current YM position and moving to another one (just don't know what or where that is yet). I found out back in June that I was done here. My last day is Sept. 28 (a little over two weeks). These past 2 1/2 months have gone by so slowly.

I do not think I would ever recommend someone stay this long at a job once they have been told they are not "effective" anymore. I don't think I would ever want to go through this situation again - it has been less than fun (to say the least).

But lately I have been reading in Genesis and have been amazed at the length of time people waited. In the OT one verse can be like 40 years. We read the stories and do not stop to realize how long these people waited. Did they have it easier than we do? Most of them had to wait far longer than I have. Just today I was reading about Jacob's adventure in finding a wife. He sees Rachel and knows she is the one he wants to marry. And for some reason, he decides to agree to 7 years of work for her hand in marriage. And then, the old switcharoo, he ends up with Leah "the weaked eye".

His 7 years, plus a week, plus 7 more years. That makes my 3 months seem pretty short.

Why do we always want a short timeframe for things when throughout Scripture we see people waiting longer than I think I would (7 years, 40 years, an entire lifetime and then not even getting to see the end result).

I wish the Bible gave us a little insight into what went on in those "waiting years" more often. I would like to see how many nights Jacob went to bed just frustrated and annoyed with the situation.

Good books

Some good books I've read recently...

Searching for God knows what by Donald Miller

Curious Incident of the dog at Nightime by Mark Haddon

Soul Survivor by Mike Pilavachi



Good books I'm currently reading...

Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell

Not Much Just Chillin by (I can't remember)

Toddler Play by (I don't know) (hey, I'm still a dad first :))

controversial baptism

Sunday was a great day! As I posted before, I was able to take part in a baptism for one of our teens. She has been coming to our youth group for about a year now. She came to me a week or so ago and said she was wanting to be baptized. We talked about baptism, about what it means to give your life to Christ. We talked about how once you are a "believer" you are called to live a higher lifestyle.

So, I've had these comments from a few people about her baptism. Apparently, people are hearing rumors that she is a lesbian. Some people are a little concerned that she can't be baptized because of this fact. I am a bit frustrated because it seems like this particular "sin" (though I am not sure she is actually sinning in this area - based on conversations I've had with her and the fact that I don't think she is actually participating in the act of homosexuality) constitutes a higher level of criticism.

The sad part is that because we are leaving in 3 weeks, I don't know what will happen after we leave. I pray she won't be bombbarded by people's criticisms.

just wanted to share. Any of you dealt this type of situation before? If so, please share some ideas and thoughts.

thanks

Whose ministry?

As we continue to get closer to our last day at WCC, we continue to minister to the students. Last Sunday, I got the chance to baptize one of the seniors in our group. She has been coming to our group for about 5 or 6 months. It was pretty exciting to get to be a part of it as I am leaving this position.

I think that is also one of the toughest parts about leaving a ministry. I will not be able to see this person (and many others) grow in their faith. I am going to miss out on watching God work in their lives.

This Wednesday we are starting a new service for our teenagers. I am excited to be a part of it for at least 4 weeks before we leave. This is the first time I've been a part of something like this starting and I won't be able to watch it grow and watch God use it to reach more teenagers.

I guess most of all I am learning that it doesn't matter who does the ministry, its God who does the growing! I just need to get over myself and allow Him to do His thing.

The final month

Yesterday started the final month for us here at our church. It is weird to know we are in the final weeks (since we have known for over 2 months now). The fact that we have known for so long, makes this final stretch seem that much harder. I feel like we have continued strong over the last two months, but I can't seem to find the energy to stay as strong this final month. Is this normal? Is it right/wrong? How can I stay strong for one more month?

I would love to hear from others on this. I want to finish strong and not just "make it through" the final weeks. My prayer is for the passion/energy to minister like I did before I was asked to leave.

(I would never tell anyone to stay this long after being fired - it is just too awkward)

other weekend stuff

Well, this weekend was full. I wanted to share some pics that tell how the weekend went outside of church.


Here is Nathan at lunch on Sunday. He fell asleep at the table after eating an orange and some bread. You don't know how many times I've wanted to do just this. How much trouble would I get in if I fell asleep at the dinner table?





The top dog is Sticky (our dog). She decided to sit on the edge of our pool when we had it set up inside. I don't know why she liked it, but as you can see, she was enjoying herself.
The other dog is Baxter. We watched him for a friend this weekend. He was a great dog to have, brought us much needed laughter this weekend.



Another picture of Nathan... Here he is trying to fill up his pool with water. He knows enough to know that you have to put the hose in the pool to fill it up. Thankfully, he has not figured out how to turn the nozzle yet.


These are the types of things that help me forget about the "drama" that is my current ministry.

Yesterday was the day

Yesterday, the entire congregation found out that we were asked to leave our ministry. What a day it was... (I am still pretty unsettled by things that have been said and done).

I had a talk with some of the elders before SS. Not the way I wanted to start my day, but it was inevitable. It was one of those talks where you leave the room the same way you left, with the same feelings and with not much changing. The basis of our discussion was on what was going to be said about our being asked to leave. Not much to say.

All throughout my Sunday School class it was just weird. Now that they know we are leaving, it is going to be that much more difficult to teach them. But overall, it was a good class.

We told the kids during Jr. Church. They were upset. Didn't know what to expect from them and got a lot more verbal response than from the ms/hs. So, with that group told we headed up to the service. Yeah, we weren't looking forward to this.

We stopped and prayed again before we went in. We got in part way through the sermon, so we wanted to sit down quietly without much distraction. It is def. getting more and more difficult to listen to a sermon and take something from it. So after the invitation, offering and a few announcements - we were up. One of the elders read a statement explaining some things and then I got up to read our statement.

I was not sure what to say/do. I read a motified version of what I had originally written. Not an easy thing to do. Amy said she had to tell some people behind her to allow me to speak. (They were "voicing" some opinions about us being fired, as in not wanting us to go) So after I read my letter and started to walk back to my seat, some people began to stand. They stood and clapped for Amy and myself and our ministry here at WCC. It was touching to see the support we have here.

Got to talk to a lot of people after the service. Some of them I had not met before, some I had only met a few times and others I have known for 4 years. It was actually quite interesting to see the support from people who are fairly new to our congregation. People expressed concern about the situation and assured us that they did not agree with us being asked to leave.

Not that we want to have people on our side - it is just nice to know we are not alone.

We are glad to be on this side of it. Now we are less than a month away from our exit (seems like forever ago we were told). It is going to be a long 3 months (dont' think i want to do it that way again).

Yesterday had at least one bright spot: the youth put together a surprise party for Amy for her birthday (which was Friday, see posts about me being a bad husband). It was encouraging to see the support and love from them (the ones we are here to minister to).

As we do enter the last month of our stay at this church, we know it has the potential to become even more difficult to be here. I ask for prayer. thanks.

Wife's birthday

Today is my wife's birthday. Happy birthday Amy!

Though I haven't thought of any great idea, I did take the day off. We have had a great day just spending time together as a family. And tonight we are getting to go on a date (without Nathan). Ah, I hope we remember what's its like without a child with us. :)

More new people...

on such a bad night.

Last week, I posted about one student making a comment about the new faces in our class. Well, last night we had 2 brand new faces at class and a few that haven't been in a while. And what a night to come to a new youth group. What better timing than to show up for the first time the night that the youth minister announces he is leaving? I felt for them, knowing they felt awkward.

But one cool thing did happen. Part way through the night, one of the visitors asked what kinds of things had happened in the past to make it so hard for this news to be talked about. I was touched that she was able to see the connection between the youth and my family. She noticed something that the elders don't see.

Bearer of Bad News

Tonight was one of the hardest nights. Tonight was the night we told the youth that we are leaving our ministry. (actually asked to leave - not because of something I'd done)

We've know for 2 months that we were on our way out. So it has been tough to keep up the ministry and be honest with the teens about the future without telling them. There were a variety of responses we got from them. Some cried, some just sat there, others got up and left. Though no one asked a question, we know they are out there. We did get a few after class, so we know they are thinking through what is going on.

Now, we just wait and see how the next month goes.

I will post more later about details, but I wanted to write this (now that I can). This has been a burden on my heart and a stress for my family for two months and we are not even sure the hardest part is over.

Time to get some sleep - its back to the office tomorrow. :)

"life" size Goliath

I am currently able to minister to all kids from birth to high school. This month the elementary and toddlers are talking about David and Goliath. Learning how they can make a big difference even though they are "small". I wanted to do something to show what they would look like compared to a 9 foot man. The best I could find was to take a picture and raster it and make it 8 feet tall. So this week, the younger elementary got to color each page and then we put them up on the wall. Here is how it turned out, rather cool if you ask me:

Wife's birthday

So, I am feeling a little overwhelmed with stuff going on at church. I say that because I have neglected to make it a point to make my wife's birthday special. Now, its not until Friday - so I still have a chance. It's just that I was not even thinking about taking the day off to spend it with her. How sad is that? I can take almost any day off I want and I don't even think about taking this special day off.

Hopefully, I will think of something to make it special. I would welcome any suggestions or thoughts on how to make up for the "almost screwed up" birthday.

Help a brother out....

kids' birthdays

Yesterday, we went to Jeremy's birthday party. Jeremy turned 8 yesterday. He is one of the kids involved in our ministry. It was a good party. Over the past week I had seen/read a lot about peopel spending an enormous amount of money on their kids' parties. I think that is a big waste. And after yesterday I am convinvced even more that you don't need to spend a lot of money for your children to enjoy their birthday.

This brings me hope for when Nathan (my 16 month old) begins to want lots of stuff for his party. I will just need to show him that you can have fun without all the spending of money :)

Prayer

I would like to ask for prayer from anyone who might be reading this blog. There are a lot of changes taking place in my little world and some decisions will be coming up.

If you are curious as to more details, they'll be coming in about a week and a half. Thanks

"What's up with all the new people"

Last night was a good night. We have been having a strange assortment of teens at our Wed. night service lately. We have some deep Christians, some people who could care less about God. We have skaters, cheerleaders, and a slew of others.

Last night, one of the teens (who hasn't been to class in a few weeks) came up to me before class and asked "What's up with all the new people?" I responded with "I don't know what you mean." and said it was good to have new people he didn't know. Not too much more was said.

I think it is cool that we have been having that many new people coming.

How do you respond to the question?

Cookout with Middle Schoolers

Last night we had our annual "beginning of school year" cookout for the middle school. It was a great night. Its always fun to watch the interaction and connecting that takes place when you get teens together in your house for no reason but to eat :)

The funniest part of the evening came at the beginning. Before we were supposed to start, it began to look like it would rain. So being the thoughtful youth minister I am, I thought I would start the burgers and dogs early and finish before the rain hit. Oh, boy was I wrong. I did not even get all the burgers on the grill before it started to rain. But I knew it wasn't going to rain hard or for that long. So I started grilling and went inside. Well, it started raining a little harder, so I had to start using an umbrella to protect the grill from all the rain. I was doing pretty good. Then it happened...downpour. It was so bad that I had to ask one of the teens to come hold the umbrella for me so that I could get the burgers off the grill and into the house. I got wet (even to have to change), but he got soaked. I think when he left 2 hours later he was still wet. It was so crazy. (not to mention the fact it stopped raining just minutes after we got inside).

Another great story to use during some lesson.

raising of Lazarus and my life

The other day I was reading John 11 where Lazarus dies. I began to talk to God about my faith. What would I have said to Jesus? What would I have been thinking/feeling?

In the story, Lazarus becomes sick and Jesus finds out, but He does nothing. In fact, Jesus waits for 4 days before going to see him. When Jesus arrives, both Mary and Martha (Lazarus’ sisters) tell Jesus that if He had been there their brother would still be alive. Jesus says that He is glad He was not there, so that through the raising of Lazarus the people would believe.

How many times have I said “if only…” or “oh great, now its too late.” Jesus could have healed Lazarus without even going to see him (see John 4). Mary and Martha knew that Jesus could do miraculous things, but they were not confident once the events seemed final. I think I am quick to want God to fix things or work in my life before the “end” comes. Maybe the “end” is a divorce in your family, death of a loved one, losing a job, not being able to pay a bill, having students graduate without accepting Jesus as Savior.

In my life, I want God to work before things get real hard. I sometimes think that if I have faith then I won’t have to go through the tough situation. Well, you know what – it does not always work that way.

As we see in the resurrection of Lazarus, God knows the best timing. He knows the answer before we even know we have a problem. Who am I to request of God an answer before I am ready for it.

Maybe, just maybe, we all need to experience the “end” before we truly appreciate the “afterward.”

The Lighthouse Effect

This past week, I went with my family to Tybee Island, GA. During our trip we visited the lighthouse (one of GA's oldest). During our trip, Amy noticed the light bulb they used to light the lighthouse - 1,000 watts. (Try putting that in the bathroom light and see what you really look like). The information said that this lighthouse could be seen 18 miles away.

As we were talking, I began to think about the comparisons between lighthouses and followers of Jesus...

(Allow me to share a few quick thoughts)

light house vs follower of Jesus
light source: 1,000 watt bulb vs. Jesus Christ
way to get light out: mirrors vs. our life
distance: seen 18 miles away vs. seen by those around us
effect: guides ships safely to shore vs. guides people safely to God
most effective: in the dark vs. in the dark/lost world
guarantee?: not if the light bulb breaks vs. not unless we are truly living for God

Each of us has a chance to be a lighthouse. We have opportunities every day to reflect the light of Jesus to the lost. Maybe it happens at school, at work, in your neighborhood or the store. One other quick note about lighthouses that I think we need to be reminded of - they never know how is out in the ocean looking for a way home. We never know how is searching for God and is looking for a way to find Him - therefore we should never take an off day.

family

This morning, around midnight, my brother and sister got to the house. They will be here for a week. We live over 8 hours apart, so when we get to be together it is a great time. I am excited about having them in town. We are going to go the beach and enjoy some sand and sun (something I don't get to do on a normal basis).

On the topic of family, I wanted to share a few pics from recent days.


You will notice that each picture has Nathan in it. Amy is trying to get as much one on one time with him before the baby is born.


I'm not sure why I like this picture (obviously that's me on the floor being sat on) but I do. Nathan is really starting to like to wrestle and I'm not sure there is anything better than wrestling with your son.


We just like this picture because the shirt makes us laugh. Who first came up with the idea of having a t-shirt look like a uniform :) (they need to be commended)

Refreshed

This weekend was very refreshing. It was not without its memorable moments, some good and some bad. I'm not sure what I expected from Promise Keepers, but I know what I took away.

5 things that I will remember:
1. Reggie Dabbs (emcee for the weekend) told a story about something that happened at a recent conference. He said he was talking to this man and the man called his wife and asked Reggie to tell her that he (the husband) loved her. Reggie did and also asked the wife if the husband could come home (I guess he hadn't been home for awhile). The best part was that Reggie said the wife said "yes." God was working in the man's life and was allowing his wife to do the same.

2. Seeing all the men come forward to make a commitment to changing their lives to be better husbands, dads, workers... It is a great site to see men accept God's call on their life.

3. It was cool to see the boys singing and participating with the older men.

4. Along those same lines... it was awesome to watch a few older men (grandpas?) up front on the floor singing and dancing with the younger men.

5. I was convicted that I have not been the best leader in my home. I want to be a better leader for my family.

I'll take away a midnight dinner at Chili's. Now, that is fun (get to see a different side of men at midnight in a restaurant). I was able to laugh a lot and build on my relationships with other men. God used the two days to refresh my soul and recharge my batteries.

Plus I got PK wristband (oh, I mean commemmoritive wristband celebrating their 15th year)

Time away

This weekend and some next week, I am going to be getting some time away from work. This weekend I am going to be going to a Promise Keepers conference in Charleston. I have not been to a PK conference in over 10 years. I am excited about the chance to be at a conference and not be "in charge" and thus having no responsibility.

Next week, my brother and sister are coming in town for a few days. This is something we look forward to, since we live 8 hours away from each other. We are planning on going to the beach for a few days, too. Again another chance to relax and refresh.

I think it is so sad that we (as youth ministers) do not take enough time away. In order to be as effective as we can in ministry we have to take care of our own spiritual walk. It is times like this upcoming week when I have to step back and ask myself who is taking care of my relationship with Christ. It has to be me.

If you have not taken a break in a while - go take one. Even if its just for an hour or so today.

Take some time away and allow God to speak to you and refresh you.

wonderful wife

Today has been a long day at the house. For more, check out "yet another first" on our family blog for more info on the start of our day.

As I sit at the end of the day, I look back on everything that happens in a day and I am amazed at all my wife does. She never stops supporting and encouraging me in my ministry. Even though she has so much going on in her own life, she never stops loving me and being patient with me.

I just thought I would make a "blog note" saying I have a wonderful wife. Best wife this side of the Mississippi :)

Applause for a video

Yesterday was a first for me. Over the years, I have done many videos that get shown in church to let people get a taste of a certain event. Yesterday, we showed a video about our week at CIY. During CIY we had 1 baptism and 1 rebaptism. At the end of the video I put in the video of the baptisms and a little about them.

As I sat in the back of the auditorium watching the video, I began to hear this clapping. It was so cool! People were celebrating the baptisms even though they took place almost 3 weeks ago and they were watching them on a video. It was very encouraging to see the support and hear the excitement over a changed life.

what makes ministry?

I know that is not a great question, but it is one I have to ask myself. The question is not "what makes good ministry?" or "what makes effective ministry?". I think that this is a tough question to answer. Not because it is a deep question or a tricky question, but because it is a big question. I think the answer is fluctuating every day.

Some days ministry is getting up early so the rest of the dorm room can get 20 more minutes of sleep. Some days it is talking about a topic you know nothing about (because it is of interest to a student). It could be playing video games or chess.

Since it can be difficult to know what ministry is at all times, how can we decide when it is effective? Is it possible for someone not involved to know how effective a ministry is?

what makes ministry?

CIY

Two weeks ago I left on a trip with teenagers and my wife. We were headed for Savannah, GA for a Christ In Youth Conference. I was very excited about the trip and so were most of the others. What we didn't know was what would take place during the week.

One of the greatest events came on Tuesday night, one of the students got up and decided he wanted to give his life to Christ!! :) :) I got the privilege of baptizing him in the school's swimming pool. (almost got to baptize him in a fountain, maybe next time).






What a great feeling! On top of the baptism, 2 other youth decided they wanted to stop doing what they have been and begin again in the life for Christ. I got to meet a handful of great people, see some old friends and make new ones. Above all, the group changed for the better.

I think one of the great things about weeklong trips is that you get to drive home with a "new group". I am very blessed to have such a great group of teens to work with.

One more thing...
Though I was unable to be in the van to experience this, I have heard rumors and was able to hear a little over the walkie talkie... On the way home one of the teens talked for 48 minutes straight about Power Rangers. Nothing but Power Rangers for almost an hour - where else can you experience that sort of phenonenom.

Gotta love this job :)

Six Flags

Next week, I am going to Six Flags with the youth. Am I looking forward to it? Yeah, but not for the reasons you think. I am not looking forward to the rides (I don't llike roller coasters), the lines (why wait for an hour for a 2 minute ride), the food (not good, but expensive), the amount of people (is it good to have that many people in that small a space). But I am looking forward to the ride up (hanging in a small space with tired/cranky teens), walking around the park with people, watching people (weird habit I have).

I enjoy trips like this, but I would not venture one on my own - it has to be done with a group.

Might I come back with a roller coaster story - I bet I will. Will I take the plunge and ride something new - doubt it.