time well spent

Earlier this week I was able to spend time with 60+ youth workers from the Florida conference at Warren W. Willis Youth Camp

I'm becoming more apprehensive about leaving the fam behind as the toddler becomes more to handle day-to-day. So naturally I felt a little precarious when I left Nan and Leyton Monday evening.

Let me be the first to say I was truly blessed to be with many others who are in the trenches. It was rewarding, uplifting and encouraging in all the right ways. From the frat house atmosphere that the guys cabin morphed into in a matter of minutes to the late-night conversations and laughter and the simple but yet directed times in worship I consider myself grateful on many levels.

First, that I have a support system with my family to allow me to step-out on occasion and re-fuel.

Second, that my church not only values me but encourages the connection to others in the trenches.

Lastly, that there are many others in ministry to students who want to exit the silo and encourage others that face the same things they do on a regular basis.

I say all this to say; what are you doing to encourage others? After all you are not alone. This journey is one of relationship. Whether in the secular world, the ministry, school or anywhere else you may find yourself - you are not alone in the journey.

There were times that if I'm honest, I operated in a 'silo'. And I cannot begin to tell you how discouraged and alienated I felt at times.

Let's be the church - not do church.

present high school teaching series

It never fails. How much one learns by teaching - that is. Presently we are in the midst of a series with our high school students titled 'The Comfort in the Uncomfortable'. Our whole premise was to not tackle the sometimes obligatory topics (sex, drugs, rock & roll) in a conventional way. instead we want our students to understand that in the midst of every situation (even the uncomfortable ones) God has spoken and is still speaking into it.

If I'm honest - it has been challenging but as equally refreshing. So far we have covered topics such as depression, relationships with parents, equality vs prejudice and bullying.

It's funny that God has laid out these plans months ago but I have students that think I have crafted things to combat situations that are arising within their lives presently. Further confirmation that God has a desire for his children.

A couple of observations thus far;

1. Our students are not afraid of the confrontational nature of the topics we are addressing. Which if I'm honest has been surprising.

2. We have incredible parents in our church family that support our ministry and students in tremendously affirming ways. How blessed we are.

3. We still have work to-do in regards to connecting our faith to our actions. Not only as students but adults as well.

4. Our church models an incredible family of Grace and progressive attributes that support the engagement of discipleship in 2011 in a way that astonishes me daily. (awful run-on sentence I know)

More coming soon.