Turning the Page

There is a perpetual rhythm. Things change; beginning, ending and so-on and so-forth.

In Youth/Student ministry we found ourselves in a season of change. For most of us we are celebrating graduates, welcoming new students into our ministries and for some of us wrapping-up job roles or even employment opportunities (job changes, like myself).

All of this begs the question; How do we facilitate quality, meaningful, God-honoring 'rites of passage'?

If I'm honest this has always been a struggle in my current church setting. I can't pinpoint why but have always assumed it was the hectic culture of the suburbs or the chaotic times of year that these seasons coincide with. We've tried large-scale events with all the fanfare, low-key relational events to encourage intentional community-building and everywhere in-between.

Through all of this I have made some conclusions.

1.) The 'rite-of-passage' must echo the community.
If you are a large group that thrives off of big events - live into it.
If you lead a smaller group focused in community and relationship - live into it.

2.) Lead where your strengths are, let others lead in your weaknesses.
If you aren't the M.C. type with large-scale gifts find someone who is. After all, you're not called to be the only leader for your students. Likewise, if you're the one who is always up front and captivating and your group needs a smaller event, relax, build relationship and move the focus away from the group and into the individuals.

3.) Know you're not going to please everyone.
Face it, our students are all different and respond to different events and enviornments. See point 1.

4.) It's just an event.
I've never known a single event to direct the ongoing ministry for an extended period of time. Weekly worship, small groups, fellowship, service and other things shape the ministry - not an annual event.

5.) Establish the goal - and seek it.
For us, we have promotion events coming up. We ask the community (students) the goal. they define it and they plan how to achieve it with some direction from us. To affirm and honor our graduates we had two main goals; affirmation and appreciation. One week we had the celebration which was all about them and their accomplishments, the next week we let our seniors lead and direct the entire weekly event.

Make no mistake, these 'rites of passage' are important. Don't be like many of us and get lulled by the perpetual rhythm of things. Be intentional. Lead well and finish strong. After all, for us this may be the last or first time we see some of our students.


*for youthministryideas.net

Youth Ministry Trap

So I just co-hosted a small conference (or a discussion) among the youth pastors of the 100 largest churches in my denomination.

As I am still trying to unpack the conversations we had, the learning we shared I find one pervasive element rising from this week - comparison.

I don't think I'm the only one that struggles with this. There were some extremely successful, gifted, challenging folks in the room from around the country. All I could think about was, "Why am I here?" Don't get me wrong - I don't second-guess my calling or my gifts for ministry but I can't help thinking - "Why didn't I think of that idea? That is incredible! How did they pull that off in a large church?"

Truth is, there will always be someone better than me doing ministry - at least in my eyes. But as I have been earnestly praying through this I have found solace in the Grace that meets me in my desire to compare myself to others. I must trust in God's spirit to guide me and lead me where I am. The comparison game is always going to be there, we are human, it is inherent to covet - at least it is for me.

I get the strong sense that God wants us all to know that we have been called to be where we are, to do what we do for the kingdom to honor Him and Him alone. He doesn't compare us to those who make us feel like Charlie Brown.

Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ. Galatians 1:10

Grace & Peace

Things that St. Luke's taught me volume 1

I could really write for the rest of my life about what I have learned over the last 4+ years. I won't bore you with it all - but I will write some things that have definitely shaped me and bear repeating.

* You don't know it all - and that's ok

Picture this; a young, brash youth worker from the bible-belt gets called-up to the largest UM Church in the Florida Annual Conference. This kid has been trained by a veteran youth worker - had success serving a small-to-mid size church in a pervasively religious small town and thinks that the world is his oyster.

Ha!

Yes, I thought I knew it all - and what I didn't know I would fake-it-till-I-made-it.
This was compounded by personal insecurities with a dash of following one incredible Youth Worker that serves at the largest UM church in the US. (don't get lost in the number rhetoric - just making a point).

St. Luke's helped to lovingly deconstruct my calling. I appreciate it now. Looking back, many persons knew all along I was full-of-it at times but graciously let me realize how little I knew.

How little I knew of theology. How little I knew of tact. How little I knew of leadership. How little I knew of adolescent development, the list could go on and on and on.....

You get the picture.

Thank you St. Luke's United Methodist Church, It was in the arms of your extended Grace I can now say with strength and integrity I don't know it all, and that's ok.

Telos snapshot - May 4th

Theme: From My heart to Yours pt. 1

Message: Jeremy Knight

Brief conversation about the Death of 'bin Laden' (5 minutes)
Proverbs 24:17
Living in tension
God's heart for humanity and resolution of Justice

.................................................................

Message in a couple sentences:
One of my biggest concerns is the choices/decisions made by adolescents.
Wisdom is available - seek it!
Direction - not intent, determines destination.

Scripture: Proverbs 2:1-15

Music:
Look to You - Hillsong United
Our God - Chris Tomlin
Grace Like Rain - Todd Agnew
Lead me to the cross - Brooke Fraser
You Never Let Go - Matt Redman

Telos snapshot - April 27th

Theme; Resurrection 101 (the tomb is empty - so what's the big deal?)

Message; Jeremy Knight

Scriptures used; Luke 9:21-23 & 1 Peter 1:3-4

Discaimer; I am no academic or theologian - tonight is a brief conversation that barely skims the surface of the depth of this magnificent act and pillar of the Christian faith.

Message in a sentence; The resurrection is a proclamation and Invitation

Proclamation - *God is who 'He' says he is
*Fulfillment of prophecy
*The story is moving
*Proclaiming life, not death

Invitation - *Life, to the full
*Reconciliation of all things
* Redemption
*Victory
*Freedom

Music - All Because of Jesus (Steve Fee)
Fail us Not (1000 generations)
With Everything (Hillsong United)
Happy Day (Steve Fee)