Vocational Discipleship pt 2

Had an affirmation in a brainstorming/design team discussion today...

We, and by that I mean those of us in ministry to students as staff, leaders and parents must do a better job of letting the stories of vocational discipleship be told and heard.

For instance, the greatest ministry volunteers I have ever had the pleasure of serving with work in the secular (I despise that word) or non-church world. They all felt a tug on their heart, submitted to service and God affirmed their gifts while fanning the flame in their hearts to reach students with the good news of Jesus.

These fine folks serve as computer programmers, loan officers, logistics coordinators and homemakers.... but yet they see their vocations as places to be engaged as disciples. Why aren't their stories told?

Today I was reminded about a guy, whom I have never met, but have heard much about. His name is Michael. I know little about him personally, but more-so about what happened when he followed a 'holy discontent' and used his gifts to impact his community while serving the kingdom. His discipleship led him to a vocation that is transforming the lives of folks in Orlando and the surrounding area.

This is just one of many stories we need to tell our students.

www.idignity.org

Telos Snapshot - 4/13/2011

open question 1 - What defines you?

open question 2 - What role do our actions play in who we are.?.?

Luke 12:31-34

what we treasure defines our motives, actions and outcomes

open question 3 - what do you treasure?.?.?

Matthew 13:45-46

seek the Kingdom, which transforms our motives, actions and outcomes

have I told you lately

It is hard to explain how much I dislike holding a Lock-in or overnighter for students.

Every year I fantasize about lying about or faking an illness just to get out of holding them.

But alas, we have incredibly well-mannered and behaved students who truly enjoy depriving themselves of sleep.

Today is the aftermath. A 3 hour nap, awkward appetite, dehydration from caffeine overload. It seems to get worse the older I become.

But, all in all, I enjoy the relational building times with students that happens in the odd times. The times away from a worship setting. The times that emerge when you least expect it.

On another note. There is a standing rule at our lock-ins that if you fall asleep, you are 'free-game.'

Apparently Cam didn't take us seriously.

important reminder

Words have power.

What you say matters.

What you don't say matters.

We can make a large horse go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth. And a small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot chooses to go, even though the winds are strong. In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. James 3:3-5

Vocational Discipleship pt 1

Lens; student ministry

Premise; ministry to teenagers is less about tomorrow and more about later, sometimes much later

First, I am not condemning anyones ministry. Lord knows that I have missed the mark more times to count over the last 10 years. I am in a season of deconstruction when it comes to the intention behind ministry to students/youth/teenagers. It is a tough place to be when one doesn't have much patience.

So here is where this is coming from; I was recently listening to a recorded conversation with David Kinnaman who co-wrote an incredible book titled UnChristian. Within the conversation he mentioned a huge weakness in the Church at present. He tagged it as 'Vocational Discipleship'. He's smart and hip - so we will go with it. Shortly after he gave a brief description my mind went into a place of warp-speed. I literally don't remember finishing my drive to work. Sorry Nan, don't mean to freak you out.

First realization, My Church definitely calls its congregants to engage the kingdom where they find it i.e. at work, at home and in their community and world. That is all well and good if a.) you're a regular worship attender b.) you are an auditory learner c.) an adult that meets the situations daily. What about students? I immediately felt like the spotlight was on me while standing on a empty stage begging for the music to start - think Napoleon Dynamite.

First thought, for those of us connected or actively participating in ministry to students;

Are we too consumed with the present that we forget about the future of our kids as fruitful disciples in the Kingdom? You see, I am guilty as charged. I hope that we lean into a healthy tension between active and aware engagement now in the life offered to us in Christ and quality preparatory discipleship training that knows that we are all ministers of the gospel and that we are all called. I know that for myself it was a long time before I realized - I mean really realized that the Great Commission was for all, not just those with a fancy church staff title.

I want students under my care to have more tools to seek His Kingdom as a college student, an intern, a young professional, a healthcare professional, a teacher, a musician. I believe it is our call. I don't believe this is a new idea. When I look at the gospels I see Jesus constantly speaking and doing things that are in preparation for his followers. Engaging conversations that speak to their emerging vocation as well as action that shows others how to react and envelop their calling in their world. I see the growing pains of the early church in Acts that depended solely on the spirit of God to discern and lead. I read Paul challenging those seeking Christ to shrug off the distractions and seek the Lord. Not just a seeking in a particular time and place, but rather in their lives, all-the-while undergirding a message of holiness - the set apart.

Students need to know that seeking holiness is not just a time or place but rather a way.

2nd thought coming soon

TELOS - snapshot 3/23/2011

Series; '4D Future for 3D People'

Theme; Dream; hope, aspire and vision with a blank slate

Message; Jeremy Knight

Scriptures used;

Matthew 5:13-15

Message in a sentence/paragraph; Jesus makes a bold proclamation of the Kingdom and speaks to us telling us what we are 'Salt' i.e. seasoning, preservative, disenfectant. When we know what we are it frees us to hope, dream and aspire aligned with God and his work in our world.

Music;

All Because of Jesus

Everlasting God

Where the Spirit of the lord is

Up Next; Spring Break (no TELOS) (3/30) , Lock-In (4/1)

I haven't forgotten about you

I know the ole' blog hasn't gotten much attention lately - except for the letter below.

Truth is, the last 8 days have been a whirl-wind of sorts. Rest assured I haven't forgotten about you - it is actually you that are in the forefront over the last 8 days.

Trust that your students will be well lead through this transition. You have a tremendous church staff that are intimately involved in making sure NexGen Ministries thrives well beyond my time here.

I can't begin to thank you for the heartfelt words and messages both Nan and I have received over the past week. We are truly humbled by your grace and thankfulness of what God has done over the last 4+ years.

Grace and Peace