I recently got done reading a book called Crossing Over. It was written by Paul Scanlon, the Senior Pastor of Abundant Life Church in Bradford, England. In the book Paul shares his story of leading his church to new levels of successful ministry after years of being stagnant. He parallels his story to the story of Joshua who leads the Israelite people into the land God had promised to give them.
One section of the book I particularly enjoyed was entitled, "What Kind of Church Don't You Want?" I had to read that chapter title twice, because I thought the book was supposed to be about how to maximize the effectiveness of your church and/or ministry area. In the chapter, Scanlon writes about a couple month period in which he traveled through his country visiting churches and considering what kind of church he didn't want. This exercise paved the way for him to understand what kind of church he truly wanted to lead a be a part of.
This got me to thinking about our youth church, Live Youth Ministries. I've been the leader of this ministry for six years and anything that I feel needs changing was probably started or allowed to start by me. What an interesting position. Hmm, to think that the things I initiated just a few years ago probably need tweaking or in some cases a complete about face.
So as I tried my hand at this little exercise I took into consideration, our current youth church, other youth ministries I've visited, and various ministries I've personally experienced or been a part of. I came out with a list of 7 things that drive me crazy (in a bad way) about youth ministry. To say it another way, these observations are the traits that describe a youth ministry I don't want.
For your sake and mine, I will list one item I have observed per day. I have also included my response to each observation.
Observation 1: Many youth churches are full of lazy worshipers and bad note takers.
We've all seen this, the youth band begins the service and students stare blankly at them as if they were from another planet. The worship leader has seemingly two choices:
1. Close his/her eyes and lead as if no one is actually there. Or
2. Scold all in attendance and ask the interrogating question, "You can cheer at a football game, so why can't you get excited for Jesus?"
Neither response is very effective and most times leaders neglect to realize that the audience's reaction is a reflection of their enthusiasm and intensity for the worship set.
On bad note takers, doesn't it drive you insane when you get done speaking and you find leftover notes on the ground? Often times you'll see things written on them like, "Do you like him? Or do you like him, like him?"
Or how about the classic, "Will you go out with me? Check yes, no, or maybe." You've just given your best eight point message on the seven churches in Revelation and students have the audacity to not take notes on it!
My response: ...the youth church I see worships whole heartedly. The worship is interactive and experiential. The youth church I see is writing and producing music. It is raising up worship leaders who are looked to when it comes to cutting edge music. The youth church I see is full of people that are engaged in the message. When God's word is shared it is met with hearts ready to apply it and put it into practice. The audience is compelled to interact with the worship leader and speaker in the youth ministry I see.
John 4:23
But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way.
Romans 12:2
But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.
Yes I admit it, it's not all on the students, we as leaders, need to lead the way in creating this kind of culture in our youth ministries. More to come...
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
They Devoted Themselves
At Live right now we're doing a series called, "Self-Devoted." The following post is from Pastor Steven Furtick, he is the Lead Pastor at Elevation Church in Charlotte, NC. I thought it was fitting to re-post it for you today:
In Acts 2, 3000 people were converted to faith in Christ and numbered with the believers.
Acts 2:42 begins the description of the strategy for discipling this throng (funny word) of new Christians:
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
Did you catch it? They devoted themselves. Who devoted themselves? The new believers! Nobody devoted them to the teaching. They had to do it for themselves. The apostles taught with authority, clarity, and consistency. But the burden of discipleship rested primarily on the new believers, not the leaders of the church.
As church leaders, it is our job to create and sustain processes and systems that responsibly enable people to grow in their faith after receiving Christ.
But if a new Christian is not willing to devote himself to teaching, community, and service, it doesn’t mean we failed in discipling him. It might mean he’s not a truly regenerated born again believer after all. A new nature produces an insatiable appetite for the things of God. And that’s an appetite only God can create.
Fast growing churches catch a lot of flack for failure to disciple new converts.
But Biblical discipleship isn’t about spoon feeding.
According to Acts 2:42, it’s an all you can eat self-service buffet.
Get your own plate. Refill your own drinks. And clean up after yourself, man.
Devote yourself!
http://www.stevenfurtick.com/uncategorized/they-devoted-themselves/Wednesday, April 22, 2009
10 Years and Counting
It's hard for me to believe but it's true, my wife Stacey and I have been dating for 10 years. Yep, today marks 10 years of hanging together and being best friends. Looking back there have been a lot of great times, some funny moments, and even a few sad ones.
Thursday April 22, 1999:
It was a sunny Spring day. Stacey and I were hanging out at her house. We had just finished watching an all-time classic American film, Tommy Boy. Much to our delight, Chris Farley had successfully duped Dan Aykroyd and somehow managed to save Callahan Auto Parts! As the tape (yes the VHS tape) rewound itself I realized this was my chance. I was about to do something that I had never done.
I leaned over and gently kissed Stacey Marie Nix on the lips. This was my first kiss. My mom and sister had been the only women to receive such a gift from me until that moment. The best part was... I missed. It's true, I kissed her top lip and the space between her nose and mouth, how embarrassing. So naturally, I thought quickly and said, "I missed, let me try that again."
This time, bulls eye. A perfect peck on the lips! I was surprised when she smiled, I'm not sure what reaction I was hoping for but the smile made me feel at ease.
We took a walk to her neighborhood park to discuss our future as a couple. Our future plans at that point included walking together at our upcoming graduation in June. Other than that I don't remember much about what we said to one another. I was still walking on clouds knowing I had just kissed the girl of my dreams.
To be honest, 10 years later I still smile when I think of that day. I've since married the only girl I've ever kissed and some days, I still feel like I'm walking on clouds. We have two beautiful daughters, Andrea and Hailey. We have a great place to call home. We are both ministering and doing what God has gifted us to do. We are close to both sides of the family. We are part of a great church family.
When I really sit and think about it, I am completely humbled by God's blessing in my life. Especially the blessing of a wonderful woman with whom I get to share it.
Thursday April 22, 1999:
It was a sunny Spring day. Stacey and I were hanging out at her house. We had just finished watching an all-time classic American film, Tommy Boy. Much to our delight, Chris Farley had successfully duped Dan Aykroyd and somehow managed to save Callahan Auto Parts! As the tape (yes the VHS tape) rewound itself I realized this was my chance. I was about to do something that I had never done.
I leaned over and gently kissed Stacey Marie Nix on the lips. This was my first kiss. My mom and sister had been the only women to receive such a gift from me until that moment. The best part was... I missed. It's true, I kissed her top lip and the space between her nose and mouth, how embarrassing. So naturally, I thought quickly and said, "I missed, let me try that again."
This time, bulls eye. A perfect peck on the lips! I was surprised when she smiled, I'm not sure what reaction I was hoping for but the smile made me feel at ease.
We took a walk to her neighborhood park to discuss our future as a couple. Our future plans at that point included walking together at our upcoming graduation in June. Other than that I don't remember much about what we said to one another. I was still walking on clouds knowing I had just kissed the girl of my dreams.
To be honest, 10 years later I still smile when I think of that day. I've since married the only girl I've ever kissed and some days, I still feel like I'm walking on clouds. We have two beautiful daughters, Andrea and Hailey. We have a great place to call home. We are both ministering and doing what God has gifted us to do. We are close to both sides of the family. We are part of a great church family.
When I really sit and think about it, I am completely humbled by God's blessing in my life. Especially the blessing of a wonderful woman with whom I get to share it.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Unbound
We had a great night last night at Live. As a youth ministry we hosted a School Spirit Invite Night. It was fun to see all of our students show up sporting their school colors. Even more fun was seeing so many of our students show up with friends they had invited to service.
Our students and leaders both did a tremendous job throughout the evening. Our behind the scenes leaders did incredibly well. We debuted a brand new light wall on our stage that added a new and exciting element to our service. Our band played well and the tech guys in the back did a great job hitting their cues.
I'm so proud of our students. They worked hard at inviting and influencing friends to come to Live. They are living out what God has called them to be; light in a dark world. I loved being able to see the excitement on their faces when they told me that the friends they had invited were in attendance.
I was also filled with hope when I talked with one of our students who had invited a bunch of classmates that had agreed to come but canceled at the last minute. Obviously, she was disappointed, but she understood and realized that she had done her job simply by asking. I am quite confident that we'll see a number of her friends join us in the weeks to come.
We wrapped up our series "Unbound" by talking about the freedom, love, and forgiveness that can only be found in Christ. At the end of the service God did what only He could do and four students raised their hands to experience His Grace for the first time.
Simply put, that is what we're here for. We all have been "Unbound" to help point others to the only one who can truly set them free.
Ephesians 1:6-8 (NLT)
So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding.
Our students and leaders both did a tremendous job throughout the evening. Our behind the scenes leaders did incredibly well. We debuted a brand new light wall on our stage that added a new and exciting element to our service. Our band played well and the tech guys in the back did a great job hitting their cues.
I'm so proud of our students. They worked hard at inviting and influencing friends to come to Live. They are living out what God has called them to be; light in a dark world. I loved being able to see the excitement on their faces when they told me that the friends they had invited were in attendance.
I was also filled with hope when I talked with one of our students who had invited a bunch of classmates that had agreed to come but canceled at the last minute. Obviously, she was disappointed, but she understood and realized that she had done her job simply by asking. I am quite confident that we'll see a number of her friends join us in the weeks to come.
We wrapped up our series "Unbound" by talking about the freedom, love, and forgiveness that can only be found in Christ. At the end of the service God did what only He could do and four students raised their hands to experience His Grace for the first time.
Simply put, that is what we're here for. We all have been "Unbound" to help point others to the only one who can truly set them free.
Ephesians 1:6-8 (NLT)
So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
We've Only Just Begun
Looking back at the Easter weekend that was just makes me smile. What a wonderful couple of days we had. The weather was rainy and cold, but that didn't stop God from doing great things at Fairwood and in many other churches in the area as well.
As a church we had been fasting and praying for breakthrough in our lives and in the lives of our family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors. Not only did we pray and believe, but we served and invited people to come to church on Easter Sunday with us.
The crazy part is people came and God provided breakthrough! The breakthrough showed up in many different ways. First, we had an all-time attendance record on Sunday morning of 1,009 people. Amazingly it really didn't even feel that crowded, I think that could be the new normal for us.
Second, many people raised their hands to experience freedom in Christ. Pastor Brian shared his freedom story with the church. He talked about how his life was bound with drug and alcohol use and when God showed up he found freedom, love, and forgiveness. He talked about how God came to bring freedom to everyone and how all of our freedom stories are directly linked to Jesus' story.
The third breakthrough was a little less tangible, but still very powerful. Our church is beginning to see what we're capable of when we're united with a common purpose. We no longer see ourselves as a group of people who feel the same way about God. We're not content being just a building that houses Christians every Sunday. Instead we are beginning to see ourselves as a movement of people dedicated to changing, transforming, and shaping the community that we're a part of. We are realizing that God has entrusted us with the incredible news that freedom is found through His only Son and it's our responsibility to share it with others.
The best part of the weekend is that this is just the beginning. On Wednesday our youth (Jr. High, High School, & College students) will get their turn to make a difference. We're hosting a school spirit invite night. We want to share the good news of Jesus with as many students as possible. We are not just a youth group. We are a ministry of students committed to changing our schools, community, and world for Christ.
I am proposing that the hit song by the Carpenters become our theme song. Do you remember it? It was recorded in 1970. I am too young, but I'm pretty sure it was played at my parents wedding. It's called, "We've Only Just Begun."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__VQX2Xn7tI
How appropriate. Our church has only just begun! While we are celebrating what God did this Easter and what He's going to do this Wednesday I believe God is trying to remind us that this just the beginning of what he'll do through us.
As we are faithful, and continue to trust in His leading God will lead us on to better days than we experienced this weekend. Why? So that Pastor Brian and the leadership team can gain fame. Hardly. We exist to bring Him glory. God uses people to build HIS church. We are simply on the construction crew. We've just started on the foundation and there is plenty of room for more on the crew. Are you interested in joining? I hear God's always hiring.
As a church we had been fasting and praying for breakthrough in our lives and in the lives of our family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors. Not only did we pray and believe, but we served and invited people to come to church on Easter Sunday with us.
The crazy part is people came and God provided breakthrough! The breakthrough showed up in many different ways. First, we had an all-time attendance record on Sunday morning of 1,009 people. Amazingly it really didn't even feel that crowded, I think that could be the new normal for us.
Second, many people raised their hands to experience freedom in Christ. Pastor Brian shared his freedom story with the church. He talked about how his life was bound with drug and alcohol use and when God showed up he found freedom, love, and forgiveness. He talked about how God came to bring freedom to everyone and how all of our freedom stories are directly linked to Jesus' story.
The third breakthrough was a little less tangible, but still very powerful. Our church is beginning to see what we're capable of when we're united with a common purpose. We no longer see ourselves as a group of people who feel the same way about God. We're not content being just a building that houses Christians every Sunday. Instead we are beginning to see ourselves as a movement of people dedicated to changing, transforming, and shaping the community that we're a part of. We are realizing that God has entrusted us with the incredible news that freedom is found through His only Son and it's our responsibility to share it with others.
The best part of the weekend is that this is just the beginning. On Wednesday our youth (Jr. High, High School, & College students) will get their turn to make a difference. We're hosting a school spirit invite night. We want to share the good news of Jesus with as many students as possible. We are not just a youth group. We are a ministry of students committed to changing our schools, community, and world for Christ.
I am proposing that the hit song by the Carpenters become our theme song. Do you remember it? It was recorded in 1970. I am too young, but I'm pretty sure it was played at my parents wedding. It's called, "We've Only Just Begun."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__VQX2Xn7tI
How appropriate. Our church has only just begun! While we are celebrating what God did this Easter and what He's going to do this Wednesday I believe God is trying to remind us that this just the beginning of what he'll do through us.
As we are faithful, and continue to trust in His leading God will lead us on to better days than we experienced this weekend. Why? So that Pastor Brian and the leadership team can gain fame. Hardly. We exist to bring Him glory. God uses people to build HIS church. We are simply on the construction crew. We've just started on the foundation and there is plenty of room for more on the crew. Are you interested in joining? I hear God's always hiring.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Great Expectations
I never read the book Great Expectations but I certainly have them for church tomorrow. The excitment I have for Easter Sunday at Fairwood reminds me of how I felt as a kid on Christmas Eve. I could hardly sleep, the anticipation was far too great.
For some people, this Easter Sunday will be the day that changes the course of their eternity. As a church we have prayed, fasted, and believed for God to breakthrough in our lives and in the lives of our family, friends, and neighbors. The cool part is, God wants it to happen even more than we do.
John 3:16-17
For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. (NLT)
I'm encouraged... thrilled really, just to get to help make it happen. I am confident God is going to do some incredible things tomorrow. His Son Jesus is Grace personified, and tomorrow Grace will be at work changing people forever.
Let's have fun tomorrow, let's be part of something bigger than ourselves. Let's hope together, pray together, serve together, and watch together as God does what only He can do.
For some people, this Easter Sunday will be the day that changes the course of their eternity. As a church we have prayed, fasted, and believed for God to breakthrough in our lives and in the lives of our family, friends, and neighbors. The cool part is, God wants it to happen even more than we do.
John 3:16-17
For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. (NLT)
I'm encouraged... thrilled really, just to get to help make it happen. I am confident God is going to do some incredible things tomorrow. His Son Jesus is Grace personified, and tomorrow Grace will be at work changing people forever.
Let's have fun tomorrow, let's be part of something bigger than ourselves. Let's hope together, pray together, serve together, and watch together as God does what only He can do.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
The Coaching Tree
Ken Bone was just hired as the new head basketball coach at Washington State University. This in it self is not much of a story, coaches are hired and fired pretty regularly at that level. The truth is, you don't need to be a sports fan to find the real story within the story.
Ken Bone was an assistant coach at the UW from 2002 to 2005. He was part of Romar's staff where he worked with and learned from a successful leader. Bone was then hired as a head coach based on the repuatation of both Coach Romar and the program itself.
Lately, another Husky Assistant coach has been in the news as well, his name is Cameron Dollar. He is being sought after for other NCAA coaching vacancies. It is here we begin to uncover the real story.
Coaches that are trained up under Lorenzo Romar are being targeted to fill the head coaching positions at other schools. Why? The answer in part is because success breeds success. The basic theory is goes something like this: The UW is successful because of the coaching of Lorenzo Romar. Romar is passing on his secrets and system to both players and coaches. Therefore, if we can hire one of his assistants they can do the same thing for our program.
This hiring technique in prevalent in other sports as well. The NFL is full of this type of thinking. Mike Holmgren's coaching tree is huge. Many of his assistant coaches end up as head coaches for other teams and many of their assistants become head coaches as well.
The neat part about a coaching tree is that guys like Mike Holmgren and Lorenzo Romar didn't just appear out of nowhere. They too came from and are part of even bigger, more extensive coaching trees.
This is one instance where church life and sports seem to intersect. I love how these coaching trees are formed. They are birthed because veteran coaches mentor and empower the next generation of younger coaches.
I look forward to the day when there will be people in ministry that I've had a hand in mentoring, encouraging, and empowering. My pastor has begun to experience this after years of ministry and it's fun to see him enjoy the fruit of his labor.
My prayer is that as I grow and develop as a leader that I'd remember to take time to pour into the younger generation of budding leaders. I pray that I wouldn't be selfish with what I'm learning and go to the grave without passing the torch to others. I thank God for the people who have poured into my life and I want to do the same for the next generation.
Ken Bone was an assistant coach at the UW from 2002 to 2005. He was part of Romar's staff where he worked with and learned from a successful leader. Bone was then hired as a head coach based on the repuatation of both Coach Romar and the program itself.
Lately, another Husky Assistant coach has been in the news as well, his name is Cameron Dollar. He is being sought after for other NCAA coaching vacancies. It is here we begin to uncover the real story.
Coaches that are trained up under Lorenzo Romar are being targeted to fill the head coaching positions at other schools. Why? The answer in part is because success breeds success. The basic theory is goes something like this: The UW is successful because of the coaching of Lorenzo Romar. Romar is passing on his secrets and system to both players and coaches. Therefore, if we can hire one of his assistants they can do the same thing for our program.
This hiring technique in prevalent in other sports as well. The NFL is full of this type of thinking. Mike Holmgren's coaching tree is huge. Many of his assistant coaches end up as head coaches for other teams and many of their assistants become head coaches as well.
The neat part about a coaching tree is that guys like Mike Holmgren and Lorenzo Romar didn't just appear out of nowhere. They too came from and are part of even bigger, more extensive coaching trees.
This is one instance where church life and sports seem to intersect. I love how these coaching trees are formed. They are birthed because veteran coaches mentor and empower the next generation of younger coaches.
I look forward to the day when there will be people in ministry that I've had a hand in mentoring, encouraging, and empowering. My pastor has begun to experience this after years of ministry and it's fun to see him enjoy the fruit of his labor.
My prayer is that as I grow and develop as a leader that I'd remember to take time to pour into the younger generation of budding leaders. I pray that I wouldn't be selfish with what I'm learning and go to the grave without passing the torch to others. I thank God for the people who have poured into my life and I want to do the same for the next generation.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Hope Springs Eternal
It's my favorite time of the year. The opening of the baseball season and Master's week. It's so fun because everyone's slate is wiped clean. Everyone's record is 0-0 and anything can happen. Optimism is high, and hope really does spring eternal. Hope and Baseball both arrive in the Spring!
The worship team at the church and I sat down and put our AL West predictions on paper. We also picked the World Series match up with a winner. Below is what the sports geniuses and I think will happen this year:
Chris: 1. A's 2. Mariners 3. Angels 4. Rangers WS: Dodgers over White Sox
Adam: 1. Mariners 2. A's 3. Angels 4. Rangers WS: Rays over Dodgers
Cameron: 1. Angels 2. A's 3. Mariners 4. Rangers WS: Orioles over Cubs
Shaun: 1. Angels 2. A's 3. Mariners 4. Rangers WS: Yankees over Phillies
The worship team at the church and I sat down and put our AL West predictions on paper. We also picked the World Series match up with a winner. Below is what the sports geniuses and I think will happen this year:
Chris: 1. A's 2. Mariners 3. Angels 4. Rangers WS: Dodgers over White Sox
Adam: 1. Mariners 2. A's 3. Angels 4. Rangers WS: Rays over Dodgers
Jesse: 1. Angels 2. A's 3. Rangers 4. Mariners WS: Yankees over Dodgers
Cameron: 1. Angels 2. A's 3. Mariners 4. Rangers WS: Orioles over Cubs
Shaun: 1. Angels 2. A's 3. Mariners 4. Rangers WS: Yankees over Phillies
Andy: 1. Angels 2. Mariners 3. Rangers 4. A's WS: Cubs over Yankees
What do you think? Add your predictions to the comments section below.
What do you think? Add your predictions to the comments section below.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Punk'd
Last night at Live I was the victim of a cruel April Fool's joke. Can you believe it? Me. Why would anyone want to prank me? As the service was about to begin I walked through the lobby one last time to ensure all of our students were making their way into the auditorium. I was visiting with a few of them and remarked to myself, "Dang, where are all our students tonight?"
As service began and the first song was being played I looked around the room and realized we had only a fraction of the students we normally would for a Wednesday night service. Now, frustration and annoyance was beginning to set in. Apparently I wasn't hiding it well because my wife said to me in an understanding tone just low enough for me to hear, "It's alright honey."
Despite the low attendance I decided I would portray the spirit of Gideon and worship God despite my dwindling numbers. So I lifted my hands and closed my eyes tighter than normal, as to block out the record low attendance. At the completion of the first song we ran a Mid-Week Update video, masterfully hosted by Prarthana (a student) and edited beautifully by Jeff (one of our leaders). Then out of nowhere two students jumped up on stage and began greeting and welcoming those who actually bothered to show up to service. "This isn't in the service order," I thought to myself as my face crinkled.
Then it happened, out of one of the side doors to the auditorium students began pouring out. Some of leaders were with them, all that came through the door were smirking, smiling, and laughing as if they intuitively knew this would bother me. The harsh reality was... it did. I was so relieved to know that we had more students in the building than I had originally thought. As it turned out attendance was above our average for the year.
So now I sit here, reflecting on the prank that was. I find myself pondering a few questions repeatedly. One, if attendance last night was as it appeared (way below average) was I failing in my role as a youth pastor? If that's true and I lived out that reality than every week, I would be riding a roller coaster of emotions ranging from exuberance to despair. Two, am I to sit idly by as attendance drops off and people quit coming and chalk it up to God's will? After all, it's His church and He said he'll build it. Question three, if the first two questions are misguided how am I to judge my performance as a pastor and leader?
It's to that question that I actually have an answer. My role as the youth pastor at Fairwood church is to serve my God, my pastor, and the students and parents that make up Live Youth Ministries. I serve God by loving Him, loving people, and by using my gifts to bring Him glory (not me). I serve my pastor by working hard to ensure that quality youth ministry is offered to those who attend and to those yet to come to Fairwood Church. This supports him and adds value to our church as a whole. Finally, I serve the students & parents of our ministry by loving, leading, challenging, and empowering them to live for God in ways they didn't even think were possible.
So I've decided... that's what I'm going to do.
As service began and the first song was being played I looked around the room and realized we had only a fraction of the students we normally would for a Wednesday night service. Now, frustration and annoyance was beginning to set in. Apparently I wasn't hiding it well because my wife said to me in an understanding tone just low enough for me to hear, "It's alright honey."
Despite the low attendance I decided I would portray the spirit of Gideon and worship God despite my dwindling numbers. So I lifted my hands and closed my eyes tighter than normal, as to block out the record low attendance. At the completion of the first song we ran a Mid-Week Update video, masterfully hosted by Prarthana (a student) and edited beautifully by Jeff (one of our leaders). Then out of nowhere two students jumped up on stage and began greeting and welcoming those who actually bothered to show up to service. "This isn't in the service order," I thought to myself as my face crinkled.
Then it happened, out of one of the side doors to the auditorium students began pouring out. Some of leaders were with them, all that came through the door were smirking, smiling, and laughing as if they intuitively knew this would bother me. The harsh reality was... it did. I was so relieved to know that we had more students in the building than I had originally thought. As it turned out attendance was above our average for the year.
So now I sit here, reflecting on the prank that was. I find myself pondering a few questions repeatedly. One, if attendance last night was as it appeared (way below average) was I failing in my role as a youth pastor? If that's true and I lived out that reality than every week, I would be riding a roller coaster of emotions ranging from exuberance to despair. Two, am I to sit idly by as attendance drops off and people quit coming and chalk it up to God's will? After all, it's His church and He said he'll build it. Question three, if the first two questions are misguided how am I to judge my performance as a pastor and leader?
It's to that question that I actually have an answer. My role as the youth pastor at Fairwood church is to serve my God, my pastor, and the students and parents that make up Live Youth Ministries. I serve God by loving Him, loving people, and by using my gifts to bring Him glory (not me). I serve my pastor by working hard to ensure that quality youth ministry is offered to those who attend and to those yet to come to Fairwood Church. This supports him and adds value to our church as a whole. Finally, I serve the students & parents of our ministry by loving, leading, challenging, and empowering them to live for God in ways they didn't even think were possible.
So I've decided... that's what I'm going to do.
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