We are amping up for another big summer in Student Ministry. Here are some of our goings on and changes for the Summer of ‘09:
Summer Tour – We will take a break from our normal meetings and begin our annual Summer Tour on June 11. The Summer Tour is an on going summer program (I hate that word but it works) where we do something different each week for 8 weeks. Tour events include a local service project, a Charlie Hall led conference, game night, worship night, etc. we really have thought through each tour event to make it as cost effective as possible so that we can sell a Backstage Pass giving access to each event. It has become something that our student have really gotten into and invite friends. Another opportunity to connect with more students.
No camp – I have really wrestled with camp for a long time. To be honest with you I don’t know if camp connects with this post-Christian generation, add the outrageous price it’s not an easy sell to our students and their families. I have taken students to camp for many years now and have decided to not do so this year. Call me crazy or whatever, we aren’t doing it, and probably won’t do it again.
Interns – As of this post we have 2 confirmed interns joining our Leadership Team this summer. I’m so thrilled that 2 of our graduating seniors will be hired to lead, organize, learn and serve. Adam and Julia are amazing young adults who have been a part of our ministry for many years. They begin in mid May and serve thought the end of August. I really look forward to serving along side them. I will keep you updated!
Wild at Heart Retreat – In August we will be taking a smaller group of guys to northern Florida for a time of playing and training focused on the growth towards being a Godly man. Can’t wait!
Student Leadership – In August we will begin our Student Leadership Training lead by our SM interns. Another opportunity to train our students and prepare them for the upcoming school year.
I have been involved in student ministry in one form or fashion since 1991. My first gig as a leader of students was with a small baptist church in a semi-urban environment. We had about 15 kids in this group and I labored over what I should talk about, what games to play, etc, etc. Forward 17 years later and it seems that I labor over some similar things. Weekly I wonder if “they will show up”, will they participate in worship? Can I communicate this effectively? Will the students be “into it”? On and on. You see, we aren’t a mega-church by the standard of the church guru guys. We are an above average sized church who has been steadily growing for 11 and a half years. Our student ministry pretty much reflects the church as a whole. I am the only paid guy on our ministry team therefore I have to do a lot of the stuff. I labor over the little things. The aforementioned little things. How do I get over this? Will it every go away? What about volunteers? What about facilities? We have to rent from a local school and feel the pressure of the school admin weekly. Will the pressure go away when we have our own building? Will there be a new pressure? How about support staff. Will I ever be able to hire? If so when and who? The questions could keep coming but I will hold back. I’ll be honest, I love what I do. I seriously serve at the greatest local church ever with the greatest team ever, so I’m not disgruntled or frustrated by any means I just think these are some healthy questions. If you can answer feel free to comment.
Today I hopped a plane with some some of our Student Ministry leadership team and flew to San Jose, CR. We then took a nice, air conditioned bus 5 hours to our final destination of Puerto Viejo. It is truly the end of the earth here and beautiful! Post pics soon.
I rarely get political on this blog unless I make fun of a politician or congratulate one. This video looks cheesey but please listen to what the dude is saying.
I don’t have a tattoo, probably never will. I just know I would regret it one day and realize that it’s permanent and don’t want to have to deal with the embarrassment of it. Anyway, I ran across this tonight and Penny and I were laughing so hard. It just reassured me that I will never get a tat. Here is the link: Glance at your own risk!!
Summer Tour – We will take a break from our normal meetings and begin our annual Summer Tour on June 11. The Summer Tour is an on going summer program (I hate that word but it works) where we do something different each week for 8 weeks. Tour events include a local service project, a Charlie Hall led conference, game night, worship night, etc. we really have thought through each tour event to make it as cost effective as possible so that we can sell a Backstage Pass giving access to each event. It has become something that our student have really gotten into and invite friends. Another opportunity to connect with more students.
