A Youth Pastor’s Reflection

I had lost this post a few months ago after a youth leaders meeting, after which I was pumped for life. I was disappointed I could not find it. But bam. Now it’s back, so I wanted to publish it. Though it is a couple months old the idea and thought is still current for me.

Mid June 2013
Tonight the faithful youth leaders gathered to envision what The Lord has done this past year and where we are heading for the upcoming year. Reflection and refocusing. These are some of my favourite times of the year. This is especially true of this year as a purpose and a plan has been formed in years gone by and watching it evolve and develop into effective discipleship is joyful.

Here’s where we landed: action with teaching. Youth need to experience to learn and grow. The classroom is only good for so long. How can we do as Jesus did and walk and teach. Feed the masses and teach a lesson or heal the lame on the sabbath and teach about The Lord of the sabbath. How can we experience the gospel and embody biblical truths as a youth group? That is our upcoming struggle and I am excited for it. Here we come 2013-14! Lord, your kingdom come!”

 

A Point to New Years

December 14 marked my musical debut as Henry in Four Tickets to Christmas. I sang, I acted, I had a good time. In the musical I have this one line as I reconnect with my Father whom I have not had a good relationship. It goes like this: “Christmas is a good time to start things.” Though New Years resolutions have a bad rep New Years can be a great time of reflection.

My wife and I enjoy road trips. Our most recent 6.5 hour drive helped us meet our new niece! But, the reason we enjoy the road trip is because it sparks reflection for us. New Years helps spark that along and we begin to dream in the new year in light of the last. New Years doesn’t have to hold a cliche but can be a powerful time of re-evaluation of where you’re at. Low and Behold here are some results of what Nadine and I talked about:

1) Time to de-clutter and focus: Our lives are cluttered with too much that we cannot focus on our passions and gifts the Lord has given. We lose who we are in the midst of massive responsibility and a refusal to say no. Even though my job is ministry in a church, I am not the church and cannot fill every gap.

2) Spiritual Conversation is Important: We received a classic gift this Christmas: My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers and for 2013 we are going throughit together. Two days already accomplished! Woo! It has already strengthened our marriage in 2 days. I look forward to strengthening our marriage Spiritually this entire year.

3) My Passions: This season has helped me reflect once again on who I am. I love pastoring people into their passions and mentoring them into what this Christian walk is. Preaching & Teaching (when I can focus on it and not rush a message) is where I thrive. Though I enjoy vision and constructing a purpose and plan for ministry and though I love music and leading people in worship, unless they are coupled with the above gifts, my life is too cluttered and not lending itself to what I made to do.

Of course lots was talked about and this is a mere synopsis of it all. As Oswald has been teaching me, I need to pass it all over to God and let God himself tell me what to do. I hear a Carrie Underwood song coming on . . .