Multi-site Student Ministry

Multi-site student ministry. If you told me a few years ago that I would be wading into the waters of multi-site ministry, I would have told you that you are CRAZY. I've researched a lot about multi-site. I feel like a rookie that is hungry to learn. I've had great conversations, video chats and email communication with leaders all over the US. One theme that I keep hearing is that it is working! Students are coming to Christ and the church is growing outside of a one-dimensional role. We are seeing churches multiply themselves in other communities instead of pouring millions into more buildings at one location.

I have learned church planting on the go as it relates to student ministry. We are excited to launch a full-time student ministry at our Villages campus this August.

Life was easier with one site. But why do what is easy? I love being a part of a church that is thinking ahead and trying to be on the forefront of reaching people with the gospel. As I look ahead in 10 years, most churches will be moving to multi-site.

I'm learning a lot right now. I'm learning to be dependent on God's wisdom.

Stay tuned because I will be sharing more of this journey over the next few months on the blog! 

If you are in multi-site student ministry and have some tips, I'm all ears! Share in the comments below.

How to Assassinate Someone's Character

 We all like to hear stories about other people. It is in the makeup of our flesh as human beings. It is an insatiable desire to be in the know and to feel better than others.

You might hear some say to you, “Did you hear?”

Or my all-time favorite, “I have a prayer request about a person…Okay! I’ll let you know what is going on so we can “pray” for them.”

What does it mean to assassinate a person’s character?

The Bible talks about it. It is the word, "slander." To slander someone, this means literally, "to whisper."

It is a simple but deadly approach that people take towards others. Sometimes people assassinate others because they feel hurt by another person. Sometimes they are feeling inadequate and want to put others down to make themselves feel elevated.

"Having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame." 1 Peter 3:16

Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with a simple babbler. Proverbs 20:19.

 In every conversation we have an opportunity. Do we continue to assassinate someone's character or refuse to join in it. Many times I have failed and listened and even shared my thoughts about others. Learning to love people and applying Matthew 18 should be the goal of every Christ follower.

How do I learn to use words of healing instead of assassination?

Ask these questions: 

Is it True? Remember this rule about gossip: The more interesting it is, the more likely it is to be false.

Is it Helpful? Will your words help bring about a solution to a problem?

Is it Inspiring? Will your words build up someone?

Is it Necessary? Do we have to say anything at all?

Is it Kind? Are your words based on a desire to help?

Overall, instead of assassination of character, we should seek to speak life into others.

Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.  Hebrews 12:14-15.

Identity in Christ

Technology is constantly updating to new versions, updates and add-ons. If you bought an iPad this year, you will realize how quickly each version becomes outdated!

Are you more interested in what people think of you or what God thinks of you?

We are faced with pressures every day. A student feels pressure to make the grade, meet new friends and figure out their college plans. Adults feel the pressure to succeed, to provide, and find true friendship.

What version of yourself are you trying to pursue? Many times we follow the agenda of what other people want from us. God has given each of us His calling. What voice are you listening to today?

"We know in all things God works for the good of those who love Him" in Romans 8. Paul writes more about the person and purpose of God. He brings up the truth that we need to spend every moment, situation, circumstance and relationship based upon the unconditional love of God. God desires that we become more like Him. When we stay close to Him, we will find peace in our search for identity.

Identity is not found in something but it is in someone. Our worth is not tied to our jobs. Our ministries and workplaces are what we do, Jesus is who defines us. We are His children.

What are you seeking today for your identity?