Ministry

Thoughts on reaching the lost

This current postmodern society is searching for authenticity. People do not want anyone to judge another person based on being authentic, but they inwardly want it from each other. In order for the church to impact the world and their search for truth, we need to be listeners. People desire to be heard, no matter how off-track and lost they are in their life. Jesus always responded with questions (besides some of his face-offs with the Pharisees). If we are to model servant-evangelism, people need to know we care. Many lost people stereotype believers as uncaring, defensive, judgmental and close-minded. We must be counter-culture and look at the postmodern questions like, “Is Jesus the only way to God?” as an opportunity rather than an argument. We must re-train our attitude towards the lost and be students of the culture so that we can rightly divide the Word of Truth in real-life situations. Simply, people want to see how we respond with in everyday situations. Are we patient? How do we treat waiters/waitresses when our food isn't cooked right (after Sunday service)?

The important evidence that the lost are looking for is if we love each other with a sacrificial and encouraging love. Lost people need to see churches reveal their love for each other. We spend too much time talking about loving each other. For example, when a believer needs prayer, we usually tell them we are praying for them rather than praying for them on the spot.

Although the world is constantly changing, the unchanging truth is that Christ is the answer.

Goals for the New Year

GoodbyeOldHelloNew

It is that time of the year. I thought I'd share my personal and ministry goals!

Personal goals:

  • Workout at least 2-3 times per week in the gym - I want to put on more muscle and start getting in shape like I was in college.
  • Talk less and Listen More. I want to hear more from God this new year. Abiding in a close walk with my heavenly Father is crucial and I need to rely on His strength and not upon my own.
  • Spend quality time with God in the morning through prayer, scripture reading and journaling. I've signed up for a reading plan on the ESV Bible website.
  • Spend quality time with Cassidy - make it a priority to go on dates, have devotions time together and pray with each other.
  • I plan to  finish my Master's degree in Christian Leadership by this summer from Liberty Theological Seminary. I'll be taking four classes this spring and a few in the summer. It will be busy, but I plan to finish well.
  • We hope to find a great deal on a home and become homeowners. Please pray for us to make a wise choice.
  • I am praying for new opportunities to speak to students at events, D-NOWS, or camps.

Ministry Goals:

  • Build Leaders - Encouraging and equipping students to carry out the ministry through training and allowing them to lead. Building ownership! We have a team of students set up called the CORE team and my prayer is that they lead many of their friends to Christ. Equipping parents to continue spiritual leadership in the home is VITAL and must be priority. We will have “Parent-Life” events every quarter (January, April, September). When the family puts Christ at the core, we will see more students become fully devoted followers of Christ.
  • Build Community - Students become ministers, not just spectators. Students including and encouraging other students to belong! I pray that students find REFUGE when they come and find true and meaningful relationships with adults and students.
  • Build a heart for the un-churched - The phrase we will use is, "Move from a youth group to a youth ministry.” I'm kicking off the new year with a series focused upon helping students learn to have the courage to lead their friends to Christ. Lead students to “Invest and invite – and share their “story” of Christ changing their life. I pray that students do not just COME to church, but are BEING the church.

What about you? Have you thought about your goals for the new year?

Christmas Vacation

I have taken a break from my website for a little while but I wanted to give you an update to life!

  • We spent a few days in Belleview, Florida visiting my wife's side of the family - We had the funeral to commemorate Cassidy's grandmother life and it was special time with family. She left a powerful legacy of Christ-likeness.
  • We have spent the last week up in Greenville, SC with my side of the family. Spending quality time with each other has been the priority and we have stuck to it!
  • It is never easy during this time, we all miss my brother Jordan.
  • It has been good to see my Dad continue to serve God here as Pastor. He continues to show me an example of being faithful in life and ministry.
  • God has blessed me with a great family and each time we are together it shows me that I have a lot to be thankful for in my life.
  • My brothers Jeff and Justin were a blast to spend time with - Jeff is looking into PH.D work and Justin continues to do well in college and pursue film-making!
  • Justin is beginning to shoot a new short film called, "Foxhole" this weekend - It will be depicting a great storyline based upon John 15:13. They are using real WWII guns, clothes, etc so it will be sweet! Check out this published article on Justin's work.
  • We are headed to Nashville in the morning for Cassidy to spend the next few days finishing up her new album recording!
  • Lastly, God has been working in my life and teaching me to simply talk less and listen more. Enough said!
  • I will be writing this week some of my goals for 2010 personally and in ministry. Stay tuned!