Little Ol' Ladies Prayer Circle

One of my ministry mentors, Brian Aaby, is always hammering home the point with me that Youth Ministry is a three pronged approach. Students, Leaders, Parents. Even though I have seen glimpses of this in my first year and a half of full time ministry, I didn't fully grasp the full idea until about Thanksgiving of 2010. It was also hammered home last week when Kara Powell was presenting her information about the intergenerational "sticky" church. It was in these conversations and presentations that I realized that they were speaking from experience and research, and so instead of being bull headed and trying to do it my own way, it would probably just make sense to follow their advice.

And so, I have been trying harder to do just that. And today was a break through moment for me. Every Wednesday afternoon, some members of our church gather religiously to pray for the hurts, needs, and desires of our church. It is usually older members of our congregation and I very rarely doesn't revolve in the those participating. This means that for an hour every Wednesday, the same small group of people are praying. Every Week. Without missing a beat. Only two weeks of for the Christmas break. And I had never attended....I just walked back to my office and close my door to get work done. I would sometimes pop my head in and ask for a request here or a praise there, but I never spent the time to sit and pray with them. Until today.

I decided it was time to get more three pronged, get over myself and enter the unknown of the Little Ol' Ladies Prayer Circle. And it was one of the most refreshing spiritual experiences of my week. Earnest and consistent prayers, asking for healing on behalf of others, Scripture as prayer and praises for the Creator of the Universe. All I can say is that it was awesome. It also opened up there door for them to pray for me, which was unexpected. All of this to say, I think I am headed back to the Prayer Circle next week.

Principles

What are the principles that you run your Youth Ministry by? What are the wins that you are looking for at the various stages? How do you adapt structures that we read about to your contexts?

Just a few questions from work today...

Some Thoughts

So,

I am in the process of reading through several books dealing with structures of ministry and how we are to apply them into our various contexts. As a Youth Director at a Presbyterian Church, I am finding that some of the staff that is out there fits our context really well and others require a bit of stretching. Here are the big questions that I have going through my head as a result of these readings:

Is Youth Ministry becoming more about equipping and partnering with parents? Should the Youth Pastor title be changed to "Pastor to Parents and Students?

What role does Campus Ministry play in the everyday and big picture planning aspect of Youth Ministry? Students are on campus far more than they are with us in church, so should we be going to them consistently?

What does multicultural ministry look like for small denominational churches?

Can networked/community Youth Groups work? Are we witnessing the end of the denominational church in Youth Ministry?

As you can see, these questions are not exactly small and are not going to be answered right away, but I hope we make headway on some of them soon. Feel free to jump in and add your thoughts...

Youth Ministry People I respect and why

So,

As a first year youth pastor, I have come to find that I need guidance. I am constantly looking for material to go off of, consume and learn more about. I really want to be good at my craft and I wouldn't be doing it if it weren't for a few ministry heroes. So, those same people I respect are now the people I am turning to for advice:

Nate Rice: Jr. High Director, Forest Home- has probably helped shape me the most in my preparation for ministry. Mad respect for Nate and all the wisdom he has passed down.

Heather Flies- Jr. High Pastor, Wooddale Church- She was the woman that started it all. If it hadn't been for Heather and her ministry to me in Jr. High, I probably wouldn't be in ministry today.

Jordan Frye- Musician- Demonstrated a life of love that truly pursued the passion of Christ while we worked together at Forest Home. One of the most influential people in my life.

Dan Kimball- Pastor- Vintage Faith Church- His books have helped me land theologically and practically in my desire to work in a church, and to navigate the road of Emergence. Thanks Dan for your voice.

Angie Horn-Andreu- Program Director, Forest Home- Angie gave me the recommendation that gave me my first shot at Youth Ministry at Forest Home. She has not been as hands on, but she has helped shaped me more than she knows.

Steve Osborne- High School Pastor, Desert Springs Church- Best friend and partner in ministry. We shall walk this road together. It is always good to have someone to banter with. Not sure if I could do it with out you.

Angela Hall- Bethel University- Demonstrated to me that Youth Ministry is a way of life, even if you aren't a Youth Pastor. Thanks for the many conversations and for the priceless advice that you so freely give.

My Future Wife, Mars- For being the support I need. I love you.

And the many students, pastors, staff members that I have worked with. You are too numerous to name, but have still played a large role in my story and I am grateful to have had you as a part of my life.