On April 22, 2012 Robin Pifer and I announced that I would be transitioning out of my role at Cedarview as Student Ministries Pastor effective May 31st, 2012. To give you all a little more detail, over the last few months Robin and I have been talking a lot about my ministry experience at Cedarview and where I was heading. I have been very clear with Robin that I didn't see myself being a youth pastor forever. As our conversation continued it became clear to both he and I that it was in the best interest of Cedarview that I transition out. Lindsey and I are sad to be leaving the friends...
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So, I've been working on a new project with some fellow youth workers here in the city and so far it's been pretty awesome. The whole idea is to try and reshape the way that Christian students operate in schools. The problem has been that too many students think that they are supposed to try and recreate youth group in their school. They found a Christian club and do Bible study and for many, going to their local Christian club is committing social suicide. Or at least taking a hit. For others, a regular weekly commitment to another lunch hour activity is just something they can't do. Youth pastors...
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Well the student launch is over and I sit here today thinking about all the work and energy that went into the evening and I am so amazed. 800+ students all worshipping and seeking to see their friends come to know Jesus. Epic. I am just as excited about the flurry of conversations that are happening within our little network of youth pastors. There's a new generation there and we all seem to be thinking similar thoughts about ways to engage young people with the message and life of Jesus. I love being creative and dreaming with other youth workers about ways to do things and there's a lot of cool...
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Wow! Hard to believe Bedlam is now over but what an incredible experience. The first time I've been able to communicate to middle schoolers in that way and it was awesome! I loved all the people I met and the great conversations. Thanks for listening and being a part of the Bedlam experience. I think what made it so much more amazing was the incredible team I got to work with to pull it all off too. It was hard to wear both the hat of coordinator and speaker and without the help of such a great group of fellow leaders it wouldn't have been possible. Thanks to Sue, Kaleb, Chris, Shawn,...
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So, over the last couple of months our middle school program has just about doubled in size from the beginning of the year. It's something we're excited about but also challenged by as our number of leaders is pushed to their limit and our standard of excellence suffers a little. We're hoping to address all of that in the fall with a whole group of new, talented and excited leaders. That being said, our group of students is made up primarily of tweens from our community. Very little church background and very little knowledge or experience with a Christian worldview. So, what do you do with...
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Well, I am fresh back from our first ultrasound for our first child and, yep, it's a boy! My excitement is in overdrive at this news. So many thoughts and dreams and emotions all sort of bubbling up right now at the possibilities and future for this little guy. The prayers have already been fierce for him but to see him, healthy and active is extra special. The ultrasound was so cool. Our little guy was active and cooperative. He's got a great little body and he's moving around like crazy. Jabbing and kicking his little arms and legs. I've seen other ultrasounds before but nothing...
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Well, we're officially on our way with the first session being given, once again, by Bill Hybels. He spoke on the fundamentals of leadership and hit on some cool themes. This session, to be honest, didn't really hit home the way that some of his keynote addresses have in the past. Maybe I'm in a different headspace or a different spot in leadership but what he did say was still really good reminders to me of what it means to be a leader.
Leaders move people from here to there.
Leaders need fantastic people that will fit in our unique culture.
Leaders need to set mile markers and celebrate...
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