YOUTHINTHECORNER

Last night was CRAZY!  Nancy, my assistant was out sick all week, my 6 year old has been sick so I have been off my routine and I was going to be preaching on the realities of Satan’s attacks.  So, you can imagine there was going to be some warfare going on already.  

The night went off pretty well, I came out in a satan mask to the song “Sympathy for the devil”, by the rolling stones.  I then spoke in first person how much I despised God, his son and his creation and how easy it was for me to spoil his “followers”.  It was emotional and difficult to preach but the students really responded well.  Students came to me afterwards really excited about what God is doing in their lives.  Small Groups is going well and the worship is deepening.

We had another great night numbers wise.  255 students and 22 adults…the number I would like to focus on is 22.  I need your help!  I teach all the time that you should never sound desperate when recruiting and that is true but there are a few low-impact positions I am desperate for.  I need like yesterday 3-6 new volunteers.  1-2 parking attendants for the front parking lot, 1-2 greeters for the front entrance and 1-2 check in attendants for the front lobby.  These positions don’t even require that you LIKE teenagers.  The time requirement is Wednesdays from 5:30 – 9:00.  We really could use your help.  This is a safety issue as well as an excellence issue.

Let me know.

Your humble student pastor,

Sean

Brad Cooper, the student pastor at Newspring Church in Anderson  blogged not too long ago about sending out evals to your volunteer team giving them freedom to critique you and your ministry.  WOW, I took that challenge and it was sobering.  It is amazing no matter how good you think you are doing, how many holes there are to fill that you can’t see.  So, as a result of the ones I got back…here are some adjustments I am making.

1) I am reclaiming my schedule to make better use of my time, use my assistant better and stay on task. This will allow me to be more focused on Wednesday nights, free me back up to hit campuses on Wednesdays and keep me from burnout.

2) Improve and increase my training of volunteers bimonthly meetings/bimonthly audio training/invite to preservice meetings.

3) Develop a discipline policy with a 3 strike rule…we have some students who consistently disrupt and disobey

Hopefully this will allow me to become a better pastor, friend and leader…we will see.

This Sunday I am going to be sharing a message that I believe will be inspirational and challenging.  Isaiah 43:19 says, Behold I am doing a new thing.  What is that new thing and how is Pointe North Church a part of that.  If you think you simply come, sit, worship and go home and that is all that PNCC, boy do I have a message for you.  God, is doing something AMAZING all over the world.  YOU are part of THAT.  Come find out how.  I can’t wait.

Students = 288 First timers = 15 Adults = 29 : Total = 309

Last night was the first of our monthly combined services called “Collide”.  We had the most fun I have EVER had in 16 years of youth ministry!  The service began with a game called “Crowd Simon” thanks to Phillip Mccart and Granger Church.  We continued in worship while experiencing Candle lighting for friends and loved ones, coming from prayer and annointing and sharing in Communion.  The band ended the night with a medley of Collide and Came to my rescue.  Simply an amazing night!

Story 1 = I walked out of the auditorium after the service and one girl was just balling, she got a text from a friend that said, “I give up, I can’t do it anymore.”  She took that to mean she was going to commit suicide being that she has threatened it before.  Come to find out the girl meant that she gave her life up to JESUS, she could not do life anymore ON HER OWN!  Praise God!

Story 2 = Student texted a girl in the program some hateful things a few weeks ago.  Last night that student went to the mom of that student (one of our volunteers) and asked for forgiveness beause he did not want to have that sin hanging over him.  They embraced and she forgave him.

God is on the move at Pointe North and in Alive Youth Ministries.  I can’t wait until next week!  If you want to join the revolution comment back.

There is an encounter in the bible where Jesus visits the home of Mary and Martha.  Mary sat at the feet of Jesus listening to the teachings while Martha was running around tending to the urgent needs of dinner and turning the TV on to the football game (ok, I made that part up).  After Martha pitches a nutty, Jesus rebukes her and encourages her to focus on the important things, in short…people.

I just had a heartbreaking meeting of a dear friend whose heart was broken because no one has noticed their lives were falling apart.  As driven pastors often we focus on the urgent.  The next sermon, meeting or event coming on the ever so full calendar.  However, what Jesus teaches is that what matters is people.  A balance to be made for sure but in the end it IS about people.  I stink at that…meetings, programs and sermons are easier to handle than people.

Tough.  That is the gig!  Think about what people you need to invest in this week and then break out your Blackberry and make time for them.

Avery turned 3 today. If Emily is my princess, Avery is my joy.  3 years ago, I was scared to death of a second child.  We were broke, you were a bit of a surprise and I was scared.  When I held her, I was overcome with questions and fear.  Then, you did something that amazed me…you melted my heart.  You made me laugh harder than anyone has ever done.  You are as sweet as you are tough.  You will hug me and kiss my cheek then jump on me and want to wrestle.  I don’t know if the world is ready for 2 personalities like ours but I can’t wait to find out…I love you to death baby…happy birthday!