Middle School Ministry Reality Check

I just read a blog that really hit home. Everyday, I am reminded of how much I have learned, as well as how much I still need to learn. It is a constant pursuit. In all honestly, I struggle with ministry. I have this vision for our students, our leaders, me, and often times I lose focus on the task at hand. More often than not, I forget the reality of junior high ministry...it's about seeds, its about planting them. Tonight, I realized something and was encouraged by a guy who I don't even very well, yet can sympathize with him in his journey with his junior high students. Thanks Josh!

The Forgetful Massacre

They all forgot...
They lost out...
Some don't care...
Yet, remember not to worry...
While others lie to avoid...
So much for friendship...
Although, I must stay...it was overrated!

They found out...
Now wallow in lies...
and still don't care.
I remain steadfast in position...
for friends come and go...
and like the pebble in the shoe...
they pissed the hell out of me!

They all forgot...
they all are now lost with discontent!

Definitions of a hoovering YM

At the beginning of this year we had this intense feeling of excitement for what the new year would bring. We were hoping for some change, growth (both spiritually and numerically), testing new ideas, and becoming more relational with our students.

Now, it is seems that the new year has had the opposite effect. Our numbers haven't dropped too much, but it has been an issue. The lack of enthusiasm of events and the like have taken hold. I have observed issues I thought were taking hold, and found that its not what "we are doing" or "not doing," but its about priorities and time.

Students today are soaked with extra curricular activities, not to mention the plethora of non-curricular activities that seem to plague our students today. What can we do to change or accommodate a schedule that benefits maximum exposure of the ministry while allowing students miss whole months because of the 50 sports activities they're involved in? Or should we look at having an extreme makeover of the ministry? What's the point of doing anything if ministry gets put on the back burner because: camping, surfing, boring church, the mall, theater, sports, parents, homework, life....

My Stomach

I went to the Doctors this morning. I need to have an upper GI done, I heard that I have to drink some barium cocktail? Bummer. At least I will know whether or not I have a "real" ulcer or not.

Sick...update

Praise be to God, I do not have food poisoning! However, I do have a 24 hour flu. I missed my class in which everyone got to baptist someone...bummer. I body feels like I just got done playing a game of rugby.

Sick

I think that I have food poisoning. Someone please kill me now!

Creepy

The location from someone has viewed my blog is a cemetery. OK, that's freaky!

24 of no 24

I missed the last two episodes of 24...I feel out of the loop.

My Small Group Field Trip

Tonight, I took my guys to a Hindu temple in Riverside. We tagged along with CBU and their comparative religion class. The guys had never experienced anything like it and were blown away at some of the things they saw. Here's a few things that happened:

• They witnessed people giving gifts (fruit, money, incense, etc.) to things that had no value.
• They witnessed people praying to nothing.
• They smelled some pretty bizarre smells.
• They understood the importance of reaching the lost with the Good News.

I try to provide a cross cultural experience once a month for my small group. These guys have fellow peers that are practicing Hindu's, as well as other religions, so it was good to put a face with the culture and religion. Hopefully this experience encouraged them to begin to make some contacts and relationships in hopes that they would be able to share the Gospel message.

Overall, a great experience. We walked away with our hearts saddened for those who bow down and pray to nothing and have no hope. May we have the courage to show them to the Truth.

Seminary...update

Totally weird... as soon as I posted my last blog I recieved a phone call from Texas. I'm in!!!!

Seminary...

This week I should find out whether or not I'm accepted to Southwestern Baptist Theoligcal Seminary. I'm extremely excited, but neverous at the same time. A few alumni have stated that I have nothing to worry about...a comforting thought. Nevertheless, if Texas doesn't work out, I have a plan B...I think that's Golden Gate...

Definitions of a starving world

Well...I survived to live another day. I walked away from this weekend training with bizarre sense of emotions. I feel sick to my stomach, I'm really tired, and yet I know that there are people that would kill for my life. A painful reality to the fact that I am a selfish bastard. Here are some cold facts:

• I live to eat, others eat to live
• I own a computer and a vehicle, people can't even read, and walk 6 miles for water
• I don't even walk 6 miles in a week
• Why do suffering and starving people make me emotional?...yes, I cried
• In two days, I will probably will start to feel apathetic...again

God...please continue to keep me uncomfortable, that which I might not forget those who are dying, and dying for a clean drink of water.

ISP

So, I broke away from the group to post this, because I have to. Here are somethings that God has allowed me to see in myself:

• I am a selfish bastard! It's all about me...and I really don't have any concept of sacrifice.
• I am rich! I have to got to witness how others live in poverty...I have not right to even open my mouth.
• I am hungry! Within the last 24 hours I ate the following: 1- bagel, 1- glass of apple juice, 1- PB&J, 2- spoons of rice. I am not starving...I have no idea what starving is!
• I am a leader! God has gifted me...and he IS using me.

More details will follow....God with you!

Intensive Training Weekend

This evening at 6pm, I will embark on a two night three day intensive training weekend for a trip I'm taking in July. I heard that it will be taxing and hard-work. Here's my thoughts:

• Most ITW "really" don't expose you to the "real" issues you find in country.
• It will be a good bonding time with team mates.
• I will lose weight
• I will try and keep a good attitude
• I am not looking forward to a 5am hike...how this further the kingdom?
• I heard that all we get is water and crackers...I'm packing some snack-packs
• We will be sleep deprived
• Rules are meant to be broken

The Java Bliss

Tonight I met with a friend at this new place called Java Bliss. I've meaning to try it out for a few weeks now...glad I did. It was nice place, the coffee was decent and the environment...well... here's what I thought:

• The place looked like Martha Stewart took a creative dump and flung her feces all over the place...coffee and sea foam green do not go together.
• If Ikea and bed, bath and beyond had a love child...this place would be it and Richard Simmons would be a charter member.
• The place also contained games, "connect-Four" are you serious?
• The crowd was that usual "trendy" kids that knew nothing of intelligence, but could tell you what latest t-shirts were at Abercrombie & Fitch.
• They sold ridiculous priced coffee cups...$20? Does it cure cancer too?

That all I have to report. Please stop by and enjoy a nice cup Joe....my bad JAVA!!!

Frustration...

• If there was ever a day where I wanted to quit...tonight would have been that day. My student's were off the hook tonight. Did someone give them a sugar sandwich before they came to church? Now, I understand that Junior Highers are squirrelly...it's who they are, and I am extremely patience with them. But, tonight, they were so rude, not to me, but the other leaders. I literally stood on stage with another leader for 5 mins. till they decided someone was needing their attention...no respect! Man...I need some sleep.

24 and the Newsboys

Is it just me or does Peter Fuller of the Newsboys look a lot like Abu Fayed from 24?

"They don't serve falafel's in hell..." Okay that was just bad humor....sorry!

The "New" Thing

I can't wait to introduce this form of communication at work. "Hey...Chris $%Slap&*...how was Sunday?" Okay, maybe not so much....


The New Thing



Add to My Profile More Videos

My worst flaw.... (or at least one of my worst flaws)

This semester has been the worst ever. Not so much due to an overload of homework, projects or work. I think it's because of Senioritis. Now, years past, I always regarded senioritis as a myth or a personal issue that some people had. But, now I find myself having no motivation to do anything. I mean, it has gotten to the point where "C's" actually are becoming more acceptable to my academia. This has got to be my worst flaw...

Senioritis is a term used colloquially in the United States and Canada to describe the decreased motivation towards studies displayed by students who are nearing the end of their high school or college careers. It is typically said to include slowness, procrastination, apathy regarding school work, and a tendency towards truancy. Many of these high school and college students find themselves in a type of lame duck situation: their plans are made and a new chapter in their life is about to begin, so finishing the current chapter (the current term separating them from graduation) becomes just a formality or "holding pattern."

Bowling for stolen bikes...

Yesterday we had our "Bowling-4-Friends" event. Here are the highlights and lowlights:

Highlights

• Bowling is tons of fun
• Students actually brought friends this time
• We had an 80's theme
• Good times hanging out with students

Lowlights

• Half of the students who signed up, showed up
• A student got his bike jaked in front of his face
• Driving around the neighborhood looking for the thieves
• No leaders showed up (except me and the JH intern)

As I mentioned before...what makes an event a more appealing than others?

This is funny stuff

The Good Word

Add to My Profile | More Videos

Quite Time

In my pastoral ministry class I have to turn in a weekly overview of my quite time with God. Basically, I am to state how the "Lord spoke to me during the week." Each overview is worth ten points.

Now explain this to me, how does one receive a 7/10 on a quite time? I mean it's MY time with God. What happens and how the Lord chooses to communicate with me is completely subjective. There is no textbook that states that "this HAS to happen in order to have a quite time with God." How can a professor judge whether a quite time is worth 5, 6, 9, or 10 points? Wow, I can't believe this!