Yesterday we sat amongst a beautiful people worshiping a wonderful God and Savior. During this time of worship we were led in a song that really made me think. I wish I remembered all of the words to share with you but I don’t. I remember singing the words as I really begin to ponder the meaning of them. It spoke of having a heart for others and loving others, and how we all come before God equal. One of the lines went something like, “Our mouths are full but our spirit is empty…”.

As I began to really think about those words and how there are so many people in the world in need while we sit so pretty in the land of plenty. We sit back in the comfort of our “fullness” thinking we’re okay or that we’re pretty good, or worse, we’re better than… The words of Christ spoken through John the Revelator in Revelation 3:14-20 came to mind. Within these words came this message to the church of the Laodiceans…”Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’ and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked…”

How these words also can be “to the church of the Americans…”

Lord may we fall out of love with ourselves and truly fall in love with You and with people. May we buy from You gold refined in the fire that we may be rich; and white garments that we may be clothed and the shame of our nakedness may not be revealed; and may our eyes be anointed with eye salve, that we may truly see. May our eyes be opened to and may we be moved with compassion by the “least of these” in our world.

I always try to visit the site of people who leave me a comment. After my last post, this person left a comment and as I viewed their site I found an interesting entry. I have read books such as Dave Kimbell’s They Love Jesus but Not The Church which touch on this subject but this comes straight from the heart of a college student who is experiencing, living, and seeing this on a constant basis.

“It seems that a lot of adult ministers are facing a dilemma in the world.  Christianity and church are running becoming increasingly unpopular in my generation.  I can attest to being one of the many who doesn’t go to church very often.  I believe God, however, but the God I see being represented in the media is not the God me and my peers believe in.  In addition, the cult like atmosphere of church makes us uncomfortable.  We are a generation of freedom, not restriction…”

This probably isn’t “earth-shattering” news for some of us but it is definitely important for us to know and understand if we desire to make a difference. This is an entry from a college student about the way their generation views the church and why interest in the church in this age group is waining.

To read the rest of this entry click here.

I love teens, I love students, I love young people…I love building relationships with them, mentoring them, ministering to and with them.

I just have one quick question…Is it possible to be a youth minister and have a “successful” ministry without providing all of the bells and whistles; all of the frills and thrills?

It seems there is always the pressure to produce a bigger and better show than the guy down the street. We have to have this or that or the students may not want to come back. Where does this leave us and what does it do for the students themselves?

Is it possible to have a ministry that would be considered “successful” by just preaching the truth, mentoring students, teaching them God’s word and life principles? By building relationships with them and guiding them in the right direction. By incorporating them into ministry and giving them opportunities to serve others and showing them what it means to love God and love people?

I know the answer lies in balance but what I see more than not is a compromise to the end of the “best show in town”.

Share your thoughts if you are willing?