think about various topics you would like discussed when brad comes in January.. I would like to drop him a list of topics before he gets here maybe we can persuade him to help with the beginnings of policy manual for the youth ministry..

even if you already know the answer and of course i assume you know most everything but you just want to make sure it is discussed so every one will be on the same page.. that is a great way to clarify assumptions.
new topics could contain..
.. how or if we should regulate the internet access at church for the youth..
.. What to do if a kid says NO and wont budge.. (can we budge them?)
.. What if they come with booze on their breath.? or dope ? or obviously under the influence of something?
.. Who do you tell a kid not to come back and when would you ever do it.. or would you?


hmm some thought provoking topics

Who is responsible for getting more pop? and taking care of the money.. ?? barb tired taking the money upstairs and it ripped and made a big (*very hillarious) mess. we enjoyed the giggle.

not a slam just wondering we are down to gross diet stuff.. ickky. also what about the candy any ideas i am going to sams should i pick up some candy for you? let me know..

Leading by Example:

Talents, Gifts, Charisma can only lead so far. And that distance is quickly approaching.. We need to stop focusing mainly on techniques but look to creating an overflow. We are only able to minister out of our overflow in the Lord.

George Burns once said. :”If I can fake Sincerity I have got it made”.

To expect in others that which you are not living is the apex of hypocrisy. Unfortunately Christianity is more than certain acts. It is more than worship, prayer, witnessing, being nice, more than teaching or living pure. Christianity is a lifestyle of relationship to and with God.

If we want our followers to become something then we have to already be that thing. We cannot lead where we have not been. If we want radical worship, intense prayer, witnessing and a deep desire to know and follow Jesus … are we and do we do those things?

My ministry is based around my call, my effectiveness is based around my depth of relationship with Jesus. Prayer life is simply communication with God. Times of intense intercession are the outcropping of those ‘talk times’.

If we have a vision for the youth are we as leaders living it now? Or do we want to live our Christianity vicariously through them. We are not living it,... but it would be so cool if they did? Is our ministry a success only if they perform in a way that reflects good on us? Regardless of those who follow you your first and primary focus has to be on your relationship with Jesus. We are first and above all sheep then leaders or shepherds second.

I once went forward and a nationally knows prophet of God said I was wanting things that I was not living.. I was projecting an image basically that was not reality. Oooouuuccchhh..!!!

That public humiliation changed my life.. he was truthful I had been the golden boy relying on my gifts, talents, charisma and base knowledge and not on the depth of a love relationship with Jesus. Several years ago John Halvorsen came to here and said God wanted me to become intimate with him. (it scared me because I didn’t know how.. I am loving my new relationship with Jesus.) I cant explain it other than we do what we have seen. But true ministry that changes lives is not mimicked. But it comes from the root of who we are.. Where God lives.. Is it a small room with lots of trapping about God or is it a Large expansive room with a resident living God?