We're back!

Well, needless to say, it has been a crazy past 2 weeks for me. With papers and tests taking place with classes, mission trip planning, Metamorphosis planning, and being on the road speaking, things can get pretty hectic! Here's a few updates for you:

This past weekend I had the opportunity to speak at Super High Retreat at Camp Willow Run. God really did an amazing work in the lives of these students. We had a couple of salvations and 7 students who answered the call to ministry. One of the amazing things that I feel often gets overlooked at Youth Retreats is the relationship aspect. Most of the churches who were at the retreat were from smaller churches who don't have Youth Pastors. That means that 90% of them are led by parents or adults in the church who really care about their students.I prayed that God would begin to break down the walls between these students and their leaders all weekend, and that's exactly what He did. These adults are the ones who will get back on the vans with them, go back to their communities with them, and live life with them. I wanted to set these leaders up for success when they returned home. Youth Pastors, hear me in this please. Don't make the mistake that thinking the Youth Ministry revolves around US. God has placed us in the position to build up leaders within the church to carry out the work. Begin equipping parents, college students, and YES even Senior Adults to do the work of the ministry. If you really want to reach students with the gospel, begin equipping others to use their gifts to serve the body for the "common good."

I also just finished reading a couple of books that are well worth the read. With the lack of free time for reading available for me outside of Seminary books, these two are well worth the read. I attempted to fit these books in during the weekends and at night when I just didn't have much going on. If you get the chance, pick up a copy of "The Deliberate Church" Dever/Alexander and "Living the Resurrection" by Eugene Peterson. Both of these books are worth your time, you may not find yourself in agreement with everything that Peterson says, but still an outstanding book overall.

If you are in the area and still want to bring your students to Metamorphosis'07 "Illuminate," there's still time to sign up! Just get your sign up forms in by this Friday.