What if God Says No?
This is a question that I recently asked some students in our ministry. I would love to hear your thoughts on this. Click here to engage in the conversation.
BASEBALL IS HERE!
That’s right! Spring is here and so is baseball. When you live in Northeast Ohio, the coming of baseball season means that warmer weather should be approaching soon…at least by June 
Anyway, after last season’s roller-coaster, how will the 2008 edition of the Cleveland Indians look? After last season’s bitter ending (1 stinkin’ game from the World Series) Tribe fans have to be hopeful. Yes, the Indians didn’t do much in the off-season, and yes the Detroit Tigers became a potential offensive juggernaut with their off-season, but here are a few high hopes for the Indians this season:
- 48 Travis Hafner — he lost his swing late last season, but the “pop” seems to have returned to his bat this Spring. He’ll have to do some damage in order for the Indians to make some noise in the playoffs.
- 24 Grady Sizemore — a borderline 5-tool player. Grady’s combination of speed, power, average and defensive-genius make him one of the premier outfielders in all of baseball.
- 13 Asdrubal Cabrera — a late season call-up, Cabrera finally brought some excitement to the second base position…as well as more youthful promise for the Indians of the future.
- 55 Fausto Carmona — a 19 game winner and era of 3…enough said.
- 52 C.C. Sabathia — a contract year for the 2007 Cy Young Award winner. Is that optimism I hear coming from Cleveland? This could be a special year.
So yes, the Indians begin their season tomorrow. I think this is it. A championship could finally make its way to Cleveland this fall. If not, there’s a saying in Cleveland, “wait till next year!”
There’s nothing better than baseball in the Spring. I can’t wait! Go Tribe!
The Gathering
Just a quick question for those of you who work with students: When do you have your “main” large-group gathering and what do you do at that gathering? Our main gathering for students (middle & high school) has changed over the years…several times. Currently, the main gathering is on Sunday (2 different services) mornings. This gathering encompasses 3 main components: large group teaching, large group worship (communion and music led by our worship leader and band) and life groups (small groups broken down by age group and gender). This gathering lasts 90 minutes and we try to make life groups the focus for at least 30 minutes (we need to give them more time and are making adjustments to do so).
What Will She Look Like?
As my wife nears the due date of our daughter (you STILL thought I was going to slip-up and reveal her name? Not a chance!) I’ve had a lot of time to just think. Lately, I’ve been imagining her looking a lot like her mother…dark hair, long legs and gorgeous. Seriously though, do I want that? Do I want a bunch of High School boys knocking on my door 15 years from now? I mean, I work with middle and high school boys now. I WAS a teenager. Oh man, do I really want that? How would I handle that?
Good Friday’s Lamb
Today is Good Friday and a chance to reflect on the amazing sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Often times Jesus is referred to as “the Lamb of God.” But, what does that really mean? Why would Jesus be associated with this kind of animal?
Who Are These Guys Podcast — Avoiding a Competitive Spirit by Learning to Define Success
Tony Steward and the guys at the “Who are these guys podcast” recently had a great conversation on avoiding competition in the Student Ministry world by properly defining success. Listen to this episode here.
Over the past several years my team and I have really struggled to define success. Why? Because it’s hard to measure life change in numerical terms. God has led us away from strictly trying to build a crowd. And, so often, people in ministry are evaluated and driven by numbers. In the struggle to focus more on living missionally and true discipleship, less focus has to be given to numbers. So, what defines success for you in ministry? Recently, our team wrote down this question: “Are captives coming and are captives being set free?” Something else we try to focus on: “How many kids are serving?”
Leave some comments about how you define success in ministry.
He Preached His Own Funeral
“He preached his own funeral.” This was a statement made by our Senior Pastor, John, at a recent funeral. John was describing the man’s life, legacy and godly character. This statement has haunted me the past several days. Why? Because I wonder what kind of legacy I am leaving. Thoughts race through my mind, “Am I truly leading my wife?” “Do I spend enough time with Jace?” “Am I really home when I am home…or is my mind somewhere else?” “Do I truly care about the students in my ministry and invest in them relationally and spiritually, or does the program consume me?” “Am I truly Christ-like?” “Does my life bring and preach the Good News and the Resurrection?” “Am I learning enough?”
This funeral was amazing. The stories shared were funny and touching at the same time. Really, this man’s life proved to the world that he was a great disciple, husband, father, grandfather, church member and employee. I was inspired at a funeral, but I also know the amount of work it takes to be true disciple and good husband and father. May God grant me the courage to love God with all that I’ve got, love people, follow Jesus, love and lead my wife, invest in my children, and help lead the local body of Christ.
