'Twas a Short Break

Just thought I'd write to let you all know I haven't fallen off the face of the planet. Things have just been quite busy lately - and to be frank, I've kind of lost the zeal for maintaining my online presence that I once had. Besides, so much has been happening in the 'real' world that I've had little time to think about my blog, forums, chatting, and so on.

Anyway here's a little update: Things in our youth group are going well. It was a challenge to pick things up after being overseas and having school holidays, but this last week I've been able to catch up with some young people I haven't seen for a while, which I was stoked about.

I've also got a job in a local nursing home; I really enjoy it actually, more than any other paid job I've had. It feels good to be able to save a bit for the future too; one of these days I'd like to be able to buy a house!

So I thank God for the past few months - there have been some crazy challenges and a few surprises on the way (not all of them pleasant), but I know God is working in this city. He is positioning people and linking us together in preparation for some great things that are going to happen here. One thing we should do:

"... Be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray."

1 Peter 4:7 TNIV

A Holy Ghost Strategy

You have been assigned to lead a new youth ministry. Where do you start?

The last few months I've had so many ideas, and I've had so many ideas suggested to me, about what I can do with the youth ministry next year. I could read this, watch that, talk to him, meet with her, set up this program, run this seminar, and so on, and on and on. When we start from scratch, there are so many options. We could do anything! So where should I begin?

I've been asking God for a strategy. I refuse to simply copy what the growing churches are doing, or to follow the recommendations of the latest book. I want a strategy that is from God, for our church, in our city, that addresses the needs of our community.

During the last week I've had phenomenal times with God, particularly during a local youth conference. And God has shown me clearly; begin with what is most important. Don't go running around wearing yourself out, start with the one thing you must have before any growth will happen.

That is, teach the young people to seek the face of God. We have about three to half a dozen young people associated with our church. The first thing I am going to do is teach them to pray, to cry out to God for our city. Why would we start with anything else? I believe God will grow the group simply by us seeking God and learning to live and minister in the power of the Holy Spirit.

When we have this happening, only then will we begin to develop strategies and programs to reach the young people. And I can tell you, these strategies will be spot on in terms of effectiveness and fruitfulness, because they have been given to us by God as we have committed to seeking his face.

“One thing I ask of the LORD,
this is what I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD
and to seek him in his temple…
My heart says of you, "Seek his face!"
Your face, LORD, I will seek…
Teach me your way, O LORD;
lead me in a straight path…
be strong and take heart
and wait for the LORD.”

Psalm 27:4,8,11,14 (NIV).