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This year my good friend Seth is running the chapel at MarkhamWoods Christian Academy… Its called “the eXperience”… The X factor in the experience is Jesus. Now let me describe to you this environment… There are 35 students. School chapels do not grow. Its not like youth group.. You are stuck with the same students all year. Thats a challenge because every week you communicate to the exact same group of students. This will make you get highly creative.. I recommend that everyone in ministry preach to a private school chapel. It will stretch you to no end. Make every effort to communicate to a group of people who think they have it all figured out. Make every effort to preach to those who grew up in the church. They will pull out your creative juices..
Let’s be honest, being a leader can be an awkward challenge… I mean we have to have some awkward conversations. There are people who are so willing to serve but have no clue what they are doing… As leaders we must have the conversations that may cause tension. But I would take awkwardness for a moment over a lifetime of hidden frustration. Have the conversation today so that you won’t be frustrated for the rest of your life. I am learning to have the awkward conversations..
Every year youth pastors take their students to the District Fine Arts Festival. Here are 7 items that you want to have with you this weekend.
1. Advil or IB Profin: Friday and Saturday are very long days… There is a lot of talented people in the Pen Florida District but there are also some entries that may cause your head to pound. Having access to pain meds will be a great help…
2. Water: Though your students may disagree, water is needed to keep them hydrated and awake. Some entries will be performing outside under a tent where it can get pretty hot pretty quick. You should always pack enough water for the group.
3. A battery operated music player: It might not help but many students enjoy practicing up until the last minute. So support them by being prepared with a small battery operated music player.
4. A business card: You meet tons of people at Fine Arts. Staying connected is a vital part of your ministry. Design a sharp looking card so you can stay connected with everyone you meet.
5. Multiple Copies of the Schedule: MAKE COPIES! You will loose at least 2 of them. Instead of bumming a schedule every 3 minutes, bring an extra copy or two to be prepared.
6. FLIP CAM: Forget the days of a massive brick of a camera. Go to Target and buy yourself a FLIP CAM. They get the job done. It fits in your pocket. It shoots in HD.
7. Patience: Life is NOT fair. Fine Arts is NOT fair. Times and Schedules will always change. Be patient. Be Christ-like.
This Wednesday we will be taking a new step at The Verge Orlando… The Holy Spirit has impressed upon my heart to really pour into these students a specific message. A message that is going to shape the way we see ourselves. One that promotes unity and growth. Where our past has no hold on us and our future is decided by God an our obedience to His Spirit. We determne the outcome of our lives. We hold the key to purity. We have it within our reach to see our generation come to Christ. I am excited to see what is going to take place in the lives of the students at The Verge Orlando…