Down the Old Dirt Road

Before we being today, here's news from my beloved friend Lisa Jewett, who many of you have been praying for:  "Update- a second CT scan showed some more spots in my lymph nodes so they cancelled surgery. Going to start chemo this week. Please continue to pray. I know this is not a surprise for God and He still has this, but for my humanly form this is all overwhelming. Thank you again for all your prayers. May God receive the glory from all this."  So please keep praying. We love you, Lisa.

Over my 6 years of writing this blog (as well as in conversations with friends) I have often bemoaned the fact that my journey down the #NarrowRoad was sidetracked by my own sins. And it was- that's a fact. Since that time it has often felt as if I am wandering in the desert- "like a complete unknown, like a rolling stone." But lost in my confession is the assumption that life would have continued on for me in the same direction it was taking me back in 2005. And deep inside that thought is the idea that my life would have been better that way. Certainly living a "normal" life as a youth pastor, working in a local church and having a professional ministry, was what God has in mind for me before I messed up and threw it all away. Of course that was the plan, right? All I had to do was keep it in the highway and let God use my life the same way He always had. That way everybody wins...right???

And then yesterday I had a friend say something that, on the surface, sounded completely ridiculous to me. In response to yesterday's post about praying for miracles he told me that he often wondered if I realized my ministry on this blog and through social media was reaching more people and having a greater impact than my youth pastor jobs ever had. I'm sure my jaw dropped a bit. It just sounded so wrong. I mean, when I worked in churches I was on God's super highway, in the trenches doing the work God had called me to do. We did great (and sometimes spectacular) things in the name of Jesus. Out here on the interwebs I just plod along, like a farmer driving a tractor down an old dirt road. Sure, every now and then my writing might make a difference. But not like my ministries before...

My friend listened politely to my ramblings and then called "BS." He pointed out that on this so-called dirt road I am connected and offering guidance and hope to people from all of the ministries I served as youth pastor- and all at once! He reminded me that old friends- such as himself- who had fallen off my radar almost completely during my days of professional ministry are now not only back in my life, but connected in much deeper ways. He asked me at which of the churches I served had I been able to unite people from all over the world in prayer for those in need. He reminded me that there is a good chance that EVERYDAY  my writing reaches someone who needs to hear it- including people I don't even know. He finished by pointing out that this new ministry gives me more opportunities to share life and to share Jesus with more people than anything I ever done. Now don't get me wrong- I loved every minute of my life in student ministry and I KNOW the things we did made a difference. I treasure those 28 years. But this was a new thought...and I was dumbfounded. Because he was right.

My next thought brought me straight to this series of posts about the #NarrowRoad. As usual, I have been oblivious to the obvious. God takes us down paths we least expect, often the ones we would never choose for ourselves. I messed up in a big way, and that did change the direction of my life. But held in this new light and given this different vision, maybe the interstate highway was never meant to be my #NarrowRoad. It's called narrow for a reason- not everyone travels it. God used the foul circumstances I created to give me a new map and a new road to follow. Yes, it's off the beaten path. And yes- I never asked for directions so I've been wandering a while. But maybe- just maybe - while I was wandering God was creating in me a new passion and a new ministry. God was pointing me down this old dirt road the entire time, because He knew that's where I'd grow closer to Jesus. I can see that now. It's a blessing to me, because so people I love seem to live right along this road, and it is a place where we can continue to share life together. I realize now that we have, in fact, been in ministry together these last 6 years right here on the pages of this blog. Now if we could just find a friendly little country church along the #NarrowRoad (where the doors swing wide to welcome!) that we could all attend together and sing the great praise and worship songs of the 1990's and early 2000's every week.  Ahhhh- that would be heaven on earth!!! 

Because of Jesus,

Plow the Road

In November of 2000 I attended the National Youth Workers Convention in Atlanta. This was my first convention as Youth Pastor of the Union Church of Hinsdale, and I accompanied by David Knecht. David, some of you may recall, was the head of the search committee that brought me to UC. He was a man in his forties who had built and sold a computer company, and now had lots of time on his hands. He was giving that time to serve God, and especially the youth of UC. I liked David a lot and was glad he was going to his first NYWC. Funny story- we were to stay at a Marriott in Atlanta for the convention, and when the former CEO of Marriott, who was a member at UC, found out he wanted to upgrade us to a luxury suite. I said no thanks, explaining to him that youth workers staying in a luxury suite would be the targets of many jokes and quite possibly an investigation...

As David and I flew to Atlanta, settled in to our meager accommodations (HA!) and begin to explore the NYWC, a question that had been nagging me through my first 8 months at UC came to the forefront of my mind. Why had David not applied for the job I now had? He knew the people and culture of UC that so frustrated me; he was one of them. He clearly loved Jesus, students and student ministry. At the convention he was like a kid in a toy store; everything amazed him! I recognized it in him because it had been true for me for so many years. He soaked up everything. I introduced him to many of the legends of youth ministry, and he was a little starstruck. He loved the seminars, the speakers, the music- everything! And to complete his experience, I made sure he got his first ever Chick-fil-A sandwich. David. like so many before him, was now addicted to the NYWC.

At some point during that week I had a chat with an old friend, who had knew me well and who had been in ministry a long time. I shared with him some of my frustrations, and specifically my thoughts about David being the right person for the job I currently had. As we talked, Todd reminded me that 15 years earlier I had taken a job with the New England Yearly Meeting of Friends. After a short time at that ministry I had similar feelings about Chris Jorgensen who had volunteered years with the youth there, only to see me get the job she wanted. I realized when I left NEYM that God's purpose for me there had been to prepare things for Chris. I was there 9 months, and then she got the job and served them brilliantly for many years. Like a snow plow on the highway, sometimes our ministry is just to plow the road and clear the path for someone else. John the Baptist did it for Jesus. I had done it for Chris. And now, my wise friend was saying, maybe I was at UC to get everything set up and ready for David to succeed. It was, in many ways, a hard pill to swallow. I had moved my family thousands of miles so I could be a "star." I had gone to UC to be a closer, not a set-up man. But those were my reasons. Perhaps God had a different design in mind. 

And that is exactly the way things turned out. Less that a year later I left Union Church and without even forming a search committee the church gave the position to David. He served there for a number of years, doing wonderful things with the youth and the community. It is so tempting to look back on my days in Hinsdale as a failure. But it is also a wonderful thing when you know you have been used by God for His purpose. And that is my prayer on this Sabbath day- that I be open to whatever God has in mind for me next. Whatever the road that needs to be plowed, I want to be the instrument Jesus can use to get it done. I hope that you will pray along with me.

Because of Jesus,

"Astonish people with the love of Jesus..."

Ephesians 3:20- God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us. (The Message)

A report was released a while back with information from a religious census that was very interesting. Among the other items in the report was a study of the 51 metropolitan areas in the United States with more than 1 million residents and their church attendance habits.  The city with the largest percentage of worship attenders was Salt Lake City, Utah. Number 51 on the list was Portland, Oregon. Then sliding in at number 50 was my home base of Tampa Bay. We ranked behind Las Vegas. More people go to church in "Sin City" than in Tampa Bay. That is not good news.  In a separate study, Tampa was ranked as the most stressful place to live in the United States.  As I heard one lady say in response to those two facts, "maybe they're stressed because they don't go to church!"  Hmmm...

This past weekend at Van Dyke Church (it's a large United Methodist church, although "Methodist" is seldom used to describe it!) Pastor Matthew Hartsfield unveiled a new initiative called The 320 Project.  Having worked in churches for nearly 30 years, I am always a bit skeptical of big new "programs" or promotional events.  But this one, based on the scripture from Ephesians 3:20 found at the top, blew me away.  It is a vision and means for taking Jesus to Tampa Bay in a bold new way- by doing everything possible as a worshiping body and then trusting the impossible to God.  And I for one could not be more excited!

The stated mission of Van Dyke Church is that "we connect people to a life changing relationship with Jesus Christ." Van Dyke has always been about loving people in the name of Jesus and connecting members to each other.  That's why the church has grown exponentially in the past 20 years, with over 3000 in worship on many weekends. As Matthew introduced The 320 Project on Sunday, he gave us 5 core values that will take the church into the future seeking to be bold for God.  As he said,"If you cut us, we bleed this stuff. And we are willing to give our time, talent and treasure to display these values to a broken and hurting world in need of Jesus."  Here are those core values:

1. Daring Faith- We are innovative risk-takers, praying and acting boldly, expecting God to create supernatural breakthroughs.
2. Fearless Service- We are action-oriented servants, pushing through all obstacles to astonish people with the love of Jesus. (AMEN!)
3. Passionate Excellence- We relentlessly give our best to honor God and inspire people.
4. Extravagant Generosity- We are adventurous givers, bravely sharing our resources to punch holes in the darkness with the light of Jesus.
5. Unshakeable Focus on the Future- We make outrageous investments in the next generation, raising spiritually heroic children and youth.

From there Matthew highlighted 7 points of the vision that is springing from the process that is The 320 Project. Among them were an outpouring of prayer, every member in ministry and mission, programming for at risk kids and the special needs community, a Leadership Center, irresistible facilities for children and youth and a wave a new worshipers coming to Jesus. I am not part of the staff at Van Dyke (they are paid to be good, while I am good for nothing!) nor am I part of the lay leadership. I am just a praying peon in pew. But this project moves me.  It speaks to what the local church ought to be.  It is a big vision, a big dream- and only possible with God. Which is the way it ought to be...

Most of my readers do not attend Van Dyke or even live in Tampa Bay. So why am I telling you all of this? First of all because I know that so many of you are pray-ers, and I am asking you to pray for Van Dyke and for Tampa Bay, that God will use this effort to cause a great move of the Holy Spirit in this area. And secondly, to challenge you to pass it on.  What is it that Ephesians 3:20 can mean to your church? What are the big dreams you need to dream and big prayers you need to pray so that God can do things work through you to do what seems impossible?  I think it's time for churches everywhere to do something unexpected and amazing and "astonish people with the love of Jesus." Bring on the Jesus Revolution!!!

Because of Jesus,

A Blurry Vision

"Are we human?  Or are we dancers?  I'm on my knees looking for the answer..."  - The Killers


I have spent a lot of time lately thinking about how we complicate Christianity.  I read several articles and blogs over the past few weeks that left me feeling (more than ever) like we've replaced following Jesus with political posturing, business meetings, Christian celebrities and inane theological debates.  I've had a couple of conversations with friends about the stagnation that occurs when churches count on leadership by committee rather than the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.  The more I read and chatted, the more frustrated I grew.  And finally, on Wednesday, I found myself joining some friends in lashing out with cynical and sarcastic Tweets.   Here are some of the worst- many of them directed at fellow fed-up Christ-followers...

• A friend offered his opinion that church choirs seem outdated.  Now I have sung in many such choirs, but my response to him was this bit of sarcasm:  What??? Outdated? Have you not seen the rush to purchase church choir & organ music on I-Tunes? :)
• Every time I mean to type the word "Methodist" I instead type "methodsit." Coincidence? I think not....
• Q: How many church leaders does it take to change a light bulb? A: CHANGE! Who said anything about change!
• My friend Robert tweeted this: They would have to have a committee form a committee to see about that committee, then the final committee answers.  I responded: LOL I think I have served on that committee in 4 different denominations!!!
• I'm feeling very anti-establishment this week- in case you can't tell! LOL
• I think I need to overthrow something. :) You know, a coup'd'etat of some sort. Just need a target! Suggestions?
• No, you guys are safe. It's the people doing business & politics in the name of Jesus that need to duck... grrrrr
• YO, Leadership Gurus: Christian leadership's not about how U lead, it's about WHO U follow. If that's not Chapter 1, then I'm out! #Bazinga

I think you get the picture.  I was in a bad state of mind.  But also from this plethora of negativity came a vision for something very cool.  The vision is still quite blurry, but it's taking hold of my heart.  And here's how I introduced it to my Twitter followers: I think I'll start a new event in Tampa next Feb. No meetings. No famous speakers. No cost. Just Jesus, worship & the beach! :) Who's in?  

About a dozen friends responded over the first 24 hours with excitement- and several requests for reservations!  It seems that I am not alone in my frustration.  People from all over are excited about Jesus and irritated with the institution of the church.  They want to see the teachings of Jesus restored as the central message of our faith.  Just like on the hillsides of Galilee all those years ago, they want to gather with other Christ-followers and share with one another.  And maybe- just maybe- God is calling us to gather groups to explore what the church would look like if we actually lived out Acts 2:42. What would a community of faith look like if we simply loved God and loved each other like Jesus commanded?   Like I said, the vision is still blurry.  So here's what I need from you- all of you!  Pray for me and for my blurry vision, and offer your insights and feedback- positive & negative.  I love the church, and I want to do everything I can to restore it to what God wants it to be.  If this is a path God has chosen for me to follow, then I want to dive in head first and stir things up for the Kingdom.  If not, then I will eagerly await any opportunity to change my little corner of the world in the name of Jesus.  In the words of Third Day, "Don't give up faith, don't give up hope.  There's always something better waiting around the corner..."  Praise God for that truth!  Have a blessed weekend.

Because of Jesus,

Ego Goggles



The youth leading worship at Promiseland

 Wesley Memorial UMC in Tampa was a wonderful church when I arrived there in 2001, and I loved the 4 years I spent as their Director of Student Ministries.  But there was one issue I discovered early on in my time there that put a damper on some of our efforts to make the youth ministry everything we wanted it to be.  The church leaders- those in positions of power- viewed the church as much larger and much more stable than it actually was.  You know how bar patrons are accused of having "Beer Goggles" when they think someone is better looking after a few drinks?  At WMUMC I think we had Ego Goggles.  We saw things the way we wanted them to be so we could be seen as successful.  And perhaps no one had bigger Ego Goggles than yours truly, because no one had bigger dreams that I did.  But I was far from alone.  Let me explain.

There were lots of things about Wesley that were a little misleading to the naked eye.  They had a wonderful children's Sunday School program called Promiseland that was a little over a year old when I arrived.  The staff and the church were exceedingly proud of it.  But in truth, Promiseland had been brought to WMUMC, organized and to a great extent financed by one amazing couple- George and Jennifer Woods.  They had recruited great teachers and other helpers, but it would have never have happened without them.  Another ministry the church was very proud of was called Naomi's Daughters, a weekly meal and program for single mothers.  Again, this was a marvelous outreach and ministry- but the vision for it came from a group of women who did it without any help from the church.  The church provide space and helped provide meals on occasion, but the ministry itself was not a ministry of WMUMC.  It should have been a warning when 2 of the best ministries of the church actually received very little financial support from budget- but we had our Ego Goggles on.

Construction of the FLC

In fact, after salaries were paid and the electricity was kept on, there was very little money for actual ministry included in the church budget.  This only got worse as the efforts to build a new Family Life Center increased the financial strain.  I was excited about the FLC.  It would have a youth room (which we did not have) and a full gymnasium (which no one in the community had) and in my mind, through my Ego Goggles, this building could make Graceland THE place for student ministry in northwest Tampa.  I didn't pray about needing it, I just prayed about getting it.  I didn't really even think  through all of the ramifications. I just wanted that building.  So did our pastor the other church leaders. And so, over the loud cries of long-time members who could see without Ego Goggles, we built a multi-million dollar building for a church that already had precious little money for ministry.  I was about to find out in the summer of 2003 that just because the church budget said that there was money for youth ministry didn't actually mean that there WAS money for us to use, or that I would be able to use it in the way I saw fit.  People who had no idea what student ministry was about were getting ready to tell me how to do my job.  For really the first time in my 25 years of working for churches, the financial tail was getting ready to wag the ministry dog, and I wasn't going to like it.   To say there were going to be some issues is the understatement of the year... (to be continued Wednesday)

Because of Jesus,

The Youth Week Cruise: One Last Day

We've toured the world, had a lot of fun and explored our faith in new and exciting ways, but eventually every Youth Week- even an imaginary one- must come to an end.  It's Friday, our final day at sea before it all ends on Saturday morning.  But before it all ends, we have one final, amazing day and night to spend together.  Here is your schedule of events:
On-Board Activities

10 AM-  Bible Study-  Come to the Youth Room and we will explore the story of Jonah and The World's Worst Cruise.  Discover how God can use you in places and ways you would never dream of.  (SPF 75)

12 noon-  Lunch and Pool Party-  Meet at the church and we will shuttle over to Dr. Jill's house for a leisurely afternoon of poolside fun and fellowship.  Sandwiches will be served, and we will see (as we often really did back in the day) how many people we can fit in her pool- and house.  We may even sing some Karaoke to see if we can scare her neighbors!  (SPF 20)  You can be picked up at the church at 3 PM.

5 PM-  Rec Around the Clock-  Our Worldwide Cruise wraps up with our signature event.  Arrive at the church hungry and rested, because it is going to be a HUGE night!  Here we go (this schedule would both exhaust us all and break the bank, but in my imagination it is completely possible!):

• It's off to a final dinner party at Miyabi/Kyoto (who have just re-opened in time to hold a private party for their favorite group- right?)!  The rice will be piled high as we eat until we can hardly move.  But move we will, as we head for stop #2...
• We'll visit the Florida Mall for one of our infamous Scavenger Hunts, including the always embarrassing Search for the Pink Panther!  Winning team gets vintage 2003 Graceland t-shirts and a can of SPAM!
• From the mall we head over to Springfield Friends Meeting (I know it's in NC- but for this night time, distance and location do not matter- only dreams!) because it is the best place ever for playing SARDINES!  The many rooms, twisting stairwells and hidden closets make for incredible hiding places. Plus there is some chance it is haunted (The Ghost Room)! We will also work in a few games of Kick the Can in the Graveyard (which unless you were with me at New Garden or Springfield you never got to play).  And the games are just beginning...
• It's time for Midnight Disco Bowling!  A RAC staple for many years- in fact, I don't know the last time I bowled when it wasn't midnight or later!
• SLURPEE BREAK!

• We're back at the church where a huge surprise awaits us in the Chapel.  It's Real Worship, Real Late & Real Loud, featuring the David Crowder* Band!  They will blow the roof off the place, and we will get a final Save the Humans message from old friends Cathy Thacker and Darin Miller.  SPF 200 - at least!!!
• Then we are off to play Laser Tag, which always seemed so high-tech back in the '90's.  Now it is just fun to play when you know everyone in the room and get to shoot them- like we will!
• It should be around 5 AM by now, which means one very important thing- the Hot Doughnuts NOW sign is on at Krispy Kreme!  And we will make every effort to eat them all!  Breakfast is served!  YAY for exclamation points!!!
• Now that we have a good sugar rush going, there's no need to stop, right?  I said RIGHT?  If you still need help staying awake, a little 6 AM Ice Skating should take care of the trick.  If you can't wake 'em up, FREEZE 'em, I always say.  Plus there will be full-body ice sliding.  NOW you are awake...
• We wrap up the night by heading down to the Lake Toho shelter and singing a song or two and sharing in our prayer circle together.  And for anyone who remembers the last time we tried this so early in the morning, I promise no mosquitoes. After all, this is all in my imagination anyway!

And we are done.  Quite a week, huh?  I don't know about you but I am worn out.  But just like with all of the real Youth Weeks, I would do it all over again in a heartbeat.  As for my original query about getting adults excited about church again, I still have no answer.  But maybe, just maybe, if we were to approach adult ministry with the same outside the box thinking it takes to draw youth to the church then our churches would be much stronger.  Adults get side-tracked by business and politics.  With youth, it's all about building relationships, and it is all about Jesus.  It's just a thought.  This blog will return to regular programming tomorrow.  Thanks for letting me live out TW3.

Because of Jesus,

Port of Call: Africa

Blessings to everyone who commented yesterday- feel free to leave more today!  It's Day 5!  Thanks for hanging in there readers, only one more day left to survive in this weird, wild, wacky fictional Youth Week!  Yesterday and today could have easily happened; I would not expect anything that rational from tomorrow's Rec Around the Clock schedule!  If none of this makes any sense to you, I suggest going back and reading That Was The Week That Wasn't.  It may not help much, but it's a start!  :)

We travelled all night while you slept, and apart from having suffered the righteous indignation of Teresa Reep Tysinger for not mentioning her in yesterday's blog (I forgot she and Cyndi were born in Hawaii) it was a safe journey!  We have arrived early this morning at the mysterious continent of Africa.  Here is what your Thursday will look like:

Port of Call:  Africa
7 AM-  You have two excursions to choose from this morning. Both are exciting, and each lets you choose a part of "Africa" to explore.  You may only choose one:

A)  Tubing on the Ichetuknee River- (You can just pretend it's the Nile) Enjoy a 3-hour ride into the deepest wilds, where you will be given a tube and thrown into a freezing cold river for a slow ride through some of the prettiest country you will ever see!  You may spot exotic wildlife in its natural habitat.  You are almost certain to see many of the natives (we call them "rednecks") screaming, hollering and drinking beer.  After floating for a couple of hours you will be relaxed and amazed at how much Africa resembles northern Florida.  A picnic lunch featuring authentic hamburgers and hot dogs from Nambibia ( I have no idea what that means) will be served, and then you can take another crack at the river.  Did I mention the river is cold?  You will return to the church around 6 PM.  (SPF 25)  Or you can choose to...

B)  Busch Gardens, Tampa-  If the wonders of nature and cold water are not your thing, then perhaps we can interest you in a roller coaster and some wild animals!  Busch Gardens (with its African theme) features both, and you will have a day to check it all out.  Ride the Montu, Kumba and SheiKra.  Explore the animal exhibits and see the shows. Then ride those killer coasters one more time!  Lunch will be provided by Mel's Hot Dogs, a Tampa landmark located next door to the park.  You will also return around 6 PM.  There is not much spiritual value here (SPF 10) but I know some of you will be praying on those coasters...

6 PM-  Those of you who spent the day exploring will be joined by those who stayed on the ship and took naps for dinner with the Captain and his pet gorilla!  Moe's Southwest Grill will handle the catering (I know Mexico is not in Africa; but I don't care!  It's time for Moe's!), and you will learn about ways you can make a difference in the world through a presentation from Compassion International.  Plus the showers in the gym (YES!  Finally, we have a gym!  In Kissimmee we almost built one, but didn't.  In Hinsdale we almost built one, but didn't.  In Tampa, we built a perfectly good one that we couldn't use for two years- until after I was gone.  So dang straight my dream week has a gym!!!  Sorry- had to get that off my chest!) will be open for those of you who still smell like the river.  Because we are not done yet!

7 PM-  (In my best Michael Buffer impression) Let's get ready to worship!  Our Disney Video Moment comes from The Lion King.  The Drama Team will present the skit The Circle of Life, featuring the return of the world's worst Crocodile Hunter!  Then there will be awesome music and worship, featuring the great Tony Campolo delivering the message The Kingdom of God Is A Party!  And you'll have a chance to commit to serving God by serving others by sponsoring a child through Compassion International. (SPF 100).  It will be quite a night.

Sleep well, my darlings- for tomorrow we don't sleep at all!  It's time to Rec Around the Clock!

Port of Call: Antarctica

Welcome to Day 3 of my fictional ultimate Youth Week, based on a week I planned 3 different times and never got to do.  To understand what I am up to, check out That Was The Week That Wasn't.  To understand me- well, good luck with that!

It's Tuesday, and we have a very special day planned for our cruisers!  It's a long day, so just jump in and hang on!

Port of Call:  Antarctica
9 AM-  We'll gather at the church and take "shuttle boats" over the coldest stop on our trip- Antarctica!  You probably knew that there would be ice and penguins and snow- you may not have known there would be totally awesome water slides as well!  That's right, we will spend the day at Disney's Blizzard Beach.  You can zoom down the Summit Plummet, float on the Cross-Country Creek, ride the Downhill Double Dipper or just hang out and catch some rays.    Blizzard Beach will rock, and you will not want to miss it!  It's going to be an awesome day, so be sure to bring your sun screen, your towel and a change of clothing because our trip to Antarctica includes one more stop.  (SPF 10)  We will get back on the shuttles at 5 PM and head over for a very special night...

5:30 PM-  Our "shuttle boats" will then take us to a restaurant hidden deep in the heart of the frozen continent- or better yet, to Planet Hollywood!  We have the third floor reserved for a private party (This ridiculous idea is one I actually explored.  We could have done it.  I would have had to sell all my possessions, both lungs and a kidney...), featuring dinner, a skit on Thawing Out Our Chilly World and a special musical guest.  The night then wraps up with our old friend Curt Cloninger performing his one-man show, Witnesses.  You'll meet characters, real and fictional, who knew Jesus when he walked on the earth.  It's fun, it's moving and it will make you want to know that same Jesus even more!  Plus there is all the fun that is Planet Hollywood!  It is going to be an amazing night.  (SPF 100)  The shuttles will return you to the church at 9 PM.  Then go home and get some sleep.  You are going to need it...

Port of Call: Australia

Happy Labor Day, and welcome to Day 2 of my fictional ultimate Youth Week, based on a week I planned 3 different times and never got to do.  Confused?  Go back and read the posts from the past 2 days.  Still confused?  Then I can't help you...

It's Monday of the Youth Week Worldwide Cruise, and we are at sea!  Enjoy the day with some great adventures during the day and our exotic location in the evening. Here's the schedule:

On-Board Activities:

9:30 AM-  Meet at the church and we will head over for our annual Putt-Putt Masters Golf Tournament at Walt Disney World's Fantasia Gardens course.  This is your chance to compete against some of the worst mini-golfers in the world, including 1998 Festival of Fools champion Adam Hill (pictured at right).  You'll play in 4-person teams with a "Best Ball Captain's Choice Scramble" format, and the winners will take home vintage 1999 "Comin' At Ya' Like a Blitz" t-shirts!  How great is that?  You can use golf words like Par, Fore and Bogey that you seldom get a chance to drop into everyday conversation.  The golfer with the lowest score will take home the coveted Purple Jacket.  Plus we will have a Hole-in-One contest and several other surprises. (SPF 10)  You can be picked up at the church at 12 noon if you need a nap after all of the excitement, or.... 

12 noon-  You can join us for The Lunch Bunch!  We'll be going to Pizza Inn for the incredible buffet (Yes- I know Pizza Inn is in High Point, NC, and this is taking place in Florida.  You still aren't getting that this is my dream week and EVERYTHING is possible!) and lots of great fellowship.  And after all, what is a cruise without food!  Be sure and try the cherry "pizzert."   We'll be done at 1:30 PM.  (SPF 25)  And then it is on to our first port of the trip...

Port of Call:  Australia
7 PM-  Our first stop on the Save the Humans worldwide cruise is the land down under!  Join us in the Youth Room and we'll play some Australian themed games (Kangaroo Hop Technicolor Stomp, anyone?) and make our very own Vegemite sandwiches. Our drama team will present a skit featuring the world's worst Crocodile Hunter, and we''ll have a Disney Video Moment with The Rescuers Down Under.  Our friends from Gatorland will stop by with some friends for us to pet, and the good people of the local Outback Steakhouse will provide some snacks for us.  And the night will end with music and worship featuring a message from all-time favorite guest speaker Duffy Robbins, entitled Real Christians:  An Endangered Species.  Bring all of your friends and come join us.  We might even throw some shrimp on the barbie...  (SPF 75) 

 Be sure and join us tomorrow as we lift anchor and head for another exciting port!

Welcome Aboard!

I hope you all are ready- it's time to launch the Youth Week that never happened!  Join us on our cruise every day this week.  For more explanation, see yesterday's post.  Be sure and click on comments at the bottom of the post to let me know which events you "plan to attend."  And remember- it's a dream week, so we can do anything I want to!      :)

"One hope, baby- only God can save the humans now..."

The Youth Week Worldwide Cruise departs today!  You will not want to miss this fictional adventure with a different Port of Call each day, as well as many festive On-board Activities!  Plus each event will come with its own SPF rating- that's Soul Protection Factor!  The higher the number, the more spiritual the content.  Here is the schedule for Sunday:

6 PM-  All students and their families are invited to join us for the Captain's Dinner in the Fellowship Hall, featuring catering by Fat Boy's BBQ!  This is a great opportunity to meet your crew (Youth Ministry Team) as they serve you dinner.  You can also connect with passengers you may not yet know as we play some dreaded Name Games.  It's a great time to get your passports that serve as tickets for the rest of the cruise.  And did I mention it is all-you-can-eat?  Plus have your picture taken with a very special guest- and it's not Jerry!  Then be sure and stick around for an evening of entertainment.  (SPF-10)

7 PM-  We set sail and celebrate with a Bon Voyage Party!  The evening will begin with a concert from our favorite Slinky players- Lost And Found!  You'll hear Lions, Slide Girl, Baby and many other classics!  Be sure and come dressed in blue- 'cause that's what slide girls do!  A skit featuring some of your peers will follow, helping us introduce our theme and scripture for the week for the week.  Our scripture comes from 1 Thessalonians 2:8- "We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel, but our very lives as well, because you have become do dear to us."  This amazing evening will wrap-up with the improvisational antics of CPR- Carl, Pete and Ringo (I know they broke up 5 years ago, but this is my dream week, so shut up!)!  You and your family and friends will become part of the show, so don't miss out on the fun.  Plus there will be prizes and surprises galore as we set sail on our week-long adventure, going worldwide to Save the Humans!  It's all over by 9:30.  Join us- and Stein Auf!  (SPF-35)  See you tomorrow!

That Was The Week That Wasn't

The real end of summer- Labor Day- is right around the corner, and I have been thinking a lot about all of the summer ministries I was involved in over the years.  Beginning in the late 1980's (see The First Youth Week) I included a Youth Week in every summer that I planned.  The week always had a theme, and always featured at least one event each day.  It most often began with something at the church on Sunday evening and ended when Rec Around the Clock finished on Saturday morning.  It was always one of my favorite weeks of the year, both in the planning and the execution.

In September of 1999 my future at FUMC-K was a bit up in the air, but I was still expecting to be there the following summer.  The year 2000.  It seemed like it should be big deal, and I began to formulate a plan to make Youth Week 2000 the most amazing ever.  We had always joked about taking a group cruise; I began thinking about a cruise themed Youth Week instead. But then life happened and I left in March of 2000.  Fast-forward to late 2004.  I was the speaker at Youth Tremors, a post-Christmas camp for students held at Quaker Lake.  My old friend Tim Vestal, who coordinated the event, used a cruise theme for the long weekend.  It reminded me of my previous plans, and upon my return to Wesley Memorial UMC I began to put together a special Youth Week for 2005.  The theme would be the 2004 Ian Eskelin song Save the Humans (you can hear it at the top) and we would "tour the world" with the message of Jesus.  I wrote scripts for skits, and we even went to the beach and made our very own Save the Humans video, which I hope to someday be able to show you.  Once again life intervened, and I left WMUMC in late May of 2005.  Again my plans went unused.  In January of 2007 I began to prepare a scaled-down (but still cruise themed) Youth Week for the students of Trinity UMC.  But due to my own sin and stupidity, my career ended in February, with the plans already in my computer.  Three times I tried, and three time I failed.  Clearly, that was the week that wasn't (TW3)!

Those of you who know me know how much I hate to give up on a good idea.  Some might refer to me as stubborn or hard-headed.  I prefer persistent- especially when it comes to the things of God!  In any case, I have decided to share TW3 with my readers over the next week.  That means this blog will be a little weird- for one week it will be fictional!  I have combined some of the original elements from FUMC-K with some of the ideas from WMUMC and TUMC (and some brand new stuff!).  What you get in the end is a killer (if outrageously expensive) dream Youth Week Worldwide Cruise as it might happen in the Orlando/Kissimmee area today.  I know it would not have been realistic, but hey- I can dream, right?  So don't get hung up on the facts- just enjoy the ride!  I will write of each day's events just like I would have in a summer brochure if we were actually doing it- so feel free to sign up for the events you like!  :)  And it's all free!!!  This little experiment is my way of taking care of some unfinished business.  For you, I hope it will remind you of the excitement of looking ahead to great youth events.  This may be even more fun now that you are an adult...

As I have planned this blog event, one question keeps popping into my somewhat mushy brain- How do we get people as excited about church as adults as we all used to be about events like this one?  All input is appreciated.  Now get excited, and tell all your friends- Youth Week 2010 begins tomorrow!

Because of Jesus,

Unexpected Results

Many of my earliest experiences in youth ministry came as a direct result of my involvement with the North Carolina Yearly Meeting of Friends.  In many of the older posts on this blog you can read how that group of Quakers shaped my life and influenced me in many ways.  In 1999, having been away for 5 years, I was asked to return to NC to speak at Young Friends Yearly Meeting, a statewide gathering of middle and high school aged Quakers.  It turned about to be an amazing weekend- but in ways that were totally unexpected!

I planned to take a group of students from FUMC-K with me to Guilford College for the 5-day event, but God had other plans.  The weekend before we were to leave on a Wednesday, I was bitten by a Brown Recluse spider, and my leg turned purple and blew up like zeppelin.  I was able to make the trip, but unable to drive, so I went by plane and had to leave the youth at home.  I was very disappointed, as I wanted them to share in this event with these people who had been so important in my life.  In truth, I should not have gone either.  My leg was a mess, I had very little energy, and just walking was difficult.  But I went anyway...

The first few days are just a blur in my memory.  I remember getting to play guitar with Martha Ratledge Farlow for the adult Yearly Meeting session honoring Quaker Lake.  I remember speaking and leading music for the Young Friends, and feeling terribly uninspired about my performance.  Nothing felt right or seemed right, and I felt like I was disappointing those who were counting on me.  On the final night of the event, I had been asked to speak at a gathering of Friends at a meetinghouse in western NC.  All of the youth and adults from the Yearly Meeting sessions had been bused in, plus there were numerous other adults joining us as well.  I had prayed and struggled over what to say to this gathering for weeks in advance, and now it was show time.

Quakers are a remarkable group, full of tremendous spiritual depth and historical significance.  They are also a fiercely independent group, and it is often difficult to get two Quakers to agree on anything.  Tradition is not only an important part of who Friends are, it is often the battlefield on which the strongest discussions take place.  I had decided to try and nudge this group into the 21st century.  I talked of being Roaring Lambs, of allowing our lives to speak to others in the name of Jesus at work, on the ballfields and in our communities.  I spoke of being willing to take risks and to quit being a denomination that insisted of protecting the past when it might be limiting the future.  I told the story of the confident Polish generals in World War II who sent their strongest battalions to the border to face down the invading Germans, fully expecting that they would win the day.  The Polish soldiers- on horseback- met their enemy head on.  The Germans- in tanks- rolled past them and conquered Poland.  I wanted these Friends to realize that regardless of history and tradition, Quakers could not ride into the next millenia on horses while the world attacked with tanks.  The message of Jesus is the same today, yesterday and forever. How we communicate and deliver that message has to evolve, morph and change so that it reaches the ears of those who need to hear it.  Many Friends, young and old, stood to speak to the truth of what I had said, and the worship was quite deep and emotional that night. God was present, and the Holy Spirit was speaking to us all.

In the hours, weeks and months that followed I was told over and over again how God had used me that night.  The audio tape of my message became a popular item, and old friends I had not seen in years contacted me to let me know how much they appreciated the things I had said.  I spent so much time that week trying to figure out why God would allow that spider to bite me.  I wasted time feeling sorry for myself that things were not going as planned.  But in the end, God used the one thing I turned completely over to Him to His glory and helped me understand why I had been called back to NC in the first place.  We should never forget this basic truth- God is good all the time...

So the event that almost didn't happen became one of the signature events of my entire ministry.  Who knew?  Besides God, I mean!   Be sure and join me tomorrow as my son Will joins us as a guest blogger and takes a look back at movies from the summer of 2010!

Because of Jesus,

The Vern Dome

Just Me & the  Dog, Day 6-  Conner has officially given up on Will and Marilyn ever coming home.  He is no longer laying on Will's bed and looking out the window for them.  At least he is sleeping until 7 AM every day, which is spoiling me big time!  We shared some ice cream last night to cheer him up a bit...  Less than a week to go!

In 1996 the youth ministry of the First United Methodist Church of Kissimmee immersed itself in strategic planning.  This is a process through which you develop a scenario of what your dream ministry would look like in 5 years, and then through a process of refinement and voting select two or three aspects of the scenario that you will work towards in the coming year.  One of the things that came out of our planning was the need for a "gymnatorium" at FUMC-K.  Our idea kicked off a whirlwind of discussion at the church.  The staff began planning how such a facility would benefit our school, our child care center and our congregation.  Church members were buzzing with anticipation.  Architects were brought in to draw up plans for the building, a new vestibule (gathering area) for the Sanctuary and a walkway that would connect it all.  There was a ton of excitement.  There was a need.  The big question, of course, was how would we pay for it...

Even before we were first discussing the idea during our strategic planning session, our dear friend and faithful bus driver Vern Watson had announced that when he won the lottery, he would buy us a gym.  His only demand was that we name it after him.  I wrote an article for The UMYF Enquirer in February of 1996 encouraging students and parents to come to the meeting at which we would introduce the scenario and vote on our final goals.  Accompanying that article was the picture you see on the left- an artist's (you will see Miss Take got the credit, but yeah, it was me!) rendering of what we had come to call The Vern Dome.  That little drawing and article stirred up huge discussion not only in the youth ministry but in the church as a whole.  I ran into a church member in Albertson's one afternoon.  This was a lady from a wealthy family; in fact, her family had just a few years earlier given over $600,000 to pay off the debt on the church's administration building (see Video the Bishop).  She told me that she would be VERY supportive of a gym facility with a raised walking track for business men to use at lunch and for senior citizens to use anytime.  I went back to work and told Rev. John Willis we needed to add a walking track!  It was an exciting time.

FUMC-K never got their gymnatorium.  A variety of circumstances (money, problems with the city and failure to include the raised walking track among them) prevented it from going forward, and it finally died for good after over 2 years of work with the pastoral change that brought in the Grinch.  The amazing facility plans that a wonderful staff (John Willis, Debbie Davis, Jill Augenblick, Andrew Lewis and more!)  had labored on went to waste.  But if the day ever comes when they do build a gym, I will be there with my picket sign, demanding it be named The Vern Dome.  I hope all of my faithful readers will join me on that day! 

Because of Jesus,

The Birth of SHO-Time

When you work with a large youth group like the one we had in Kissimmee, you spend a tremendous amount of time figuring out ways to make it feel smaller.  You develop programs, create new events and seek ways to get small groups of students together so you can have a chance to build community and relationships.  In early 1996 I began to think about ways to give our high school youth more opportunities to get together without those "pesky middle schoolers" hanging all over them.  I decided on a once a month program that I called SHO- Time.  This Senior High Only event would be simple.  We would pick a restaurant, gather for dinner, and just hang out and visit.  It seemed like a great idea, and eventually it was.  But it got off to a very slow start...

The first SHO-Time was held February 29, 1996.  I thought meeting on Leap Day would make it memorable and unique.  I advertised the event with every means available- our newsletter, post cards and our Youth Group Hotline (847-XLAX).  There seemed to be a buzz, and I was excited.  We decided on Chi-Chi's Mexican Restaurant (now defunct; I miss that place and especially their Cancun Seafood Burritos!) because it had good food and a great party atmosphere.  Marilyn, a very young Will (age 1.5) and I showed up excited for a great dinner with wonderful people.  And we waited.  Finally, the crowd began to arrive.  The "crowd" was named Connor Lewis (pictured at top with Teresa Reep and Hamp Sessions in NYC- Teresa loved SHO-Time and used to pick the restaurant we we were going to visit next!).  He was both the first and last to join us.  We had a great time (although I am sure Connor felt a little awkward being the only one there) and I just wrote the low turnout off to it being a first time event.  But the next few months brought more of the same.  Lisa Kraus joined us one month; others were in and out.  But Connor was faithful, coming most every month.  He kept talking abut how much fun we had.  And eventually, the idea caught on.  As the years passed (and not just in Kissimmee; I did SHO-Time with every group I served through 2006) it became a signature event, something the high school kids looked forward to every month and that middle school youth couldn't wait to age into.  SHO-Time became a place to bring friends, and where some of the kids who didn't come to youth group on a regular basis felt comfortable.  We went to a lot of great restaurants in the Kissimmee area over the next few years, with Rio Bravo Mexican Restaurant and Planet Hollywood being among the favorites.  Every month brought a new opportunity for the students to hang out with each other and for me to hear what was on their minds.  I know I looked forward to SHO-Time every bit as much as they did.

I have been digging through some of the old newsletters from my days at FUMC-K, and starting tomorrow I will spend the next few Saturdays looking back at some headlines and stories from the UMYF Enquirer.  Get ready to laugh!

Because of Jesus,

A Slice of Paradise

My first 6 months in Kissimmee had a little something for everyone.  For the youth, there was a busy summer schedule and a great Fall kick-off.  For the Youth Counselors there were a couple of retreats and pizza rolls at every meeting.  For Jill Painter, there was the fact that I was older than her and that I had the wisdom to buy new ink pens for the youth room- trust me, this was a big deal to her!   And for Marilyn and I, there was a trip to the Bahamas!

Spanish Wells is a tiny island (that's it at left) that is a part of the Bahamas chain of islands.  In the early '90's it had no tourism and was populated almost entirely with Anglo-Saxon lobster fishermen.  The island was quite wealthy, but was a magnet for hurricanes.  After once such storm a mission team from FUMC-K had flown down to help repair the island's Methodist church.  The team had fallen in love with the people and the church, and a sister church relationship began between the two.  Pastor Bill Higgs from SW and Pastor John Willis from FUMC-K became fast friends, and plans were made to have more interaction between the two communities.  I arrived in Kissimmee as these plans were being finalized, and very quickly Marilyn and I learned that we had just won a lottery!  Bill (at John's suggestion) invited us to fly down and spend Labor Day weekend 1994 on the island, leading workshops in Christian education, youth ministry and parenting teenagers.  They would buy our plane tickets and pay me for my efforts.  We were headed to the tropics- and it was free!!!

We flew to Ft. Lauderdale and board our plane to Eleuthera, another small island in the Bahamas.  Spanish Wells had no airport, so we would land in Eleuthera and then take a ferry to SW.  We boarded a very small plane, with two pilots and one or two other passengers- and it was full.  Too full, in fact.  Because of the weight of the passengers (OK- the weight of me- I have never been small but I was huge at that point!) they could not get our luggage on the plane.  So we spent our first day in paradise with only the clothes on our backs.  But it was wonderful.  The island is tiny; you can stand on a hill in the middle of the city and see the ocean on both sides.  The people are wonderful.  You feel like you are a part of their families immediately.  Bill and Lauren Higgs were the perfect hosts.  And the church (above at right) was so responsive and loving.  The workshops went very well; eventually our clothes arrived.  And while we were there it was determined that we would return with our youth the following July to lead a Vacation Bible School for the island and its' four churches, and at some point they would bring the youth from their church to Kissimmee for Youth Week.  A vision had been established.  Teaching had been done.  The entire trip was a smashing success. 

There are not many perks in the youth ministry business.  Aside from all the pizza you can eat and the wonderful people you serve, you give more than you get most of the time.  Our weekend in Spanish Wells was certainly a perk.  Eating conch, lobster and mango with every meal is something I could get used to.  Waking up to an ocean breeze, a gorgeous sunrise over the ocean and the smell of "Johnny Cakes" would be easy to live with. Swimming in crystal blue water, listening to stories of "craw-fishing," and visiting the Higg's amazing home on a bluff overlooking the water were all things I could have spent a lot of time growing accustomed to!  We hated to leave.  I would only get to return once; it was Marilyn's only trip to SW.  But we knew we had discovered a little slice of paradise, and that the students we loved would love it there.  And they did- but those are stories for another day!

Because of Jesus,

That's A Wrap

At the conclusion of the Floridays 1990 experience- after the trip, the banquet and all of the work that followed- I took the slide of the group picture I had taken in the Great Hall underneath Cinderella's Castle and had it blown up into an 8x11 picture.  The picture was taken around midnight our last night, and the entire group is in it except for myself and Robin Thomas (he was also taking pictures.).  I had it framed and hung it on my office wall at Springfield.  I also hung it every office I had after that.  It is currently hanging over the bed in our guest room.  I was going to scan it and post it here, but I discovered after almost 20 years it is stuck to the glass of the frame, and to remove it would destroy it.  And I can't do that.  I did, however, take a picture of the picture so I could post it here.  You can't really see much of the group, but the symbolism is important.

Why has this picture always been so significant to me?  After all, this particular Florida trip is only the second best Disney trip I ever led (the 1993 WDW trip is my favorite trip ever!).  Overall, it would rank sixth or seventh on my all-time list of favorite trips.  So why is it a picture from this trip that has always been on display for people to see?  The picture has always reminded me of what can happen when we seek God's will and are faithful to God's vision.  It reminds of how the youth ministry of Springfield Friends Meeting changed in a three year period, going from 5 my first Sunday to 20 on the first Disney trip in 1987 to 60 on this trip.  I look at the picture and see so many lives that were touched by God through our TNT program and wound up in Florida as a result.  We invited Jesus to be a part of our student ministry, and He showed up in a very real way.  The trip also represented a changing of the guard in our ministry.  The youth who had taken us to a new level were aging out, and a whole new batch of incredible young people were assuming leadership .  The next four years would be amazing.  I cannot overstate the significance of this trip as a wrap-up to the  first four years and the beginning of whole new world. 

Tomorrow I am going to rant a little bit about why so much of USAmerica sees Christians not as Christ-followers, but as "Jerks for Jesus."  I hope you'll be here.

Because of Jesus,