10 years

Tomorrow is May 23.  10 years ago on May 23, 2002, I moved into an apartment in Yanceyville, N.C. to begin my life as a youth pastor.  I can't believe that I have been at it for that long.  I have been through many things and learned so much about teenagers, about parents, about churches, and about life.  I wish I had time and words to express all that I have seen and learned but alas as two large trips approach that time does not exist.  Here's to another 10 years and many more.

Ups and downs

So I know it's the nature of my job but having a high one night followed by a night of disappointment stinks. Last night I was so proud of my youth as they served the homeless community of Knoxville. They handed out clothes, served food, collected trash and helped clean up. Many talked about how it opened their eyes to the world around them. I felt good. I felt like the lives of our group was impacted. Then tonight there are those that don't understand the need to keep their commitments or to even show respect. I am very disappointed. It's as if my efforts (and the efforts of those who were helping me) didn't matter at all. Way up and then back down. Emotional rollercoasters are typical for teenagers but unfortunately since my world is so interconnected with theirs I go through similar rides. Sometimes I long to get off the track. But from the down, I know I will go back up.

What if people treated church like television?

So I started thinking the other day and when that happens it can be scary. One thing that has bothered me a lot lately is Christian apathy when it comes to worship alongside other Christians in church. So here's where my thoughts went...

What if people treated church like television? I have been an avid E.R. watcher for years and am now hooked on Law & Order. Some of my youth are hooked on Lost and American Idol. Whenever we are together and someone is missing their show, they talk about it and bemoan the fact that they aren't able to watch it. The lucky fans are the ones who can TiVo the show or record it to their DVR. As soon as they can, they get back to their television to catch up on what they missed. And it never fails that after the show the fans find other fans and talk about what happened, what they liked, what they didn't understand, and what they didn't like.

What if there was as much passion about worshiping together as there is about watching television? What would the church look like if people wanted to do everything possible to not miss the worship time? If people had to miss a service, what difference would it make to have them trying everything they could to find out what they missed? At the end of worship what impact might it have if everyone found someone else to talk to about what happened and what they liked and what they didn't understand?

I am bothered by the fact that there is much more passion surrounding television shows than around the worship of God. On Easter everyone comes to church for their dose of God for the year. On EVERY Tuesday night millions of people gather around a screen to watch Biggest Loser. So what if people treated church like television?

But what if the church was like television? What characteristics would it have? Would it be like the Hallmark Channel that shows only the old tried and true shows? Would there be so many reruns that everyone watching know what's coming and if they miss the show it won't really matter? Like I said earlier I watch Law and Order. For those that don't know there is the original and Special Victims Unit and Criminal Intent. All three keep me interested with new storylines and twists and turns. But there was a fourth spinoff that didn't survive (Trial by Jury). When that show didn't work it was scrapped but one character was moved to the original Law and Order.

Churches so often create new things that don't end up working but are afraid to cancel it. They don't learn from the mistakes. Sometimes churches should shut down programs that don't work but take the elements that were good and find a way to use it. Maybe churches should find a way to keep a common thread but do what it takes to keep people intrigued and coming back for more. Maybe churches would do good to take some tried and true shows and combine them with new and exciting shows. What if the church would be like television?

So, a few random off the wall thoughts. What are yours?

Lent, Holy Week, and Easter

Lent ends this month. It is now time to celebrate Easter! But before we get to Easter Sunday, I think we need to look at a couple of things.
-What have you learned during Lent?
Did you learn that it is hard to give up things that are special to you? Hopefully you have been able to focus on the repentance that is the purpose of Lent. For those worshipping in The Road I hope you have learned something by examining ourselves as we came to the table each day. As we move out of the season of Lent, what have you learned that you can carry forward?
-Prior to the joy of the resurrection on Easter Sunday morning, we remember lots of pain. Jesus endured so much during Holy Week. From being lauded as the Messiah on Sunday to being betrayed by a friend on Thursday to being brutalized and killed on Friday. We usually enjoy celebrating but it makes it much easier for us to not dwell on the events leading to Jesus’ resurrection. How does Jesus’ suffering impact your life? Do you always remember that Jesus was not required to go through all this? He decided to do it because of his love for you and me.

As we move forward into the Sundays of Easter, learn from what you have been through and remember what Jesus went through. It will make your understanding of the resurrection more meaningful. Christ has died! Christ has risen! Christ will come again!

The Island

On May 23 I stepped onto the island. Some days I am on the island alone. Some days I have company. But it always seems that i am on the island.

My first experience on the island was my first day of youth ministry. I moved into an apartment in the middle of a neighborhood that wasn't very nice/safe/fun. The apartment just seemed to be convenient for the church. I spent the summer learning to deal with living alone and working in a way that I never had. The youth ministry of a church is important but usually get attention only when something goes wrong. It is an island. Some people find the bridge over to the island. Some come out of concern for their children. Others come out of concern from the church. And even a smaller few come out of a personal concern and friendship. During the first two years on the island I experienced some of both but continue to travel with those who came out of concern for me.

I continued to learn about the island as I moved to a new place of ministry. Looking back, I realized that my island experience was completed by having an office across the street for the church. As long as my side of the street was silent my island was left alone. Not even the pastor traveled across the bridge. Living and ministering from the island is difficult. Youth will usually come to your island as long as you love them. I love youth because I love helping others who are on their own island.

I have recently started reading youth ministry magazines. One talked about how youth ministers live life on an island. I now have terminology to put with my experiences. Those who join me on my island mean the world to me even if they are only there briefly. I find myself occassionally with the feeling of being alone on the island. I have many that cross the bridge to my island. Some know more about my island than others do. Others don't have a clue about my island but they at times seem to touch me more than most.

I guess this is how life is for many people. They are the only ones that really know what it's like to be them. Some people try to reach out to them but most just keep allowing the island to exist. I hope that we never destroy the bridges that allow people in. Though I live on an island you are invited to join me.

Back to the blog

It has been forever since I've posted a blog. Over a year. Much has gone on in this last year. I think that it is fair to say that the next year of my life is going to be much busier. Church has been interesting. Thankfully we can finally move forward and figure out what life will be like with only 3 ministers on staff. I have now been in Knoxville longer than I have been at any other church. I can't believe that I have been in youth ministry for almost 7 years. Several times I have thought about trying to do more writing and reflecting on the things that I've gone through during those years. Maybe if I can keep blogging some of the stories and lessons will spill into this space. Looking back at this last year it seems typical. Looking forward to the next year I see new challenges and experiences. Here's to new things in life.

Christmas Wishes

Given that it is Christmas Eve it may be a little late to be making a Christmas list but here we go anyway. There are many things that I could wish for but the following list contains those things that I want the most.
1. I wish for the peace that only God can bring. This peace is for all those who are hurting and in pain because of things that have gone on in their lives.
2. I wish for all youth everywhere to understand how much God loves them and wants them to succeed.
3. I wish that I could find some time to start a regular workout routine.
4. I wish that I had more time to spend with my family.
5. I wish that I can find a way to have a greater impact on more lives.
6. Oh yeah, I wish that I could be a better golfer (I have to have at least one impossible wish)

Merry Christmas to all and to all a goodnight.