Shine

Commuting for Jesus

2012-01-23T13:44:00.000-08:00

Between the comments feature on here and on Facebook, my last blog got a record number of responses (six, I think). The leads me to believe I ought to elaborate a bit on some things I mentioned somewhat briefly in that post. Actually, I'm only going to unpack one thing: My new job.

I have taken a position as the Director of Communications for First Methodist Houston. The astute blog reader will immediately recall that First Methodist Houston was my employment home before this change. That is correct. If you are scoring at home, that is two job changes and three job titles at the same church in the last 12 months. A couple of observations about that, first, and then I'll tell you a little bit about my new role, if you're still with us by that paragraph.

Observation No. 1: I am incredibly blessed to work at this great church. And no, I'm not writing that because several people from said great church might glance at this blog. I am blessed because I get to serve at a place that has given me an opportunity to do different things, all of which I feel passion for and a sense of call to. For three years, I was the youth pastor, and anyone who knows me knows how important a mission field I believe the American teenager to be. That, and I really enjoy amusement parks. In one form or fashion, I have been engaged in ministry to young people for over 15 years, and I still plan to speak at the occasional retreat. Moving on, last year I got to work with adult small groups and Bible classes, and found much reward in that, especially in starting a new class myself. And now, I have a new opportunity. I'll tell you more about that in a second.

Second observation about changing jobs. Houston is gigantic. I mean HUGE. I knew that already, but when you take on a job 30.7 miles from where you live, that fact takes on a lot of flesh - and concrete. There are about four million people in Houston, and I am pretty sure all of them are on the Katy Freeway each morning the same time I am. Actually, the last two workdays I have taken the bus to work, and that's been pretty cool. Still a pretty big time-commitment, but much, much less stressful. I have listened to music, sent e-mails, tweets and texts, Facebook'ed (a lot) read the news, slept and stared out the window mindlessly. Even the four-block walk from the bus stop to the office is not bad, as I feel a sense of satisfaction over exercising a little bit. I guess I'm a full-blown commuter now, which has made me a fan/advocate of mass transit.

So that's a little about some of my first impressions on changing jobs. Now, on to the specific job. I am providing leadership for First Choice Ministries. First Choice is an extension of First Methodist Houston that oversees the TV production (our downtown worship service is broadcast live on KUBE at 11 a.m. each Sunday), the audio-visual needs at both campus and all the internal and external communications (website, magazine, advertising, promotion, etc.).

It truly is a job that combines two things I love: communication and ministry. The TV production is a bit intimidating (according to the church website, we've been broadcasting since 1956 and it is the longest-running televised worship in the nation ... no pressure), but thankfully we have extremely talented people doing a great job with that. I will do my best to learn as much of the technical side of the job as I can, but mostly my role will be to set those talented people up for success each week. What I will have a much more hands-on role with are things like writing, thinking strategically about ministry marketing, and utilizing social media effectively.

I have much to learn, and I'm reading just about anything I can get my hands on (actually, that's such an out-of-date phrase ... really, it's more like anything I can find a link to ...). Two great reads so far, in case you are interested, are here and here. In the spirit of networking, learning and synergy, if you have any thoughts, tips, suggestions, input and feedback about church communication, please send them my way. The beauty of online collaboration is you'll never see me giggle as I read your thoughts, tips, etc.

Just kidding. Of course I covet your wisdom. Bring it on.

It seems to me that this is a duty post that is all about getting the name Jesus Christ into the "public square" as often as possible. Count on me to be at that post early and often.

Unless, of course, the bus breaks down.

The Other Scriptures

2012-01-03T11:19:00.000-08:00

They are a little cliché, to say the least, but still, the concept is a good one. So here are my 2012 New Year's Resolutions:

More tennis. Less fast food. Don't fall behind on my iphone Bible-reading plan. And ...

Blog more than four times a year.

So far, so good. Of course, it's only January 3. Be sure and check back next week.

That kind of pessimism is something I should guard against, I know (perhaps another resolution?), but I gotta tell you, the last 10-months-or-so have created in me an almost default expectation towards things turning out less-than-ideal. Let's re-cap, shall we:

In March, Dad died unexpectedly. His birthday was December 17, and thankfully I was surrounded by family and friends, distracted by my daughter's fourth birthday party and doing Christmas-related things. Still it was hard. So was Christmas. He would have been a 71-year-old young man.
In May, our 11-year-old Golden Retriever Hattie Bear died very unexpectedly. One day she seemed fine and three days later she was gone. Our house still seems very quiet. If I close my eyes and imagine rubbing her belly, ears and back, I can still feel her fur on my hands.
In October, I started feeling sick. I was first diagnosed with Giardiasis and went to the doctor three times for that. Then, two weeks ago I had an endoscopy and a colonoscopy, where it was revealed I had severe Colitis. Good times.

There's also been the almost-daily need of managing Dad's affairs and estate. Throw in a job change (and don't even get me started on that disappointing, under-achieving joke of a football season), and well ... I still respond to "Brian," "BC," and Dad," but if someone said "Job," I might turn around.

Speaking of scripture, I've been blessed to have the opportunity to reflect on, study, preach and teach about hundreds of Biblical passages through the years at four different ministry stops. I try to be thorough, but I am sure just like many of my ilk I hit the warm-fuzzy scriptures a bit more than the, um, less-than-fuzzy ones. For instance, I know if I opened up the ol' files I'd find teaching and preaching over I John 4 ("God is love") several times, along with Luke 15 (Prodigal Son), etc. And who doesn't stand ready to quote Philippians 4:13, Jeremiah 29:11 and Luke 1:37 when the time and place calls for it?

2011 was difficult and challenging, and while I don't really believe my situation compares to Job's, I can relate with many different scriptures than the ones above - the scriptures that speak of feeling hurt, abandoned, confused, lonely and lost, rather than feeling forgiven or freed. Like when David writes about "walking through the valley of the shadow of darkness" in Psalm 23. Or when the prophet Jeremiah says "Oh that my head were a spring of water and my eyes a fountain of tears!"

There is much rejoicing and the greatest news ever told is found within the pages of scripture, but so too is much human heartache, despair and sorrow. That's just one of the reasons God's Word is so amazing: It is real. Believe it or not, even these scriptures - actually, especially these scriptures - have been a deep source of comfort and reassurance for me during 2011. God did not give up on David or Jeremiah, and He kept His promises to all His people. He'll do the same for me. As I mentioned in a previous blog, one passage in particular has really spoken to me the last year. I love how it contains both a cry of sadness and words of promise and assurance:

I well remember them,
and my soul is downcast within me.
²¹ Yet this I call to mind
and therefore I have hope:

²² Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed,
   for his compassions never fail.
²³ They are new every morning;
   great is your faithfulness.
²⁴ I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion;
   therefore I will wait for him.”

²⁵ The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him,
to the one who seeks him;
²⁶ it is good to wait quietly
for the salvation of the LORD. (Lamentations 3:20-26)

So I continue to cling to those words. And because of those words, I have hope. More than hope. I have God's promise of God's never-ending love and faithfulness, no matter my circumstances or situation.

And, that, dear blog-readers, makes a 2012 optimist out of this 2011 pessimist.

The Other Side

2011-08-11T15:02:00.000-07:00

Last week I spent time working on Dad's house, getting it ready to go on the market.

I was not alone.

My good friend and fellow pastor, Brent Parker, brought a group of teens over to the house for three straight days to help. They were in Midland for "Rock the Desert", a Christian music festival that has grown like crazy the last 10 years-or-so despite the fact that it's in the middle of nowhere and it's usually 130 degrees (give or take). That was certainly the case this year.

Anyway, Brent and his team of missionaries/hard workers helped me clean out the garage and back yard, make about 15 runs to the dumpster, paint two rooms and tear out some rotting sheetrock in a bathroom. You know, just your usual summer week ... nbd.

It was humbling, to say the least, to be on the "other side" of a mission experience. Usually, I am part of the group that is going to do some kind of service or work project. To be the recipient of such work bubbled up all kinds of this-doesn't-seem-quite-right kinds of feelings. No question the work the teens did helped. Oh, Lord, did it help. It was amazing to see all they accomplished in three short days. It did not seem quite right because it has been my experience that the folks receiving such help are usually unable to do it or pay for such help on their own.

'Round about the time I was having such thoughts, though, I also remembered all the times I've been a part of such a project and reminded teens and adults that they were giving, but they were also receiving. I had to remind myself that I was giving those teens an opportunity to live out their faith. They were blessing me, but my hope is that they were being blessed by the experience as well.

I'm pretty sure all that happened. Still, it was hard and humbling. Brent knows me all too well. After we had some pizza for lunch and as we circled up for prayer on the last day the group was there, he thanked God for softening my heart enough to receive some kindness. We're not always very good at doing that, Brent said. Don't know if that's true for everyone, but it certainly is for me.

It seems to me that what I most got from the time (besides an incredible amount of needed work ...) was an awareness that when the love of Christ is freely shared, everyone wins. Doesn't matter what side you are on.

Thanks, friends. Well done, good and faithful servants.

Another Schoolin'

2011-06-17T12:54:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday A&M got beat 23-9 by Florida State in baseball in the Super Regionals. Both teams missed an extra point, I guess.

All that game did, though, is tie the series 1-1, and the team that wins two out of three in the SR round goes to the College World Series. So Monday was a new day. Despite the lopsided score, baseball, by and large, is all about the pitching, and so the game the night before can become ancient history when you have the right guy on the hill.

And we did. Michael Wacha, a 6-6 sophomore right-hander, threw 7 2/3 strong innings, and we punched our ticket to Omaha with an 11-2 win. Very cool. To say the least.

For quite a while now, but definitely since the Lady Ags won the national championship in basketball, whenever I have watched an Aggie sporting event, Kiley, our 8-year-old, has camped out beside me on the couch. She loves watching Aggie sports. I've been amazed, actually, at her attention span, especially for baseball. She's right there for each pitch, and she makes sure if I change the channel between pitches that we're back in plenty of time for the next half inning.

Sunday night, the stakes were really high. It was a winner-take-all showdown for the CWS. That makes me nervous. Really nervous. So here's the little confession ... Sometimes I am so nervous I cannot even watch. I figure I will go do something else, and check in later. If we win - great ... I can watch the highlights online later. If we lose ... well, at least I did not put myself through that. Kiley, on the other hand, just enjoys the moment. Sunday, when we were getting smoked, she kept putting it back on ESPN. She was applauding our defense when we got an out. She was encouraging batters. The score was irrelevant. Me? I was long done with that game.

Now, maybe I could be excused from not wanting to watch a what-turned-out-to-be 23-9 pounding. I've seen a little more baseball than Kiley, so I know coming back in a game like that doesn't happen as often as, say, Haley's Comet. But here's the thing: We jump up on FSU Sunday 6-0 (which I watched), but then I can hardly stand to watch WHEN WE ARE WINNING. I keep thinking they are going to mount this incredible comeback, and I will be miserable. Kiley, as you can probably guess by now, was doing cartwheels, watching the Ags put an exclamation point on a great season with a trip to Omaha.

In Paul's letter to the Philippians, he tells the little church that he loves so much that he's learned the secret to being content in any circumstance: living in Christ (4:12-13). Kiley appears to love Aggie sports as much as I do, but I'm thinking she's keeping them in a bit better perspective than I am. She's just enjoying the moment and rooting for the good guys. Not a bad strategy. I can learn a lot from her optimism. I can learn even more from her faith.

Of course, check in this fall when we're back for more fun, this time at Kyle Field. I will let you know how Kiley - and how I - am doing.

A New Normal

2011-04-15T13:56:00.000-07:00

My dad, Dick D. Coats, passed away on March 1, 2011. Here is a link to the obit.

This is the darkest valley I have every walked, but two things have sustained me. Prayer and scripture.

I cannot begin to express my gratitude to everyone that has sent cards, notes, text messages and Facebook posts. Every single one of those notes has meant a lot, but the prayers that I KNOW are behind all of those words of comforts have given me strength when I absolutely had none. I officiated Dad's graveside service and his memorial service. Before the graveside service, I really did not think I could begin speaking. Later, several people told me they were praying hard in that moment. Even recently, I've received texts that say things like "still praying." To get those six weeks after reveals an amazing level of compassion and love on the part of the sender. "Thank you" seems to understate my response to the Body of Christ that has surrounded and supported me, but thank you.

I spent part of my prayer-journaling and scripture-reading time the last month hitting all of the scriptures that seem to speak to someone going through grief. It has also been a source of strength to be reminded of God's comfort and peace, but I have clung to one passage, Lamentations 3:20-24, in particular:

²⁰ I well remember them,
   and my soul is downcast within me.
²¹ Yet this I call to mind
   and therefore I have hope:
²² Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed,
   for his compassions never fail.
²³ They are new every morning;
   great is your faithfulness.
²⁴ I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion;
   therefore I will wait for him.”

I am definitely still waiting. Since Dad died, everything is fuzzy, and I feel like I walk around in a fog most days. I have made mistakes at work that I do not usually make, and I have had to walk into another room to let the tears flow so many times. I am ready for joy again, but it has been pretty elusive. Yet, like Jeremiah, I do have hope, because I know God's compassions never fail, and I know they are new every morning, and I know God's faithfulness is great.

Someone used the phrase "a new normal" the other day, and it has stuck with me. This period of "waiting" may not end until I go home and join Dad. Actually, I am pretty sure it will not, as lots of people who have lost close loved ones have told me. This is the new normal.

But here's why the Bible is not just words on a page. Even in this waiting - even in the new normal - I have seen God's faithfulness and compassion. Two things stand out:

The fact that I have a family that ccan only be described as a gift from God. Nicole has been so supportive, even as she is grieving herself. She told me one night that she doesn't know what to say, but she's going to hold me through this. She is my rock. And the girls ... Oh, my goodness. I lost it in church one day, and Kiley leans over and says, "I want to pray for you, Dad," and then she proceeded to do just that. Then there's Cailyn. Just by doing her thing, she has been God's grace incarnate. She is really into dancing, and Lord-a-mercy, when she gets going, she is something to behold. Here's a little taste of that:

The other source of grace might seem a bit provincial or strange to many, but watching the Lady Aggies win the College Basketball National Championship was a nice little respite. Those outstanding athletes really brought the words "fight, fight, fight" and "I've seen them win, I've seen them lose, but I've never seen them quit" to life. They showed remarkable perseverance, determination and grit. They simply refused to lose. Kiley watched almost every second of the Baylor, Stanford and Notre Dame wins with me, and I was so happy that she got to see what I thought was the best that sports have to offer. "Your National Champion Texas Aggies" has a really nice ring to it. Dad would have got such a kick out of watching that and knowing how much excitement it was bringing to Aggieland.

So, I just re-read this blog. It occurs to me that this one was probably more for my benefit than for my vast readerships' benefit. This was a good outlet to give words to some of my thoughts. I guess that I have frequently used this space as a personal journal. Thanks for humoring me. And thanks for the prayers.

Those That Can

2011-02-17T16:00:00.001-08:00

Last night, I attended a joint youth ministry-Quillian program called "FIFA" - Faith in Full Action. Our year-around intern, Bert Haynes, usually leads this program, so I don't always attend, but I did last night, for two reasons: It was Bert's last day (he's going to be a full-time youth director in South Carolina, his home), and one of our students, Rob Worsham, was presenting the message, or teaching.

Rob did a great job. One of the things that I think the gathered crowd of 35-or-so children and youth appreciated was its brevity. Rob made a strong point about sharing faith and he did a great job of unpacking the stories of Stephen's stoning and Paul's conversion (both from the book of Acts), but all-told it took him about 10 minutes. This was well-received, to say the least, because that meant an extra game of dodge ball.

I've always thought that when giving messages, preaching and/or teaching, one should prepare delivery just as diligently as one prepares content. Clearly, Rob did just that. I think I am not alone in that belief. When I finished seminary and was ordained, friends and family compiled a notebook with a title page that says "Words of Wisdom." Listen to some of this advice (a "do's and don't" list ...) they gave me about teaching/preaching:

Keep it simple
Talk with the people
Respect people's time
Add humor
Challenge people to think
Relate it to today
Express yourself
Don't have too many points
Don't preach at them
Don't ramble on and on
Don't condemn
Don't spell it all out for them
Dob't focus only on theology
Don't just read it

Great advice, I think! There's definitely a time and place for a goodly amount of reflection and discussion around God's Word, but sometimes we teachers do well to follow Rob's example: Communicate the "big idea" by keeping it short and sweet. Proverbs 10:8 notes that the "chattering fool," after all, comes to ruin!

God, guard us from "chattering," and by your Spirit and grace, let the "Word of Christ dwell in us richly, as we teach ..." In Jesus name, Amen.

Leader Links

2011-02-01T10:53:00.000-08:00

The writer of ESPN's Big 12 Blog has a feature he posts every now and then called "lunch links." It's stories around the country in various media outlets about Big 12 teams.

In that spirit, every now and then I will do my own "lunch links" ... sort-of: I'll steal the "l" alliteration and call it "leader links." These are things I have stumbled upon lately that might be of interest to Bible study teachers and church leaders. Since this is the first time I am doing this (at least in the area of Adult Discipleship ... I've posted youth ministry links before), most of my links are to blogs in general. As I keep doing this and expand my blog readership from 8 (ish) to 12 (ish), I'll link to specific blog posts.

I think Seth Godin has one of the best blogs for leadership. His target audience is secular business types, actually, but church leaders can gain lots of nuggets of wisdom here.
Here are two church life blogs: Stuff Christians Like and internetmonk.com. Both think a little outside-the-box and are even sometimes a little irreverent. Maybe that's a little nugget of wisdom right there: Maybe us church-world people need to take ourselves a little less seriously.
For a good summary of what seems to be the most current thinking in Evangelical circles, you can't do much better than Christianity Today's Out of Ur blog. For a good summary of what seems to be the most current thinking in Methodist circles, there's this.
I pay a little bit of attention to what Donald Miller says and writes, and I pay a lot of attention to what Rob Bell says and writes. Rob does not have a blog (that I know of), so I linked you to his main website. I listen to the podcast of his sermon a couple times a month.

You have any links for me?

Something New

2011-02-01T09:52:00.000-08:00

You can usually tell periods of heightened busyness in my life by a couple of things: (1) I'm so tired at the end of the day that I hurry a little bit through bedtime reading with the girls at 8:30 pm because my bedtime is quickly approaching, and (2) the frequency of my blog posts drops.

If (2) is true, then the last 90 days have been crazy. No blog posts since November 5. It makes sense, now that I consider it a little bit. And here's why:

The Aggies got good. Seriously. Especially during the month of November, I can assure you I was soaking it all in. And by "it," I mean going to texags.com and other similar sites and clicking on all of the various media reports and features on the Ags' wins over OU, Baylor, Nebraska and Texas. A month like that doesn't come along all that often (especially for us), so you will have to excuse me if I was ordering some Route-44's of the maroon kool-aid.

Of course, that did not command all my time and attention. Just most of it. What else has been going on the last 90 days or so? Oh ... not much ... just a NEW JOB.

As we've been saying quite a bit around here, it's more of an evolution than a revolution, but I'm transitioning out of my role as the First Methodist Houston Westchase youth pastor and into a new role as Executive Director of Discipleship. Eventually, I will have responsibility for, lead and coordinate our Sunday-morning adult Bible classes and weekly adult small groups. I will also supervise the children's ministry director and youth director.

So here's why it's an evolution. I'm still directing the youth program. I'm beginning to do some of those other things as well, but until we hire a new youth director, I will be wearing lots of hats. Even more than usual.

I am excited, though. I am convinced the most significant Spiritual growth occurs in the context of small groups of believers fellowshipping around God's Word. I'm already diving into how that is lived out at this church, and look forward to more diving.

And here's the somewhat-crazy part. I actually think this job change will lead to more blogging. I am going to use this space to connect with our leaders and teachers. On a much more regular basis (weekly), I'll post items on here that can equip and assist our leaders and teachers. I might find a blog about leadership, or a particularly powerful devotional. If I stumble upon a youtube video that I know might help a certain class or group or teacher, I will put it here. The items will vary, but the common thread (I hope) is that they encourage and uplift all of the leaders in our Discipleship ministry.

With that in mind, let me know if you find something that seems to fit that criteria. I'd love to post it.

See you soon (er), blogosphere!

The Church of The Office

2010-11-05T10:50:00.000-07:00

I don't have time for things like this, but I am sure if I were to look around the internet today, I could find some musings from Christian types about the television show "The Office" last night. Again, someone should do the research for me, because I'm just guessing here, but I'm thinking some-if-not-most of those musings are probably not positive.

Did you see it? Entitled "Christening," the episode featured Jim and Pam having their baby, CeCe, well ... christened. Most of the 22 minutes was spent in what looked like a mainline-type Christian church (Lutheran?). Again, I suspect some people will be inclined to point out how this episode was a great example of Hollywood's anti-Christian bias. Perhaps. But honestly? I thought it was hilarious, and full of meaty discussion material. For example ...

As they are all outside heading into church, Ryan says, "Hope you brought your pipes, we're about to smoke the opium of the masses" A reference to Karl Marx' famous quote, the writers obviously cast Ryan as the suspicious young adult, doubting the sincerity and truth of most organized religion, especially Christianity. If anyone is unaware that this is the prevailing attitude of most everyone in post-Christian, postmodern America under about, oh, 40, well, here's some more news for them: Neil Armstrong just landed on the moon.
Later, Dwight hands out business cards as people are entering the church. Then he offers a discount on office supplies during the prayer concern time. I lol'ed. A lot.
One of the main plotlines involved the fact that the young adult group at the church (and by the way ... if this was a mainline church, their young adult group is huge!) was about to head off for a three-month (what, they don't go to college or have jobs?) mission trip to Mexico. Despite a somewhat cliche Jesus-freak type group leader, the passion the young adults have inspires Michael to board their bus. Later, Andy jumps on too. Of course, this doesn't end well.
Jim goes to change CeCe's diaper right before the christening, and obviously something happens to her dress in the bathroom. He shows back up with her in a blue adult t-shirt. I lol'ed. A lot.
Ryan: "For all their generosity of spirit, they password protect their wireless?" Those around him, "Try Jesus. Or Opus Dei." There is a reason I love this show. The writing is off the charts brilliant.
The scene that might have stuck out to me the most, though, was also probably the shortest. Toby is seen arriving at the church, obviously uncomfortable and unsettled about being at church. So much so, that he can't go in. He tells the documentary camera that "It's been a few years," and "Me and God ... We got a lot of catching up to do." Then, towards the end of the show, he's seen walking in, after everyone else has gone to Cecilia's reception, and as he approaches the altar/chancel area, says, "Why do you have to be so mean to me?"

Sure, the church and organized religion gets made fun of. So, too, does the general stereotypical hokey friendliness of church people. But I guess I subscribe too strongly to the sovereignty of God to get too worked up about all that. I'm pretty sure God doesn't get too worked up. Besides, some of the fun-poking at the church is probably justified.

But that's my take. What did you think?

Science vs Faith?

2010-10-08T13:15:00.000-07:00

This Sunday in Student Worship we continue the series "Bring It! Tough Questions About God." Our question this week: "Creationism or Evolution: Which is Right?"

While doing research to get ready for the talk, I stumbled upon this ... What do you think?

See you Sunday?

Proof that is is Possible

2010-09-17T08:42:00.000-07:00

This Sunday I am going to be talking about why good people suffer. It is part of a message series I am doing in Student Worship called "Bring It! Tough Questions About God."

In researching this topic, I came across a noticeably large number of songs, actually, that seem to tackle this issue. The common theme in these songs is that despite the hardship, struggle, trial, pain or loss, faith and hope remain. The singers and songwriters offer compelling evidence that even when life punches you in the gut, you can get up and fight back.

Some examples (you can find them all on youtube):

Blessed Be Your Name, Matt Redman
Held, Natalie Grant
Walk by Faith, Jeremy Camp
Beauty Will Rise, Steven Curtis Chapman

Soul Tending

2010-09-15T09:35:00.000-07:00

How do you tend your soul?

You know what I mean when I ask that? ... Good, because I am not sure I do. I think it has something to do with paying attention to the people, places and things that bring you life and connect you with the Spirit of God, and then acting. To not do so is to run the risk of losing passion and energy.

I'm writing about soul tending, I suppose, because I have had a decent little run the last couple of weeks. Here are some the things that are active in my life right now that tend my soul:

Exercise. Any exercise, really. I've started biking in the mornings before work. My goal is to do this 2-3 times per week. So far, it has been once a week. As I said on my Facebook status, I gotta start somewhere. Exercise is obviously good for me physically, but I think it also makes the soul healthier. I feel better all day long - my mind is more alert and I have more energy.

Interacting with students at Wesley Academy. It occurs to me that I am not sure I have blogged all that much about my Wesley comings and goings. I teach Bible and lead chapel at the private school connected to First Methodist Houston, and I love it. In the fall of 1994, I student taught right after college. After that less-than-life-giving experience I thought I would never return to the classroom, but I have been teaching at Wesley for three school years now. I love being a part of a school that puts a premium on Christ-centered faith. I REALLY love that my children get to be a part of such a school. Here's a short video of Wesley students singing at chapel last week ...

Walking the dog. Really. I like it because most nights the whole family walks, bikes or scoots together. We look at new houses being built, watch for "trickster" airplanes and crescent moons, chat with neighbors, imitate birds, play word games or simply catch up on our lives. It's good times. Hattie Bear, our 10-year-old Golden Retriever, is especially fond of this time. I'm sure she would say it tends her soul.

What about you? What tends your soul?

Called

2010-08-04T13:05:00.000-07:00

I love my job. That's not something I only say publicly, or something I say just to certain people. It is not the company line. I genuinely love my job. I get up each morning with a sense of excitement and anticipation.

And I am not just talking about my vocation, although I do love working with young people. I am talking about the particular, specific call and place God has appointed me to: First Methodist Houston Student Ministry.

One of the many reasons that I like this west-Houston mission station is because I get to work with summer interns. This church has a nice history of calling, equipping and sending youth interns. Last weekend, we said "see you later" to our two 2010 summer interns: Jessica Sarpu and Michael Harper.

Jessica, as all astute readers of this blog are aware, was also a summer intern in 2009. She came back this summer to, as she put it, "continue the adventure." This weekend, she is graduating with a degree in Spanish from Florida State University. She is moving to Jacksonville, FL to teach Spanish and/or ESL.

Jessica was a phenomenal intern. She was very organized, diligent and thoughtful. She never had to be told to do things that obviously needed to be done - she just did them. She loves God and she has come to love the students of First Methodist with passion and authenticity. She is a gifted teacher and planner.

That was on vivid display her last Sunday. We circled around her to pray for her (which is what's pictured ... Jessica is in the middle of there somewhere!), and as we were wrapping up she started to pray for us. She prayed that the students would know that she desired the very best for them. I have no doubt they know that.

The other intern, Michael Harper, has gone back to be a fifth-year senior at the University of North Texas. He works in the athletic department, and has to be back for the start of football practice.

Michael had a wild summer. In Brazil, he spoke openly and vulnerably of how God was moving and working in his life. He has shared with the students that he is considering ministry, due in large measure to his experiences this summer. Michael is funny, friendly and intelligent. This summer, Michael moved the students to a deeper level of faith, and I am pretty sure he went deeper as well.

In Genesis 12, God calls Abram. God tells him that he will be blessed, so he can then be a blessing. Michael and Jessica are obviously blessed with tremendous gifts and talents, and First Methodist, the students and myself have all been blessed by those gifts and talents.

I love this job!

God of this City

2010-06-19T09:01:00.000-07:00

We leave for Rio tomorrow afternoon and we have a full day of mission planned today so this may be my last blogging opportunity. So, here's some brief reflections on some of our experiences this week:

Two nights ago our team spent about two hours in a small park where lots and lots of Brazilian teenagers hang out. Tammie prepped the group well by reminding that while this may be beyond our comfort zone to go and evangelize in a setting like this, the Holy Spirit would be at work. And the Holy Spirit was at work. I was so proud of how our students shared the love of Christ. They weren't brazen about it - most of the time they simply smiled, laughed, sang and danced. Two students - Leah Wakefield and Baridilo Dube, did pray with a young girl, and we think (the language barrier can get a little tricky ...) that young girl asked Christ to come into her heart. The take-away for me of our night in the park is not that our students sang, played drums and did a skit, but rather the way they sang, played drums and did a skit. Boldly. Dramatically. With the love of Christ. They really shined.

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Sao Paulo has 12 million or 15 million people, depending on who you ask. Everywhere you look there are buildings - tall buildings. There are also lots of hills, and entire hillsides have buildings. Buildings, buildings, buildings. And the traffic. I finally found a place that can compete with Houston traffic. Someone told me it takes about two hours to cross the city. I believe it. Yesterday we turned on a street and on one side of our bus you could look out and see a huge swath of Sao Paulo - buildings, hills and cars. When that happened, the song "God of this City"was playing in my earbuds. Entire appropriate. Sao Paulo is big. Houston is big. God is bigger.

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In seminary I read a book called As One Without Authority. It is mainly about inductive and narrative preaching, but in this book the author notes that preachers do not have the same authority - or even the same level of respect - they once had, like in the 1950's, for instance, in the United States. That may be true of the U.S., but I am not so sure you could make that same generalization in Brazil. Whenever I am introduced to someone as a pastor, the Brazilian people get this wide-eyed, loving look on their face, and then they usually come and squeeze me tightly. They then offer whatever cracker, pastry or refreshment is within arms reach. They invite me to sit down, or they lead me to one of their friends, and say "pastor," usually while squeezing me. Then, their friend squeezes me. Clearly, they hold this call in great esteem.

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Jessica Sarpu made a observation last summer that really inspired me, and she made it again this year, and I am so glad she did. She said that when we worship and lift our arms up high, it is like a small child asking their daddy to pick them up, with arms extended high. I am sure this touches me deeply because I have small children who do that frequently. It has really freed me to worship with the physical expression my heart is often feeling.

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Garrett Nondorf gave me one of the most affirming compliments I think I have ever received yesterday. Also, Patrick Brown is SO talented on the guitar, drums, piano and bass. He also probably plays a mean ukulele.

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Every morning and every evening we have devotional/worship time. We sing a couple of songs and reflect on a couple of scriptures. This week, without fail, both the songs and the scriptures have spoken very directly to our experience of that day, and often of that hour. For example, one day our plans seeemed to be changing rapidly, and many things were happening beyond our control. We sang the powerful worship song "Walk by Faith" that morning. It reminded us to trust God, and his will for our lives (and for that day!), would be revealed. We also read Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the Lord always, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths." Another time, many of us were a bit (OK ... a lot) weary and tired, and that morning we sang "Everlasting God." How about these perfect lyrics: "Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord ... You are the everlasting God ... You won't grow weary ... You lift us up on wings like eagles.

God is so good. For those of you in Houston and elsewhere praying for us - thank you. We need it, and we feel it.

Obrigado

2010-06-17T11:36:00.000-07:00

What do you think of when you hear the word "hospitality"?

From now on, I will think of Brazil.

This is the first mission trip I have been on where our group has stayed in host homes. On each previous trip the last 16 years, I have stayed either at a church or mission compound. Based on our experience here in Brazil, I may never lug an air mattress to a church classroom again.

We are divided into groups of either two or four, and we are staying in about eight different homes of members of Igreja Presbiteriana Independente de Vila Sonia (or IVP for short ...), the Brazilian church we are partnering with. I am in a home with Patrick Brown, and Karina and Suely are our hosts. They are amazing, incredible, gracious and loving, and that is just the beginning of how I would attempt to describe them.

They live in a small (by American standards), clean, well-appointed apartment in a high-rise building, which dot the Sao Paulo landscape in abundance. It has two bedrooms, and both Karina and Suely moved out of their bedrooms to give one to Patrick and I. They are sleeping in the living room on the couch and on an egg crate. Each evening after picking us up at the church, they have laid out a spread of crackers, pastries, chocolate, fruit and other Brazilian snacks and refreshments on their dining room table. They wash and refill our water bottles, and last night they took our dirty clothes to be washed! They have turned on their computer and invited us to e-mail loved ones back home. This is all happening despite a language barrier (although Karina works hard on her English, and it helps). It is also happening with smile upon smile, hug upon hug and kiss upon kiss (you know ... that European kiss-on-the-cheek thing!).

Our beds are really comfortable, we have warm showers - It almost does not feel like a mission trip. Other members of our team have reported similar situations, so much so that a few are hesitant to talk about how good they have it, in fear that other situations are not as warm and cozy! I am pretty sure they all are though.

In the second chapter of Acts, we get a really short image of what the first-generation gatherings of Christ-followers looked like. Among other things, they broke bread in their homes, had everything in common and prayed together. They did so, Luke says, with “glad and sincere hearts.”

It’s like that passage is coming alive this week.

For all you in Houston praying for us, thank you. Keep it up. We need it, and we feel it.

Intern cubed

2010-05-20T11:19:00.000-07:00

This Sunday (May 23) and next Sunday (May 30) are going to be pretty cool in Student Worship, as we have THREE new interns starting.

This Sunday come and meet Robert "Bert" Haynes. He is our new year-around intern. He's a former youth pastor who loves sports, and has moved here from South Carolina! In addition to working in Student Ministry, he's going to be working at Quillian, the sports ministry of First Methodist.

The following Sunday our 2010 summer interns begin - Jessica Sarpu and Michael Harper. Jessica should be a familiar name to everyone - she was one of our summer interns in 2009. She is graduating from Florida State University in August, but before she sets sail for the rest of her life she's going to come hang out with us again! Michael is a senior at the University of North Texas. He likes music, sports and was a strong leader in his high school youth group.

Let's "finish strong" the next two weeks and have GREAT crowds welcoming the interns!

BON DIA

Our next Brazil meeting in Sunday, May 30 at 12:30 pm in the Westchase youth cafe area. Please note that this is a change from the original planned time for this meeting, which was this Sunday. This meeting is critical, as we'll go over the trip itinerary, work on music, catch up on important details and funding, and pray, pray pray. Don't miss it!

SUMMER KICK-OFF

Make plans to join us for a pool party on Sunday, June 6. Both campuses will shuttle and meet at the Nondorfs' house - 730 W 43rd Street - at 1 pm. There will be lots of food and lots of swimming. And, for the person who brings the most friends, we are offering a free registration to Student Life Camp in July!

Moms Day

2010-05-07T12:18:00.000-07:00

A little humor as we gear up for our Mother's Day Roses fundraiser ... Remember, on Saturday, May 8, we need some students and dads to help us prepare the roses for delivery. Meet in the Westchase youth kitchen at 10:30 am. Then, on Sunday, we need youth at both campuses to help pass out roses.

Facebooking for Jesus

2010-04-22T12:44:00.000-07:00

Quick, go get your Bible. I know, I know ... You're online right now, which means you can go to biblegateway.com, or even google, and look up a passage. You probably even have a Bible app on your iPhone. That's great, and very 2010 of you.

It's old-school, I know, but I really need you to go get a real, printed Bible. Got it? Now, turn to the back. You should see a bunch of maps. One of those maps is probably labeled "Paul's Missionary Journeys" or "The Travels of Paul" or some-such. Find that map. There's probably three colored lines for his three missionary journeys, and a fourth for his trip to Rome.

Being the gifted, knowledgeable Bible scholar that you are, you undoubtedly know how incredible it is that in about 15 years, Paul established hundreds of Christian communities throughout the Northern Mediterranean region, or what was then essentially the Roman Empire. Called to be the "apostle to the Gentiles" during his blinding-light conversion experience (Acts 9), he spend the rest of his life fulfilling his mission. In so doing, he had more to do with Christianity's early spread and development than anyone else. Thousands came to know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior because of Paul.

You know what made all of this growth happen, other than Paul's determination and the power of the Holy Spirit? Technology. Paul used technology to further the good news of Jesus Christ. Look at your map again. All those lines are along one of the greatest technological devices in existence during the Roman Empire: Roads.

Roads. Perhaps you have heard of how the Romans built such impressive, lasting roads. Many of these roads were built during the "Pax Romana," while Rome had time to think about things like constructing roads instead of fighting wars. These roads promoted trade, travel and the exchange of ideas. Feel free to look it up on Wikipedia.

Here's what's important: These roads helped thousands come to know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

Safe to say we have a nice precedent for the use of technology as a tool for connecting hearts to Jesus Christ. That's good, because we sure use it a lot in First Methodist Houston Westchase Student Ministry. Here are just a few of the ways:

Student Worship - On Sunday mornings, we gather for table fellowship, recreation and to praise God. When a student walks in the room, they are greeted by a touch-screen computerized sign-in, which is just below a flat-screen that is scrolling up-to-the-minute announcements. Video games on Wii and XBox consoles are available. Then, during worship itself, we display videos, images and graphics on three different large screens to enhance the worship service. These videos are usually humorous sketches that promote upcoming events or reinforce scriptural truth. Sometimes these videos come from websites like youtube, bluefish tv or sermon spice, but every now and then we make our own videos (most of which are posted on our Facebook group page). Finally, beginning Sunday, May 2, we are going to stream Student Worship live online at http://www.ustream.tv/channel/student-worship. If you click that link between 10-11 am on a Sunday morning, you will get to see the music, mission and message that makes up Student Worship.

Communication - If there is an online platform for sharing and connecting, we probably use it. Facebook is undoubtedly our main hub. We just launched a Facebook "fan" page in addition to our Facebook group page, so be sure and click "like" to become a fan. This is the main portal to find the most up-to-the-minute information about our Student Ministry. The other key place is right here at this blog. I share announcements here, which you can see by scrolling down the page, and sometimes I will blog from retreats and mission trips. I especially have enjoyed blogging from Nicaragua the last two summers, and plan on doing the same from Brazil this June. We are also on twitter (@thelinkyouthmin), and our own website, linkedyouth.com, is a good place to send someone who might be new to the ministry. We send out text messages for important announcements as well. Finally, every now and then we even utilize older technology, like e-mail.

I wrote a similar blog to this about two years ago, but it is good to be up-to-date, especially when it comes to technology. One last thing. All of this use of technology creates great opportunities to put your faith into action and creates great opportunities to serve. We need people for our A/V team on Sunday morning, especially. If you are interested, send me a FB message or text!

Moms and Dads

2010-04-19T11:52:00.000-07:00

Youth pastors frequently find themselves in the middle of two worlds. There is teenager world, and there is parent world.

It is important to have a good connection with students, of course, but it is equally important to maintain good relationships with parents. As a youth pastor, I have always sought to do both.

A key component of any good relationship is open and consistent communication. One of the ways I try to keep the lines of communication open is with a parent leadership team. A new team has formed in the last month or so that I am very excited about. Letha Russell, Rusty Russell, Sonja Lechter-Henderson, Mills Worsham and Shelley Harwell are going to serve on this team through the 2010-2011 school year.

This team will serve as a bit of a "kitchen cabinet" for me ... I'll share ideas, vision and direction with them. They will, in turn, offer feedback and ideas of their own. We will also spend time together in prayer. We will pray directly and intentionally for students, and we will pray for this ministry.

Be agreeing to be on the Parent Leadership Team, these parents take on the role of representative. I am always open and available to meet with or talk to any parent, but other parents can feel free to go to these guys and gals for anything related to First Methodist Houston Student Ministry. I am very excited about working with this new team.

As a matter of a fact, they are already helping, offering ideas and doing their "job." Last week I sent them an e-mail about our upcoming Mother's Day roses fundraiser. I reminded them that we need volunteers to prepare the roses on Saturday, May 8. Well, the parent leadership team ... OK, Rusty Russell, specifically, suggested that since this is a Mother's Day sale, it should be all dads volunteering that morning. I think that's a great idea, and so that's what we're going to do:

We need any and all dads to meet us around 10:30 am on Saturday, May 8 in the Youth Building kitchen. We will de-thorn the roses and prepare them for delivery the following day. In the past, there has been a lot of moms in the room doing this, so the dads are really going to have to step up this year. I know Rusty has already been making the rounds, so I have no doubt they will.

As you can see, the input parents offer is invaluable and needed. In addition to the Parent Leadership Team, I also maintain a Student Leadership Team. Sarah Bowman, Leah Wakefield, Natalie Dunn, Garrett Nondorf and Daniel Nondorf have done a great job this school year. A new team will be forming soon for the 2010-2011 school year. If anyone is interested in serving, let me know.

Mission Brazil

2010-04-08T10:12:00.000-07:00

Our mission trip to Brazil is only about two months away, and those two months are going to fly by! All the more important to get organized and make sure all of the important details are covered.

There is a gathering of all of the Brazil trip missionaries this Sunday, April 11 in the Westchase Youth Room at 12:30 pm. Lunch will be provided. We will be discussing important details about trip visas, going over fundraising, as well as discussing the socioeconomic situation in Brazil. Finally and most importantly, we will spend time together praying for the trip.

GRAD BANQUET

The 2010 First Methodist Houston Graduation Banquet will be Sunday, May 2 at 5:30 pm in the fellowship hall of the Downtown Campus. Sam Fung, former First Methodist Youth Director, is the speaker. All youth and families are invited. Tickets will be on sale for $15 at both campuses beginning April 11.

Seniors! We need your pictures! You can e-mail them to Nikki or bring them by the church offices.

MOTHER'S DAY ROSES

Our next big fundraiser is approaching ... The next several weeks we will be taking orders for Mother's Day roses. There will be a table in the Atrium beginning this Sunday, April 11 with order forms.

On Saturday, May 8, we need a big turnout of youth and parent volunteers to de-thorn and prepare the roses. We are asking this year that this be a dad project. Seeing how it's Mother's day, it seems appropriate that the moms do not have to do all of the work. We will meet in the Westchase youth kitchen around 10:30 am.

Finish Strong

2010-04-01T09:11:00.000-07:00

It's the post-Spring Break time of the school year, which generally means one thing: We are all running downhill. Everything happens really fast during this time of the year. Couple that with the fact that there is a lot going on, and it can get pretty crazy.

That's why it is critical that we "finish strong" at Student Worship. This new look to the Sunday School hour began in September with fantastic attendance, support and feedback. We need to make sure that April and May are as strong as September and October were.

It's also important for each student to finish strong in school. During this part of the school year, it can be easy to put it on autopilot and coast in. That is especially true for high school seniors. However, as any winning athlete will tell you, the "home stretch" is what separates success and failure.

So, for the next two months, we'll explore the idea of finishing strong. We'll look at several Bible characters and see how they "finished strong." And the first one will be Jesus, this Sunday - Easter Sunday - April 4. Join us at 9:30 am for breakfast.

BREAKIN' THRU

We have a good crowd going to Junior High Break Thru April 16-18. Now, we need to get all you high schoolers signed up ... Senior High Break Thru is April 23-25, and forms can be found here. Cost is $125, and you may use money from your fundraising account to pay for the event.

Break Thru has a track record of being a life-changing event for a lot of people. Don't miss it!

GRAD BANQUET

Save the date! The 2010 First Methodist Houston Graduation Banquet will be Sunday, May 2 at 5:30 pm in the fellowship hall of the Downtown Campus. Sam Fung, former First Methodist Youth Director, is the speaker. All youth and families are invited. Tickets will be on sale at both campuses beginning April 11.

Seniors! We need your pictures! You can e-mail them to Nikki or bring them by the church offices.

Dodge this

2010-03-29T12:40:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, God speaks in a whisper. Sometimes, God speaks in a still small voice.

Sometimes God speaks like a foam sphere hurling towards your head like it was shot out of a cannon.

Saturday, the First Methodist Houston Westchase Student Ministry and Quillian Memorial Center (the sports ministry of the church) co-sponsored a Dodgeball Tournament. About 60 youth from three churches and one school split up into eight teams for two hours of somewhat-intense-but-very-fun dodgeball.

After an hour-or-so of "pool play" in which each team played three games, we seeded all eight teams. A team from our youth group and a team from Wesley reached the final. On appearances, it looked like the youth group team would probably take the championship, as they had older youth and at least two strong athletes. However, Wesley took home the top prize. Those students play dodgeball almost every Friday, so all that practice apparently paid off. As Patrick Brown, the youth worship leader, posted on his Facebook status later that day, "[I] got punked by a bunch of 8th graders today playing dodgeball!"

The competition and fellowship were great, but as I told the church staff this morning, God also made an appearance. As with every student ministry event or program, youth were invited to bring friends to the tournament, and several youth did. Two of our students showed up with friends, although later I learned that they did not know the guys they brought all that well. It seems that our students made an intentional effort to invite some guys from their school who they knew might like something like this, despite not knowing them very well. God was moving through the generous, invitational, sacrificial heart of those two young men. What an awesome "God-thing." That is what I call "getting it" ... That is what I call shining.

Happy Holy Week!

Your Love is EGGstravagant

2010-03-17T13:54:00.000-07:00

March 27 is a big day for First Methodist Westchase Student Ministry. First, Easter Eggstravaganza is taking place from about 9 am - 1 pm. Youth are needed again this year for the Palm Parade. Come at 9 am, enjoy the event and help us fill out the parts for the drama.

Then, our first Quillian/Youth Dodgeball Tournament is 2-5 pm. We'll have a fun time competing against other churches' youth groups, and it will all be capped off with a pizza party and awards ceremony. We've been signing up to play for the last three weeks, but if you come to Student Worship this Sunday, March 21, you can still sign up!

STAINED: THE COLOR OF LOVE

If you attended "One Night with the King" last October, you know the First Praise Worship team is passionate about reaching Houston with the love of Jesus, expressed through music. Student ministry is partnering with First Praise by once again staffing the refreshment areas in the Atrium before the event. Be in the atrium at 6 pm on Friday, March 26 if you can help with this. Then, stay for the event!

BREAK ON THRU

Registration is well underway for the junior high and senior high Break Thru retreats, which are April 16-18 and April 23-25, respectively. Forms and more information can be found on the church website, www.fmhouston.com. Click here for junior high and here for high school. Don't miss one of the most popular events of the entire year. These retreats are truly life-changing!

Bob

2010-03-17T13:15:00.000-07:00

"I've got a peaceful, easy feeling | And I know you won't let me down | 'Cause I'm already standing, on the ground | Ooo, ooo, ooh, ye-ah, yeah"

So why quote Don Henley and the Eagles to begin this blog? Because that is a good way to describe my feelings before, during and after the big Bob Smiley event we had last Friday night.

More about that peaceful easy feeling and the reason for that feeling shortly. First, the event itself. From my perspective, it was a big success: We had 176 people in the newly-updated and slightly remodeled (what did you think of the new stage backdrop?) youth room, and about 100 of those were students. Of those 100, about 40 were guests/friends/visitors, and of those 40, about 30 gave us their contact information. Patrick Brown, Clayton Wakefield and Ryan Bailey opened the evening with a fun six-song acoustic set. Those guys have more talent in their pinkie than most people have ... well, they are really talented. At about 7:45 pm, Bob Smiley came on, and he was as hilarious and as inspiring as advertised and as many of us hoped. As I walked around the room while he was on stage, several people gave me a thumbs-up. The following Sunday, one person told me that they laughed so hard their stomach starting hurting. Several youth posted jokes, pictures and comments from the night on their profiles. Behind the scenes, about two dozen volunteers, parents, staff and youth worked hard to get the event ready. They worked hard during the event, and they worked hard after the event. Altogether, it really exceeded my expectations.

But now back to the peaceful easy feeling. As about 15 of us gathered to pray on the stage about 45 minutes before the show, I told them I was normally very stressed at moments like this, but not this time. I really felt that was because of two things: All of the teamwork that went in to put on the event, and all of the prayer.

It's the later, really, that I am most proud of. I truly believe we covered - bathed - this event in prayer. The Sunday before Bob, we talked about how joy and prayer are linked in the Bible, especially in Paul's writings (see Romans 12:12, I Thessalonians 5:16-18 and Philippians 4:4-6). A praying person is a joyful person, and more praying equals more joy. Then, we walked through some awesome prayer stations, one of which you see pictured here. Audrua Welch, the Westchase Youth Intern, did a fantastic job setting these up. Finally, there was a journal where people were invited to write down prayers for the Bob show, and several people did.

All of the praying on that Sunday was in addition to the praying for Bob we did before that, much of which was online. Also, as Bob and I were in the "hospitality room" before the show started, I asked if I could pray for him. I prayed, and then he prayed for me and for our church! It was really cool. Finally, the prayer with all of the volunteers, parents and youth that I wrote about earlier was definitely very inspiring, and an oh-so-appropriate way to begin the night.

There was much joy last Friday evening. Makes sense, as there was also much prayer. I think that's also why I had a sense of peace throughout the entire event. As Paul writes in Philippians, when you pray, the peace of God, which passes all understanding, guards your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.

What did you think about the Bob night?

Joy and Prayer

2010-03-16T15:45:00.001-07:00

The announcement time and message from Student Worship at First Methodist Houston Westchase on March 7:

Focus on Jesus

2010-03-16T15:20:00.000-07:00

From the February 28 Student Worship at First Methodist Houston:

"And you will be my witnesses ... to Judea, Samaria and Sao Paulo"

2010-03-04T10:38:00.000-08:00

Sunday is the deadline for signing up for our mission trip to Sao Paulo, Brazil, June 14-23. Following the 11:12 worship, there will be a meeting to go over all of the necessary paperwork for the trip, and to discuss fundraising opportunities. Registration materials will be on hand at the meeting, which will be in the cafe area of the Youth Room.

Following the meeting, we will form another group to distribute more Bob Smiley fliers.

Investing in Hope

Our annual stock campaign begins this Sunday, March 7 and continues throughout the month of March. Stock materials can be picked up before and after both services from Lavonna Bowman, the campaign coordinator, in the Atrium.

This is a great way to raise a large part of the necessary cost of both Brazil and Acuna. This congregation has a tremendous track record of incredible generosity. Take the time to help them support your mission participation!

A Week till Bob

About 1000 Facebook invites have gone out, and about 600 fliers have been distributed. People are calling and e-mailing after seeing the event listing on KSBJ's website. The time is at hand.

It is almost time to welcome friends and guests to "A Night with Bob Smiley." Doors open at 6:30 pm. Come and be a part of this fun night of Christian comedy and fellowship, and bring at least 12 friends!

This Sunday in Student Worship, we will be praying for this event. Please join us as we pray for God's blessing and favor.

Inviting

2010-03-01T13:03:00.000-08:00

Yesterday a team of youth and adults went up and down Westheimer Dr. and handed out posters and fliers promoting "A Night with Bob Smiley." We hung a few posters on bulletin boards at places like Starbucks, but mostly we handed fliers directly to people and did a lot of personal inviting.

We did not ask everyone, but a few times we inquired where people go to church. Probably 80% of the people we asked said they do not go to church. Yet almost 100% received the invitation to the Bob Smiley event very positively. Several seemed to be genuinely interested in coming. No one seemed offended or mad because we invited them to a church event.

Wow. What does that say?

Taking it to the Streets

2010-02-25T11:54:00.000-08:00

This Sunday, February 28, we are going to spread the word about our upcoming Bob Smiley event. Following the 11:12 worship service, meet back in the Youth Building for some pizza. Then, we'll break up into groups, and armed with posters and fliers, we'll head out. We will put up fliers on bulletin boards and hand them out in restaurants and businesses up and down Westheimer Dr. We should be back at the church by 3 pm.

The "buzz" around the Bob Smiley night is really growing - over 600 people have been invited via Facebook. Also, we are getting RSVPs through radio station ads. It's going to be a fun night, so come help us spread the word!

Student Worship returns this Sunday

After a one-week break for the Go Texan BBQ (see blog below), we'll be back in the Youth Room for our regular, weekly time of fellowship and worship this Sunday, February 28. The morning will begin with breakfast at 9:30. The music, led by Patrick and the band, begins around 10 am. Following a time of announcements, we'll continue walking through the book of Philippians. This Sunday, we'll talk about Philippians 2:5-11 - a popular, beautiful scripture about the incarnation, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Don't miss it!

Brazil Registration Deadline: March 7

Only about 10 days remain to get your form in for the June 14-23 mission trip to Sao Paulo, Brazil. The form is due, along with a $100 deposit. Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime-type opportunity to share the message of hope found in Jesus Christ. There will be a short Brazil meeting on March 7 in the Youth Room following the 11:12 worship.

Dodge Ball Tournament

We are co-hosting an event with the Quillian Center on Saturday, March 26. That afternoon from 2-5 pm we are having a dodge ball tournament. Invitations have been sent to over 100 youth ministries. We will enter several five-person, co-ed teams ourselves in the tournament. After the friendly competition, there will be pizza and awards. Let me know if you want to head up one of our teams. For a flier, click here.

Partnering

2010-02-22T07:58:00.000-08:00

In Student Worship right now, we are working through the book of Philippians. Two weeks ago, we discussed this passage:

I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

The focus of the talk was around giving, as this passage was written partly as a response to the Philiippians’ support of Paul’s ministry, and Paul was commending their giving as a mark of Christian living and faithfulness. Right now, though, I want to center in on the words “I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel …”

This morning, I am praying with joy – and with gratitude – because so many partnered with First Methodist Houston Student Ministry yesterday for our annual Go Texan BBQ fundraiser. We had a fantastic turnout at two seatings, the food was great, and the fellowship was rich. I am so thankful for the hard work and preparation that so many put in to make this event a success. I am specifically offering words of thanksgiving for:

Mary Grace Randerson – Holy moley. She prepared 25 desserts for our dessert auction, and some of her creations fetched over $100! Of course, this is nothing new – Mary Grace has been helping the youth for years with her culinary talents. Her selfless, Christ-like service and giving is an example for all of us. I can’t begin to imagine how many thousands of dollars her desserts have made for youth missions. She is a saint.

Rusty and Letha Russell – From making dozens of phone calls and sending out dozens of e-mails, to arriving at 6 am yesterday, Rusty and Letha, the Go Texan coordinators, worked very diligently. The Russells are new student ministry parents, but they are hardly new to the church. As a matter of a fact, their networking and “talking it up” was one of the reasons the fundraiser was so successful. They also had a bunch of new, great ideas – like sampling BBQ in the Atrium before and after services to selling whole briskets downtown. Thank you!

Roxanne Worsham – Holy moley, part two. As I said towards the end of the afternoon, praise God for the force that is Roxanne Worsham! Her wit and humor, her faithfulness, her command of scripture, her friendliness and her boldness all mixed together to make, believe it or not, an ideal auctioneer! As someone pointed out, tipping students for serving tables was a new idea, but a great one! The youth already do a great job, but what a great way to build incentive for the youth to work extra hard. That was a Roxanne idea. And Roxanne and Mary Grace collaborated on the “matching” bid idea to generate even more funds. She was so good as the auctioneer, she’s officially enlisted for any and every future auction!

Deborah Pederson, Cathlyn Leonard, Stephen Clines and Garrett Nondorf – These four students shared with folks at both seatings what missions participation means to them. They shared experiences from mission trips, and they spoke from the heart. What a powerful witness – I really believe what they did is what Jesus was talking about in Acts 1:8. Leah Wakefield has some great pictures of several of these students from yesterday on her Facebook page.

Parents – Dozens of parents worked the BBQ in all kinds of ways – in the kitchen, facilitating the auction, keeping paperwork and money records accurate, etc. Thank you! A special shout-out to Robert and Sharon Hinijos … Robert brought a pit up at 6 am to warm up the briskets, and Sharon cooked pinto beans for 200 people! We have GREAT parents in First Methodist Houston Student Ministry.

Church Staff – Muchas gracias to Nikki Leaverton for all her behind-the-scenes work and leadership as the youth admin. A great deal of her job consists of making sure I am organized and up-to-date. For that, I am very grateful, to say the least! Nikki also has a fantastic relationship with the youth … She’s a great youth minister. Thanks also to Zach Copeland for bringing downtown youth over, to all the staff that prepared desserts, and to Drs. Paul Clines and Steve Wende, for their support of student ministry through their gifts and presence.

Everyone who bought a dessert – Finally, youth missions would simply not be possible – especially with our vision of going to places like

Brazil

to share the gospel – were it not for all the people who bought tickets and bought desserts. The sweet taste is nice, but I know the real reason you pay hundreds of dollars for cakes and pies is because you love these students and you love Jesus. It is an honor to partner in the gospel with you. Paul finished his beginning words to the church in Philippi with these words. They are words I offer as well:

It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart; for whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God's grace with me. God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.

Amen!

UPDATE SINCE MONDAY: Our numbers are in! We raised about $6755.60 last Sunday, which is the largest one-day fundraiser in the last two years! That is incredible. What a generous church. God bless you, and thank you!

Lenten Dodge Ball

2010-02-18T12:10:00.000-08:00

Starting with this post, the content that used to be in my weekly e-newsletter will now be here ... I'll send out reminders, but click on the "follow" link on top of the page to receive updates directly to your e-mail inbox ... In addition to these youth-group-news-type blogs, I'll still post other blogs from time to time as well.

GO TEXAN

This is it. This Sunday, February 21, we need all hands on deck for our annual BBQ fundraiser. We need parents and youth to help in many different ways. Parents will offer desserts, work in the kitchen, take tickets and facilitate the auction. Youth will be servers. Everyone needs to be in Stansbury by 8 am. We will set up, attend the 9 am worship together, have a short devotional and eat, and then be ready for the first seating at 11 am. The day will wrap up after the second seating, around 2 pm.

Due to the BBQ, there is no Student Worship this Sunday, but it will return Sunday, February 28 with the second installment from the Philippians series.

LENT

Yesterday was Ash Wednesday, which begins the 40-day season leading up to Easter known as Lent. This is an excellent time to renew your efforts around one of the "holy habits" we've been focusing on in Student Worship this year. To see the video from the Student Worship where we talked about holy habits, click here.

For more information about Lent, check out this blog. Remember that we have "Devo'zines" available for you to take home. This is an excellent resource for having time in prayer and in God's Word every day. There are also a few copies of 365 More Meditations for Teens still in the youth room.

BOB SMILEY

Our big outreach event is quickly approaching. Thanks to everyone who has been inviting Facebook friends. If you have not done that already, you can do so by going to the event page for the event (in FB, search "A Night with Bob Smiley") and click "share."

Also, we are "taking it to the streets" on Sunday, February 28. Meet in the youth room following the 11:12 worship service for pizza, and then we will divide into teams to hit area businesses with posters and fliers. We should be finished around 4 pm.

BRAZIL MISSION TRIP: JUNE 14-23

We continue to build up our fluency each Sunday morning with the Portuguese word of the week. We'll even have a new word during Go Texan. Don't forget the deadline for registration is approaching: Sunday, March 7. We will have our second informational meeting about the trip that day following the 11:12 worship service in the youth room. Lunch will be provided. A registration form can be found here.

DODGE BALL

Giving

2010-02-09T08:02:00.000-08:00

Last Sunday in Student Worship we began a series in the book of Philippians. We'll be taking the next month-or-so to look at several passages from this awesome little letter.

Our text was Philippians 1:3-11. It is a very upbeat, joyous passage. Paul, the writer of Philippians, uses phrases like "I thank my God every time I remember you," and "In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy ..." to describe his relationship to the church in Philippi. Clearly, Paul is pretty fond of this group of believers.

As we noted in Student Worship, one of the reasons he thought so well of them was because of their sacrificial, faithful, obedient giving. In Philippians 4:10 he alludes to a monetary offering they sent him when he says, "I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me." Later, he points out that the Philippian church was the only church Paul had started that had sent him an offering during this time in his ministry. That is significant, because at this time in his ministry, Paul is in dire need: He is in a jail in Rome.

That bit of Bible study led to a discussion on giving, and more specifically, teenage giving. Teens do a great job when it comes to giving time, but giving money? Well, that's what parents are for, right?

Maybe ... a little. It is true that most teens do not have a great deal of income beyond whatever they get for an allowance, from a part time job or from bugging their parents enough to get a quick $20 out of them. But this aspect of Christian living cannot simply be ignored during the teen years. Perhaps the main point of the talk Sunday is that giving something is better than giving nothing.

With that in mind, we had some consensus around starting a new initiative in Westchase youth ministry called "change for change." The goal is to bring all of your spare change to Student Worship with you every Sunday. We'll pass around the "change for change" offering receptacle (any creative ideas for that receptacle?) and there will be places to leave loose change in the cafe area.

So the next step is choosing an organization we would like to support and send all of our loose change to (actually, I might go to one of those coin star things before sending it ... although it would be interesting/kinda funny to send a bunch of nickels, dimes, quarters, etc ...). I'm opening the floor to nominations. Let me get the ball rolling with a few suggestions.

Habitat for Humanity ... I've been on dozens of Habitat work sites, served on a Habitat board and taken groups on Habitat mission trips. I believe in their mission to build simple, decent homes for God's people in need. I even have some Habitat for Humanity pasta at home.
Open Hearts ... This is the mission and ministry of the Buzzbee family in Managua, Nicaragua. They are simply on fire for Jesus. They love on the beautiful people of Nicaragua in so many ways ... Through rescue homes, education programs, health programs and through working directly with families.
Samaritan's Purse ... In 2002 I took a group to work in the New Braunfells area following a devastating flood. We partnered with this organization, and I loved the way they loved. We did several "mud outs" where we basically helped clean up flooded-out homes. At the end of every workday we presented the family with a Bible and prayed over them. It was powerful.

These are organizations that I know combine compassion for people with passion for the gospel of Jesus Christ. They know the best way to help and the best way to respond to the hurt and brokenness of this world is both physically and spiritually. They reach out and serve in the name of Jesus Christ. There are other great options as well: Nothing But Nets, World Vision and Blood: Water Mission come to mind. I look forward to hearing your suggestions as well.

Paul's prayer for his Philippian friends was that their love may abound more and more. As the change begins to roll in, that is my prayer for us as well.

Missions

2010-01-22T11:40:00.000-08:00

It has been several years since I last saw it, but one of my favorite movies is "The Mission." It is a little old-school (1986), but well worth adding to your cue. Jeremy Irons plays a Spanish Jesuit who goes into the South American wilderness to build a mission in the hope of converting the natives of the region. Robert DeNiro plays a slave hunter who is converted and joins Irons in his mission. When Spain sells the colony to Portugal, they are forced to defend all they have built against the Portugese aggressors. It's a brilliant treatment of the complex intentions, efforts and results of Christian mission efforts, and you can be darn sure I am going to show it to our Brazil mission team before we leave for that trip this June.

We have had a couple of mission experiences lately that have caused me to think about the complex intentions, efforts and results of Christian mission efforts. Last month we took our annual family mission trip to Acuna, Mexico. After working at an orphanage all morning, we spent the afternoon in the Martinez y Martinez Colonia. I am not sure if this is insensitive language or not, but it is basically a slum. Homes are made of cardboard; the nicer ones have cinder block. Sewage runs freely on some streets. I am told, actually, that is has gotten a lot better the last few years.

Anyway, around 2 pm we pulled into a vacant rock field. Within 10 minutes, there were probably 150 children, and a fair number of adults, surrounding us. It quickly became apparent to us that they were hoping for handouts. We did hand out some Bible crafts and supplies. Later that afternoon, we had a worship service, concert and served hot dogs and, admittedly, handed out Christmas gifts to the children.

That evening, we had a conversation around whether short-term missions do as much harm as they do good. By giving things away in Martinez, are we helping perpetuate a culture that relies on handouts? We also talked about how we can be more intentional to offer a hand up, rather than a hand out.

That was experience No. 1. Experience No. 2 was last Sunday in Student Worship. We assembled almost 30 health kits to be distributed by the United Methodist Committee on Relief in Haiti. I confess that I was as energized by the number of teens working and the amount of supplies brought that morning as I was about responding to the devastation in Haiti. I rushed to take lots of pictures to have illustrations on hand for later "look what we did" moments.

It is SO important to think carefully and sensitively about mission efforts. In our passion to share the love of Christ, we sometimes run the risk of letting our methods overshadow the message. Prayer, prayer and more prayer must go ahead of and be a part of all mission efforts. We need to pray that our passion is being matched by compassion.

One final thought ... The more I am engaged in local and international short-term missions, the more I am convinced that it is critical to partner with pastors, ministries and Christian organizations that have a full-time presence wherever we are. In Acuna, we worked closely with a local pastor. We distributed food, but we did so through his church, and he led and directed the distribution of that food. We need to do more of that. One of my biggest fears in international missions is that we will be perceived as the wealthy, self-righteous Americans who ride in on their big white horse to save the day. As I reflect, I realize repentance is needed, because I am sure that while our intent was never to send that message, we sometimes do not do enough to ensure local ministries are being strengthened and built up through our mission efforts.

Mostly, my prayer is that whatever we do and wherever we go, we are continually and constantly joining God on God's mission to redeem his creation through the love of his Son, Jesus Christ. Will you join me in that prayer?

Response

2010-01-15T15:39:00.000-08:00

The destruction and devastation in Haiti is beyond words. None of us can imagine the pain, loss and grief millions of people are experiencing as a result of Tuesday’s earthquake. To give you some kind of feel for the incredible disaster, here’s some information from an e-mail that went out from the church yesterday:

“As you know, a 7.0 earthquake hit the small island nation of Haiti Tuesday afternoon. Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, with more than half of the population living in extreme poverty. The nation was ravaged by hurricanes and tropical storms in 2008. Haiti was already a very desperate place. Please pray for the Haitians, for the missing humanitarian workers and for the relief workers trying to get in to Port-au-Prince.”

I want to invite you to pray as well. Additionally, I want to invite you all to be present Sunday morning for Student Worship (9:30 am in the WC Youth Room). We will still have breakfast, sing praises to God and continue our series on American Idols. However, we are also going to spend time assembling health kits. To take part in this project and to share your faith and the love of Jesus Christ with the people of Haiti, please bring any of the following:

hand towels (15” x 25” up to 17” x 27” – no kitchen towels)
washcloths
combs (large and sturdy, not pocket-sized)
nail files or fingernail clippers (no emery boards or toenail clippers)
bath-sized bars of soap (3 oz. and up)
toothbrushes (single brushes only in original wrapper, no child-size brushes)
adhesive plastic strip sterile bandages

Lots of us are watching the images on TV and the internet and wondering what we can do. This is something you can do. Parents – feel free to join us this Sunday if you’d like. If you have any questions, feel free to call, text or message.

4X4

2010-01-05T11:19:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year, blogosphere.

My blogging and my life have a bit of an indirect relationship: When my life is particularly busy (such as summertime, December and basically any day ending in "y"), I blog less. There's a hint of irony in that, because those are frequently times that I am experiencing much blogable material.

But it is a new year, and one of my goals (a preferable word to the cliche "resolution," wouldn't you say?) is to blog a bit more. As with most goals, it is starting well. And I suppose there is something to be said for that.

Speaking of goals, during the first Student Worship of 2010 last Sunday, I unveiled a new initiative called "4X4 Ministry." It's all about growing the youth group. As I told the students, we must grow. In addition to striving to grow being a faithful response to the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20), it is essential that we grow this year because more students need to know the love, joy, hope and peace found in Jesus Christ. And they can find those things in our über cool youth group (and for the record, that is the first time I have EVER used the word "über").

So how does 4X4 Ministry work? Glad you asked. It begins with prayer. Students commit/covenant to pray for four friends. They submitted those names to me last Sunday, and now I have 98 friends that are being prayed for by our youth group! See what I mean - über cool. Next, students commit/covenant to bring four friends to four different events sometime in 2010. Those can be the same friends they are praying for - or not.

Meanwhile, I and the rest of the youth ministry leadership commit/covenant to host four friend-friendly events in 2010. Look for a big announcements about these events soon. Finally, I am going to be checking in with four students each week to see how the praying and inviting is going.

Of course, with a name like 4X4, and with a cheesy guy like me, we have all the appropriate graphics for this ministry, like this:

But I didn't stop with graphics. Oh no. Each student received their own 4X4 "hot wheels" sized 4X4 truck with their prayer cards (my personal favorite? The desert jeep ...), and we now have a remote-controlled 4X4 monster truck running around the youth room. Hee, hee. I love this job.

The goal of 4X4 Ministry is to add 16 students to our average Student Worship attendance by the end of 2010. That is the goal (and it is a God-sized one ...), but the vision is to connect more students to Jesus Christ.

It is going to happen. We will grow.

Happy New Year, indeed. It is going to be a great year.

Hospitality

2009-12-03T08:17:00.000-08:00

About two weeks ago I added this video to Facebook. It is called “Our Fearless First-born.”

As you can see, it is a video of our six-year-old daughter Kiley at the youth Fall Retreat a couple of weeks ago. In it, Kiley is joining all of the teenagers as they do the high-ropes elements at Forest Glen Christian Camp. It is fun to watch her climb the pole, fly through the air and grab a trapeze bar, but the best part of the video are the voices in the background.

“You got it, Kiley”

“Way to go, Kiley.”

“You’re awesome, Kiley!”

Those voices belong to teenagers. They were so incredibly supportive and encouraging of her as she mustered up the courage to try the “pamper pole.”

That support and encouragement was hardly surprising. This youth group – and particularly all of the students – have shown so much gracious, Christ-like hospitality to Kiley and Cailyn, our two-year-old. On the same retreat, Kiley got to be in a skit on stage, and you could see the sheer delight in her eyes. She frequently sat with teens during meals and walked down the path with them. As for Cailyn, the teens frequently play with her, laugh with her and hold her, and now she is starting to name and recognize some of the teens (Her first one to talk about a lot? ... Chad Sledge!).

I cannot tell you how big a deal this is to Nicole and me. In one sense, this is the youth group – and by its very nature it is mostly for teens. However, the teens at First Methodist Houston go out of their way to invite others – adults and children – into their space. It has been said that one of the traits of growing, vibrant ministries and churches is radical hospitality. The teens at First Methodist are as radical as radical gets.

One of the significant initiatives in youth ministry at both campuses in 2010 is going to be building a larger volunteer base. Perhaps you are reading this, and you have teens in the program. Or perhaps you do not. Either way, why not consider serving in youth ministry? We need caring, compassionate, sold-out-on-Jesus-Christ adults to accompany students. There are literally dozens of ways to do that, and we can find a way to get you plugged in that matches your gifts. As my girls will attest, you will be welcomed into their space with abundant, overwhelming hospitality.

Prayer

2009-11-05T08:13:00.000-08:00

Maybe it is true with all families with small children. Or, maybe it is just ours. Whatever the case, dinner time around the Coats house has many moving parts. Usually, unless it involves something on the grill or something for breakfast, Nicole cooks dinner. After 2-3 reminders, Kiley, Cailyn and I migrate towards the table from points throughout the house. We then spend 5-10 minutes pouring drinks, cutting and preparing food for Cailyn (she's almost two ...) and locating all the necessary condiments, untensils and supplies. We frequently sit down only to get back up, and rarely do we all sit down at the table at the same time to begin the meal. So, we start eating somewhat in shifts. At some point, though, all four of us will finally be around the table, and that's when Cailyn looks at us, put's her hands together, and says, "Pray."

Kiley filled the role nicely for several years, but it now appears our youngest has assumed the position of prayer police for the Coats clan.

Kiley is an excellent, very thoughtful pray-er, so frequently she'll pray for our dinner, and for all that happened during the school day, and for our family, and for our extended family, and for our friends, and for ... well, you get the idea. It's beautiful. Often, Kiley will finish her prayer, we'll all say "amen," there will be a short pause (perhaps even long enough to sneak in a bite), and then Cailyn will say "pray." As in, she wants to pray again. So what are you gonna do at that point? Of course we oblige. The second prayer is usually one she wants to say. She is becoming quite good at "God is great, God is good, let us thank Him for our food."

Believe it or not, we do eventually finish our dinner.

I write this partially because I know how fast life moves. Moments and times like these are precious - at least they are for me - and it helps me to take notes. Or write a blog.

I also write it as a reminder of the power of prayer. My wife (also an excellent pray-er) and my daughters remind me of that power not just at the dinner table, but all of the time. For instance, a couple of weeks ago, Kiley and I were chatting on the way to school. Somehow we got on the topic of things we worry about. I asked her what we should do when we worry. Kiley said, "Pray to God." Just as I was about to comment on how praying can make us feel better, Kiley said, "You know, so God will take care of the situation."

And there I was. Schooled in the power of prayer by a six-year-old. I was thinking we should pray so we can feel better, or release a worry or concern to God. Prayer does accomplish that, but it also accomplishes so much more, as Kiley reminded me that morning. Prayer can accomplish anything God can accomplish. Prayer activates God's power, and all things are possible with God. My motivation for prayer was a little too me-centered; Kiley's recognition of the need for prayer was very God-centered.

What are you praying for right now? How can I be in prayer for you?

Acuña

2009-10-29T11:48:00.000-07:00

One of the lasting images/memories from last summer for me is probably the first night of our mission trip to Del Rio. Three of the local pastors and church members that had been working behind the scenes to arrange work for us came to say hello and let us know what we'd be doing all week. After describing the various projects, they then said, "We're so glad you are staying in Del Rio, because most of time groups stay here but go into Acuña. There is great need on this side of the border too."

That statement left an impression on me, and then throughout the week I personally witnessed its truth. There was great need in Del Rio, and it was both saddening and uplifting to be a part of that world.

I am thankful we had that experience. I know it impacted me, and I know it impacted the youth. Now, I do not think we will take anything for granted, even when we return to Acuña.

That said, this winter we are going to return to Acuña. We are going on our annual family mission trip Saturday, December 19 through Monday, December 21. The need is great in Del Rio, but the need is tremendous just a few miles away across the Rio Grande. Some estimates have the unemployment rate as high as 60% there, as maquiladora plants have been closing the last few years as many American companies outsourced jobs not to Central and South America, but to Asia. In the coloñias we work in, most families live in cinder-block shacks. Not all have electricity, and most use latrines for bathrooms. Literally, it is a third-world country with third-world conditions.

So, this December, we will take the love of Jesus Christ into that world. The current plan is to work at an orphanage and in a nearby neighborhood. We are planning on doing evangelism through singing, children's Bible activities and prayer. We'll do some light construction and repairs at the orphanage, and like previous summers and winters, we'll host a fiesta.

I know there are some parents and some families that remain rightly concerned about the reports of violence in Mexican border towns. Indeed, it was because of those kinds of reports that we stayed in Del Rio in July. However, three First Methodist mission groups have been to Acuña this year, and their trips have been incident-free. This afternoon, I spoke with Moises Reyes, the mission director at First Baptist Del Rio, the church we stay at when we go down. He said the church is once again encouraging groups to go into Acuña. He also said he has not heard of any problems.

"Everything has been great," he said. "There have not been any issues - even the border crossings have been fine."

Nothing is ever guaranteed in life, of course, but we are doing due dilligence to monitor the safety in Acuna, and we will continue to do so right up until we go in December. If safety is a big concern, please keep in my mind that the winter trip is a family mission trip. I encourage you to go together as a family. We will leave Saturday and get settled in at FBC Del Rio Saturday evening. We will be in Acuña all day Sunday, and return to Del Rio that evening. Monday morning we will return to Houston. Hundreds of First Methodist adults and youth can attest to the blessing of spending time in mission the weekend right before Christmas. If you've never been and you mulling it over, I invite you to chat with them about the trip.

Often in Acuña we partner with WIDE Ministries, which is led by Dana and Liz Sweet. Describing summer 2009 events, they wrote this on their website: "The week that we were leaving for Zambia, we were blessed to have a team from Houston. This church has ministered in Acuña for years, and their love for the Mexican people is profoundly evident."

That's us they were writing about. Join us as we take that love back into Acuña. It is needed - to say the least.

Game On Series: Part II

2009-10-12T19:03:00.001-07:00

Video from Student Worship on October 11:

Game On Series: Part I

2009-10-12T18:17:00.000-07:00

Video from Student Worship on October 4:

IPray Series: Part III

2009-10-12T17:58:00.000-07:00

Video from September 20 Student Worship

Impact

2009-10-07T10:56:00.000-07:00

One more blog topic coming out of my time in San Francisco.

In addition to visiting Grace Cathedral, we also went to Glide Memorial United Methodist Church. Have you seen the movie "The Pursuit of Happiness?" The scene where Will Smith and his son sleep in the shelter was filmed at Glide, as well as several others.

It is a remarkable church, but not because it was featured in a movie. It is remarkable because of its outreach to downtown San Francisco. Glide operates 87 different social outreach programs to the city - everything from a DAILY free meal program to high-tech job skills training. It is impressive.

As I was listening to the Glide co-pastors discuss their church and its mission, I could not help but think about our church and its mission: To bring people to Christ, shape disciples and impact the city for God.

It seems to me that within the youth department, we spend a lot of time on the first two: Bringing people to Christ and shaping disciples. Our Sunday morning gatherings are for both of those purposes; small groups are especially for shaping disciples. On our foreign mission trips, we spend a considerable amount of effort seeking to fulfill the first one through concerts, testimonies and extending compassion.

That is all great, faithful stuff. But what about that last one? Certainly Glide Memorial is impacting San Francisco, CA for God. How well do we impact Houston, TX for God?

Actually, I think when it comes to any mission or vision, we can always be doing more or working harder. "The harvest is plentiful," Jesus said. So here are two quick ways a student at First Methodist Houston can work on impacting his or her city:

Get involved in PORT. PORT is an an excellent, established ministry to the PORT Houston neighborhood. Children and youth are invited to our downtown campus for games, activities, a meal and Bible lessons. PORT was started by Kristen Jones and other First Methodist youth leaders, and has a history of youth volunteers. More are always needed. For more information or to volunteer, contact Lynda West, the current PORT director.

Get involved in JOY Ministry. First Methodist has a special needs ministry that is well-known throughout Houston. Once a month JOY sponsors a Respite event, where parents of special-needs children can drop off their children and enjoy some much needed, well ... respite. Meanwhile, an army of volunteers (called JOY "buddies") surrounds the youth and children with love and fellowship. More and more youth are getting involved in JOY and becoming buddies. Have you had the opportunity to do this? Send Tanya Sterling, the JOY director, a quick e-mail, and she'll get you going.

Notice something about PORT and JOY: Both are ministries of First Methodist Houston. That is important, because you do not have to look far or go far to find places to get involved. A phrase like "impacting the city for God" can be a bit abstract and theoretical, but programs like PORT and JOY make it more real and tangible.

Incidentally, I think we need to start having conversations about even more ways we can reach out and be impactful. For instance, I think the Westchase campus needs to be connecting much more with all of the apartment complexes around us. How about if next summer we sent teams of 4-6 youth and adults to 4-6 of these complexes for a week and ran a Vacation Bible Camp for them in their clubhouse? What if we used our youth room missionally, and started after-school programs in there that centered on tutoring, computer training and creative arts?

What if ... well, what's your idea? Post it here. Let's discuss. And let's impact this city. For God.

Sacred Space

2009-09-26T10:33:00.000-07:00

I spent last week in San Francisco, California. I am part of a group called Bethany Fellowships – a beloved community of young (ish) pastors that gather twice yearly for prayer, fellowship and continuing education.

One morning we visited Grace Cathedral in downtown San Francisco. I have only been to two other cathedrals in my life – both of which are in the New York City area: St. Patrick’s Cathedral and St. John the Divine.

I am not really sure if there are certain needed conditions to being able to use the word “cathedral” to describe what is essentially a church. I could probably Google it and find out, but (a) I’m writing this on a plane, and (b) I’m really tired. So I’ll just guess. I would think that high ceilings, amazing architecture and beautiful stained glass are all involved. Grace is internationally known for reestablishing the Labyrinth movement in the United States, so it’s got that going for it. Perhaps it all can be summed up with the term “sacred space.” Here's some pictures I took on my phone:

I love sacred space. Again, maybe there is a more official, more intelligent definition, but the one I am making up right now is “a physical place set apart to remind all who come there of the Divine.” Certainly Grace fits that bill, as did St. Patrick’s and St. John the Divine.

I walked around Grace for about an hour-and-a-half. I gazed amazed at the majestic stained glass, the elaborate murals and the multi-sensory use of candles and color. I know it is just a building, but I truly felt like I was in the presence of the Living God while I was there.

We have started a new initiative in youth ministry at the Westchase campus of First Methodist Houston: Student Worship. We are about a month into it, and in my humble-but-accurate opinion, it is awesome. I love the music, the energy, the spirit, the fellowship, the prayer and the pancakes.

However, if you’ve spent much time in our youth building, you probably know that it isn’t exactly Grace Cathedral. However, I do believe it is possible to carve out some sacred space. So I have a couple of requests/challenges/opportunities for my few-but-faithful blog readers.

Request/Challenge/Opportunity No. 1: I think it would be great if in the middle of our worship space we had an altar each Sunday. What’s an altar? Well, it’s to a table what a cathedral is to a church. Let’s use candles, crosses, cloths, Bibles and other appropriate images to create something nice to gaze upon. Let’s create “a physical space set apart to remind all who come of the Divine.” Here’s the challenge, though: Much like we have a leadership team, a music team and an A/V team, I’d love to have a sacred space team. Youth, volunteers, parents – all are welcome. Maybe there is even someone out there that has an eye for this sort of thing and could take the point. That would be amazing. If you are interested, click here.

Now, I know Request/Challenge/Opportunity No. 1 may not be for everyone, but Request/Challenge/Opportunity No. 2 is: Look around and send us (OK, for now, “us” is “me,” but after the team is assembled, “us” will really be “us”!) some ideas for creating sacred space each week. Do a Google image search. Draw a picture. Something, anything – and then send it along. Seriously, I NEED you to do this … As much as I love sacred space, I am not overly gifted in creating it. But if we all work together on this, I’m thinking we could have something beautiful in our midst each week.

A quick point of order: If you know me, you perhaps know that I like to measure just about anything we do against the authority of the Bible. As pleasing as it is to the senses, is creating sacred space a Biblical practice?

I think so. Creation begins with sacred space. Genesis 1:31 says that God surveyed the sacred space that he spoke and breathed into being, and called it “very good.” In the second creation story (Genesis 2) that sacred space is given a name – the “Garden of Eden.” – and we are told that it was “pleasing to the eye.”

My time in San Francisco was memorable because of the man-made sacred space I witnessed - and I definitely would like that to be one of the practices of our youth ministry - but it was simply astonishing because of the God-made sacred space I witnessed. The bay, the ocean, the mountains, the trees - all under gorgeous blue skies and perfect temperatures - well, it called to mind those words from Genesis 1, and some words from Psalm 19:

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the works of his hands.
Day after day they pour fourth speech; night after night they display knowledge …
In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun,
Which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion, like a champion rejoicing to run his course.
It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is hidden from its heat.

Sacred space, indeed.

IPray Series: Part II

2009-09-14T13:23:00.000-07:00

Video from September 13 Student Worship:

IPray Series

2009-09-14T12:52:00.000-07:00

Here's the video from the September 6 Student Worship:

Let's Roll

2009-09-11T07:40:00.000-07:00

So here's how my day began:

"Daddy," said the six-year-old voice behind me as we drove to school at 7:25, "what do they mean by 'the anniversary of 9/11?"

Gulp.

Actually, my daughter and I had a talk about "the planes that flew into those buildings" earlier this year. So I reminded her of that talk, and how today was the eight-year anniversary of that sad event.

We then talked about how even though it was a sad, horrible day, there were also some good things. Like the heroism of so many firefighters, police officers and the like.

You need to know, though, that my daughter is very inquisitive and curious, so it's hardly like the conversation ended or shifted at that point. She asked why they flew the planes into the buildings, for example. Later, after we arrived at school, we prayed, and we thanked God that we live in a free country. She then asked if the men who flew the planes into the buildings were trying to take away that freedom. "Aren't their countries free too, Dad? Why would they do that?" I believe I mumbled something about how fortunate we are to be Americans, and then changed the subject, reminding her that Friday was pizza day.

Like everyone else, I remember where I was eight years ago today. I remember driving to the church I worked at in Kingwood and seeing images of the smoking buildings online. I remember going home that afternoon and staring at the TV images with shock and disbelief. That evening, I drove to seminary classes, and I remember all of the marquees at fast food restaurants read, "God Bless America." I remember calling family members for no other reason than to hear their voice.

All of those memories are still somewhat fresh, but life has changed - a lot. Since September 11, 2001, we've had two children. Those two children will never know life before 9/11. The world changed that day, and they must grow up in that world.

I suppose my dominant thought now, as I reflect on the events of eight years ago and the questions of this morning, is that I am more resolved than ever to nurture in my children a desire to know and follow God. To believe the creator of the universe has a plan and a purpose for their lives, and the creator of the universe loves them passionately, intimately and deeply, and revealed that love on the cross. Predictable, perhaps, coming from me, but here's why the motivation to do that is heightened today: Because I firmly believe God is sovereign. Towers fall; depravity, sin and evil sometimes seem to be winning, and questions are hard to answer, but in the midst of all of that and in the midst of all creation, God reigns. For that, we can rejoice. As the Psalmist writes:

God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
Though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging ...
God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day ...
The LORD almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.

In her book, Let's Roll, Lisa Beemer, the widow of Todd Beamer, who died on United 93 when that plane crashed in a field in Pennsylvania, writes, "I have found safety and security in a loving heavenly Father, who cannot be shaken, who will never leave me nor forsake me, and in whom I can trust completely." Later, writing about her husband's faith, she said, "What made Todd different from other men who are merely religous was not the fact that he was willing to do die for his faith; the terrorists did that! No, Todd was willing to live for his faith. Better still, he was willing to live out his faith all the way to the end. Todd built his life on a firm foundation so that when the storm came on September 11 he didn't have to check the blueprints to see if everything he had built his life on was going to stand. He knew.

More than ever, my prayer is that my children find safety and security in a loving heavenly Father, and that they build their lives on a firm foundation - Jesus Christ - the place where all healing and all hope is found.

Praise Habits

2009-09-04T10:45:00.000-07:00

Here's the video from Student Worship on Sunday, August 30:

Stirring

2009-09-04T07:16:00.000-07:00

Sheesh. July 7. That's the last time I posted a blog. How did that happen?

Well, come to think of it, there's been just a little bit going on the last 60 days or so. Since I last blogged, I've been to Student Life Camp and to Oak Island, TX for a mission trip. That was my July, for the most part. In August, the youth led all parts of two worships and I preached on Youth Sunday. Last week, we kicked off fall programming with a new Student Worship experience on Sunday mornings.

Just a little bit going on.

Actually, though, all of that stuff is why I am blogging today. To let the blogsphere know that our God reigns. I know that, well, because the Bible tells me so (Psalm 47), but also because I have witnessed it - through many of the events and experiences I just named. For example, last week we had the largest gathering of students in two years. Now, I know one shouldn't focus too much on numbers - there are more measurements to healthy, faithful ministry than just how many people walk through the door - but numbers do matter. They matter to God (Luke 15:3-7), so they should matter to us. Probably lots of reasons why we had such good numbers - the start of the school year and the fact that it was Promotion Sunday probably had something to do with it - but it was very exciting to see so many new students. It might also have something to do with how we've revamped Sunday morning. All of those things may have played a part, but I believe there is, as someone described it to me this week, a "stirring." The Spirit of God is at work.

Here's perhaps even better evidence of that ... In the two years I have been their youth pastor, many First Methodist Houston youth have expressed to me a desire to find ways to share their faith more boldly and more often. Well, I talked about this in my sermon on Youth Sunday, but I am encouraged because they are doing that, and they are doing it on one of the most popular platform for sharing anything on the planet - Facebook. I see status updates and comments all of the time about youth group, church and about God! That is SO cool.

I really do believe there is a wind blowing in this ministry right now. A stirring. However we describe, it is clear to me that God is up to something.

So how do we respond? Well, one of the abiding actions of this group is just that - action. The mission season is so active because so many youth make it a priority for their summer to go on at least one mission trip. That's really encouraging, but I want to suggest that mission is not just for a season. I think the best way we can respond to the movement of God that seems to be present among us is to join the movement. To be involved. To serve. To be in mission.

And that can happen in Houston as well as Oak Island (or Nicaragua or Del Rio). Following Youth Sunday, there was a virtual outpouring of comments along the lines of, "The youth should do that more often," or "They should lead worship regularly." I agree, and so does Paul Clines. I'm sorry - P-squared. He has invited youth to serve in worship regularly - by reading scripture, being a greeter or an usher, serving Communion - there are all kinds of ways to be involved. If you are interested in any of those things, talk to me. Serving and leading in your home church is definitely missional. When you pass out a bulletin or say a prayer in worship, you are sharing Christ's love just like you are when you hug a child in Acuna.

Let me offer one more way you can serve, and then I'll sign off. If you have any musical inclination whatsoever - you can sing, you can play drums, you can yodel - we need you. We have a youth band, led by Patrick Brown, a youth choir, led by Andrea Brown (no relation), and a youth bell choir (led by Audrua Welch). The youth band meets after the 11:12 worship in the youth room, although you should get in touch with Patrick to find out more. The youth choir starts fall rehearsals September 13 at 1 pm at our downtown campus. The youth bell choir is going to meet during the 11:12 worship service for about 45 minutes. My suggestion - contact those leaders (they are all on Facebook) - and get involved.

God is most definitely up to something around here, and when you serve in your church, you are serving God. You are joining a movement. You are part of the stirring.

Change

2009-07-07T16:50:00.000-07:00

Howdy y'all. We are mission trippin' again. This time in Del Rio, Texas.

All of the First Methodist Houston readers of this blog (which I am assuming accounts for about 99.9%) know that there is a background story to our specific mission location. Normally, we stay in Del Rio, but go across the river/international border to Ciudad Acuna, a Mexican border city of about 250,000 people, for our mission and outreach.

We are staying AND working in Del Rio this year, however, and if you're thinking you have a pretty good idea why ... well, you're right. The drug violence you have heard so much about in places like Juarez and Nuevo Laredo is beginning to find its way to smaller, formerly-sleepy border towns. We heard enough frightening reports of drug cartel activity in Acuna to cause us to pull the plug on our usual trip.

Of course, a big change like that sort-of left us scrambling. Fortunately, the church that hosts us - First Baptist Del Rio - has a core value reflected in the tagline "gateway to missions." They have gone above and beyond to line up meaningful, needed work for us on this side of the Rio Grande. Today we hosted VBS for about 25 neighborhood kids, painted a church, sorted clothes, cleaned a yard and refurbished a wheelchair ramp.

Interestingly, change seems to be emerging as a mini theme for this trip. Our church has stayed at FBC for quite a few years, to the point that the Acuna/Del Rio veterans know the "drill" really well. When we arrived yesterday, the girls went to their usual "dorms" and the guys went to theirs. Except - the church had switched the places. Then, we worshipped in a new spot last night. It was pretty humorous, actually, to hear comments like "that's not the way we usually do it" coming from teenagers.

That's kind of an exaggeration, though, as for the most part they have embraced all of the changes that have been a part of this trip. One of the awesome things about a mission trip is that there are always some veterans, like the ones I mentioned earlier, and there are always some rookies. On this trip, we have three youth who are on a mission trip with this church for the first time, and we have two that are on their first mission trip altogether. For them, there are no changes, as they have not experienced anything else. As I scan the group and watch them share in some pre-dinner snacks and fellowship, it's clear that the group is already meshing into one, regardless of prior experience. They are sharing this unique trip and finding much life and reward in responding to the needs on this side of the border.

Paul calls this "one" that we are meshing into the "Body of Christ." Describing this body, he writes in Galatians, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."

On this trip, we are headed to the place where there is neither veteran nor rookie, neither those who have experienced Acuna nor those who haven't, for we are all one in Christ Jesus.

And that is a very cool thing.

Feliz Cumpleanos

2009-06-25T05:38:00.000-07:00

Alright. As this is probably my last blog from Nicaragua, it is probably time for a confession. I have written each of these while sitting beside a pool. It's one of the best places to pick up a wi-fi signal here at the mission retreat center. Hey, someone has to do it.

As I write this one, there are about 15 girls from "Casa Havilah" and about five boys from "Casa Robles" swimming with most of the youth from our mission team. Casa Havilah and Casa Robles are girls' and boys' rescue homes, respectively, that are run by our missionary hosts, the Buzzbee family, and their ministry, Open Hearts (for more about Open Hearts, click here). The children live in these homes because they have been abused, neglected or mistreated. The children are orginally from La Chureca, the community on the city dump in Managua, where we have been putting tarps over shacks during the mornings this week.

Every afternoon, we have spent time at either Casa Havilah or Casa Robles - mostly Casa Havilah. We have painted, installed light fixtures, built shelves, taught VBS and generally loved on the girls. Today, all of the girls and boys boarded the bus with us and came back to the Buzzbees. We put on a puppet show, gave a concert and shared the Gospel with them, and now we are swimming and having a pizza party. I am pretty sure I have never seen a more missional use of a swimming pool.

Yesterday while we were at Casa Havilah one of the girls, Maria Eleana, had her eighth birthday. She moved to the home about 10 days ago. Melissa Buzzbee, the director of the school in the dump that the Buzzbee's run as well as the director of Casa Havilah, said that was probably the first birthday party or birthday cake Maria Eleana had ever had.

I've embedded a video from the party. As you can see, the look on Maria Eleana's face is priceless. The party was lifted up last night by several teenagers during worship as one of the moments yesterday where they most sensed and experienced the love and grace of God. I would second that.

Rhythm

2009-06-23T06:48:00.000-07:00

Tonight in our evening worship time, we sang a song called “Your Love is Extravagant.” There’s a line in that song that says, “I find I’m moving to the rhythm of your grace.”

One of the things I love about mission trips is that invariably the group ends up moving to the rhythm of God’s grace. We worship, work hard and enjoy deep fellowship. Each day has a similar cadence: Pray. Work. Eat. Play. Pray. Repeat.

This way of moving and living seems so much more in tune with how God created us to move and live. Today, for instance, I had about 30 minutes before dinner. I walked around a little bit, and then I sat in a hammock for a while. Really – I sat in a hammock. Who does that? I’m sure people do, but you don’t hear about it very much. I certainly do not.

While I was in that hammock, though, I saw two fireflies, had a deep conversation with a teenager about real stuff and connected with an adult about some upcoming ministry. It was very peaceful. It filled my soul. It was Sabbath.

Our fast-paced, text-messaging, microwaving culture has lost touch with Sabbath. As one author I like has written, “Busyness is a disease of our time.” We are all running around 10 minute late for life. That drains our souls, and it is not Sabbath.

I am writing this at about 9:15 pm. Soon, I’ll shut down the computer and go to sleep, eager for the morning to come. Our group gathers each morning on a roof-top lookout for morning devotional at 7 am. Believe it or not, I’m actually up almost 30 minutes or so before that, fully rested. I am recharged because when one is on a Sabbath schedule, one is actually able to completely sleep off a hard day of work. Around that time – 6:30 or so - I get up, get dressed and pour a cup of dark, delicious Nicaraguan coffee, and then I head to devotion. As I’m walking through this beautiful, lush ranch in the cool air of daybreak, I hear these words come to life:

“Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty. Early in the morning, our song shall rise to thee.”

Now that’s living.

Ruby

2009-06-21T20:04:00.000-07:00

Hello world. I'm coming to you from the ranch of Open Hearts Mission in Managua, and the 2009 First Methodist Houston youth mission trip to Nicaragua.

It is our second full day in Nicaragua. I am feeling a little tired, and a little hot, but I have the joy, joy, joy, joy. Down in my heart.

Really. I do. I have to. Ms. Ruby told me I do.

Yesterday (Saturday, June 20), a team of 24 missionaries from First Methodist Houston went to see Ruby Temple. Ruby is – and this really is a spot-on descriptor – a prophetess. She speaks truth, through prayer and through the Spirit, directly to people. Spending time with her is a remarkable, inspiring, somewhat-frightening experience.

We spent about three hours with her. Our team piled out of our school bus and piled into her cozy home. Along with her sister, Ruby welcomed each one of us personally. We then sang some songs together. Ruby, who stands about four-and-a-half-feet tall, I’m guessing, strummed a blue acoustic guitar and led us in about five songs. The last one was probably the crowd favorite, with these lyrics: One, two, three, the devil has no power/Four, five, six, I place him under my feet/Seven, eight, nine, I don’t care if he dies/Glory, glory, glory, glory be to God. The best part was when she told us we weren’t stomping our feet hard enough.

Following the sing-along, Ruby then divided the team. It was girls versus guys in Bible trivia. She asked us questions about Samson, Isaiah, and Jephtha. That’s right – Jeptha. I told someone that seminary was not this hard. The girls won by two points, although the official scoring system seemed to be a bit inconsistent at best.

Then the party really got cranked up. Ruby, who is originally from the “Mosquito Coast” of Nicaragua - invited her sister to stand beside her, and her sister handed her a vial of anointing oil. Ruby then invited the men, women, guys and girls on our team to come forward, two at a time, and be prayed for. Two by two, everyone in our group had hands placed on them and received fervent, Spirit-filled prayer.

Ruby prayed for the young people to be obedient and to be faithful. Every now and then she used the phrase, “God is telling you,” or "God has a message for you," and then she finished those phrases with something like “that he wants you to forgive a relative,” or “to let go of a past sin,” or “to fight for God.”

As you read this, it may seem that those words – words from God through Ms. Ruby - are somewhat general. However, I have now been ministering with these students for a year-and-a-half. In that time I have gotten to know them better and begun to share life more deeply. As I listened to Ms. Ruby pray for these young people, it was nothing short of amazing how she seemed to be speaking right into their specific lives. Amazing is one way to describe it. Spirit-led and Spirit-filled is probably a better way.

After everyone was prayed over, Ms. Ruby invited people to share testimonies. She invited us to share what the prayer time was like and what God was doing in our lives. One student seemed to capture the spiritual energy in the room when he said, “I’m ready to do whatever God wants me to do.”

That student spoke for just about everyone, I think. Thanks to Ms. Ruby, and the spiritual gift she obviously has, many of us have a heightened sense of what God is doing in our lives. These students are fired up – fired up for God – and we are only on day two.

Thank you, Ms. Ruby.

Thank you, God.

Pray please

2009-06-18T08:07:00.000-07:00

After a somewhat surreal summer start-up - I've usually done at least one trip by now - the real excitement begins tomorrow. At 5:50 pm, 24 of us from First Methodist Houston are boarding a plane and leaving for a mission trip to Managua, Nicaragua. While we are there we'll be working in a place called La Chureca, a community that borders the Managua city dump. The missionaries that we partner with in Nicaragua minister to the community via a school, clinic and church. We will do VBS-type activities, put on concerts, help with minor home repairs and basically share the love of Christ in any way we can.

I've been mission tripping for 15 years, and there is no question that this is the highlight time of the year for me. I love that we take the Gospel beyond the church walls, and I love to watch the faith of teenagers lived out with passion and compassion.

This year, I passed out the names of all of the missionaries to the church staff and asked them to pray for us. As best I can remember, that's the first time I have done that. Oh, I've certainly solicited prayer before - for mission trips and just about everything else - but I don't recall ever typing up the list of participants and handing the list to a lot of people. That's a practice I should have begun years ago.

I'd love for the blog community (both of you) to join the staff, parents and others in prayer for this trip. Pray for safety, sensitivity and spirituality. Pray for nothing less than revival - in Nicaragua, and among the young First Methodist missionaries. Pray that the love, grace, forgiveness and power of Jesus Christ is on vivid display next week.

I'll be blogging from Nicaragua, so check this space next week.

Strong Leaders

2009-05-28T07:50:00.000-07:00

I had to work on Memorial Day. For almost nine hours, actually.

Before you start feeling too sorry for me, I better come clean. I "worked" at a student leadership mini-retreat, and said retreat was around a pool in a church member's backyard.

Tough job, but someone has to do it. If it is any consolation, the water was a little chilly. But only a little.

The 2009-2010 Student Leaders - Garrett Nondorf, Daniel Nondorf, Natalie Dunn, Amanda Macune, Leah Wakefield and Chad Sledge (along with Caroline Shaffer, who is graduating and going to Baylor, but came to offer insight and wisdom as a student leader this previous year) - and I met for most of the afternoon and early evening to discuss future youth ministry at First Methodist Houston (Josephine Tran is also going to be on the team, but she could not make the retreat). We spent a goodly amount of time discussing four categories of students: Community, crowd, committed and core. We looked at ways to help community and crowd students become committed, core students. There were lots of strong, creative ideas. What excited me the most is the passion these students have for connecting with teens that might not even be going to our church yet.

I'll be sharing some of those ideas with you in this space during the summer. For now, I wanted to acknowledge the work these student leaders put in. Yeah, yeah ... We ate well, bounced on the trampoline, threw the frisbee, played ping pong and chased each other with water guns, but we also talked and prayed about making disciples of Jesus Christ.

Now that is my kind of work.

Holy Vows, Holy Living

2009-05-22T06:19:00.001-07:00

Last Sunday, May 17, was Confirmation Sunday at First Methodist Houston. 49 students claimed the name Jesus Christ for themselves.

So many words have been used to describe Confirmation Sunday. A "holy," "sacred" or "defining" moment have been some of the most popular. It is all of those things, and more. When a young person proclaims to their family, their friends, their church and to the world that they are a Christ-follower, there is no question that proclamation is holy, sacred and defining.

Sometimes it can be hard to put something so huge into words, though. Sometimes, images work best.

The image that might stick with me the longest from last Sunday occurred at our Westchase campus. We confirmed 26 students there, and of those 26 four were being baptized. As they were standing at the front of the church, Pastor Paul Clines asked the soon-to-be-baptized students if they believed in Jesus Christ. They all said "I do" boldly, except for one student. Eric Murdock, who deals daily with autism, did not respond at first. So Pastor Paul asked him directly, and Eric said, "I do." Paul then asked the students if they will strive to follow Christ daily. They all said, "I will," but again Paul wanted to make sure Eric understood, so he asked him directly again. When Eric said "I will" in a volume loud enough for everyone in the worship center to hear, it was powerful, to say the least. Later I noticed people posted on their Facebook statuses that they were crying at that moment.

As powerful as that was, that is not the image I am referring to. At least not the complete image. Following the baptisms, those four joined the other 22 to say their Confirmation vows. I could tell Eric was a little antsy and a little confused, as he had just had water poured over his head but was now having to stand in front of the whole church a bit longer. As he stepped back and joined the other confirmands, Daniel Woods, another sixth-grade student (like Eric), noticed too that Eric was nervous. He quietly and kindly reached and touched Eric's hand and whispered in his ear, and you could tell that gesture had a calming effect on Eric.

Now THAT was powerful. It is no small thing for one adolescent young man to reach out and comfort another adolescent young man, especially in front of 600 people. But that is just what Daniel did. What an image of what the church is supposed to be all about. What an image of what following Christ is supposed to look like.

Daniel gets it. So does Eric. And God is good.

All the time.

What It's All About

2009-05-15T11:23:00.000-07:00

Two nights ago the Westchase youth room was full of teenagers. In high heels and suits, no less.

FUEL, a junior-high Bible study and fellowship time, had a different theme each Wednesday this year, and the theme for the last one was “$10 prom.” Students were encouraged to spend up to $10 at a thrift store for a “prom” outfit. Also, an offering of $10 per student was collected to give to an organization dedicated to helping teens that cannot afford things like real proms (which some families pay anywhere from $100-500 for) - or even $10 proms, for that matter.

The night began like every FUEL does – with food and fellowship. The students ate pizza and chicken nuggets while they played Guitar Hero, ping pong and pool. Then, a short Bible message was given. The last hour-or-so of the event was spent on the dance floor. It was incredibly fun.

Audrua Welch, the First Methodist junior high intern, was in the middle of this high-octane (“FUEL” is such an appropriate name) youth ministry. Audrua, a junior at the University of Houston and life-long church member, had a vision for a weekly gathering like FUEL about two years ago, shortly after graduating from high school. For the last two school years, she has faithfully led this program, welcoming sixth, seventh and eighth graders each Wednesday evening to a time of fun, fellowship and study. She has planned and led almost every single FUEL for two years, and she has done a great job connecting young hearts to Jesus Christ.

Audrua is a model for what can happen in the crucible of faithful, passionate youth ministry. She is responding to a call to ministry, as in addition to her time on staff here, this summer she begins a youth ministry internship at another Methodist congregation in Houston. As importantly, she is also well on her way to mature Christian adulthood. I am convinced that Audrua will not be one of the 80%-or-so in her age group that grow up in a faith community but then disappear from church life for 10-15 years. Through participation in choir, youth group and Sunday School, she has been nurtured through the years by so many caring adults. Now, she is ready to spread her ministry wings, and I firmly believe she is going to soar.

In his Mother’s Day sermon, Dr. Wende challenged church members to invest in the lives of young people. Author after author and study after study offer evidence that this is the best way to make sure church-involved teens become church-involved adults. Audrua Welch is a great example of what happens when a church loves a young person through the awkward, challenging season of life called adolescence.

Taking the time to build a Christ-centered relationship of trust and love, as so many did with Audrua, leads to a beautiful cycle, as that is exactly what Audrua has been doing through FUEL. Now, after two years, dozens of younger teens that have taken part on Wednesday nights know that Jesus Christ loves them and died to save them, thanks to Audrua’s leadership, teaching and example.

Investing in the lives of young people so they can grow in Christ is really what youth ministry is all about. If you would like to be a part of something so life-giving, give me a call. I will give you a name of a teen to pray for and check in with on Sunday mornings. Who knows – someday that teen might become an Audrua.

Vaya Con Dios

2009-05-08T08:45:00.001-07:00

Many, many thanks to everyone who helped with the Grad Banquet last Sunday evening. I want to especially thank Monica Wakefield, who really organized the whole thing. She had a great team that helped her: Cindy Peterson, Karen Kelly, Shelley Harwell, Mary Julia Macune, Vivian Dunn and LaVonna Bowman all made the event a success.

As with just about every event at Westchase, we probably could not have done it - or at least done it well - without Mary Grace Randerson's help. Finally, Lyle Hart at Outback Steakhouse is a great neighbor, and we appreciate his support of this event every year.

Kristen Jones gave the seniors some wise advice in her keynote. I especially like how she challenged the seniors to realize that they are no longer children. As they move from high school to college or work, it is time, she reminded them, "to put childish things behind." She spoke with the conviction and love for young people that one might expect from someone who spent dozens of years in youth ministry.

My lasting impression from the evening might be Caroline Shaffer's talk. She clearly was impacted by her tremendous dedication and particiation in her youth group through the years. When she said, "I wouldn't be the same person if it weren't for all of the mission trips, Bible studies and camps," I got a lump in my throat. Caroline is a bright, faithful young lady, and thanks in part to her years in youth group, she is ready for what lies ahead. She knows that wherever she goes, God is already there.

Several people asked for a copy of the presentation. Here it is:

Redeemed

2009-04-09T13:04:00.000-07:00

At a church I served for several years, the youth group prepared an Easter Sunrise Service every spring. One year, they told me they wanted to sign a "really cool song they had just heard."

Now, perhaps you are wondering two things ... (a) Why did I not proof-read this blog more carefully before I posted it, because if I had I would have caught the typo in the word before "a" in that sentence? Shouldn't it be "sing"? ... and (b) What was the song?

(a) "Sign" is correct. The youth group used to sign (as in sign language, like ASL) songs ... When done together, the movement and rhythm is very pretty and quite worshipful.

(b) "Redeemer," by Nicole C. Mullen.

The youth were right. "Redeemer" was - and is - a really cool song. Really, really cool. Take a look-see:

We had a blast signing it and received much positive feedback from the gathered Easter crowd. One of the students liked it so much that she later signed it at her grandmother's funeral. Later, we had some repeat offerings in Sunday morning worship and on a retreat.

Personally, I became a big fan of Nicole C. Mullen's music after that experience. I have a couple of her CD's. In addition to "Redeemer," I especially like the songs "Call on Jesus" and "Witness."

This Sunday is Easter, and at First Methodist Houston, no youth will sign it. But that is OK, because Nicole C. Mullen will sing it. That's right - Nicole C. Mullen is joining us for both worship services (9 am and 11:12 am). I cannot wait. It is going to be an awesome celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Even though the words for "Redeemer" came from Mullen's personal devotional time around the book of Job (as she mentioned in the video), the words are SO appropriate for Easter, of course. Check 'em out, and then come and check out First Methodist this Sunday:

Who taught the sun where to stand in the morning?
and Who told the ocean you can only come this far?
and Who showed the moon where to hide 'til evening?
Whose words alone can catch a falling star?

Well I know my Redeemer lives
I know my Redeemer lives:
All of creation testifies
This life within me cry
I know my Redeemer lives, yeah.

The very same God that spins things in orbit runs to the weary, the worn and the weak
And the same gentle hands that hold me when I'm broken
They conquered death to bring me victory

Now I know my Redeemer lives
I know my Redeemer lives
Let all creation testify
Let this life within we cry
I know my Redeemer, He lives

To take away my shame
And He lives forever, I'll proclaim
That the payment for my sin
Was the precious life He gave
But now He's alive and There's an empty grave.

And I know my Redeemer lives
I know my Redeemer lives
Let all creation testify
Let this life within me cry

I know my Redeemer, I know my Redeemer I know my Redeemer lives
I know my Redeemer lives
I know that I know that I know that I know that I know my redeemer lives
Because He lives I can face tomorrow
I Know I know He lives He lives yeah, yeah I spoke with him this morning
He lives He lives, the tomb is empty,
He lives I gotta tell everybody

Lenten Devotionals

2009-03-05T08:14:00.000-08:00

If you are looking for the meditations I am posting each day during Lent, click here. Have no idea what I am talking about? Here's the blurb from "Linked", the weekly e-newsletter I send out:

Lots of people give something up for Lent. That is a good thing, because when we offer a small sacrifice during these 40 days, it hopefully helps us focus on the greatest sacrifice – Christ’s death on the cross.

This Lent, though, you are invited to not just give something up – but add something. Every day during Lent (except Sundays), BC will be posting a devotional online. These devotionals are actually short Bible studies, and you are invited to comment, and therefore create discussion. You can find the devotions on our Facebook group page (on the discussion board), or at linkedyouth.com (click “interactive” then “blogs”).

Commit to a regular time each day (perhaps when you first go online and check your Facebook profile …) of reading and responding. See if regular time each day around scripture does not help bring these words to life:

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power … Put on your full armor of God … Take … the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” – Ephesians 6:10, 11a, 17b

Courage

2009-02-26T12:29:00.000-08:00

When they had rowed three or three and a half miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were terrified. But he said to them, “It is I; don’t be afraid.” (John 6:19-20, NIV)

Recently, my five-year-old daughter began moving across suspended bars at playgrounds with relative ease. This was a big deal, as she had been working on this skill for several months.

Every time I am with her, I always walk underneath her and spot her as she grabs each bar and swings to the next one. She expects that if she misses a bar, I will catch her. She knows I would never let her fall.

During the night the Disciples saw Jesus walking on water. They probably thought they were seeing a ghost. But if they had thought about all they had already seen Jesus do, they could have accepted this miracle. Faith is a mind-set that expects God to act – we know God will always catch us. When we act on this expectation, we can overcome our fears.

What is causing fear in your life right now? Take a minute to pray, asking God to give you courage to overcome your fear.

Beginning

2009-02-26T12:21:00.000-08:00

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. (John 1:1-2, NIV)

Beginnings are exciting. Think of the energy and anticipation that surrounds the first day of school, for instance, or the rush of adrenaline baseball players feel when the umpire says, “Play ball.”

Today we begin Lent with John’s profound announcement: Jesus (the “Word”) was with God in the beginning. Some of John’s other writings contain this idea (Jesus “was, and is and is to come;” He is the “Alpha and the Omega”), but only John’s gospel begins – excitedly – with this truth.

For the next 40 days we will spend time in the book of John. It is fitting during this season of Lent, as we journey to the cross, to read John, given his stated purpose: “that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” (20:31)

What does it mean to have life in Jesus’ name? How are you experiencing this life?

Now

2009-02-19T08:03:00.000-08:00

Tim, Audrua and I - the youth ministerial staff at First Methodist - meet every Wednesday for prayer, learning and business. In that order.

Currently, we are reading a book together called The Core Realities for Youth Ministry. The basic premise is that there are nine things that define a healthy youth ministry. We are taking a look at each one together (so far, we've covered veracity, authenticity, audacity and humility) and chatting about how well we are living into that reality at First Methodist. I am enjoying this time, and I think it is really helping us grow as youth workers.

One of the contributors to this book, Doug Fields, has written what many consider to be THE foundational work on youth ministry of the last 10 years-or-so ... the bible of youth ministry, if you will: Purpose-Driven Youth Ministry. That's right - before there was the Purpose-Driven Life, there was Purpose-Driven Youth Ministry. This is also a work that outlines what missional, life-giving, faithful youth ministry looks like.

In PDYM, Fields bluntly writes:

I detest hearing church members say, "We must have a strong youth ministry because youth and the future of the church." Students aren't the future of the church; they're the present church, just like all believers. While this future-church message may seem innocent and empowering, it is actually defeating. We should be challenging youth to be ministers and to participate in the faith today instead of sitting back and waiting until they are adults. The apostle Paul encouraged youth Timothy's ministry by saying, "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young (I Tim. 4:12) ... Jesus never said, "Take up your cross and follow me when you're an adult." The Bible is clearly void of any age requirement for serving. God shattered age limits with biblical heroes like David, Jeremiah, and Mary. A sign of a healthy church is one that helps all Christians, regardless of age, to discover their gifts and express them through serving in ministry.

I am very grateful to be serving a church that gets this. The importance of young people living and telling the good news of Jesus Christ now - not later - is not lost on this congregation. That is most vividly expressed through the emphasis First Methodist Houston youth ministry places on missions.

Teens at this church have a very literal opportunity to heed Jesus' command to be his witness "to the ends of the earth." This summer we are taking students to Nicaragua, Acuna and the Texas gulf coast.

These opportunities are only present through the tremendous support and prayer the entire church gives to youth ministry and youth missions. During the month of March, students will be selling mission trip "stock." If it is stock, that means an investment is involved. This year, we are ramping up the "dividend" of that stock. We are committing to sending e-mails and some form of online report from every trip to all stockholders. Also, we are going to hold a stockholders' dinner in August, where youth will share testimonies and stories from every trip. This is such an important fundraiser - there is no way we could take these trips without it.

Beginning March 8 you'll see youth with clipboards in the downtown lobby and Westchase atrium. I invite you to make an investment of $25, $50 or more in the young person in front of you, and in their desire to serve, grow in and proclaim the name Jesus Christ.

That's not just healthy youth ministry - that's healthy ministry.

10 AM

2009-02-05T11:31:00.000-08:00

First Methodist Houston is odd. Well, based on my experience at least.

When I served on other church staffs, one of the consistent struggles was improving Sunday School attendance. No matter what we tried, that hour never seemed to rise too high on anyone's radar screen - especially teenagers' radar screens.

First Methodist is altogether different. It is the most consistently attended program we offer, and it has better numbers than anything else we do.

This is really unique. The churches I have served are not the only ones struggling with Sunday School. Many popular writers and thinkers in the field of youth ministry have decided the best course of action is to do away with it altogether, and go to a completely new model of Christian education. Indeed, many new church plants have elected to not have a Sunday School hour.

The reasons for the decline vary - some say it is because youth stay up late on Saturday night, others say attaching the word "school" to a weekend youth event is the kiss of death. Still others attribute it to a general decline in church attendance and church relevance, especially in the last 50 years or so. Interestingly, Sunday School was started in the 19th century due in part to a general decline in church attendance.

Whatever the reason for the trend - First Methodist Houston is clearly bucking that trend. I told some teachers Sunday afternoon that I think the reason we are different is because of their dedication, faithfulness and leadership. It is clear to me that discipleship has been a priority in First Methodist Houston's youth ministry for a long time. The fruit of that priority is a tradition of strong Sunday morning numbers, and a generation going off to college and to the world with a foundation built on God's word. Biblical literacy and a passion for prayer are traits of many of the youth at this church, especially older youth.

As strong as this hour generally is, it can always be stronger. Both at Westchase and our Downtown campus, we are seeking new and creative ways to connect young hearts to Jesus Christ through the Sunday School hour. As good as attendance is, I know there are some youth who regularly read this blog that don't come to Sunday School too often.

Why don't you stop by again, and see some of these new things? Downtown is going to start a little bit sooner - around 9:50 am - to allow a little more classroom time. At Westchase, we are going to be led in music in the not-too-distant future by some of our very own students.

And if you are reading this and you have never been to either of our campuses between 10 am and 11 am on a Sunday morning, I invite you to experience an hour of fellowship, multi-media worship and careful, thoughtful teaching by caring, committed adults.

And oh by the way ... For the record, I DO NOT think Sunday School should go away. Maybe it could use a different name - really, who wants to go to "school" on the weekend? - but that's about it. I LOVE looking out at the sea of somewhat-sleepy faces every Sunday morning and proclaiming that "this is the day the Lord has made, so let us rejoice and be glad in it" and then telling a corny joke or two. I LOVE seeing the look in teachers' faces when they tell me about something that's connected in their class.

I am VERY thankful so many of you have made this a priority. Let's continue to buck the trend.

A Rebound

2009-01-29T08:27:00.000-08:00

Last night the First Methodist Houston youth group attended the Houston Rockets game. Apart from the final score (the Sixers won 95-93), it was a fun time of fellowship.

The best part might have been after the game. Our group went down by the court to hang out with Rockets small forward Ron Artest. He took pictures with us, signed autographs and shook hands for about 10 minutes.

Artest, as all my astute sports-savvy blog readers know, has a checkered past. He's been involved in a series of controversial incidents. The most famous came in 2004, when he was suspended 73 games following a player-fan brawl when he played for the Indiana Pacers.

As I watched our teens take cell phone pictures and look for items they could have Artest sign, I wondered if this was a good idea. Before we left the church we prayed that our Christian witness would be strong, but here we were taking part in athlete adoration, which sends a different message. Also, we were fawning over Ron Artest, one of the more reputably contentious players in the game.

Then, as we were waking back to the church, I had more thoughts. Who among us has never sinned? (Romans 3:23) Who among us does not deserve a second chance? (Luke 23:39-43) Moreover, who among us should even be judging others? (Matthew 7:1-2)

The Bible is full of people with a checkered past. Moses. David. The criminal on the cross. Peter. You know what they all have in common? They are forgiven. But the grace of God and by the blood of Jesus, they are forgiven.

Ron Artest, by most accounts, is having a strong season with the Rockets - one writer has said he deserves the leagues "Most Improved Player" award. More importantly, he is giving back, serving and volunteering, both on his own and through the NBA Cares program. He has been on mercy missions in Africa, and worked with an organization called Feed the Children. As he was walking over to meet us last night, his youngest daughter ran out to him, and there was obvious delight and joy in his face as he scooped her into his arms.

Artest has been given a second chance, and appears to be making the most of it. You and I have been given second (and third, and fourth ...) chances too. We are all sinful - we all have a "checkered past" - but when we confess, repent and believe in the name of Jesus, we are forgiven and freed. (Acts 2:38) Are we making the most of our second chances as well?

For the record, I am kind of excited about the picture Artest took with our group.

A New World

2009-01-20T12:03:00.000-08:00

This morning I walked across the street and watched the Presidential Inauguration with the Wesley Academy Kindergarten class. The events on the television were historic and important, but the faces in the room captivated me.

The children watched the Invocation, music, swearing-in and the Inaugural Address with quiet attention. I sat in the back of the room wondering what in the world was going through their young minds. Did they realize they were watching history? Were they impressed? Or did they want to start wrestling with the kid sitting next to them?

Probably more of the later, truth be told. However, I am guessing that they grasped - at least to some degree - the magnitude of the events.

Or maybe not. Last night my family gathered on the couch to read some scripture and pray for Barack Obama, his family and his administration. I started to tell Kiley, our 5-year-old, about Obama being the first African-American to be elected president. I thought I might also say something about Martin Luther King, Jr., and how for a long time there were limitations to what some people could achieve in this country, but thanks to people like MLK and others those walls were obviously being torn down.

Then, I stopped. It occured to me that SHE HAS NO IDEA that for most of the time this country has been a country, blacks were barred from the electoral process. She does not know about slavery, or the civil rights struggle. For that matter, I do not think she knows what the words racism and prejudice mean.

Someday she will, of course. She'll learn about all of those things. Hopefully it will be in a history class, but undoubtedly, sadly, she'll eventually run into people that harbor unfortunate, feaful attitudes about people who look different than they do. But for now, Kiley HAS NEVER KNOWN a world where an African-American could not be president of the United States. She has never known that it used to be a just a dream, rather than her experience, that some people would only be judged by the content of their character instead of the color of their skin. In her mind, the events of today were, while important, altogether normal.

How cool is that?

I am glad I did not spoil it for her last night, and attempt to explain the history of racism to a 5-year-old mind, although I am sure her intellect could have handled it. I am thankful that God nudged me to just be quiet, and let her enjoy and appreciate a normal, everyday event: An African-American becoming President of the United States.

Link It

2009-01-15T08:03:00.000-08:00

The Link starts up again this Sunday. The mission of this cross-campus youth program is to connect young hearts to Christ, and the vision for the Link is that it is a Christ-centered, dynamic gathering place for First Methodist Houston students and friends that is beloved and shared.

Some of that mission and vision stuff is a bit "churchy" I know. It is important and true, but what does "dynamic gathering place" mean, for instance? Well, after the first four months of The Link, I think I can give a little more meaning to those words ... I think I can put a little skin on dem bones.

First, The Link is "dynamic" because we shoot for high-energy every week. We use drama, videos, skits and games to invite students into a fun, active place. A little sock-wrestling game that we did in October is still mentioned frequently!

Next, The Link is "Christ-centered" because we have a Bible study/message every time, as well as praise and worship that seeks to glorify our savior and redeemer. Students are continually and constantly reminded that God loves them, and the perfect evidence of that love is the cross of Jesus Christ.

Is The Link truly "beloved and shared?" We are praying that is true or becomes true. One trend that is encouraging: The Link took the place of a program called "Crossroads," which averaged 4-6 junior high students. At The Link last fall, we averaged around 20 junior high students.

I'm glad for that, to say the least, but two other Link-related developments have me really pumped ... First, Tim Wood has been working really hard on forming a new youth band. Chad Sledge, Josephine Tran, Taylor Clem and Joshua West have been practicing a lot, and they all love playing. You should go to Tim's Facebook profile to see some cool photos of the band! Jo just came on over the holidays and will be joining the band for the first time at The Link this Sunday, January 18. I know they are excited about the sound, and about leading worship.

The other development is a steady and solid leadership team. Caroline Shafer, Natalie Dunn, Leah Wakefield, Amanda Macune, Chad Sledge, Garrett Nondorf and Daniel Nondorf meet every Sunday at 2 pm to share ideas, cast vision, prepare to lead and pray for The Link. I am excited about this group and expect even more things from them in 2009.

The table is set for some serious fun and serious connection at The Link this spring. Come join us, and invite a friend ...

Get Involved

2009-01-08T08:56:00.000-08:00

I wrote this for the church newspaper this week. Thought it might be good to post here as well:

As we turn the calendar from 2008 to 2009, it is a great time to be reminded that God is in the business of “doing a new thing” (Isaiah 43:19). He invites us to sing a “new song” (Psalms 96, 98) and he invites us to turn towards his son Jesus, who “makes all things new” (Revelation 21:5).

With all of this newness in the air, it is also a great time to review all of the opportunities youth have to be connected to Jesus Christ through First Methodist Houston.

SUNDAY SCHOOL classes gather at both campuses at 10 am Sunday mornings. Downtown meets on the sixth floor. Come a few minutes early for breakfast and fellowship. The hour begins with Tim Wood leading worship, and then students are split into age-appropriate classes.

The hour is similar at Westchase. Brian Coats or Audrua Welch facilitates the big-group time, and then students attend junior high or high school classes.

This spring, all students in grades 6-8 are taking part in Confirmation during the Sunday School hour. For more information about Confirmation, contact Brian Coats at 713-458-4710.

THE LINK is our Sunday afternoon, cross-campus student gathering. The bus leaves downtown at 12:15 pm, and we begin with lunch in the Westchase Youth Assemlby Room around 12:40 pm. From 1-2:30, students can choose to be involved in the youth choir, youth bell choir and/or the youth drama team. Also, the youth leadership team meets for prayer and planning at 2 pm.

Then, from 2:30-4 pm, all students in grades 6-12 are invited to join us for engaging worship, uplifting and joyful fellowship, and a relevant message, all of which also take place in the Westchase Youth Assembly Room. We split up into small groups during the final 20 minutes for prayer and accountability.

FUEL is the high-thrill Junior High experience! This is for ALL sixth through eighth graders and friends. Come for a fun time of games, food, and the Word from 5:30 to 7 pm. on Wednesday nights in the Westchase Youth Assembly Room.

PORT - Every Wednesday evening during the school year, First Methodist has a small group Bible study, dinner, arts and crafts, and games for the students of the Port Houston neighborhood. Youth volunteers are needed to work as group leaders and assistants, food servers, translators, bus riders, gym, and arts and craft organizers.

SPECIAL EVENTS – This spring students can take part in special fundraisers, retreats and other singular events. The Pancake Breakfast (formerly Go Texan luncheon) will be February 22 at the Westchase Campus. During the month of March, students will be selling stock to raise funds for summer missions. The popular Break Thru retreats are April 17-19 (junior high) and April 24-26 (high school) at Camp Piney Woods in East Texas. Also, there is a Super Bowl party February 1 in the Westchase Youth Assembly Room, and the annual Graduation Banquet is May 3 downtown.

Finally, it is never too early to plan ahead for the summer, which is perhaps the most active and inspiring season in youth ministry. We have three summer mission trips: A high school one to Nicaragua June 5-12, an all-youth trip to Acuna, Mexico July 6-10 and a junior-high only trip to Galveston August 6-10. Also, there is a Youth Choir trip to Washington, D.C., June 24-29, and Student Life Camp is July 25-29.

Joy to the World

2008-12-11T12:19:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, December 6, I took part in JOY Ministry’s Respite Day. Perhaps I should have known what kind of afternoon it was going to be right away. There certainly were immediate indications that it was going to be very inspiring.

I arrived at the church around 1:30 pm. Despite being an hour early, I was not the first one there: One of the families of a special-needs child was already present. They were dropping off their child with someone other than a relative or a school for the very first time.

The very first time. Wow. What a testimony to the awesome reputation and tremendous ministry JOY has and is.

I took part in the Respite Day because I had asked members of the youth group to take part in it. Nine youth accepted that invitation, and those nine youth served as buddies or buddy assistants.

Tanya Sterling, the JOY Ministry director, assigned me to be a “floater,” rather than a buddy, and that was a smart move. As I watched buddies interact with each other – play in the gym or on the playground, walk around, do crafts – I was humbled. Many of Tanya’s long-time buddies seem to have deep skills and gifts for working with handicapped children, skills I know I do not have. As I watched them play, I saw so much patience, love, and joy.

One of those long-time volunteers pulled me aside and said this JOY Respite seemed different, though. He believed the JOY kids were really benefitting from having the teenagers there.

“They are having a really good time today,” he said. “Everyone is.”

As I was leaving, I thanked Tanya for inviting the students to participate. I told her what is happening in this ministry is most definitely a God thing. When those children and those buddies gather (and in 2009, they are going to start doing so every month!), they are participating in the love of Christ.

I am deeply grateful the teens took time to share in that love. They got to see up close and personal what the love of Christ looks like. As a result, perhaps they will find more opportunities to share that same love in their schools and homes, among their friends and families.

During Advent, many churches emphasize joy. At First Methodist Houston, it is emphasized all year.

SNOW Cool

2008-12-11T08:51:00.001-08:00

It snowed in Houston last night, and it was very, very cool.

It started snowing about an hour before FUEL, our weekly Wednesday night gathering for middle school students. Some of the leaders and even a few of the youth were already up here, so of course we went and played in the snow.

Leah Wakefield, one of the FUEL high school leaders, got some good pictures. Here's one of her and Kiley ... you can see the snowflakes in Kiley's hair. Check the rest of them out here.

And for some great shots of the snow that fell all over Houston, google any of the Houston TV stations. I also found some good ones on the Houston Chronicle's website.

Today, we are having "Wonderland in Westchase," and we expecting thousands of people to come to First Methodist. One of the attractions we have promoted is "real snow." Actually, an ice company is creating two snow mounds for kids to slide down and play in. I'm excited about it, and it's going to be fun, but it's not "real snow."

God gave us a demonstration of that yesterday.

Shine

2008-12-04T10:31:00.000-08:00

What is your favorite Christmas movie?

At our house, we get a steady diet of "Charlie Brown Christmas," "Rudolph," and "The Polar Express" this time of year. That's OK ... I secretly enjoy watching the kid's shows, but if I were to answer the question I just posed to you, truth be told I might say, "Christmas Vacation."

Not exactly as family-friendly as "Frosty the Snowman," I know, but oh my, it is so funny. One of my favorite scenes is this one right here:

Deep down, I'd like to be that guy: The one with a million lights. The one that causes his house to look like a runway. The one that has to re-wire his entire electricity grid to have enough power. Alas, I can't talk Nicole into it. So I settle for 15-or-so strands of white outdoor lights and a "Joy" lawn display. Actually, there's not a whole lot of settling involved - I love the way our home looks at Christmas.

This is our first year in our new home in Katy, and we do not have as many shrubs and bushes as our last two homes have had, which left me a few extra strands. So, I did our tree this year. Not quite Clark Griswold, but it looks pretty good, in my humble-but-accurate opinion.

Last year in Allen, there was a home in our neighborhood that went Griswold - and then some. They had their lights set to music, and every hour on the hour there was a light show. Now that was cool!

Why all of this talk about Christmas lights? Well, in my morning prayer journal and Bible-reading time, I read Psalm 80, and I noticed something I had not before. The phrase "Restore us, O God; make your face to shine upon us, that we may be saved," occurs three times. Now, most everyone who knows me well knows how much I love the Biblical idea and imagery of "shining." Jesus calls us to let our lights "shine" so that others can come to praise God. I remind the teenagers of that early and often.

However, Psalm 80 illuminated something new for me today: God's light is directly related to our salvation. When's God's face, or God's glory, "shines" on us, we are saved. For God's light to fall on us means his perfect, holy radiance removes all the darkness that once covered us. We are brought into the light, and then we shine as God's shine. We are made right with God.

Christmas lights are nice. But they are not the true "light" of this season. Christ is. John wrote it better than I can:

"The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world."

Thanks to the "Word becoming flesh," everything is plugged in. And you think Clark's house was bright?

Hardly.

???

2008-11-20T09:39:00.001-08:00

An incredible thing is taking place in my middle school Bible classes at Wesley Academy.

The students are asking questions.

Lots of questions, actually. Good questions. Thoughtful questions.

But questions we have no time in class for.

Let me explain. I think simply by honestly studying and experiencing the Bible, students' minds and hearts become open. That leads to inquisitiveness and curiosity. Or at least it has in my class. That inquisitiveness and curiosity can be a little random, though.

For instance, we'll be studying Noah and the flood, and a student will raise their hand and ask, "Does God control the solar system? If not, who does?" or "What kind of help does God need in heaven?"

See what I mean. Random. But I also meant it when I said these questions are thoughtful. After fielding a few of these, I decided to create the "magic coffee pot." (the only receptacle-type item I could find in that moment ...) I placed it on a table at the front of the class. I now invite students to place their questions in that coffee pot, and I tell them I will read, give thought to their questions and respond later, after prayer and study, if necessary.

Here are all of the questions to appear in the coffee pot the last few weeks:

Who was the first person to die in the Bible?
How can we really believe that the Bible is true? ... It's hard.
When was the Holy God born?
Does Jesus have any descendants? Are they living? Did Jesus marry?
How do we know the Bible is real? It's really hard to believe.
When was the Bible made?
Is the Lord dangerous?
Did the disciples have to sell all of their stuff?
How many verses are there in the Bible?
Do angels have a gender?
Is John an angel?
What is the whole point of the Bible?
When God makes us and plans our lives he wants all of us to go to heaven. Why does he make some of us go to H-e-double hockey stick?
What is the largest book in the Bible? What is the shortest book in the Bible?
What is the most common boy name in the Bible?
Are Jesus, God and the Holy Spirit three separate bodies with one mind?
Who is God's wife?
In the birth of Jesus are they three wise men or three wise kings?
Why don't we call God by his name ... Yahweh?
What does Halloween have to do with anything? Is Halloween praising the dead? ... I don't get Halloween.
Is there a way to be a Christian yet believe in another philosophy that believes in God and Jesus?

See what I mean? Random. Thoughtful. And here's another appropriate descriptor: Awesome.

So here's the deal, blog-reading audience (both of you): I need your help. I'm going to do a number of things to answer these questions. I'll tackle some in Wesley chapel on Wednesdays. I'm starting a podcast next month where I interview various youth and adults on topics important to teens. I'll use these questions in those pod casts, and I would love to be able to say from time-to-time, "Well, here's one comment from my blog about that idea." Also, I am writing some devotionals for a book to be published next year, and I might include some of this material in those devotionals.

So take a few minutes and give me a few thoughts, answers and comments to the questions my students have asked. You can do so by commenting on this blog, or feel free to e-mail me: briancoats94@yahoo.com. I know you have deep and rich answers, and by collaborating on this, we offer the students the depth and richness their honest inquisitiveness deserves.

In closing, is this not another amazing example of how surprising teens can be? Were you to scan the faces in the crowd during some class sessions, it might appear that some students are just as zoned out as can be, daydreaming about getting home and cranking up Call to Duty 5. Maybe sometimes. But if these questions are any indication, I think more often than not teenagers are craving something much deeper - a relationship with their creator. They want to KNOW God, and they want to know his ways. They want to love God not just with their hearts, but with their minds. So when something does not make sense to them, or when something intrigues them, they ask. And that is a beautiful thing.

I await your comments with eager anticipation ...

'Tis the Season

2008-11-20T09:22:00.000-08:00

Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name. - I Chronicles 29:13

I have so much to be thankful for, such as:

- An outstanding Fall Retreat last weekend. I seriously enjoyed the laid-back, coffeehouse atmosphere. Tim Whitman and his band did a great job leading worship, especially given the challenges of the intimate space. Brent Parker did not just tell us about "Holy Ground", but helped us experience "Holy Ground." Saturday night after the coffeehouse time (which was super-fun and hilarious, by the way ...), I sat by the fireplace and watched everyone. There was such a nice, Spirit-infested sense of community, I almost did not make everyone go to bed. For hundreds of Fall Retreat pictures that paint the story of the sweet weekend more completely then this paragraph does, go on Facebook and find the First Methodist Youth group page.

- The opportunity to see family next week. We have not been to my hometown, Midland, since March of 2007. My parents live there, and we are going to have a big Thanksgiving with lots of cousins, aunts, uncles, etc. Any recommendations for the movie I should go to while the A&M-Texas game is on?

- Health. Last night we went to Kiley's end-of-season soccer party. She had a lot of fun this year, scored a couple of goals, and made some new friends. Also, I am pretty sure Cailyn can walk. She just does not know it yet.

- A loving savior. Even if I never went on a refreshing, re-charging retreat, even if my family situation was different ... Even if I did not have my health, I would still have the fact that I am a redeemed, beloved child of God, because of the sacrifice of his son. That is an eternal promise that can never be taken away.

Like so many other things, at the end of day Thanksgiving is about one thing, or rather, one person:

Jesus.

Well Said

2008-11-04T08:50:00.000-08:00

What a huge day. Historic, even.

That said, I have already used two words - "huge" and "historic" that have been overused a bazillion times in this two-year campaign. So instead of trying to come up with something eloquent or original to mark this huge, historic day, I'm turning the blog over to someone who has written something both eloquent and original - as well as inspiring. My friend Roxanne Worsham, a youth group parent and the co-director of Women's Ministry here at First Methodist Houston, sent this e-mail out this morning. I thought it was awesome.

This is the day the Lord has made! Let us REJOICE and be glad in it!!!

Again I say, REJOICE!!!
- Psalm 118:24

A few things I'm so thankful for on this election day, regardless of the outcome:

*We live in a democracy where we have the right to a vote and a voice. We have the God-given responsibility to use both wisely and in the way that best reflects what God conveys through Scripture.

*God "works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will"and "according to the plan." Ephesians 1:11

*Not only does God work out everything in conformity with His will, He has promised to work out everything for the GOOD of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.
*God sets up kings and deposes them and gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. Daniel 2:21

*We, the beautifully diverse family of God, are never - not at any time - powerless. Nor are we ever victims of a system. Believing prayer takes us through doors we'll never be invited to enter and into judges chambers we'll never grace. Take a look back at Genesis 18 once again with astonishment over the dialogue between God and His servant and friend, Abraham. Rejoice that God is ever mindful of a faithful remnant. The Judge of the Earth will always do right.

*Even if persecution should await believers in Christ or harrowing circumstances hound us, God will use hardship to bring unity and purity to a people who need it desperately. The best of circumstances do not always produce the best in the Bride of Christ.

*The living God is firmly established upon His Throne and there at His holy feet we can always find grace and mercy in our time of need.

*No matter what happens today, we are GOD'S elect. He has elected us to show His heart and to walk in His ways in the culture that surrounds us.We are called to walk in the challenging balance of grace and truth.

May we be filled with Christ's Spirit today and our mouths given to praise and to believing, receiving prayer. God IS faithful and He has us firmly in His hand. We will not fear. We will not doubt. We will not hate.

"Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in Him, for He shields him all day long, and the one the Lord loves rests between His shoulders."
Deuteronomy 33:12

Believing and trusting God above all else!!
Roxanne

Let the Redeemed of the Lord rise up!!

NYWC

2008-10-29T12:48:00.000-07:00

If you have seen my Facebook status, you know I am going out of town this weekend. Pittsburgh, PN, of all places.

Why Pittsburgh? Good question - I am definitely NOT a Steelers fan. I am still upset with them for stealing Super Bowl XIII from my Cowboys 35-31. If Jackie Smith catches that ball in the end zone, the Cowboys win. Of course, we did extract a little revenge in Super Bowl XXX. Run Emmitt!

But I digress. The reason I am going to be in Pittsburgh this weekend is because I am attending the National Youth Workers Convention. Mandy Jones, Tim Wood and Nicole are all coming too.

NYW rocks. It is partly an education event, partly an opportunity for spiritual direction, fellowship and networking and partly one of the most amazing worship experiences I have ever had. Youth Specialties, the organization the puts on NYW, brings in the best of the best for worship leaders and speakers. Every other time I have been I have experienced tremendous renewal and growth - professionally, but more importantly spiritually.

Are you wondering why Nicole is attending? Well, at the three other churches I have served as a youth minister, Nicole has been a key youth sponsor, teacher and leader. She has not been overly involved with leadership at First Methodist yet because we had a baby last December. Her primary focus is raising, training and loving our two daughters. However, she definitely has a heart for youth ministry. We are hopeful that as Cailyn gets older she might be able to ease into more youth ministry leadership.

I'm very excited that most of our youth ministry team will be at the convention. I think God is already up to amazing things in First Methodist youth ministry, but perhaps the National Youth Workers Convention will help us lift the name and cross of Jesus Christ to students and families in even more creative, engaging, relevant and faithful ways.

We'll be back Monday, and I'll use this space for a report on the convention. 'Till then .... Grace and peace.

Health Check, Part II

2008-10-22T08:30:00.000-07:00

One of the challenges of youth ministry is interacting with and experiencing God's love with humans that are, basically, crazy.

OK, maybe teenagers are not crazy. But sometimes it seems like it. That is because they are deeply passionate. For folks between about 12-20, most everything in life is experienced in extremes. They do not get excited - they get really excited. They do not have drama in their lives - they have extreme drama. They feel deeply. Their emotions, thoughts, attitudes and hopes all get mixed together and amped up in this hormonally-laced time called adolescence, and what emerges is "the human condition on steroids," as one author calls it.

And that is a good thing. A really good thing. Except, sometimes feelings cannot be trusted. For example, often when we go on a mission trip or to camp or something like that, teens speak of "feeling" very close to God. Time and again, though, those "feelings" dissipate as they return to the regular and routine of daily life. Then, they say they do not "feel" close to God.

But the Bible tells us that God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. God is as close to us as our next breath whether we "feel" close to God or not. When God seems distant, God is not the one who has moved. We have. Speaking this truth into teenagers' lives is, as I said to start, sometimes challenging.

With that in mind, let's return to the topic I brought up in my previous post - good health. Health relates to how one feels, correct? When you go for a check-up, doesn't the doctor say, "How are you feeling?"So if our feelings cannot always be trusted, how do we know we are in good health?

I'm genuinely not sure I know how to answer that question, because I do rely on my feelings to gauge health. For example, I feel very healthy in two environments: sports and missions. When I am playing shortstop in softball, standing in the infield, waiting for the pitcher to pitch and the batter to hit, I feel healthy. And when I am on a prayer walk in Acuna, Mexico or driving a nail on a Habitat work site, I feel healthy.

But now I am wondering ... Can I trust those feelings? Am I really healthy?

Matthew, Mark and Luke all tell a story of a paralytic. He had really good friends, because they made the effort and took the time to carry him on a mat and lower him and the mat through a roof because they believed Jesus could heal him. They thought Jesus could make him healthy. And he did. But before he healed him of the paralysis, Jesus forgave his sins. Now, the Bible says Jesus did this so that those witnessing this would know that "the son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins."

When Jesus healed this man of both his spiritual and physical infirmities, he revealed some of his divine identity and illustrated the power that comes with that identity. That is the usual and proper exegesis of that passage, I think. However, perhaps we learn something else. Perhaps we learn that the key to good health is being right with God. Think about it - Jesus did a ton of healing, so clearly he cared about physical health. However, his principal message was "Repent, for the Kingdom of God is near." His primary concern was aligning our hearts and minds on the things of God, and turning away from anything that would keep us from that.

I take great comfort in that. Jesus cares about how we feel, so we can know that our feelings are important. More than anything, though, he wants us to be transformed, redeemed and made new - in his name. That is what it means to be healthy, I think.

What do you think?

Health Check, Part I

2008-10-16T11:35:00.001-07:00

Are you healthy?

I am asking that question of myself quite a bit lately - probably because it has come up in recent conversations and situations I have been a part of.

A couple of weeks ago I went on a Bethany retreat. One of the key components of these retreats is taking time for Sabbath rest and self-care. Doing that naturally leads to an examination of whether Sabbath rest and self-care is happening in times and places other than Bethany retreats.

Then this week, I had two seperate conversations with other First Methodist staff members about health. One was about how emotionally healthy teenagers are, especially when the majority are part of homes that have some kind of dysfunctionality. We talked about how things like divorce, anger and unrealistic achievement expectations (as well as many, many other issues most teenagers deal with) often lead to unhealthy beliefs, attitudes and behaviors in teenagers. The other conversation was largely about physical health. Part of that conversation took place, you should know, over a bowl of chips at Pappasitos.

Finally, I took one of those silly online quizzes. This one was on Facebook, and it was called "What is your actual age?" It asked a few questions about lifestyle, fitness and diet. I was incredibly surprised by the fact that my result was "31." Given my 2-3 cokes a day, infrequent exercise and major anxiety over the fact that the Aggie defense can't cover a bed, much less an opposing receiver, I would have expected 41 instead of 31.

All of these encounters and conversations have caused me to think about health. What makes one healthy? Is it just eating right, an appropriate work/play balance, learning coping skills and making peace with one's past?

Perhaps predictably, I do think there is something else: Knowing Jesus Christ. In John 10:10, Jesus says, "I have come that they might have life, and have it to the full." Another translation uses the adverb "abundantly" instead of "to the full." Abundant life means the scales tip more towards passion, joy, peace and success, and less towards apathy, unhappiness, disagreement and failure. Would you say that is the case in your life? Abundant life is healthy. Really healthy. And only Jesus offers real abundance.

Now, that said, I also believe health is not just a spiritual issue. I think therapy and counseling are important practical tools for gaining emotional health. And while I think if one is unhealthy there is a lot to be said for prayer and for crying out to Jesus, I also believe prayer should be accompanied by action. If you are physically unhealthy, you should eat better and exercise more, for instance.

Unfortunately, that is personally convicting. During my teen years and even into my 20's, I did not have to give a second thought to a concept like "enough exercise." I spent a lot of time playing softball, tennis, golf and going hiking and skiing. Now, I am lucky if I get to walk the dog once a day.

I'll pray about that. I'll also try to watch the cokes and Tex-mex restaurant chips.

I have a couple more thoughts about health, but I'll save those for next week. Until then, what do you think makes one healthy?

I Am Back

2008-10-16T09:22:00.000-07:00

Well hello.

Apparently, four months can go by pretty fast. That is about how long it has been since I have posted a blog. Sheesh.

How could this have happened? It is not as if I have not had things to write about. In June and July the youth group went to Student Life Camp, Acuna, Mexico, Austin and New Orleans. All of those trips were deep experiences of God's grace and presence. Personally, I started teaching Bible and serving as the middle school chaplain at Wesley Academy, the private school here at First Methodist, and I am loving it.

Those events were huge, but the most exciting events in my life the last four months were probably learning how to crawl and starting Kindergarten. I know, I'm coming right along. Silly - I'm actually talking about our daughters. Cailyn, our 10-month-old, is scooting all over the house - she is truly a rug rat. Kiley, our five-year-old, is thriving in Wesley's Kindergarten class.

Finally, the last month-or-so our lives were knocked out of routine a bit ( ... and I fully realize how fortunate we are that I can use the phase "a bit") because of Hurricane Ike. We are fine, and now we are trying to find ways to respond and help those whose situation calls for the words "a lot" rather than "a bit."

So suffice to say I have had plenty to reflect on and write about. Of course, that is probably the main reason why I have not posted a blog - life needed to be lived. Another reason is because I have shifted much of my online attention to Facebook. In 13 years of ministry, I have never encountered a more useful tool for staying in touch and in community with teenagers. Truth be told, it has been a great way to stay in touch with just about everyone, regardless of age.

I am officially back, though, and I'll close this return to the blogosphere with a little re-cap of some of the things I generally write about (usually about one a week), and some of the things I generally do not write about.

For instance, I like to highlight youth events that just happened and I like to highlight youth events that are upcoming. More than that, though, I like to point out where I have sensed God's spirit moving in and around those events.
I do not like to blog about politics. I think you'll find enough political blow-hards, er ... I mean, bloggers out there, though, if that's what you like to read about. Especially right now.
I like to post videos and pictures from our youth ministry here at First Methodist Houston. I also like to post links to videos and other interesting items from the web. Mostly funny stuff.
I do not try to offer my two cents on too many societal ills (one of the dangers of being a blogger is a heightened - and false - sense of how important you really are ...), but I do I like to occasionally study the Bible in this setting. I'll attempt to apply passages of scripture to culture every so often, and when I do, I welcome feedback and comments. Actually, I welcome comments anytime.
Finally, while I am a youth minister, I rarely post what I would call professionally-minded blogs. In other words, I do not blog about youth ministry very often. Instead, I blog about what is happening in one particular youth ministry venue - First Methodist Church in Houston, TX. I do read some youth ministry blogs from time-to-time, though. I like this one and this one quite a bit.

Of course, there will be exceptions, but those are some good generalities. Actually, if you have any ideas for blog posts, I'd love to hear them. I'd much rather my blog "posts" be blog "discussions."

Grace and peace. It is good to be with you again.

Video

2008-06-16T12:58:00.000-07:00

Here's the video from the Nicaragua Homecoming Concert. Sorry I could not put the music on it and also put it online ... Windows Movie Maker is tempermental. FYI - The songs were "Children of God," by Steven Curtis Chapman, "Volcanoland" by Caedmon's Call and "Al Mundo Dios Amó" by Jaci Velsquez, if you want to listen as you watch!

Stock

2008-06-13T07:49:00.000-07:00

We are coming home today, and we are wearing the same t-shirts we left in.

In worship last night, Dan Jones, the pastor of Bethany United Methodist, told the youth that the work they did this week was important. It brought hope to a place that desperately needs hope.

As important as that work was, he also told them that one of the primary reasons he and Kristin keep bringing groups to places like Nicaragua - as well as places like Honduras, Peru, the Dominican Republic and Thailand – is because the week serves as an extreme reminder of the way God works. Perhaps the biggest miracle of all, Dan said, is to return from a trip like this changed. To come back, and experience God at home, as well as somewhere like the city dump of Managua, Nicaragua. To come back, and be a stronger witness to the love and peace of Jesus Christ.

In March, many, many members of First Methodist purchased youth mission trip “stock.” It was rather chaotic as youth group members fanned out and asked people leaving worship if they could write a check for $25, $50 or $100. Most everyone knew the drill and happily supported the youth – many with checks much larger than $100.

I am now a witness to where that support went. It went to creating miracles. A miracle like a group of teenagers who experienced God deeply and richly. A miracle like a night without water leaking through because there are now new roofs on five shelters. A miracle like the thousands of hugs and smiles from children. A miracle like hundreds of new educational and hygenic supplies left behind for the ministries here. Miracles, delivered by the power of the Holy Spirit, that will be etched in our minds and influence our actions from now on.

We are coming home today, and we are wearing the same t-shirts we left in, but there is something different inside.

Thank you.

Touch

2008-06-10T17:13:00.001-07:00

Touch is foundational to life, and to wholeness. It is something we all crave.

Remember the story of Jesus and the bleeding woman? She reached out, knowing that if she could just touch Jesus, she could be healed. And she was (Luke 8:40-48).

Touch is so important. I think it is common knowledge that babies thrive when they are held often. Those that are not, do not. Touch is so important. Author Gary Chapman identifies it as one of the primary ways humans communicate love.

More on that in just a minute.

In the past two days – the amount of time since I last posted a blog – we have done so much. Monday, a large part of the group spent the entire day removing a small hill in a courtyard at the school, because that courtyard is about to be covered to create a large indoor meeting space. It was hard, hot work with shovels, hoes and wheelbarrows. I am pretty sure I sweated enough to fill a bathtub.

This morning, another segment of the group put three roofs (tarps) on homes in La Chucera (the Managua city dump). This afternoon, we held a concert and did VBS-like story-telling and crafts in a soccer field for about 40 children.

That has been our day work. In the evenings, we have gathered for worship. We are working through the book of Acts on this trip. We read it together in the evenings and individually each morning, and it has served as a huge reminder of the Holy Spirit’s power that dwells in Christians. We also share where we see God’s spirit, presence and power at work on this trip. These times of sharing and worship are very inspiring and uplifting.

Finally, another part of the group has been busy doing some medical work. One of the adults in the group is a physician’s assistant. Yesterday and today she took teams of 3-4 youth, and they went from home to home in La Chureca, checking in on men, women and children.

Now, back to touch. Yesterday (Monday), the medical team visited a man with AIDS. Natalie Dunn was one of the youth in the group, and she was moved by the experience.

“We went to see him,” Natalie said, “and there was a feeling that there was nothing we could do medically. So, the idea was to do something Jesus would do, and that was to wash his feet.”

“You could basically tell that no one had ever done anything like that to him before,” she continued. “As we were washing his feet, we were singing, ‘Christo Te Amo’ (Jesus Loves You). You could tell for a moment he was relaxed and calm.

I felt like a child of God,” Natalie said. “In a moment of being in disgust – everything around you is trash … Instead of being scared of it, we knelt down and did something Jesus would do.”

In Nicaragua, and especially in La Chucera, children run up to you non-stop. They want to high-five, and fist-bump. They want to sit in your lap. They want to be held. They want a hug.

Don’t we all? Whether we are a woman reaching for Jesus’ cloak, an AIDS-suffering man who has not been touched in months, children living in utter poverty, or Americans with more resources and blessings than we can ever imagine, we all want to be touched.

Thank you, Lord, for touch. Thank you for touching our lives on this mission trip, and for allowing us to touch the lives of so many beautiful, beautiful Nicaraguan men, women and children. Thank you especially that you reached down from heaven and touched us, through your son Jesus. May we receive that touch, and find life – life eternal, and life abundant. Amen.

One Lord. One Faith. One Language.

2008-06-09T07:08:00.000-07:00

Greetings First Methodist Houston!

I’m coming to you from Managua, Nicaragua. Mission teams from First Methodist and Bethany United Methodist are here for seven days, witnessing to this end of the earth in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 1:8).

We are working with and ministering to families that live in some of the most impoverished conditions in the world – the Managua city dump. Saturday, part of the group put a “roof” (a tarp …) on one shelter, and another part of the group took a prayer walk through “La Chureca.” That is the name for the part of the dump where families live in shelters made up of cardboard, scrap metal, dirt, rocks and whatever else they can find. La Chureca is its own community.

That was in the morning. Saturday afternoon we visited a church service that many residents of La Chureca attend. You have to go through the dump to get to it. The building where the service was held is also a school.

Like many worship services, it began with spirited praise and worship. I would guess there were perhaps 100 people there, and of that 100, 60-70 were children. These children live in conditions that I heard someone describe as “hell on earth,” but to look at their faces, you would never know it. Such joy – especially when being held.

Our group sang a couple of songs and presented a puppet skit. The church then broke up into different age groups for Bible studies.

As the Bible studies were winding down, Paul Gilmore found a ball. I think I now know why soccer is so popular in so many places other than the U.S. You don’t need much room to play. We did not have much room – a long, small courtyard, but several of us kicked that ball around for about 30 minutes with lots and lots of children. It was chaos, but it was some of the most fun chaos I have experienced in a long time.

Sport is a universal language. It is a good thing, too, because one of the things I am finding out is how woeful my Spanish language skills are. I took two years in college, but I remember, sadly, very little vocabulary, not to mention verb tense. Nevertheless, as we were kicking a half-filled blue playground ball back and fourth, we definitely understood each other. Thankfully, many in our group are much more confident with Spanish.

There is another universal language, you know. The Gospel of Jesus Christ. In the last 48 hours, we have been to three church services, and all three were in Spanish. After attending these services, this I know: The Spirit of God is alive and well in Managua, Nicaragua. Even though the songs and prayers are in a different language, we all know the truth being proclaimed.

Jesus es fue. Jesus puede sanar. Jesus es Senor.

Jesus is life. Jesus can heal. Jesus is Lord.

Hallelujah. Amen.

Home Improvement

2008-06-05T08:07:00.000-07:00

In Exodus 40, God gives Moses some specific instructions on how to set up the tabernacle.

Remember the tabernacle? It was a tent - a portable worship center the Israelites used until the temple was built. Once they started building the temple, God also gave some specific instructions for completing that as well (I Kings 6).

Here's the Biblical truth: Our houses of worship are important to God. No matter if they are a tent in the desert or a giant temple, God cares about God's holy dwelling place.

The house of worship at 3663 Westcenter Dr. in Houston, TX will be receiving some attention this summer – we are going to be updating, re-designing and decorating the youth room in new ways that draw us close to God (James 4:8). For instance, by the time fall programming roles around, we will have prayer and mission walls in the youth room. These walls will be portable, so they will not interfere with other programming in the room, but while youth are in there, there will be hands-on, interactive displays that call our attention to mission and prayer. Couple that with the fact that we always have a time of singing and praise as part of our youth activities, and it is easy to see that the youth room is not simply an activity space. It is a house of worship.

That said, fun and fellowship is also a key aspect of community life (Acts 2:42-27), and that is where we need your help. We are looking for donations. Specifically, we would like:

- two 32-inch-or-larger televisions
- new gaming systems, such as XBOX, Playstation or WII
- new games, such as Guitar Hero
- a ping pong table
- new couches

If you have any of the following that you can donate to First Methodist Youth Ministry, please contact me at 713-458-4710 or at bcoats@fmhouston.com. We will be collecting items all summer! Thank you in advance!

Off We Go

2008-05-29T12:50:00.000-07:00

T-minus three days.

Actually, the countdown to summer started way before three days, but now we are definitely in "go" mode. This Sunday, the fun begins.

In case you are new to this blog or to youth ministry (and if that is true, how in the world did you stumble to it? ...), summer is the high holy time. The teenagers are out of school, and so we fill up the calendar with mission trips, camps and retreats - things we cannot schedule the other nine months of the year.

As it turns out, these events are usually the most impactful, inspiring and life-changing. There is just something about getting out of our routine and out of our comfort zone that encourages growth. I am sure God is present all of the year, but it sure seems like God is extra-present when we go to serve or go to learn more about Him.

That said, I personally made a commitment early-on after arriving at First Methodist. Because summer is so important, I am going on all of our trips. I know - I'm part gung-ho youth minister, part losing my mind. Either way, I'll see you in August.

So that the world will know where I am in case I get stranded in one of these spots, here's my schedule the next two months, along with a few details about each trip:

June 6-13: Nicaragua Mission Trip ... We'll be working with children, doing VBS-like activities. We are also going to build shelter for a family that currently lives in a garbage dump.
June 22-27: Student Life Camp, Lake of the Ozarks, Mo ... The theme is "The Way" ... Students will spend a week experiencing the love of Jesus Christ, who is the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6)
July 7-11: Acuna, Mexico Mission Trip ... This is a large, all-church trip. First Methodist Houston has worked in Acuna for several years. I have never worked at a location where we had established relationships. I am looking forward to this trip for that reason, among others.
July 20-24: Austin, TX Junior High Mission Trip ... This is part mission trip, part retreat (Wouldn't it be cool if all of life could be described that way?). We are working with First Methodist Austin as they have a food ministry to persons without homes. We are also partnering with Keep Austin Beautiful and the Austin Food Bank. Oh yeah ... We're going to Schliterbahn!
July 27 - August 3: New Orleans Mission Trip ... Katrina was almost three years ago now, but the work continues. Now, actually, is the critical time, because the cameras and attention have moved elsewhere, but there is damage that remains.

You know, there is a growing body of sentiment that the church truly becomes the church by going out into the world, not going into worship centers or buildings. Of course, that notion is not just popular - it's also Biblical (Acts 1:8; Matthew 28:16-20). Perhaps that is why I am so geeked up and why I love this time of year - We go crazy missional. As it should be. By the grace of God, this is how it should be.

Windy

2008-05-15T11:46:00.000-07:00

"When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them."

That is the first four verses of the second chapter of Acts. We celebrated that day - Pentecost - last Sunday in worship.

Beginning June 1, we are going to celebrate the presence and the coming of God's Holy Spirit all summer long.

During the Sunday School hour, we are going to watch a video each week from a series called "Nooma." The name Nooma is an English phonetic spelling of the Greek word pneuma, which is commonly translated to “spirit” or “breath”. Pneumatology refers to the study of spiritual beings, particularly the interactions between humans and God. Produced and written by Rob Bell, the founding pastor of Mars Hill Bible Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the Nooma videos touch on issues that we care about, and that we want to talk about. They are very powerful.

Each Sunday we'll begin with the video around 10:15 am, followed by about five minutes of teaching and direction from me. Then, we'll split into breakout groups for about five-ten minutes of discussion. The breakout groups will vary from week to week - sometimes it will be junior high and high school, sometimes guys and girls and sometimes curly hair and straight hair. Just kidding about the last one - actually we'll break out some weeks as Aggies and Longhorns. After I present the Nooma of the week, your summer interns (who you will meet at the swim party on June 1) will lead the breakout discussions.

Your school year teachers - Jane Gilmore, Rick and Debbie Walker, Al Brown, Audrua Welch, Mills Worsham, Linda West, Kylie Riley, Sam Daffin and Luke Riley have worked very hard for nine months, and they are getting a much-needed time of Sabbath rest. I am very excited about the opportunity to "fill in" while they are resting.

For more information on Nooma, click here.

I Believe ...

2008-05-07T10:42:00.000-07:00

There is a reason I have not posted a blog in almost a month.

Actually, there are four reasons: Junior High Break Thru, Senior High Break Thru, Confirmation Retreat and the Graduation Banquet, all within 14 days of each other.

It was a busy two weeks, but also an inspiring two weeks! At the Junior High Break Thru, eight students from First Methodist made decisions to follow Jesus Christ. Praise God! We are now in the middle of following up with those students to nurture, affirm and begin to find ways to live in to those decisions. At Senior High, there was such an incredible time of surrender at the Saturday night worship, and then there was an incredible time of sharing following that worship.

The Graduation Banquet was an awesome time of celebration. We celebrated endings and beginnings, claiming the promise that God is part of both.

I purposely skipped over the Confirmation Retreat because that might have been the event that touched me the most. Last Saturday morning we asked the confirmands to write down what they believe - their own personal creedo, so to speak. We told them that Confirmation is the time where their faith truly becomes their faith - not their parents or their churchs' - although it may be that the faith of their parents and the beliefs of the church inform and give meaning to their own faith. They then went off for about 20 minutes, and what they came back with reminded me of why I love to do what I do!

We collected these belief statements, and let me tell you, they are powerful. I did not receive permission to share anything they wrote in a blog for all the world to see, so I will not. What I will do is invite you to worship on May 18 at 11:12 pm (Westchase) or 11 am (downtown), because that is Confirmation Sunday. These remarkable and growing young people will be prayed over, they will receive symbols and gifts of the faith and they will be confirmed. It will be a holy event, as they claim the name Jesus Christ for themselves. I hope you can make it.

Missouri-or-Bust

2008-04-16T08:05:00.000-07:00

I met Christ at church camp.

Looking back, he had been trying to get my attention for quite a while before that. But in the summer of 1988 on the shores of Lake Brownwood in central Texas, I finally noticed.

I looked around me, and I thought, "This is love. Unconditional love. Amazing love. For the world, and for me. And this love - it covers me, cleanses me, and makes me new." OK, maybe that was not my exact thought at the time, but it was definitely something like that.

I have not stopped going to church camp. Fifteen times I have taken a week out of my summer to serve as either a counselor, small group leader, worship leader, keynoter or camp chaplain. I am a church camp junkie.

Perhaps that is why I am VERY excited about Student Life Camp. Students from First Methodist Houston are heading to Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri, June 22-28. This will be a new camp for me, so I am anxious to see how they structure the day. I am also looking forward to seeing what kinds of activities they offer, how crazy the games are, etc. I have never been to Windemere Conference Center, the actual site of camp, but I have been to that part of the world, and it is beautiful.

To top it off, we are taking a charter bus to camp. We'll travel overnight. Who knows what kinds of shenanigans will happen on the road. Something tells me we'll still be talking about them when we get home, though.

OK, here's the thing ... June will be here in a nanosecond. You need to sign up, and you need to sign up now. Forms can be found here. And here. And here. The cost is $400, which I know is a bit steep for camp, but SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE. Talk to Mandy, Brian or any intern, and we'll get more information to you. Also, you can use money from your fundraising account. Please do not let money be the reason you do not go. With a little effort from you and me, we'll get you there.

We've reserved 60 spots at camp! That's pretty ambitious, but I know we can do it!

By the way ... That camp in 1988 ... The one where I met Christ ... A friend invited me to it. I'll forever be grateful. Have you considered inviting a friend to Student Life Camp?

We Have a Dream

2008-04-10T12:22:00.000-07:00

I am very thankful for a wonderful parent meeting last Sunday. One parent came in the room, saw all of the tables full and said, "Great turnout!"

It was good for me to hear your thoughts and ideas, and I hope you benefit from hearing some of mine. Actually, the words "thoughts and ideas," sell short the brainstorming session we did Sunday. It was more like dreaming and hoping.

I thought you might like to see some of the hopes and dreams. If you were unable to make it, this will give you an idea of what we talked about. I asked a series of questions and fill-in-the-blank statements. As with any brainstorming session, there is little elaboration or explanation, although many of the answers are self-explanatory. Here are the responses (I have also included the youth answers from when I did a similar session with them):

One thing I really love about this youth group:

Parent answers: mission opportunities, handbell choir, confirmation curriculum, weekly activities (Crossroads and Fuel), the youth band and neighborhood outreach. Youth answers: community, friendliness, diversity, activities, Crossroads, spiritual bonding, different schools, traditions, worshiping and missions.

If _______ happens, we will really grow:

Parent answers: use Quillian facilities, more parent involvement, visit non-Christian private schools, combined (both campuses) youth events, lock-ins, text-message Freddies, youth-to-youth mentoring, bring in a big name band, guest speakers, host KSBJ brown bag concerts and a website. Youth answers: more advertising, free endless buffet, friends, the will to learn, unified, chicken suit on Beltway 8, more focus and showing up.

This is my BIG dream for First Methodist Houston youth ministry:

Parent answers: hearts on fire for evangelism, a breakfast Bible study, foundation on God, youth graduate as Disciples of Christ, regularly planned outreach, an improved youth room, a study on being Christian in a pluralistic world (apologetics), hosting big events, youth feel supported by the ministers, t finding and developing youth talents and gifts. Youth answers: new sound board, new couches, pool sticks, a lot of people, more singing, a revolution, witnessing, more focus, more people who want to be here, writing our own worship songs, concerts, smoothie bar and doughnuts.

I hope ______ never changes:

Parent answers: Incoming sixth grade initiation, active parent council, a Christian sexuality education class, Freddies and cell groups. Youth answers: fun factor, group migration to church, friendships, mission trips, people’s faith, the people, interns and retreats/special events.

I pray that First Methodist Houston youth ministry is a place of:

Parent answers: belonging, learning, safety, true relationship with the Lord that lasts, relationship development, opportunity, testimonies, a desire to come, serving, fun and fellowship, love and support, of and by the youth and excitement in studying God's word. Youth answers: comfort, worship, peace, solemnity, devotion, love, fun, truth, wow, sanctuary, connected, happiness and focus.

Anything else you think should be on the list?

The Main Business of Our Lives

2008-04-03T12:50:00.000-07:00

I am amazed, as I reflect on my first 120-or-so days at First Methodist Houston, at all of the ways this church is making an intentional, committed effort to reach young people with the good news of Jesus Christ. Consider all that a young person can take part in: Confirmation, FUEL, SNL, Sunday School, Crossroads, PORT, youth choir, small groups, youth band, youth bell choir, retreats, camps, mission trips … and the list continues! One thing is clear – this is an active and dynamic ministry!

All of these things are faithful – they all have an underlying purpose of connecting hearts to Christ. With so much going on, though – in both the ministry and in the lives of the young people – sometimes things can feel very rushed. That is unfortunate, because our time together in community can be and should be sacred space. The rest of life is fast-paced; our time together ought to have a healthy and holy rhythm to it.

With that in mind, I am introducing a new gathering time. Each Sunday afternoon that Crossroads meets, I will invite whoever feels led to a time of prayer. We will gather from 5-5:30 pm in one of the rooms adjacent to the Youth Room. We will pray over all of the youth and their families. We will pray for specific events. We will pray to know God’s will and God’s vision for this ministry. It will not be fast-paced. Using some prayer techniques and exercises, we will listen together for God’s voice. With all of the noise around us, I think you’ll find it refreshing – a time of Sabbath. Just imagine – a ministry that is continually and constantly being lifted up in prayer. What a powerful thing!

Richard Foster, one of the most celebrated voices on the power of prayer, says, “In prayer, real prayer, we begin to think God’s thoughts after him: to desire the things he desires, to love the things he loves, to will the things he wills … All who have walked with God have viewed prayer as the main business of their lives.”

So if you are a parent dropping off a youth or if you are a youth that drives yourself, come a few minutes earlier than usual and join us for “the main business of our lives.” We’ll then gather with the rest of the group for Crossroads. This new prayer time begins THIS Sunday, April 6.

Eight Ball in the Corner Pocket

2008-03-26T09:04:00.000-07:00

I have what some of you might consider the most exciting news since I arrived.

We have new pool sticks in the youth room.

I know, can you believe it? We also have new pool balls, a new rack, new chalk and new foosballs for the foosball table. Enjoy.

While you are enjoying, do me a couple of favors. First, please take care of the new stuff. I do not mean to be a nag, but you know the drill: If we do not take care of it, it will break. Again. And I cannot keep going out and buying new pool table equipment. As it is, we might go to a check-in, check-out system to help ensure everything lasts. This is our space, so let's take care of it.

Which leads to my second request. Over the next few months, I'm going to give some time, energy and attention in to fixing, decorating and generally sprucing up the youth room. I would like to have your input as I do so. What kind of things would you like to have in the youth room. How should we decorate? Shoot me an e-mail or visit with me at the next Crossroads. I would love to have your suggestions. In a future blog (I'll also put it in the First Edition and in the bulletin), we'll have a list of items that people can donate. What kinds of things would you like to see on the list? Think big!

Space is important. In the Old Testament, God gave the Israelites very specific instructions on how to build the Tabernacle - the place where they worshipped God. That tells me that space matters to God - especially sacred space. I would love to see our youth room become sacred (and fun!) space.

Now, pool anyone? A word to the wise: I am pretty good.

Passion

2008-03-19T08:39:00.000-07:00

Holy Week is sometimes called "Passion Week."

Teenagers are frequently called "passionate." At least one author, Kenda Creasy Dean, believes these two uses of the word passion are not coincidental. Adolescents and the passion of Jesus are linked, she says.

In Practicing Passion: Youth and the Quest for Passionate Church, Dean writes:

The Passion of Christ is good news to adolescents, not because Jesus suffers, but because Jesus loves them with such, wild, passionate hope that even death on a cross cannot stop his determination to win them. Adolescents do not want to suffer, but they do desperately want to love something worthy of suffering, and to be so loved. The Christian story both authenticates adolescent passion and turns it inside out, redeeming, redirecting, and redefining it with a more profound Passion still: the suffering love of Jesus Christ. As a result, youthful passion serves the church both as a sign of the imago dei, and as an energy source of enormous potential. By acknowledging the Passion of the Christ, adolescent passions give way to faith; and, fueled by the energy of fierce love, this faith inevitably leads to ministry.

The powerful paragraph is illustrative of a powerful book. Consider the line, "adolescents ... desperately want to love something worthy of suffering, and to be so loved." That has been my experience in working with young people. They are constantly searching for something authentic. They are constantly searching for something worthy of not just their time and attention, but their love and passion. Some have found that something in Jesus Christ, and they are sold out on him. That energetic, feisty faith is fun to be around.

However, as Dean will point out later in the book, there are many teens who have not found that something to pour their heart into. Oh, they try: On the good side of the continuum, they pour their hearts into their friends, or into achievement. On the not-so-good side, they pour their hearts into sex, drugs and other destructive behavior. But they will soon find out that all of those things - even friends - cannot completely fill the desire of the hearts.

Jesus can. Jesus will.

This weekend, the church will re-tell the story of Jesus' death and resurrection. It is a story of love. It is a story of hope. It is a story of passion. It is a story that adolescents can SO identify with. If you are a youth group member reading this, here's a question: Do you have any friends that you could call "passionate"? I'm thinking you do, because I'm sitting next to a book that says that is basically how teenagers are hard-wired. Well, how about inviting them to come to hear the story of the most passionate love EVER - the love of Jesus Christ.

They might have a moment where they realize how much they can identify with the emotion we are talking about. They might have an "ah-ha" moment where they sense that God's love for them is real. They might see in this Jesus guy a passion worth following, a love worth knowing and a life worth surrendering to.

They might just find what they have been desperately looking for.

Hear, O Israel

2008-03-13T09:45:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday, the confirmation classes from Westchase and Downtown attended Congregation Emanu El, a Jewish Synogogue across the street from Rice.

An unanticipated bonus was that the service we happened to attend was actually a Bar Mitvah for two 13-year-old boys. Before this, the closest I had ever been to a Bar Mitvah was watching Adam Sandler sing at one in "The Wedding Singer."

I do not know how everyone else felt, but I loved it. As we watched and took part in this sacred rite of passage (while in the midst of a rite of passage of our own - confirmation ...), I felt like we were an eyewitness to so much rich tradition, heritage and faith. I especially enjoyed the time when the parents told the boys how proud they were of them, and I found the Rabbi's words of support and encouragement to the boys moving.

One of the key components of a Bar Mitvah is the young man's (or, in our case, mens') public reading of the Torah. The word "Torah" means law or instruction. Although we do not use the word Torah in Christianity, the books it refers to - Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy - hold special meaning in our faith too, obviously.

Jews and Christians have many things in common. For instance, we share a belief that scripture is God-breathed. We both believe God's word is living, active and authoritative. Maybe that is why both faith traditions take the public reading of scripture very seriously.

As the boys read the Torah in its native tongue - Hebrew - I was so impressed. Inspired, even. Clearly, they had put a lot of time and work into preparing for their special day.

In the same spirit, I would like for you to consider reading scripture in First Methodist worship services. The pastors and worship leaders of both the 9 am and 11:12 am services have issued an invitation for youth to serve in the scripture-reader rotation. And here's the good news: You do not have to do it in Hebrew. English will work just fine.

It may sound simple - perhaps you have had time and occasion to read scripture aloud before. As the Confirmation classes were reminded last Saturday, though, speaking God's Word to the Assembly is a powerful, sacred act. It is an awesome way to actively live out your faith.

If you'd like to help, shoot me an e-mail. I'll also pass around some sign-up sheets at Sunday School and Crossroads.

Shalom!

Shine

2008-03-10T10:16:00.000-07:00

This was the introduction for the message at Crossroads, the Sunday-evening youth gathering of First Methodist Houston Westchase, on March 9:

I know. I am a dork, but it was really, really fun to make this video! Following this introduction, I told the teens that Jesus is the light of the world (John 1:5-9; John 8:12; John 9:5). When we believe in Christ, he lives "in" us (I Corinthians 5:17) and therefore we do need to collect lights!

I used the analogy of a torch, actually. A torch is a light by itself, but it cannot light itself. It must go to a source light to be lit. And so it is with us when Jesus says that we are the light of the world. We do shine, but we shine with the light of Christ. It is important, then, that we are continually returning to the "source" light. It is important that we have an active prayer life.

Dropping Nets

2008-03-05T09:13:00.000-08:00

In Luke 5, Jesus calls his first disciples. It is a dramatic account: After fishing all night and catching nothing, Jesus instructs Simon, James and John to try again. They do, and this time they caught so many fish that "their nets began to break." Shortly after that, Jesus says to Simon (who would later be called Peter), "Don't be afraid; from now on you will catch men." So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.

Like I said, dramatic. Or is it? The usual interpretation is that Simon, James and John's decision to follow Jesus was spontaneous. However, if you look back a few verses, you'll find the story of Jesus healing Simon's mother-in-law of a high fever. After that, Jesus healed "all who had various kinds of sickness."

From that, I think it is highly likely that Simon had been watching and observing Jesus' healing and teaching ministry for a while before the net-breaking incident. That event was crucial - it was the point that three disciples decided to "drop everything," but they probably had a pretty good idea that they were about to get involved with a pretty phenomenal and miraculous man. Of course later they would learn that he was more than a phenomenon. He was (and is) the Son of God.

I share that with you because while I think there is a time and place for inspired, spontaneous decisions, most of the time decisions should be thought through and prayed about very carefully. I believe Simon, James and John actually thought through their decision to follow Jesus.

Before I accepted the call to First Methodist Houston, I thought through it. My wife and I prayed together over it. I took a retreat last fall, and I spent an entire day in silence praying about it. Shortly after that retreat, we said "yes" and began preparing our lives for a huge change.

I have now been here two months, and I am SSSSSOOOOOO happy we said yes! I am LOVING IT! Every Sunday in worship I find myself thinking, "I am supposed to be here." When I meet with staff members, and with parents, and as I get to know youth, I find myself thinking, "I am supposed to be here." God has confirmed this call in countless ways.

Monday night, the option period on the sale of our home in Allen ended. We are closing on that home March 31. The same day we will be signing paperwork for a home in Katy. It's in Katy Creek Ranch, two blocks west of Cinco Ranch off of Westheimer Pkwy. We are SSSSOOOOOOO excited. It's across a field from where our oldest daughter Kiley will go to Kindergarten. It's a new home, and the neighborhood has a lot of amenities that are appealing to us. As we prayed through the decision to take a new job, we also prayed through the home sale and home purchase. We know you have been praying for us too.

None of these decisions were spontaneous, but like Simon, James and John, we have dropped our nets. We have decided that we are supposed to be at First Methodist Houston, and we are putting roots down in Katy. And we plan on being here a very, very long time.

Leap On

2008-02-29T14:17:00.000-08:00

Happy Leap Day, everyone.

I really dig Leap Day. I get into it much more than a lot of peripheral holidays/special days that come around more often, such as Ground Hog Day, Kite Day (May 12) and Teddy Bear Picnic Day (July 10). I am, however, looking forward to and hoping you'll join me in celebrating National No Socks Day on May 8. For a list of other special days, click here.

I think I like Leap Day because I was almost born on February 29. I missed it by two days. If I had of been born on Leap Day, I would have turned nine this week. I'll have you know that in honor of almost being nine, I went outside for recess today. It was really fun.

Leaping to some other news and updates, we have sold our house! Well, we have almost sold our house ... We are in what is called the "option period" ... Both the buyer and the seller can opt out during this time, but things look to be a go because the buyers sent an inspector to our house on Wednesday, and we agreed to a couple of minor repairs this afternoon. If everything goes according to plan, we'll close on March 31!

I want to say THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for all of your prayers during our "transition" time the last couple of months. I have had so many people tell me they have been praying for us. Not just individuals - I know many of you have had your Bible study and fellowship groups lifting us up in prayer as well. Your prayers have DEFINITELY been felt! Your prayers and God's grace have sustained us.

A couple of blogs ago I shared with you one part of my prayer life - my goal of fasting during Lent this year on Thursdays. A quick update: Um ... yeah ... Fasting is really challenging. There have been four Thursdays, and I did pretty well for two of them. The other two ... well, let's just say quesadillas won the day! I do feel like the spirit of fasting and the goal of fasting has helped increase my personal prayer time this Lent, so that's a good thing. I'll let you know how the final two Thursdays go!

Leaping back to the original topic, when Jesus climbed the hill of Calvary and was nailed to a cross, he took a leap. He submitted to the Father's Will, even though his desire was to "have this cup pass from me." He trusted God, and now he sits at the right hand of that Father. Through Jesus' sacrifice, we have the ability to leap into the arms of a living, loving God, and have abundant and eternal life. That's gospel truth, and it means as Christians, we celebrate "Leap Day" every day!

Leap on!

Foundations, Lucky Charms and New Opportunities

2008-02-14T08:55:00.000-08:00

Our foundation-building is into its second month, now, and the slab is beginning to take shape: I am getting to know you, and you are getting to know me. If you are unaware of what I am referring to, scroll down the page a little bit and watch the video from Crossroads a couple of weeks ago.

Back already? Excellent. Anyway, like I was saying - we are continuing to build our foundation - we are getting to know each other. One of the ways I have learned a little bit more about you the last couple of weeks is through some questionaires I passed out. It has been amusing and uplifting to read your clever, honest and creative answers.

I lifted up some answers in Crossroads on February 10 ... Here's a sample of some of the things I mentioned:

Your favorite cereal? Lucky Charms … Second place: Cheerios … Most creative answer … Whatever is in the cabinet.
The top answer to the question, “If you were a crayon, what color would you be?” was a tie between green and pink … This question had a lot of creative answers, though, including “macaroni,” “Minnie mouse red,” and “clear.”
Speaking of creative answers, the question “What is your favorite smell?” brought out a lot of them, including, chlorine, garlic bread, book pages, sweet pea, celine dion perfume, starbucks , bread cooking, surf wax and my burps!
Same thing with the question, “What’s your favorite sound?” You mentioned the ocean, an acoustic guitar, nature, night sounds and people snorting when they laugh.
I learned a lot about you through [the questionaires] … like the fact that many of you keep a journal (very cool), almost all of you do not untie your shoes before you slip them off (me neither), almost all of you would bungee jump (been there, done that), almost none of you know your hat size (7 1/8), the furthest from home that anyone in this room has been is either Africa or Norway, you like happy endings more than scary movies, summer better than winter (good thing, living in Houston) your favorite sport is basketball and your favorite scripture is John 3:16.
These answers made me laugh out loud … Don’t know if you’ll have the same reaction, but we’ll see … favorite food: a buffet (amen) … Who do you miss the most?: My pet ant … Some special talents in this group include sleeping, rolling my belly and “my feet are so flat that I can suction noises on hard floors” … What’s in your IPOD right now?: A bunch of electrical wires …

In future blogs, I'll share some more of your answers. I will lift up one more today, though, as a final thought: One of the questions on the surveys was, "Who do you miss the most?" and one person's answer illuminates what could be looked at as a setback in our foundation-building. They wrote, "In two weeks, Chris Finley."

As you may or may not know, Chris has resigned as a youth intern. He has accepted a call to be the full-time youth director at St. John's United Methodist Church in Texas City. While this is sad for us, it is a tremendous opportunity for Chris. He will be missed, but God has big things in store for him, and the youth of St. John's will be blessed. So we give God thanks for the time we had with Chris, and continue the foundation-building.

A bit of a "PS" ... Chris has really gone out of his way to make me feel welcome. If you are reading, Chris ... thank you! Remember, he will still be around for a couple more weeks, as he is helping with the Go Texan BBQ and attending Student Life Tour. Don't miss your chance to say, "See you later."

Fast Times for BC

2008-02-06T11:55:00.000-08:00

If you have spent more than about five minutes in conversation with me recently, than I have probably requested something from you.

Prayer.

Specifically, prayer that our house will sell.

As you know, the rest of my family is still in Allen, TX. We need our home to sell before we purchase one down here and move everyone else. Our home has been on the market since November 1. Up until now, we have not been overly concerned, as with a newborn my wife and children probably would not have moved until after January 31 anyway. Now, though, we are ready to go.

I have asked everyone I know to pray that our house will sell because I strongly believe in the power of prayer to effect change. I also want to blanket this whole situation in prayer so when the house does sell, God gets the glory.

Yesterday I was sitting in a staff meeting when one of our pastors invited everyone to join in a church-wide fast every Thursday during Lent. Now, you need to know something: I have never been much of a faster. Not because I do not think it is important. It is more than important - it is Biblical. I have not fasted much because I know I am a wimp.

However, given the situation with our house, I am going to give it a go this year. I am going to fast on Thursdays, and when I feel hunger pains (real or imagined!), I am going to let those be reminders to pray - for strength, for our house to sell, for other matters of the heart and on the mind, and for Friday to hurry up and get here!

Among the many, many reasons to admire Jesus, certainly one is that he fasted in the desert for 40 days and nights. Me? I have never gone more than a few hours. Jesus encourages us to not worry, though, but rather to ask for and seek the Kingdom of God. Kingdom living, for me, is being with my family, so I believe this Lenten discipline is faithful.

Maybe it is, but I am still a wimp! So pray for me, and I'll keep you posted (probably through this blog) on how the fast - and the house sale -are going!

Not Idol Talk

2008-01-29T17:29:00.000-08:00

It is a slow TV night. That must explain why I am watching "American Idol."

Actually, I got into Idol for the first time last season. I was rooting for Jordan Sparks the entire time. She was a backup singer for Michael W. Smith - one of my favorite singers. I was excited to see someone who had spent some time in the Christian music industry do well in such a mainstream setting.

Perhaps it is fitting that I am watching Idol, though, because Randy just said something that reminded me of our youth group:

"I get you, dog ... I really get you."

That is what we talked about last Sunday at Crossroads. Actually, the language we used was "building a foundation." By spending intentional, concerted time sharing our stories and getting to know each other, we are building a solid foundation to pile experiences with each other and with God on.

Or something like that. Basically, it's my hope and prayer that pretty soon, we'll be saying, "I get you, dog ... I really get you."

If you missed Crossroads, I've posted a video of my message in this blog. It's highly pixiliated because I used the "e-mail" setting on the camera. If it is too difficult to watch, you can still listen to it! I really encourage you to watch or listen to it, because the next few times we gather - including this Sunday (Feb 3) in Sunday School - I'll be referring to this talk and building on it. I shared many of my stories and I shared much of my heart in this talk. The next few times we get together, you'll be sharing some of your stories. I can't wait.

Here's the video:

From the Observation Deck

2008-01-23T08:58:00.000-08:00

Last fall, after I accepted the call to be the new West Youth Director, I began to receive lots of e-mails. Mandy and other leaders started copying me on important youth matters. For example, when the new spring calendar was finished, they sent me a copy.

It was quickly clear and quickly obvious that this was a VERY active and involved youth program. It is exciting to me to be stepping into a situation where so many events and ministries are already planned. Moreover, I now know that many of these events have a goodly amount of history and tradition associated with them, such as Break Thru weekend and the Graduation Banquet.

Not having to create programs and events right away affords me the opportunity to observe, watch, listen and learn. It is important I take my time doing this - the book of Proverbs makes a strong point for the virtue of patience and thinking before speaking. However, at this VERY early stage in the game - a month into the job - there are a few observations I feel safe to make already:

First, this is clearly a youth group that leaves an impression and mark on people. The best evidence of this are the number of college-aged folks that maintain relationships with youth group members and with the youth program. What has impressed me is the fact that it seems that many young adults are not just "hanging around" ... They are helping the youth program in some capacity - by playing in the band, running A/V, etc. Recognizing that a faith life involves service is a mark of mature Christianity, and when they help, they are serving. My hunch is that something - or, more likely, somethings - happened while they were in high school and in youth group that were life changing. I had a very similar experience as I transitioned from high school to college.
There is a dedicated team of leaders. I have been very impressed with Audrua, Luke and Chris - the interns. They give a lot of time and energy to this ministry. They have specific roles and responsibilities, but one of the main things they do that is so critical is simply show up. Ministry of presence is huge.
The youth room needs a little TLC. Okay, the youth room needs A LOT of TLC!
This is a church that is committed to youth ministry. I have received warm - even gushing - welcomes and introductions in every staff gathering, church event, worship, etc. I do not think this has much to do with Brian Coats. It has a lot to do with general excitement at simply having a youth minister. The entire church understands how important youth ministry is.

I have some other preliminary thoughts, but I think I am going to follow Solomon's advice, and hold my tongue - for a little while, anyway! Later, there will be an appropriate time and place to voice more observations.

To close, here's one more observation: No one has e-mailed me with a name for the e-newsletter. I know you are creative ... So send me some names, or else you may end up with something really cheesy, like "The Westerner" or "Wild, Wild West." You wouldn't want that, would you?!

The Adventure Begins

2008-01-17T11:45:00.000-08:00

Well hello there!

You were just reading the first of what will be a weekly e-mail about our awesome youth group. I will send out it out every Wednesday (starting next week), so you can know what's going on in Fuel and Crossroads for the week.

There are several cool features in the newsletter. For instance, the link you just clicked takes you to this page - my blog! I like to write, so I'll probably post something once or twice a week or so, depending on the week. Ninety-four percent of the time (or so), the blogs will have to do with FUMC youth ministry. I will usually link my blogs to the e-newsletter, like this one is, but feel free to bookmark it or add it to your RSS feed. Also, I love the fact that you can comment on anything I write. Please do so!

Next, the e-newsletter is super-cool because it will generally be chock full of links - downloads, pictures, videos, other cool/informative/helpful websites, etc. I will constantly be adding new features that are helpful, relevant and fun!

Finally, the e-newsletter is easy to forward, which is great, because if you are thinking of inviting a friend or 10 to an upcoming youth event, you can send them or send their parents the e-mail. Then they will have all the information they need or at least an easy way to get more information.

Incidentally, the word "e-newsletter" is oh-so-boring. That is why I am setting up a "Name the FUMC West Youth E-Newsletter something other than the 'FUMC West Youth E-Newsletter'" Contest. Send me some cool names ... We'll pick the top 2-3 and let the group decide what the name should be. The winner will get free food at Fuel or Crossroads all spring (What's that? It's already free? ... Uh ... Well, submit your e-newsletter names anyway, and by the time we pick a winner, I'll have come up with the coolest prize ever ... really ... I will).

Finally, my first blog post at FUMC would be completely incomplete if I did not send a GIGANTIC thank you out to everyone who came to my reception Sunday night. It was very, very cool - I was humbled and grateful. Thanks to all of the parents that prepared food, set up, served and decorated - what awesome hospitality. Thanks, too, to Mandy and the downtown youth and to the Westchase UMC youth group for coming. 30 Coin Ransom appropriately reminded us that we were gathered not to boast in ourselves, but in God. It was a very worshipful and uplifting experience.

As I said Sunday, God is about to do a "new thing" at FUMC ... something that is going to make our ears tingle. We get to explore and discover this "new thing" together ... We get to go on this adventure with each other and with God. For that, I am exceedingly grateful.

Anyway

2007-12-11T13:28:00.000-08:00

Oh how the years go by.

The last two, especially, went by very quickly.

I think this rapid march of the clock has something to do with this season of my life. During adolescence and young adulthood, there are fewer responsibilities, which means more free time. I imagine that later in life, after many years of important work, the deserved break known as retirement will perhaps also create a little more time.

But in this stage, days, weeks and months seem to fly by. Working all day, carving out family time and the steady stream of appointments makes life progress at a breathless pace. All of this means that I frequently look up and Monday morning has become Friday afternoon.

One of the things I liked to do in another season of life - adolescence and young adulthood - was listen to music. Perhaps it is because I never learned to play an instrument or took a voice lesson, but I have always considered myself somewhat of an expert on pressing "play" on a CD player (or as is the case now, on an IPOD!).

Back in those good old days, there were a few artists that I kept up with - Michael W. Smith, U2, Jars of Clay, Garth Brooks and Third Day, to name a few. Whenever they would release a new CD, I usually picked it up. I had time to listen to all of that music and memorize every song of all my favorite artist's discographies.

No more. Most of the bands and artists I listen to are still making music, but I am several CD's behind.

Moreover, the only reason I know they ever have a new release is because I hear it on the radio. With all that competes for my time, this leisure activity - collecting and listening to new music - was one of the things that had to go.

I tell you all of this so you will not make fun of me for bringing up a song that has been played, oh, I don't know ... perhaps a million-and-one times on the radio. It is a country song called "Anyway" by Martina McBride.

Do you know this song? I am a fan of positive messages - I like positivity in music, movies, etc. Call me naive or uncritical, but I have a hard time understanding why art has to have some kind of negative or conflictual theme or context to be considered well done. Anyway, this song is very positive - in fact, the message of the song is to not let life's circumstances get you down. Sort of a "when life gives you lemons, make lemonade" thing. Here are the lyrics (If you click on the word "Anyway," you can also watch the song's video):

Anyway
Martina McBride/Brad Warren/Brett Warren (BMI)

You can spend your whole life buildin'
Somethin' from nothin'
One storm can come and blow it all away
Build it anyway

You can chase a dream
That seems so out of reach
And you know it might not ever come your way
Dream it anyway

(Chorus)God is great, but sometimes life ain't good
When I pray it doesn't always turn out like I think it should
But I do it anyway
I do it anyway

This world's gone crazy and it's hard to believe
That tomorrow will be better than today
Believe it anyway

You can love someone with all your heart
For all the right reasons
And in a moment they can choose to walk away
Love 'em anyway
(Repeat Chorus)

You can pour your soul out singin'
A song you believe in
That tomorrow they'll forget you ever sang
Sing it anyway
Yeah sing it anyway
I sing I dream
I love anyway

This is my last Sunday at DCC. The last two years went by fast ... they were short. In some ways, we are not getting to finish some of the things we have started. I had other ideas for ways we could passionately and creatively live and tell the good news of Jesus Christ - I imagine you did too. God has called me to the mission field, though - I am convinced of that - and so our paths fork.

You know all of those things we have started? You know those ideas you still have? Follow the sage advice of the country crooner.

Do them anyway.

As a matter of a fact, let me take the liberty of adding another verse to her song. Please don't post a comment about how it doesn't flow or rhyme or follow any of the protocols song-writing should. My main musical talent is pressing "play," remember ...

You can share the gospel in all kinds of ways
And really feel like your church is alive and vibrant
Then the pastor leaves, talking about hearing a call
Share the gospel anyway

Yeah, share it anyway.