One of our little distractions at home has been our leaking shower – It leaked through the ceiling into the room downstairs and after several attempts to negotiate with the insurance company, we have finally been able to get the approval to do the repairs.  

This is how we feel about ministry.  We look forward to seeing what God is going to do in the lives of some, but it’s still in process.

For example, our high school ministry has been limping along for a while.  Being a smaller church, we only have a handful of teens to start with, and then whenever we plan a meeting, we are competing with other social events and sporting commitments.

We decided to be very deliberate about youth discipleship. We’ve reminded parents that it is their job to be the spiritual leaders in the lives of their children; we are merely here to support. My oldest son, Austin, is helping me with leading the youth. 

He is studying to be a high school teacher, so he is naturally interested in the teens.  

Last month we took the high schoolers out to play putt-putt.  When we were almost there, it started raining! Everyone was disappointed, but when we drove around the block, the rain paused and we were able to have the place all to ourselves. It was a fun evening and over greasy burgers and fries, we were able to chat about our desire to see them walking closely with the Lord.  

Since then, we have met with those teens who are sincere about their desire to follow Christ. We have been encouraged to see their growing understanding and willingness to participate in discussion. 

We’ve emphasized practical Christian living by teaching them how to think differently and how to read the Bible so that they can be shaped by its truth.