Aaron Holt is the Head Youth Pastor: he focuses on the Varsity program primarily and campus visitations
Courtney is Varsity Youth Pastor: she focuses more on the Junior High and does a lot with creative programming, trips and event coordination, counseling…etc.
When they hired Courtney, they hired her as a youth secretary. Her best friend was more of a youth administration assistant and left the church. She was glad she took the position when it was available, and it was a good thing she did because not long after she was hired on, it became very difficult to get any position in the church after that point.
Pastor Aaron brought Courtney before the Senior Pastor and motioned for her position to become an official youth pastor position.
She became licensed in the Spring of her Senior year at VFCC.
Fridays are difficult to hold for afterschool programs for kids because you're essentially competing with school sporting events, after school programs affiliated with schools… etc.
Visitor Process: toward the beginning of the service, they invite the guests into the café where they have milkshakes, the meet & greet team will take time to get to know a little about the guests. (this takes place in the beginning during the first or second song of worship as well as announcements)
Q & A Text Messaging Questions: the congregation members will text questions about the message or to related topics in the message or regarding worship or anything else about the service, with the intentions of response from the pastor via text messaging. (interesting, but I think this can give kids reason to stay distracted from paying attention to the service--people will use this as an excuse to use their phones to play games, text friends…etc.)
Wednesdays: have classes that the kids make a choice to go to. If the person happens to be new, they will typically visit a starter class (which are essential basics to Christian Faith)
There are a lot of people that are biblically illiterate and this needs to be recognized. There are people in our congregation that are completely oblivious to many topics, bible stories, characters…etc of the Bible that are going over their heads. They end up walking out of church not feeling they understood what we were preaching or teaching because we're not taking time to share the who, what, when, where, why about scripture.
What's the biggest problem you face with teens in the ministry at your church?
Kids come to church with a lot of baggage. A major issue is simply trying to understand where to start or how to approach these kids.
If they mention rape or abuse to you (and they're a minor) they are obligated to report it and the services to whom you report to will follow through with proper investigation.
I thought a lot of the creative ideas they use to keep the leadership involved and feeling that they play a vital role in their part of the ministry was rather interesting. Something as simple as assigning unique chess pieces to the members can highlight important qualities unique to those people as they play their role on the team. I'm encouraged by an example like this to keep things interesting and creative for the opportunities that await me in the upcoming positions of ministry that I will play a part of.
Passing the Torch: A ceremony for those kids who are graduating from high school. The kids are to write a letter to the upcoming class for what they see specifically in this student--pointing out good qualities in this person, maybe making light hearted jokes about this person's personality or history.
A place for my thoughts, concerns, and defenses for the Christian faith.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Todd Bube of Glad Tidings A.G.
The church was expanding and instead of being moved to a typically expected promotion, Todd felt the Lord directing him to decline the offer and rather choose to remain in children's ministry.
What you do in your adult program in your church is important, but not as important as it seems to have a good children's program. Families will tend to show up to church because their kids want them to go.
6:00-6:30 CHECK-IN/Pre Show
6:30 Large Group Event
○ Audience Activator/ Songs/ Announcements
6:45 Small Group Rotation
○ Story Time
○ Games/Snack
○ Life Application
○ Craft? (Some larger groups could be difficult to do this)
Essentially Todd walked through various different ministries their church offers, particularly catering toward children.
He covered many of the angles of how to deal with difficult children, as well as difficult parents.
As I studied Todd's passion for what he does in his church, I couldn't help but fall in love with his passion, his fire for the ministry he is so committed to! Some of the programs he talked about that he does with the kids are incredible. It shows that he's been committed to his calling to this position.
It appears that Todd's experience and leadership skills are in prime condition. To be able to run the level of intensity some of these programs are require good management skills.
What I saw in the programs that Todd runs with the children's ministry are important as they are amazing! However, I feel that the energy and enthusiasm he uses to direct the children's programs in his church can shift from his direction to someone or some other people that work under his leadership. I felt that Todd's innovation and passion for his ministry are needed in other programs of the church. I think that if Todd took time to write a book about how to drive children's ministry into the upper channels of success, I feel he would deliver a tremendous gift to the world.
I'd like to see Todd a little more rounded with his passion to different parts of ministry to see how he might carry over what works in children's ministry to youth, young adult and adult ministries.
What you do in your adult program in your church is important, but not as important as it seems to have a good children's program. Families will tend to show up to church because their kids want them to go.
6:00-6:30 CHECK-IN/Pre Show
6:30 Large Group Event
○ Audience Activator/ Songs/ Announcements
6:45 Small Group Rotation
○ Story Time
○ Games/Snack
○ Life Application
○ Craft? (Some larger groups could be difficult to do this)
Essentially Todd walked through various different ministries their church offers, particularly catering toward children.
He covered many of the angles of how to deal with difficult children, as well as difficult parents.
As I studied Todd's passion for what he does in his church, I couldn't help but fall in love with his passion, his fire for the ministry he is so committed to! Some of the programs he talked about that he does with the kids are incredible. It shows that he's been committed to his calling to this position.
It appears that Todd's experience and leadership skills are in prime condition. To be able to run the level of intensity some of these programs are require good management skills.
What I saw in the programs that Todd runs with the children's ministry are important as they are amazing! However, I feel that the energy and enthusiasm he uses to direct the children's programs in his church can shift from his direction to someone or some other people that work under his leadership. I felt that Todd's innovation and passion for his ministry are needed in other programs of the church. I think that if Todd took time to write a book about how to drive children's ministry into the upper channels of success, I feel he would deliver a tremendous gift to the world.
I'd like to see Todd a little more rounded with his passion to different parts of ministry to see how he might carry over what works in children's ministry to youth, young adult and adult ministries.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Compassion by Design Survey:
Valley Forge Christian College celebrates the leadership and services that make our community great and also identifies the areas where we need to work together to continue to build a strong and vibrant place to live, work and play. This survey is being conducted in the Phoenixville area, and is a Valley Forge Christian College class project.
1. Zip Code: 18949
2. Nominate one organization in each of the following categories: (Nominate those that represent the BEST of our community during the last year)
- Education Provider: Pen Rich School districts (Bucks County)
- Recreation: Bucks County Community Sports Recreation Facility
- Business that gives back: local Pizzaria
- Restaurant or Coffee Shop: Calvary Church Cafe
- Nonprofit & Charitable: YMCA
- Public Services: Bucks Police
- Culture, Arts and Historic Enrichment: High School Art Exhibitions
3. The greatest thing about our community is: People are hospitable & ready to connect.
4. If there is one area in which our community needs to improve it is: Spreading out--connecting
5. In our community, I think the following areas pose the greatest challenge:
- Financial Pressure
- Sense of Permanence
- Marriage & Relationships
- Job Security
- Resources for low-income families
- Jobs (period)
6. The one thing that would make family life better in our community is: if they would simply come to church
7. I'm concerned about what is going to happen in the future with: finances--resulting from the economic crisis
8. A new affordable service that would really help us is: rent out rooms/host events w/ sponsors and other community partners.
9. A service that really needs to be improved is: charity
10: Comments on any of the above: More christlike/centered focus in families.
Valley Forge Christian College celebrates the leadership and services that make our community great and also identifies the areas where we need to work together to continue to build a strong and vibrant place to live, work and play. This survey is being conducted in the Phoenixville area, and is a Valley Forge Christian College class project.
1. Zip Code: 18949
2. Nominate one organization in each of the following categories: (Nominate those that represent the BEST of our community during the last year)
- Education Provider: Pen Rich School districts (Bucks County)
- Recreation: Bucks County Community Sports Recreation Facility
- Business that gives back: local Pizzaria
- Restaurant or Coffee Shop: Calvary Church Cafe
- Nonprofit & Charitable: YMCA
- Public Services: Bucks Police
- Culture, Arts and Historic Enrichment: High School Art Exhibitions
3. The greatest thing about our community is: People are hospitable & ready to connect.
4. If there is one area in which our community needs to improve it is: Spreading out--connecting
5. In our community, I think the following areas pose the greatest challenge:
- Financial Pressure
- Sense of Permanence
- Marriage & Relationships
- Job Security
- Resources for low-income families
- Jobs (period)
6. The one thing that would make family life better in our community is: if they would simply come to church
7. I'm concerned about what is going to happen in the future with: finances--resulting from the economic crisis
8. A new affordable service that would really help us is: rent out rooms/host events w/ sponsors and other community partners.
9. A service that really needs to be improved is: charity
10: Comments on any of the above: More christlike/centered focus in families.
Speaker/Guest: Bill Ellis: Oakmont
Golf Video Segment: was humorous and yet I had no idea what the point of the video was about.
We need churches that does more than welcomes people of faith into a new set of doors. We need churches that are welcoming to those who may have not yet experienced faith for the first time.
Were the disciples Christians? Not technically, Christ had not died yet for their sins, and they did not know that he was going to either.
• Two ways of understanding what the church is:
○ Functional View: the church is God's place in the owrld where you go to do God things
○ Incarnational View: the church is not only a place that performs functions, but it is a place where God dwells. It is a people in whom God lives.
There are two kinds of people who attend church:
a. Those who "go to church"
b. Those who see themselves "as the church"
Our challenge is to help people who me3rely "go to church" become those who see themselves "as the church," and help them find the part they are to play in putting God on display to the world.
"People aren't tithing to God, they're paying for services that the church provides in way of programs; when they're dissatisfied with the programs, they take their money and leave."
"The American Church in Crisis"
1. Less than 20% of Americans regularly attend church--half of what the pollsters report.
2. American church attendance is steadily declining.
The culture has changed so dramatically that people are no longer identifying themselves by their religious views.
3. Only one state is outpacing its population growth (Hawaii)
4. Mid-sized churches are shrinking; the smallest and largest churches are growing.
5. Established churches--40 to 190 years old--are, on average, declining.
6. The increase in churches is only 1/4 of what's needed to keep up with population growth.
7. In 2050 the percentage of the U.S. population attending church will be almost half of what it was in 1990.
"It was C.S. Lewis who observed that 'there exists in every church something that sooner or later works against the very purpose for which it came into existence. So we must strive very hard, by the grace of God to keep the church focused on the mission that Christ originally gave to it." (as quoted in The Forgotten Ways, by Alan Hirsh, p.55)
What are the right questions we should be asking?
1. Should we be asking "how can we get people to come to our church?" Or, "How can we get our people to engage our community?"
"Christianity is better received as a voice of one crying in the wilderness than a city preacher on a podium with a bullhorn." -John Schaffer
2. What are ways we can engage and bless our communities beyond the walls of the church
3. If your church was removed from your community, who besides your attendees, would miss it?
4. How can we get people to down-size in order to make room for compassion in a super-size me culture?
5. How has consumerism infiltrated the way we do church?
Bill has recognized that they're ready to pull the plug on Children's ministry for his home church because what they're realizing is that its become more of a drop off locale for families. What they're recognizing as a result of this is that parents are shoveling the Christian education responsibilities onto the church for their kids, rather than parents owning the responsibility to teach their kids and rear them as well. Now they are realizing that parents are needing to be educated on how to be parents.
If kids down participate in worship with their parents how are they going to realize this is something they'll need to continue on into adulthood?
I thought that Bill presented some of the more critical concerns our generation of leaders are pressed with. Unlike many of the other speakers, Bill presented a rather visual picture of what the future of the church and this country may be facing in the next couple decades. Since this is the church and country we are going to lead, I found most of what Bill to share tonight to be most resourceful than any other speaker this semester! Thank you for bringing him to share a little about his life and theological/philosophical positions on the church and the world today.
Golf Video Segment: was humorous and yet I had no idea what the point of the video was about.
We need churches that does more than welcomes people of faith into a new set of doors. We need churches that are welcoming to those who may have not yet experienced faith for the first time.
Were the disciples Christians? Not technically, Christ had not died yet for their sins, and they did not know that he was going to either.
• Two ways of understanding what the church is:
○ Functional View: the church is God's place in the owrld where you go to do God things
○ Incarnational View: the church is not only a place that performs functions, but it is a place where God dwells. It is a people in whom God lives.
There are two kinds of people who attend church:
a. Those who "go to church"
b. Those who see themselves "as the church"
Our challenge is to help people who me3rely "go to church" become those who see themselves "as the church," and help them find the part they are to play in putting God on display to the world.
"People aren't tithing to God, they're paying for services that the church provides in way of programs; when they're dissatisfied with the programs, they take their money and leave."
"The American Church in Crisis"
1. Less than 20% of Americans regularly attend church--half of what the pollsters report.
2. American church attendance is steadily declining.
The culture has changed so dramatically that people are no longer identifying themselves by their religious views.
3. Only one state is outpacing its population growth (Hawaii)
4. Mid-sized churches are shrinking; the smallest and largest churches are growing.
5. Established churches--40 to 190 years old--are, on average, declining.
6. The increase in churches is only 1/4 of what's needed to keep up with population growth.
7. In 2050 the percentage of the U.S. population attending church will be almost half of what it was in 1990.
"It was C.S. Lewis who observed that 'there exists in every church something that sooner or later works against the very purpose for which it came into existence. So we must strive very hard, by the grace of God to keep the church focused on the mission that Christ originally gave to it." (as quoted in The Forgotten Ways, by Alan Hirsh, p.55)
What are the right questions we should be asking?
1. Should we be asking "how can we get people to come to our church?" Or, "How can we get our people to engage our community?"
"Christianity is better received as a voice of one crying in the wilderness than a city preacher on a podium with a bullhorn." -John Schaffer
2. What are ways we can engage and bless our communities beyond the walls of the church
3. If your church was removed from your community, who besides your attendees, would miss it?
4. How can we get people to down-size in order to make room for compassion in a super-size me culture?
5. How has consumerism infiltrated the way we do church?
Bill has recognized that they're ready to pull the plug on Children's ministry for his home church because what they're realizing is that its become more of a drop off locale for families. What they're recognizing as a result of this is that parents are shoveling the Christian education responsibilities onto the church for their kids, rather than parents owning the responsibility to teach their kids and rear them as well. Now they are realizing that parents are needing to be educated on how to be parents.
If kids down participate in worship with their parents how are they going to realize this is something they'll need to continue on into adulthood?
I thought that Bill presented some of the more critical concerns our generation of leaders are pressed with. Unlike many of the other speakers, Bill presented a rather visual picture of what the future of the church and this country may be facing in the next couple decades. Since this is the church and country we are going to lead, I found most of what Bill to share tonight to be most resourceful than any other speaker this semester! Thank you for bringing him to share a little about his life and theological/philosophical positions on the church and the world today.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Compassion By Design Survey #2
Compassion By Design Survey
Valley Forge Christian College celebrates the leadership and services that make our community
great and also identifies the areas where we need to work together to continue to build a strong
and vibrant place to live, work and play. This survey is being conducted in the Phoenixville area,
and is a Valley Forge Christian College class project.
Major Nancy Townsend- Salvation Army Corps Officer, Norristown Pennsylvania
1. Please enter your zip code:19040
2. Nominate one organization in each of the following categories:
(Nominate those that represent the BEST of our community during the last year)
Education Provider
(School, college, day care, after school, educational service or business):
EASTERN UNIVERSITY- a handful of students help out in the Norristown Community especially here at the Norristown Salvation Army Corps.
Health Care Provider
(Hospital, clinic, doctor’s office, medical service or business):
MERCY SUBURBIAN HOSPITAL
Recreation
(Park, fields, facility, organization, league):
PAL
Business That Gives Back
(Contributes to the community with funds or other support):
THE SALVATION ARMY
Restaurant or Coffee Shop:
BLIMPEES
Nonprofit & Charitable
(Local foundations, nonprofits, charities and benefit drives):
THE SALVATION ARMY
Public Service
(Any local service operated by government—library, police, fire department):
THE COURTHOUSE
Culture, Arts and Historic Enrichment
(Museums, etc):
THE NORRISTOWN ZOO; TOURING THE CITY AND VIEWING THE HISTORY BEHIND THE OLD BUILDINGS AND CHURCHES
3. The greatest thing about our community is:
THE HELP IT NEEDS! IF WE JUST GET OUT THERE AND DO IT! PEOPLE WILL RESPOND! NORRISTOWN IS A BEAUTIFUL COMMUNITY THAT JUST NEEDS SOME CONNECTION
4. If there is one area in which our community needs to improve it is:
CLEANING UP THE STREETS. THERE IS PLEANTY OF TRASH ON THE STREETS OF NORRISTOWN.
5. In our community, I think the following areas pose the greatest challenge:
(Pick up to 5 of the following):
__X_ Financial Pressure __X_ Marriage & Relationships
_X__ Substance Abuse ___ Job Security
___ Affordable Housing ___ Time Pressure
__X_ Crime/Violence ___ Single Parent Resources
___ Sense of Permanence ___ Childcare
_X__ Stress __X_ Loneliness
_X__ Education ___ Public Transportation
___ Cultural Tolerance _X__ Gangs
___ Jobs ___ Resources for lowincome
families
___ Traffic ___ Cost of Living
_X__ Discrimination __X_ Negative Media
___ Professional Development _X__ Health Care
___ Teen Resources __X_ Sense of Community
_X__ Immigration ___ Support for Charity
__X_ Lack of Public Services ___ Other:__________________
6. The one thing that would make family life better in our community is:
FAMILIES STAYING TOGETHER! ATLEAST TRYING TO MAKE AN EFFORT. WORKING AS THE OFFICER OF THE SALVATION ARMY IN NORRISTOWN, PA- WHICH IS ALSO A HOMELESS SHELTER, I SEE WAY TOO MANY SINGLE MOTHERS IN AND OUT EVERY MONTH.
7. I am concerned about what is going to happen in the future with:
THE AMOUNT OF SUBSTANCE AND DRUG ABUSE IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD THAT IS SLOWLY SPEADING IN HIGH SCHOOLS, AND NEXT IS IN THE MIDDLE SCHOOLS.
8. A new affordable service that would really help us is:
A COMMUNITY SERVICE DAY- EVERYONE FROM THE NEIGHBORHOOD GETS OUT AND HELPS CLEAN THE STREETS- THIS, FORCING PEOPLE TO TALK TO EACHOTHER, AND HOPEFULLY FEEL BETTER ABOUT HELPING AND TAKING CARE OF THE ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH THEY LIVE IN BUT ARE SURELY DESTROYING
9. A service that really needs to be improved is:
POLICE ACTIVITY. ALTHOUGH THEY ARE ALWAYS FINDING SOMETHING TO CATCH IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD, THERE IS MORE TO BE DONE.
10. Comments on any of the above:
NORRISTOWN TRULY IS AN AMAZING CITY- IT JUST NEEDS THE HAND OF GOD LIKE EVERYWHERE ELSE
Developed by David Mills, Compassion by Design, dmills@compassionbydesign.org
Valley Forge Christian College celebrates the leadership and services that make our community
great and also identifies the areas where we need to work together to continue to build a strong
and vibrant place to live, work and play. This survey is being conducted in the Phoenixville area,
and is a Valley Forge Christian College class project.
Major Nancy Townsend- Salvation Army Corps Officer, Norristown Pennsylvania
1. Please enter your zip code:19040
2. Nominate one organization in each of the following categories:
(Nominate those that represent the BEST of our community during the last year)
Education Provider
(School, college, day care, after school, educational service or business):
EASTERN UNIVERSITY- a handful of students help out in the Norristown Community especially here at the Norristown Salvation Army Corps.
Health Care Provider
(Hospital, clinic, doctor’s office, medical service or business):
MERCY SUBURBIAN HOSPITAL
Recreation
(Park, fields, facility, organization, league):
PAL
Business That Gives Back
(Contributes to the community with funds or other support):
THE SALVATION ARMY
Restaurant or Coffee Shop:
BLIMPEES
Nonprofit & Charitable
(Local foundations, nonprofits, charities and benefit drives):
THE SALVATION ARMY
Public Service
(Any local service operated by government—library, police, fire department):
THE COURTHOUSE
Culture, Arts and Historic Enrichment
(Museums, etc):
THE NORRISTOWN ZOO; TOURING THE CITY AND VIEWING THE HISTORY BEHIND THE OLD BUILDINGS AND CHURCHES
3. The greatest thing about our community is:
THE HELP IT NEEDS! IF WE JUST GET OUT THERE AND DO IT! PEOPLE WILL RESPOND! NORRISTOWN IS A BEAUTIFUL COMMUNITY THAT JUST NEEDS SOME CONNECTION
4. If there is one area in which our community needs to improve it is:
CLEANING UP THE STREETS. THERE IS PLEANTY OF TRASH ON THE STREETS OF NORRISTOWN.
5. In our community, I think the following areas pose the greatest challenge:
(Pick up to 5 of the following):
__X_ Financial Pressure __X_ Marriage & Relationships
_X__ Substance Abuse ___ Job Security
___ Affordable Housing ___ Time Pressure
__X_ Crime/Violence ___ Single Parent Resources
___ Sense of Permanence ___ Childcare
_X__ Stress __X_ Loneliness
_X__ Education ___ Public Transportation
___ Cultural Tolerance _X__ Gangs
___ Jobs ___ Resources for lowincome
families
___ Traffic ___ Cost of Living
_X__ Discrimination __X_ Negative Media
___ Professional Development _X__ Health Care
___ Teen Resources __X_ Sense of Community
_X__ Immigration ___ Support for Charity
__X_ Lack of Public Services ___ Other:__________________
6. The one thing that would make family life better in our community is:
FAMILIES STAYING TOGETHER! ATLEAST TRYING TO MAKE AN EFFORT. WORKING AS THE OFFICER OF THE SALVATION ARMY IN NORRISTOWN, PA- WHICH IS ALSO A HOMELESS SHELTER, I SEE WAY TOO MANY SINGLE MOTHERS IN AND OUT EVERY MONTH.
7. I am concerned about what is going to happen in the future with:
THE AMOUNT OF SUBSTANCE AND DRUG ABUSE IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD THAT IS SLOWLY SPEADING IN HIGH SCHOOLS, AND NEXT IS IN THE MIDDLE SCHOOLS.
8. A new affordable service that would really help us is:
A COMMUNITY SERVICE DAY- EVERYONE FROM THE NEIGHBORHOOD GETS OUT AND HELPS CLEAN THE STREETS- THIS, FORCING PEOPLE TO TALK TO EACHOTHER, AND HOPEFULLY FEEL BETTER ABOUT HELPING AND TAKING CARE OF THE ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH THEY LIVE IN BUT ARE SURELY DESTROYING
9. A service that really needs to be improved is:
POLICE ACTIVITY. ALTHOUGH THEY ARE ALWAYS FINDING SOMETHING TO CATCH IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD, THERE IS MORE TO BE DONE.
10. Comments on any of the above:
NORRISTOWN TRULY IS AN AMAZING CITY- IT JUST NEEDS THE HAND OF GOD LIKE EVERYWHERE ELSE
Developed by David Mills, Compassion by Design, dmills@compassionbydesign.org
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Sam Masteller, Lancaster, PA
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Sam Masteller,
*Often positions open up in churches that are available to people that happen to know someone in the church.
Revival Central: (
700 Students of “Christ for the Nations” were ticked off by something Sam said: (do not insert this into the blog) The fist series he did in his church, he began to share about a vision of William Booth (from the Salvation Army) the vision was a sea full of people drowning… then a rock began to rise out of the ocean and people began to swim to this rock. Where they eventually became comfortable and didn’t reach out top help the people who were still drowning in the ocean. Sam said that it doesn’t matter if we ever speak another word in tongues, prophesy or have another vision, if we come to the point where we are no longer drawing people to Christ we have failed and should thereby close our doors… apparently this made the congregation members upset. They apparently only focused on the notion that they felt Sam didn’t speak in tongues and was out to attack them.
Most churches do not change because of the wield and manipulation of a few families in the church.
Blog: Sammasteller.com
Not everyone is going to agree with you and the vision you may have for the church. This is where it will take persistence, integrity, passion, patience, proposal of gifts (not bribes) and ideas. The picture of what the vision is: the Church is a table…
Sam’s Church Government Model: Staff Driven—Board Accountable
Staff: all come to the board meetings, they are part of the discussion and give reports of how things are going in their position of the church.
Who sets the Church Budget? Finance team would be separate from this gov’t. She is hired by the Senior pastor: Sam.
On Board with the Vision, In Sync with the Vision: These are terms that Sam uses to communicate whether or not people are willing to do what’s necessary to bring the vision to life and keep it alive and moving in a positive direction.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Questionaire for New Believer #2- Mark (Mont. Community College Student)
Tell me about your journey to faith in Christ?
o My parents are Christians and I always went to church. I really didn’t care much about the whole God thing and just went with the flow. It wasn’t until New Year’s Eve at a lock in at the church when I realized how true being a Christian is and what it’s all about.
What helped you the most to step over the line and make the commitment?
o I saw the way people were responding to the Spirit. I realized there was more to Christianity. It was a hard decision, but it must have been done. I was struggling with cigarettes and knew they would be no more in my life once I became real with Christ. I knew if I was going to make a commitment like that to Christ, nothing, especially cigarettes will have power over me.
What has been the best part of becoming a Christ follower for you?
o I feel different every morning. I feel like I have a reason to smile. My parents seem to appreciate and love me more. I am sure they always did but now they feel more comfortable with showing me that unconditional love that they do have for me.
What has been the most challenging part of following Christ?
o Some of the friends I had outside of the church don’t really talk to me anymore. It’s difficult losing people in my life, but I know it was worth it for losing my life to Christ.
What do you think is helping you grow the most in your faith?
o My parents. We have bonded so much closer over this. My dad is my mentor. He shows me the best example I can have on how to be a God-like man. For my mother to see this, it’s the greatest testament ever.
What advice do you have for me in helping others like you to grow in their faith?
o It’s not about you. You may want to fit in with everyone else. I don’t think that gets us anywhere. If you’re parents are Christians, don’t be afraid of their life style. Imagine yourself as a happier person with something to live for. Keep people mentoring you and your faith will grow.
o My parents are Christians and I always went to church. I really didn’t care much about the whole God thing and just went with the flow. It wasn’t until New Year’s Eve at a lock in at the church when I realized how true being a Christian is and what it’s all about.
What helped you the most to step over the line and make the commitment?
o I saw the way people were responding to the Spirit. I realized there was more to Christianity. It was a hard decision, but it must have been done. I was struggling with cigarettes and knew they would be no more in my life once I became real with Christ. I knew if I was going to make a commitment like that to Christ, nothing, especially cigarettes will have power over me.
What has been the best part of becoming a Christ follower for you?
o I feel different every morning. I feel like I have a reason to smile. My parents seem to appreciate and love me more. I am sure they always did but now they feel more comfortable with showing me that unconditional love that they do have for me.
What has been the most challenging part of following Christ?
o Some of the friends I had outside of the church don’t really talk to me anymore. It’s difficult losing people in my life, but I know it was worth it for losing my life to Christ.
What do you think is helping you grow the most in your faith?
o My parents. We have bonded so much closer over this. My dad is my mentor. He shows me the best example I can have on how to be a God-like man. For my mother to see this, it’s the greatest testament ever.
What advice do you have for me in helping others like you to grow in their faith?
o It’s not about you. You may want to fit in with everyone else. I don’t think that gets us anywhere. If you’re parents are Christians, don’t be afraid of their life style. Imagine yourself as a happier person with something to live for. Keep people mentoring you and your faith will grow.
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