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being you

Young adult ministry starts with you and the gifts God has given you.

If I've learned anything, coming from FCC Lawton, Cameron Campus Ministry, and (now) Faith in the City, young adult ministry is about being yourself. I often feel pressure to put on a church face, hoping that I can convince myself and others how together and pious I am. Surely then, others will see it and want to be a part of what I am doing. To be a leader, you got to be perfect, right? Then just pretend you're perfect, and things will work out... right?

Except -- most young adults are looking for the exact opposite. We're really looking for authenticity and honesty. We want people who admit their weaknesses and struggle with their faith. We want people who have big questions and are realistic about their walk with God.

In the end, it's about being you.

Just claim where you are. Admit those deep down struggles -- admit those doubts about what God is calling you to do. If you start there, you'll find many, young and old, will be drawn to your witness. You'll even find yourself connecting to those who feel like they are on the outside looking in. How cool is that?

In my experience, I can't guarantee that people will like me or be interested in the vision of ministry that God has given me. I can't make people see God in the midst of their lives. I can't use my charisma to bring in hundreds of young adults.

I can only be me, in the midst of my call, struggling to love, learn, and listen.

So, there's your first step: be you.

my dorm is a sanctuary

Tonight, I've been studying, laughing, talking, musing, thinking, and listening. My day was a bit strange, though I did get a lot of things done. It ended better than I thought it might, sharing moments with two dear friends and awesome people (props to sara c and montie). That sort of experience makes you realize what life is really about.

I have a test tomorrow in Christian History. I've been learning about Constantine, monasticism, Donatists, Augustine, schism, canon, Arianism, martyrs, and more. It won't be too difficult of a test, and I have most of the day to go back over and look at the notes. I'm not worried, I guess. Why worry? Focus and do your best, right?

On a cold rainy day, my dorm room is a sanctuary. It's disheveled, like a couple of rowdy dudes had a falling out in here and no one tidied things up. The pillows and bed are arranged in a haphazard crumple, but they are comfortable and inviting. The pictures on the wall of my niece, family, and home are curling slightly from the rampant humidity. Guitars are poised, ready to strike if the muse hits.

It's home. Nice, right?

in the beginning

Hey, welcome back to my site.

I decided to update things a bit. My life is becoming busier and more interesting. I hope this blog will be a good resource to pop out ideas that have nowhere else to go. I'm also going to use it to keep my regional young adult crew updated with news and opportunities.

Do you like the new look? You'll still find all the old links on the right hand side.

And be sure to check out Disciples Connect, probably the hottest Disciples of Christ site out there right now. (Or maybe I just think that.)