Frontline Youth Santa Barbara

SIN IS A TIME KILLER

2012-01-16T14:34:00.000-08:00

There are two words that seem to be almost constantly on the minds of people I know: time management. We long for the balance of work, play and rest. We look for gadgets and strategies to keep our time in order. We prioritize, categorize and excise all for the sake of doing what is most important in the 24 hour days we have been given.

In the mix of our desire to schedule wisely we identify areas where time might be wasted: lingering too long on Facebook or majoring on minors, to name a few. One “time-killer,” though, actually defeats all the rest. It is one we don’t want to admit and one we would rather not consider. Its name is “sin.”

When we willfully disobey God and choose our way we have immediately made the decision to waste our own time and the time of others. This became very clear to me several years when I had a former student make some very bad choices and consequently ended up in some very “hot water.” I spent at least a year of weekly walking with him through the challenges he faced. It was another 2 years before it all resolved.

This last week I spent nearly a whole work day worth of hours working through a situation with another pastor, caused by sin.

In my own life I have cost myself precious time from short-sightedness and failure to follow the wisdom God was trying to give me. I have lost count of how many times I wanted to push the “re-wind” button on decisions I made to take things into my own hands.

I could easily resent the sinner and I could easily be resented. Instead, I’m going to hate and resent the sin.

I know I will waste a little more time in my life because sadly I will sin. I also know, God through His mercy, offers me forgiveness and in fact will offer me ways to redeem the time. His time management is perfect.

Hosea 10:12: “Plow up the hard ground of your hearts, for now is the time to seek the Lord, that he may come and shower righteousness upon you.” (New Living Translation)

A SLICE OF HEAVEN

2011-12-29T10:15:00.000-08:00

Over the last several days the abundance of happiness has enveloped our home while all five of our family are under the same roof. With older kids these moments are not taken lightly. We have enjoyed being together but this time next week will find us once again going our separate ways.

Many years ago when Nancy and I first made the move to Southern California from the eastern part of the United States I would often feel the sting of sin at the airport as we said “good-bye” to our parents and extended family. I was reminded in the Bible in heaven there will be no more separation. When we are together with those we love we experience a little slice of heaven.

In my continued reading of THE PASTOR by Eugene Peterson he describes a new revelation he had on the profile of the church, “It had taken me a long time, with considerable help from wise Christians, both dead and alive, to come to this understanding of church: a colony of heaven in the country of death; a strategy of the Holy Spirit for giving witness to the already-inaugurated kingdom of God.” (p. 110).

The church SHOULD be a place where we can experience the belonging of community, the prayers of those who care, the teaching to equip us for life and the attitude of generosity. This is the gift of togetherness at its finest. Eternity has already begun!

Today I count myself blessed to pastor in this “colony of heaven” found in Santa Barbara, California, U.S.A. It is here I see those who not only care for each other but long to bring life to the “country of death” and despair around them.

WHAT I DON’T KNOW: Another Look at God’s Blessings

2011-12-13T15:22:00.000-08:00

Here is what I know . . .

*My God loves me

*He sent His son to die for me

*I am forgiven

*My immediate and extended family loves me

*I have friends who love me

What I don’t know (a partial list) . . .

*Why I was born in the United States of America

*Why I was born to two parents who loved me, provided for me and have remained faithful to each other all of their marriage.

*Why I had the opportunity to attend elementary/secondary schools, college and graduate school.

*Why I had the opportunity to meet a wonderful woman to whom I have been married for 30 years.

*Why we have three great children who have chosen to put Christ at the center of their lives and live for him in amazing ways.

*Why I have had the honor to be an associate pastor in a healthy church with a nurturing Senior Pastor/staff and invest in the lives of youth for over 30 years.

*Why I live in a place where I can see the awesome creation of God through the mighty Pacific ocean and majestic mountains every day.

My life has had its share of ups and downs but when I look back at the “highlights” I am astonished to see all the gifts placed in my lap. I have not “deserved” any of these. I could have been born anywhere else in the world in a war-torn, impoverished country to a single mom with little to no resources, no home, little opportunity to ever attend school, all without the benefit of hearing God’s great news and experiencing it in the ways it has been modeled to me over all these years.

God loves all his creation. Why I landed in this wonderful situation I cannot reasonably explain but I can thank God for this blessing. He has blessed me with a gift I did not earn but a gift I will humbly and happily accept.

What has He given you?

PEOPLE

2011-12-02T09:08:00.000-08:00

Yesterday our office administrator called and said she had someone on the phone for me. She said the person had some “spiritual questions.” As I talked to the lady on the other end of the line it was clear she had less than great experiences with pastors who only smiled, greeted people at the door, ran meetings and preached sermons. After asking me a series of other very specific questions she inquired if I really knew the people in our church. Did I know their needs, did I know where they work and did I visit them outside the four walls of the church?

When I answered “yes” to the lady’s question she was shocked. She said she had never experienced that in any other church. My heart grew heavy, my compassion expanded and I expressed my sadness on how she had never received the love and care God would want her to have in the community of faith.

Eugene Peterson, in his book, The Pastor: A Memoir, quoted a pastor/mentor as saying this: “What is the most important thing you do in preparing to preach each Sunday? . . . For two hours ever Tuesday and Thursday afternoon, I walk through the neighborhood and make home visits. There is no way I can preach the gospel to these people if I don’t know how they are living, what they are thinking and talking about.”

These words should be convicting for any person in any type of ministry whether volunteer or paid. Our words ring hollow if we have not taken the time to know and love the people we teach.

I have high regard for excellent teaching and preaching. It requires research and preparation but when this part of ministry becomes more important than me walking with people in their lives it ceases to be effective and I lose the right to be heard.

As the lady asked her pointed question I was immediately thankful for all those mentors over the years who modeled for me the importance of preaching the word AND loving the people. The mentors include my own dad, a pastor, who spent many afternoons visiting his people and the three wonderful senior pastors with whom I have worked and who have tirelessly celebrated and comforted their “flocks.” What they did became a natural part of my life and ministry.

I have heard it said, “Ministry would be easy if it weren’t for people.” All we seek to offer can look good on our computer screen. When we bring real lives into the picture those plans often look differently.

Planning events, preparing for sermons, working on creative teaching experiences are worthy work but only a piece of what we are called to do. In what ways are you too easily letting the “events” more easily define your ministry than knowing and caring for the people you serve? It’s a question I’m asking myself today.

THINK SMALL

2011-11-22T15:24:00.000-08:00

I love big things. I enjoy a big view of the ocean every day, I like going to big events, I like a big sound, I even take note of “big guys” (football/basketball size men who I am happy to not compete against!) and most of all I love the bigness of God who is far bigger than any big I could imagine.

I also love it when our BIG God makes things small. Today I had the opportunity to think small in my world of bigness. Here is where it began . . .

Many years ago, as a youth pastor, I had a seventh grader named Alissa show up to our ministry.

She came for awhile but decided her way was better than God’s.

Somewhere in those years my own daughter, Kelly, was born

Just before Kelly showed up in our youth ministry Alissa decided to make a change and attend Seattle Pacific University.

At SPU, Alissa’s heart softened and she decided to put her trust in God.

With eyes open to the big things of God she went on a missions trip to Madagascar with a guy named Jamie.

After awhile they fell in love and decided to spend the rest of their lives together serving God . . . in Madagascar.

We celebrated their wedding and their preparation began.

Not long after, Kelly began her college career at Seattle Pacific.

While there she began attending QUEST church, pastored by Eugene Cho.

Jamie and Alissa, were nearing the end of their schooling and began their fundraising to be missionaries with WORLD VENTURE and heavily supported by the people of Free Methodist Church of Santa Barbara.

In this same time period they were approached by EDEN REFORESTATION, a Free Methodist ministry founded to plant trees in deforested areas so the environment would be healed, people employed, churches started and lives saved. EDEN was ready to partner with them in re-planting trees in Madagascar.

Two years ago, Eugene Cho, the pastor of Kelly’s church began a non-profit called ONE DAY’S WAGES, a ministry described as this: “One day's wages is about 0.4% of your annual income. Simply donate one day's wages or another amount you want to invest.” With this money many partner organizations have been helped.

Jamie, Alissa and their three children left for Madagascar. Through the work of EDEN REFORESTATION over 25 million trees have already been planted there since 2006.

Today ONE DAY’S WAGES announced their partnership in MADAGASCAR with EDEN REFORESTATION. Now even more trees will be planted, hiring more people and saving more lives.

Two girls, two in-direct but significant connections, two successful organizations joining hands across the miles, doing something better together, making this world a little smaller and God a lot bigger.

By the way, those t-shirts on the kids? They came from Cliff Drive Care Center, FMCSB’s own ministry to the children of this community. Just another small world, big thing in our life with God.

EMBRACING ENEMIES

2011-11-19T11:05:00.000-08:00

I don’t like having enemies but, then, most other people don’t either. Thankfully, throughout my life I have had relatively few I can identify.

In leadership, I recognize, there may be more potential for inviting enemies into one’s life. When we lead, we occasionally, make decisions unpopular to those who follow.

When faced with enemies we want them to go away or “come over to our side.” On our most “human” days we may even wish they would experience a “challenge” or two!

In Chapter 11 of Eugene Peterson’s book, THE PASTOR, he directs us to ponder the contrast found in Psalm 108. The first half is filled with an expression of confidence in the God whose “glory shines over all the earth.”

The second half questions if God will really rescue the people from their enemies, specifically Edom: “Who will bring me into the fortified city? Who will bring me victory over Edom? Have you rejected us, O God? Will you no longer march with our armies? Oh, please help us against our enemies, for human help is useless. With God’s help we will do mighty things, for he will trample down our foes. (Psalm 108:13, New Living Translation).

Peterson comments on this passage by saying he had to learn how to “re-frame” the Edoms in his life: “Edom is not the enemy that I curse or shake mu fist at or avoid or dismiss. Edom is the enemy whom I, with God’s grace and help, am led to visit and embrace.” (p. 78)

He further answers, “So what do I do with Edom? I ask God to bring me to Edom. And God does. Over and over and over again. The person, the task, the threat, the frustration, the circumstance to which my first impulse is to curse – ‘damn Edomites!’ – becomes, through the patient praying of Psalm 108, an occasion for recycling my swords into plowshares.” (p. 79)

Who or what are my Edoms? What about you? Am I really ready to embrace them?

MAKING THE WORLD AT HOME

2011-11-11T08:48:00.000-08:00

Eugene Peterson, in his book, THE PASTOR, tells the story of a grade-school bully. He relates how he had grown up learning to forgive and to love his enemies. This made sense until the school bully turned his attention to Eugene and began to make him a target. He tells of the day when he could take it no more. “That’s when it happened. Totally uncalculated. Totally out of character. Something snapped within me,” says Peterson. He grabbed the bully, found he was stronger and beat him up.

Reflecting on this “Pastor Pete” says, ‘Garrison Johns (the bully) was my introduction into the world, the “world that is not my home.’ He was also my introduction to how effortlessly that same ‘world’ could get into me, making itself perfectly at home under cover of my Christian language and ‘righteous’ emotions.” (p.48)

It is difficult to escape conviction after reading this last statement. The world does get into us. It is relentless. We cannot afford to believe we are impervious to the invasion of compromised values that ever so slightly move us toward a destructive lifestyle.

Our best defense is choosing moment by moment to walk with our Father, following the example of Jesus and relying on the power of the Holy Spirit. I have seen those who would outwardly appear to be good Christians be some of the meanest people I know. Why? In their effort to live for God they chose to live by their own rules rather than in live in relationship with our God who invites us to love Him, ourselves and others.

In what ways is the world “making itself perfectly at home,” in you? It’s a question I’m asking myself today.

PAYING ATTENTION

2011-11-07T08:57:00.000-08:00

In chapter 4 of Eugene Peterson’s book, The Pastor: A Memoir he talks about his father’s butcher shop as the place where he first learned the importance of treating people special. He said, “The people who came into our shop were not just customers. Something else defined them. It always seemed more like a congregation than a store.” (p.39). He went on to explain how his father knew his customers by name and knew many of their stories as well. Peterson shares, “He gave people dignity by the tone and manner of his greetings.”

One would think this is a “no-brainer” philosophy for any pastor but I have run into a surprising number of people in ministry who are more consumed with their ability to craft a fine sermon or build an exciting program or take care of their facilities than they are to know the names, hear the stories and walk alongside the people God has given them.

It has been said, “Ministry would be easy if it weren’t for people.” When people enter the equation of our planning and daily work, what once looked good on paper now includes unpredictable twists and challenges our ability to be flexible. Loving and shepherding God's people defines the profile of a pastor.

One of my favorite Henri Nouwen (from OUT OF SOLITUDE) quotes explains this well, “A few years ago I met an old professor at the University of Notre Dame, Looking back on his long life of teaching, he said with a funny wrinkle in his eyes: “I have always been complaining that my work was constantly interrupted, until I slowly discovered that my interruptions were my work.That is the great conversion in our life: to recognize and believe that the many unexpected events are not just disturbing interruptions of our projects, but the way in which God molds our hearts and prepares us for his return. Our great temptations are boredom and bitterness. When our good plans are interrupted by poor weather, our well-organized careers by illness or bad luck , our peace of mind by inner turmoil, our hope by a constant changing of the guards, and our desire for immortality by real death, we are tempted to give in to a paralyzing boredom or to strike back in destructive bitterness. But when we believe that patience can make our expectations grow, then ‘fate’ can be converted into a vocation, wounds into a call for deeper understanding, and sadness into a birthplace for joy.”

It’s all about the direction of our attention. Pastors, like anybody, else must love God first and out of this relationship will flow the healthy care of the people in our ministries. Peterson concludes, “My ‘work’ assignment was to pay more attention to what God does than what I do, and then to find, and guide others to find, the daily, weekly, yearly rhythms that would get this awareness into our bones.” (p.45)

I ONLY WORK ON SUNDAYS

2011-11-01T13:34:00.000-07:00

I had the blessing of growing up in a pastor’s home. My dad was a pastor of four different churches from birth through high school. During those days I observed the highs and lows of a pastor’s life in the midst of everyday ministry.

Across the street from one of our churches was an auto garage. My dad be-friended the mechanics who worked there. One day they said to him, “We know you work on Sunday but really, what do you do the rest of the week? Play tennis?”

Most of the world sees a pastor on Sundays, and maybe once during the middle of the week, especially in youth ministry. Over the years I have had students call my house during the week thinking I work only on Sundays, Wednesday nights and special events. They assumed the rest of the week I was hanging out watching movies and taking naps.

Eugene Peterson takes a look at this picture by comparing our experience with John of Patmos. John, as you remember, was exiled for his commitment to following Christ. He was caring for seven different congregations but was now separated from them. During his exile he wrote letters to them and was given the words and pictures we find in the book of Revelation. Peterson reminds us when we define ministry only in the “events” we have exiled ourselves.

He puts this all in perspective by stating, “The only hour of the week that had any predictable, uninterrupted order to it was Sunday morning, when the story of creation and covenant was told and the prayers of confession and praise were said and sung. I was learning that for a pastor, the rest of the week was spent getting that story and those prayers heard and prayed in the personal and unique particulars of these people. I had just spent an hour of worship with them but now was mixing it up with them in a world dragons and whores, blood flowing as high as a horse’s bridle, and the news headlines trumpeting catastrophic disasters.” (p.22, THE PASTOR: A MEMOIR, Eugene Peterson).

The life of ministry and shepherding is being in the life of those for which we care, knowing their joys and sorrows, walking with them through life in the good and the bad. Who are the people God is inviting you to know and love outside your Sunday?

I QUIT THINKING

2011-10-28T09:41:00.000-07:00

After last night’s unbelievable World Series Game 6 I am taking a break from my reflections on Eugene Peterson’s book to comment on an interesting insight I heard after the game.

During the post game show they interviewed Lance Berkman, right fielder for the St. Louis Cardinals. The reporter asked him the typical inane question, “Before you hit that single to tie the game in 10^th, what were you thinking, what was going through your head?” Berkman responded (my paraphrase), “Nothing and that was the key. Sometimes it’s better not to think. If I think too much I might be more tight. My goal was to make the best of this at-bat.”

This was one of the more unique answers I have ever heard to this question. In addition to thinking about the excitement of the game I keep pondering his point. At the risk of over-thinking the situation he chose to “be” in the moment, rely on his set of skills and to have peace in what he already knew.

I am all for thinking. I love to learn, I have a graduate degree and as a pastor I want to be faithful in offering our youth/adults the skills to critically think through their faith. This being said, Berkman is right. There is a time to quit thinking and act on what we know, being confident and bold in whom God has created to be. Being in the moment, trusting in God and moving forward in faith is where we are called to be.

During the game, as Lance Berkman came to the plate, I remember thinking how glad I was to not be him. Nobody wants to make the last out of the World Series. He re-framed the whole situation.

I have a lot of “at-bats” left in my life. I will try to take them one at a time.

THE "TO DO" LIST

2011-10-26T08:32:00.000-07:00

Rule #1: Everyone has a “to-do” list.

Rule #2: For those of you who think you do not have nor need a “to-do” list . . . please see rule #1.

Whether it’s on paper or in our head (a dangerous place to be!) we all have a running task list. No matter what our role in life on any given day there are things that could to be done.

In the introduction of his book, THE PASTOR: A Memoir, Eugene Peterson briefly addresses the topic of getting things done. He talks about how many pastors have become “disappointed or disillusioned” with their work and “defect” after a few years. Peterson proposes there may be an assumption at the heart of this defection. The assumption is: “all leaders are people who ‘get things done,’ and ‘make things happen.’” He goes on to say, “But while being a pastor certainly has some of these components, the pervasive element in our two-thousand-year pastoral tradition is not someone who ‘gets things done’ but rather the person placed in the community to pay attention and call attention to “what is going on right now” between men and women, with one another and with God.” (p.5)

My “to do” list will never be done. Your list will never be done. This is true of all professions and roles in life. I know too many in ministry who never take days off because there is too much to do. They will very likely sprint for awhile but fall far short of finishing well.

We are placed to “pay attention and call attention to what is going on right now.” What is going on right now in our relationship with God, our relationships with spouses, children, our friends, with those for whom we are called to care and shepherd?

In ministry, whether paid or volunteer, our priority is relationships. The “to-do” list can wait.

Step By Step

2011-10-24T15:31:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the generous gift of Seattle Pacific University I am now reading, along with many others in the SPU community, the latest book by Eugene Peterson entitled, THE PASTOR: A MEMOIR. I have read through about one-third and already know I will be sad when it is done!

“Pastor Pete” sets out to show us, the reader, how he came to be a child of God and a pastor of people. I am realizing, quickly, this book is not just for pastors. It is for anyone who seeks to follow Christ into a world full of opportunities and challenges to be transformed and be His servant in the life-change of others.

Over the next several blogs I will be reflecting on his writings as they relate to my life. Peterson quotes one line of a poem by Denise Leverov where she uses the phrase, “every step an arrival.” He says, “I recognized in her phrase a metaphor for my own formation as a pastor: every step along the way – becoming the pastor I didn’t know I was becoming, and the person I now am, an essential component that was silently and slowly being integrated into a coherent life and vocation – an arrival.”

I have had many steps and many arrivals. I pray my reflections will cause you to look at your own steps and arrivals to where you are today and see the possibilities for where God will take you.

NEVER TOO YOUNG

2011-10-03T10:40:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I received an encouraging word from one of the public school teachers in our church. Recently she was meeting with other teachers and talked to one at another Jr. High in town. This teacher asked her where she went to church. She said, “I go to Free Methodist church.” The other teacher responded enthusiastically by saying how much she was impressed with the character and witness of so many students she had encountered over the years.

Hearing this was a humble reminder of how easily and effectively God works when we let Him. For many years our leaders have been faithful in challenging our Jr. High/High School students to view school as their "mission field." We want it to be a place where they do excellently in their school work, pray for their classmates and teachers, and live a life of integrity, compassion and care for others. It seems they are living up to the challenge!!

Several years ago one of our high school teachers became a Christian through the witness and example of a few guys who were simply and faithfully living Godly lives not only at Youth group but throughout the week.

1 Timothy 4:12 says, "Don't let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity."

FRONTLINE Youth are not the church of the future. They are the church now. I am honored to walk with them!

THEIR TURN

2011-07-29T09:56:00.001-07:00

If you are looking for one subject about which everyone has an opinion choose music. Musical talent is not required to give one’s judgment on their favorite style.

As one who has experienced many years with music in the life of the church I have regularly received the input of many members both young and old stating their belief on what type of music we should be singing.

Several years ago I visited with my grandmother in Ohio. I remember asking her if they had started doing contemporary worship in her church. She said they had and it wasn’t her favorite music but she “had her time and now it was the younger people’s turn.”

Just last week I had the pleasure of visiting my 81-year-old mother-in-law’s church. In recent years this church has been re-defining itself. The former pastor who had lovingly shepherded a growing church retired and handed off the baton to a mid-30-year-old pastor. With the younger mindset came style changes in many ministries including the worship. Admittedly there were some who left the church but yet it continued to grow and my “cool” and flexible mother-in-law was one who stayed.

I came away from the service liking it for myself but thinking about how very different this was from what she had known and even preferred. What keeps her there? She hears great teaching, experiences inspiring worship (even though it is not her style) and sees a church with a heart for the community and the world. She belongs to a great seniors group and another outside fellowship where they sing her music speaking to her heart and mind. She still belongs, she still feels loved and respected.

Reflecting on this I too must ask if I can see the bigger picture of God’s kingdom as I grow older. I can’t totally eliminate my biases but I can, with the Lord’s help, learn to be flexible and recognize the essentials of worship and ministry in the midst of styles not my own. I am inspired to ponder how all generations young and old can see through the preferences of our own while allowing all of God’s family to joyfully express and receive the love of God in all the creative means possible.

One week later

2011-06-23T11:38:00.000-07:00

A week ago today we pulled into the church parking lot at 2am with the glow of a great missions trip to Costa Rica on our faces. After some restful hours of sleep we all awoke to June gloom (fog) in Santa Barbara and the accompanying sadness of missing our new friends in the land we left.

In the midst of the sadness there was joy in knowing we had faithfully followed the God who led us to that place and the God who will lead us on from there.

A week later what am I feeling?

*the few remaining bug bites on my ankles

*the honor of leading an exceptional group of high school youth

*the reward of being blessed and being a blessing in Costa Rica

*the desire to have a big plate of gallo pinto with eggs

*a greater respect (if that's possible) for the loving ministry of Dennis and Kyle Leon among the people of their country

*the pleasure of having served with two wonderful adults who sacrificed vacation and money to love kids with me. Thanks Mike and Carri!

*the loss of a slower paced life

*the joy of what God has next for me, the people of our team, the people we loved and love in Costa Rica

God once again gave me the unbelievable gift of living and serving in community during the days of June 5-15, 2011. It is a gift I will never receive in the same form again but it is a gift that will eternally keep giving as we all move ahead to where God is leading.

What are you feeling?

Down to Earth

2011-06-17T10:43:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I talked about what our team would feel upon re-entering our own culture after serving God and loving people in Costa Rica. Today we look at some of the tips I gave our team on experiencing a healthy return to life here:

1) Rest - We are physically, emotionally, socially and spiritually weary. We have gained much but given more. Extra sleep is okay!!

2) Pray - We may be back home but God still has more to say about our experience. He comforts us in the sadness of the trip's end, He reminds us of the lessons learned and blessings received. We will only hear these as we speak and listen to God.

3) Spend time with God - It is God who led us on this trip in the first place and it is He who will ultimately lead us home to Him. Spending time in the Bible and the quietness of His presence feeds us and strengthens us for what is next.

4) Talk - It is good to talk about our experiences. Some people really want to hear everything, some want to hear a few paragraphs and some are interested in a few sentences. Give your listeners what they want to hear and hear again what God has been teaching you!

5) Create action points - We learn so much on trips like this therefore it is important to break it down to a few clear and measurable ways you will allow your experience to impact the rest of your life. I have my three. What are yours?

6) Give yourself permission - Don't just move on. Allow yourself the time and freedom to do all of the above. It takes time. God walks with you.

May these tips be ways you can pray for our team and may they be helpful to you in future experiences of re-entry to the life God has called you to live.

Flaming Re-entry

2011-06-16T09:33:00.000-07:00

Very early this morning, 2:30am to be exact, most of us arrived home to sleep in our beds after ten nights in Costa Rica. Though the bed and conveniences of home felt good the challenge of re-entering our own culture is now upon us.

I spent part of yesterday’s team meeting talking about the tough pieces of coming home after days of serving God, loving people and immersing ourselves in the rich culture of a Central American country.

Just as space shuttles produce exterior flames upon entering the earth’s atmosphere so we too feel the tension of re-entering the “earth" we know and love.

I broke down my comments in two categories to our team members on this topic. May it be helpful to you as you pray for us.

The first category is “What We Will Feel:”

1) Tired – Though we have slept well we have given much. Serving and loving others can be draining. We may feel "out of it" for a few days.

2) Digestive issues – We have eaten lots of great food but not the same we eat at home. There may be challenges related to this transition. We'll do our best to ease back into our routine here.

3) Impatience with self-absorbed people – After being with people who have so little and coming back to those who have so much we may feel a little frustrated with those who complain about what they lack.

4) Indifference towards things we once thought were important – Trips like this have a way of re-aligning our priorities. It is our desire to care more about what is eternally important.

5) The loss of Costa Rica pace – Life in Costa Rica like so many other Latin American countries is slower. Life for us is often hurried and busy. We want the life that stops and listens more. We want to be more still and know He is God (Psalm 46:10)

6) Mood swings of happiness and sadness – We are richer for having been with the people and churches of this beautiful country. We feel great sadness in leaving them behind. Over the next many days we will likely display both of these emotions prominently. Be patient with us as we work through the feelings and embrace the tremendous gift God has given us.

Next blog: “Time Tested Tips for Re-Entry”

P.S. I unintentionally left out the profile of one of our team members: Ally Shiras. So . . . last but certainly not least, here is what you should know about her:

Ally is a recent graduate of San Marcos High School. This fall she will begin studies at the University of San Francisco in filmmaking. Her love for life and joy in the Lord fill any room. She loves to sing, play guitar, take pictures, shoot films, create artistic designs and happily dance. These all were great blessings to our team. Pray for her as she makes the transition back to life here and prepares for college in the fall.

Pura Vida People

2011-06-13T15:50:00.000-07:00

It has been an active couple of days since we landed in Esterillos. Dennis Leon, our host, encouraged us to focus more on being than doing in this phase of the trip. To "do" the "being" requires placing ourselves in the middle of people (not hard in this seaside rural village where everybody knows everybody's name!). As we have focused on relationships God has opened doors for the outreach ministry of Pura Vida Church to go forward. We have made friends through card games, soccer games on the field, watching soccer games, eating in people's homes, soccer games on the beach, helping run a community fundraiser carnival so the local school could be funded, helping to lead worship on Sunday with the church (see pictures of church above) and more. Through all this it has been our desire to extend the good name of this ministry in the town and beyond and open the doors for a more healthy and sustainable ministry. God continues to lead us.

Though we have seen God's handiwork in the beautiful creation we find in Costa Rica we would all agree the people we have met have made our lives richer and we trust God has used us to do the same.

Every day we have had a team meeting where we talked about the good, the challenging and the silly things we have experienced each day. You would have loved sitting in the circle last evening to hear the great things God has been teaching each of us. I am asking team members to write down the one big thing God has been teaching them. You will be encouraged to see what they shared when I present those in a future blog. I was reminded again of another important reason we sacrifice so much money, time and talent on these trips. God reaches in teaches each of us in areas we could have never previously imagined. It is my prayer that some of these team members will be on future missions teams, lead future missions teams and maybe follow God into full-time ministry!

Tomorrow is our last full day. In the afternoon we will be taking the kids of Esterillos on a field trip to the waterfall. This is a treat for them and another way we can show the love of Christ. Pray for us as we do this event together.

We are grateful for good health throughout the trip. The team has gotten along well and been a joy for me to lead. Thanks to all of you who have invested in their character and spiritual lives. They are a blessing.

On Wednesday we will leave Esterillos about 11am California time and will ultimately depart San Jose around 6pm arriving at LAX around 11:30p. After customs and packing the bus we should be on the road by about 12:30am with final arrival in Santa Barbara by about 2 or 2:30am.

This will be my last blog until we return. Thanks for your prayers which have sustained us. Pray for us as we re-enter our own culture. This will be a challenge for all of us. Thanks in advance for your patience and understanding. Thanks for your faithful encouragement and love.

To the Top of the Hill

2011-06-09T12:08:00.000-07:00

We are now in our fourth day of being with the wonderful people of Costa Rica. The team is doing well. You would be proud of them. We thank God for health and youth who love to serve.

Our work in Tilaran is coming to a close. The roof of the parsonage was completed yesterday. Not only did our money provide for protection from the rain but it also employed several people for a couple of days. In addition we had a surplus of supplies that were returned for the option of buying interior ceiling tiles. The Lord took our giving and multiplied it!! This is something we have seen several times since we have been here.

We have been blessed with good eating. Everyday at the lunch many people from the church come in and provide us with a full cooked meal. In the evening we split up into four groups and go to different houses for dinner. We are hosted by the same family each evening so it has been fun getting to know them better and having lively "span-glish" conversations together. All team members are doing great with attempting to speak.

After preparing songs and dramas for the night time outreach in the park we took some free time and went on a hike up a very steep hill to a cross overlooking the town. Once we reached the top, hiking through bushes and thick grass, we saw an amazing view. While there we took the time to face the town and pray for it. It was a moving moment in our trip. We know Jesus died for all the people of this beautiful little town and we are humbled to serve Him in telling the good news.

Our day finished partnering with the church to present an outreach at the city park. In the midst of heavy rain we went around town to hand out invitations and then offered our songs and dramas. The church people also presented drama and dance.

Tomorrow we pack up and head to Esterillos! Pray for our traveling safety, continued health and faithfully following God's lead in all we do. Thanks for your love and prayers.

Aqui en Costa Rica

2011-06-07T09:28:00.000-07:00

It's Tuesday morning, I am sitting at a laptop in the Iglesia Metodist Libre de Tilaran with a glow on my face, from happiness and humidity. We had a smooth trip arriving here having flown all night Sunday, jumping into our rental vans around 11:30am. We traveled north and west out of San Jose along curvy and hilly roads passing through many small towns while marveling at the diverse and lush scenery before us.

After lunch we stopped at some hot springs fueled by a not too distant volcano. It was there we had an orientation meeting with Dennis and Kyle Leon to get a picture of our plan over the next days.

In another two hours we stopped at a little restaurant at the foot of the volcano and were hosted by a man who knew Dennis (surprise, surprise!). After a delicious and extended meal (Costa Rica time) we finished our trip to Tilaran with one more 1.5 hour drive.

Mattresses hit the church floor as did tired team members. The lack of sleep Sunday night resulted in a good night of sleep on Monday.

Today we will be assisting paid workers (hired by money we raised) to replace a leaky roof on the parsonage damaged by acid rain from the volcano. We will enjoy two meals hosted by local families and church members. We will be fed, they will be fed also by money we worked hard to raise. Tonight and every night we are here will end with church services where we will participate with music and drama presentations.

Pray for our continued help and that we will continue to be a blessing in our words, actions and attitudes. Thanks so much for your support!

p.s. This blog may only appear every few days due to internet connections. Facebookers will see something every day!

24

2011-06-04T19:36:00.000-07:00

As I write this only 24 hours separates our team from meeting in the church parking lot for our departure. The bags are mostly packed and the packing list is being given the "once-over." "Road Runner" shuttle called to confirm they are coming and promptly charged my credit card. Tomorrow morning our team will be in all three morning services where our congregation will lay hands on us and commission us for service. We will also have a quick 30 minute meeting, spend the afternoon with family and friends before coming back to the church with all our gear.

For you who have been following this blog you are now reading the closing homeland post. When the next post will appear is anyone's guess. I turn the "flexibility" switch "on" beginning at 7:30pm tomorrow night. God is going before us and so we'll see what that means. I will make smaller posts on Facebook and write here as internet is available.

Thanks so much for your prayers, support and encouraging words. We are honored to serve Christ, love His people and humbled to know you are also on the team.

Profiles of a Team, Part Nine and Final

2011-06-03T08:16:00.000-07:00

If there are phases of thinking before one leaves on a missions trip then I suppose I must be in the "wow-are-we-really-doing this phase?!" Our team has been preparing for this moment since October and now it is almost here. I'm pulling out the suitcase today and putting the puzzle together of things to take.

Here is the fourteenth and final profile of our team members . . .

KOLE t'Sas . . . Kole just finished his freshman year at Santa Barbara High School and can now proudly call himself a sophomore. In addition to classes this last year he spent a lot of time on the baseball field playing for the freshman team. Kole has a cool last name but more importantly he is one of the friendliest guys you'll ever meet. He loves people, loves God and is really looking forward to this trip where he will meet a whole new group of people a world away. Pray for Kole as he relaxes a little, packs a little and prepares a lot for the journey ahead.

Profiles of a Team, Part Eight

2011-06-02T12:23:00.000-07:00

Flight reservations all re-confirmed, credit card notified, all paperwork in place, praying to remember any big things I'm forgetting.

Another team member for your prayer list . . .

CARRI SVOBODA . . . Carri is another of our wonderful adults who is sacrificing valuable vacation time to go serve with our high schoolers. During the school year you will find Carri teaching Jr. High English at Santa Barbara Christian school. This is the international missions trip for Carri who last traveled on a team led by me, as a college student, to Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico. That would have been many years ago! In addition she has also been to Costa Rica for a previous trip. Carri brings a wonderful sense of humor, great organizational skills, a love for kids and will keep us sharp in our drama ministry. Pray for her as she finishes up the school year, directs the eighth grade promotion and then finally gets to fully focus on the trip.

Profiles of a Team, Part Seven

2011-06-01T15:01:00.000-07:00

I think the trip has already started for me. I had a small anxiety dream last night that I was in the church parking lot waiting for the shuttle to take us to LAX. Everybody else was hanging out, Nancy was asking me questions about home stuff and all I could think about was the shuttle bus being late! I made contact with them today. They are planning to be on time!

Here is another team member for your prayer list . . .

TRAVIS SMELLEY . . . Travis is finishing his freshman year at San Marcos High school where this year he participated in the State champion marching band, competed in the national championships for drumline in Ohio, sang in the men's chorus and pole-vaulted. Yes, he did school work too! This will be Travis' first mission trip. Though he brings many strengths to this team his greatest one just may be His joy in the Lord. Already in his short life he has experienced the loss of his sister to cancer and the destruction of his house in a wild fire. Even so he walks with Christ, has a heart of compassion for people and knows how to enjoy his days. Pray for him that this opportunity to share the joy of living for God in another culture will not only make an impact on others but in Travis' life too.

Profiles of a Team, Part 6

2011-05-31T16:31:00.000-07:00

Thank you for your prayers so far. We appreciate your support. Here is another team member you can add to your list . . .

EDEN SCHMIDT . . . Eden is completing her sophomore year at Bishop Diego High School and is no stranger to Costa Rica. She and her family have spent extensive time in the country. Eden's sister, Kyle and husband, Dennis are missionaries for the Free Methodist church in this beautiful place. When Eden was very young it was there that Kyle met Dennis, fell in love, married here in Santa Barbara and together went into full-time ministry. Eden's work ethic, gentleness, love for people, love for Christ and happy spirit add so much to our team. Her quiet confidence will be contagious. Pray for her as she finishes up her school work and prepares for the trip. She will go down with us and stay on with her sister and family for most of the summer!

Profiles of a Team, Part Five

2011-05-30T19:05:00.000-07:00

Next week at this time we will have completed our first day in Costa Rica. Today we pray for another team member ( I happen to know her very well!) . . .

ELISE RANCK . . . Elise was a member of Team Costa Rica in 2008 and very happy to be joining us again. She is now in the final days of her junior year at San Marcos High School. She will be happy when it is over! Elise's love for life, sense of humor and big heart of compassion will be a wonderful part of our team. She is looking forward to seeing many of the friends she made on the first trip. Pray for her as she completes several assignments and then turns her attention toward final trip preparations. Pray for her perseverance and peace throughout this week.

Profiles of a Team, Part Four

2011-05-29T17:11:00.000-07:00

One week from tonight and two more team member profiles (I know one very well!) . . .

MIKE PARK . . . Mike has been a faithful volunteer youth ministry leader for tons of years. I've actually lost count. His loyalty, consistency and love for God have been a tremendous blessing to the youth and the ministry overall. This is Mike's first missions trip and he is excited to go. His calm and confident presence will add depth to our leadership and care for the team. Pray for him throughout this week as he continues in his full-time job at the Santa Barbara News-Press and prepares to leave his wife and jr. high daughter behind to join us in ministry.

DOUG RANCK . . . Since 1988 I have been leading international missions teams to Mexico (Santa Ana, Tecate, Ensenada and Los Mochis), Ecuador, Antigua West Indies and now for the second time to Costa Rica. Though I have led almost 20 missions teams each one presents a new challenge and further dependence upon God. I am excited about the quality of this team and the potential for our small but effective impact. Pray for me as I think through the massive check list and make all the necessary decisions to ensure our safe and successful time in Costa Rica. Pray that I will lean fully upon Christ for wisdom and strength.

Profiles of a Team, Part Three

2011-05-28T15:46:00.000-07:00

Seven and a half days to go until our departure, two more people for whom you can pray . . .

PATRICK KNOWLES . . . Patrick is almost finished his freshman year at San Marcos High School. This year he sang in the men's group, "Royal Knights" and threw discus/shotput for the track and field team. In addition he regularly played guitar, and sang, with the youth worship band. Patrick's experience with the Boy Scouts and his love for God give him a strong "can-do" attitude. His insights and heart of compassion will be an asset to the team. Pray for him as he finishes up all the remaining school work and readies himself for the trip.

NATASHA NARANG . . . Natasha is another Free Methodist "lifer." She has grown up in her church and has known many of the team members from an early age. She is completing her junior year at San Marcos High School and has participating on the award winning dance team, "Marquettes" and female vocal group, "Enchante." Natasha's calm and pleasant personality will bring a definite strength to our group. Her growing relationship with the Lord will also keep our focus in the right direction. Pray for Natasha as she tackles tests/projects on these final days of school and gets ready to board the plane with us!

Profiles of a Team, Part Two

2011-05-25T13:12:00.000-07:00

Today I am offering the opportunity to pray for two more of our team members as we get ready to leave for Costa Rica, eleven days from now . . .

JENNA GUTIERREZ . . . Jenna has known missions from early age having spent one year with her parents in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia while they helped to develop a "Study Center" for children without the resources to attend school. Jenna's upbringing in the church and this experience has given her a joy for the Lord and a big heart for missions. Her enthusiasm and vocal musical talent will be an asset to the team. Pray for her as she finishes out her freshman year at San Marcos High and prepares her heart, soul, strength and mind to be with us.

JACLYN HORTON . . . Jaclyn has also been with our church since birth. Last year she was promoted from eighth grade at La Colina Jr. High. This year she has been attending her freshman year at a boarding school in Austin, Texas. We have missed her but been grateful we have been able to stay in contact through email, cell phones, texting and even SKYPE. Jaclyn has a big smile and a big heart for missions. Last year she and her family visited Esterillos Oeste and her second cousin Kyle so she has done some good "scouting." Pray for Jaclyn as she finishes school in the next few days and flies out to join us!!

Profiles of a Team, Part One

2011-05-24T13:47:00.000-07:00

Over the days leading up to our departure I will be profiling each of our TEAM COSTA RICA members (alphabetically) so you can better know them and how to pray for them. We will do two today!

KIERSTIN BROWN . . . Kierstin is a sophomore at Dos Pueblos High school and has grown up in our church. Her vibrant personality is infectious and it has long been her dream to travel on a missions team. Presently she is exploring the possibility of full-time ministry and often you will find her leading worship with our youth ministry or proposing a new idea for our programming. Pray for her as she finishes up her school year and prepares to help in the leadership of our children's ministry in Costa Rica.

JAKE ELLIOTT . . . Jake is a senior at San Marcos High School, has grown up in our church and next fall plans to attend Westmont College. He brings many talents and a great love for people to our team and ministry. Jake has done almost everything musically possible from a very early age and has been an active member of our worship team in the youth ministry and the church at large. This is Jake's first missions trip so he would appreciate your prayers as he finishes up the school year, celebrates graduation and gets ready use his musical abilities on our ministry in Costa Rica.

DISTRACTIONS

2011-05-18T14:33:00.000-07:00

Two and a half weeks from today our team will meet in the church parking lot to depart for Los Angeles International airport and an all-night flight to San Jose, Costa Rica. The time is short but the days will be littered with plenty of distractions. Students will be finishing projects, taking tests, doing final concerts, athletic events. Adults will be working on full-time and handling school year end projects.

All this amounts to little time for actually thinking about the trip and considering the many different ways we all can be ready. Our team has been meeting monthly since October but it’s amazing in how many different directions we have all been pulled between meetings. Life goes on and can be relentless in robbing us not only time to focus on the mission ahead but our time to just “be.”

Lately I have been keeping my focus on finishing a few other things ahead of time to allow “margins” over the next two weeks. These quiet spaces will make available time for the unexpected and last minute tasks while reducing potential distractions.

Pray our team will do well at battling the distractions and caring for ourselves spiritually, mentally, emotionally and physically in these last 18 days. Your support will mean much.

Countdown to Costa Rica

2011-05-09T15:39:00.000-07:00

There are now less than 27 days until our team leaves for Costa Rica. After leading over 20 trips like this I believe it would be possible for me, if I took the time, to chart some of the stages or even phases a leader experiences in the preparation for such an adventure. For the moment I will say I am in the middle of the "I-can't-believe-the-trip-is-actually-this-close" stage. Since September of last year I have been preparing for this trip and started meeting with our team back in October. As always it is fun to anticipate and share life with those who are also anticipating the same thing. Now it is almost here and the reality of final details is settling into place. Thankfully the final part of the task list is almost complete and we seem to be in great shape.

I believe God has put together a great team and I am grateful to travel with these students and leaders. We have a plan for the trip but I know God has an even better one. Pray we all will keep walking with Him and letting Him lead us to the most important work.

Homestretch to Costa Rica

2011-05-06T16:18:00.000-07:00

It's been almost a year since I lasted posted. Life in ministry and other projects swept over leaving little time to add entries.

Now it's back and now we are going back . . . to Costa Rica.

In less than a month I will be leading a team of 3 adults and 11 high school students to work with our Free Methodist teammates in Tilaran and Esterillos Oeste, Costa Rica. We have been meeting since last October to prepare for this trip, June 5-15, 2011. While there we will be doing community service, ministry with children and families, being an encouragement and loving/showing Christ's love through our words, actions and attitudes.

We invite you to tag along with us over the days before the trip and during the trip (as the internet connection allows). I will plan to post short entries updating you on our progress and ways you can pray for us.

Thanks for being on the team! More to come!

Good Friends Do Count

2010-06-16T17:22:00.000-07:00

Every parent, every youth pastor prays for the ones they love to find good friends who offer encouragement and growth in their spiritual life throughout the college years and beyond. In this challenging world there are no guarantees.

Four years ago, my wife and I released our oldest daughter to begin her young adult life at Seattle Pacific University. At this stage of life some may feel their parenting responsibility has eased. In some ways "yes," in most ways "no." Our prayer, in the launching years, was for our daughter to land well.

Over this past weekend we celebrated her graduation but more than that, we celebrated her life. Through her time in college she found those friends every parent desires in the life of their emerging adult. By their junior year of college the girls had moved into a house where they lived, laughed, loved and longed together for the eternal values found in living for God.

In the near future they will begin going their own ways with an indispensable core and a deeper understanding of community. They each know what can happen when God's kids take the time to authentically care for one another.

To LeAnn, Courtney (not pictured), Paige, Jungwa and Alex, the five "sisters" of our daughter, we say "thanks." Your investment in Kelly's life is a gift of joy and hope to us and for that we are eternally grateful.

JOHN WOODEN AND YOUTH MINISTRY

2010-06-04T08:57:00.000-07:00

Today as I write this, John Wooden, former coach for the UCLA Bruins basketball is very ill and in the hospital. In my lifetime I have had a few sports heroes. Coach Wooden is at the top of the list.

At thirteen years of age I was given a little paperback book entitled, “They Call Me Coach.” It is the story of his life. I lived on the east coast but became a long distance fan of this growing legend. In his lifetime he is the only person to ever be elected to the College Basketball Hall of Fame both as a player and a coach. His teams won ten national championships, seven in a row. This, however, is only a piece of the man John Wooden.

After reading a few more of his books I came to understand his accomplishments were great but they flowed out of his character. He once said, “Be more concerned with your character than with your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.” (HOW TO BE LIKE COACH WOODEN, p. 5). What Coach Wooden was could not adequately be explained in a short blog. Simply put, he was a man of honor, integrity, grace and he invested in youth!

Coach Wooden’s entire career was spent teaching and building the character of young men on his basketball teams. He cared about them as whole persons, let his love for and faith in God shine as he taught them enduring principles for life.

As a youth pastor I have the great opportunity of making an eternal investment in the lives of teenagers. Every year I attend a few graduation ceremonies of our seniors. I hear speakers talk about the teachers who went beyond just teaching facts and truly cared for students. I am inspired and reminded why I love working with youth.

John Wooden is now ninety-nine years old. His longevity has mentored me in my own life. Someone once asked him the secret to his enduring journey. He said, “Moderation in all things. Be concerned for others and stay around young people.” Yes, those words are hanging on my wall.

REMEMBERING

2010-05-31T11:43:00.000-07:00

Maybe it’s because I’m getting a little more “experience” in life but I seem to also be getting more sentimental on Memorial Day. Let me throw out a few reasons in no priority order:

1) The most significant Memorial Day ceremonies happen around Washington, D.C. Watching the remembrance on C-span made me miss my “homeland” and extended family there. Watching the ceremony and people furiously fanning made me not miss the obligatory heat and humidity of a D.C. summer.

2) On this day I am thankful for all who have served in the military for our freedom. I am grateful for their courageous sacrifice. I am most grateful for my grandfather, “Pa” (pictured with my mom) who fought in World War 2 Battle of the Bulge. Most of his unit was killed while he and few others were captured by Germans and held prisoner for the duration of the war. I am grateful he served but more thankful he came home to hold me in his lap, whittle toys from sticks and tell me stories of my ancestors.

3) While Memorial Day may be about our “decorated soldiers” it also reminds me of how good it is to remember. I am thankful to be loved by God who was willing to sacrifice His Son for me and challenges me daily to never forget the wonderful gift of life He offers.

Beware that in your plenty you do not forget the Lord your God and disobey his commands, regulations, and decrees that I am giving you today. For when you have become full and prosperous and have built fine homes to live in, and when your flocks and herds have become very large and your silver and gold have multiplied along with everything else, be careful! Do not become proud at that time and forget the Lord your God, who rescued you from slavery in the land of Egypt. Do not forget that he led you through the great and terrifying wilderness with its poisonous snakes and scorpions, where it was so hot and dry. He gave you water from the rock! He fed you with manna in the wilderness, a food unknown to your ancestors. He did this to humble you and test you for your own good. He did all this so you would never say to yourself, ‘I have achieved this wealth with my own strength and energy.’ Remember the Lord your God. He is the one who gives you power to be successful, in order to fulfill the covenant he confirmed to your ancestors with an oath.

Deuteronomy 8:11-18 (NLT)

GROWING TOOL #2 - "Live Life"

2010-04-24T15:40:00.001-07:00

Over twenty-five years ago Nancy and I made the decision to pack up everything we owned (which wasn’t much!) and move across the country to begin an adventure in youth ministry with the Free Methodist Church of Santa Barbara.

With my family in Maryland, hers in Indiana and no extended family west of the Mississippi we were most definitely striking out on our own.

Though we initially felt “lonely” we were quickly embraced by a loving congregation and friends in an apartment complex. We were invited to be in a small group with three other couples. Weekly we ate and studied together. One couple eventually moved away and the rest of us began having kids. Before long the little group of six grew to a group of 14, including parents and children.

The other couples also had no extended family in California. In time we made the prayerful and intentional decision to be family for each other. We decided to “live life” together.

The longer I have been a youth pastor the more I realize the importance of “living life” with students. Yes, it is our role to equip and lead them. In this we are able to help build a foundation and plant a seed but when asked what they remember most about their time with us, the consistent answer is almost always about a leader who took them out to eat or invited them to hang out or traveled with them. The quantity of time spent produces the quality and depth we seek.

How to do this?

1) FOCUS – One youth pastor/director cannot “live life” with an entire youth ministry so other adult leaders must understand their need to be more than a “chaperone,” “counselor” or leader. Encouraging leaders to invest in two to three youth gives them the time to go a little deeper.

2) BE PRACTICAL – Youth and adults have limited time. Find ways to merge your normal life with their normal life and invite them to join. Some moms take students along with them to go shopping. Some guys invite youth to go do errands with them or fix something. One of my own youth leaders was asked by some Jr. High girls if she could “hang out.” The leader was short on time but invited the girls to come over and watch her iron clothes. I still have the funny picture of three girls sitting on the other side of an ironing board chatting with the leader. This was one teaching time they will likely never forget.

How are you living life with youth and helping them to grow in their faith?

GROWING TOOL #1

2010-04-15T07:19:00.000-07:00

In recent weeks I have been working with some youth leaders to help develop a workable list of character traits found in the person who can effectively guide youth in their spiritual growth. We developed a list of five. Over the next several posts I will expand on these.

Number one on the list is “know your kids.”

As youth pastors/leaders we are responsible for the souls of our teenagers. Christ does the inward work but we are called to be “shepherds.” To know our youth we must go beyond showing up and leading a group. Youth ministry is far more than a mid-week or Sunday experience. I recruit volunteers who understand their presence at a “spiritual growth event” is merely the beginning of their work of actively caring for these youth.

When we begin knowing our kids we are more able to provide a growing environment for them. We understand more of their culture, their family systems, and their responses to life. This gives us the tools to authentically invest in their lives and to discern whom it is who really wants to grow and who does not. As we sort this out we are better able to provide opportunities for youth at their spiritual level of interest.

Choose a workable curriculum. Over the years curriculum has gotten a bad reputation. Those who say, “I never use curriculum” misunderstand its purpose. Good curriculum provides balance and gives us a clear objective. The wise teacher will use the pieces of a lesson working best for their group. There is no rule dictating we use an entire lesson. Quality curriculum saves me time, gives me a “running start” and frees me to do the greater work of being a loving shepherd in the lives of youth. This is the ultimate curriculum.

MORE THAN A YOUTH PASTOR

2010-04-08T14:51:00.000-07:00

Recently I have been reminded why I am not just a “youth pastor.” Don’t get me wrong . . . I still love being a youth pastor. When I am asked, “What do you ‘do’?” the first words out my mouth are, “I am a youth pastor.” I do many other things in the life of the church but the role of “youth pastor” is my first passion. Why would I not want to be this and only this?

Holy Week in the life of our church is very busy. Over the course of the week I coordinated or participated in seven different events. Another piece of my role description is to lead the worship ministry as well. With that piece I counted my involvement in performing or leading 40+ songs from Good Friday through Easter.

During the course of all this work I realized, again, I am far more than a only a “youth” pastor. In this week where helped youth serve Seder dinner to the adults, coordinated them volunteering at a benefit run, involved them in worship leadership and more, God reminded me of how my reach extends beyond the youth and to their younger siblings, their parents, aunts/uncles, grandparents, to the elderly lady who faithfully prays for them every day, the couple who were never able to have children who loves our youth ministry, the young parents who tell me I have to be around when their kids are teenagers and the recent college graduate who has a small interest in joining the youth ministry team.

To limit myself only to investing in teenagers is to miss the bigger picture of ministry God has for me. My willingness and ability to be a pastor to all the people allows them to know me as one who loves the youth, loves the church and ultimately shepherds all, who in one form or another, bring care and spiritual direction to our teenagers. I love our youth best by loving and caring for all His people.

Beginnings are hard, re-starts are harder

2010-04-02T09:22:00.000-07:00

So . . . I basically took a three month break from the blog. I didn't plan it. It just happened. I do a lot of writing for stuff here at my own church, Interlinc in Nashville and other organizations. I felt like I had said it all in other places so chose not to add another "assignment" in keeping up with this blog. I began the blog as a way to write about the life and times of me and youth ministry on the "frontlines" in Santa Barbara. I still like the purpose so with a new vision and determination I will begin again.

Chaim Potok, in his book, "The Chosen," begins the book by saying "All beginnings are hard." I agree but I have decided that second beginnings are even harder. When we begin something there is definitely a challenge (ie. a diet, an exercise program, a discipline in our spiritual walk, etc.). When we fail to keep it going, starting it again seems even more difficult.

Years ago I and one of my volunteer youth leaders were training together for a run called "Tough Enough." It was relay race spanning about 40 miles to the peak from sea-level to the peaks of our local mountains and down again. We trained together and our commitment was not only to train together but to be committed in picking it up again even if we missed a few sessions in row. I have missed a few "sessions" in this blog. I'm picking it up again . . . starting now but more creatively, next week.

Good Friday is all about picking it up again. We "drop the ball" in our sinful lives but Christ died so we could "pick it up again." Accepting His forgiveness, mercy and beginning again is humbling. The re-start may feel "harder" but the reward is resting in His grace. May you rest in Him on Good Friday and celebrate new life this Easter. Let's "pick it up" together.

Life IS a Box of Chocolates

2009-12-11T13:40:00.000-08:00

Many of you remember the line from the movie, “Forest Gump.” Forest says to the lady sitting next to him on the bus stop bench, “Life is like a box of chocolates.” As the movie rolls you begin to see what he meant in the statement.

At this time of year I am reminded life IS a box of chocolates, at least for the next few weeks. We get all types of treats from all types of people but some carry a deeper meaning. For years my dear grandmother (“Nanny”) who lived in Ohio, then Texas, sent our family, and a few other families, a box of chocolates. These weren’t just any chocolates; they were some of the best. Esther Price candies of Dayton/Cincinnati, Ohio provides the quality calories someone would want when they choose to stray from healthy eating habits.

Every year I looked forward to arrival of this package and tried to stretch out the treat as long as possible. A few years Nanny died and so did the sending of the candy, temporarily at least. Now through the beauty of on-line ordering the candy keeps coming. This year, like last, I ordered our family a box and when asked to write a message on the note, I wrote, “Love, Nanny.”

Those simple two words covered it well. Nanny loved life and she loved us as her grandchildren and great-children. The box of chocolates communicates life and puts the fun and enjoyment in life.

We just received our box yesterday. The UPS man said I should open it quickly, it looked good. If he only knew how good.

MEN BEHAVING BADLY

2009-12-03T19:03:00.000-08:00

I won’t be the first to comment on the sad story of Tiger Woods’ recent apology and confession of his marital infidelity. Hearing the emerging stories has brought me back to a parade of tragedies I have experienced all too many times in the lives of my ministry teammates and friends. Everything inside me wants to say, “What were you thinking?! You had it all and yet you chose to give it up.”

It is easy to be the judge but the truth is I and anybody else are one bad decision from wrecking our lives. We may feel like there are certain sins we would never commit. This feeling leads to pride and a false sense of security easily overcome by the sin around us.

Yes, Tiger behaved badly but it could have been me, it could be any husband (or a wife, for that matter). Without the wisdom of God, without prayer, without accountability we are doomed to repeat the same acts we so quickly loathe in others.

Once a month I meet with two guys who know me well. No question between us is too personal. I can count on them asking me about the state of my marriage, my family interactions, my spiritual life and more. They are my “safety net.”

Where is God in your life? Who are you when nobody is looking? Who (other than your family) really knows you?

MEAN TEACHERS

2009-11-19T20:33:00.000-08:00

When I was in elementary school I probably believed almost all teachers were mean. My definition of mean came from the belief anytime they made me do something they were indeed being mean.

By the time I reached college I began to understand most teachers were not necessarily mean. There were teachers who enjoyed their role as an educator. My faith in teachers was renewed.

Now, after 30 years of hearing the stories of hundreds, maybe thousands of youth, including my own three children (two of whom are in college and one still in high school) I have come to realize the sad impact of mean teachers. They may be a minority but they are frequently effective in discouraging students and athletes full of hope and potential.

Let’s not limit it to teachers. I have encountered mean coaches, parents, leaders and yes, even youth pastors. I believe people who lead, coach, educate and pastor need to challenge students. We may not always be perceived as nice. It would not be healthy for any of these groups to perform their roles just to keep everybody happy but when it becomes evident they no longer make it a priority to see students love learning and succeed then it is time to take a long vacation, retire or resign.

If I had the time and money I would write a book. I would love to do a study across many different high schools in the United States to somehow measure the destructive impact mean mentors are having in the lives of our youth and begin a proposal for how to overcome our current system which is failing to remove those who exhibit little to no desire to be excellent.

I thank God every day for those who do love youth and genuinely want to be a positive influence in their lives. How great is our God whose love and light wins the day against hate and darkness.

FIBBING TO LIVE

2009-10-20T19:46:00.001-07:00

It’s good to be back. I have been very busy writing for other people and haven’t taken the time lately to write for myself. Time to jump back in . . .

Today I took my daughter to a doctor appointment and while sitting in the waiting room I read an interesting article in the WALL STREET JOURNAL, October 20, 2009. The title was “Lies, Damned Lies and Lies to Tell Your Spouse.”

The article was written by Elizabeth Bernstein and begins, “Would I lie to you? It depends. Are we married?” She goes on to mention she is not talking about big lies but rather the little lies serving as a “social salve” and “help a relationship run smoothly.” She goes on to quote one psychologist , Ed Dunkelblau, director of the Institute for Emotionally Intelligent Learning. He said, “If you don’t fib, you don’t live.”

Wow! At first glance I would say of course I wouldn’t “fib to live” but after further thought I’ve had to consider the times in relationships where I chose to NOT say what I really thought. Sometimes we are asked, “How do I look in this?” or “What do you think of so and so?” Can I say, can we say we have always answered these and many more similar questions with complete honesty?

I strive to be a man of integrity in everything I do and say. It’s not always easy. There are temptations but God gives me strength. Am I perfect? No, and in the relational area the struggle is found. It’s not just marriage, it is all relationships.

What is the answer to this? Be brutally and perfectly honest in all situations no matter what the consequence? Where do diplomacy, tact and discernment fit in to the equation?
I have no easy answer for this. The article has really made me aware of the “fibbing to live” philosophy.

I’m going to start by praying for more wisdom when these situations arise. I will trust God who sees the big picture and perfectly knows what is best for us. When I’m wrong I know I will be hearing from Him.

What do you think?

DON'T KNOW MUCH

2009-09-03T16:29:00.000-07:00

We are in the first few weeks of the new youth ministry school year. It has been great to welcome back teenagers we haven't seen as much during the summer. We are also welcoming new youth who have been invited by friends.

When new students show most youth pastors ask how they came to attend. I am happy to have them join us no matter what the circumstance but I am even happier when we they come to us not as a member of another youth ministry but simply looking for a place to belong for the first time.

Last night we had a few new students visit who have no other church. It was our monthly "fun night" and the perfect time for our regulars to invite their friends. One of the friends enjoyed herself, asked questions about our purpose and other things we do. At the end of the discussion she said she would like to come and try out more of what we have to offer. She asked, "Is it alright that I don't know much?"

This was another reminder of how "youth groups" or churches can be perceived. To the outside world how many other people are wondering if it is okay to belong to the "club?" I am blessed to be in one of the warmest, welcoming churches I have ever experienced and yet still we hear this question posed in a variety of ways by a variety of people.

Would I say we are being intentionally exclusive? No way. Would I say we need to be intentionally inclusive? You betcha!! I have found I can never say enough, "Your friends are always welcome!" They don't need to have a resume, they don't need to know much or anything about God, church or how to sing song. They are simply invited to come into the "living room" of our lives and ministry, grab a soft drink from the refrigerator and hang out with us for this life and the life to come.

Taking Turns

2009-08-06T19:25:00.000-07:00

Last week at this time I was in Dallas, Texas for the Echo Conference focusing on church media. While my primary passion is youth ministry another part of my role is in the area of worship. Inevitably, working in these two areas, I must work with technology and all the various forms of media available.

At this gathering I quickly found myself lost in a sea of creativity and enamored with the possibilities. Throughout the time I had the opportunity to experience various forms of worship and a variety of sights and sounds. Some were exciting, some I could take or leave and others I didn’t like at all. As I observed the tidal wave of technology I suddenly became aware of my biases. Other people seemed to connect with forms I didn’t like and others didn’t connect with those I did.

We all have aesthetic opinions. People who say they don’t have preferences about music styles, colors, lights, textures, etc. are choosing to deny a reality present in each of us. In the life of the church from the professional musician to the person who is tone deaf an opinion can be found. Ask what color the sanctuary should be painted and strap in for the ideas.

The good news of God’s love for us, the message of Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection are to be clear, truthful and Holy Spirit led. This is not a style issue. It is a content issue. How this message is delivered moves us into the style arena. It is there many choose to camp and argue endlessly. It is an argument resulting in division and leaves no one with a true victory.
God has created all of us and not one of us is alike in the way we learn, perceive and ultimately connect with our Creator. We want all people to walk with God and know the blessing of forgiveness found in Christ.

When my grandma was still living I asked her about her church. She mentioned they had started singing “worship choruses.” I asked her how she felt about this change. In her late 70’s she said something I will never forget, “I had my turn, now it’s the young people’s turn.”

May we allow God to help us see all His people, open our minds to all the possibilities and let His message, through whatever means, give everyone a turn.

Getting Booed in the Upper Deck

2009-06-30T09:54:00.000-07:00

Last night we took our youth to a baseball game at Dodger stadium. This has become an annual tradition for us and every year we take kids to a major league baseball game for the first time. Their memory of a first baseball game will associated with us.

Often I choose a game in the middle of the summer, on a convenient night for leaders and one that fits my schedule as well. This year I was a little more intenional choosing a Dodger vs. Colorado Rockies game.

One of our former students, Ryan Spilborghs, plays for the Rockies and gets a fair amount of playing time. Last night he played the entire game, starting in left field. Sitting high in the upper deck I remembered the first I saw him show up for an event as a sixth grader and all the times we played wiffle ball out in the church parking lot. I remember the night he and his buddies came to my house to watch Cal Ripken (one of my baseball heroes) break the record for most consecutive games played. I also remember the night Ryan, joined some other high school guys in surprising me, for my 40th birthday, with seats directly behind home plate at Angel stadium for an Angels vs. Orioles game. Now that guy is actually playing on the field.

With each at-bat our group cheered for Ryan. Many of our youth were too young to remember him when he still lived in Santa Barbara and was a part of our church but they enjoyed the fact he had been one of them.

In the fifth inning Ryan came to bat with the score 0-0. There was one man on base and after a few pitches Ryan belted a home run over the left center field fence! We yelled and screamed while everyone around us glared, told us to sit down and booed. It's not often one enjoys hearing the words "boo" directed at them but on this night we didn't care.

I love visiting our youth doing what they do best. Whether it's a ballet recital, a high school musical, a freshman soccer game, a speech at graduation or a major league baseball game I feel equally proud of them, honored to know them and humbled to care for them as their youth pastor. If I get booed for doing that then bring it on. I'll be glad to bow!

18 TODAY

2009-05-28T16:27:00.000-07:00

Twenty-five years ago this coming July 1, my wife Nancy and I moved to Santa Barbara. I had grown up on the east coast and she in the midwest. We came to the west to begin my full-time ministry. We didn't know exactly what we would find. What we found was a loving a church and ultimately two families who would become our "family." We began as a Bible study where we prayed and cared for one another. At some point we decided it would be fun to try a little vacation together. We finished the vacation still liking each other so decided this was different and good. Along the way we continued to pray for one another and study the Bible but then saw the benefit of simply "doing life" together. Little did we know how important this would be.

Fast forward to 2006 and eight children now among us. We found ourselves sitting at what would be the final earthly birthday party of Alyssa, daughter of our friends Russell and Allison. In the fall of 2005 she had been diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor and so together as families we faced those days with little hope of recovery. Alyssa had a great 15th birthday party that day surrounded by friends and family. We did a lot of laughing and loving.

On July 4th of that same year Alyssa went to be with God.

Now it is May 28th, 2009 and a day she would have turned 18 in a year she would have been in the high school musical, sung her final high school concert with Madrigals, been awarded honors for accomplishments, graduated high school and looked forward to the dreams of college.

We will celebrate this day without her, we will laugh, we will cry, we will feel the loneliness, we will imagine her at all the great events of her senior year and we will wish it all could have been different. Though I am blessed to have three healthy children in my own immediate family, Alyssa was one of my daughters too. I feel the pain of her departure, I long to know what she would have looked like now, what her career plans might have been or if she still would eat grilled cheese for breakfast.

Even so, I cling to hope. She is in God's eternal care and I am inspired to be sure I never take for granted my life here and now and my life forever with the Lord.

Happy Birthday, Alyssa! Thanks for the happiness you brought to my life. I can only imagine how it was to experience the most amazing of graduations. Someday you will be clapping at my graduation. I'll be looking for you.

DOGS WHO KNOW THE LORD

2009-05-21T07:10:00.000-07:00

Every weekday morning I get up early and take a walk with our Dachsund, Laney, in tow. Dachsunds are definitely in the hounddog family. Laney's nose never quits.

I normally go the same route but this morning I decided to follow Laney for the little bit of time she actually wanted to lead. We took off on a different route. When I reached the local park after making the mandatory stops at various bushes and pulling out the handy bag for the deposit that was laid I suddenly heard my name being called. Usually on my walks I encounter the same cast of characters all who say "good morning" but none who would use my name. I guess we're too bleary-eyed to learn names at that hour of the morning.

To actually hear my name, then, was surprising. I looked up and saw the face of a person who went to our church years ago but no longer attends. This person explained they did not normally come to the park at this hour but had experienced the untimely death of a close family member,had come this morning to see the sunrise and spend time with God. The person added that now they realized there was a deeper purpose and asked if I would pray for the situation. We prayed and then I realized they wanted to talk a little more. We looped the park, I expressed my sympathy, commited to pray and we went our separate ways.

Many years ago a magazine was published called "The Wittenburg Door." It was a magazine that challenged one's thinking and poked fun at the non-important stuff of church life. They regularly ran a cartoon called, "Dogs Who Know the Lord." It was their purpose to point out the ways we can assign too much importance to animals.

I don't know what goes through Laney's mind on a day-to-day basis but I do know this morning she led me to somebody in need. Does this mean I will always count on the dog to lead me to a person in need? Probably not, but this is not the first time I have had pastoral visits on dog walks. I guess, in some way, she does know the Lord. He created her too and through the event of early this morning, before my mind was awake, God reminded me it is important to be available and flexible when we live for Him. Walking with God will inevitably create opportunities to care for his people. Am I ready? Are you ready?

TRIBUTE TO MY OTHER MOM

2009-05-11T14:20:00.000-07:00

A TRIBUTE TO MY OTHER MOM

I have been blessed to grow up in a healthy family where my mom and dad’s love for each other was growing and extended unconditionally to my sister and I. My parents have been and done for me all a kid could ever want. Still that love and care continues to this day.

Even so, we become greater in our love for God, ourselves and each other through the love and investment of many people in our lives. In addition to my own wonderful mom I gained a second one halfway through my high school years.

I suppose it all began when I “fell in like” with one or more of her daughters and then became good friends with her oldest son. I worked close by and often stopped off to visit before or after work. Out of respect, I hesitantly knocked on their door in the early days but that soon changed when this family of ten didn’t seem to mind having eleven, twelve, thirteen or any number of people be in their house. It was in this house I learned much about hospitality, generosity and values with a lifetime impact.

Mrs. Shorb or “Momma,” as I often called her was always there with a warm welcome and a big hug. She told me to make myself at home and then went about with her business. When nobody else was around or others were busy I would often stand in the kitchen and talk with her. She cared about me as if I was one of her own. It took me awhile to grasp how she could do that with so many other kids and responsibilities but yet her big heart and love for God reached out to me.

One of my funny memories with her happened at a time where my own family was away for a few days and the Shorbs graciously invited me to stay at their house for a few nights. After work one night I came back to their house. Everybody else had eaten but of course she offered the opportunity to eat. I cleaned up, came back to the table and saw a steaming plate full of good food. I saw the steak and I was celebrating. What a treat! After one bite I realized this steak was actually liver! Though I was a bit disappointed it was likely the best liver I’ve tasted and that’s saying a lot because I’ve never eaten it since.

I went away to college, got married, went to seminary then moved to California. This year I will have finished my thirtieth year as a youth pastor. Though I’ve only seen “momma” on a few occasions since those early days her impact on my life has continued. Her determined spirit, her compassionate heart, her boundless generosity and her love for me were investments no recession could ever diminish. My eternal investment in hundreds, maybe thousands, of youth, including my own family, is fueled by a Godly woman who dared to love and care for yet one more person in her life.

This last week she died. She finished the race well and I plan to do the same. I’ll look forward to the hug at the finish line.

The Power of Presence

2009-05-01T14:43:00.000-07:00

I've decided some people make ministry too complicated. It wasn't meant to be. John 1 describes how God came to live among us and show His love through His presence on earth. This presence made all the difference in our world through Christ's death and resurrection. He became one of us.

I'm not against education. I have an undergraduate and graduate degree. I'm not against continuing education. I've been to a bazillion seminars, read tons of books/articles/blogs and listened to lots of podcasts. Sooner or later they all bring us back to the pastor's role in being present in someone's life as the most powerful way to share the love of Christ.

I spend a lot of time recruiting people for youth ministry and often there is a reluctance because it is assumed they must be "up front" or play a guitar or be young or be funny or they don't have time to come Wednesday night or . . . you know what I mean. Yet Christ's call is for us to be present in the lives of teenagers and walk with them. It is as simple and challenging as that.

FRONTLINE YOUTH is here to show teenagers "God is where we live." I'm looking for more youth "pastors" to join me in this walk. Who is ready to be present?

Proud Dad

2009-04-09T10:24:00.000-07:00

Two weeks ago our family had the opportunity to go visit our oldest daughter at Seattle Pacific University. Other than dropping her off at school for her freshman year we had not had the chance to explore the city. We blocked out 6 days and enjoyed discovering the sights and character of this unique city.

As fun as that was it was even more fun spending time with your daughter, Kelly, reuniting with her friends, meeting new friends and catching up with former youth ministry students. Several students from the Santa Barbara ministry settled in Seattle. In addition we met up with a former youth ministry student from my seminary days as a youth pastor. Sitting at lunches, dinners, breakfasts and coffees with these people was rewarding for Nancy and I. These are people I knew as Jr. Highers, now married with children who include a PhD college professor, a college/young adult pastor, administrative assistant in a local ministry, food service specialist with a non-profit helping homeless get on their feet in the job market and senior citizen pastor in the Seattle downtown mission. This is just the beginning of what they are now doing to serve Christ in their world.

Anybody in youth ministry for awhile would know how it feels to be around long enough to see your kids grow and serve God. Anybody in youth ministry would know you do feel like a proud parent in these situations. Anybody in youth ministry for awhile would also know with these "success" stories come the stories of pain and those who are lost. I still love these kids too. I will keep praying for all my youth and be ready to welcome them "home" at any time.

My verse for today? Proverbs 27:23, "Know the state of your flocks, and put your heart into caring for your herds."

Island Fever

2009-03-25T13:29:00.000-07:00

Sometime late last week I felt restless. In hindsight maybe I really was "rest - less!!" I have had a full schedule over the past weeks filled with the good things about being a youth pastor yet there may have been too many of those things and so I longed for a little "unplug" time.

This feeling came even stronger when I found out one of our staff was taking off with her husband to Puerto Rico for the week. Suddenly all those memories of flying into Puerto Rico on my way to Antigua, West Indies (where I was helping to establish a church) came back. While I have always wanted to visit Puerto Rico I found myself ready to get on the next available plane to the country I visited for four straight years so I could greet the church, reunite with my island friends and chill on a white sandy beach with clear blue water.

Since then I have been thinking about it everyday, for at least a few moments! What does all this tell me?

1)It is time for a break - Good timing. This Saturday I leave with my wife and daughter to go visit our oldest daughter in Seattle for six days. Sun, a white sand beach and warm water are not in the forecast but God's beauty will still be there. More importantly I will be unplugged with my family.

2) I'm attracted to the slow life - Life on Antigua is slow, sometimes to the point of frustration. Why is it frustrating? I'm too accustomed to the fast pace. I think I want to slow down and then I have a hard time adjusting when the opportunity arises. Nonetheless, I am still drawn to it.

I'm not the first to say that ministry is not a sprint. It is a marathon. I pray daily for wisdom to use my days wisely. Wisdom challenges me to take regular breaks, whether it is a consistent day off or use all my vacation days. These times of rest give me strength to keep going and finish well.

Ministry could not have been meant to be this busy. Some would argue Jesus worked long hours. How do we prove that on a consistent basis? I also observe he took time off, not to mention he spent the first year and a half of his three active ministry years preparing his disciples.

I may not get to the island soon but I will go there often "in my mind" as a reminder to rest in God.

General Thoughts

2009-03-13T11:41:00.000-07:00

A few things I'm happy about:
*Today I'm happy about a day off, it has been a full week
*My work with Young Life Committee. I'm meeting some great new people and getting a feel for where I can most contribute.
*My daughter Kelly. I have been helping her edit papers for college and she is a wonderful thinker who challenges me in a good way.
*Going to a Youth Specialties One Day seminar on teaching the Bible. These are great times of encouragement and I love being with our leaders.

A few things challenging me:
*I have a lot of writing assignments due in the next week or so.
*Finding times to "unplug." My mind is going a thousand miles a minute with some good stuff but I would like to "turn it off" at times.
*The thought of a possible salary cut due to the recession.

A book I'm reading: A biography on John Quincy Adams. I am reading biographies of all the presidents in chronological order. It is interesting to read about their lives and their leadership styles.

Connected

2009-03-06T14:54:00.000-08:00

A few times a year, as a youth pastor, I am required to go join a bunch of other lead pastors, associate pastors, youth pastors, worship pastors and every other kind of imaginable pastor for some of time interacting, training, praying and being encouraged. These days away never seem to come at good times BUT when I'm there I am thankful. Why? Days away from family, a back log of work, people who need to be visited and more hardly ever sounds appealing. Getting together with all these teammates puts it all back into perspective.

I was born into a connectional denomination. Translation: We do a lot of things together we could not do individually. Our connection brings additional resources. Interacting offers challenging ideas and new directions. Being trained together adds encouragement and sense of purpose in Christ.

I come home (I came home yesterday) honored to be a pastor of youth and more committed to excellence in my work and faithfulness to the Lord.

I like belonging to the Free Methodist Church of Southern California. We're not the only good thing happening in the kingdom of God but I'm happy to be on this team.

Want to know more? Check out http://www.fmcsc.org/

New Categories

2009-03-02T15:06:00.000-08:00

To at least keep me weekly on this blog it's time for a new strategy. In the tradition of FACEBOOK categories and other stuff I have seen blogger friends do I will offer my own short-list categories:

A few things I'm happy about:
*Kicked off a great two week series on HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS with our Jr. High and High School students
*Parents who loved the UNDERSTANDING YOUR TEENAGER seminar to which I referred them.
*All the good books I have yet to read
*My oldest daughter will be studying in Uganda next fall.
*Being connected with a great Free Methodist ministry called Eden Reforestation Projects. Check it out at http://www.edenprojects.org/

A few things challenging me
*Working on a book proposal for Youth Specialties. Carving out the time easier said than done.
*High school guys who need followup and extra care
*Financial strain of this economy, the impact on our ministry, our families and me.

One thing God taught me: Keep walking with Him. I'm always wanting Him to walk with me.

A book I'm reading: SURPRISED BY HOPE, N.T.Wright. What a great book to read leading up to Easter. Review to come.

Music I'm liking: RED's newest CD. Great, hard-charging music with a little screamo mixed in. These guys are Christian and doing well on the Billboard charts too.

Camp Turnaround

2009-02-17T20:18:00.000-08:00

Well . . . it was bound to happen! When you go to Winter Camp year after year sooner or later snow is going to be a problem. In my 25 years of being a youth pastor in Santa Barbara we have never missed a camp due to snow . . . until now. All week Southern California was facing a blitz of weather events. By Thursday before camp the roads to BIG BEAR mountain were clear. Friday morning the cold rain moved into Santa Barbara. I knew where it was heading . . . east and directly toward the mountains where it would turn to white stuff.

With a four day camp I chose to not leave until late afternoon so our adult leaders would only take one day off work. Leaving then would not put us at Pine Summit Conference Center until at least 10pm under the best of circumstances. When we left at 5pm the roads to BIG BEAR were clear and passable. By the time we got to Pasadena, 2 1/2 hours into the trip, we heard reports that chains were now required. We kept going with the hope the roads might be good by the time we arrived at the foot of the mountain. Finally we reached the decision point and the warning sign flashed, "Chains required in all mountain areas." Facing a 41 mile journey, 4 hour trip, with chains on a charter bus full of students on a cold, wind-swept night up two lane mountain roads forced a decision I didn't want to make but knew best to make: turn around.

Thankfully God had given me the wisdom earlier in the week to start preparing youth and parents of this possibility. When the possibility became a reality their response was as good as you could expect.

This one stop (at a McDonald's where I spent $89 on McFlurries and fries) 8 hour bus trip turned into a memory we will all remember for some time to come. It ended with our arrival in Santa Barbara at 1:45am and a sleepover on the church floor.

By 9:30am all youth had been safely deposited with their parents and I went home. I felt displaced and tired most of the weekend. For a few seconds I wondered about my decision. After all, many of the other 300 campers made it up there on Saturday around noon. I felt sad for our youth, our leaders and I knowing we were missing a great experience with God in His creation with His people but I also was affirmed many times by many people on a safe decision.

Later in the weekend God further affirmed the decision when another big storm came through closing the roads to BIG BEAR before camp had even ended. Even if we had gone Saturday we would have departed again on Sunday, just 24 hours later.

Just as God provided wisdom and safety I know He will provide another opportunity for coming together in His time. This ministry belongs to God!

50

2009-02-05T20:39:00.000-08:00

I just turned 50 on January 29th and I have to admit it was fun. Whatever I thought 50 would feel like . . . well . . . it doesn't! I am just amazed I have been alive for 50 years. There have been a lot of changes in the world during that time. Anyway, I'm not going to get sentimental.

My birthday celebration began when our church surprised me during worship with a brand new guitar. Didn't see that coming! Then Nancy surprised me by inviting my parents and sister from D.C.. I also got an extra day off on the deal.

On the actual day my three children and wife surprised me a list of 50 things they love about me. I won't bore you with them all but here are a few:

*His love for crabs - eating them

*His love of M&Ms

*His desire to live to 100

*His facebook status

*His love of "Hockey pucks" and "Pineapple whips" at Disneyland

*His genuine laughter

*His love of cream-filled doughnuts and Suzy Qs

*His uncanny ability to dust off his trumpet and play Christmas carols annually with no practice all year

*He loves his wife and children

I feel loved!

Words or Actions

2009-01-18T18:24:00.000-08:00

I just finished another book today called "Silence." The author is Shusaku Endo and it follows the fictionalized life of a 17th century Portugese priest in Japan during the great persecution of Christians across the country. Endo, of course, based his writing on actual history and so it is easy to read this book believing you are reading actual events.

Initially the plotline of this book may also sound a little slow. I found it to be anything but that.

If you are looking for an inspirational, pick-me-up, feel-good book choose something else. If you are looking for a book to challenge you in how you live your faith, welcome! One of the central questions at the core of Endo's writing might be posed as, "Is it more important to share our faith through words or actions?" You may have answered this question on other occasions but I guarantee you will moved to look at the issue in a different light by the time this reading is finished.

Hot and Cold

2009-01-14T21:18:00.000-08:00

Over these last days we have had the kind of weather people think we have all the time in Southern Califoria. While most of the country was thinking about ice tonight I was sitting OUTSIDE Starbucks with some high school students in my shorts and t-shirt. These are the moments where I get to "gloat" and so I admit to enjoying it.

I have lived here so long many forget I spent the first half of my life living in Pennsylvania (near Lake Erie no less!), Maryland, Illinois and Kentucky. I remember snow drifts, icesickles and freezing cold and . . . I don't miss it.

Some would say they love the seasons. I get that. I do miss the colors of fall. I do miss the emerging of spring but to be honest I would be happy with a wardrobe of board shorts, t-shirts and flip-flops year round.

I would love to have days like this everyday but even in Southern California we get rain (thankfully!). We occasionally have some "cold" and in late May, all of June we get invaded by fog for most of the day. Earthquakes, fires and droughts are a part of our profile as well.

There is no perfect place on earth. As a Christian my eternity with God has already begun. I'm okay with this place for now. I can only imagine what is to come.

A Good Read

2009-01-06T21:01:00.000-08:00

I love being around college students. In their classes they are often referred to books or ideas that run under the mainstream radar. Having two college students in our own house gives us opportunity to hear about the newest resources.

Our son recently came home from Gordon College and brought us the little book, "The Illumined Heart," by Frederica Mathewes-Green. The book really is small at only 102 pages but she hits hard in asking and answering the question, "Why are modern Christians so indistinguishable from everyone else?" In addition, she offers many other questions in dealing with the topics of prayer, fasting, repentance, relationships with others and comparing our faith to that of the early Christians.

In this frantic Western culture I find myself often perplexed on how to apply the disciplines of a vibrant faith into my everyday life. It is easy to say "that was then and this is now." Mathewes-Green proposes there is no difference when "we no longer live but Christ lives in us." It's more about me walking with Christ than He walking with me.

When We Were Happy

2009-01-05T10:42:00.000-08:00

It's a new year and I am resolved to picking up the blogging pace a little bit. It's been a once a week (if that) kind of thing. I am going to try twice a week and see how that works!

I had last week off for work so our family took a day and went to Disneyland. As our kids get older the times of just the five of us are inching toward a close. Nancy and I treasure each time we can take our children away and just hang out together.

We had a great day there. We never feel too old to be at the "Happiest Place on Earth."

Spending this day with the people I love the most is always a reminder to appreciate the present and leave room for rest and fun with my family (and the many other people who surround me). Happy days like that carry me through the more challenging days in the real world of pain, bills, deadlines and separation. They remind me of the eternal happiness to come.

Living in Christ will lead me to more "happy places" and "happy moments." I will be looking for a lot of those this year.

Hearts of Servants

2008-12-17T08:19:00.000-08:00

Over these last two Wednesdays we have been taking our youth to serve at the Unity Shoppe of Santa Barbara (http://www.unityshoppe.org/). Unity Shoppe is a place where low-income families are served in a dignified manner. It includes an actual store where families can choose items they want and need.

Our youth go over to show the love of Christ through helping to stock shelves, take families through the store and serve in whatever ways we are needed.

These are some of the moments that remind me why I still love being a youth pastor. To serve alongside students who are happy to volunteer and love people because Christ first loved them brings rewards that trump the more challenging times.

This time of year we are reminded God came to live among us. In this generation I see people who are ready to go out and love others. They bring us all great hope for the future of the church and for the many who will be led by them to Christ.

Light

2008-12-07T16:37:00.000-08:00

Following my sermon on 11/30 I have had some interesting conversations. It seems many people really connected with the idea of quieting their lives and letting God speak to them in the stillness and quietness of His voice. People are growing weary of programmed lives filled with too many activities, tasks to be completed and not enough time to "be." This used to be more of phenomenon among adults and college students but now I'm seeing it among High School and even Jr. High students. Advanced Placement classes, Club sports, performing arts, the pressure to get in the best college and more are all pressing on the lives of youth with increasing intensity. While the things I listed are not necessarily bad they are, in many cases, being abused.

In succeeding years we will begin to experience the consequences of this hectic culture in the form of more stress-related illnesses, competitive anger and any number of other symptoms. What will it take for us to "be still and know that He is God?"

In some of my conversations I have had some well-meaning people imply I am going through a "simplify" phase. While I was thankful for their encouragement I was struck by the observation that this might some type of program. Listening to God in the quiet is not a task to be accomplished and it certainly cannot be a fad. It will be a life-time process shaped by keeping Christ at the center, loving my family and receiving the support of others who are seeking to journey this same road.

The other day I stepped out into the hallway of our house and caught our Dachsund, Laney, laying in the sun. In the winter the Southern California sun is low enough to come directly in the hallway. Laney loves to nap in the sun and takes advantage of this comfortable setting. It is here she finds her best rest. I get relaxed just watching her rest!

In this season where we talk so much about light and see so many lights, where do you find your place of rest? When you see the light of God's warmth do you take the time to rest in it?

See you in the sun!

SIMPLIFY

2008-11-30T21:01:00.001-08:00

The following is from a sermon I presented this morning in all three worship services:

I heard myself say it. It was the last day of our mission’s trip to Costa Rica this last summer. I asked each of our team members to write down, in their journals, at least 1-3 action points they were going to take home with them after such a powerful experience. After leading trips like this over the past 20 years it would be easy for me to give other people this assignment being comfortable with the stack of action points I had collected from many trips past. I heard myself say it, gave team members the appropriate amount of time and then I started thinking about all the details to our trip home.

A day later at 32,000 feet flying somewhere over Central America on Taca Airlines God spoke to me. He clearly gave me the assignment of coming up with my own action points. I shuffled for a piece of paper, pulled down the tray table, turned on the little light, fought off sleep and wrote down two things: 1) Be with more people; 2) Simplify

As soon as I scribbled the second point I remember thinking, “Huh?” It wasn’t as if God moved my pen for me. There weren’t angels singing. I did wonder exactly what God meant by that little word. He quickly took me back over the previous 11 days and then over the years before. In the 11 days he showed me the plain and effective ministry in the quiet little town of Esterillos. No building, no major programming, no strategic task force meetings, no smoke, no lights just be with the people and live out the gospel. I had this same feeling on numerous trips to Latin America. I still recall a Mexican pastor’s office with nothing but a typewriter and I remember being envious.

I had a polite little argument with God, “Simplify, really? I can see that in Latin America. I can see it in the little beach town of Esterillos where relationships come first but how does that work back in Santa Barbara where people walk fast, drivers get mad, people are tired and the list of things to do becomes a badge of honor? How do I accomplish this?”

It was then God gave me another assignment: “Doug (I am paraphrasing what God really said!) try simplifying for three months and if you are still living it and feeling it at the end of that time then you can officially say, ‘I am simplifying.’” When I heard this I got it. I have doctorate in “Camp High.” “Camp High” (or “Vacation High” or “Victory High”) are what we experience after coming off a great event in our lives. During those great experiences we are “living the dream” and we come home determined to hold onto the feeling. We are determined to make changes or tell everybody else they’re doing it wrong. A short time later the feeling is gone and the great event is just another memory.

Three months . . . that seemed like plenty of time to know how serious I was about simplifying (even though I didn’t know what it meant). So . . . July 10 at 3:30am when I departed the Santa Barbara airbus in our church parking lot began the test of my second action point. It has now been 5 months and 10 days after the beginning of reality. What happened? What did God teach me? What does this have to do with you? How could this lesson affect the beginning of our church year we call Advent?

Look at 1 Kings 19: 9 – 13. Elijah had been running for his life when we pick up this story:
And the word of the LORD came to him: "What are you doing here, Elijah?"
10 He replied, "I have been very zealous for the LORD God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too."
11 The LORD said, "Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by." Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. 12 After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. 13 When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a voice said to him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?"

Studying this passage we can make four observations:
1) GOD ASKS THE QUESTIONS: Perhaps this is the question we should be asking ourselves this morning, “What are we doing here?” Elijah been passionate for the Lord to the point of burnout and so God asks him the question. He says, “So what is your purpose? Is this is how you want to be? Is this where you want to head?” I had been asking these questions. God does not want us to be alone in finding our life goal.
2) GOD LISTENS TO OUR ANSWERS: Elijah tells God about his life situation. He is overwhelmed, he is feeling alone. God lets him vent.
3) GOD PREPARES US FOR HIS ANSWER: You can almost hear God say to Elijah, “Okay, I asked the question, you gave me your answer and now go put on your seatbelt because I have an answer. Strap in!”
4) GOD RESPONDS IN THE QUIET: Elijah waits for the answer and first God sends the wind. The mountains tear apart and the rocks split. What was Elijah holding on to in that cave? Sounds like a category 5 hurricane to me! God did not answer in the wind.
Second God sends an earthquake but his answer was not there.
Thirdly God sends a fire. Was Elijah in California? God was not in the fire.
It was then Elijah heard the gentle whisper of God.
I like excitement. I can appreciate a good show with smoke, lights and special effects. God prefers the quiet.

On October 10 my three month probation of living a simplified life came to a close. I still liked the idea, I was still seeking to live it. God’s gentle whisper was getting through to me.
I am still working on what this means for me in the long haul. At present it is primarily an attitude. It is a quiet response to a noisy world. It is slowing down when I walk, it is making more room for more people, it is not packing my schedule so full there are not margins for the unexpected, it is not feeling guilty about finishing a to-do list, it is giving space for God to speak to me in the stillness. Do I have it down, am I perfect with it? No . . . not close, but I’m on the road. What are you doing here? How do you answer that question? If your life is defined by busyness and noise what is God saying to you in a whisper? Maybe your schedule is slow already. Are you hearing God? How can you help somebody else be still?

TEN THINGS

2008-11-24T13:24:00.000-08:00

Last Wednesday night at FRONTLINE YOUTH we spent over an hour thanking God for His goodness through music, words from the Bible, prayer and words from the youth. As a part of the experience I shared 10 things for which I am thankful:

1) I have hope - As a youth pastor I walk with young people and their families through many situations. I have seen great joy and great pain. I have experienced both on a personal level. I can't imagine living this life without hope in Christ. The joy of the Lord is my strength

2) I have food - While so much of the world starves I have all the food I need and more. I am thankful everyday for the simple pleasures of food, good and bad.

3) I have a place to live - In my last post I talked about my dear friends who lost their house in a fire. Quickly they had options to live at least 6-10 places. Many places in the world people have no roof to cover their heads and those who have a roof are barely covered.

4) I have medical help - Tomorrow I will go to a dentist who helps me keep my teeth and prevent infection. In two weeks I go for a medical with my doctor who supports me in living a healthy life. Many in our world are lucky to see a doctor for a few times in their life and some may never see a dentist.

5) I have money and resources - I am blessed to work in a church where I am justly paid and supported. My basic needs and the needs of my family are supplied.

6)I live in a peaceful country - Our youth ministry supports four children: one in Ecuador, two in Ethiopia and one in the Congo. Our little boy in the Congo daily faces the threat of war and violence around him. I do not have that fear in the U.S. thanks to those who bravely protect us.

7) I live in a free country - Yesterday our church had a big outdoor Thanksgiving dinner and time of worship without fear of the police coming to shut us down and haul the pastors to jail. Last week I watched our President and President-Elect from two different parties peacefully sit down together.

8) I have a church family who loves me - After 24 years as pastor in the same church I am still overwhelmed by the love and care of this congregation for me and my family. I never take this for granted.

9) I have a family who loves me - My home is my castle. It is the place I can always count on for unconditional love. Through the gift of technology my home spreads to two college student children in Seattle and Boston. Their calls and encouragement add to the love of my high school daughter and wife.

10) I have a God who loves me so much He sent Jesus - I could never give enough thanks for the love, grace and mercy of God in my life to give His own Son so that I would receive the gift of eternal life.

What are your ten things?

ASHES

2008-11-16T14:31:00.000-08:00

On Sunday, November 9, our family spent the evening with our dear friends, the Elliotts, at the home of our dear friends Russell, Allison and Travis Smelley. We enjoyed a meal together and shared our lives as we have so often done over the years. On Thursday night November 13, around 6pm, a vicious firestorm ripped through their neighborhood. Though Russell, Allison and Travis survived, their house did not. Everything but the few things they could quickly gather was destroyed.

In the days since I have thought about all the things I have known in their house over the years. I could describe to you the set up in great detail. Those things are now only memories. Possessions collected through a lifetime have succumbed to fire and floated as ashes.

Sadness and a sense of tragedy have rolled over me. The "pause button" has been pushed on my life and I am once again taking stock of what really matters. I do have lots of wonderful things I would be sad to lose. Would I rather have them or my life with my family? You know the answer.

The Smelley family may have lost their house but their "home" continues to live. One thing we can count on: we will one day part with all we possess but we are lovingly owned by God and in Him we always have a home.

Thanks to My Favorite Veterans

2008-11-11T13:51:00.000-08:00

Lately I have been thinking a lot about people who have greatly influenced my life, beyond my parents (who have provided the greatest influence). In my work with youth I often ask them to identify people who are having the greatest impact in their own lives. It's good for me answer the question as well.

On this Veterans Day it is a fitting time for me to thank two more people who served our country faithfully and who have loved and invested in me, even at a distance: my grandpa ("Pa") and my uncle Jim.

While Pa died many years ago his influence continues in my life. He was a World War 2 veteran who survived a deadly attack on his platoon and then imprisonment by the Germans. It was not until years after his death, following my first viewing of the film, "Saving Private Ryan" that I really began to appreciate what he had sacrificed in the horror of war and captivity. As a Grandpa he lovingly played with me, made things for me, sang with me and showed me how to enjoy the simple things of life. Thank you, Pa, for showing me love and happiness in spite of the hate and sadness you experienced.

My uncle Jim is still very much alive. He is Pa's son and so when we made the long car trip from Maryland to Ohio, as a kid, I looked forward to an uncle who loved to play, laugh and tickle me until I cried. In later years we competed in sports and had long talks from time to time. In the late '60s he was drafted in the army and served a few years in Vietnam before finally retiring as a Lt. Colonel. In the army God gave him the opportunity to mentor and train many men who were no doubt influenced by his Godly character and witness. My respect continued to grow over the years as I followed his career in the army and then into ministry. Even today, I wanted to call him, but he is in Nepal, still in ministry, spreading the love of Christ. Thank you, Uncle Jim, for sharing your love and wisdom with me. I am honored to be your nephew.

Honoring these two men, I must ask, who I am influencing today through the love of God?

FINISHING WELL

2008-11-04T10:54:00.000-08:00

In 1977 I graduated high school in Rockville, Maryland. It was at that time I felt God calling me to consider full-time youth ministry. I had no idea what youth ministry would look like for me over the years but I knew God was leading me. About the same time a man in Santa Barbara, California was beginning his full-time youth ministry. Little did I know that our paths would intersect and he would become a mentor to me in long-term youth pastoring.

After graduating college, then seminary, Nancy and I surprisingly moved the entire length of the country and settled in this coastal town for my first full-time ministry assignment. In September of 1984 I attended my first Santa Barbara area youth leaders network meeting. It was there, for the first time, I met Dennis Santos. He had started paid youth ministry later in life but had loved youth many years before. Here began an enduring relationship between a Catholic youth director and Protestant youth pastor. Over the years we did activities together, ate many lunches and prayed for one another. On Saturday, October 25, 2008 I had the honor of attending Dennis' retirement party . . . from youth ministry!

Dennis "finished well" and I know he is still not finished. We'll have many more lunches. This man of God who has impacted hundreds and thousands of youth will continue to love, pray for, care for, teach youth and care for me. Thank you, Dennis, for all you have taught me and for the inspiration you give to finish strong and finish well. I'm right behind you.

Spanish-Speaking

2008-10-25T10:49:00.000-07:00

I just finished a great book entitled, TRANSLATION NATION: DEFINING A NEW AMERICAN IDENTITY IN THE SPANISH-SPEAKING UNITED STATES. It is written by Hector Tobar, a Pulitzer Prize-winning jounalist. Hector went around the U.S. and several countries interviewing Latin Americans who have come to our country. He gives us an insightful picture of how our country has changed with the flow of immigration from Spanish-speaking countries.

In the last twenty years I have had the privelege of spending time in Mexico, Ecuador, Antigua and most recently Costa Rica. I have grown to more deeply appreciate the culture and values of Latin America. God has taught me much about myself and His love through my experiences. Their strong sense of family, rest and commitment has influenced me for the better.

When I first moved to Santa Barbara in 1984 it seemed there were just a few pockets of Spanish-speaking people in our country. Now they can be found in Alabama, Indiana, Montana and more. Latin America has come to us and we can be thankful.

New Generation

2008-10-17T08:07:00.000-07:00

For the last twenty-four hours I have been hosting several Free Methodist youth pastors and a few interns from our churches in the Los Angeles area. They arrived here noon on Thursday and will leave about 1pm on Friday. Thanks to the generosity of our denomination their hotel and meals have been covered during this time.

In our time together we have had the opportunity to talk about life as a youth pastor with all its joys and challenges. I am humbled and honored to shepherd and mentor a new generation of youth pastors who are coming behind me with fresh insights and new energy for serving Christ.

Our focus has been on our character in Christ. From that flows everything we do for Him. The passion they exhibit in loving youth is inspiring, the challenges they face in time, finances and team support border on discouraging. One thing is consistent: together we are committed to investing in the lives of teenagers so they may grow into the people God has created them to be!

Rest

2008-10-09T20:39:00.000-07:00

This morning I was busy preparing for an upcoming Youth Pastor's retreat I will be leading. In the midst of my work I was skimming a book I plan to use as a part of the content. The title of the book is THE REST OF GOD by Mark Buchanan. One particular quote looked huge especially in a day when we don't know where our world is headed. It read: "Sabbath is preparedness training of sorts. It gets us ready for a time, a time we can anticipate but can’t predict, when the world as we know it will fall to pieces. It trains us in practical wisdom, clear judgment, skillful response. It slows us down enough to notice what truly matters." (p.59)

Ponder that for a few seconds, minutes or the rest of the day. Being a pastor I have had to re-train myself in taking a sabbath. Sunday is when I work. I confess I'm not always great at resting and trusting God who really is in control.

Busyness is now adversely affecting adults, youth and children. I see people with very little time to rest, be quiet and enjoy the life God created them to live. Getting more done is not the answer.

How would you describe your Sabbath?

Levi

2008-10-05T13:44:00.000-07:00

No, I am not changing my name. This morning I had the opportunity to teach our youth from Luke 5:27-28. I had intended to use more verses but discovered these words said plenty. You might remember it is the story of Jesus stopping by Levi (Matthew)'s booth. He said,"Follow me" and Levi did just what he was told. While there were several applications to these verses I was impressed that if Jesus could and would call Levi he would and could call anyone.

He spoke to me late in my senior year and asked me to consider being a youth pastor after years of thinking I was going to be on the high seas studying the ocean and hanging out with the Cousteau family. It was a simple and non-dramatic invitation. I had grown up in a ministry family but not seriously considered that as a career. Jesus showed me differently.

This morning I had the opportunity to tell a room full of students how God can use them no matter what their career choice may be. I also encouraged them to count being a youth pastor, missionary, pastor or other ministry leadership position as a valid choice among the options. It certainly was for me.

Green with Envy

2008-09-30T21:07:00.001-07:00

This past few days I have been at our FREE METHODIST SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA pastors LEARNING COMMUNITY EVENT. Yes, that is a mouthful but we learned together and from each other. It was practical, it was challenging.

One of our speakers was Dr. Matthew Sleeth, author of the book SERVE GOD SAVE THE PLANET. It's easy to believe the whole care-for-the-environment push is a political deal. Start reading the Bible, underlining or highlighting in green all the references to God's earth, especially in the Psalms, and you may change your perspective. God thought of this a long time before Al Gore or any other politician or environmentalist.

Check out this link and challenge yourself to see green: http://www.servegodsavetheplanet.org/

Also you might note his daughter just authored a book, IT'S EASY BEING GREEN. Check it out here: http://www.youthspecialties.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=393

Long Ago and Far Away

2008-09-23T20:32:00.000-07:00

Beginning sometime in 1976 I had the opportunity of traveling around in a singing group with approximately 30 other high school students and adults. We all came from different churches but banded together under the leadership of a pastor who had a big heart for youth who were yet to realize their potential.

I was a typical girl-crazy high school guy who valued his faith but held it loosely. Traveling with a bunch of girls, getting to be a "rock star" and singing Christian music with a soundtrack seemed like a great deal.

Throughout the spring and early summer we traveled on weekends to different churches. The guys wore their leisure suits and the girls their bright, pastel colored dresses. We memorized words and threw in choreography. We thought we were pretty cool.

By late summer our director had organized a 10 day tour and off we went in our vans and motorhomes. It was a time I will never forget as we learned to live in close community and serve Christ in a variety of settings.

I give eternal thanks to George, Charlotte, Bob, Bill, Rhonda, Dan, Pam and Sidena who let the Lord lead them while they were leading us. Their unconditional love and care catapulted me into a calling toward full time youth ministry from which I have never turned. The effect of adults who live with Christ at the center and invest in the lives of young people can never be underestimated. I am humbled and honored to now be that person for the youth I love.

The Church is Cool

2008-09-17T22:05:00.000-07:00

Eugene Peterson, in his book, THE JESUS WAY, says, "We live at a time when there is a lot of anti-institutionalism in the air. 'I love Jesus but I hate the church' is a theme that keeps reappearing with variations in many settings." (p.230)

He goes on to say, "Jesus said, 'Follow me,' then regularly led his followers into the two primary religious institutional structures of his day: the synagogue and the temple."

Jesus knew the church was not perfect but he also knew what it could be. I am thankful to be a part of a church that, while it is not perfect, knows what it could be. Church can be cool. I wouldn't want to live the Christian life alone. Would you?

Bad Decisions

2008-09-15T08:46:00.000-07:00

I mentioned this yesterday at FRONTLINE SUNDAY . . . if you have been following the news of last week and the activity of Hurricane Ike you might be aware that thousands were told to leave the Galveston Island area or face "certain death." According to the news many foolishly chose to ignore this mandatory evacuation and called 9-1-1, in a panic, at the height of the storm. They were told by rescuers to find someway to survive as no one was able to now save them.

It was later reported that lifesaving crews were angry and frustrated, with good reason, at those who stubbornly thought they could beat this massive storm. Thankfully for them the storm surge was not quite as large as predicted.

I found myself thinking about how stupid it was, for whatever reason, to stay behind and ride out a hurricane of that size. I would like to think my decision-making would have been more wise.

I then was reminded our relationship with God is often this way. It is easy to believe we don't need God; our way is better. We make bad decisions, willfully disobey and suffer destructive consequences. God, in His infinite love, mercy, grace and forgiveness still stands ready to save us even though we don't deserve it.

Choose God, choose life

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

2008-09-08T21:07:00.000-07:00

Election season is here and I am sad. I am sad to hear how people treat others. I was listening to the radio yesterday and heard a talk show host say John McCain is not even human. Has it come to this? Is this the best we can do when we don't agree with a candidate's views? We don't have to vote for them but God certainly doesn't love them any less than He loves us. Let's bring back respect and honor for all of God's people.

25

2008-09-03T14:36:00.001-07:00

Last Wednesday I began my 25th year of youth ministry in the Pacific coast city of Santa Barbara, California. I arrived here as a 25 year old and so I guess you could say I have been here half of my life. Not exactly something I could have predicted.

Born in Pennsylvania, grew up in Maryland, college in Illinois, graduate school in Kentucky and then a surprise move to California that only God could have known. Add having a daughter in Seattle and a son in Boston for college and I would say this has been quite an adventure.

Who knew what God had planned? I could never have guessed this and I cannot pretend to forecast what the next 25 years will bring. I do know God has led the entire way and I, for one, will continue to follow.

2008-09-03T14:35:00.001-07:00

From There to Here . . .

2008-07-10T11:22:00.001-07:00

At 3:36am this morning the Costa Rica team arrived back in Santa Barbara. The journey home began in Esterillos. The two rental vans chugged up steep mountain terrain on rainy roads, stopping for souvenirs and lunch, to the airport in San Jose. After an uneventful flight we took the final leg home on Santa Barbara Airbus.

We are thankful for God's protection over our travels and throughout the entire ten days. We thank Him even more for allowing us to be His humble servants. Though we miss each other, the sights/sounds/smells, the people whom we loved and loved us in return, our hearts are full of God's reminder that this is his ministry and work.

Pray for us as we make the transition back to life in the U.S. We come home with mixed feelings and a desire to apply what we have learned to the ministry we have in our own community. Pray for our wisdom in sorting these feelings and resting in God's love.

Packing Up

2008-07-08T17:07:00.000-07:00

After 6 months of anticipation and 10 days of being here this is the day that came too quickly . . . our last full day with our great friends and the wonderful people of Esterillos. We had originally planned to go 1 hour south to Manuel Antonio Park. This is a fun beach with white sand and the opportunity to snorkel. After taking a poll we decided to stick around. All the kids of Esterillos are on vacation and we didn't want to leave them behind on this last full day.

Instead we went to the beach early in the morning, hung out at the house, had lunch, a team meeting, a big beach soccer game and finally dinner tonight with many guests to join us.

Of course the other thing we had to face today was the reality of packing. You will notice in the picture we were well on our way to being ready!

We have also been making a pile of clothes (including our team t-shirts . . . we'll make more) for the kids and youth. Our hearts have grown bigger in compassion and we feel this is the least we can do.

John Perry has had fun putting his surfboard shaping skills to work with all the locals. He has repaired many boards and built great connections with the surf crowd. It is rewarding to see God use his skills in that way.

Tomorrow we will leave the house around noon to head toward the airport. Originally we were going to participate in the lunch program at the Alejuela Free Methodist church but the kids are now out of school so the program is closed temporarily. The pastor still wanted to meet us and so will meet us at the airport!! We are blessed to have one more opportunity to encourage a fellow teammate in ministry.

For those of you who need to know . . . we are on flight 604 Taca Airlines and due to arrive in LAX at 12:20am assuming all is on time. After customs and loading up the bus it may be anywhere from 2:30 - 3:30am before we arrive in the church parking lot. If you need any more information call my cell phone, 805-252-3216. I will check all voice mails once I reach LAX.

Pray for our safe travel and healthy transition back to life in the United States.

Field Trip to the Falls

2008-07-07T20:31:00.000-07:00

Today was a field trip day for our team and . . . we took along 15 kids from the town. This was a big treat for them as we took them to a waterfall about 15 minutes south and 30 minutes east. Our emphasis throughout the trip has been on relational ministry so we have been doing this from a 6 in the morning surf session, to a special Costa Rican breakfast hosted by a local family, to the field trip, to shopping in Parrito, to a houseload of kids in the house tonight for dinner and even hosting another pastor and family traveling. They are staying the night the night with us! One big happy campout.

No rain again tonight but it is hot and humid.

Thanks again for your love, encouragement and prayers. We are blessed and humbled.

On the Seventh Day . . .

2008-07-06T16:21:00.000-07:00

. . . we rested.

A few went for an early morning surf and then at 9am we all walked to church on the other side of town. We took the shortest route possible, on the beach! We were warmly welcomed, Dennis translated for his brother Henry and the end of the service we sang happy birthday to the brothers (born four days apart) and to Lindsey Appleton who also had her birthday this week.

After a great lunch hosted by the church we had a brief team meeting and spent 30 minutes in solo time with the Lord. We have practiced this discipline daily in making our own spiritual walk a priority.

The remainder of the day was spent relaxing at the beach with many of the people of the town and the church we have met. The kids are loving the surf boards we have brought. They have become people magnets.

Tonight we will eat some sandwiches and welcome anyone who walks through the door (which on a daily basis is many!!).

Your prayers and encouragement strengthen and support us. Thanks!

Beach Bash

2008-07-05T16:40:00.000-07:00

Saturday began early for some of us as we rode over to Jaco with one of the young surfers Dennis has been discipling. He was going over there to participate in a surf contest partially sponsored by Christian Surfers Association. There are a few other kids from Esterillos who are also participating. Tomorrow afternoon we will go cheer them on in their competition.

After our team meeting and solo time we loaded up the van and headed to the beach in front of the elementary school. We had spontaneously invited kids from our Kids Club to a "special beach edition" from 11am - 1pm. At first their were four kids and by the time we finished there were at least 40 not including moms, dads, teenagers and even two policemen who took home craft projects for their kids.

Activities for the time included crafts (soccer ball bags), a treasure hunt in the sand, beach soccer, tug of war, water balloon fight, swimming and more. We were moved by the simplicity and sponaeity of the event coupled with the huge smiles of children experiencing the love and care of a church to come. It doesn't get much better.

For lunch today we enjoyed the famous Costa Rican chicharones (deep fried pork) at the home of Dennis' brother, Henry. This was in honor of both their birthdays which were this week.

Late afternoon we enjoyed playing in the ocean.

It gets consistently dark by 5:15pm every evening so we are now settling in the for the night with another full night of rain expected.

Thanks for all your wonderful encouraging comments. It is good to hear from you and know you are praying. God is doing a great work and He has only just begun.

Flying High

2008-07-04T16:43:00.000-07:00

This morning several of us made the decision to go on an early morning Canopy tour. Canopy tours use zip lines to transport participants from one "tree house" to the next, hundreds of feet above the jungle floor. Our particular tour was only 15 minutes from the house and was an outfit where Dennis actually worked for two years. His great relationship with the owner and guides helped us to a nice discount and a memorable experience!

This afternoon we finished up our Kids Club in the rain. There is a myth among some Costa Ricans that children who go out in the rain will get sick. Even so we had a great turnout and the children responded more to the message and songs. You would be proud of our youth and leaders as they reached out to these children and their families.

We have many opportunities all day long in this little town to be a witness for Christ and promote the great love of God through Pura Vida church.

Pray for us tomorrow as set up a beach day for kids in the late morning.

We love you and miss you. Thanks for your prayers!

When the Monkeys Came to Town

2008-07-03T16:46:00.000-07:00

This morning we awoke to another beautiful after a full night of hard rain. In Santa Barbara this much rain would mean "Storm Watch." In Costa Rica it is part of the plan and the next morning there are very signs of abundant precipitation.

After a breakfast of cold cereal, mangos, papayas and some of the best bananas I have tasted we went for a few hours to the beach (7-9:30am). Yes, you read it right. High School students will get up early for the beach!!

When the beach time was over we came back for team meeting, worship, prayer and solo time. The team meeting, worship and prayer time was meaningful as we asked the standard question, "What did God teach you today?"

I sent the team off for their daily 30 minute quiet time but 2 minutes in we were invaded by four monkeys in the tree outside the Leon home. Needless to say, quiet time ended as we stood amazed to see live monkeys in the wild! God has created a world of variety and we experienced another piece today.

After a great lunch in the homes of our local friends Vacation Bible School set up began. We saw new kids, taught many of them "Jesus Loves Me" for the first time and had the opportunity to share the love of Christ with them. Between lots of water fights, soccer, crafts and parrots flying in among us we cared for and blessed the children.

We are all healthy and happy to serve the Lord. Thanks for your love and prayers that sustain us moment by moment.

Half the Town

2008-07-02T16:19:00.000-07:00

We had another great day . . . which actually is not done. We are just home from our first day of Kids Club (VBS), cleaning up, grabbing some sandwiches and then we will travel to Jaco to be with the Christian Surfers group there. Also we will take a look at this town where one of our Free Methodist churches will be started.

This morning were up at 6:30am enjoying a little beach time, breakfast and then team meeting at 9:30am. After a good time of prayer, Bible study, quiet time and sharing we cleaned the house and went off to lunches hosted by three different families in Esterillos. We were blessed by their great cooking and hospitality.

In the afternoon we packed the vans, went across town and set up for Kids Club at the local elementary soccer field. As predicted by Dennis we not only had children (almost 50!) but all their families sitting in the bleachers. It is possible we had almost one half of the town watching our activity.

The team was great with their leadership in music, crafts, games and welcoming the children. As Dennis said, "Pura Vida Church has begun."

Thanks for your prayers and love. We feel them!

Bringing home groceries and a missionary

2008-07-01T18:03:00.000-07:00

Tonight really is a dark and stormy night. It is 7:00pm and we have just finished our evening meal of chicken with rice and beet potato salad. There is lightning and thunder off in the distance with a steady rain hitting the roof.

It has been another good day and a great night of sleep. Some of the surfers were up early to try a few waves, some went for a swim, some slept in. For the early risers Costa Rican coffee was available and even I (for those of you who know me) had a straight, black cup of coffee! I now have a few more hairs on my chest.

Following breakfast we had our first team meeting, spent time in prayer, solo time and journaling.

Late in the morning Dennis, Kyle and I drove up to Orontina (halfway to San Jose) where we had the opportunity to meet, for the first time, our Free Methodist missionary to Costa Rica. This was a fruitful meeting and it provided a great setup for the work to come next year when the Leons begin full time ministry. We invited Patrick to come back with us and he decided to come. Our happy faces are in the picture. You get to decide which of the two pictures depict our meeting most accurately!

On the way home we bought some great fruit and other food for the next days.

The afternoon ended with a soccer game on the beach. The locals came out to show us how it is really done.

Following the game we paraded through town to view our Vacation Bible school venue, stop at houses and invite people come.

Thanks for your love and prayers.

Bienvenidos a Costa Rica

2008-06-30T14:54:00.000-07:00

At 3:30pm Costa Rica time (slow time) two vans and a truck pulled into the driveway of great little house in the small little town of Esterillos. Everybody is well, happy and anxious to settle in. An ice cream and a dip in the ocean roaring outside our windows may be the ticket.

The flight was smooth and the rental vans are fine. We are tired, pray for a good nights rest as we adjust to new surroundings and patterns.

More tomorrow and hopefully a few pictures. Thanks for your prayers and love.

24

2008-06-28T19:44:00.000-07:00

In just 24 hours 5 adults, 2 college students, 11 high school students and a child will be meeting in the church parking lot to begin our mission to Costa Rica. From this time forward we will say, "This time tomorrow . . . " In 24 hours all the planning will be done, the bags will be packed and the goodbyes will have been said. We are going away for 10 days. I wonder what this feels like for a career missionary who will be moving to a foreign country for many years? What is going inside their head for the last 24 hours?

I may be thinking about last minute details or one more thing to pack or how it will really be with these people for this many days but God keeps calling me back to Him. He says, "Show up in the parking lot, be available, be faithful, be teachable, be responsive and be flexible." This is in His hands, on His timetable and at the core of all we do: God's love for us and His people. Bring on the 24 and away we go . . .

Sixty Hours

2008-06-27T07:59:00.000-07:00

In just two and a half days our Costa Rica team will finally come together in the church parking lot, sort out our luggage, wait for the shuttle bus, pray and the adventure will begin.

Every once in awhile someone will make a comment in jest, "Wow, must be rough. Youth pastors have the life: camps, conferences, trips to Water parks, Six Flags, mission trips to other countries, etc." I always find that to be an interesting statement. It is sometimes said to fill in "dead air" and sometimes said out of the assumption that the Youth pastor is on one long vacation, one great experience after another. It sure could appear that way.

The reality? Not one of these events is a vacation for me. They can be fun, they provide great opportunities to have extended time with youth, they are rewarding as we love others in Christ and I do enjoy leading and participating in these trips but I would not define them as a vacation. I am ultimately responsible for all the details and more importantly the people who go.

Am I being defensive on a Friday morning? Naaahhh! I am just trying to give you a better picture of how you can pray for me as I care for eighteen other people far from home. I am incredibly excited to go but also very aware of the huge responsibility I will have for almost eleven days. Pray I will have God's wisdom, patience, love, strength, vision and peace. Also, pray for my flexibility. For six months I have been challenging our team to be flexible . . . now I have to live it too!

God goes before us! I rest in Him.

P.S. If you want to know how to specifically pray for us check out my earlier blog with the prayer guide.

Four Days and Counting

2008-06-25T19:42:00.001-07:00

Check the passports, start laying out the clothes, this shirt or that shirt, what do I really need? Six months of planning is now narrowed down to 96 hours. Sunday night we leave to serve God in Costa Rica. So many our praying, so many are asking about us. We humbly go to represent Christ, we will faithfully do what He has called us to do.

I pray for good rest, health, clear memory and total dependence upon God. Without Him we can do nothing.

Three Weeks From Today

2008-06-09T11:47:00.000-07:00

On June 30 we will be landing in San Jose, Costa Rica with 13 youth, 5 adults and 1 child to begin a 10 day mission trip in the Pacific Coast town of Esterillos. We will be there to help Dennis and Kyle Leon continue to build a foundation for beginning Free Methodist churches (Pura Vida Church) in Esterillos, Jaco and beyond. Below is a prayer guide you can use to support our team:

TEAM COSTA RICA PRAYER GUIDE
June 29 – July 9, 2008

Sunday, June 29
At 8pm tonight we depart the church parking lot for LAX. Our flight leaves the airport at 2:20am on June 30! Would you like to come and wave goodbye?! Pray for safe travel and smooth check-in with paperwork and luggage.

Monday, June 30
We arrive in San Jose, Costa Rica around 9am. We will pass through immigration and load into two rental vans for the two hour trip to Esterillos. We praise God for the help of Dennis’ friend to haul our luggage in his truck. Pray for a safe and “car-sick free” ride down the mountain to the coast.

We will arrive mid-afternoon and get settled. Pray for our team’s rest and adjustment to their new surroundings.

Tuesday, July 1
Today we will make new friends, meet together as a team and get an overview of our ministry strategy for the next few days. We will spend time inviting children to Vacation Bible School and make final preparations. Pray for our acclimation to new foods, sleeping facilities and cultural expectations.

Wednesday, July 2
We will begin our day, as we have every day, with a team meeting. These meetings will include a time of worship, prayer and debriefing. In the afternoon we begin Vacation Bible School and in the evening we will meet with the Jaco Christian surfers

Thursday, July 3
Today we will continue our Vacation Bible School Ministry. Pray for our energy, enthusiasm and love for the children and families we meet.

Friday, July 4
While you celebrate Independence Day in the U.S. remember to pray for us on our final day of Vacation Bible School. Pray for us as we share the good news of Christ with the children. Pray for our times in the evening when many children and youth come to hang out at our house. Pray for us as we break through the language barrier.

Saturday, July 5
Today we will be hosting a Beach Festival from 10am-4pm for all the families of VBS and anybody else who may come. We will also spend time cleaning up the beach as a service to the community and an act of love in the name of Christ. Pray for more opportunities to build relationships, share the good news of Christ and spread the word about Pura Vida church beginning on 2009.

Sunday, July 6
We will worship with our brothers and sisters in Esterillos followed by doing what we are supposed to be doing on the Sabbath: rest!! Pray for our rest and continued health.

Monday, July 7
Today we will continue building relationships with the people of the Esterillos area and take a little time to visit one of Dennis’ favorite waterfalls. Later in the afternoon we will do another beach clean-up. Pray for our readiness to be used by God in whatever ways He may call us.

Tuesday, July 8
This is our last full day in the Esterillos area. We will be packing and preparing to leave. Part of the day will find us at Manuel Antonio beach park for a hike and exploring God’s beautiful creation. In the evening we will do more packing and spend final moments with the people we come to love. Pray for God’s continued witness of love after we leave.

Wednesday, July 9
At 9:30am we will depart Esterillos for San Jose. We will connect with the Alejuela Free Methodist Church and help serve lunch in their program to feed hungry children (our own church has helped to support this). Pray that we will be an encouragement and help to the people there in our short visit.

By mid-afternoon we will head to the airport. Pray again for a smooth check-in and safe flight home. We will arrive in Los Angeles around midnight.

Thursday, July 10
Today nineteen people will wake up in a weary state. Pray for us as we re-adjust to Santa Barbara life. It is not uncommon for people who travel on missions trip to feel sadness or physically sick after arriving home. Pray that we will let God minister to all the feelings we will experience and for effective life-application of the principles we learned in our everyday world.

A New Beginning

2008-06-09T10:53:00.000-07:00

We are finally entering the blogging world. There are so many ways to communicate with youth and parents it seems overwhelming to add one more. Yet . . . this is a place where many could check for ideas, find information, offer an opinion, discover a new vision about God where we live. Welcome! Let the fun begin.