As I reflect upon Scripture and the moments Jesus had with his disciples, I think of those times like the Mount of Transfiguration or Jesus baptism by John in the Jordan or the Empty Tomb. I think of the greatest moments of Jesus’ life, which become for us powerful reminders of God’s divine appointment with His Son.
I think of when Peter said, “You are the Christ!” And also the moment of his denial of Jesus after the cock at crowed, “I do not know the man.” Painful but powerful. They are spiritual markers each signifying moments when our interaction with God is Holy Other. When we are bathed in the light of Truth, and come away better because of it.
I might sound a little dramatic for some, but the Midwinter youth retreats become this for me and for many. Moments when we step upon the mountain and see God face to face. They are moments when we escape the reality of our lives, put behind responsibilities and our daily roles and see God clearly. The veil of school, or work, or phones, or sports gets put on the back burner – and Christ becomes clear to students and adults alike.
The 2012 Midwinter season will be my twelfth one; twelve years and over 70 retreats. That’s an estimated 15,000 participants along with hundreds of relationships made and commitments with Christ confirmed. That’s thousands of prayers and holy encounters with a loving God. I often tell friends this is where I worship the deepest. Where my cries to the Lord are the loudest, and my hopes the highest.
Midwinters are not dependent upon the themes – be it, “No Matter How Far,” or “We Are A Movement,” or even the 2012 theme of “Send Me Out.” What matters is a holy encounter with a loving God. The bands, speakers, directors, deans, or even my presence doesn’t dictate God’s powerful revelation of Himself. What matters most is the face-to-face meeting of wiling souls to a wonderful God. One who holds nothing back in pouring out grace upon grace to the Church of Jesus Christ.
The greatest moments in our lives are not dictated by what we do, but what Jesus does in our midst. Midwinters is one place where I know the power and the presence of the Risen Lord will be made known, and people of all ages will feel and know and experience the love of Christ once again.
After twelve years, I count it a privilege to continue to lead the Southwest Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church Youth Ministry. What a joy to see the faces of students discovering the presence of Jesus in their lives. And I invite you to join us as well through prayer, through participation, or through providing a scholarship to a student in your congregation or community. You can be a part of this powerful movement of Christ and help provide the “greatest moments in our lives” for someone else.
Do you ever find yourself reading the Gospels and you come upon a miracle or a parable of Jesus and this warm feeling consumes you? It happened to me today as I was sitting on my front porch and reading Mark 9.14-32,where Jesus heals, rebukes, corrects, and predicts his death all in one short segment of Scripture.
I don’t know what it is but when I read the words of Jesus a sense of hope floods my heart. It reaches deep into my spirit and gives me an unexplained assurance. This feeling often happens when I read what I call Jesus’ Greatest Hits. Stories like the feeding of the five thousand, the walking on the water, the calming of the seas, the calling of the twelve or the request of a drink from a woman at a well.
These Jesus’ Greatest Hits come at me unexpectedly but renew my sense of faith, familiarity, and courage to face the coming day. I find strength in a story I’ve heard a hundred times because it renews my understanding of the character of the Christ. It reminds me of how much he loved the people to whom he ministered. And eventually, it begins to sink into my spirit and remind me of how much Jesus loves me.
Reading Jesus’ Greatest Hits deepens my connection to God. It’s like singing an old hymn or seeing a child-hood friend; it brings comfort, reassurance, and hope. I am relearning the nature of Jesus, who he was, what he did, and how his mission for the world was about bringing his Father glory through redeeming souls.
Jesus’ Greatest Hits remind me that God does not leave us alone. He doesn’t dump us out on the street and say – “It’s now up to you!” The motto, “God helps those who help themselves,” isn’t even in the Bible. God helps those who depend upon him and trust in Christ as Savior!
I don’t know your Jesus’ Greatest Hits. I don’t know what portion of Scripture the Holy Spirit uses to speak to you. Nevertheless, today I’d like to challenge you to make a Top 10 list of the stories from the Bible that speak directly to your heart. If you are willing, create your list today and share that with one other person. If you like, share it with me at rhf143@gmail.com. I’d be blessed discover Jesus’ Greatest Hits in your life!
Let me first clear the air and say, I love Starbucks. For those who know me, meeting folks at the coffee shop has become a norm rather than the exception. And I am not alone. Millions across the world have become enthralled with this coffee shop sensation.
I love to drive up to the window near my house and just say, “Hello there, it’s Rusty.” Nine out of 10 times the response is, “Good morning Rusty, do you want your usual?” To which I reply, “Yes, please.” I drive to the window, say hello to one of my friendly baristas, collect my coffee and go on with my day (which often then includes a drive into San Antonio).
When I think about it, I might even go to Starbucks if they didn’t serve coffee. I like coffee, but I like Starbucks better. (The branding, the self-promotion, the concept of community and top-notch service.) Like many, I am addicted to the “Starbucks Experience.” It’s what I also like to refer to as, “The Gospel According to Starbucks.”
At Starbucks, I get what I want. My “usual” consists of a Grande-Carmel-Macchiato, non-fat and extra hot. I also order “The Perfect Oatmeal” with all the toppings and some steamed non-fat milk on top. I pay way too much for this combo but it makes me happy and helps me start my day off with a bang.
However, in the real world, we don’t always get what we want. We can’t just drive up to the menu and order “a six-figure salary and a ministry that rocks!” We can’t just call up for take-out and say, “I’d like a long life, a healthy body and a basket of happiness.” It just doesn’t work that way.
On the contrary, we take life as it comes. Yet, we are not without a Helper to guide us, lead us and direct us. At Starbucks, I am in command. But in life, I put that job in Jesus’ hands. I can try to tell Him what I want and “order by number,” but most likely He surprises me with unexpected signs of grace, love and forgiveness.
The Gospel According to Starbucks only works at Starbucks. But the Gospel of Jesus Christ – where a loving God comes to earth in a man-suit, and sacrifices himself on a cross so we might have abundant life – works each and every day. It’s a Gospel of good news that doesn’t cost $6.43. The last time I checked it was free.
The writer of Hebrews in 4:14-16 says, “Therefore, since we have a great High Priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a High Priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are – yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
So the next time you need more than coffee, more than a Venti-Skinny Vanilla Latte, no whip, extra shot; don’t waste your time at the drive-thru. Instead, I encourage you to give Jesus a try. For this High Priest “barista” won’t always give you what you want, but will always give you what you need.
Stretch your wings. Discover your dreams. Find your voice.
Attention all students: Jesus has great things in store for your life! You were not created to remain idle and do nothing. You were made to be a world changer. To partner with God to transform the nations with the love and grace of Jesus Christ.
But how do we do this in a world filled with temptation? A world filled with distraction? A world filled with sin? We do it by taking courage and becoming the person God has called us to be.
Jesus’ call is to make disciples of all nations. He gives us power through his Spirit and by clinging on to his hand - we have the power to move mountains (quite literally!)
Do you believe it? Are you willing to find your voice by finding what God's will is for you? My friends, it is simple as well as complex. It's easy as well as hard. So here are "5 Practices to Finding Your Voice."
1. Re|Connect with Jesus{Devotional life} - Spend time reading the Word, talking with God, and seeking times of worship and study with Him. Make time each day to be alone with Jesus seeking His purpose and power. (Read Mark 1.35, 6.46)
2. Re|Define your Character{Spiritual identity} - Every school stereotypes its students. And you are no exception. But you are not necessarily who they say you are. You are who Jesus and the Holy Spirit defines you to be. And that definition is awesome, super cool, and holy. (Read 1 Peter 2.9-10, Ephesians 1.4-5)
3. Re|Align your Purpose {Intentional Actions} – You were crafted by the Creator to bear fruit. Evangelize. Serve. Commit. Worship. Life is short. Remember why you were put on this earth. And don’t be afraid to go to work for God’s Kingdom. (Read 1. Corinthians 15.58, Acts 20.24, Philippians 2.12-13)
4. Re|Orient your Time{Practical Applications} – Imagine the hours we spend on social media, texting, Facebook or Twitter. Now imagine reorienting your time to give more of it to serving the Lord and telling others about what He has done in you. You are what you do. Do less “status updates” and be more for Jesus. (Acts 5.40-42, Hosea 10.12)
5. Re|Affirm Your Allegiance{Elevated Adoration} – If you are a Christian, you follow Christ. You love Jesus and desire to serve Him. Refresh your adoration for God. Love Jesus more. Allow your times of worship and prayer to be an overflow of your heart-felt commitment to serving Him every day. (Matthew 22.37-40, Revelation 2.4-5)
This week I posted a new profile pic on my Facebook page. It is a picture of the Sr. High Assembly at Mount Wesley Conference and Retreat Center from 1960. How many of you were at that camp 51 years ago? How many remember those days? The photograph depicts hundreds of students at camp, appearing to do much the same as what we are doing today.
It’s a natural thought to believe that what we do today matters most; or, what we do now has never been done before. But the truth is what we accomplish today is only a reflection of what has been done before. The growth and revival happening at summer camps today is a direct result of the prayer of God’s people and the promises of God’s heart to raise-up generations that love and serve Him.
This summer we saw a combined 800 participants during three summer youth camps, one inner city mission camp, and two weekend retreats. We saw three dozen first time commitments, as well as hundreds of rededications to Chris. We also witnessed many young people receive prayer and the laying on of hands as they said “yes” to a call to full-time ministry.
God is at work in the midst of His Church. God is growing us deeper upon history, experience and tradition. We are continuing to build a foundation of people who love God, the Church, and are passionate about serving the world. Yet our roots are not new. The branches are broad but were not watered by us alone. The history of 90-plus years of ministry of camping and tent meetings, which reaches all the way back to the Epworth League, continues to deepen with the Spirit of God.
So why am I writing all this? What is my point? I guess it is this – we “grow deep” by remembering the depths of faith from which we come. I am who I am today not because of my own faithfulness, or lack there of, but because of the spiritual fathers and mothers of the Faith who have formed me and prayed for my life.
After 12 years of SWTC youth ministry, and just hitting my stride by reaching 3000 persons through 17 events this year, I do not see an end in sight. Even when the time comes for me to move over and allow a younger pastor to replace me, that person will simply build further and deeper into the faithfulness of a God who will not relent until the whole world finds love and grace in the arms of Jesus.
The grace of the Lord is upon us. The future of the Church is in God’s hand. We are simply instruments Jesus chooses to grow us deeper in love with Him. And I for one, am so glad to be a part of this mighty movement of reaching youth for Christ.
It is my prayer that in 50 years, when people look back upon the youth camps of 2011, they too will be reminded of the depths of faith for which we have come and the grace of God offering salvation to the world and life to the Church.
Gluttony: Derived from the Latin ‘gluttire’ meaning to gulp down or swallow, means over-indulgence and over-consumption of food, drink, intoxicants or wealth items to the point of waste.
So there I was sitting aboard a Disney cruise ship in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea headed for Rome, Naples and Florence. My family and I took a vacation, an 11-day cruise to the “Med” to see the sites, take time off, and just get away.
If gluttony is a sin, which the KJV Bible defines as one of the 7 most deadly (Proverbs 6:16), then I was smack dab right in the middle of it. My family vacation landed me on a billion dollar boat, a gorgeous ship, with every need, every whim, and every desire met. I was up to my elbows in cappuccinos, exotic deserts and Mickey Mouse! And although the trip was amazing (Disney really does excel in service and hospitality) it was also a little “over the top.”
I’ve really never had it so good. People waiting on me hand and foot, making my bed, picking up my pj’s, and serving me more food than I could possibly eat for 11 straight dinners (don’t think I didn’t try to clean my plate each and every time!)
I was in the lap of luxury, or was I? I had everything I needed. Actually, I had way more than I needed. I was indulging in and being surrounded by gluttony. And to be honest, it felt OK.
It felt OK until two weeks later. I found myself in downtown San Antonio atChurch Under the Bridge during the “My Mission” camp -- offering a PB&J sandwich and a warm bottle of water to a homeless lady. It felt OK until I stopped to visit with a Vietnam vet who lives on the street, in a wheel chair, depending upon charity just to find food. It felt OK until I put a name with a face and realized those without homes are not without identities, not without families, not without hopes and dreams.
It felt OK until my heart began to break and I recognized how selfish I had become. Just how focused upon my needs, my wants, and my desires. And then that OK feeling I had with Disney didn’t feel so good.
But then God showed me just how much I have to share. How much I have to offer those in need. And how we can partner together in making a difference in bringing a meal, a bottle of water, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ to those in poverty.
It’s not crazy complicated. Here’s a recipe to help “Reverse the Gluttony.” In lue of eating one meal, make some sandwiches, get some chips and oranges, ice down some water bottles and head out with a friend. For a few hours go anywhere there might be someone in need. Stop, pray, get out, and let God do the rest. You can become a blessing and reverse the gluttony in your own life!
It’s 84 miles from my house in Marble Falls to the Church Under the Bridge (C.U.B.) in San Antonio. I just head south on Hwy 281, exit McCullough, and stop at Grace Lutheran Church, which currently houses this ministry for the homeless of the city.
It’s 84 miles, just an hour and 15 minutes without traffic, for me to leave the comfort of my own home and find someone deeply in need. 84 miles from my life of abundance to a life lived in poverty.
Now I realize there are closer opportunities right near my house, but C.U.B. has been placed upon my heart as a deep seated need in the community and where I believe the Lord would have me serve.
84 miles in the old days was a long trip on horseback, by foot or by stagecoach. But today, 84 miles is really nothing at all. So what keeps me from going every week, from committing to those who need my help, my care, and my support?
Because it’s 84 miles! It’s not just right around the block or just up the street. It takes a little effort, some gas, and some motivation to get moving that way. It’s not like I walk out my door and I am there. It takes some planning, some pre-thought, and some arranging of my schedule.
But it’s not unlike when I would visit the Jr. High schools when I was a youth director, if I just got to the school, and through the door, the rest would take care of itself. I didn’t have to dream up conversation, I just stood and smiled and the kids would come to me.
And so it is at C.U.B. If I have the courage to drive there, and park around back, I still need the courage to walk through those doors, stand and smile, and let God do the rest. I never know what my job will be, it could be putting out chairs, handing out clothes, picking up pizza or leading worship. My act of obedience is to make the effort, get in the car, and drive 84 miles to a place of deep need where God hangs out.
And so my question for you today is, “What is your 84-mile drive?” Where is God calling you to be in ministry for the Kingdom? It might literally be around the block or down the street but it seems like 84 miles away for you. Don’t hesitate. Don’t put it off. Hear God’s voice and then go and do.
And just in case you were wondering, the road from Nazareth to Bethlehem was just about 84 miles. Mary and Joseph walked the distance in close to a week in order to give birth to the Messiah. What is keeping us from traveling our own 84 miles to do great things for God?
In the year 2000, Reachinyouth.org was founded as the website and mouthpiece for the Southwest Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church, Council on Youth Ministries (CCYM). It is the central way we dissimilate information and help cast a vision for youth ministry within our conference. It contains upcoming events, links for resources for youth leaders, and reminds churches of our vision for youth ministry. I’d like to remind you of this vision with 7 Focus Areas of what Reachingyouth.org is all about.
Focus Area 1: Reachingyouth.org is about relationships. We make it our goal to help bridge the relationship between God and His church. We are not just about fun and games (although we have plenty of fun at camp) – we are about encouraging students to know a loving God and to find hope, salvation and grace through a meaningful relationship with the One who created life.
Focus Area 2: Reachingyouth.org is about resourcing. We are not the local church, nor do we wish to replace the local congregation or district youth ministry. However, we do want to add to what is already happening on Sunday and Wednesday nights in the youth rooms of your churches and districts. Reachingyouth.org is intended to supplement the good work already going on by providing Spirit-filled events, which inspire students to minister and serve within their local congregations.
Focus Area 3: Reachingyouth.org is about retaining. Retention of graduating seniors is key to our vision. We retain students by inviting those who have graduated high school to return as counselors and to serve on the Work Crew or the Servant Team. We host events such as Dive N Deeper and Discovery Zone, which reach out to those in college and beyond.
Focus Area 4: Reachingyouth.org is about reconnecting. We have a link on the website called Reconnect, filled with resources, contacts, connections and a training event for the local church youth leader. It offers practical information to youth leaders by providing resources for administration, programming, and spiritual formation (such as our Youth Leader Sabbath event). Reconnect is designed to strengthen the youth leader of the local congregation.
Focus Area 5: Reachingyouth.org is about reviving. Revival is at the heart of Methodism. John Wesley believed the Lord loves to bring new life to dying places and to dusty souls. To breath new life into the hearts of students is something we want to help facilitate. Events like Tent Revival, Midwinter Retreats, My Mission and summer camps are used by God to revive hearts, stir spirits, and refocus lives upon Jesus Christ and his purposes for the Church.
Focus Area 6: Reachingyouth.org is about reordering. We reorder our priorities according to the priorities of Christ. We find a holy urgency in reaching out to the poor, the spiritually impoverished, and the emotionally hungry. We desire to meet both the physical and spiritual needs of students, as well send them out as missionaries, ministers, and witnesses for God’s Kingdom.
Focus Area 7: Reachingyouth.org is about remembering. We are the people of God. We are United Methodists, Wesleyans, and Christians. We are called to holiness of heart and life and to proclaim the hope of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The youth ministry of the SWTC strives to remember the orthodox Christian message – “that Christ Jesus came to die for sinners, of whom I am the worst.” We are called to remember the faithfulness of a loving God and the desire God has to strengthen the Body through empowering students with the Holy Spirit. Remembering who we are and where we have been, helps establish a firm foundation for future ministry and godly service.
Reachingyouth.org is the ministry arm of the Conference Council on Youth Ministry in the Southwest Texas Conference. The 2,500 students and 150 congregations we welcome each year are the hope and the future of the Church. I covet your prayers in making the youth ministries of this conference and of our districts even stronger, powerful, and more effective then ever before.
In keeping with the 7 Focus Areas, will you pledge to pray for the youth of the conference on a weekly basis? Will you offer scholarships to students who cannot pay to attend camp on their own? Will you be living examples for these young believers in faith, in love, and in purity, that they might see in you the awesome example and grace of the Lord? And will you help me reach youth for Christ so the world might know the wonders and grace God offers through Jesus Christ our Lord?
I try to be a good husband and father. Sometimes I actually succeed! Many times I fail because I put my own needs in front of those of my family. I am pretty selfish at the core, but the more I allow Christ to transform me, the more love I am able to offer to the three most important people in my life – my wife Lane, my son Brian, and my daughter Bailey.
When Brian was younger, he is 16 now; we use to have regular light-saber fights on the trampoline. He often won, and was most certainly a Jedi knight defeating an evil Sith Lord, Darth Vader. We had dozens of these but none recently. I also use to have lunch with him every Friday for six years. That has also stopped now that he’s a sophomore in high school – it’s not too cool to have your dad bring you a Happy Meal from McDonalds!
Nevertheless, we do spend time together – every summer camp I lead, every Midwinter I put on, every SWTC youth event, you will find Brian Freeman right in the thick of things. Sometimes he serves on Work Crew and this summer he’s been accepted to Servant Team. You’ll find him in the dish room, wiping tables, leading small groups, making diving catches in Ultimate Frisbee or dancing before the Lord in worship.
Since Brian has out grown lunch with his dad, Bailey is the target of my Friday lunch dates. She is 9 and in the 3rd grade and it’s still very cool for us to go out to eat on Friday’s. We’ve been doing this since pre-K and hopefully won’t stop for a while!
Bailey still loves to be seen with me, gives me lots of hugs and kisses, and I get to lay with her each night before bed. I usually will tell her a story about when I was growing up as a boy in Wichita Falls, and then we read from her picture Bible and we pray together. And I tell her each night three simple phrases – “I love you. I am proud of you. You are beautiful.” Bailey knows she has a daddy who would do anything for her and one who loves her dearly.
Lane is my wonderful wife, a caring mother, a successful dentist, and one of our camp cooks (and the prettiest by far!). She has an amazing testimony (that you should ask her about one day) and has her feet firmly planted right where the Lord wants her. She too attends all the SWTC youth events and you will often find her in the kitchen cooking for several hundred kids. Never once does she whine, never once does she say to put a cap on the registration, never once does she complain about spending her own time and money to help make this youth ministry a great success.
Lane is an independent but supportive wife and friend. She is beautiful on the inside and out and always has a loving, caring word of encouragement to offer those around her. Most of my youth worker friends like her better than me anyway! And who could blame them. Lane is great.
I share this with you because I want you to know that in my own way, I communicate these three simple phrases often to my family. The same phrases I speak each night to my little girl Bailey, I also tell to Lane, and to Brian (minus the beautiful part) although his mother thinks he is quite handsome!
I look them in the eye and say, “I love you. I am proud of you. You are beautiful.” And I want you to know that you have a Heavenly Father who does the same for you. I’m not sure you’ve heard those three simple phrases in a while, but I do not doubt God is speaking them to you now. For you are God’s prized possession, the apple of His eye, and the desire of His heart. For God created you for to be in a unique relationship with Him through His son Jesus Christ.
If you haven’t heard anything else from me bragging on my wife and kids – hear this: The God who created you, and who dwells in your hearts, sends three simple phrases your way: “I love you. I am proud of you. You are beautiful.”
Do you hear them? Will you receive them? Will you pass the on to someone you love this day?
As I write this article, my heart is grieving over the loss of a 42-year-old Baptist minister who took his life this past weekend. He was married, had kids, and was building a strong ministry. When I heard the news, being 42 and with kids near the same age, my heart broke. I was filled with a sadness of a life wasted. Of a father who failed, of a pastor broken.
And it made me think about my own life as a minister and what I might share with other pastors as a word of encouragement. With those who are in the pulpit -- those who preach to the pews, who read from the Holy Book, who partner in sharing the Gospel of Christ, who wrestle to obey the will of God, and who struggle with sin. And it made me reflect upon this question -- “Does my life matter? Does my life count?”
I’m not sure if you ever ask yourself that question? Or if in the asking, you come up empty, with no answers to aid you in your own significance. If this is you or has ever been you then let me encourage you. If I had been able to visit with the 42-year-old minister who took his life, this letter would have been for him.
“My dear brother in Christ: “I want you to know that your life counts. Your life matters to God. In spite of what people tell you, you are making a difference for the Kingdom.
I know sometimes you feel discouraged by the Church. They can often be mean, back biting, and difficult. They have good intentions but they fail to realize that it’s not just one person complaining, it’s dozens. (That there are often many more complaints than compliments.) They don’t mean to discourage you; they just want to be heard. It’s not personal; it’s simply human nature.
“I also sense you struggle with sin. Pastor, you are not the Messiah, and you are not the Christ. Paul guarantees a dual life in the flesh when he writes in Romans 7.21, “I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me.” This is you, and this it me. And I think I hear God saying, “It’s all going to be ok. Do your best to live in obedience and don’t take yourself so seriously. I have this all under control.”
“I believe that God understands your pain. He knows when you stumble and when you fall. He knows when you lust, when you covet and when your pride causes you to loose control. And still, He calls you. He doesn’t expect perfection. He loves you and equips you because of who you are. Your private struggles are even more reason for Christ’s power to abound in your life. Just let grace happen.
“I also know how hard it is to carry the load of the Body of Christ: the hurt, the pain, the divorces, the difficulties, the teenager on drugs, and the businessman on booze. You carry the weight but you were never intended to do so alone. For Jesus will take that burden from you. It’s hard and overwhelming when you hear the confessions. It breaks your heart and frustrates you at the same time. But Jesus is able to carry it all.
“And lastly, Pastor, I want you to know - you are making a difference. You may not realize this, but people see what you do and are blessed because of it. They see you at the coffee shop and smile. They greet you in Wal-Mart and their spirits are lifted. They find you at the high school football game and are compelled to come back to church. Just your very presence represents Jesus. Just by showing up – you show off God’s love.
“You may not know it, Pastor, but your life matters. It counts to God. And the work you are doing, being a faithful father, a loving husband, a dedicated shepherd of the flock, does more good than you could ever hope for or imagine. And I just want you to know today, how proud of I am of you.
“So don’t give up, Pastor. Don’t give in. Don’t let the Enemy suck the very life out of you. Don’t let the same demons that tempted Jesus take a foothold in your soul. Hold firm to the hope that you have in Christ. Remember his promises and believe in your heart that he will never leave you nor forsake you. For your life is pleasing in his eyes.
“Whether you believe it or not, Pastor – your life matters to God. We need you. Jesus needs you. Don’t give up.
If a picture is worth 1000 words than take a look at this.
It’s Midwinter 3 in late January in San Antonio. Ninety participants representing a dozen different churches are staying at the newly renovated Blueprint Ministries (formerly McKinley Avenue United Methodist Church) just south of down town on South Pressa.
We are there to serve. It’s called a Midwinter Mission and it’s the very first one. It’s the very first of many, I suppose.
We are divided into nation groups which are small groups consisting of 8 students and 2 adults and we are on a mission to serve the homeless population of the city.
I get to be with two groups that drive down near Haven for Hope, and we pull up on a street corner where the homeless (or “Blessed” as we like to call them) like to hang out. It’s now illegal to loiter in the city, no sleeping on park benches, no “camping out.” Most if not all of the downtown shelters have been closed and diverted to Haven for Hope.
And so we make our way down to this part of town. I’m in my wife’s suburban pulling a large cargo trailer filled with tons of coats, blankets, shoes, shirts and health kits collected from United Methodist Churches in Kerrville, Lampasas and Seguin. The trailer has a ramp on the back and as soon as we park, we lower the ramp, begin by dragging out one of 30 trash bags filled with discarded items we no longer want or wear.
The “Blessed” spot us in no time and before we know it our trailer is surrounded by 25 folks thrilled to received anything we can offer their way. They aren’t greedy but thankful. They aren’t pushy but polite. They aren’t just homeless – they are human. They smile as the senior high students work with them to find what they need, to see if a jacket fits, if we have a pair of socks that might replace a worn out pair. Colors and styles don’t matter. The clothing is a necessity not a fashion statement.
This interaction is amazing. Total strangers gathered on a street corner in the poorest zip code in the county. Upper Middle class students offering the street folks a handshake, a hug, or a “God bless you.”
And I am deeply moved. I am moved because I see right then Jesus Christ. He is ministering on both sides of the street. Jesus as a United Methodist young person, and at the same time - Jesus as a broken homeless man. And I know that at that very moment, the angels of God are circling above. They are walking among us; they are affirming the call of hospitality and offering hope.
To me, it is a picture of total peace. A picture of God’s Kingdom on Earth as the two socio-economic groups meet and love one another. As they show grace, they both receive something they need – a sign that someone cares. That life matters. That significance is found loving God and loving others.
I wish you could have been there. I wish you could have stood with me on that dirty street with abandoned buildings and cast off clothing, and witnessed what I did – heaven on earth.
Nothing earth-shattering occurred unless you looked with your “spiritual” eyes. Unless you saw something super-natural taking place. It was the Church being the Church. It was God’s people gathering, sharing, giving, and loving.
I hope this won’t be our last Midwinter Mission but a start of something miraculous. The beginning of many such pictures that God orchestrates, to bless us all, and to remind of His unconditional love for all humanity.
This month I am re-reading the book of Acts. I am struck with the urgency in which the early church moved, ministered, and served. They were being presented with a whole new thing, a whole new plan, a fulfillment of God’s Presence in Jesus Christ.
Since the Gospel was brand new, and salvation open to both Jews and Gentiles, the early Christians were given the task of introducing Jesus to the world. And they did this with power, with love, with urgency, and with fervor (Acts 11:19-30).
Today we have lessened our intensity about telling people about Jesus. Really, to be honest, we have contracted a lackadaisical attitude. At least I have. I mean, I still do camps, retreats, mission trips, but I take them as they come. I’m intense at the event but when I return home I am less so.
It reminds me, and I hope it reminds you, to imitate the early churches urgency in telling (speaking and preaching) about Jesus Christ. Although the “word is out” about God’s grace, love and forgiveness offered through Jesus, new generations are yet to discover the wonder of God’s Holy Spirit living in their hearts.
Millions live in our country alone thinking that God does not exist – or if He does, He’s not interested in their lives. This belief couldn’t be further from the truth. We have a God who loves deeply, and who is continually renewing, rebirthing, reconnecting with His creation. And the Church, is called to communicate that message.
So now is the time to tell the world that Jesus lives. Now is the time to raise up leaders, both young and old, who are passionate about telling and serving and sharing who Jesus is with the uninformed.
My question for you is what are you doing to join God’s great cause? How can your life reflect the urgency that many are dying hopeless? Many are sick and need healing, many are suffering and in need of grace. You have been called to tell the world. No matter how far we have to go, no matter how much we have to give, no matter how much we have to do, the Church must be consumed by the fiery passion of God’s Holy Spirit and be not an institution – but the answer.
Now is the time my brothers and sisters. Do not let a day go by without telling someone about the God who saves; about a God who holds nothing back to bring new life to the lost.
If you are anything like me, you tend to make promises and pledges and before long, the new plan is out the door and the old plan is being re-implemented with the same mediocre results.
At this very moment I am just trying to figure out what my plan needs to be. I’ve made some many good attempts at the start of a new year – dieting, exercise, increased time reading the Bible, hopes of helping out with the homeless, dreams of one day doing that which Christ has called me to do. But I continuously fail and fall. My plans really never make total sense because they really just end up being my plans.
This December I visited Nicaragua again on a mission trip with my son’s school Faith Academy of Marble Falls. And once again, it was amazing. I returned to the states this time even more excited about helping the people of that blessed country. (And was inwardly thankful that they aren’t caught up in the material nightmare we find it impossible to avoid around the Christmas season).
Just as last year, I was impressed with those missionaries who gave up everything to serve God in a third world country. One particular family from Oregon dropped everything and moved to Nicaragua 5 years ago with 3 children and not much else. They had, and still have, very little money – but they were willing. And if you were to ask them about their plan for ministry they would tell you this – “it was never our plan to move to Nicaragua, it was God’s plan for our lives. We just said ‘yes.’”
Which brings me to my original rant about making my plans and doing my thing. I realize pretty soon that what I thought all along was my plan, my decision, and my life, is nothing more than an excuse to tune out God and tune in what I want to do.
For me, it may not be so much about figuring out what God wants me to do but instead – learning how to listen to a God who promises to direct me. It might not be his plan for me to pick up everything and move to Nicaragua. It might not be his plan for me to sell all I have and give to the poor. But it certainly is his plan for me to know Jesus, to listen to him, and to grow in my love for the Church and the hurting souls in this world.
I want to start a new year anew. I want to make a pledge not to pre-plan, but to discover the plan the Lord has for me – a plan to grow, to love, to soak up the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ; and to tell the world about a Savior who loves deeply.
Could there be a better plan - a better way to begin the New Year? Let’s begin not by planning but by praying that God might stir in us to become better listeners so that the world might discover hope, grace, and the joy of knowing Jesus Christ.
Thirty churches and 150 participants gathered for a 24-hour time of prayer, worship and fellowship at the SWTC Methodist Youth Tent Revival on November 6-7 on a 200-acrec ranch in Spring Branch. It was the first annual event and after a very wonderful weekend, I wanted to share with you 10 lessons I learned from this incredible experience.
Lesson 1: Sleeping in a suburban isn’t all it’s cracked up to me. Tent Revival was non-stop from noon Saturday until noon Sunday. So, when I finally went to bed at 2 a.m., in 32 degrees weather, I figured my wife’s suburban would be cozy. It was not. I woke up a lot in anticipation of the sermon I was to preach at 6 a.m.
Lesson 2: Worship can happen anywhere. We hired a rental crew to set up a 40x70 tent, which we called the Tabernacle, for our worship sessions. However, there was a time when the warmest place was around the fire. Worship moved to the huddled group of youth and adults trying to keep warm. Worship can happen anywhere – even outside the church building.
Lesson 3: God has a way of bringing things together. When I first received the vision to conduct a 24-hour tent revival, I had no way of knowing everything that it would take, or everyone who would be involved in making this happen. But God knew. He brought together all the helpers, resources and supplies to make this one-of-a-kind event a great success.
Lesson 4: God is worth our greatest efforts. Out of all the events I do, and have done, Tent Revival was one of the most rewarding as well as one of the most labor-intense. It took days to set up for a one-day event and our budget was stretched to its limit. I kept telling God what it was going to take to pull this off and I heard the voice of the Lord telling me – “It’s ok Rusty, I am worth it.”
Lesson 5: Starbucks coffee tastes extra good at 6 a.m. I normally don’t wake up this early but as I was preparing to preach, my sweet wife made sure I had coffee in my hand. However, the greatest thing was watching the sunrise, from a beautiful hill country ranch, while gathering with the Body, and singing songs to the Lord.
Lesson 6: The greatest worshippers are young people. I will argue with you all day in favor of this point. Children and youth understand the heart of God like us adults never will. They haven’t lived as long to be tainted by the world. They worship with innocence, a naiveté, and with a genuine pursuit of the things of God and the person of Jesus. It’s my highest joy to join them in worship, to listen to them pray, and to watch them respond to a God who loves them deeply.
Lesson 7: Our individual worship reflects God’s heart for the world. The prayers in the Tabernacle at Tent Revival were not focused upon us alone. Inside the building we hung 20 nation flags. From Nicaragua to Kenya, from Egypt to China -- these flags helped us focus our prayers on what it means to be a global church. To realize God’s heart for the world is bigger than just us.
Lesson 8: Shofars are not easy to blow! Weeks before the event, I ordered from Israel a shofar (a horn made from a Greater kudu) to be blown at the beginning of each worship session. And let me tell you, that thing is hard to blow! Despite that difficulty, and the smell of using a horn from a dead animal, I love the image of the church using this to trumpet in the glory of God. (reference Lev 25.9, Ps 98.6, 1 Cor 15.52)
Lesson 9: It’s not about me. If you’ve read my articles before, you recognize this continual theme. I have to keep stating it because I am so ego-centered and self-focused, that I must remind myself everything I do is about God. Its not about me, but Christ. The Lordship of Jesus must be the proclamation of my life and ministry. Tent Revival is about God and the glory of the Son – and its not about my personal success or failure.
Lesson 10: Revival’s are intended to be contagious. In conclusion, I challenge any church, youth group, or campus ministry to follow-up the Methodist Youth Tent Revival with a revival of their own. Let’s not let this die with the youth of the Southwest Texas Conference. I’m encouraging all you to talk to your churches, pastors, and lay leaders, to return to the roots of early Methodism and camp meetings, and spark revival again. The future of our Church might just depend upon it.
Rusty Freeman is the Director of Youth Ministries of the Southwest Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church. For more information on the youth ministries of the conference please visit www.reachingyouth.org
What would happen if spiritual revival hit our land and our churches? How would our work places change? What difference could our schools make? How would we as United Methodists live differently the plan God has laid out for us? As I reflect upon the spiritual success of the first annual SWTC Methodist Youth Tent Revival, we prepare our hearts for lasting revival. We pray for it, hope for it, and count on God to do that which we cannot do ourselves – which is to redeem humanity and save a lost and dying world.
Here are seven focus points we can do to spur on revival in our land.
1. Pray. Begin to ask God to do in you a mighty work. Ask God’s will to be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Ask Christ to reveal himself to our nation and to our churches. (Matthew 6.6-16)
2. Seek. Look for God moving in very clear and definite ways and join God where he is at work. God is already moving in this world and the Lord asks us to seek the things of Christ. (Deuteronomy 4.29)
3. Serve. The hurting and hungry are among us. Offer radical servant hospitality to those who are in need. Say yes to random opportunities of serving and don’t hesitate when a chance comes your way to do good. (Ephesians 6.7)
4. Tell. Consider your own story of salvation, how you met Christ, when you responded to his call to salvation, and why you decided to follow Jesus. Formulate a plan for telling your story to others. Don’t be shy, don’t be bashful, tell about who Jesus is and what he has doe in your life. (Acts 4.20)
5. Care. Look out for the needs of the least, the last and the lost. Don’t merely give a meal to the homeless person on the street but get out of the car and visit with them. Learn their name and get involved in their situation. (Matt. 25.42-46)
6. Confess. Admit your sins to the Lord. Confess your waywardness, your selfishness, and your pride. Ask a the Holy God to make you holy and seek forgiveness for the ways we have walked away, abandoned Christ, and forgotten his call on us. (1 John 1.9)
7. Worship. Revival comes when God’s people seek God’s face. I don’t mean just show up at a worship service, all nicely dressed and sparkling clean – I mean truly worship. Mean the hymns you sing, meditate on the praise choruses you repeat, muster the courage to come humbly before the Lord in your church, your school, your work, and your home. (Exodus 20.1-6)
If you, my friends, are as ready for revival as I am, you will join with me in pursuing God and using these seven focus points to pray, to seek, to serve, to tell, to care, to confess and to worship God.
Revival is nothing less than a fresh touch from the Lord. It’s a renewal of the Body, is a refocusing of the mind, and a coming again of the Holy Spirit of God to light a fire under those who seek God’s face.
Join me this week in doing those things that focus us under Christ’s Lordship, and remembering who we are and who we are intended to become, for the sake of the Kingdom and the glory of our God.
I’m sharing with you a sermon I preached in August at Wesley United Methodist Church in Austin. The title was “I’m Not the Greatest” and I thought it had some merit to share. So, here’s an abbreviated version for your reading pleasure…
“I am not a great basketball player. I know I look like it. Tall, dark and handsome... But really, I’m not a great player. I can’t shoot very well, I can’t dribble behind my back, I can’t even dunk (except only occasion on an EIGHT FOOT GOAL). I realize that looking at my 5’9”, 165-pound frame – you see a short white guy. Not a Tim Duncan look-alike.
But just because I am not a great basketball player, doesn’t mean I can’t shoot the ball. I mean, I can go out on the court, if no one is looking, and give it my best effort. I can watch as the ball thuds off the glass, or “air-balls” safely out of harms way. I’m not good, but I can still play.
In the same manner, I’m not the greatest husband or father who ever lived. I get angry, lose my temper, get impatient, watch too much ESPN Sports Center, and don’t always make the bed in the morning. I’m not the greatest spouse or dad. However, that doesn’t make me any less of a dad or a husband to my wife Lane. I can still lead my children and love my wife even if I am far from perfect.
And God knows, I am not the best preacher! I stutter, stammer, get lost in my outline, I get nervous before a large group, and like Moses, give God excuses why not to use me. But that doesn’t mean I can’t stand up and preach the Word, and proclaim to the Church what God has to us to us today. I’m no Rev. Ryan Barnett or Dr. Austin Frederick (have you heard those guys preach?!!) but I can still speak aloud for the Kingdom of God.
I’m really not the greatest at anything but I’m in good company, because neither were the 12 disciples of Jesus – and they thought they were the greatest. Don’t believe me? Read Mark 9:33-37 and Mark 10:35-37.) For even in Jesus presence, they still argued which of them was the greatest among us and who would get the best seat in Heaven.
So who is the greatest? Well, besides Jesus of course, the passage in Mark tells us that children are the greatest. The least among us are the greatest. The servants, the suffering, the homeless, and the hungry. They are the greatest. “He who wants to be first, will be last of all…”
I’m not the greatest and neither are you. You may not be the greatest but you are somebody. You may not be the best but you know who is. You may not be the smartest but you know the One you knows all things. You may not be the brightest but you know the “Bright and Morning Star.” You may not be the biggest but you have God on your side. You may not be the strongest but God holds you in His hands. You may not be perfect and you may be a sinner but Jesus died for you.
Christ died for you so you can play in his game. So that you can get on the court and shoot the ball, preach a sermon, give your money, share your time, love your family, raise your kids, reach the world and teach the Word.
The local church that you attend might not be the largest but you can still love the children. It might not be the wealthiest but you can still feed the hungry. It might not be the youngest but you can still be whom Christ called you to be - filled with the Holy Spirit – becoming the hands and feet of Jesus for the world today.
It’s not a white thing or black thing. It’s not a rich thing or a poor thing. It’s not a young thing or an old thing - it's a Jesus thing. And the God who is the greatest calls you by name. And God says, “Follow me.” He says, “Come this way.” Christ calls, “Children, walk down my road.”
Christ wants you not to be the greatest but to proclaim who is. To give your heart and life to Jesus, to confess your sins and to say to God, “ I will always love and serve you.”
No, my friends, I’m not the greatest basketball player that ever lived. But I can still shoot the ball. I can still dribble and I can still pass. And although you may not be the greatest either, you can still get on the court Church. You can still get in the game and you can still shoot the ball.
So shoot the ball. Shoot the ball so they world might know that Jesus is alive. Shoot the ball so the hungry might be fed, the hurting might be healed, and the children might find Salvation this very day.
Some jobs are tiresome, and others are rewarding. Some you wake up, jump out of bed, ready to tackle the day. Others are wearisome, and you dread the dawn of morning. That being said, I think I might just have the best job in the world.
Here’s my schedule. I conduct 15 events per year with students. I travel, meet with youth leaders, and visit local churches. And each year, at summer camps, Midwinter’s and other outings, I get to see the harvest of God being gathered.
Some times we labor and yet never see what God is doing. Other times we plant and hope and pray the seed will take root. But through the ministry of the local church and the conference, we see the ripening up of the body of Christ right before our eyes.
Let me give you an example. I’ve just completed my eleventh summer in this position as the Director of Youth for the Southwest Texas Conference. I’ve led 45 summer camps, over 60 Midwinter Retreats, and countless of other gatherings of young people. I devote my entire summer (6 weeks or more) to organizing and attending opportunities for growth and God-encounters. And I get paid to do it!
So, I was in worship this past week at Quest Camp, our big Sr. High camp at Mt. Wesley, and once again, in our two hour-plus worship service, God shows up. It’s not planned, it’s not scripted, but it is definitely something for which we have prayed and hoped. Now I know God is always present - but not in this way. God was moving students to confess (on the microphone in front of 200 of their friends). God was moving youth to ask for prayers of healing. Students were broken and rejoicing, fallen and standing, weeping and laughing. The Spirit of freedom, grace, and release was upon us, and I didn’t have a thing to do with it.
For that night, we decided not to plan. We decided not to orchestrate a response. The band played, the preacher preached, and the Body of Christ responded to it’s Head, it’s Master – Jesus. It was amazing, beautiful, and fantastic to see the Spirit of God bringing a Spirit of revival again upon His children.
And the funny thing is – I get paid for this. I guess I am working, doing ministry, shepherding, but really – I’m just showing up. God’s doing the work, yet I share in the credit and the blessing.
Out of this experience was birthed a continuation of this spirit of renewal into a new fall event called the Methodist Youth Tent Revival. It’s going to happen in November, will be a 24-period of prayer, worship, and celebration – and the amazing thing is that it’s a part of my job description.
I laugh with joy that I might do this work, God’s work, in the life of His Body, in the midst of the Church. That while some jobs are tiresome and full of worry – mine brings forth tears of joy, an encounter with Christ, and an assurance that God is with us.
And the funny thing that still boggles my mind is… I get paid for this.
Here’s a brief summary of My Mission, the Southwest Texas Conference urban mission trip to San Antonio and Austin. It happens every summer, includes Jr. and Sr. High students and places them in the inner city, among the homeless, and engages them in a life of ministry far different than their own.
Absolutely spectacular students…
Bent on serving Christ and their new friends on the street.
Capturing the essence of mercy and justice by offering authentic sacrifice of their time.
Determined to do without in order to understand what homelessness and life on the street is all about.
Embracing poverty.
Fewer meals.
Going without extra clothes, comfortable beds, and daily showers.
Homeless encounters.
Interesting stories about those who have seen the darker side of life and now have found the Light.
Jesus everywhere.
Kindling partnerships with local United Methodist Churches like Travis Park, San Antonio and University of Austin.
Loving everyone without question.
Meeting God through people on the bus, drug addicts on the street, and a drunk at McDonalds.
Nothing is kept secret.
Operating as if those we encountered were indeed Jesus.
Poverty sucks.
Quietly praying for the redemption of all of human kind.
Restless nights on the roof of Travis Park.
Seeing hope in the eyes agencies like Haven For Hope, Salvation Army and Corazon Ministries.
Truly being humbled by those on the street who know God much better than I.
Understanding how fleeting life can be.
Visiting with the lost, the lonely, the left-out.
Worshipping God every night in a downtown church basement and sensing the shockwaves from worship washing through the community.
Xtreme hospitality to all of God’s children.
Young people you would be so proud of becoming…
…Zealous for more of Jesus Christ and his hope for the world.
This is what I learned about the homeless. It’s not what we have to offer as much as it is about what we have to receive. Friends, they need you and we need them. A bottle of water, a sack lunch, a meaningful prayer or a lengthy conversation in which you simply listen to a life filled with grace. I challenge you to do just this. Take some time this summer to pack an ice chest full of water, a basket full of food, a heart full of good intentions and go down town to the parks, the side walks, the street corners and become the Christ you so deeply admire.
If you are under 65 years of age you can stop reading now. This article is not for you. Not that I don’t think some of the things might apply to you but it’s for our seniors, those in the “Golden” generation. It’s for my parents and their parents.
This message is for those who have seen and survived multiple wars, rebuilt America, survived economic depressions, and Presidential assassinations. This article is for them.
It’s for those faithful millions who for the past 5 decades have served the local churches as Lay Leaders, and SPRC Chairs; who have been members of the Finance, Trustees, or Administrative Board. This is a message for them – for you. It’s for those who have kept the Church moving, the lights running, the choir singing, and the pastor eating. This is for you and my first word is, “thank you.”
I say “thank you” because you have maintained and grown what God has given you. You are like the servant in the Parable of the Talents who took the investment and grew it. You took what God offered and multiplied it. You made it prosper. The Church under your care has been in good hands. You are the foundation of the Church, a saint, a servant, and an example to us all. With that being said, my words are “thank you.”
My second words are “forgive me.” I want to offer a collective “I’m sorry” for not remembering your sacrifice, for taking away your traditional worship, for trashing the van on multiple youth trips and not cleaning it up! But seriously, I want to say, “I’m sorry,” for the times I have been a renegade and took your service for granted. I have ignored you, failed to listen, not visited often enough, and have forgotten too quickly your role as a pillar of our Church. For these things, I am truly sorry.
And my final words to you is, “I still need you.” I need your time, your wisdom, your money, your support, and your prayers. I need you as any child needs a parent, as any athlete needs a coach. I need you. We need you. The Body needs you. We have young families struggling to make ends meet, we have children of single moms wanting to send their kids to summer camp, we have teenagers needing mentors. We need you. I know you might be thinking, “I’ve served my time and now it’s your turn,” but please don’t say that. Please don’t leave us or let us forget the Foundation of our Faith. For you are our spiritual Mothers and Fathers. Please don’t leave us alone.
I know we prefer loud worship and our children often run through the halls of church screaming. I know we talk big, but give very little. I know we dress down and run up debt. I know all these things but this is why we need you. We need your prayers, your direction, your guidance, your love, and your steady hand.
Eleven years ago I took my first pastoral appointment flying solo at Aldergate in San Antonio. I will never forget Otis and Don, Lenora and Mable, Dorothy and Millie. All could have been my grandparents and all showed love to my young family and me. They guided my sermons, they baked me pies, they put $20’s in my pockets, and they offered wisdom, love and support in hundreds of ways. For those kinds souls, I am a better pastor and a better person.
If you are 65 and older, this message is a reminder for you to stay with us. Show us how to lead, how to love God, how to care for our neighbor. Don’t think for a minute that your time is ending. For in light of the Kingdom of God, your time in ministry is only beginning.
I am powerless. I am not strong. I am a sinner utterly lost without a Savior. I have absolutely nothing that I can accomplish on my own. A total loss without God. I fail. I fall. I fumble opportunities. I destroy relationships. I am nothing. I am hopeless.
Yet, with Christ, I am something. With the power of the resurrected Lord I find meaning. I rest in a generous orthodoxy. I believe in Jesus, the perfection of the Scriptures, the inspiration they have from God, the Wesleyan Spirit of personal holiness. I am not alone.
For even in the depth of my failures, I know Christ is with me. Not a Christ I have created, made up, or modernized. Not only a Jesus of history, but a Christ of today who lives and reigns with the Father in Heaven. And I know that I exist because He lives.
And through this I find hope. I find hope for the United Methodist Church. A church which remains the Bride of Christ even through a loss of members. Even through inner battles and turmoil. Even through a shift of focus which has reduced and closed many churches. I find hope. I find hope in the fact that as a 7th generation United Methodist Pastor, as one who has been a member of 4 out of the 5 Annual Conferences in Texas, as one who has been birthed in the Church, my hope lies in the God of today not the glory of the past.
I have hope through Jesus people will continue to find grace. Through accepting Christ people will find abundant and eternal life. Through a God who saves we will both become His hands and feet but also his messengers to propagate the Great Commission as well as the feeding of the hungry. I have hope in the Lambs Book of Life – that through God’s grace, my name might be written upon it’s pages.
I am powerless to act, to move, to live, to succeed, to conduct a decent camp, to inspire a group of students. I am nothing without Christ Jesus. The reality of God’s presence is with me, and it is with you. It’s the only hope we have for revival. The only hope we have for a future. Christ in us – the hope of glory.
So make known the power, Church. Make know the power, students. Make know the power that lives within you. The Bible, God’s holy Word. Read it, live it, know it, consume it with your lips, that you too might find hope – not in the entombed Jesus, but in the Resurrected Christ. Find hope, Church, and then tell someone else about it. For the hope of the world, lies with you.
It happened again. I feel like a broken record (or a broken iPod) skipping songs, repeating lyrics, saying the same thing over and over again. But I just can’t help it because it happened again.
It happened when we were gathered at Youth Worship Conference. This new event was birthed out of 48 years of Youth Choir Rally and is now the expansion of that event into a full-blown weekend worship rally for students in the Southwest Texas Conference. It was at YWC, that it happened again.
What exactly happened I have no idea. I mean, if I could see into the spiritual realm, known the mind of God, I might be able to clearly explain. But I can’t, so I will offer you a picture of what took place.
It’s a picture of a sanctuary on Saturday night, 300 participants sitting in silence, waiting for the worship team to finish their prep work of praying and come and lead worship. I was in that worship team and we weren’t at all ready. What I mean is our hearts weren’t ready. Our bodies were tired, our spirits distracted, our hearts not in it. But it was time, nevertheless, to get in there and lead the service.
And as the worship leader was walking toward his guitar and preparing for the full band to blast out the sanctuary, God interrupted. It’s more like a great NFL interception – the safety coming in out of nowhere to take the ball and change the course of the game. And believe me, our game had just changed.
The word from God was to go to the piano, just the worship leader, with a mic and nothing else. No words, no fanfare, no “big band”, no expectations. To sit, and play, and lead God’s people in worship.
Needless to say the altar that night was wet with the tears of God’s people, weeping in repentance, receiving healing, restoring lives, reliving the Great Romance of God’s love for his people.
I must have laid hands on a hundred students, whispering in their ears, “You are forgiven…the grace of the Lord is upon you…you are pleasing in God’s sight…you life matters to God…”
And revival of God’s Movement came again. I boast in the Lord because I had nothing at all to do with it. Almost 50 of our churches were represented – 50 churches that will be impacted by students returning to retell the story once again – that God is alive and moving.
It happened again. God never seems to get tired of meeting with his people. Touching hearts, healing souls, redeeming lives, advancing the Kingdom. It happened again, and I am so glad that it did.
As a part of the Body of Christ, the Conference Council on Youth Ministries is being intentional about making disciples. It’s not always easy, nor is it popular. But it is who we are, both as the Church and as believers.
During our Midwinter Retreats and other events, we try to do just that by making disciples of Jesus Christ. But what does this mean? Let me see if I might explain our methodology and remind you of our mission.
First, we tell people about Jesus. In telling the story of Jesus, we are given an opportunity not just to hear but also to respond. When we tell about the life of Jesus, who he was and how he lived, we are praying students will catch hold of the vision of Christ and be a part of his mission of love, grace, forgiveness and salvation.
Second, we empower people to live like Jesus. As we know, Jesus didn’t camp out in a synagogue his whole life. He went to where the people were. He offered both physical and spiritual bread. He offered healing and hope; salvation and redemption. We want students not only to hear about Jesus but also to become like him in every day life.
Third, we send people forth to be the hands and feet of Jesus. During our Midwinter Retreats we always have a mission and ministry emphasis. This year we were able to make some 500-health kits for Haiti through the support and provision of supplies from the Southwest Texas Conference Office of Communications. We are intentional about sending people forth to the far reaches of the globe to share the love of Jesus Christ with the world. We were also able to continue our tradition of the Youth Service Fund “Penny Wars” with several hundreds of dollars in proceeds going to the “Imagine No Malaria” campaign.
Fourth, we honor Jesus. Let me just tell you, the worship service at these retreats is not watered-down or half-hearted. Part of honoring Jesus means worshipping him with all our might. Imagine a room filled with 300 teenagers focused upon God, filled with the Holy Spirit, giving their hearts and minds to whom Jesus is and what he’s called them to be. The highest call of the Church is to worship the Lord, and we strive to do just that.
This is who we are. We are the Church. We are not the Red Cross, the Boy or Girl Scouts, or UNICEF. We are clearly agents of both service and salvation. As we continue our mission, empowered by the Holy Spirit of the Living God, we will walk forth in a proud and bold proclamation of Christ’s love for all humanity. For to do anything less would be untrue to our Master’s bidding!
I am not sure what I will remember the most from my recent mission trip to Nicaragua just a week before Christmas. I went with my son’s school and must confess that it was a huge blessing.
Perhaps I will remember how I really didn’t want to leave just days before Christmas. I was caught up in the hustle and bustle of the commercial Christmas holidays. I was dreading leaving my daughter behind whereas my wife, a dentist, and my son, a high school freshman were planning on attending. I was reluctant to leave for many reasons; I guess just being “comfortable” was one of them.
Perhaps I will remember the faces of the orphans at the Lion of Judah Orphanage near Mesatepe when we broke open the bags of toys and shoes they would get for Christmas. The faces of thankful children for a pair of used Nike’s to replace their very poor and wore out substitutes.
Perhaps I will remember the visit to the church in Cedro Galan and how we worshipped with a group of believers who lived among poverty. The joy they expressed, even though they had nothing compared to what we have in the U.S., was immeasurable. For two days we invested in them, and they in us. They joined us in repainting their church, helping build a classroom, and sharing wonderful fellowship together.
Maybe what I will remember is driving through the streets that resembled a three-ring circus! There were horns honking, not out of anger but assistance, cars almost colliding, and people everywhere. I will remember the sights, sounds and the smells of open cook fires; of burning garbage on the roadsides, of blooming flowers in the fields. I will remember both the beauty and the pain.
But what I think I will remember the most is how the Lord reminded me of how deeply He loves these people. It’s so not about what we have that makes us acceptable to Jesus, it’s whom we are. It’s our response of openness, love and grace. It’s a tender moment in which we say, “Lord, I love you too.” And I saw that in the faces of my new friends in Nicaragua.
As with most mission trips, we gained more than we gave. The images, the moments of connection, the hugs, the smiles, will all be things I remember as I return to my privileged life in the U.S. But returning with the promise that I will not forget Nicaragua. Not forgetting to love and to laugh, to trust and to repent, to serve where God has placed me. To strive to be whom Jesus has called me to be – a willing an able servant, offering Christ to a lost and dying world.
This past weekend I watched a movie. This is a feet in itself with kids schedules, family time and ministry obligations. It rarely happens. But as I completed the movie, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, I am glad I did. Not many movies have stayed with me like this one has.
Benjamin Button (Brad Pitt, for you ladies) is born old and grows young. It’s a rarely bizarre set of circumstances, not true by any means, but the concepts of this principle intrigued and captured me. Not only this, but the value this movie places on life and death, of grief and loss, of passion and pain reminds me of what it means to following Christ.
For throughout this movie I was reminded of the simple value of life as we know it, of relationships, of the precious principle of time and the timeless promise of death. And as I finished the movie, not knowing whether to cry, grieve, or rejoice, I found myself wanting to be closer to those I love the most.
This brings me to the curious case of following Christ. Jesus promises both life and death and life after death. He promises to bring fulfillment to our gloom, restoration to our relationships. The curious thing about following Christ is that His story is true. (At least I belief it to be so.) It is a story of life and love, a story of sacrifice and redemption. A story of which you are the starting cast. You are on the center stage. You are not to be left alone, left without hope. Your name was written into the play of the Father for whom we offer a grand performance.
The curious case of following Christ suggests there is more to life, and death, then we could ever imagine. That each day that passes is a blessing. That every moment, every holy conversation, every spiritual encounter, every breath is to be lived in favor of the One who called us to walk as he walked (1 John 2.6).
During one scene in the movie, Benjamin Button is learning to play the piano from an elderly woman who was once a concert pianist. She says to him, “It’s not how well you play, it’s how you feel about what you play.” He then beings to play a duet with her when she says, “You can’t help but put yourself into the music.”
To follow Christ means to put your self into the music. To count each day as special, each moment as a blessing, and each person that crosses your path as one divinely appointed. And to realize, no matter who or where you are, God has a beautiful plan for your life.
Investing in the Future: Becoming A Youth Ministry Volunteer
I hear it over and over again in the church, youth directors struggling to find and keep adult youth volunteers in the Church. Volunteers are needed who will say, “Yes! I will come and invest in the lives of young people.” Just this week, in visits to Harlingen, Fredericksburg and Austin, I heard it from an assortment of youth leaders, “How do we find adults to help us lead our youth?
Most of our youth directors (paid or volunteer) struggle with this issue. Today’s state law requires we not be alone with students. It takes a number of willing adults to allow the youth group to do anything. The youth leader cannot lead Bible studies alone. He or she cannot take them on retreats alone. They need your help.
And so, I want to challenge you to consider making a direct investment in the future of the church by becoming a youth ministry volunteer. Here are seven steps you can take to consider volunteering in youth ministry.
1. Know that God is calling you. God’s call to serve is not mysterious. I usually find if there is a need in the church then God is calling someone in that church to fill it. We know our youth leaders need help – is God calling you to do something about it?
2. Understand the job description. It may come as a relief to know if you become a volunteer, you are not committing yourself to things you aren’t necessarily gifted in. Consider your gifts then offer them. Can you cook? Then cook. Can you drive a van? Then drive. Can you play basketball? Then shoot the ball. You don’t have to speak, lead a Bible study, pray out loud or lead worship. Discuss your gifts with your youth leader then sign on to those that fit you best.
3. Sacrifice your time. There is always something else you could be doing. If you are retired, but love kids, there is no excuse for not showing up at youth group. If you are a parent, but never offer help – then it’s time to get moving. One group I know survives on its retirees. The students love them and the benefits of serving bless everyone involved.
4. Realize the requirements. When you approach your youth leader this week and say, “How can I help,” be prepared for an assortment of questions. Some you should expect will include: Are you growing in your relationship with Christ? Do you have a healthy love for students? Have you completed a criminal background check or are you willing to do so? It’s not just the State of Texas that has requirements, the Church requires faithful, committed and Christ-centered servants.
5. Recognize the commitment. When you sign on to working with youth, you are not doing so for life. Commit to a season or a semester. Make sure they know you are making a commitment but there will most likely be an end as well. Perhaps after a break you may return. What most scares most volunteers off is the “eternal commitment” -- never being able to leave once you say “yes.”
6. Expect the Rewards. As you might guess, no other age level brings me as much joy and excitement as working with youth. Not only are they down right fun, they say what they mean, carry much less baggage then adults, and have a spontaneous and contagious love for Jesus Christ. When you begin working with students expect to be blessed beyond compare.
7. Engage the Unknown. Lastly, you never know what you will get when you engage lives of students. Sometimes it’s pain-filled. Sometimes it’s joy-filled. When you build relationships with students you find both brokenness and blessings. So “engage the unknown.” Ask God to help you handle whatever comes your way with grace, love and prayerful understanding.
Our youth are too important to fail them by not offering to help. They need you. Your youth directors and leaders need you. They might not say so directly but I have heard it a hundred times. It’s one of the greatest struggles in youth ministry. Are you willing to help? Are you willing to give an hour a week? How might God use your gifts, your time and your talents to impact the youth in your church today?
As I write this, I am sitting on the side of a mountain. Actually, I am in a comfy cabin reclining in a Lazy Boy with my feet prompted up! It’s what we pastors call a “study retreat.”
I am in Estes Park, Colorado, just inside Rocky Mountain National Park. And man, is it beautiful. It’s breathtaking and the weather is changing by the minute.
This morning I awoke at 5 A.M. for some unknown reason and went outside to take a look around. The others in the cabin were sleeping and all was quiet. But outside the wind was blowing, the air a brisk 39 degrees (thanks to the iPhone Weather App) and the sky was pitch black – except for a speckling of stars.
I just stood there for a while, gazing up at what God had created, and enjoying the moment of solitude. I wondered who else was awake at this hour and why I wasn’t back in bed.
I share this with you for two reasons. First, the moment in the dark, windy, cool morning air was spectacular. The sky was a masterpiece and had I not awoken, (oddly early that morning) I would not have seen it.
Secondly, I felt alone. I knew God was there, but I felt alone. I knew friends were nearby, but in the darkness, the chill, with the wilderness all around – I was by myself. Alone.
What’s the point of this illustration? Take from it what you like, but what I hear is that sometimes as the Church we must awake early to see the Lord at work. Sometimes it’s a landscape unfolding before our eyes of His moving Spirit in the lives of our young people. Changing hearts, rearranging lives, reordering purposes for The Grand Purpose of reaching folks for the Kingdom. Waking early doesn’t just mean getting out of bed to see the night sky, it could mean saying “yes” to a plan to fund or support a new but risky ministry.
Furthermore, just because we feel alone in this endeavor doesn’t mean we are. I was outside in the dark but Lord knows what creatures surrounded me. (Mule deer, elk, chipmunks, and perhaps a gray fox or two.) Just when we think we are alone in life, in ministry, in work, in school, we are not. God is with us.
And the Lord is with you now. You are not alone on the mountain. For Jesus said, “Surely I am with you always, even to the very end of the age.” And that’s great news for God’s people.
It is my intention that by sharing this I am not bragging. Perhaps boasting in the Lord, but not bragging. I simply feel the need to share with you (the members of the SWTC) why what we do in youth ministry works so well. Why going on 10 years of this renewed ministry our numbers are up, our spiritual vitality is soaring, and our commitment to making disciples has never been higher.
Why it Works. Reason 1. God First.
We make no apologies about this one –SWTC youth events are about each student getting to know God better. Jesus Christ is first and foremost in our thought. Knowing him and making him known is our top priority and mission.
Why it Works. Reason 2. Clear Vision.
Reachingyouth.org isn’t just the Conference Council on Youth Ministries (CCYM) website, it is our vision. It’s the reason for everything we do. We are “reaching youth for Christ.” We strive to keep the main thing – the main thing. Our vision must remain clear and find basis in Matthew 28 and Acts 1.
Why it Works. Reason 3. Committed Workers.
When I show up at a Midwinter and have 50 committed staff – I know something is working. In the early days, adults were hard to come by. Now, we often have too many who are willing to help and wanting to be a part of this movement of God’s Spirit.
Why it Works. Reason 4. Supportive Management.
My supervisor Rev. Dr. Austin Frederick and Bishop Jim Dorff help make it work. Not only is the connectional backing present, but the freedom to love students, put on events, and take chances on new ideas comes from having supportive and trusting Conference leaders.
Why it Works. Reason 5. Common Purpose.
For years the mission statement of the conference has been “Offering Christ To All – Radiating God’s love, the Southwest Texas Conference empowers ministries to make Disciples of Jesus Christ.” The common purpose of the SWTC help create a culture of growth. We are not just about having fun and entertaining youth. We strive to have an intentional purpose that extends into every one of our events.
Why it Works. Reason 6. Engaging Worship.
Worship is the essence of what we do. It is not simply the core of our camp/retreat experience; it is the favorite part for most participants. The experiential, interactive, up beat, and authentic worship ushers in God’s Spirit in a revival-like manner.
Why it Works. Reason 7. Visible Results.
This year 85 students accepted Jesus as their Savior during the summer youth events. Over 50 reaffirmed a new or existing call to ministry. In total, we had 725 summer participants, up 250 from the previous year. Visible results like these allow us to see growth and offers encouragement and momentum to this movement.
The Conference Youth Ministry works because God has so blessed us. It is Jesus’ message and mission to make disciples, redeem his people and grow his Church that make us what we are today. I am just thankful to be a part of an amazing and transforming movement of God’s Holy Spirit!
Today I was homeless.. today I walked the streets of Waco, with three friends in search of lunch. We were hungry. We had had nothing to eat since the day before and we were broke. We didn’t know where to go, where to turn, or what to do. It was only a prayer at the beginning of our venture that reminded us that God would meet our needs.
Today I was homeless… wandering with a group of 24 members of the SWTC Servant Team going through the Waco Mission Poverty Simulation. We signed up for this as a beginning to our summer training not really knowing what we would encounter. I never thought I would endure something that I both loved and hated.
Today I was homeless… from Friday to Saturday I had only a few possessions, very little food, a sheet for sleeping, and a will to make it through. I have never known any kind of poverty or homelessness before, but after today, I promise never to forget it again.
You see we were set out on the streets with absolutely nothing. We were hungry, extremely hot, and going on little sleep from the night before when we heard gunshots and fights in the streets. It was high noon and we were hungry. We walked by the wealthy and the rich without a compassionate glance. We gathered aluminum cans in dumpsters, were given some oranges, water, and directions on how to find the Salvation Army. We were homeless.
We didn’t just act homeless we looked it too. I found a shirt in the dumpster and put it on. A girl in my group found shoes in the trash and walked in them for miles. Cars drove by; people looked our way, some with sorrow, some with anger. We were homeless, we had crossed over the line from accepted to outcast.
I have never felt like I did this weekend. Never the fear, never the cluelessness, never the lack of courage. My feeling of self-awareness was strong. Not my typical needs of newer clothes, a nicer car, a larger house. Not my needs for retirement savings, health insurance or mortgage payments. No, now my needs were real – and I was hungry. My needs for food, a safe place to sleep, water to drink and someone to acknowledge my existence. I had become homeless and I felt it.
By God’s grace my homeless simulation concluded after just a weekend. But the disheartening fact is for many it does not. One man we met, Calvin, was on the streets for the first weekend after loosing his job. John was a War Veteran trying to find his next meal. And millions of people each day, whom we overlook, are looking for hope. And we can help.
As you can guess, God woke me up this weekend and told me that I needed to do three things in response to this poverty simulation. First, I need to share a lot more of my possessions with those who are poor. Second, I need to take time on a daily basis to hand out water and money to those on the street corners. And third, I need to involve my family in ministry to the poor.
My dear friends in the Church – dare I challenge you to do the same? Three dollars goes a long way when you are hungry. A bottle of water is priceless in the summer heat. And a friendly smile with a “God loves you” can bring absolute hope. And you can help. You can make a difference. You must make a difference if you call yourself a Child of God. What will you do today?
Please don’t pass the homeless by the next time you see them. Please don’t look the other way because next time, it might just be me.
I feel like I just returned from summer camp, or an Emmaus Walk but I didn’t! It was Annual Conference! The business of the Church became the business of renewal, redemption and dare I saw revival?! I don’t know about you but this is the most invigorated I have felt!
It’s almost hard to contain my excitement! I heard three remarkable sermons all focused on the power of Christ in our midst. I heard three remarkable sermons, which not only challenged my spirit but renewed my soul.
From the inspiring word of Bishop Raul Garcia de Ochoa from Mexico (a living prophet!) and Rev. Meredith Wende (an young and fiery pastor in the Texas Conference with roots in our own) to Bishop Jim Dorff (our very own spiritual leader!) I was blown out of the water! My soul was filled to over flowing!
And then there was the worship by the Mark Swayze Band from University UMC in San Antonio. And when they lead worship, I can’t help but jump, lift my hands, move my feet and praise the Lord. Again, I feel like I was at summer camp.
Isn’t this the true business of the church, like Bishop Dorff so named? Isn’t this why we exist, why we work so hard, why we strive to be the Church?!
This is why I propose that it is for such as time as this that Annual Conference becomes our Annual Revival! When we invite the Holy Spirit of God in out midst in a power-filled way. When we take care of business by falling on our knees and confessing our sins to one another and to the Lord. And when we find hope, strength, and renewal along the way. This is the true business of the Church.
And although my body is tired my spirit is still alive and soaring because of how God came near in Corpus Christi. You see, my friends, the key to growing churches isn’t strategy – it’s synergy in the Spirit of God. It’s not methodical planning that will increase worship attendance – it’s a manifestation of God’s power and a trust in Jesus Christ to save us -- to flood our churches with his power.
From now on, I am coming to Annual Conference ready, expectant, and energized to worship. I am showing up ready for my Annual Revival! Ready to see the Spirit of God move us in deeper and more significant ways so that we might be about the true business of the Church.
1. Never show up at the office at 8 AM. Now most people expect you to be there, but come on, your ministry is reaching students – and if you show up first thing in the morning, then certainly you weren’t up late hanging out with them (either at Taco Bell or on Facebook). Arriving early just says, at least to me, that you aren’t doing your job.
2. Never put programming ahead of people. Planning and programming is good and can be great. But your calling is to “relationship evangelism” not program pastor (Jesus never planned a “lock-in!”) Cancel a program if it distracts you from spending time, growing, nurturing and discipling the students God has placed in your path.
3. Never argue for a budget increase -- make your Senior Pastor do that. Not many people will listen to you, especially if you are young. Therefore, help your pastor and your youth parents to see the need (or hear it from you) and “go to bat” on your behalf.
4. Never leave the church van dirty. You may laugh at this one but it tells the rest of the congregation that you don’t care enough to clean it. Pay $25 and have a car wash help you out before you return from paint balling.
5. Never put yourself in a compromising situation. In today’s society, just the impression of impropriety can get you in trouble. Therefore, always make sure you have another adult with you or that you are in public when counseling with a student. Make sure your pastor and sponsors know where you are and what you are doing.
6. Never have a food fight in the sanctuary. (I hope this is a no-brainer, but wanted to see if you were still paying attention!)
7. Never feel like you have to explain to the church staff (pastor excluded) why you didn’t come in until 10 AM. Your boss is God, then the pastor. Make sure your pastor knows where you are and what you are doing in your ministry. Send a weekly email just as a matter of updating him/her on your status.
8. Never apologize for the physical appearance of youth in your church. If you are fortunate enough to have students enter your church, especially on Sunday morning, don’t apologize if they are dressed “down” or have strange hair or tats. The church must strive to embrace, welcome, and be hospitable to all young people if they want to grow – even if the students look differently than them.
9. Never forget your ministry is to youth AND parents. Parents want and need to know what is happening, what you are doing, and what is coming up in your program. Also, parents need your encouragement and spiritual support as well. (They have to live with teenagers!) A good youth pastor not only loves youth, but their parents as well.
10. And finally, never forget to trust the Lord with every decision you make. No matter how unpopular or how misunderstood you may be, remember Jesus has called you to be radical, sold-out, and a little crazy. Christ is the source of all your help and strength. Trying to do it on your own (skipping morning devos for example) will only leave you struggling and frustrated. Trust Christ implicitly.
It’s rather funny, me talking badly about technology, me turning off my iPhone or computer. But that’s what I am doing now. Turning it off to reconnect with the One who created me.
I learned today about Twitter. I learned that it’s like a “micro-blogg” or a “140 character mini-message (called a tweet) sent to a group of followers on a website at www.twitter.com.” I learned that it’s a chance to update my “status” or to answer the question “What am I doing?” -- and get a response from the potentially millions of other online people who at the same time are posting the answer to the same question.
And it took me about two hours to finally turn it off and get down to what I need to be doing when I first begin my day – opening my Bible and begin ‘tweeting’ with God.
And so after a few hours of tweeting I mustered enough will power to close the lid on the computer (which of course is again now open) and pull out my journal, pen and Bible and fight the urge not to check my cell phone or “you’ve got mail” emerging from my AOL account on my Mac.
I found it difficult to shut off the technology in order to spend time with the Master. (And believe me, I am one who loves technology.)
However, I sense it’s important for us (young people especially) to realize the importance of turning off technology. The old days included only radios and televisions – but today it’s computers, smart phones, bloggs, tweets (again, that’s a Twitter message) Xboxes, Wii’s, and a dozen other things that capture our mind and keep our attention. But in the midst of it all God says “be still, I am here, stop it – spend time with me.”
Jesus tells us in Matthew 6.18 that those who “fast in secret” will be rewarded. Yet who has time to fast, yet along pray, with new Apps to download from the Apple Store? If all we do is techno “junk” then when do we connect face-to-face with others – not to mention God?
I found it difficult to shut the lid on my array of Internet “urgencies” only to realize they really aren’t so urgent. Sure it’s fun to text, to blogg, to tweet, to Facebook, to browse – but it’s really not that meaningful. I mean, not when you bring God into the equation.
What I think is urgent only neglects my soul. What I think is demanding is the human longing for acceptance. What I propose is necessary is solitude with the Creator. The one who established my needs, formed my heart, and nourishes my soul.
Where is God in the mix of all my technological yearnings? A God who says, “Stop and listen. Be still and quiet. Turn off the technology, for just a bit, and turn to Me. Remember the One who made you, the One who fulfills you, the One who satisfies your soul.”
Ok, I think I get it. My Twitter account is probably not going in the trash, electronically speaking, but it will be put on hold until I first spend time with the Lord. And after I spend time with God perhaps I might open it up and just tell you how it went. (For an update on that irony - go to http://twitter.com/rustyfreeman.)
I know it’s early in the morning but I think it is time to get out of bed. You have been asleep for far too long.
There is much work to do, people to reach, bellies to feed, children to clothe, grace to offer. And from what the Master said, there is not much time.
So please wake up. Please get out of bed. Please stop hitting the snooze button!
But while you lay there, did I tell you about your “Awakened Children?” Did I tell you that an extension of your “Body” is alive and well? Did I tell you they actually never even went to bed! They stayed up all night and are still going strong. In some circles they call it a “revival.”
Did I tell you the Young Ones of our Body are thriving, soaring with passion for the Master? They praise Him like a bunch of wild Indians! They sing and even dance in worship. I know, it’s nuts. But THEY ARE ALIVE – and besides that, they have even gotten out of bed!
You won’t believe it but at one of their “gatherings” many were actually on their knees praying and weeping for You, the Church. Their hearts were broken and desperate for us to get going and join them and become a part of the Master’s Movement.
You should have seen it, Church. You would have been shocked. But perhaps if you had, your heart would have been stirred to… GET OUT OF BED!
The sun is up, the coffee is hot, the day is sparkling with the hope of the Gospel of change and redemption. All you have to do is wake up and join the rest of your Body, the Children, the Young Ones who have captured the Vision of the Master.
They are burning with joy, filled with His Spirit, ready to change the world for the sake of the Kingdom. However, Church, they need your help. They have lots of passion, a ton of vision, but few resources. They NEED YOU. They need your wisdom, insight, and experience.
So what are you waiting for, Church? (I’ll get your house robe and slippers…)
ReTHINK Church: A fresh look at Jesus & the Church
The new campaign for the General Conference of the United Methodist Church is “Rethink Church.” In keeping with this theme, we are gearing our 2009 summer camps around the very same idea.
The intent of the theme is to make “church” a verb rather than a noun. Doing “church” would become much more active, progressive, and outreaching rather than considering church as a static building waiting for people to fill the pews.
And so, in light of “Rethink Church,” I’d am challenging the youth of the conference to get a head start on this initiative and begin to rethink how we live out who Christ has called us to be. These 5 Pillars might just help us rethink who we are as God’s people.
Pillar 1: Rethink Church
“Are we doing church the way God intended?” Are we living a spirit-filled, disciple-making, social-offering existence? Are we living for our own glory or are we getting the church carpet dirty by bringing in the least, the last and the lost? Are we expecting un-churched persons to dress like us, act like us, and confirm to our image rather than to the image of Christ?
Pillar 2: Rethink Jesus
“Are we living like Jesus would have lived?” How many homeless people did you talk to this week? How many poor did you feed, widows did you visit? Is your $400 car payment a detriment to you doing ministry? Is your lifestyle conducive or destructive to the nature and growth of the mission of Jesus? To rethink Jesus means we must reshape our bodies around Christ who is the Head.
Pillar 3: Rethink Worship
“Do we worship the way God intended?” I don’t mean contemporary or traditional – I do mean passionate or passive. Boring or electric. Energized or inauthentic. Radical or ordinary. Worship was never intended to be a fashion show or a models runway. It was intended to radically glorify the Creator of the Universe and transform His worshippers by a close encounter with Jesus Christ. Do we worship like God intended?
Pillar 4: Rethink Service
“Do we serve like Christ has commanded?” Service to Jesus was joyous, unrelenting, unashamed offering to the needs of the Kingdom. Do we give only when it’s convenient? Does the Chief Servant govern our lives? Or do we need to rethink service and become fools for Christ in offering Christ love and help to all we meet?
Pillar 5: Rethink Community
“Are we modeling Christ’s design or our own 21st century community?” Do we love and accept those less fortunate than we? Do we share, encourage, love and offer forgiveness to the hurting? If we rethink community shouldn’t we reorder our neighborhoods as extensions of our churches and become more like the Acts 2 fellowship, “they devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”
Rethinking Church isn’t just for students but for all of God’s people. This new theme of the United Methodist Church isn’t actually new at all but a rewind to the intent of who Christ calls us to be.
I challenge you today – to take just one of these pillars and let it change the way you think, act, behave and worship. Let Christ so fill your heart that not only do you reorder your steps to better suite His Voice, but you “Rethink Church” in order to transform your world.
Each January and February, more than a thousand students, youth directors and adult sponsors attend one of the six Southwest Texas Conference Midwinter Retreats for the greatest weekend of their life.
It is not only the biggest thing we do as a conference youth council but it is also the best. Whereas summer camps are longer and sometimes more in-depth, Midwinter Retreats are a one-two punch for the teenage soul. I often tell my friends it is where I “reconnect” with what Jesus wants to do in my life.
And because it’s the best thing we do, I want to offer you my 5 fantastic reasons for what makes Midwinter’s work, and why I believe it’s a must-attend opportunity.
First on my list is WORSHIP. Each midwinter has four times of worship centered on helping students take the next step in their relationship with God. This is the powerful part of the weekend and is where God most grips us most. Student-friendly speakers and bands share our passion and help communicate God’s purpose for His people.
Second is COMMUNITY. From ultimate Frisbee to “Midwinter Live” to the all-new Hunger Banquet (a poverty simulation meal) community and fellowship are unparalleled. Many students come to meet friends, join in small groups, and participate in time of recreation that help renew the heart and soul for healthy living.
Third is CONTIUNITY. Although every Midwinter is different, each is the same as well. The theme, purpose, and goal of each retreat gives the six weekends a continuity of similarity. It’s like guiding a large fleet of ships towards a common port. The path is slightly different but the end result is very similar in creating a common feeling of ministry and mission.
Fourth is LEADERSHIP. The Midwinter staff consists of youth leaders, both full-time and volunteer, parents and teachers, pastors and preachers. We gather adults, college students, and high school junior counselors. These leaders are intentional in helping reach youth for Jesus Christ. The quality of leadership makes Midwinter’s a top-notch spiritual experience.
Fifth is PLANNING. From meals to daily schedules, to months of planning our “theme rooms”, to coordination with our retreat facilities (Mt. Wesley Retreat Center, H.E. Butt Foundation, and Alto Frio Encampment) Midwinter’s are a major production. However, it is a production for a purpose.
The aim of Midwinter is to ask God to do the impossible in our lives. To ask the Lord to take, shape and remake us all (youth and adults like) into the image of the Son. To “grow up” the next generation of leaders (both clergy and lay) to carry forth the Great Commission and propagate the plans of God. These retreats are not so much for our own faith development, but for the corporate church as a whole.
Doesn’t that sound fantastic? It’s not just only something to read about but something you can become involved in as well. Through your participation of offering prayers, providing a student scholarship, or attending a weekend, you can become a part of this magnificent movement of God in our midst!
And so, I believe it is the best thing happening in south Texas. It is an opportunity for God to draw near, raise up our leaders, mend the broken hearted, and communicate His love and grace to a nation (and a culture of teenagers) desperate to find hope and meaning in this sometimes uncaring world.
There is something magical about attending a retreat. I don’t know what it is but in the very midst of being away, of retreating from the world, of escaping from our daily routines, of leaving cell phones and computers behind, something wonderful happens.
For years, centuries even, Christians have retreated. My personal calling is to specialize in retreats and camps for youth. I do this through a series of summer camps and midwinter retreats. In the past 9 years, I have conducted over 120 of these and with each one, I am deeply blessed.
The blessing of working with youth on retreat is that I get to see kids at their best. For most of us as parents, we don’t get this very often. I am also a father of a teenage boy – and believe me, I know what it’s like to see my son at his worst (and same goes for his father!) But on retreat and at these camps, I see kids at their best.
So how do I see them? I see them open, vulnerable, independent and attentive to the things of God. I see them available, ready and with hearts open to receive that which the retreat brings. I see them as children of the King who are being shaped and sculpted into His image. Parents don’t always see this, but I often do as I lead youth on retreats.
But the true magic of retreats is not really magical, but it is mysterious. It is the ways in which your children respond to the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives. When sometime during the retreat a student prays, or gets on their knees, or begins to sing songs in worship, or share in a small group. When students begin to trust and allow the power of God to fill them, consume them, and guide them – that is when the magical becomes mysterious, and when the hoped for, becomes the promise.
I could spend my time in this article promoting the incredible things that are happening in your local youth group or on the conference youth level, but what I would rather do is talk about the incredible movement of God in the lives of students. (Is there any wonder why 80% of people who make a decision for Christ, do so while on retreat?)
My favorite passage in scripture is recorded in Mark Chapter 1. In verse 35 we find Jesus swarmed with people, swamped with duties, and overrun with the problems of others. We find Jesus at the center of human need and he is doing all he can do touch with compassion those who come his way. However, what is remarkable about verse 35 is when Jesus himself “retreats.” Just imagine, the Son of God getting away, taking a break, being refueled and re-fed by His Father. If Jesus saw this as a must, so shall we, and so shall our children. You see, retreats heal that which cell phones, computers and technology can never accomplish – stillness, silence and renewal.
The magic of retreats is the mystery of the gospel. It’s when God comes near to the lives of students and begins to transform them in wonderful and unexplainable ways. It’s when Jesus appears, with sleeves rolled up, ready to do some live-changing work in the hearts of us all.
For more information on how you can connect your students to a retreat, please visit the Southwest Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church, Council on Youth Ministry at www.reachingyouth.org.
Imagine A World: A Ridiculous Plan for Ministry
By Rusty Freeman
Imagine a world where the average age of clergy is 20’s and 30’s. It could happen. I think something in the Bible says that God used the young to change the world. What they lack in experience they make up for in faith, freshness and enthusiasm.
Now imagine a conference proactive about making that a reality. Imagine a Board of Ordained ministry going nuts just to get first-career young clergy.
I applaud our Board for what they are doing – sponsoring Discovery Zone (an event for youth who feel called to ministry) being intentional about visiting some seminaries, making phone calls and meeting with those interested in a call to ministry. I applaud our previous and current Bishops for the letters they have written, calls they have made, attendance at youth events in order to encourage the next generation to respond to a call to ministry.
Bishop Jim Dorff came to Discovery Zone this year and shared his vision for ministry. A youth leader told me this week that 3 out of the 4 youth she brought now are certain they want to be in ministry because of what the Bishop said.
But imagine us doing even more than this. Imagine how the following, and somewhat ridiculous, “Top 10 List” might become a strategic plan for our conference.
1. Visit ever seminary student in person twice a year. Regardless of where they go to seminary.
2. Call and e-mail seminary students monthly just to ask how we can pray and encourage them.
3. Send regular book money, gift cards, or small amounts of cash just because we can, and because we care.
4. Hire a Conference Director of Calling and Connection to be a life-coach to those who are exploring a call, attending seminary or working towards ordination.
5. Make this full-time position an intentional focal point of the next 8 years of conference ministry.
6. Recruit young people for ministry as if we needed them, rather then them needing us.
7. Fly our seminary students down for Annual Conference and District Committee interviews.
8. Create a time at Annual Conference for these new recruits to meet the Bishop and interview with their DS’s. Invite them to stand on the floor of AC and allow us to pray for and applaud their decision to serve the Lord in full-time vocation work.
9. Work out a comprehensive plan in which the conference pays for seminary in exchange for years of service for students returning as pastors to the conference.
10. Treat young clergy as the future of the church by making every effort to walk with them through the process rather than allowing them to get discouraged and turn away due to lack of follow through on our part.
Imagine treating those responding to ministry as those called to the highest possible vocation.
And imagine treating them as if the very existence of the United Methodist Church depends on them – because in a sense, it does.
Did you know that there are young people in some of your churches who don’t act as they should?
Did you know there are youth who come to worship dressed in faded blue jeans, T-shirts and even flip-flops?
Did you know there are even some boys with more piercings than
girls?
Did you know some youth have even cussed in church?
Did you know this?
Did you know that sometimes they show up with colored hair (not purple) but red, blue or green?
Did you know that one time students from one church were caught smoking outside on the front lawn of the church—while reading their Bibles?
Did you know some adults are scared by skaters at church?
Did you know this?
Did you know that one time, after a youth said the “F” word in the halls of a church, one adult was so mad they told the youth leader? When the youth leader asked the name of this young person, the adult didn’t have the name of the youth but insisted the student be kicked out of church. And did you know the youth leader refused to do anything about the students’ behavior until the adult made an effort to get to know
the teenager?
And did you know not all adults in our churches welcome young people?
Did you know this?
Did you know some young people are afraid or ashamed to come to church because they don’t have the nice clothes that “grown up church
people” require? And did you know that when they show up, and sit on the back row, they get more “stares” than “welcomes” from the congregation?
Did you know this?
And did you know that some youth, in your churches are doing
drugs? Some have sex, but all are in desperate need of your love? Did you know that the thing teenagers need most is your acceptance, your welcome, your hospitality—not
your hostility.
And did you know, without a doubt, that everything we despise about youth, God loves? No, he doesn’t love their sinful behavior (nor ours), but he loves the heck out of them, and did you know that He calls us to do the same?
Did you know that King David, Mary the Mother of Jesus, Joshua, Moses, many of the disciples and scores of Old Testament prophets were probably teenagers? And did you know God used them to change the world?
I just wanted you to know what I know about your students and to
remind you what a difference you can make in their lives. All it takes is a simple encouraging smile, a touch or a prayer. A word of acceptance or hope—and to help them remember, like you do most every time you are in church, that God loves them too.
It was the call of thirty students from a dozen different churches scattered throughout the Southwest Texas Conference as they gathered for a spiritual retreat in mid October at Alto Frio Encampment in Leakey, Texas.
It was the call of students desperate for God, desirous of a relationship with the Creator, determined to make a difference for their generation.
It was the call of the committed, the caring and those “called forth” to spread the Gospel of hope throughout their communities, neighborhoods and nation.
It was the call of surrendered hearts, confessing that God is the only way and that through Jesus Christ – life might be found.
And once again I sat and watched in wonder as the “Church of Today” worshipped and shared and discussed and prayed. As this student generation confessed sins before God and discovered anew his grace for their lives.
And once again I was in awe of what we have, and of who they are, and how there really is no need to worry about the future – for I would gladly place the future of the church in their hands. I would gladly turn over the reigns of the United Methodist Church to students this day if it were my choice. To those who seek Christ with passion, who pray with fervor, and who seek with intentionality.
And once again, I was blessed by these present and future leaders, pastors and lay, male and female, as they expressed to know the “deep things of God.” As they sought to “dive in deeper” to all that Jesus Christ has for them.
And so, once again I am writing to you the Church, to remind you that we have young people who not only love God but who are ready to die for the sake of the Gospel. And I want to urge you to do all in your power to enable and encourage them to be the hands and feet of Christ.
It was the call of thirty students from a dozen different churches scattered throughout the Southwest Texas Conference who gave up Friday night football games and band half-time shows to attend “Dive N Deeper” and to realize once again the words of the Apostle Paul in Colossians 1:27: “Christ in you, the hope of glory.”
Rusty Freeman is a seventh-generation Ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church. Since 2000 he has served as the Director of Youth Ministries for the Southwest Texas Conference. His position includes helping cast and carry out the vision for the students of the conference.
Rusty obtained degrees from Baylor University (BA), Asbury Theological Seminary (M. Div.) and a Doctor of Ministry from Asbury in May 2007 with an emphasis upon Spiritual Formation and Christian Leadership. His dissertation title was “A Contemplative Youth Ministry Retreat Model,” in which he taught the spiritual disciplines to youth at summer camp.
He has served as a local church youth director, an associate pastor, and a senior pastor. He loves to lead worship on guitar and does so on a weekly basis at the First United Methodist Church in Marble Falls, Texas.
Rusty is passionate about reaching youth for Christ through camps and retreats. He loves to inspire and equip those whose gifts lead them toward full-time vocational ministry.
Rusty lives in Marble Falls with his wife Lane, a dentist, great mom and a camp cook. They have two children, Brian, 17, and Bailey, 10. Brian plays football, basketball and hopes one day to attend Baylor University. Bailey plays tennis, basketball and has a pet pig named Daisy.
For more information about Rusty or the SWTC youth events please visit Reachingyouth.org.
Reachingyouth.org/ Council on Youth Ministry - The Southwest Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church - Council on Youth Ministry, 16400 Huebner Road, San Antonio TX 78248 - 888.349.4191, 210.408.4538 (wk), 210.408.4553 (fax) / rhf143@gmail.com. For general information on the Southwest Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church, a list of our programs and ministries, please visit our annual conference site at www.umcswtx.org.
