Catalyst

Student pastors are the catalyst between students and adults. This unique group of men must champion both sides to one another. It is easy for students to look at the generations before them and make assumptions, accusations, and generalities that are simply incorrect. Likewise, the older generations have a tendency to look upon the younger generations as disrespectful and self-centered. Student Pastors have a unique position and a general respect among both groups, therefore we must handle this responsibility wisely. Balance is key when speaking to students and adults a like. Far too often unfair generalities are made and we must have the wisdom and patience to speak a balanced truth to both sides.

 Perhaps, with one of the biggest roles in the lives of students, student pastors must be ready and equip to engage students and adults on a personal, spiritual, theological, and directive level. Lead students to personal conversations and pray with them (James 5:16). Allow students to use you as a sounding board for deep theological discussion. Lead students well. Partner with parents, echo the truth of the parents of your students and teach your students to lead well as they follow godly mentors the Lord has set before them. Speak well of the older men and women who lead the church and celebrate their wisdom in front your students.

Celebrates “wins” of your students before adults. It is important to communicate the good work and spiritual growth of our students to the adults in the church. If a student is faithful in sharing the Gospel, growing in the knowledge of the character of God, or simply standing up for what is right; communicate these “wins” to the greater church body.

As student pastors we have a front row seat to what the Lord is doing in the lives of our people. It is vital that we edify the local body of believers by communicating what the Lord is doing in the lives of both the older and younger generations of the church.

Doing Hard Things

So I have been reading a book here recently called Do Hard Things written by two brothers Alex & Brett Harris. The best part of the whole book is that its forwarded by Chuck Norris.

The book is written for teenagers, encouraging them to rebel against incredibly low standards that our society has placed on them. I am three years removed from my teenage years and find it beyond motivating for my own season of life. I definitely think it is a good read for teenagers and adults alike.

I have found chapter 5 rather relevant, its entitled "That first scary step". Stepping out of our comfort zone is probably one of the hardest and scariest things to do while at the same time its the time that we are likely to grow and be stretched the most.

I also find that it is when I am out of my comfort zone that I have the most fun. Stepping out and doing crazy, silly, and sometime stupid things are the times that I have made the best memories. I work with high school students on a weekly basis and recently I have been spending quite a bit of time with a handful of high school guys. It seems that when we are together we tend to challenge each other to talk to people and do things we normally wouldn't. A lot of the times we end up making other people laugh and having some great laughs of our own. Through this I have come to the realization that "cool" people are boring people. I much rather be spontaneous, outgoing, and silly; than be too cool for school.

I resolve to take time and talk to people I normally wouldn't and occasionally do something that is way out of the ordinary in hopes of making their day brighter and mine too.

Can anyone else relate to this?

The Easter Party!

Easter is truly my favorite holiday of the year. The culmination of spring, baseball, family, and the resurrection of King Jesus. The only thing better would be if I could recruit Jesus to pitch for my fantasy baseball team! I would be first in the league, no doubt! 

A few years ago I spent a semester living with my brother and his wife in south Florida. I was taking classes at a NOTBS down there and worked at a coffee shop. Historically the coffee shop has been a place known for housing very lively discussions of current politics, religious discussion, and the free expression of one's opinion. It was here that I was first introduced with a truly multi-cultural work environment. I had two bosses, one of which was Austrian, the other was Jewish. I had three co-workers, one Spanish (from Spain), one was Columbian, and the other was born and raised in America. Quite a work up for this southern Oklahoma white boy. I absolutely loved it, but one of the most significant things that happened to me, took place just a few days prior to Easter sunday that year. I served a lady her double skinny extra dry cappuccino and before she left she asked me "Do you celebrate Easter?" and my answer of course was "Yes" and she said "well Happy Easter to you." 

I was really thinking "Do I celebrate Easter? Of course!?!? Doesn't everyone?"

This year, I had a few people ask how my Easter had been. To which of course I answered "Good". Good? Really, is that all? Just good? We're talking about the highest point of the year for a christian, the time of celebrating the life of a Resurrected King. The One who put to death, death itself. The very reason I even have reason to live and my response is nothing more than a simple mundane "good"... 

I would think that a true celebration would bring about some excitement. Some moves, yes, this red headed white boy is talking about dance moves, and waiting for that very question...

"How was your Easter?"

"My Easter was amazing can I tell you a little bit about it?" 

Our Easter celebration should not be a private matter, and I truly think that it is this time of year that we have an opportunity to show the world how to truly party and party right! 

It is amazing how religious we can become. Just going through the motions recognizing one holiday after the other... using each holiday for nothing more than a few days off and some down time to watch Sports Center.

The stone has been rolled away, the tomb is empty, and death is no more. This is why we celebrate!

How did you celebrate Easter? What is the best thing about Easter to you? 

Guy Talk

Ladies listen, I am about to shed some light on the male species that may help you out in future situations.


**Disclaimer: This blog will have words and grammar that possibly only the male population will know and understand. Unfortunately you are left on your own in trying to find proper translation**


The other evening I sat out side with one of my good pals and we were watching a storm brewing over head. We sat outside shooting the bull watching a fantastic lightning show over head. Near the end of our conversation it dawned on me what had just occurred. This event is something this is so common to me but often causes great distress and confusion on the opposite sex. I had just taken part once again in a very manly conversation, more formerly known as "Guy Talk".


How to recognize when "Guy Talk" is underway...

1. Likely occurring in the most unlikely of places. ( In this case; outside in the middle of a lightning storm, next to a set of steel monkey bars.) 
2. Spitting for no reason. (Half way through our conversation I realized we were both spitting even though neither one of us own a can of chewing tobacco)
3. Gathered in a circle or around a truck bed.
4. Randomly jumping back and forth from subject to subject, yet picking up where leaving off from the previous.
5. Subject matter: Politics, religion, weather, sports, business, fishing, camping, grilling, etc...
6. Posing a variety options to solve the problems in both the local and world economy.
7. A full conversation without a single ounce of gossip.
8. The random adjustment of a hat or caressing of facial hair.
9. Randomly passing gas without addressing it.
10. Toothpick in mouth long after dinner has occurred.

After an hour of chewing the cud and being amazed by the Creator's handy work, the heavens opened up and it began to rain cats and dogs, so I loaded up and headed to the homestead.


So ladies if you see something similar to what is listed above, I warn you to take precaution on your own behalf; it is likely you will not understand much less want to take part in the inevitable "Guy Talk".


Guys do you have any additions to the list of identifying when "Guy Talk" is occurring?

Discipleship: Full Circle

Below is a note I posted on Facebook back in August of 2010. This past Saturday at Calvary Baptist Church in Durant, Oklahoma many gathered to commemorate the life and ministry of Norman Gene Gooding. Norman had quite an influence on my life without being directly apart of it and I believe this is how God intended discipleship to occur among His people.

Monday I had the honor and privilege of attending a service that was held at the church I grew up in, to commemorate the life of Norman Gene Gooding. This service was in fact a celebration service. The sanctuary was filled with about three hundred people and many of which new Norman in a very personal way. The stage was filled with 6 pastors/evangelist and 4 men who were known as the Matthew Boys and at one time traveled and sang together along with Norman and now are servants in the work of the Father. These men hold major roles in universities, church camps, and churches all of which are serving in the Kingdom and work of the Father.

Friday morning at Falls Creek I ran into David Polk who told me about Norman going to be with the Father. As my heart became very heavy with frustration and grief, David assured me that it is a good thing that Norman is home now. I made a quick phone call to David Anderson who's conversation in recent months has been filled with Norman's name and fruitful life. In a short conversation with David I soon realize how much I take life for granted, again David reminded that our Father is in control.

The Father taught me a lot through this celebration service. First of all, I would say that this service was truly a celebration with much laughter and community among brothers and sister in Christ brought together by one obedient life. Norman obviously found it more valuable to actively and intentionally pursue believers and non-believers for the benefit of the Kingdom. In every case whether it be an intentional relationship with a non-believing biker or finding common ground with a younger christian brother, Norman pursued to love and glorify the King at all times in every relationship.

I now realize the privilege and great opportunity I had while I was growing up to have Norman be apart of my home church. I did not realize how big of a deal Norman really was until Monday morning. Norman was obedient to the Father through seeing the world by the eyes of Christ and joining the Father in the work around him.

I believe it wasn't until Monday that everything came full circle. As I sat and listened to preacher after preacher (some of whom I knew personally) talk about the fruitful life of Norman Gooding and listened to four men (two of which have had in impact on my life) sing and lead us in thankful worship to the Father; connection after connection began to occur.

Two years ago at Falls Creek I worked with Randy Anderson at who was apart of "The Matthew Boys". Randy and I had a few significant discussions and taught me a lot about servanthood. David Polk was also apart of that singing crew. David by way of rearing a good family and making a conscious effort to chat it up with me when our paths crossed has taught me much about small seemingly insignificant exchanges truly being big work in the Kingdom. Jacob Toews one of the many pastors who were speaking on Monday has set a great example of how to raise up and lead a good Godly family. And David Anderson who probably has made the greatest investment in my life. David much like Randy and Polk was apart of the youth group that God gave Norman during his time at Calvary Baptist Durant. David actively has pursued me and made little deposits of wisdom, knowledge, and guidance in my life over that last 4 years.

Discipleship is what this is. The first glimpse of discipleship coming full circle that I have personally been apart of. The Father unveiled my eyes on Monday to just a glimpse of the work and active pursuit that He has been making around me over the past 10 years. Randy, David, Jacob, and even Norman himself. Through the obedience of one man the Father has taught me much by many. Norman pouring into four young men many years ago has affecting me personally today and I stand in awe at the beautiful dance the Father makes with us in order to bring us to Him only to give Him the Glory.

It was evident Monday, and even more so today that Norman Gooding did not waste his life chasing the 401(k) retirement package that is so futile when it comes to doing the work of the Father. Norman never retired from doing the work of the Father and I am humbly thankful and very grateful for that.

Norman Gene Gooding went home at the age of 75 on Friday April 23, 2010

Jesus and The Thuglife

So I am youth pastor at a small church in an extremely small town in southern Oklahoma. We have roughly 40 students regularly coming on a Wednesday night, most of our kids are fairly descent and don’t cause much problems. Two weeks ago we had four "thuglife" kids show up. These “thuglife” kids were pretty rough around the edges and after I got to talking with them it was evident they had been in trouble with the law. When I first found out they had came to church I honestly hoped that they wouldn’t stick around long. I approached them and they acted as I expected, making fun of me and acting too cool for school. I continued to pursue a casual conversation and invited them in to eat. They ended up coming in, eating, and attending our Wednesday night worship. Ironically those four “thuglife” kids paid better attention than some of the best of my regular students.

Last week the “thuglife” came back and invited two other friends. I chatted with the second timers and got to know the newbies a little before worship began. After church a couple of the newbies started smoking, (some of my kids started freaking out, like they never seen a cigarette before.) Anyways, I approached them and asked them to not smoke as long as they were on the property. As I allowed them to finish their cigarette (two of them were 18) I asked them what they thought about church. One responded, "its the coolest church I’ve been to", I asked why and he said because we didn't judge him and force anything on him. At that moment I felt both extreme happiness and a punch in the face! I was super stoked that he felt loved and accepted yet I at the same time I was the one who judged him! I proceeded to share with him that Jesus is who we follow and Jesus says that the world will know us by our love for one another. As we began to walk back to the church one of the guys asked me to pray for him and his grandfather who has cancer.

The past few days, I have been sharing this story with a very different point to get across but now, I share it; confessing my sin and realizing that it was not only him that I was sharing the Gospel with but also myself.

I need the Gospel just as much as the thuglife needs the Gospel!

Post Modernity and the Modern Dialogue

So last week I read one of the many biographies of C.S. Lewis' life and found it rather interesting. The author Douglas Gresham was Lewis' stepson therefore, he knew Lewis in a way that many did not. It is evident that Gresham thought very highly of his stepfather and held him in the highest regard. Time and time again Gresham highlights Lewis' willingness to take time from his writing and studies to serve those around him. When it came to simply talking to someone, giving them a place to stay for a few nights, or day-to-day chores Lewis frequently and without gripe did what was needed. 

Gresham also spoke rather extensively about a somewhat informal group that Lewis was apart of that met weekly at a local pub in Oxford. The Inklings, as they came to be known were a group of professors, writers, and general thinkers who enjoyed a good philosophical conversation and a pint with it. Gresham made a very interesting point about the time period of which Lewis lived in. He points out the social value placed on good dialogue among men. In the biography Gresham writes in reference to the Inkings, 

"One of the most valuable things of that time was that in those days nobody felt the least bit of need to dislike or grow angry with someone simply because they disagreed with them. These men disagreed with one another about almost everything but never grew annoyed or felt slighted by one another."   -Douglas Gresham Jack's Life

Today, I, being apart of the postmodern generation am extremely unfamiliar with this type of dialogue. I have sat through four years of discussion on the university level concerning topics such as evolution, politics, religions, philosophy, methodology, etc, and rarely do I see the opposing sides shake hands and grab a bite to eat afterwords. Most of the time tempers flare, sincere passion turns to hurtful artillery, and verbal jabs are thrown in an attempt to demoralize and hurt the other side.

I have also sat in on and been apart of discussion that quickly died due to not wanting to offend another person. Continually being on the defense in order to not be in the offense can be a rather stagnant stance to hold. It is in the midst of discussion, debate, and criticism that the best products are produced. I credit much of this attitude toward what sociologist have named "postmodernism". (If you would like to read more about Postmodernity follow the link attached.)

The postmodern generation has been attributed the characteristics of not want to offend anyone therefore, each person creates and maintains his own reality. Thus, according to postmodernism I cannot say you are wrong in what you believe, say, or do; and likewise. It is this mentality of my generation that has attributed to what I believe has been shallow conversations, lacking the refining fire of debate because of the fear of offending another person. I feel like I should have the liberty to ask another person about his political stance and/or religious affiliation without the worry of offending him. I ask because I am interested not because I want to argue and I ask because I want to learn not because I want to fight. I should also be able to receive question and criticism well and without taking offense. 

Healthy dialogue must be welcomed if we intend to grow in knowledge and understanding and especially those of us who are followers of Christ. I have often found myself taking offense at what people say about Jesus Christ, whom I believe is God in man form. Interesting to reread and to think I take offense at a statement made toward the God of the universe, as if He cannot do anything about it. As believers we must continually be reminded that our Father can hold his own  and therefore, our response should not be that of hate or offense rather, love.