We Are . . . XLR8

Last night we began our sermon series based on the movie We Are Marshall. I thought the first service was great and really set the tone for the series. We talked about how each of us needs to put the XLR8 uniform on each day and play our position with pride while supporting our teammates.

I really believe youth ministries will be successful when the students work together and embrace the vision and mission of the team. We have a clear mission as XLR8 . . . point students to Christ. We have much work to still do, but we are on our way.

I couldn't have been more proud of my team than I was last night as I watched the students give 110% as we sang praises to God during the service. So many students our taking their relationship to the next level. If I could steal a line from our District Youth Director, Matt Anderson . . . they are becoming "personal participants in the Kingdom of God."

Keep it up team!

We Are . . . XLR8!!

On a roll . . .

Yes, it is true, I am blogging two days in a row. I can't believe it either.I am truly on a roll. Who else is on a roll? The Buckeyes, they have won 7 in row this year and if you take out the Florida Bowl game, 26 in a row. Who else is on a roll? The Indians & Rockies. Looks like the World Series match up is just about set. anyone else on a roll? How about Hillary Clinton and Rudy Giuliani for the Democratic and Republican nomination respectively? Scary, huh?

I think the students of NW Ohio and XLR8 Youth Ministries are on a roll. Something has been ignited in the hearts of teenagers. Something deep. Something real. I believe students are beginning to realize that their time on Earth is limited and their time with their classmates is even shorter. Understanding that motivates you to live each day as if it were your last. Students are becoming personal participants in the Kingdom of God. YES!!

Last night, in our prayer service, over 25 students and young adults came to seek God and were prayed over and challenged to live out their faith daily. Will you join in as this generation rolls on? Will you change your world for God?

Let's roll!

Give up to Grow up

Am I the only one who has a hard time giving up the normal essentials of life when it's time to fast and pray? Last night I wanted to eat some crackers with my vegetable soup and Amanda told me to, "Be a man!"

I was trying to justify eating a few crackers. She was reminding that I committed to eat veggies and drink juice. Self control is one of the fruits of the Spirit that I need to work on daily.

Well, this is day 3 of our church's week long fast and last night was a great prayer service. I am excited to see what God is going to do in my life today and at the service tonight which is geared toward youth and families. I have made my list of items I am fasting and praying for. Some are personal things, and some are church things.

For me, I have to grow up in my faith even as a 28 year old. This often means giving up things that are not pushing me closer to God, even if they aren't sin. This week it is food. Maybe next week will be football (ouch!). Maybe it will be my cell phone for a time or my laptop, or video games, or music.

What is it for you? Are you willing to give something up to grow up in your relationship with God? If not, maybe that thing has too high of a priority in your life. If you don't learn to put it in its rightful place, then God may have to do it for you. Just a thought!

Small groups launch next week. I can't wait to be part of these. God has great things planned for each group and each students who attends.

See you in church!

Things I am looking forward to

I am extremely excited about 3 things right now that have to do with XLR8:

1. A brand new series that I am preaching on Wednesday nights starting on October 17th called WE ARE XLR8. I will pulling clips and thoughts from the movie WE ARE MARSHALL. This will be four week series that will teach us a lot about being a team and overcoming adversity. I will be tying this in with our Small Group Launch which is the second thing I am excited about.

2. Small Groups are almost here! We had the 6.8 Kickoff last night and had a blast! The buzz around XLR8 is picking up regarding Small Groups. The 9.12 Kickoff Party is this Saturday from 6-9pm and the Hecklingers house in Milbury. Small Groups will help us grow spiritually and numerically. We will all benefit from the one on one discussion, discipleship and intimate setting for worship. You may even be able to use your God given talent in a small group, which brings me to the third thing I am excited about.

3. Fine Arts Festival is upon us. In February, we will be taking students to Dayton for an amazing weekend of demonstrating our talents and abilities. We have over 75 entries already for this year and look to add even more. If you have not been a part of Fine Arts before, you are missing out. The fellowship with other members in your group is amazing, the development of your talent is worth the investment, and the chance to do something great for God is life changing.

Well, there you have it. Now you know what I am excited about. Actually, on a side note, I am excited that my kids are all growing up and doing great. Nash, Katie, and Annie are so great! If you haven't spent any time with them yet, you need to. they are amazing and will change this world for God.

Oh yeah, I am pumped about the Buckeyes and Steelers too.

One last thing, please pray for me as I travel to Charlotte, NC this week to serve in the National Fine Arts Festival Steering Committee. I will not be with the greatest students in the world at XLR8 this week, but Amanda will be bringing the the Word to you and I can't wait to get the tape.

See you all Thursday at the Appreciation Banquet!!