My Hero’s—Super Cool PEOPLE Of The Week!
I have spent the past several Wednesday nights hanging out with our senior high youth—they totally rock!!! I have also had the privilege of swinging by the Fusebox (our youth facility in the mall) on Sunday nights to see the middle school ministry—and there is a ton of excitement and passion there!!! I sincerely believe we have one of the most awesome student ministries in the world!
We have recently hired two new guys to work in our youth area, Jonathan is the new lead pastor to students…and Alden will be serving as the director of volunteers and a host of other things as well. Both men began this past Wednesday night with an incredibly challenging Q&A session from the high schoolers. I did participate—but I let them handle the tough questions! :-)
But wait—they are super cool people—but they are not the super cool people of the week—YET!
Through the month of August I had the privilege of working with a group of people that amazed me. The youth department in our church had a complete staffing change on August 1st—but we never missed a beat; in fact, our average attendance increased from an average of around 190 kids per week to over 300…and we saw eight kids accept Christ during that time!!! God is doing some great things in this area of our church—and the future is looking AWESOME!
Why have things been going so great? I believe it is because of the awesome part time youth staff that we have, the incredible volunteers that serve the kids, and because of Susan Claxton—the only full time youth staffer until this past Wednesday. So here’s a shout out to all of them…
Susan - You rock because you never complained about the incredible workload that has been on your plate over the past month…you never missed a beat…and served the kids in the youth group with passion. Your love for Jesus and kids continues to shine—keep up the great work!
Caroline - You rock!!! We are so privileged to have you on staff at NewSpring. The way you love Jesus is evident in your attitude…and kids need to be around people like you—you are contagious for Christ!
Tyler - I LOVE the way you care about people!!! Your passion for reaching kids where they are is making a difference. I am so amazed by your passion dude…and I see the fact that you are making a difference in the way kids always want to be around you!
Tommy - Dude, I wish I had your smarts! (And I love your shared folder on i-tunes!!!) The time & energy you put in to making sure that everything is just right for Sunday & Wednesday nights is amazing!!! What you are doing matters…it is not JUST working with technology…but constructing something with excellence that matters!!!
Andrew - Your passion for Christ is so evident man…and the kids @ youth group “get it!” I have been challenged in the way you lead worship because I can see that you are the real deal dude. Your leadership is making a difference—and kids are actively seeking the presence of God because of your influence.
Adam - Man, I just love being around you. You have one of the most positive attitudes in the world…and kids need that. I have watched you as kids enter the fusebox…you throw some mad love on them—cheer for them…man, I wished I would have had someone like you to invest in me when I was a teenager—it would have prevented me from making a ton of mistakes!
Puddin’ - OK, so you are not paid—but you rock! Seriously man, you are crazy…and the kids see that in you! It is so cool to know that you can be “out of your mind” and still be in love with Jesus. Keep up the awesome work.
That’s it—those are my super cool people of the week! I love you guys…and what you are doing matters. Props to all of the youth volunteers as well—this ministry could not exist without you! Keep up the awesome work!